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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/28381-8.txt b/28381-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2de7768 --- /dev/null +++ b/28381-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,8088 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Ben, the Luggage Boy;, by Horatio Alger + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Ben, the Luggage Boy; + or, Among the Wharves + +Author: Horatio Alger + +Release Date: March 21, 2009 [EBook #28381] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEN, THE LUGGAGE BOY; *** + + + + +Produced by Taavi Kalju, Woodie4, Joseph Cooper and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net +(This file was produced from images generously made +available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + + + + +Transcriber's notes: + +Captions have been added to the illustration markers +for the convenience of some readers. These have been +indicated by an asterisk. + +A list of some of the author's other books has been moved from the front +papers to the end of the book. + + + [Illustration: Front cover]* + + [Illustration: Title page: + RAGGED DICK SERIES BY HORATIO ALGER JR. + BEN THE LUGGAGE BOY] + + + BEN, THE LUGGAGE BOY; + + OR, + + AMONG THE WHARVES. + + BY + + HORATIO ALGER, JR., + + AUTHOR OF "RAGGED DICK," "FAME AND FORTUNE," "MARK, THE MATCH + BOY," "ROUGH AND READY," "CAMPAIGN SERIES," + "LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES," ETC. + + THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., + + PHILADELPHIA, + CHICAGO, TORONTO. + + + TO + + ANNIE, + + THIS VOLUME IS DEDICATED + + In Tender Remembrance, + + BY HER + + _AFFECTIONATE BROTHER_ + + + + +PREFACE. + + +In presenting "Ben, the Luggage Boy," to the public, as the fifth of the +Ragged Dick Series, the author desires to say that it is in all +essential points a true history; the particulars of the story having +been communicated to him, by Ben himself, nearly two years since. In +particular, the circumstances attending the boy's running away from +home, and adopting the life of a street boy, are in strict accordance +with Ben's own statement. While some of the street incidents are +borrowed from the writer's own observation, those who are really +familiar with the different phases which street life assumes in New +York, will readily recognize their fidelity. The chapter entitled "The +Room under the Wharf" will recall to many readers of the daily journals +a paragraph which made its appearance within two years. The writer +cannot close without expressing anew his thanks for the large share of +favor which has been accorded to the volumes of the present series, and +takes this opportunity of saying that, in their preparation, invention +has played but a subordinate part. For his delineations of character and +choice of incidents, he has been mainly indebted to his own observation, +aided by valuable communications and suggestions from those who have +been brought into familiar acquaintance with the class whose mode of +life he has sought to describe. + +NEW YORK, April 5, 1876. + + +BEN, THE LUGGAGE BOY; + +OR, + +AMONG THE WHARVES. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +INTRODUCES BEN, THE LUGGAGE BOY. + + +"How much yer made this mornin', Ben?" + +"Nary red," answered Ben, composedly. + +"Had yer breakfast?" + +"Only an apple. That's all I've eaten since yesterday. It's most time +for the train to be in from Philadelphy. I'm layin' round for a job." + +The first speaker was a short, freckled-faced boy, whose box strapped to +his back identified him at once as a street boot-black. His hair was +red, his fingers defaced by stains of blacking, and his clothing +constructed on the most approved system of ventilation. He appeared to +be about twelve years old. + +The boy whom he addressed as Ben was taller, and looked older. He was +probably not far from sixteen. His face and hands, though browned by +exposure to wind and weather, were several shades cleaner than those of +his companion. His face, too, was of a less common type. It was easy to +see that, if he had been well dressed, he might readily have been taken +for a gentleman's son. But in his present attire there was little chance +of this mistake being made. His pants, marked by a green stripe, small +around the waist and very broad at the hips, had evidently once belonged +to a Bowery swell; for the Bowery has its swells as well as Broadway, +its more aristocratic neighbor. The vest had been discarded as a +needless luxury, its place being partially supplied by a shirt of thick +red flannel. This was covered by a frock-coat, which might once have +belonged to a member of the Fat Men's Association, being aldermanic in +its proportions. Now it was fallen from its high estate, its nap and +original gloss had long departed, and it was frayed and torn in many +places. But among the street-boys dress is not much regarded, and Ben +never thought of apologizing for the defects of his wardrobe. We shall +learn in time what were his faults and what his virtues, for I can +assure my readers that street boys do have virtues sometimes, and when +they are thoroughly convinced that a questioner feels an interest in +them will drop the "chaff" in which they commonly indulge, and talk +seriously and feelingly of their faults and hardships. Some do this for +a purpose, no doubt, and the verdant stranger is liable to be taken in +by assumed virtue, and waste sympathy on those who do not deserve it. +But there are also many boys who have good tendencies and aspirations, +and only need to be encouraged and placed under right influences to +develop into worthy and respectable men. + +The conversation recorded above took place at the foot of Cortlandt +Street, opposite the ferry wharf. It was nearly time for the train, and +there was the usual scene of confusion. Express wagons, hacks, boys, +laborers, were gathering, presenting a confusing medley to the eye of +one unaccustomed to the spectacle. + +Ben was a luggage boy, his occupation being to wait at the piers for the +arrival of steamboats, or at the railway stations, on the chance of +getting a carpet-bag or valise to carry. His business was a precarious +one. Sometimes he was lucky, sometimes unlucky. When he was flush, he +treated himself to a "square meal," and finished up the day at Tony +Pastor's, or the Old Bowery, where from his seat in the pit he indulged +in independent criticism of the acting, as he leaned back in his seat +and munched peanuts, throwing the shells about carelessly. + +It is not surprising that the street-boys like the Old Bowery, and are +willing to stint their stomachs, or run the risk of a night in the +streets, for the sake of the warm room and the glittering illusions of +the stage, introducing them for the time being to the society of nobles +and ladies of high birth, and enabling them to forget for a time the +hardships of their own lot, while they follow with rapt interest the +fortunes of Lord Frederic Montressor or the Lady Imogene Delacour. +Strange as it may seem, the street Arab has a decided fancy for these +pictures of aristocracy, and never suspects their want of fidelity. When +the play ends, and Lord Frederic comes to his own, having foiled all the +schemes of his crafty and unprincipled enemies, no one rejoices more +than the ragged boy who has sat through the evening an interested +spectator of the play, and in his pleasure at the successful denouement, +he almost forgets that he will probably find the Newsboys' Lodging House +closed for the night, and be compelled to take up with such sleeping +accommodations as the street may provide. + +Ben crossed the street, taking a straight course, without paying +especial attention to the mud, which caused other pedestrians to pick +their way. To the condition of his shoes he was supremely indifferent. +Stockings he did not wear. They are luxuries in which few street boys +indulge. + +He had not long to wait. The boat bumped against the wharf, and directly +a crowd of passengers poured through the open gates in a continuous +stream. + +Ben looked sharply around him to judge who would be likely to employ +him. His attention was drawn to an elderly lady, with a large carpet-bag +swelled almost to bursting. She was looking about her in a bewildered +manner. + +"Carry your bag, ma'am?" he said, at the same time motioning towards it. + +"Who be you?" asked the old lady, suspiciously. + +"I'm a baggage-smasher," said Ben. + +"Then I don't want you," answered the old lady, clinging to her bag as +if she feared it would be wrested from her. "I'm surprised that the law +allows sich things. You might be in a better business, young man, than +smashing baggage." + +"That's where you're right, old lady," said Ben. + +"Bankin' would pay better, if I only had the money to start on." + +"Are you much acquainted in New York?" asked the old lady. + +"Yes," said Ben; "I know the mayor 'n' aldermen, 'n' all the principal +men. A. T. Stooart's my intimate friend, and I dine with Vanderbilt +every Sunday when I aint engaged at Astor's." + +"Do you wear them clo'es when you visit your fine friends?" asked the +old lady, shrewdly. + +"No," said Ben. "Them are my every-day clo'es. I've got some velvet +clo'es to home, embroidered with gold." + +"I believe you are telling fibs," said the old lady. "What I want to +know is, if you know my darter, Mrs. John Jones; her first name is +Seraphiny. She lives on Bleecker Street, and her husband, who is a nice +man, though his head is bald on top, keeps a grocery store." + +"Of course I do," said Ben. "It was only yesterday that she told me her +mother was comin' to see her. I might have knowed you was she." + +"How would you have knowed?" + +"Cause she told me just how you looked." + +"Did she? How did she say I looked?" + +"She said you was most ninety, and--" + +"It isn't true," said the old lady, indignantly. "I'm only +seventy-three, and everybody says I'm wonderful young-lookin' for my +years. I don't believe Seraphiny told you so." + +"She might have said you looked as if you was most ninety." + +"You're a sassy boy!" said the owner of the carpet-bag, indignantly. "I +don't see how I'm going to get up to Seraphiny's," she continued, +complainingly. "They'd ought to have come down to meet me. How much will +you charge to carry my carpet-bag, and show me the way to my darter's?" + +"Fifty cents," said Ben. + +"Fifty cents!" repeated the old lady, aghast. "I didn't think you'd +charge more'n ten." + +"I have to," said Ben. "Board's high in New York." + +"How much would they charge me in a carriage? Here you, sir," addressing +a hackman, "what'll you charge to carry me to my darter's house, Mrs. +John Jones, in Bleecker Street?" + +"What's the number?" + +"I think it's a hundred and sixty-three." + +"A dollar and a half." + +"A dollar 'n' a half? Couldn't you do it for less?" + +"Carry your bag, sir?" asked Ben, of a gentleman passing. + +The gentleman shook his head. + +He made one or two other proposals, which being in like manner +unsuccessful, he returned to the old lady, who, having by this time got +through her negotiations with the hackman, whom she had vainly striven +to beat down to seventy-five cents, was in a more favorable mood to +accept Ben's services. + +"Can't you take less than fifty cents?" she asked. + +"No," said Ben, decidedly. + +"I'll give you forty." + +"Couldn't do it," said Ben, who felt sure of gaining his point now. + +"Well, I suppose I shall be obleeged to hire you," said the old lady +with a sigh. "Seraphiny ought to have sent down to meet me. I didn't +tell her I was comin' to-day; but she might have thought I'd come, bein' +so pleasant. Here, you boy, you may take the bag, and mind you don't run +away with it. There aint nothin' in it but some of my clo'es." + +"I don't want none of your clo'es," said Ben. "My wife's bigger'n you, +and they wouldn't fit her." + +"Massy sakes! you aint married, be you?" + +"Why shouldn't I be?" + +"I don't believe it. You're not old enough. But I'm glad you don't want +the clo'es. They wouldn't be of no use to you. Just you take the bag, +and I'll foller on behind." + +"I want my pay first." + +"I aint got the change. My darter Seraphiny will pay you when we get to +her house." + +"That don't go down," said Ben, decidedly. "Payment in advance; that's +the way I do business." + +"You'll get your pay; don't you be afraid." + +"I know I shall; but I want it now." + +"You won't run away after I've paid you, will you?" + +"In course not. That aint my style." + +The old lady took out her purse, and drew therefrom forty-seven cents. +She protested that she had not a cent more. Ben pardoned the deficiency, +feeling that he would, notwithstanding, be well paid for his time. + +"All right," said he, magnanimously. "I don't mind the three cents. It +aint any object to a man of my income. Take my hand, old lady, and we'll +go across the street." + +"I'm afraid of bein' run over," said she, hesitatingly. + +"What's the odds if you be?" said Ben. "The city'll have to pay you +damages." + +"But if I got killed, that wouldn't do me any good," remarked the old +lady, sensibly. + +"Then the money'd go to your friends," said Ben, consolingly. + +"Do you think I will be run over?" asked the old lady, anxiously. + +"In course you won't. I'll take care of you. They wouldn't dare to run +over me," said Ben, confidently. + +Somewhat reassured by this remark, the old lady submitted to Ben's +guidance, and was piloted across the street in safety. + +"I wouldn't live in New York for a heap of money. It would be as much as +my life is worth," she remarked. "How far is Bleecker Street?" + +"About two miles." + +"I almost wish I'd rid. But a dollar and a half is a sight to pay." + +"You'd have to pay more than that." + +"That's all the man asked." + +"I know," said Ben; "but when he'd got you there, he'd have charged you +five dollars." + +"I wouldn't have paid it." + +"Yes, you would," said Ben. + +"He couldn't make me." + +"If you didn't pay, he'd have locked you in, and driven you off to the +river, and dumped you in." + +"Do they ever do such things?" asked the old lady, startled. + +"In course they do. Only last week a beautiful young lady was served +that way, 'cause she wouldn't pay what the hackman wanted." + +"And what was done to him?" + +"Nothin'," said Ben. "The police is in league with 'em, and get their +share of the money." + +"Why, you don't say so! What a wicked place New York is, to be sure!" + +"Of course it is. It's so wicked I'm goin' to the country myself as soon +as I get money enough to buy a farm." + +"Have you got much money saved up?" asked the old lady, interested. + +"Four thousand six hundred and seventy-seven dollars and fifty-five +cents. I don't count this money you give me, 'cause I'm goin' to spend +it." + +"You didn't make it all carryin' carpet-bags," said the old lady, +incredulously. + +"No, I made most of it spekilatin' in real estate," said Ben. + +"You don't say!" + +"Yes, I do." + +"You've got most enough to buy a farm a'ready." + +"I aint goin' to buy till I can buy a good one." + +"What's the name of this street?" + +"West Broadway." + +They were really upon West Broadway by this time, that being as direct a +line as any to Bleecker Street. + +"You see that store," said Ben. + +"Yes; what's the matter of it?" + +"I don't own it _now_," said Ben. "I sold it, cos the tenants didn't pay +their rent reg'lar." + +"I should think you'd dress better if you've got so much money," said +the old lady, not unnaturally. + +"What's the use of wearin' nice clo'es round among the wharves?" said +Ben. + +"There's suthin in that. I tell my darter Jane--she lives in the +country--that it's no use dressin' up the children to go to +school,--they're sure to get their clo'es tore and dirty afore they get +home." + +So Ben beguiled the way with wonderful stories, with which he played +upon the old lady's credulity. Of course it was wrong; but a street +education is not very likely to inspire its pupils with a reverence for +truth; and Ben had been knocking about the streets of New York, most of +the time among the wharves, for six years. His street education had +commenced at the age of ten. He had adopted it of his own free will. +Even now there was a comfortable home waiting for him; there were +parents who supposed him dead, and who would have found a difficulty in +recognizing him under his present circumstances. In the next chapter a +light will be thrown upon his past history, and the reader will learn +how his street life began. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +HOW BEN COMMENCED HIS STREET LIFE. + + +One pleasant morning, six years before the date at which this story +commences, a small coasting-vessel drew up at a North River pier in the +lower part of the city. It was loaded with freight, but there was at +least one passenger on board. A boy of ten, dressed in a neat jacket and +pants of gray-mixed cloth, stood on deck, watching with interest the +busy city which they had just reached. + +"Well, bub, here we are," said the captain as he passed. "I suppose you +know your way home." + +"Yes, sir." + +"Are you going on shore now?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Well, good luck to you, my lad. If you are ever down this way, when I'm +in port, I shall be glad to see you." + +"Thank you, sir; good-by." + +"Good-by." + +Ben clambered over the side, and stepped upon the wharf. In the great +city he knew no one, and he was an utter stranger to the streets, never +before having visited it. He was about to begin life for himself at the +age of ten. He had voluntarily undertaken to support himself, leaving +behind him a comfortable home, where he had been well cared for. I must +explain how this came about. + +Ben had a pleasant face, and would be considered good-looking. But there +was a flash in his eye, when aroused, which showed that he had a quick +temper, and there was an expression of firmness, unusual to one so +young, which might have been read by an experienced physiognomist. He +was quick-tempered, proud, and probably obstinate. Yet with these +qualities he was pleasant in his manners, and had a sense of humor, +which made him a favorite among his companions. + +His father was a coal-dealer in a town a few miles distant from +Philadelphia, of a hasty temper like Ben himself. A week before he had +punished Ben severely for a fault which he had not committed. The boy's +pride revolted at the injustice, and, young as he was, he resolved to +run away. I suppose there are few boys who do not form this resolution +at some time or other in their lives; but as a general thing it amounts +to nothing. With Ben it was different. His was a strong nature, whether +for good or for evil, and when he decided to do anything he was not +easily moved from his resolve. He forgot, in the present case, that, +though he had been unjustly punished, the injustice was not intentional +on the part of his father, who had been under a wrong impression +respecting him. But right or wrong, Ben made up his mind to run away; +and he did so. It was two or three days before a good opportunity +presented itself. Then, with a couple of shirts and collars rolled up in +a small bundle, he made his escape to Philadelphia, and after roaming +about the streets for several hours he made his way to the wharves, +where he found a vessel bound for New York. Representing to the captain +that he lived in New York, and had no money to pay his passage home, +that officer, who was a good-natured man, agreed to carry him for +nothing. + +The voyage was now over, and Ben landed, as we have said, an utter +stranger, with very indefinite ideas as to how he was to make his +living. He had told the captain that he knew his way home, for having +falsely represented that he lived in New York, he was in a manner +compelled to this additional falsehood. Still, in spite of his +friendless condition, his spirits were very good. The sun shone +brightly; all looked animated and cheerful. Ben saw numbers of men at +work about him, and he thought, "It will be a pity if I cannot make a +living." + +He did not care to linger about the wharf, for the captain might be led +to doubt his story. Accordingly he crossed the street, and at a venture +turned up a street facing the wharf. + +Ben did not know much about New York, even by report. But he had heard +of Broadway,--as who has not?