Ragged Dick response

In this short story Dick was rewarded for his success when it came to saving a young boy. He was seen as a hero because he took the initiative to save someone that he did not know. Whether the boy lived or died would have not affected Dick in any strong way but he dove into the water anyway. Because he did this brave deed the boy's father rewarded Dick with the job opportunity of a lifetime. Dick's good deed changed his life forever and made him a more successful man. 

I think that this short story is implicitly telling us that one small deed, which may not directly affect you, can affect someone else so greatly that they are willing to change your life. Even though the small boy's life did not mean much to Dick he dove in to save the boy regardless of what he would get in return. This indirectly tells us that successful people are willing to take risks and in  a way be heroes. Dick's life was drastically changed by the boy's father. He was given new job and because of this was paid much more money. Dick became successful because of one action and the book tells us that one think can dramatically alter your lifestyle.