--and this was about all he did know. When, +therefore, he had gone a short distance, he ventured to ask a +boot-black, whom he encountered at the corner of the next block, "Can +you tell me the shortest way to Broadway?" + +"Follow your nose, Johnny," was the reply. + +"My name isn't Johnny," replied Ben, rather indignant at the +familiarity. He had not learned that, in New York, Johnny is the generic +name for boy, where the specific name is unknown. + +"Aint it though?" returned the boot-black "What's the price of turnips +out where you live?" + +"I'll make your nose turn up if you aint careful," retorted Ben, +wrathfully. + +"You'll do," said the boot-black, favorably impressed by Ben's pluck. +"Just go straight ahead, and you'll come to Broadway. I'm going that +way, and you can come along with me if you want to." + +"Thank you," said Ben, appeased by the boy's changed manner. + +"Are you going to stay here?" inquired his new acquaintance. + +"Yes," said Ben; "I'm going to live here." + +"Where do your friends live?" + +"I haven't got any friends in New York," said Ben, with a little +hesitation. + +"Over in Brooklyn, or Jersey, maybe?" + +"No, I don't know anybody this way." + +"Whew!" whistled the other. "How you goin' to live?" + +"I expect to earn my living," said Ben, in a tone of importance. + +"Father and mother dead?" + +"No, they're alive." + +"I s'pose they're poor?" + +"No, they're not; they're well off." + +The boot-black looked puzzled. + +"Why didn't you stay at home then? Wouldn't they let you?" + +"Of course they would. The fact is, I've run away." + +"Maybe they'd adopt me instead of you." + +"I don't think they would," said Ben, laughing. + +"I wish somebody with lots of cash would adopt me, and make a gentleman +of me. It would be a good sight better'n blackin' boots." + +"Do you make much money that way?" inquired Ben. + +"Pleasant days like this, sometimes I make a dollar, but when it rains +there aint much doin'." + +"How much have you made this morning?" asked Ben, with interest. + +"Sixty cents." + +"Sixty cents, and it isn't more than ten o'clock. That's doing pretty +well." + +"'Taint so good in the afternoon. Most every body gets their boots +blacked in the mornin'. What are you goin' to do?" + +"I don't know," said Ben. + +"Goin' to black boots? I'll show you how," said the other, generously +overlooking all considerations of possible rivalry. + +"I don't think I should like that very well," said Ben, slowly. + +Having been brought up in a comfortable home, he had a prejudice in +favor of clean hands and unsoiled clothes,--a prejudice of which his +street life speedily cured him. + +"I think I should rather sell papers, or go into a store," said Ben. + +"You can't make so much money sellin' papers," said his new +acquaintance. "Then you might get 'stuck'". + +"What's that?" inquired Ben, innocently. + +"Don't you know?" asked the boot-black, wonderingly. "Why, it's when +you've got more papers than you can sell. That's what takes off the +profits. I was a newsboy once; but it's too hard work for the money. +There aint no chance of gettin' stuck on my business." + +"It's rather a dirty business," said Ben, venturing to state his main +objection, at the risk of offending. But Jerry Collins, for that was his +name, was not very sensitive on this score. + +"What's the odds?" he said, indifferently. "A feller gets used to it." + +Ben looked at Jerry's begrimed hands, and clothes liberally marked with +spots of blacking, and he felt that he was not quite ready to get used +to appearing in public in this way. He was yet young in his street life. +The time came when he ceased to be so particular. + +"Where do you board?" asked Ben, after a little pause. + +Jerry Collins stared at the questioner as if he suspected that a joke +was intended. But Ben's serious face assured him that he was in earnest. + +"You're jolly green," he remarked, sententiously. + +"Look here," said Ben, with spirit, "I'll give you a licking if you say +that again." + +It may be considered rather singular that Jerry, Instead of resenting +this threat, was led by it to regard Ben with favor. + +"I didn't mean anything," he said, by way of apology. "You're a trump, +and you'll get over it when you've been in the city a week." + +"What made you call me green?" asked Ben. + +"Did you think I boarded up to the Fifth Avenue?" asked Jerry. + +"What's that,--a hotel?" + +"Yes, it's one of the big hotels, where they eat off gold plates." + +"No, I don't suppose you board there," said Ben, laughing; "but I +suppose there are cheaper boarding-places. Where do you sleep?" + +"Sometimes in wagons, or in door-ways, on the docks, or anywhere where I +get a chance." + +"Don't you get cold sleeping out-doors?" asked Ben. + +"Oh, I'm used to it," said Jerry. "When it's cold I go to the Lodging +House." + +"What's that?" + +Jerry explained that there was a Newsboys' Lodging House, where a bed +could be obtained for six cents a night. + +"That's cheap," said Ben. + +"'Taint so cheap as sleepin' out-doors," returned the boot-black. + +This was true; but Ben thought he would rather pay the six cents than +sleep out, if it were only for the damage likely to come to his clothes, +which were yet clean and neat. Looking at Jerry's suit, however, he saw +that this consideration would be likely to have less weight with him. He +began to understand that he had entered upon a very different life from +the one he had hitherto led. He was not easily daunted, however. + +"If he can stand it, I can," he said to himself. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +STREET SCENES. + + +"Here's Broadway," said Jerry, suddenly. + +They emerged from the side street on which they had been walking, and, +turning the corner, found themselves in the great thoroughfare, a block +or two above Trinity Church. + +Ben surveyed the busy scenes that opened before him, with the eager +interest of a country boy who saw them for the first time. + +"What church is that?" he asked, pointing to the tall spire of the +imposing church that faces Wall Street. + +"That's Trinity Church." + +"Do you go to church there?" + +"I don't go anywhere else," said Jerry, equivocally. "What's the use of +going to church?" + +"I thought everybody went to church," said Ben, speaking from his +experience in a country village "that is, most everybody," he corrected +himself, as several persons occurred to his mind who were more punctual +in their attendance at the liquor saloon than the church. + +"If I'd got good clothes like you have I'd go once just to see what it's +like; but I'd a good sight rather go to the old Bowery Theatre." + +"But you ought not to say that," said Ben, a little startled. + +"Why not?" + +"Because it's better to go to church than to the theatre." + +"Is it?" said Jerry. "Well, you can go if you want to. I'd give more for +a stunnin' old play at the Bowery than fifty churches." + +Ben began to suspect that Jerry was rather loose in his ideas on the +subject of religion, but did not think it best to say so, for fear of +giving offence, though in all probability Jerry's sensitiveness would +not have been at all disturbed by such a charge. + +During the last portion of the conversation they had been standing still +at the street corner. + +"I'm goin' to Nassau Street," said Jerry. "If you want to go up +Broadway, that's the way." + +Without waiting for an answer he darted across the street, threading his +way among the numerous vehicles with a coolness and a success which +amazed Ben, who momentarily expected to see him run over. He drew a long +breath when he saw him safe on the other side, and bethought himself +that he would not like to take a similar risk. He felt sorry to have +Jerry leave him so abruptly. The boot-black had already imparted to him +considerable information about New York, which he saw was likely to be +of benefit to him. Besides, he felt that any society was better than +solitude, and a sudden feeling of loneliness overpowered him, as he felt +that among the crowd of persons that jostled him as he stood at the +corner, there was not one who felt an interest in him, or even knew his +name. It was very different in his native village, where he knew +everybody, and everybody had a friendly word for him. The thought did +occur to him for a moment whether he had been wise in running away from +home; but the thought of the unjust punishment came with it, and his +expression became firmer and more resolute. + +"I won't go home if I starve," he said proudly to himself; and armed +with this new resolution he proceeded up Broadway. + +His attention was soon drawn to the street merchants doing business on +the sidewalk. Here was a vender of neckties, displaying a varied +assortment of different colors, for "only twenty-five cents each." Next +came a candy merchant with his stock in trade, divided up into irregular +lumps, and labelled a penny apiece. They looked rather tempting, and Ben +would have purchased, but he knew very well that his cash capital +amounted to only twenty-five cents, which, considering that he was as +yet without an income, was likely to be wanted for other purposes. + +Next came a man with an assortment of knives, all of them open, and +sticking into a large board, which was the only shop required by their +proprietor. Ben stopped a moment to look at them. He had always had a +fancy for knives, but was now without one. In fact he had sold a +handsome knife, which he had received as a birthday present, for +seventy-five cents, to raise money for his present expedition. Of this +sum but twenty-five cents remained. + +"Will you buy a knife to-day, young gentleman?" asked the vender, who +was on the alert for customers. + +"No, I guess not," said Ben. + +"Here's a very nice one for only one dollar," said the street merchant, +taking up a showy-looking knife with three blades. "Its the best of +steel, warranted. You won't get another such knife for the price in the +city." + +It did look cheap certainly. Ben could not but allow that. He would like +to have owned it, but circumstances forbade. + +"No, I won't buy to-day," he said. + +"Here, you shall have it for ninety-four cents," and the vender began to +roll it up in a piece of paper. "You can't say it isn't cheap." + +"Yes, it's cheap enough," said Ben, moving away, "but I haven't got the +money with me." + +This settled the matter, and the dealer reluctantly unrolled it, and +replaced it among his stock. + +"If you'll call round to-morrow, I'll save it for you till then," he +said. + +"All right," said Ben. + +"I wonder," he thought, "whether he would be so anxious to sell, if he +knew that I had run away from home, and had but twenty-five cents in the +world?" + +Ben's neat dress deceived the man, who naturally supposed him to belong +to a city family well to do. + +Our young hero walked on till he came to the Astor House. He stood on +the steps a few minutes taking a view of what may be considered the +liveliest and most animated part of New York. Nearly opposite was +Barnum's American Museum, the site being now occupied by the costly and +elegant Herald Building and Park Bank. He looked across to the lower end +of the City Hall Park, not yet diverted from its original purpose for +the new Post Office building. He saw a procession of horse-cars in +constant motion up and down Park Row. Everything seemed lively and +animated; and again the thought came to Ben, "If there is employment for +all these people, there must be something for me to do." + +He crossed to the foot of the Park, and walked up on the Park Row side. +Here again he saw a line of street merchants. Most conspicuous were the +dealers in penny ballads, whose wares lined the railings, and were +various enough to suit every taste. Here was an old woman, who might +have gained a first prize for ugliness, presiding over an apple-stand. + +"Take one, honey; it's only two cints," she said, observing that Ben's +attention was drawn to a rosy-cheeked apple. + +Ben was rather hungry, and reflecting that probably apples were as cheap +as any other article of diet, he responded to the appeal by purchasing. +It proved to be palatable, and he ate it with a good relish. + +"Ice-cream, only a penny a glass," was the next announcement. The +glasses, to be sure, were of very small size. Still ice-cream in any +quantity for a penny seemed so ridiculously cheap that Ben, poor as he +was, could not resist the temptation. + +"I'll take a glass," he said. + +A dab of ice-cream was deposited in a glass, and with a pewter spoon +handed to Ben. He raised the spoon to his mouth, but alas! the mixture +was not quite so tempting to the taste as to the eye and the pocket. It +might be ice-cream, but there was an indescribable flavor about it, only +to be explained on the supposition that the ice had been frozen +dish-water. Ben's taste had not been educated up to that point which +would enable him to relish it. He laid it down with an involuntary +contortion of the face. + +"Give it to me, Johnny," he heard at his elbow. + +Turning, he saw a small, dirty-faced boy of six, with bare feet and +tattered attire, who was gazing with a look of greedy desire at the +delicious mixture. + +Ben handed him the glass and spoon, and stood by, looking at him with +some curiosity as he disposed of the contents with a look of evident +enjoyment. + +"Do you like it?" he asked. + +"It's bully," said the young epicure. + +If Ben had not been restricted by his narrow means, he would have +purchased another glass for the urchin. It would have been a very cheap +"treat." But our young adventurer reflected that he had but twenty-two +cents left, and prudence forbade. + +"I don't see how he can like the nasty stuff," he thought. + +But the time was to come when Ben himself, grown less fastidious, would +be able to relish food quite as uninviting. + +Ben made his way across the Park to Broadway again. He felt that it was +high time for him to be seeking employment. His ideas on this subject +were not very well defined, but when he left home he made up his mind +that he would try to get a place in a store on Broadway. He supposed +that, among the great number of stores, there would be a chance for him +to get into some one. He expected to make enough to live in a +comfortable boarding-house, and buy his clothes, though he supposed that +would be about all. He expected to have to economize on spending money +the first year, but the second year his wages would be raised, and then +it would come easier. All this shows how very verdant and unpractical +our young adventurer was, and what disappointment he was preparing for +himself. + +However, Ben's knowledge was to come by experience, and that before +long. + +Reaching Broadway, he walked up slowly on the west side, looking in at +the shop-windows. In the lower part of this busy street are many +wholesale houses, while the upper part is devoted principally to retail +shops. Coming to a large warehouse for the sale of ready-made clothing, +Ben thought he might as well begin there. In such a large place there +must be a good deal to do. + +He passed in and looked about him rather doubtfully. The counters, which +were numerous, were filled high with ready-made garments. Ben saw no one +as small as himself, and that led him to doubt whether his size might +not be an objection. + +"Well, sonny, what do you want?" asked a clerk. + +"Don't you want to hire a boy?" asked our young adventurer, plunging +into his business. + +"I suppose you have had considerable experience in the business?" said +the clerk inclined to banter him a little. + +"No, I haven't," said Ben, frankly. + +"Indeed, I judged from your looks that you were a man of experience." + +"If you don't want to hire me, I'll go," said Ben, independently. + +"Well, young man, I'm afraid you'll have to go. The fact is, we should +have to _higher_ you before we could _hire_ you;" and the clerk laughed +at his witticism. + +Ben naturally saw nothing to laugh at, but felt rather indignant. He +stepped into the street, a little depressed at the result of his first +application. But then, as he reflected, there were a great many other +stores besides this, and he might have better luck next time. He walked +on some distance, however, before trying again. Indeed, he had got above +Bleecker Street, when his attention was arrested by a paper pasted +inside of a shop-window, bearing the inscription:-- + + "CASH-BOYS WANTED." + +Ben did not clearly understand what were the duties of a cash-boy, +though he supposed they must have something to do with receiving money. +Looking in through the glass door he saw boys as small as himself +flitting about, and this gave him courage to enter and make an +application for a place. + +He entered, therefore, and walked up boldly to the first clerk he saw. + +"Do you want a cash-boy?" he asked. + +"Go up to that desk, Johnny," said the clerk, pointing to a desk about +midway of the store. A stout gentleman stood behind it, writing +something in a large book. + +Ben went up, and repeated his inquiry. "Do you want a cash-boy?" + +"How old are you?" asked the gentleman looking down at him. + +"Ten years old." + +"Have you ever been in a store?" + +"No, sir." + +"Do you live in the city?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"With your parents?" + +"No, sir," said Ben, with hesitation. + +"Who do you live with, then?" + +"With nobody. I take care of myself." + +"Humph!" The gentleman looked a little surprised, not at the idea of a +boy of ten looking out for himself, for such cases are common enough in +New York, but at the idea of such a well-dressed lad as Ben being in +that situation. + +"How long have you been your own man?" he inquired. + +"I've only just begun," Ben admitted. + +"Are your parents dead?" + +"No, sir; they're alive." + +"Then I advise you to go back to them. We don't receive any boys into +our employment, who do not live with their parents." + +The gentleman returned to his writing, and Ben saw that his case was +hopeless. His disappointment was greater than before, for he liked the +looks of the proprietor, if, as he judged, this was he. Besides, boys +were wanted, and his size would be no objection, judging from the +appearance of the other boys in the store. So he had been sanguine of +success. Now he saw that there was an objection which he could not +remove, and which would be very likely to stand in his way in other +places. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +A RESTAURANT ON FULTON STREET. + + +Ben kept on his way, looking in at the shop windows as before. He had +not yet given up the idea of getting a place in a store, though he began +to see that his chances of success were rather small. + +The next pause he came to was before a bookstore. Here, too, there was +posted on the window:-- + + "BOY WANTED." + +Ben entered. There were two or three persons behind the counter. The +oldest, a man of forty, Ben decided to be the proprietor. He walked up +to him, and said, "Do you want a boy?" + +"Yes," said the gentleman. "We want a boy to run of errands, and deliver +papers to customers. How old are you?" + +"Ten years old." + +"That is rather young." + +"I'm pretty strong of my age," said Ben, speaking the truth here, for +he was rather larger and stouter than most boys of ten. + +"That is not important, as you will not have very heavy parcels to +carry. Are you well acquainted with the streets in this part of the +city?" + +This question was a poser, Ben thought. He was at first tempted to say +yes, but decided to answer truthfully. + +"No, sir," he answered. + +"Do you live in the lower part of the city?" + +"Yes, sir; that is, I'm going to live there." + +"How long have you lived in the city?" + +"I only arrived this morning," Ben confessed, reluctantly. + +"Then I'm afraid you will not answer my purpose. We need a boy who is +well acquainted with the city streets." + +He was another disqualification. Ben left the store a little +discouraged. He began to think that it would be harder work making a +living than he had supposed. He would apply in two or three more stores, +and, if unsuccessful, he must sell papers or black boots. Of the two he +preferred selling papers. Blacking boots would soil his hands and his +clothes, and, as it was possible that he might some day encounter some +one from his native village, he did not like to have the report carried +home that he had become a New York boot-black. He felt that his +education and bringing up fitted him for something better than that. +However, it was not necessary to decide this question until he had got +through applying for a situation in a store. + +He tried his luck again, and once was on the point of being engaged at +three dollars per week, when a question as to his parents revealed the +fact that he was without a guardian, and this decided the question +against him. + +"It's of no use," said Ben, despondently. "I might as well go back." + +So he turned, and retraced his steps down Broadway. By the time he got +to the City Hall Park he was quite tired. Seeing some vacant seats +inside, he went in and sat down, resting his bundle on the seat beside +him. He saw quite a number of street boys within the inclosure, most of +them boot-blacks. As a rule, they bore the marks of their occupation +not only on their clothes, but on their faces and hands as well. Some, +who were a little more careful than the rest, were provided with a small +square strip of carpeting, on which they kneeled when engaged in +"shining up" a customer's boots. This formed a very good protection for +the knees of their pantaloons. Two were even more luxurious, having +chairs in which they seated their customers. Where this extra +accommodation was supplied, however, a fee of ten cents was demanded, +while the boot-blacks in general asked but five. + +"Black your boots?" asked one boy of Ben, observing that our young +adventurer's shoes were soiled. + +"Yes," said Ben, "if you'll do it for nothing." + +"I'll black your eye for nothing," said the other. + +"Thank you," said Ben, "I won't trouble you." + +Ben was rather interested in a scene which he witnessed shortly +afterwards. A young man, whose appearance indicated that he was from the +country, was waylaid by the boys, and finally submitted his boots to an +operator. + +"How much do you want?" + +"Twenty-five cents," was the reply. + +"Twenty-five cents!" exclaimed the customer, aghast. "You're jokin', +aint you?" + +"Reg'lar price, mister," was the reply. + +"Why, I saw a boy blackin' boots down by the museum for ten cents." + +"Maybe you did; but this is the City Hall Park. We're employed by the +city, and we have to charge the reg'lar price." + +"I wish I'd got my boots blacked down to the museum," said the victim, +in a tone of disappointment, producing twenty-five cents, which was +eagerly appropriated by the young extortioner. + +"I say, Tommy, give us a treat, or we'll peach," said one of the boys. + +Tom led the way to the ice-cream vender's establishment, where with +reckless extravagance he ordered a penny ice-cream all round for the +half-dozen boys in his company, even then making a handsome thing out of +the extra pay he had obtained from his rustic patron. + +By this time it was half-past two o'clock. So Ben learned from the City +Hall clock. He was getting decidedly hungry. There were apple and cake +stands just outside the railings, on which he could have regaled +himself cheaply, but his appetite craved something more solid. There was +a faint feeling, which nothing but meat could satisfy. + +Ben had no idea how much a plate of meat would cost at a restaurant. He +had but twenty-two cents, and whatever he got must come within that +limit. Still he hoped that something could be obtained for this sum. + +Where to go,--that was the question. + +"Can you tell me a good place to get some dinner?" he asked of a boy, +standing near him. + +"Down on Nassau Street or Fulton Street," was the reply. + +"Where is Fulton Street?" asked Ben, catching the last name. + +"I'm goin' that way. You can go with me if you want to." + +Ben readily accepted the companionship proffered, and was led past the +museum, the site of which, as I have said, is now occupied by the Herald +Building. + +Turning down Fulton Street, Ben soon saw a restaurant, with bills of +fare displayed outside. + +"That's a good place," said his guide. + +"Thank you," said Ben. + +He scanned the bill in advance, ascertaining to his satisfaction that he +could obtain a plate of roast beef for fifteen cents, and a cup of +coffee for five. This would make but twenty cents, leaving him a balance +of two cents. + +He opened the door and entered. + +There was a long table running through the centre of the apartment, from +the door to the rear. On each side, against the sides of the room, were +small tables intended for four persons each. There were but few eating, +as the busy time at down-town restaurants usually extends from twelve to +half-past one, or two o'clock, and it was now nearly three. + +Ben entered and took a seat at one of the side tables, laying his bundle +on a chair beside him. + +A colored waiter came up, and stood awaiting his orders. + +"Give me a plate of roast beef," said Ben. + +"Yes, sir. Coffee or tea?" + +"Coffee." + +The waiter went to the lower end of the dining-room, and called out, +"Roast beef." + +After a brief delay, he returned with the article ordered, and a cup of +coffee. + +There were two potatoes with the meat, and a small piece of bread on the +side of the plate. The coffee looked muddy, and not particularly +inviting. + +Ben was not accustomed to the ways of restaurants, and supposed that, as +in shops, immediate payment was expected. + +"Here's the money--twenty cents," he said, producing the sum named. + +"Pay at the desk as you go out," said the waiter. + +Ben looked up, and then for the first time noticed a man behind a +counter in the front part of the room. + +At the same time the waiter produced a green ticket, bearing "20 cents" +printed upon it. + +Ben now addressed himself with a hearty appetite to the dinner. The +plate was dingy, and the meat neither very abundant nor very tender. +Still it can hardly be expected that for fifteen cents a large plate of +sirloin can be furnished. Ben was not in a mood to be critical. At home +he would have turned up his nose at such a repast, but hunger is very +well adapted to cure one of fastidiousness. He ate rapidly, and felt +that he had seldom eaten anything so good. He was sorry there was no +more bread, the supply being exceedingly limited. As for the coffee he +was able to drink it, though he did not enjoy it so well. It tasted as +if there was not more than a teaspoonful of milk in the infusion, while +the flavor of the beverage differed strangely from the coffee he had +been accustomed to get at home. + +"It isn't very good," thought Ben; and he could not help wishing he had +a cup of the good coffee his mother used to make at home. + +"Have anything more?" asked the waiter, coming up to the table. + +Ben looked over the bill of fare, not that he expected to get anything +for the two cents that still remained to him, but because he wanted to +notice the prices of different articles. His eye rested rather longingly +on "Apple Dumplings." He was very fond of this dish, and his appetite +was so far from being satisfied that he felt that he could have easily +disposed of a plate. But the price was ten cents, and of course it was +entirely beyond his means. + +"Nothing more," said he, and rose from his seat. + +He went up to the counter and settled his bill, and went out again into +the street. He felt more comfortable than he had done, as one is very +apt to feel after a good dinner, and Ben's dinner had been a good one, +his appetite making up for any deficiency in the quality. + +Where should he go now? + +He was still tired, and did not care to wander about the streets. +Besides, he had no particular place to go to. He therefore decided to +walk back to the City Hall Park, and sit down on one of the benches. +There would be something to see, and he was interested in watching the +street boys, whose ranks he felt that he should very soon be compelled +to join. His prospects did not look particularly bright, as he was not +provided with means sufficient to pay for another meal. But the time had +not yet come to trouble himself about that. When he got hungry again, he +would probably realize his position a little more keenly. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +A BEER-GARDEN IN THE BOWERY. + + +Ben sat down again in his old seat, and occupied himself once more in +looking about him. After a while he became sleepy. Besides having taken +a considerable walk, he had not slept much the night before. As no one +occupied the bench but himself, he thought he might as well make himself +comfortable. Accordingly he laid his bundle crosswise at one end, and +laid back, using it for a pillow. The visor of his cap he brought down +over his eyes, so as to shield them from the afternoon sun. The seat was +hard, to be sure, but his recumbent position rested him. He did not mean +to go to sleep, but gradually the sounds around him became an indistinct +hum; even the noise and bustle of busy Broadway, but a few feet distant, +failed to ward off sleep, and in a short time he was sleeping soundly. + +Of course he could not sleep in so public a place without attracting +attention. Two ragged boys espied him, and held a low conference +together. + +"What's he got in that bundle, Jim, do you think?" asked one. + +"We'd better look and see." + +They went up to the bench, and touched him, to make sure that he was +fast asleep. The touch did not rouse him to consciousness. + +"Just lift up his head, Mike, and I'll take the bundle," said the larger +of the two boys. + +This was done. + +"Now, let him down softly." + +So the bundle was removed, and poor Ben, wandering somewhere in the land +of dreams, was none the wiser. His head, deprived of its former support, +now rested on the hard bench. It was not so comfortable, but he was too +tired to awake. So he slept on. + +Meanwhile Jim and Mike opened the bundle. + +"It's a couple of shirts," said Jim. + +"Is that all?" asked Mike, disappointed. + +"Well, that's better than nothin'." + +"Give me one of 'em." + +"It's just about your size. 'Taint big enough for me." + +"Then give me the two of 'em." + +"What'll you give?" + +"I aint got no stamps. I'll pay you a quarter when I get it." + +"That don't go down," said Jim, whose confidence in his confederate's +honesty was not very great. Considering the transaction in which they +were now engaged, it is not surprising that there should have been a +mutual distrust. Being unable to make any bargain, Jim decided to take +his share of the booty round to a second-hand clothes-dealer in Chatham +Street. Here, after considerable higgling, he succeeded in selling the +shirt for sixteen cents, which was less than his companion had offered. +However, it was cash down, and so was immediately available,--an +important consideration in the present state of Jim's finances. "A bird +in the hand," as he considered, "was worth two in the bush." + +Jim immediately purchased a cigar with a portion of his dishonest gains, +and, procuring a light, walked about in a state of high enjoyment, +puffing away as coolly as a man of twice his years. + +Meanwhile Ben continued to sleep, happily unconscious of the loss of his +entire personal possessions. In his dreams he was at home once more, +playing with his school companions. Let him sleep! He will waken soon +enough to the hard realities of a street life, voluntarily undertaken, +it is true, but none the less likely to bear heavily upon him. + +He slept a long time. When he awoke it was six o'clock. + +He sat upon his seat, and rubbed his eyes in momentary bewilderment. In +his dreams he had been back again to his native village, and he could +not at once recall his change of circumstances. But it all came back to +him soon enough. He realized with a slight pang that he had a home no +longer; that he was a penniless vagrant, for whom the hospitality of the +streets alone was open. He did wish that he could sit down at the +plentiful home table, and eat the well-cooked supper which was always +provided; that is, if he could blot out one remembrance: when he thought +of the unjust punishment that had driven him forth, his pride rose, and +his determination became as stubborn as ever. I do not defend Ben in +this. He was clearly wrong. The best of parents may be unintentionally +unjust at times, and this is far from affording an adequate excuse for a +boy to leave home. But Ben had a great deal of pride, and I am only +telling you how he felt. + +Our young adventurer did not at first realize the loss which he had +sustained. It was at least five minutes before he thought of his bundle +at all. At length, chancing to look at the seat beside him, he missed +it. + +"Where can it be, I wonder?" he thought, perplexed. + +He looked under the bench, thinking that perhaps it had rolled off. But +it need not be said that it was not to be seen. + +Ben was rather disturbed. It was all he had brought from home, and +constituted his entire earthly possessions. + +"It must have rolled off, and been picked up by somebody," he thought; +but the explanation was not calculated to bring any satisfaction. "I +did not think I should fall asleep." + +It occurred to him that some of the boys near by might have seen it. So +he went up to a group of boot-blacks near by, one of whom was Jim, who +had actually been concerned in the robbery. The other boys knew nothing +of the affair. + +"I say, boys," said Ben, "have you seen anything of my bundle?" + +"What bundle, Johnny?" said Jim, who was now smoking his second cigar. + +"I had a small bundle tied up in a newspaper," said Ben. "I put it under +my head, and then fell asleep. Now I can't find it." + +"Do you think we stole it?" said Jim, defiantly. + +"Of course I don't," said Ben; "but I thought it might have slipped out, +and you might have seen somebody pick it up." + +"Haven't seen it, Johnny," said one of the other boys; "most likely it's +stole." + +"Do you think so?" asked Ben, anxiously. + +"In course, you might expect it would be." + +"I didn't mean to go to sleep." + +"What was there in it?" + +"There was two shirts." + +"You've got a shirt on, aint you?" + +"Yes," said Ben. + +"That's all right, then. What does a feller want of a thousand shirts?" + +"There's some difference between two shirts and a thousand," said Ben. + +"What's the odds? I haven't got but one shirt. That's all I want. When +it is wore out I'll buy a new one." + +"What do you do when it gets dirty?" asked Ben, in some curiosity. + +"Oh, I wash it once in two or three weeks," was the reply. + +This was not exactly in accordance with Ben's ideas of neatness; but he +saw that no satisfaction was likely to be obtained in this quarter, so +he walked away rather depressed. It certainly hadn't been a lucky +day,--this first day in the city. He had been rejected in half-a-dozen +stores in his applications for employment, had spent nearly all his +money, and been robbed of all his clothing except what he wore. + +Again Ben began to feel an appetite. He had eaten his dinner late, but +it had consisted of a plate of meat only. His funds being now reduced to +two cents, he was obliged to content himself with an apple, which did +something towards appeasing his appetite. + +Next Ben began to consider anxiously how he was to pass the night. +Having no money to spend for lodging, there seemed nothing to do but to +sleep out of doors. It was warm weather, and plenty of street boys did +it. But to Ben it would be a new experience, and he regarded it with +some dread. He wished he could meet with Jerry Collins, his acquaintance +of the morning. From him he might obtain some information that would be +of service in his present strait. + +Three or four hours must elapse before it would be time to go to bed. +Ben hardly knew how or where to pass them. He had become tired of the +park; besides, he had got over a part of his fatigue, and felt able to +walk about and explore the city. He turned at a venture up Chatham +Street, and was soon interested in the sights of this peculiar +thoroughfare,--the shops open to the street, with half their stock in +trade exposed on the sidewalk, the importunities of the traders, and the +appearance of the people whom he met. It seemed very lively and +picturesque to Ben, and drew away his attention from his own awkward +position. + +He was asked to buy by some of the traders, being promised wonderful +bargains; but his penniless condition put him out of the reach of +temptation. + +So he wandered on until he came to the Bowery, a broad avenue, wider +than Broadway, and lined by shops of a great variety, but of a grade +inferior to those of its more aristocratic neighbor. + +Here, also, the goods are liberally displayed on the sidewalk, and are +generally labelled with low prices, which tempts many purchasers. The +purchaser, however, must look carefully to the quality of the goods +which he buys, or he will in many cases find the low price merely a +snare and a delusion, and regret that he had not paid more liberally and +bought a better article. + +Later in the evening, on his return walk, Ben came to an establishment +brilliant with light, from which proceeded strains of music. Looking +in, he saw that it was filled with small tables, around which were +seated men, women, and children. They had glasses before them from which +they drank. This was a Lager Beer Hall or Garden,--an institution +transplanted from Germany, and chiefly patronized by those of German +birth or extraction. It seemed bright and cheerful, and our young +adventurer thought it would be pleasant to go in, and spend an hour or +two, listening to the music; but he was prevented by the consciousness +that he had no money to spend, and might be considered an intruder. + +While he was looking in wistfully, he was struck on the back; and +turning, saw, to his surprise, the face of his only acquaintance in New +York, Jerry Collins, the boot-black. + +"I am glad to see you," he said, eagerly offering his hand, without +considering that Jerry's hand, unwashed during the day, was stained with +blacking. He felt so glad to meet an acquaintance, however, that he +would not have minded this, even if it had occurred to him. + +"The same to you," said Jerry. "Are you going in?" + +"I haven't got any money," said Ben, a little ashamed of the confession. + +"Well, I have, and that'll do just as well." + +He took Ben by the arm, and they passed through a vestibule, and entered +the main apartment, which was of large size. On one side, about half way +down, was a large instrument some like an organ, from which the music +proceeded. The tables were very well filled, Germans largely +predominating among the guests. + +"Sit down here," said Jerry. + +They took seats at one of the tables. Opposite was a stout German and +his wife, the latter holding a baby. Both had glasses of lager before +them, and the baby was also offered a share by its mother; but, from the +contortions of its face, did not appear to relish it. + +"_Zwei Glass Lager_," said Jerry, to a passing attendant. + +"Can you speak German?" asked Ben, surprised. + +"Yaw," said Jerry; "my father was an Irishman, and my mother was a +Dutchman." + +Jerry's German, however, seemed to be limited, as he made no further +attempts to converse in that language. + +The glasses were brought. Jerry drank his down at a draught, but Ben, +who had never before tasted lager, could not at once become reconciled +to its bitter taste. + +"Don't you like it?" asked Jerry. + +"Not very much," said Ben. + +"Then I'll finish it for you;" and he suited the action to the word. + +Besides the lager a few plain cakes were sold, but nothing more +substantial. Evidently the beer was the great attraction. Ben could not +help observing, with some surprise, that, though everybody was drinking, +there was not the slightest disturbance, or want of decorum, or +drunkenness. The music, which was furnished at intervals, was of very +good quality, and was listened to with attention. + +"I was goin' to Tony Pastor's to-night," said Jerry, "if I hadn't met +you." + +"What sort of a place is that?" asked Ben. + +"Oh, it's a bully place--lots of fun. You must go there some time." + +"I think I will," answered Ben, mentally adding, "if I ever have money +enough." + +Here the music struck up, and they stopped to listen to it. When this +was over, Jerry proposed to go out. Ben would have been willing to stay +longer; but he saw that his companion did not care so much for the music +as himself, and he did not wish to lose sight of him. To be alone in a +great city, particularly under Ben's circumstances, is not very +pleasant, and our young adventurer determined to stick to his new +acquaintance, who, though rough in his manners, had yet seemed inclined +to be friendly, and Ben felt sadly in need of a friend. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +THE BURNING BALES. + + +"Where are you going to sleep to-night?" asked Ben, introducing a +subject which had given him some anxiety. + +"I don't know," said Jerry, carelessly. "I'll find a place somewhere." + +"I'll go with you, if you'll let me," said Ben. + +"In course I will." + +"I haven't got any money." + +"What's the odds? They don't charge nothin' at the hotel where I stop." + +"What time do you go to bed?" + +"Most any time. Do you feel sleepy?" + +"Rather. I didn't sleep much last night." + +"Well, we'll go and find a place now. How'd you like sleepin' on +cotton-bales?" + +"I think that would be comfortable." + +"There's a pile of bales down on the pier, where the New Orleans +steamers come in. Maybe we could get a chance there." + +"All right. Where is it?" + +"Pier 8, North River. It'll take us twenty minutes, or maybe half an +hour, to go there." + +"Let us go," said Ben. + +He felt relieved at the idea of so comfortable a bed as a cotton-bale, +and was anxious to get stowed away for the night. + +The two boys struck across to Broadway, and followed that street down +past Trinity Church, turning down the first street beyond. Rector +Street, notwithstanding its clerical name, is far from an attractive +street. Just in the rear of the great church, and extending down to the +wharves, is a collection of miserable dwellings, occupied by tenants +upon whom the near presence of the sanctuary appears to produce little +impression of a salutary character. Ben looked about him in +ill-concealed disgust. He neither fancied the neighborhood, nor the +people whom he met. But the Island is very narrow just here, and he had +not far to walk to West Street, which runs along the edge of Manhattan +Island, and is lined with wharves. Jerry, of course, did not mind the +surroundings. He was too well used to them to care. + +They brought out opposite the pier. + +"There it is," said Jerry. + +Ben saw a pile of cotton-bales heaped up on the wharf in front. Just +behind them was a gate, and over it the sign of the New Orleans Company. + +"I should think somebody would steal the bales," said Ben. "Are they +left out here all night?" + +"There's a watchman round here somewhere," said Jerry. "He stays here +all night to guard the bales." + +"Will he let us sleep here?" + +"I don't know," said Jerry. "We'll creep in, when he isn't looking." + +The watchman was sitting down, leaning his back against one of the +bales. A short pipe was in his mouth, and he seemed to be enjoying his +smoke. This was contrary to orders, for the cotton being combustible +might easily catch fire; but this man, supposing that he would not be +detected, indulged himself in the forbidden luxury. + +"Now creep along softly," said Jerry. + +The latter, being barefooted, had an advantage over Ben, but our young +adventurer crept after him as softly as he could. Jerry found a bale +screened from observation by the higher piles on each side, where he +thought they could sleep unobserved. Following his lead, Ben stretched +himself out upon it. + +The watchman was too busily occupied with his pipe to detect any noise. + +"Aint it comfortable?" whispered Jerry. + +"Yes," said Ben, in the same low tone. + +"I wouldn't ask for nothin' better," said Jerry. + +Ben was not so sure about that; but then he had not slept out hundreds +of nights, like Jerry, in old wagons, or on door-steps, or wherever else +he could; so he had a different standard of comparison. + +He could not immediately go to sleep. He was tired, it was true, but his +mind was busy. It was only twelve hours since he had landed in the city, +but it had been an eventful twelve hours. He understood his position a +little better now, and how much he had undertaken, in boldly leaving +home at ten years of age, and taking upon himself the task of earning +his living. + +If he had known what was before him, would he have left home at all? + +Ben was not sure about this. He did own to himself, however, that he was +disappointed. The city had not proved the paradise he had expected. +Instead of finding shopkeepers eager to secure his services, he had +found himself uniformly rejected. He began to suspect that it was rather +early to begin the world at ten years of age. Then again, though he was +angry with his father, he had no cause of complaint against his mother. +She had been uniformly kind and gentle, and he found it hard to keep +back the tears when he thought how she would be distressed at his +running away. He had not thought of that in the heat of his first anger, +but he thought of it now. How would she feel if she knew where he was at +this moment, resting on a cotton-bale, on a city wharf, penniless and +without a friend in the great city, except the ragged boy who was +already asleep at his side? She would feel badly, Ben knew that, and he +half regretted having been so precipitate in his action. He could remedy +it all, and relieve his mother's heart by going back. But here Ben's +pride came in. To go back would be to acknowledge himself wrong; it +would be a virtual confession of failure, and, moreover, knowing his +father's sternness, he knew that he would be severely punished. +Unfortunately for Ben, his father had a stern, unforgiving disposition, +that never made allowances for the impulses of boyhood. He had never +condescended to study his own son, and the method of training he had +adopted with him was in some respects very pernicious. His system +hardened, instead of softening, and prejudiced Ben against what was +right, maddening him with a sense of injustice, and so preventing his +being influenced towards good. Of course, all this did not justify Ben +in running away from home. The thought of his mother ought to have been +sufficient to have kept him from any such step. But it was necessary to +be stated, in order that my readers might better understand what sort of +a boy Ben was. + +So, in spite of his half relenting, Ben determined that he would not go +home at all events. Whatever hardships lay before him in the new life +which he had adopted, he resolved to stand them as well as he could. +Indeed, however much he might desire to retrace his steps, he had no +money to carry him back, nor could he obtain any unless he should write +home for it, and this again would be humiliating. Ben's last thought, +then, as he sank to sleep, was, that he would stick to New York, and get +his living somehow, even if he had to black boots for a living. + +At the end of an hour, both boys were fast asleep. The watchman, after +smoking his pipe, got up, and paced up and down the wharf drowsily. He +did not happen to observe the young sleepers. If he had done so, he +would undoubtedly have shaken them roughly, and ordered them off. It was +rather fortunate that neither Ben nor his companion were in the habit of +snoring, as this would at once have betrayed their presence, even to the +negligent watchman. + +After a while the watchman bethought himself again of his pipe, and, +filling the bowl with tobacco, lighted it. Then, with the most culpable +carelessness, he half reclined on one of the bales and "took comfort." +Not having prepared himself for the vigils of the night by repose during +the day, he began to feel uncommonly drowsy. The whiffs came less and +less frequently, until at last the pipe fell from his lips, and he fell +back fast asleep. The burning contents of the pipe fell on the bale, and +gradually worked their way down into the interior. Here the mischief +soon spread. What followed may easily be imagined. + +Ben was aroused from his sleep by a confused outcry. He rubbed his eyes +to see what was the matter. There was something stifling and suffocating +in the atmosphere, which caused him to choke as he breathed. As he +became more awake, he realized that the cotton-bales, among which he had +taken refuge, were on fire. He became alarmed, and shook Jerry +energetically. + +"What's up?" said Jerry, drowsily. "I aint done nothin'. You can't take +me up." + +"Jerry, wake up; the bales are on fire," said Ben. + +"I thought 'twas a copp," said Jerry, rousing, and at a glance +understanding the position of affairs. "Let's get out of this." + +That was not quite so easy. There was fire on all sides, and they must +rush through it at some risk. However, it was every moment getting +worse, and there was no chance for delay. + +"Foller me," said Jerry, and he dashed through, closely pursued by Ben. + +By this time quite a crowd of men and boys had gathered around the +burning bales. + +When the two boys rushed out, there was a general exclamation of +surprise. Then one burly man caught Jerry by the arm, and said, "Here's +the young villain that set the bales on fire." + +"Let me alone, will you?" said Jerry. "Yer grandmother set it on fire, +more likely." + +No sooner was Jerry seized, than another man caught hold of Ben, and +forcibly detained him. + +"I've got the other," he said. + +"Now, you young rascal, tell me how you did it," said the first. "Was +you smokin'?" + +"No, I wasn't," said Jerry, shortly. "I was sleepin' along of this other +boy." + +"What made you come here to sleep?" + +"'Cause we hadn't no other bed." + +"Are you sure you wasn't smoking?" + +"Look here," said Jerry, contemptuously, "you must think I'm a fool, to +go and set my own bed on fire." + +"That's true," said a bystander. "It wouldn't be very likely." + +"Who did it, then?" asked the stout man, suspiciously. + +"It's the watchman. I seed him smokin' when I turned in." + +"Where is he now?" + +Search was made for the watchman, but he had disappeared. Awaking to a +consciousness of what mischief he had caused through his carelessness, +he had slipped away in the confusion, and was not likely to return. + +"The boy tells the truth," said one of the crowd. "I saw the watchman +smoking myself. No doubt the fire caught from his pipe. The boys are +innocent. Better let them go." + +The two custodians of Jerry and Ben released their hold, and they gladly +availed themselves of the opportunity to remove themselves to a safer +distance from their late bedchamber. + +Two fire-engines came thundering up, and streams of water were directed +effectively at the burning bales. The flames were extinguished, but not +till considerable damage had been done. + +As the two boys watched the contest between the flames and the engines, +from a safe distance, they heard the sonorous clang of the bell in the +church-tower, ringing out twelve o'clock. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +BEN'S TEMPTATION. + + +"Jest my luck!" complained Jerry. "Why couldn't the fire have waited +till mornin'?" + +"We might have burned up," said Ben, who was considerably impressed by +his narrow escape. + +"Only we didn't," said Jerry. "We'll have to try another hotel for the +rest of the night." + +"Where shall we go?" + +"We may find a hay-barge down to the pier at the foot of Franklin +Street." + +"Is it far?" + +"Not very." + +"Let us go then." + +So the boys walked along the street until they came to the pier referred +to. There was a barge loaded with hay, lying alongside the wharf. Jerry +speedily provided himself with a resting-place upon it, and Ben followed +his example. It proved to be quite as comfortable, if not more so, than +their former bed, and both boys were soon asleep. How long he slept Ben +did not know, but he was roused to consciousness by a rude shake. + +"Wake up there!" said a voice. + +Ben opened his eyes, and saw a laboring man bending over him. + +"Is it time to get up?" he inquired, hardly conscious where he was. + +"I should think it was, particularly as you haven't paid for your +lodging." + +"Where's Jerry?" asked Ben, missing the boot-black. + +The fact was, that Jerry, whose business required him to be astir early, +had been gone over an hour. He had not felt it necessary to wake up Ben, +knowing that the latter had nothing in particular to call him up. + +"I don't know anything about Jerry. You'd better be going home, young +'un. Take my advice, and don't stay out another night." + +He evidently thought that Ben was a truant from home, as his dress +would hardly class him among the homeless boys who slept out from +necessity. + +Ben scrambled upon the pier, and took a cross street up towards +Broadway. He had slept off his fatigue, and the natural appetite of a +healthy boy began to assert itself. It was rather uncomfortable to +reflect that he was penniless, and had no means of buying a breakfast. +He had meant to ask Jerry's advice, as to some occupation by which he +could earn a little money, and felt disappointed that his companion had +gone away before he waked up. His appetite was the greater because he +had been limited to a single apple for supper. + +Where to go he did not know. One place was as good as another. It was a +strange sensation to Ben to feel the cravings of appetite, with nothing +to satisfy it. All his life he had been accustomed to a good home, where +his wants were plentifully provided for. He had never had any anxiety +about the supply of his daily wants. In the city there were hundreds of +boys younger than he, who, rising in the morning, knew not where their +meals were to come from, or whether they were to have any; but this had +never been his case. + +"I am young and strong," thought Ben. "Why can't I find something to +do?" + +His greatest anxiety was to work, and earn his living somehow; but how +did not seem clear. Even if he were willing to turn boot-black, he had +no box nor brush, and had some doubts whether he should at first possess +the requisite skill. Selling papers struck him more favorably; but here +again the want of capital would be an objection. + +So, in a very perplexed frame of mind, our young adventurer went on his +way, and after a while caught sight of the upper end of the City Hall +Park. Here he felt himself at home, and, entering, looked among the +dozens of boys who were plying their work to see if he could not find +his acquaintance Jerry. But here he was unsuccessful. Jerry's business +stand was near the Cortlandt Street pier. + +Hour after hour passed, and Ben became more and more hungry and +dispirited. He felt thoroughly helpless. There seemed to be nothing that +he could do. He began to be faint, and his head ached. One o'clock +found him on Nassau Street, near the corner of Fulton. There was a stand +for the sale of cakes and pies located here, presided over by an old +woman, of somewhat ample dimensions. This stall had a fascination for +poor Ben. He had such a craving for food that he could not take his eyes +off the tempting pile of cakes which were heaped up before him. It +seemed to him that he should be perfectly happy if he could be permitted +to eat all he wanted of them. + +Ben knew that it was wrong to steal. He had never in his life taken what +did not belong to him, which is more than many boys can say, who have +been brought up even more comfortably than he. But the temptation now +was very strong. He knew it was not right; but he was not without +excuse. Watching his opportunity, he put his hand out quickly, and, +seizing a couple of pies, stowed them away hastily in his pocket, and +was about moving off to eat them in some place where he would not be +observed. But though the owner of the stolen articles had not observed +the theft, there was a boy hanging about the stall, possibly with the +same object in view, who did see it. + +"He's got some of your pies, old lady," said the young detective. + +The old woman looked round, and though the pies were in Ben's pocket +there was a telltale in his face which betrayed him. + +"Put back them pies, you young thafe!" said the angry pie-merchant. +"Aint you ashamed of yerself to rob a poor widdy, that has hard work to +support herself and her childers,--you that's dressed like a gentleman, +and ought to know better?" + +"Give it to him, old lady," said the hard-hearted young vagabond, who +had exposed Ben's iniquity. + +As for Ben, he had not a word to say. In spite of his hunger, he was +overwhelmed with confusion at having actually attempted to steal, and +been caught in the act. He was by no means a model boy; but apart from +anything which he had been taught in the Sunday school, he considered +stealing mean and discreditable, and yet he had been led into it. What +would his friends at home think of it, if they should ever hear of it? +So, as I said, he stood without a word to say in his defence, +mechanically replacing the pies on the stall. + +"I say, old lady, you'd orter give me a pie for tellin' you," said the +informer. + +"You'd have done the same, you young imp, if you'd had the chance," +answered the pie-vender, with more truth than gratitude. "Clear out, the +whole on ye. I've had trouble enough with ye." + +Ben moved off, thankful to get off so well. He had feared that he might +be handed over to the police, and this would have been the crowning +disgrace. + +But the old woman seemed satisfied with the restoration of her property, +and the expression of her indignation. The attempt upon her stock she +regarded with very little surprise, having suffered more than once +before in a similar way. + +But there was another spectator of the scene, whose attention had been +drawn to the neat attire and respectable appearance of Ben. He saw that +he differed considerably from the ordinary run of street boys. He +noticed also the flush on the boy's cheek when he was detected, and +judged that this was his first offence. Something out of the common way +must have driven him to the act. He felt impelled to follow Ben, and +learn what that something was. I may as well state here that he was a +young man of twenty-five or thereabouts, a reporter on one or more of +the great morning papers. He, like Ben, had come to the city in search +of employment, and before he secured it had suffered more hardships and +privations than he liked to remember. He was now earning a modest +income, sufficient to provide for his wants, and leave a surplus over. +He had seen much of suffering and much of crime in his daily walks about +the city, but his heart had not become hardened, nor his sympathies +blunted. He gave more in proportion to his means than many rich men who +have a reputation for benevolence. + +Ben had walked but a few steps, when he felt a hand upon his shoulder. + +Looking round hastily, he met the gaze of the young man. He had thought +at first it might be a policeman, and he felt relieved when he saw his +mistake. + +"You are the boy who just now took a couple of pies from a stall?" said +the reporter. + +"Yes," said Ben, hesitatingly, his face crimsoning as he spoke. + +"Do you mind telling me why you did so?" + +There was something in his tone which reassured Ben, and he determined +to tell the truth frankly. + +"I have eaten nothing to-day," he said. + +"You never took anything before?" + +"No," said Ben, quickly. + +"I suppose you had no money to buy with?" + +"No, I had not." + +"How does it happen that a boy as well dressed as you are, are in such a +position?" + +"I would rather not tell," said Ben. + +"Have you run away from home?" + +"Yes; I had a good reason," he added, quickly. + +"What do you propose to do? You must earn your living in some way, or +starve." + +"I thought I might get a place in a store; but I have tried half a +dozen, and they won't take me." + +"No, your chance will be small, unless you can bring good references. +But you must be hungry." + +"I am," Ben admitted. + +"That can be remedied, at all events. I am just going to get some +dinner; will you go with me?" + +"I have no money." + +"I have, and that will answer the purpose for this time. We will go back +to Fulton Street." + +Ben turned back thankfully, and with his companion entered the very +restaurant in which he had dined the day before. + +"If you are faint, soup will be the best thing for you to begin on," +said the young man; and he gave an order to the waiter. + +Nothing had ever seemed more delicious to Ben than that soup. When he +had done justice to it, a plate of beefsteak awaited him, which also +received his attention. Then he was asked to select some dessert. + +"I am afraid you are spending too much for me," he said. + +"Don't be afraid of that; I am glad that you have a good appetite." + +At length the dinner was over. Ben felt decidedly better. His +despondency had vanished, and the world again seemed bright to him. It +is hard to be cheerful, or take bright views of life on an empty +stomach, as many have learned beside our young adventurer. + +"Now," said his new-found friend, "I have a few minutes to spare. +Suppose we talk over your plans and prospects, and see if we can find +anything for you to do." + +"Thank you," said Ben; "I wish you would give me your advice." + +"My advice is that you return to your home, if you have one," said the +reporter. + +Ben shook his head. + +"I don't want to do that," he answered. + +"I don't, of course, know what is your objection to this, which seems to +me the best course. Putting it aside, however, we will consider what you +can do here to earn your living." + +"That is what I want to do." + +"How would you like selling papers?" + +"I think I should like it," said Ben; "but I have no money to buy any." + +"It doesn't require a very large capital. I will lend you, or give you, +the small amount which will be necessary. However, you mustn't expect +to make a very large income." + +"If I can make enough to live on, I won't care," said Ben. + +He had at first aimed higher; but his short residence in the city taught +him that he would be fortunate to meet his expenses. There are a good +many besides Ben who have found their early expectations of success +considerably modified by experience. + +"Let me see. It is half-past one o'clock," said the reporter, drawing +out his watch. "You had better lay in a supply of 'Expresses' and +'Evening Posts,' and take a good stand somewhere, and do your best with +them. As you are inexperienced in the business it will be well to take a +small supply at first, or you might get 'stuck.'" + +"That's so." + +"You must not lay in more than you can sell." + +"Where can I get the papers?" + +"I will go with you to the newspaper offices, and buy you half a dozen +of each. If you succeed in selling them, you can buy more. To-morrow you +can lay in some of the morning papers, the 'Herald,' 'World,' +'Tribune,' or 'Times.' It will be well also to have a few 'Suns' for +those who do not care to pay for the higher-priced papers." + +"Thank you," said Ben, who was eager to begin his business career. + +They rose from the table, and set out for the offices of the two evening +papers whose names have been mentioned. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +BEN COMMENCES HIS BUSINESS CAREER. + + +Ben soon took his stand in the street, with a roll of papers under his +arm, supplied by the generosity of his new acquaintance. It was rather a +trying ordeal for a country boy, new to the city and its ways. But Ben +was not bashful. He was not a timid boy, but was fully able to push his +way. So, glancing at the telegraphic headings, he began to call out the +news in a business-like way. He had already taken notice of how the +other newsboys acted, and therefore was at no loss how to proceed. + +He met with very fair success, selling out the twelve papers which had +been bought for him, in a comparatively short time. It might have been +that the fact that he was neater and better dressed operated in his +favor. At any rate, though a new hand, he succeeded better than those +who were older in the business. + +But his neat dress operated to his disadvantage in another quarter. His +business rivals, who were, with scarcely an exception, dressed with no +great pretensions to style or neatness, looked upon the interloper with +a jealous eye. They regarded him as "stuck up," in virtue of his +superior dress, and were indignant to find their sales affected by his +competition. + +"Who's he? Ever seen him afore?" asked Tim Banks of a newsboy at his +side. + +"No; he's a new chap." + +"What business has he got to come here and steal away our trade, I'd +like to know?" continued Tim, eying Ben with no friendly glance. + +At that moment a gentleman, passing Tim, bought an "Evening Post" of +Ben. It was the third paper that Ben had sold since Tim had effected a +sale. This naturally increased his indignation. + +"He's puttin' on airs just because he's got good clo'es," said the other +newsboy, who shared Tim's feelings on the subject. + +"Let's shove him out," suggested Tim. + +"All right." + +Tim, who was a boy of twelve, with a shock head, which looked as if it +had never been combed, and a suit of clothes which bore the marks of +severe usage, advanced to Ben, closely followed by his confederate, who +had agreed to back him. + +Ben had just sold his last paper when the two approached him. He did not +understand their object until Tim, swaggering up to him, said +offensively, "You'd better clear out; you aint wanted here." + +Ben turned and faced his ragged opponent with intrepidity. + +"Why aint I wanted here?" he inquired, without manifesting the least +symptom of alarm. + +Tim rather anticipated that Ben would show the white feather, and was a +little surprised at his calmness. + +"Cause yer aint, that's why," he answered. + +"If you don't like my company, you can go somewhere else," said Ben. + +"This is _my_ place," said Tim. "You aint got no right to push in." + +"If it's your place, how much did you pay for it?" asked Ben. "I thought +that the sidewalk was free to all." + +"You aint got no right to interfere with my business." + +"I didn't know that I had interfered with it." + +"Well, you have. I aint sold more'n half as many papers since you've +been here." + +"You've got the same chance as I have," said Ben. "I didn't tell them +not to buy of you." + +"Well, you aint wanted here, and you'd better make tracks," said Tim, +who considered this the best argument of all. + +"Suppose I don't," said Ben. + +"Then I'll give you a lickin'." + +Ben surveyed the boy who uttered this threat, in the same manner that a +general would examine an opposing force, with a view to ascertain his +strength and ability to cope with him. It was clear that Tim was taller +than himself, and doubtless older. As to being stronger, Ben did not +feel so positive. He was himself well and compactly made, and strong of +his age. He did not relish the idea of being imposed upon, and prepared +to resist any encroachment upon his rights. He did not believe that Tim +had any right to order him off. He felt that the sidewalk was just as +free to him as to any other boy, and he made up his mind to assert and +maintain his right. + +"If you want to give me a licking, just try it," he said. "I've got just +as much right to stand here and sell papers as you have, and I'm going +to do it." + +"You needn't be so stuck up jest because you've got good clo'es on." + +"If they are good, I can't help it," said Ben. "They're all I have, and +they won't be good long." + +"Maybe I could get good clo'es if I'd steal em," said Tim. + +"Do you mean to say I stole these?" retorted Ben, angrily. He had no +sooner said it, however, than he thought of the pies which he should +have stolen if he had not been detected, and his face flushed. Luckily +Tim did not know why his words produced an effect upon Ben, or he would +have followed up his attack. + +"Yes, I do," said Tim. + +"Then you judge me by yourself," said Ben, "that's all I've got to say." + +"Say that ag'in," said Tim, menacingly. + +"So I will, if you want to hear it. You judge me by yourself." + +"I'll give you a lickin'." + +"You've said that before." + +Tim was not particularly brave. Still Ben was a smaller boy, and besides +he had a friend at hand to back him, so he concluded that it would be +safe to venture. Doubling up a dirty fist, he struck out, intending to +hit Ben in the face; but our young adventurer was on his guard, and +fended off the blow with his arms. + +"Will yer go now?" demanded Tim, pausing after his attack. + +"Why should I?" + +"If you don't I'll give you another lick." + +"I can stand it, if it isn't any worse than that." + +Tim was spurred by this to renew the assault. He tried to throw his arms +around Ben, and lift him from the ground, which would enable him to +throw him with greater ease. But Ben was wary, and experienced in this +mode of warfare, having often had scuffles in fun with his +school-fellows. He evaded Tim's grasp, therefore, and dealt him a blow +in the breast, which made Tim stagger back. He began to realize that +Ben, though a smaller boy, was a formidable opponent, and regretted that +he had undertaken a contest with him. He was constrained to appeal to +his companion for assistance. + +"Just lend a hand, Jack, and we'll give it to him." + +"So you have to ask help," said Ben, scornfully, "though you're bigger +than I am." + +"I could lick yer well enough alone," said Tim, "but you've been +interferin' with Jack's business, as well as mine." + +Jack responded to his friend's appeal, and the two advanced to the +assault of Ben. Of course all this took place much more quickly than it +has taken to describe it. The contest commenced, and our young +adventurer would have got the worst of it, if help had not arrived. +Though a match for either of the boys singly, he could not be expected +to cope with both at a time, especially as he was smaller than either. + +Tim found himself seized forcibly by the arm, just as he was about to +level a blow at Ben. Looking up, he met the glance of another newsboy, a +boy of fourteen, who was known among his comrades as "Rough and Ready." +This boy was stout and strong, and was generally liked by those of his +class for his generous qualities, as well as respected for his physical +strength, which he was always ready to exert in defence of a weaker boy. + +"What's all this, Tim?" he demanded. "Aint you ashamed, the two of you, +to pitch into a smaller boy?" + +"He aint got no business here," said Tim, doggedly. + +"Why not?" + +"He's takin' away all our trade." + +"Hasn't he just as much right to sell papers as you?" + +"He can go somewhere else." + +"So can you." + +"He's a new boy. This is the first day he's sold papers." + +"Then you ought to be able to keep up with him. What's your name, young +un?" + +This question was, of course, addressed to Ben. + +"Ben," answered our young hero. He did not think it necessary to mention +his other name, especially as, having run away from home, he had a +vague idea that it might lead to his discovery. + +"Well, Ben, go ahead and sell your papers. I'll see that you have fair +play." + +"Thank you," said Ben. "I'm not afraid of either of them." + +"Both of them might be too much for you." + +"I don't want to interfere with their business. They've got just as good +a chance to sell as I have." + +"Of course they have. Is this your first day?" + +"Yes." + +"How many papers have you sold?" + +"Six 'Posts' and six 'Expresses.'" + +"That's pretty good for a beginning. Are you going to get some more?" + +"Yes, I was just going into the office when that boy," pointing to Tim, +"tried to drive me off." + +"He won't do it again. Come in with me. I'm going to buy some papers +too." + +"What's your name?" asked Ben. "I like you; you're not mean, like those +fellows." + +"My name is Rufus, but the boys call me Rough and Ready." + +"Where do you live,--at the Newsboys' Lodging House?" + +"No, I live in Leonard Street. I've got a mother and a little sister. I +live with them." + +"Have you got a father?" + +"No, that is, not a real father. I've got a step-father; but he's worse +than none, for he is loafing round most of the time, and spends all the +money he can get on drink. If it wasn't for me, he'd treat mother worse +than he does. How long have you been in New York?" + +"Only a day or two," said Ben. + +"Where are you living?" + +"Anywhere I can. I haven't got any place." + +"Where did you sleep last night?" + +"In a hay-barge, at one of the piers, along with a boot-black named +Jerry. That was the first night I ever slept out." + +"How did you like it?" + +"I think I'd prefer a bed," said Ben. + +"You can get one at the Lodge for six cents." + +"I didn't have six cents last night." + +"They'll trust you there, and you can pay next time." + +"Where is the Lodging House?" + +"It's on the corner of this street and Fulton," said Rough and Ready. +"I'll show it to you, if you want me to." + +"I'd like to have you. I'd rather pay six cents than sleep out again." + +By this time they reached the office of the "Express," and, entering, +purchased a supply of papers. He was about to invest his whole capital, +but, by the advice of his companion, bought only eight copies, as by the +time these were disposed of a later edition would be out, which of +course would be more salable. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +SCENES AT THE NEWSBOYS' LODGING HOUSE. + + +It will be unnecessary to give in detail the record of Ben's sales. He +succeeded, because he was in earnest, and he was in earnest, because his +own experience in the early part of the day had revealed to him how +uncomfortable it was to be without money or friends in a large city. At +seven o'clock, on counting over his money, he found that he had a dollar +and twelve cents. Of this sum he had received half a dollar from the +friendly reporter, to start him in business. This left sixty-two cents +as his net profits for the afternoon's work. Ben felt proud of it, for +it was the first money he had ever earned. His confidence came back to +him, and he thought he saw his way clear to earning his own living. + +Although the reporter had not exacted repayment, Ben determined to lay +aside fifty cents for that purpose. Of the remaining sixty-two, a part +must be saved as a fund for the purchase of papers the next morning. +Probably thirty cents would be sufficient for this, as, after selling +out those first purchased, he would have money for a new supply. This +would leave him thirty-two cents to pay for his supper, lodging, and +breakfast. Ben would not have seen his way to accomplish all this for so +small a sum, if he had not been told that at the Newsboys' Lodge the +regular charge was six cents for each meal, and the same for lodging. +This would make but eighteen cents, leaving him a surplus of fourteen. +On inquiry, however, he ascertained that it was already past the hour +for supper at the Lodge, and therefore went into the restaurant, on +Fulton Street, where he ordered a cup of coffee, and a plate of +tea-biscuit. These cost ten cents. Finding his appetite still +unsatisfied, he ordered another plate of biscuit, which carried up the +expense of his supper to fifteen cents. This left seventeen cents for +lodging and breakfast. + +After supper, he went out into the street once more, and walked about +for some time, until he began to feel tired, when he turned his steps +towards the Newsboys' Lodge. This institution occupied at that time the +two upper stories of the building at the corner of Nassau and Fulton +Streets. On the first floor was the office of the "Daily Sun." The +entrance to the Lodge was on Fulton Street. Ben went up a steep and +narrow staircase, and kept mounting up until he reached the sixth floor. +Here to the left he saw a door partially opened, through which he could +see a considerable number of boys, whose appearance indicated that they +belonged to the class known as street boys. He pushed the door open and +entered. He found himself in a spacious, but low-studded apartment, +abundantly lighted by rows of windows on two sides. At the end nearest +the door was a raised platform, on which stood a small melodeon, which +was used at the Sunday-evening meetings. There were rows of benches in +the centre of the apartment for the boys. + +A stout, pleasant-looking man, who proved to be Mr. O'Connor, the +superintendent, advanced to meet Ben, whom he at once recognized as a +new-comer. + +"Is this the Newsboys' Lodge?" asked Ben. + +"Yes," said the superintendent; "do you wish to stop with us?" + +"I should like to sleep here to-night," said Ben. + +"You are quite welcome." + +"How much do you charge?" + +"Our charge is six cents." + +"Here is the money," said Ben, drawing it from his vest-pocket. + +"What is your name?" + +"Benjamin." + +"And your other name?" + +"Brandon," answered Ben, with some hesitation. + +"What do you do for a living?" + +"I am selling papers." + +"Well, we will assign you a bed." + +"Where are the beds?" asked Ben, looking about him. + +"They are on the floor below. Any of the boys will go down and show you +when you get ready to retire." + +"Can I get breakfast here in the morning?" inquired Ben. + +"Certainly. We charge the same as for lodging." + +Ben handed over six cents additional, and congratulated himself that he +was not as badly off as the night before, being sure of a comfortable +bed, and a breakfast in the morning. + +"What are those for?" he asked, pointing to a row of drawers or lockers +on the sides of the apartment near the floor. + +"Boys who have any extra clothing, or any articles which they value, are +allowed to use them. Here they are safe, as they can be locked. We will +assign you one if you wish." + +"I have nothing to put away," said Ben. "I had a little bundle of +clothes; but they were stolen from me while I was lying asleep on a +bench in the City Hall Park." + +"I suppose you don't know who took them?" + +"No," said Ben; "but I think it was some of the boys that were blacking +boots near me.--That boy's got one of them on," he said, suddenly, in an +excited tone, pointing out Mike, the younger of the two boys who had +appropriated his bundle. Mike had locked up his own shirt, which was +considerably the worse for wear, and put on Ben's, which gave him a +decidedly neater appearance than before. He had thought himself +perfectly safe in doing so, not dreaming that he would be brought face +to face with the true owner in the Lodge. + +"What makes you think it is yours?" asked Mr. O'Connor. + +"It is cut like mine," said Ben. "Besides I remember getting a large +spot of ink on one of the sleeves, which would not wash out. There it +is, on the left arm." + +As Ben had said, there was a faint bluish spot on the sleeve of the +shirt. This made Ben's story a plausible one, though not conclusive. The +superintendent decided to inquire of Mike about the matter, and see what +explanation he could give. + +"Mike Rafferty," he said, in a tone of authority, "come here; I want +you." + +Mike came forward, but when he saw Ben, whom he recognized, he felt a +little taken aback. But he had not been brought up in the streets for +nothing. His embarrassment was only momentary. He determined to brazen +it out, and swear, if anything was said about the shirt, that it was his +own lawful property. + +"I see you've got a new shirt on, Mike," said Mr. O'Connor. + +"Yes, sir," said Mike. + +"Where did you get it?" + +"Where would I get it?" said Mike. "I bought it yesterday." + +"Where did you buy it?" + +"Round in Baxter Street," said Mike, confidently. + +"It is a pretty good shirt for Baxter Street," remarked Mr. O'Connor. +"How much did you pay for it?" + +"Fifty cents," answered Mike, glibly. + +"This may all be true, Mike," said the superintendent; "but I am not +certain about it. This boy here says it is his shirt, and he thinks that +you stole it from him while he was lying asleep in City Hall Park +yesterday." + +"It's a lie he's tellin', sir," said Mike. "I never seed him afore." + +Here seemed to be a conflict of evidence. Of the two Ben seemed the more +likely to tell the truth. Still it was possible that he might be +mistaken, and Mike might be right after all. + +"Have you any other proof that the shirt is yours?" asked Mr. O'Connor, +turning to Ben. + +"Yes," said Ben, "my name is marked on the shirt, just below the waist." + +"We can settle the matter quickly then. Mike, pull out the shirt, so +that we can see it." + +Mike made some objection, which was quickly overruled. The shirt, being +examined, bore the name of "Benj. Brandon," just as Ben had said. + +"The shirt is yours," said the superintendent to Ben. + +"Now, Mike, what did you mean by telling me that lie? It was bad enough +to steal, without adding a lie besides." + +"I bought the shirt in Baxter Street," persisted Mike, unblushingly. + +"Then how do you account for his name on it?" + +"Maybe he sold it to the man I bought it of." + +"I didn't sell it at all," said Ben. + +"Was that all you had taken?" + +"No," said Ben. "There was another shirt besides." + +"Do you know anything about it, Mike?" + +"No, I don't," said Mike. + +"I don't know whether you are telling the truth or not," said the +superintendent; "but at any rate you must take this off, and give it to +the right owner." + +"And will he pay me the fifty cents?" asked Mike. + +"I don't think you bought it at all; but if you did, you can prove it by +the man you bought it of. If you can do that, I will see that the money +is refunded to you." + +There was one strong reason for discrediting Mike's story. These +Baxter-Street shops are often the receptacles of stolen goods. As their +identification might bring the dealers into trouble, they are very +careful, as soon as an article comes into their possession, to +obliterate all the marks of former ownership. It was hardly likely that +they would suffer a shirt to go out of their hands so plainly marked as +was the case in the present instance. Mr. O'Connor, of course, knew +this, and accordingly had very little fear that he was doing injustice +to Mike in ordering him to make restitution to Ben. + +Mike was forced, considerably against his will, to take off the new +shirt, and put on his old ragged one. But the former was no longer as +clean as formerly. + +"Where can I get it washed?" asked Ben. + +"You can wash it yourself, in the wash-room, or you can carry it to a +laundry, as some of the boys do, if you are willing to pay for it." + +"I think I would rather carry it to a laundry," said Ben, who doubted +strongly his ability to wash the shirt so as to improve its appearance. +The superintendent accordingly gave him the direction to one of these +establishments. + +Opposite the room which he had entered was a smaller room used by the +boys as a gymnasium. Ben looked into it, and determined to use it on +some future occasion. He next went into the wash-room. Here he saw two +or three boys, stripped to the waist, engaged in washing out their +shirts. Being provided with but a single one each, they left them to dry +over night while they were in bed, and could dispense with them. Ben +wondered how they managed about ironing them; but he soon found that +with these amateur laundresses ironing was not considered necessary. +They are put on rough-dry in the morning, and so worn until they are +considered dirty enough for another purification. + +Ben looked about him with interest. The boys were chatting in an +animated manner, detailing their experiences during the day, or +"chaffing" each other in a style peculiar to themselves. + +"Say, Jim," said one, "didn't I see you at the Grand Opera last night?" + +"Yes, of course you did," said Jim. "I was in a private box along with +the mayor. I had a di'mond pin in the bosom of my shirt." + +"Yes, I seed you through my opera-glass. What have you done with your +di'mond pin?" + +"Do you think I'd bring it here to be stole? No, I keep it in my safe, +along of my other valooables." + +Ben listened in amusement, and thought that Jim would have cut rather a +singular figure in the mayor's box. + +Several boys, who had gone barefoot, were washing their feet, that being +required previous to going to bed. This is necessary; otherwise the +clean bed-clothes would be so soiled as to require daily washing. + +The boys seemed to be having a good time, and then, though he was +unacquainted with any of them, felt that it was much pleasanter to be +here, in a social atmosphere, than wandering around by himself in the +dark and lonely streets. He observed one thing with surprise, that the +boys refrained from profane or vulgar speech, though they were by no +means so particular in the street during the day. This is, however, a +rule strictly enforced by the superintendent, and, if not complied with, +the offender is denied the privilege of the Lodging House. + +After a while Ben expressed a desire to go to bed, and in company with +one of the boys descended to a room equally large, in the story below, +where over a hundred single beds were arranged in tiers, in a manner +very similar to the berths of a steamboat. Ben was agreeably surprised +by the neat and comfortable appearance of these beds. He felt that he +should be nearly as well provided for as at home. Quickly undressing +himself, he jumped into the bed assigned him, and in a few minutes was +fast asleep. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +FURTHER EXPERIENCES. + + +Ben had a comfortable night's rest, and when he awoke in the morning he +felt that a bed at the Newsboys' Lodge was considerably better than a +bale of cotton, or a hay-barge. At an early hour in the morning the boys +were called, and began to tumble out in all directions, interchanging, +as they performed their hasty toilet, a running fire of "chaff" and +good-humored jesting, some of which consisted of personal allusions the +reverse of complimentary. + +Many of the boys stopped to breakfast, but not all. Some wanted to get +to work earlier, and took breakfast at a later hour at some cheap +restaurant, earning it before they ate it. Ben, however, had paid for +his breakfast in advance, knowing that he could not get it so cheap +elsewhere, and so waited to partake of it. He took his place at a long +table with his companions, and found himself served with a bowl of +coffee and a generous slice of bread. Sometimes, but not always, a +little cold meat is supplied in addition. But even when there is bread +only, the coffee warms the stomach, and so strengthens the boys for +their labors outside. The breakfast was not as varied, of course, as Ben +had been accustomed to at home, nor as tempting as my young readers have +spread before them every morning; but it was good of its kind, and Ben +ate it with unusual relish. + +When he had finished his meal, he prepared to go out to work; not, +however, till the superintendent, whose recollection of individual boys +is surprising, considering the large number who frequent the Lodging +House in the course of a year, had invited him to come again. The +Lodging House, though it cannot supply the place of a private home, +steps between hundreds of boys and complete vagabondage, into which, but +for its existence, they would quickly lapse. Probably no money is more +wisely expended than that which enables the Children's Aid Society of +New York to maintain this and kindred institutions. + +Ben had, after breakfast, eighty-five cents to commence the day on. But +of this sum, it will be remembered, he had reserved fifty cents to pay +the friendly reporter for his loan. This left him a working capital of +thirty-five cents. It was not a large sum to do business on, but it was +enough, and with it Ben felt quite independent. + +In front of the 'Times' office, Ben met Rough and Ready,--the newsboy +who had taken his part the day before. He had got the start of Ben, and +was just disposing of his only remaining paper. + +"How are you?" asked Ben. + +"So's to be around," answered the other. "What are you up to?" + +"I'm going to buy some papers." + +"I have sold eight already. Where did you sleep last night?" + +"At the Lodging House." + +"How do you like it?" + +"It's a good place, and very cheap." + +"Yes, it's a bully place. I'd go there myself, if it wasn't for mother +and Rose. It's enough sight better than our room on Leonard Street. But +I can't leave my mother and sister." + +"If you're going to buy some more papers, I'd like to go with you." + +"All right. Come ahead." + +Ben invested his money under the direction of his companion. By his +advice, he purchased nearly to the amount of his entire capital, knowing +that it would come back to him again, so that his plan for paying the +reporter could still be carried out. + +"You can stand near me, if you want to, Ben," said Rough and Ready. + +"I am afraid I shall interfere with your trade," answered Ben. + +"Don't be afraid of that. I don't ask no favors. I can get my share of +business." + +Ben, while engaged in selling papers himself, had an opportunity to +watch the ready tact with which Rough and Ready adapted himself to the +different persons whom he encountered. He succeeded in effecting a sale +in many cases where others would have failed. He had sold all his papers +before Ben had disposed of two-thirds of his, though both began with an +equal number. + +"Here, Ben," he said, generously, "give me three of your papers, I'll +sell 'em for you." + +By this friendly help, Ben found himself shortly empty-handed. + +"Shall I buy any more?" he inquired of his companion. + +"It's gettin' late for mornin' papers," said Rough and Ready. "You'd +better wait till the evenin' papers come out. How much money have you +made?" + +Ben counted over his money, and answered, "I've made thirty-five cents." + +"Well, that'll be more'n enough to buy your dinner." + +"How much do you make in a day?" asked Ben. + +"Sometimes over a dollar." + +"You ought to lay up money, then." + +Rough and Ready shook his head. + +"I have to pay everything over to my mother," he said. "It's little +enough to support a family." + +"Doesn't your father earn anything?" + +"My _step_-father," repeated the other, emphasizing the first syllable. +"No, he doesn't earn much, and what he does earn, he spends for rum. We +could do a great deal better without him," he continued. + +Ben began to see that he had a much easier task before him in supporting +himself, than his new friend in supplying the wants of a family of four; +for Mr. Martin, his step-father, did not scruple to live partially on +the earnings of his step-son, whose industry should have put him to +shame. + +"I guess I'll go home a little while," said Rough and Ready. "I'll see +you again this afternoon." + +Left to himself, Ben began to walk around with an entirely different +feeling from that which he experienced the day before. He had one dollar +and twenty cents in his pocket; not all of it his own, but the greater +part of it his own earnings. Only twenty-four hours before his prospects +seemed very dark. Now he had found friends, and he had also learned how +to help himself. + +As he was walking down Nassau Street, he suddenly espied, a little +distance ahead, the reporter who had done him such an important service +the day before. + +He quickened his pace, and speedily came up with him. + +"Good-morning," said he, by way of calling the reporter's attention. + +"Good-morning," responded the reporter, not at first recognizing him. + +"I'm ready to pay the money you lent me yesterday," said Ben. + +"Oh, you're the boy I set up in business yesterday. Well, how have you +made out?" + +"Pretty well," said Ben, with satisfaction. "Here's the money you lent +me;" and he drew out fifty cents, and offered it to the young man. + +"But have you got any money left?" inquired the reporter. + +Ben displayed the remainder of his money, mentioning the amount. + +"You've succeeded capitally. Where did you sleep last night?" + +"At the Newsboys' Lodge." + +"That's better than sleeping out. I begin to think, my young friend, you +must have a decided business talent. It isn't often a new boy succeeds +so well." + +Ben was pleased with this compliment, and made a new offer of the money, +which the young man had not yet taken. + +"I don't know as I had better take this money," said the reporter; "you +may need it." + +"No," said Ben, "I've got enough to keep me along." + +"You've got to get dinner." + +"That won't cost me more than twenty-five cents; then I shall have +forty-five to buy papers this afternoon." + +"Well," said the young man, "if you don't need it, I will take it; but +on one condition." + +"What is that?" asked Ben. + +"That if you get hard up at any time, you will come to me, and I will +help you out." + +"Thank you," said Ben, gratefully. "You are very kind." + +"I know that you boys are apt to have hard times; but if you work +faithfully and don't form any bad habits, I think you will get along. +Here is my card, and directions for finding me, if you need any +assistance at any time." + +Ben took the card, and went on his way, feeling more glad that he had +paid his debt than if the money were still in his possession. He felt +that it was a partial atonement for the theft which he had nearly +committed the day before. + +As he walked along, thinking of what he had just done, he suddenly found +himself shoved violently off the sidewalk. Looking angrily to see who +was the aggressor, he recognized Mike Rafferty, who had been detected +the night before in wearing his stolen shirt. + +"What's that for?" demanded Ben, angrily. + +"It's to tache you better manners, ye spalpeen!" said Mike. + +Ben returned the blow with spirit. + +"That's to teach you not to steal my shirt again," he said. + +"It's a lie," said Mike. "I bought it of the man you sold it to." + +"You know better," retorted Ben. "You took it while I was asleep in the +Park." + +Mike was about to retaliate with another blow, when the sight of an +approaching policeman warned him of peril, and he retreated in good +order, sending back looks of defiance at our hero, whom he could not +forgive for having proved him guilty of theft. + +Ben's exploration of the city had thus far been very limited. He had +heard of the Battery, and he determined to go down there. The distance +was not great, and in a few minutes he found himself at the lower end of +the Manhattan Island, looking with interest at the shores across the +river. Here was Castle Garden, a large structure, now used for recently +arrived emigrants, but once the scene of one of Jenny Lind's triumphs. +Now it would seem very strange to have a grand concert given in such a +building and in such a locality. However, Ben knew nothing of the +purposes of the building, and looked at it ignorantly. The Battery he +thought might once have been pretty; but now the grass has been worn off +by pedestrians, and the once fashionable houses in the neighborhood have +long ago been deserted by their original proprietors, and been turned +into warehouses, or cheap boarding-houses. + +After looking about a little, Ben turned to go back. He began to feel +hungry, and thought he might as well get some dinner. After that was +eaten it would be time for the evening papers. He was intending to go +back to Fulton Street; but his attention was drawn to a restaurant by +the bills of fare exposed outside. A brief examination satisfied him +that the prices were quite as moderate as in Fulton Street, and he +decided to enter, and take his dinner here. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +BEN BECOMES A BAGGAGE-SMASHER. + + +The restaurant was a small one, and not fashionable in appearance, +having a shabby look. The floor was sanded, and the tables were covered +with soiled cloths. However, Ben had learned already not to be +fastidious, and he sat down and gave his order. A plate of roast beef +and a cup of coffee were brought, according to his directions. Seated +opposite him at the table was a man who had nearly completed his dinner +as Ben commenced. He held in his hand a Philadelphia paper, which he +left behind when he rose to go. + +"You have left your paper," said Ben. + +"I have read it through," was the reply. "I don't care to take it." + +Ben took it up, and found it to be a daily paper which his father had +been accustomed to take for years. It gave him a start, as he saw the +familiar page, and he felt a qualm of homesickness. The neat house in +which he had lived since he was born, his mother's gentle face, rose up +before him, compared with his present friendless condition, and the +tears rose to his eyes. But he was in a public restaurant, and his pride +came to the rescue. He pressed back the tears, and resumed his knife and +fork. + +When he had finished his dinner, he took up the paper once more, reading +here and there. At last his eye rested on the following advertisement:-- + + "My son, Benjamin Brandon, having run away from home without any good + reason, I hereby caution the public against trusting him on my + account; but will pay the sum of one dollar and necessary expenses to + any person who will return him to me. He is ten years old, well grown + for his age, has dark eyes and a dark complexion. He was dressed in a + gray-mixed suit, and had on a blue cap when he left home. + + "JAMES BRANDON." + +Ben's face flushed when he read this advertisement. It was written by +his father, he knew well enough, and he judged from the language that it +was written in anger. _One dollar_ was offered for his restoration. + +Ben felt somehow humiliated at the smallness of the sum, and at the +thought that this advertisement would be read by his friends and +school-companions. The softer thoughts, which but just now came to him, +were banished, and he determined, whatever hardships awaited him, to +remain in New York, and support himself as he had begun to do. But, +embittered as he felt against his father, he felt a pang when he thought +of his mother. He knew how anxious she would feel about him, and he +wished he might be able to write her privately that he was well, and +doing well. But he was afraid the letter would get into his father's +hands, and reveal his whereabouts; then the police might be set on his +track, and he might be forced home to endure the humiliation of a severe +punishment, and the jeers of his companions, who would never let him +hear the last of his abortive attempt. + +At last a way occurred to him. He would write a letter, and place it in +the hands of some one going to Philadelphia, to be posted in the latter +city. This would give no clue to his present home, and would answer the +purpose of relieving his mother's anxiety. + +Late in the afternoon, Ben went into a stationery store on Nassau +Street. + +"Will you give me a sheet of paper, and an envelope?" he asked, +depositing two cents on the counter. + +The articles called for were handed him. + +"Can I write a letter here?" inquired Ben. + +"You can go round to that desk," said the clerk; "you will find pen and +ink there." + +Ben, with some difficulty, composed and wrote the following letter, for +it was the first he had ever had occasion to write:-- + + "DEAR MOTHER,--I hope you will not feel very bad because I have left + home. Father punished me for what I did not do, and after that I was + not willing to stay; but I wish I could see you. Don't feel anxious + about me, for I am getting along very well, and earning my own living. + I cannot tell you where I am, for father might find out, and I do not + want to come back, especially after that advertisement. I don't think + my going will make much difference to father, as he has only offered + one dollar reward for me. You need not show this letter to him. I + send you my love, and I also send my love to Mary, though she used to + tease me sometimes. And now I must bid you good-by. + + "From your affectionate son, + + "BEN." + +After completing this letter Ben put it in the envelope, and directed it +to + + "MRS. RUTH BRANDON, + + "_Cedarville,_ + + "_Pennsylvania._" + +It may be explained that the Mary referred to was an elder sister, ten +years older than Ben, against whom he felt somewhat aggrieved, on +account of his sister's having interfered with him more than he thought +she had any right to do. She and Ben were the only children. + +If I were to express my opinion of this letter of Ben's, I should say +that it was wanting in proper feeling for the mother who had always been +kind and gentle to him, and whose heart, he must have known, would be +deeply grieved by his running away from home. But Ben's besetting sin +was pride, mingled with obstinacy, and pride prevailed over his love +for his mother. If he could have known of the bitter tears which his +mother was even now shedding over her lost boy, I think he would have +found it difficult to maintain his resolution. + +When the letter was written, Ben went across to the post-office, and +bought a three-cent stamp, which he placed on the envelope. Then, +learning that there was an evening train for Philadelphia, he went down +to the Cortlandt Street Ferry, and watched till he saw a gentleman, who +had the air of a traveller. Ben stepped up to him and inquired, "Are you +going to Philadelphia, sir?" + +"Yes, my lad," was the answer; "are you going there also?" + +"No, sir." + +"I thought you might want somebody to take charge of you. Is there +anything I can do for you?" + +"Yes, sir. If you would be so kind as to post this letter in +Philadelphia." + +"I will do so; but why don't you post it in New York? It will go just as +well." + +"The person who wrote it," said Ben, "doesn't want to have it known +where it came from." + +"Very well, give it to me, and I will see that it is properly mailed." + +The gentleman took the letter, and Ben felt glad that it was written. He +thought it would relieve his mother's anxiety. + +As he was standing on the pier, a gentleman having a carpet-bag in one +hand, and a bundle of books in the other, accosted him. + +"Can you direct me to the Astor House, boy?" + +"Yes, sir," said Ben. + +Then, with a sudden thought, he added, "Shall I carry your carpet-bag, +sir?" + +"On the whole I think you may," said the gentleman. "Or stay, I think +you may take this parcel of books." + +"I can carry both, sir." + +"No matter about that. I will carry the bag, and you shall be my guide." + +Ben had not yet had time to get very well acquainted with the city; but +the Astor House, which is situated nearly opposite the lower end of the +City Hall Park, he had passed a dozen times, and knew the way to it +very well. He was glad that the gentleman wished to go there, and not to +one of the up-town hotels, of which he knew nothing. He went straight up +Cortlandt Street to Broadway, and then turning north, soon arrived at +the massive structure, which, for over thirty years, has welcomed +travellers from all parts of the world. + +"This is the Astor House, sir," said Ben. + +"I remember it now," said the gentleman; "but it is ten years since I +have been in New York, and I did not feel quite certain of finding my +way. Do you live in New York?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"You may give me the package now. How much shall I pay you for your +services?" + +"Whatever you please, sir," said Ben. + +"Will that answer?" and the traveller placed twenty-five cents in the +hands of our young hero. + +"Yes, sir," said Ben, in a tone of satisfaction. "Thank you." + +The traveller entered the hotel, and Ben remained outside, +congratulating himself upon his good luck. + +"That's an easy way to earn twenty five cents," he thought. "It didn't +take me more than fifteen minutes to come up from the ferry, and I +should have to sell twenty-five papers to make so much." + +This sum, added to what he had made during the day by selling papers, +and including what he had on hand originally, made one dollar and thirty +cents. But out of this he had spent twenty-five cents for dinner, and +for his letter, including postage, five cents. Thus his expenses had +been thirty cents, which, being deducted, left him just one dollar. Out +of this, however, it would be necessary to buy some supper, and pay for +his lodging and breakfast at the Newsboys' Home. Fifteen cents, however, +would do for the first, while the regular charge for the second would be +but twelve cents. Ben estimated, therefore, that he would have +seventy-three cents to start on next day. He felt that this was a +satisfactory state of finances, and considered whether he could not +afford to spend a little more for supper. However, not feeling very +hungry, he concluded not to do so. + +The next morning he bought papers as usual and sold them. But it seemed +considerably harder work, for the money, than carrying bundles. +However, Ben foresaw that in order to become a "baggage-smasher" (for +this is the technical term by which the boys and men are known, who wait +around the ferries and railway depots for a chance to carry baggage, +though I have preferred to use the term luggage boy), it would be +necessary to know more about localities in the city than he did at +present. Accordingly he devoted the intervals of time between the +selling of papers, to seeking out and ascertaining the locality of the +principal hotels and streets in the city. + +In the course of a fortnight he had obtained a very fair knowledge of +the city. He now commenced waiting at the ferries and depots, though he +did not immediately give up entirely the newspaper trade. But at length +he gave it up altogether, and became a "baggage-smasher," by profession, +or, as he is styled in the title of this book, a luggage boy. + +Thus commences a new page in his history. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +BEN'S HOME IN PHILADELPHIA. + + +Though the story of "Ben, the Luggage Boy," professes to treat of life +in the city streets, I must devote a single chapter to a very different +place. I must carry the reader to Ben's home in Pennsylvania, and show +what effect his running away had upon the family circle. + +There was a neat two-story house standing on the principal street in +Cedarville, with a pleasant lawn in front, through which, from the gate, +a gravelled walk ran to the front door. Mr. Brandon, as I have already +said, was a coal-dealer, and in very comfortable circumstances; so that +Ben had never known what it was to want anything which he really needed. +He was a man of great firmness, and at times severity, and more than +once Ben had felt aggrieved by his treatment of him. Mrs. Brandon was +quite different from her husband, being gentle and kind, and it was to +her that Ben always went for sympathy, in any trouble or difficulty, +whether at home or at school. + +Mrs. Brandon was sitting at the window with her work in her hand; but it +had fallen listlessly in her lap, and on her face was a look of painful +preoccupation. Opposite her sat her daughter Mary, Ben's only sister, +already referred to. + +"Don't worry so, mother," said Mary; "you will make yourself sick." + +"I cannot help it, Mary," said Mrs. Brandon. "I can't help worrying +about Ben. He has been gone a week now, and Heaven knows what he has +suffered. He may be dead." + +"No, mother," said Mary, who had more of her father's strength than her +mother's gentleness. "He is not dead, you may depend upon that." + +"But he had no money, that I know of. How could he live?" + +"Ben can take care of himself better than most boys of his age." + +"But think of a boy of ten going out in the world by himself!" + +"There are many boys of ten who have to do it, mother." + +"What could the poor boy do?" + +"He might suffer a little; but if he does, he will the sooner come +home." + +"I wish he might," said Mrs. Brandon, with a sigh. "I think your father +does very wrong not to go after him." + +"He wouldn't know where to go. Besides, he has advertised." + +"I hope Ben will not see the advertisement. Poor boy! he would feel hurt +to think that we cared so little for him as to offer only one dollar for +his return." + +"He will know you had nothing to do with the advertisement, mother; you +may be sure of that." + +"Yes, he knows me too well for that. I would give all I have to have him +back." + +"I want him back too," said Mary. "He is my only brother, and of course +I love him; but I don't think it will do him any harm to suffer a little +as a punishment for going away." + +"You were always hard upon the poor boy, Mary," said Mrs. Brandon. + +"No, I am not hard; but I see his faults, and I want him to correct +them. It is you who have been too indulgent." + +"If I have been, it is because you and your father have been too much +the other way." + +There was a brief pause, then Mrs. Brandon said, "Can you think of any +place, Mary, where Ben would be likely to go?" + +"Yes, I suppose he went to Philadelphia. When a boy runs away from home, +he naturally goes to the nearest city." + +"I have a great mind to go up to-morrow." + +"What good would it do, mother?" + +"I might meet him in the street." + +"There is not much chance of that. I shouldn't wonder if by this time he +had gone to sea." + +"Gone to sea!" repeated Mrs. Brandon, turning pale. "What makes you +think so? Did he ever speak of such a thing to you?" + +"Yes, he once threatened to run away to sea, when I did something that +did not suit him." + +"Oh, I hope not. I have heard that boys are treated very badly on board +ship. Besides, he might get drowned." + +"I am not sure whether a good sea-voyage might not be the best thing for +him," said strong-minded Mary. + +"But suppose he should be ill-treated?" + +"It might take the pride out of him, and make him a better boy." + +"I never get much satisfaction from you, Mary. I don't see how you can +be so harsh." + +"I see we are not likely to agree, mother. But there is a boy coming up +the walk with a letter in his hand." + +"It may be from Ben," said his mother, rising hastily, and going to the +door. + +The boy was William Gordon, a school-mate of Ben's, whose disappearance, +long before this time, had been reported throughout the village. + +"I was passing the post-office, Mrs. Brandon," he said, "when the +postmaster called from the window, and asked me to bring you this +letter. I think it is from Ben. The handwriting looks like his." + +"Oh, thank you, William," said Mrs. Brandon, joyfully. "Give it to me +quick." + +She tore it open and read the letter, which is given at length in the +last chapter. + +"Is it from Ben?" asked William. + +"Yes." + +"Is he in Philadelphia? I noticed it was mailed there." + +"Yes--no--he says he cannot tell us where he is." + +"I think he must be in Philadelphia, or the letter would not be mailed +there." + +"Come in, William. I must go and tell Mary." + +"No, thank you, Mrs. Brandon. I am on an errand for my mother. I hope +Ben is well?" + +"Yes, he says so." + +Mrs. Brandon went in, and showed the letter to her daughter. + +"There, I told you, mother, you need not be alarmed. He says he is +earning his living." + +"But it seems so hard for a boy of ten to have to work for his living. +What can he do?" + +"Oh, there are various things he can do. He might sell papers, for +instance." + +"I think I shall go to Philadelphia to-morrow, Mary." + +"It won't be of any use, you may depend, mother. He is not in +Philadelphia." + +"But this letter is posted there." + +"That is a proof to me that he is not there. He says he don't want to +come back." + +Shortly after, Mr. Brandon entered the house. + +"We have had a letter from Ben, father," said Mary. + +"Show it to me," he said, briefly. + +He read the letter, and handed it back without a word. + +"What are you going to do about it, Mr. Brandon?" asked his wife. + +"What is there to be done?" he asked. + +"I think I had better go up to Philadelphia to-morrow." + +"What for?" + +"I might see him." + +"You would be going on a wild-goose chase." + +"Then why won't you go?" + +"It isn't worth while. If the boy doesn't want to come home, he may +take care of himself if he likes it so well. I shan't run round after +him." + +"He says he did not do what you punished him for," said Mrs. Brandon, +rather deprecatingly, for she was somewhat in awe of her husband. + +"Of course he would say that. I have heard that before." + +"But I don't think he really did." + +"I know you have always been foolishly indulgent to him." + +"At any rate that cannot be said of you," said his wife, with some +spirit. + +"No," he answered, rather surprised at such an unusual manifestation +from his usually acquiescent wife; "you are right there, and you might +add that I don't mean to be, if he should return." + +"I think he would have come home but for that advertisement. You see +what he says about it in his letter." + +"If I were to write it again, I should write it in the same manner, +though perhaps I might not offer so large a sum." + +Mrs. Brandon sighed, and ceased speaking. She knew her husband well +enough to see that there was little chance of changing his +determination, or softening his anger towards Ben. + +The next day, when Mr. Brandon returned home to dinner from his +coal-wharf, he found Mary seated at the head of the table. + +"Where is your mother?" he asked. + +"She went to Philadelphia by the middle train," was the answer. + +"She has gone on a fool's errand." + +"I advised her not to go; but she thought she might meet Ben, and I +could not dissuade her." + +"Well, she will be better satisfied after she has been up--and failed to +find him." + +"Do you think he will ever come back, father?" + +"Yes; he will turn up again some day, like a bad penny. He will find +that earning his own living is not quite so agreeable as being taken +care of at home." + +"Suppose he shouldn't come back?" + +"So much the worse for him," said Mr. Brandon. + +Mr. Brandon spoke after his way of speaking, for he was not an +affectionate man, nor given to the softer emotions. He had never given +Ben any reason to think he loved him, at least since he was a baby, but +appearances are sometimes deceptive, and he thought more of his son's +absence than any one would have supposed. He thought, too, of that +sentence in Ben's letter, in which he spoke of being punished for what +he did not do, and he admitted to himself, though he would not have done +so to his wife, that perhaps he had been unjust to the boy after all. +Every day when he turned from his office to go home, it was with the +unacknowledged hope that he might find the prodigal returned. But in +this hope they were all doomed to be disappointed. Year after year +passed away, and still no tidings from Ben beyond that single letter +which we have mentioned. + +Mrs. Brandon returned from Philadelphia, as might have been anticipated, +disappointed and despondent. She was very tired, for she had wandered +about the streets, looking everywhere, during the four or five hours she +was in the city. Once or twice her heart beat high, as she saw in front +of her a boy of Ben's size, and dressed as he had been dressed when he +left home. But when, with hurrying steps she came up with him, she was +doomed, in every case, to disappointment. + +"I told you it would be no use, mother," said Mary. + +"I couldn't stay at home contented, if I did nothing to find him, Mary." + +"He'll turn up yet some day, mother,--return in rags most likely." + +"Come when he may, or how he may, Mary, my arms shall be open to receive +him." + +But the years passed, and Ben did not come. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +THE FIRST CIGAR. + + +It was a week or more after Ben started in business as a +baggage-smasher, that, in returning from carrying a carpet-bag to +Lovejoy's Hotel, on Broadway, he fell in with his first city +acquaintance, Jerry Collins. Jerry had just "polished up" a gentleman's +boots, and, having been unusually lucky this morning in securing shines, +felt disposed to be lavish. + +"How are you, Ben?" asked Jerry. "What are you up to now?" + +"I'm a baggage-smasher," answered Ben, who was beginning to adopt the +language of the streets. + +"How does it pay?" + +"Well," said Ben, "sometimes it pays first rate, when I'm lucky. Other +days I don't get much to do. I didn't make but fifteen cents this +morning. I carried a bag up to Lovejoy's, and that's all the man would +pay me." + +"I've made fifty cents this mornin'. Look here, Johnny." + +The Johnny addressed was a boy who sold cigars, four for ten cents. + +"I'll take two," said Jerry, producing five cents. + +"Six cents for two," said the cigar boy. + +"All right, I'll owe you the other cent," said Jerry, coolly. + +"Do you smoke?" inquired Ben. + +"In course I do. Don't you?" + +"No." + +"Why don't you?" + +"I don't know," said Ben. "Do you like it?" + +"It's bully. Here, take this cigar. I bought it for you." + +Ben hesitated; but finally, induced mainly by a curiosity to see how it +seemed, accepted the cigar, and lighted it by Jerry's. The two boys sat +down on an empty box, and Jerry instructed Ben how to puff. Ben did not +particularly enjoy it; but thought he might as well learn now as any +other time. His companion puffed away like a veteran smoker; but after +a while Ben's head began to swim, and he felt sick at his stomach. + +"I don't feel well," he said. "I guess I'll stop smoking." + +"Oh, go ahead," said Jerry. "It's only because it's the first time. +You'll like it after a while." + +Thus encouraged, Ben continued to smoke, though his head and his stomach +got continually worse. + +"I don't like it," gasped Ben, throwing down the cigar. "I'm going to +stop." + +"You've got a healthy color," said Jerry, slyly. + +"I'm afraid I'm going to be awful sick," said Ben, whose sensations were +very far from comfortable. Just at this moment, ignorant of the brief +character of his present feelings, he heartily wished himself at home, +for the first time since his arrival in the city. + +"You do look rather green," said Jerry. "Maybe you're going to have the +cholera. I've heard that there's some cases round." + +This suggestion alarmed Ben, who laid his head down between his knees, +and began to feel worse than ever. + +"Don't be scared," said Jerry, thinking it time to relieve Ben's mind. +"It's only the cigar. You'll feel all right in a jiffy." + +While Ben was experiencing the disagreeable effects of his first cigar, +he resolved never to smoke another. But, as might have been expected, he +felt differently on recovering. It was not long before he could puff +away with as much enjoyment and unconcern as any of his street +companions, and a part of his earnings were consumed in this way. It may +be remarked here that the street boy does not always indulge in the +luxury of a whole cigar. Sometimes he picks up a fragment which has been +discarded by the original smoker. There are some small dealers, who make +it a business to collect these "stubs," or employ others to do so, and +then sell them to the street boys, at a penny apiece, or less, according +to size. Sometimes these stubs are bought in preference to a cheap +cigar, because they are apt to be of a superior quality. Ben, however, +never smoked "stubs." In course of time he became very much like other +street boys; but in some respects his taste was more fastidious, and he +preferred to indulge himself in a cheap cigar, which was not +second-hand. + +We must now pass rapidly over the six years which elapsed from the date +of Ben's first being set adrift in the streets to the period at which +our story properly begins. These years have been fruitful of change to +our young adventurer. They have changed him from a country boy of ten, +to a self-reliant and independent street boy of sixteen. The impressions +left by his early and careful home-training have been mostly effaced. +Nothing in his garb now distinguishes him from the class of which he is +a type. He has long since ceased to care for neat or whole attire, or +carefully brushed hair. His straggling locks, usually long, protrude +from an aperture in his hat. His shoes would make a very poor +advertisement for the shoemaker by whom they were originally +manufactured. His face is not always free from stains, and his street +companions have long since ceased to charge him with putting on airs, on +account of the superior neatness of his personal appearance. Indeed, he +has become rather a favorite among them, in consequence of his +frankness, and his willingness at all times to lend a helping hand to a +comrade temporarily "hard up." He has adopted to a great extent the +tastes and habits of the class to which he belongs, and bears with +acquired philosophy the hardships and privations which fall to their +lot. Like "Ragged Dick," he has a sense of humor, which is apt to reveal +itself in grotesque phrases, or amusing exaggerations. + +Of course his education, so far as education is obtained from books, has +not advanced at all. He has not forgotten how to read, having occasion +to read the daily papers. Occasionally, too, he indulges himself in a +dime novel, the more sensational the better, and is sometimes induced to +read therefrom to a group of companions whose attainments are even less +than his own. + +It may be asked whether he ever thinks of his Pennsylvania home, of his +parents and his sister. At first he thought of them frequently; but by +degrees he became so accustomed to the freedom and independence of his +street life, with its constant variety, that he would have been +unwilling to return, even if the original cause of his leaving home were +removed. Life in a Pennsylvania village seemed "slow" compared with the +excitement of his present life. + +In the winter, when the weather was inclement, and the lodging +accommodations afforded by the street were not particularly +satisfactory, Ben found it convenient to avail himself of the cheap +lodgings furnished by the Newsboys' Lodging House; but at other times, +particularly in the warm summer nights, he saved his six cents, and +found a lodging for himself among the wharves, or in some lane or alley. +Of the future he did not think much. Like street boys in general, his +horizon was limited by the present. Sometimes, indeed, it did occur to +him that he could not be a luggage boy all his lifetime. Some time or +other he must take up something else. However, Ben carelessly concluded +that he could make a living somehow or other, and as to old age that was +too far ahead to disquiet himself about. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +THE PASSENGER FROM ALBANY. + + +Ben did not confine himself to any particular pier or railway depot, but +stationed himself now at one, now at another, according as the whim +seized him, or as the prospect of profit appeared more or less +promising. One afternoon he made his way to the pier at which the Albany +boats landed. He knew the hour of arrival, not only for the river-boats, +but for most of the inward trains, for this was required by his +business. + +He had just finished smoking a cheap cigar when the boat arrived. The +passengers poured out, and the usual bustle ensued. Now was the time for +Ben to be on the alert. He scanned the outcoming passengers with an +attentive eye, fixing his attention upon those who were encumbered with +carpet-bags, valises, or bundles. These he marked out as his possible +patrons, and accosted them professionally. + +"Smash yer baggage, sir?" he said to a gentleman carrying a valise. + +The latter stared hard at Ben, evidently misunderstanding him, and +answered irascibly, "Confound your impudence, boy; what do you mean?" + +"Smash yer baggage, sir?" + +"If you smash my baggage, I'll smash your head." + +"Thank you, sir, for your kind offer; but my head aint insured," said +Ben, who saw the joke, and enjoyed it. + +"Look here, boy," said the puzzled traveller, "what possible good would +it do you to smash my baggage?" + +"That's the way I make a livin'," said Ben. + +"Do you mean to say any persons are foolish enough to pay you for +destroying their baggage? You must be crazy, or else you must think I +am." + +"Not destroying it, smashin' it." + +"What's the difference?" + +Here a person who had listened to the conversation with some amusement +interposed. + +"If you will allow me to explain, sir, the boy only proposes to carry +your valise. He is what we call a 'baggage-smasher,' and carrying it is +called 'smashing.'" + +"Indeed, that's a very singular expression to use. Well, my lad, I think +I understand you now. You have no hostile intentions, then?" + +"Nary a one," answered Ben. + +"Then I may see fit to employ you. Of course you know the way +everywhere?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"You may take my valise as far as Broadway. There I shall take a stage." + +Ben took the valise, and raising it to his shoulders was about to +precede his patron. + +"You can walk along by my side," said the gentleman; "I want to talk to +you." + +"All right, governor," said Ben. "I'm ready for an interview." + +"How do you like 'baggage-smashing,' as you call it?" + +"I like it pretty well when I'm workin' for a liberal gentleman like +you," said Ben, shrewdly. + +"What makes you think I am liberal?" asked the gentleman, smiling. + +"I can tell by your face," answered our hero. + +"But you get disappointed sometimes, don't you?" + +"Yes, sometimes," Ben admitted. + +"Tell me some of your experiences that way." + +"Last week," said Ben, "I carried a bag, and a thunderin' heavy one, +from the Norwich boat to French's Hotel,--a mile and a half I guess it +was,--and how much do you think the man paid me?" + +"Twenty-five cents." + +"Yes, he did, but he didn't want to. All he offered me first was ten +cents." + +"That's rather poor pay. I don't think I should want to work for that +myself." + +"You couldn't live very high on such pay," said Ben. + +"I have worked as cheap, though." + +"You have!" said Ben, surprised. + +"Yes, my lad, I was a poor boy once,--as poor as you are." + +"Where did you live?" asked Ben, interested. + +"In a country town in New England. My father died early, and I was left +alone in the world. So I hired myself out to a farmer for a dollar a +week and board. I had to be up at five every morning, and work all day. +My wages, you see, amounted to only about sixteen cents a day and board +for twelve hours' work." + +"Why didn't you run away?" inquired Ben. + +"I didn't know where to run to." + +"I s'pose you aint workin' for that now?" said our hero. + +"No, I've been promoted," said the gentleman, smiling. "Of course I got +higher pay, as I grew older. Still, at twenty-one I found myself with +only two hundred dollars. I worked a year longer till it became three +hundred, and then I went out West,--to Ohio,--where I took up a +quarter-section of land, and became a farmer on my own account. Since +then I've dipped into several things, have bought more land, which has +increased in value on my hands, till now I am probably worth fifty +thousand dollars." + +"I'm glad of it," said Ben. + +"Why?" + +"Because you can afford to pay me liberal for smashin' your baggage." + +"What do you call liberal?" inquired his patron, smiling. + +"Fifty cents," answered Ben, promptly. + +"Then I will be liberal. Now, suppose you tell me something about +yourself. How long have you been a 'baggage-smasher,' as you call it?" + +"Six years," said Ben. + +"You must have begun young. How old are you now?" + +"Sixteen." + +"You'll soon be a man. What do you intend to do then?" + +"I haven't thought much about it," said Ben, with truth. + +"You don't mean to carry baggage all your life, do you?" + +"I guess not," answered Ben. "When I get to be old and infirm, I'm goin' +into some light, genteel employment, such as keepin' a street stand." + +"So that is your highest ambition, is it?" asked the stranger. + +"I don't think I've got any ambition," said Ben. "As long as I make a +livin', I don't mind." + +"When you see well-dressed gentlemen walking down Broadway, or riding in +their carriages, don't you sometimes think it would be agreeable if you +could be in their place?" + +"I should like to have a lot of money," said Ben. "I wouldn't mind bein' +the president of a bank, or a railway-director, or somethin' of that +kind." + +"I am afraid you have never thought seriously upon the subject of your +future," said Ben's companion, "or you wouldn't be satisfied with your +present business." + +"What else can I do? I'd rather smash baggage than sell papers or black +boots." + +"I would not advise either. I'll tell you what you ought to do, my young +friend. You should leave the city, and come out West. I'll give you +something to do on one of my farms, and promote you as you are fit for +it." + +"You're very kind," said Ben, more seriously; "but I shouldn't like it." + +"Why not?" + +"I don't want to leave the city. Here there's somethin' goin' on. I'd +miss the streets and the crowds. I'd get awful lonesome in the country." + +"Isn't it better to have a good home in the country than to live as you +do in the city?" + +"I like it well enough," said Ben. "We're a jolly crowd, and we do as we +please. There aint nobody to order us round 'cept the copps, and they +let us alone unless we steal, or something of that kind." + +"So you are wedded to your city life?" + +"Yes, I guess so; though I don't remember when the weddin' took place." + +"And you prefer to live on in your old way?" + +"Yes, sir; thank you all the same." + +"You may change your mind some time, my lad. If you ever do, and will +write to me at B----, Ohio, I will send for you to come out. Here is my +card." + +"Thank you, sir," said Ben. "I'll keep the card, and if ever I change my +mind, I'll let you know." + +They had been walking slowly, or they would have reached Broadway +sooner. They had now arrived there, and the stranger bade Ben good-by, +handing him at the same time the fifty cents agreed upon. + +"He's a brick," Ben soliloquized, "even if he did say he'd smash my +head. I hope I'll meet some more like him." + +Ben's objection to leaving the city is felt in an equal degree by many +boys who are situated like himself. Street life has its privations and +actual sufferings; but for all that there is a wild independence and +freedom from restraint about it, which suits those who follow it. To be +at the beck and call of no one; to be responsible only to themselves, +provided they keep from violating the law, has a charm to these young +outcasts. Then, again, they become accustomed to the street and its +varied scenes, and the daily excitement of life in a large city becomes +such a matter of necessity to them, that they find the country lonesome. +Yet, under the auspices of the Children's Aid Society, companies of boys +are continually being sent out to the great West with the happiest +results. After a while the first loneliness wears away, and they become +interested in the new scenes and labors to which they are introduced, +and a large number have already grown up to hold respectable, and, in +some cases, prominent places, in the communities which they have +joined. Others have pined for the city, until they could no longer +resist their yearning for it, and have found their way back to the old, +familiar scenes, to resume the former life of suffering and privation. +Such is the strange fascination which their lawless and irresponsible +mode of life oftentimes exerts upon the minds of these young Arabs of +the street. + +When Ben parted from the passenger by the Albany boat, he did not +immediately seek another job. Accustomed as he was to live from "hand to +mouth," he had never troubled himself much about accumulating more than +would answer his immediate needs. Some boys in the Lodging House made +deposits in the bank of that institution; but frugality was not one of +Ben's virtues. As long as he came out even at the end of the day, he +felt very well satisfied. Generally he went penniless to bed; his +business not being one that required him to reserve money for capital to +carry it on. In the case of a newsboy it was different. He must keep +enough on hand to buy a supply of papers in the morning, even if he were +compelled to go to bed supperless. + +With fifty cents in his pocket, Ben felt rich. It would buy him a good +supper, besides paying for his lodging at the Newsboys' Home, and a +ticket for the Old Bowery besides,--that is, a fifteen-cent ticket, +which, according to the arrangement of that day, would admit him to one +of the best-located seats in the house, that is, in the pit, +corresponding to what is known as the parquette in other theatres. This +arrangement has now been changed, so that the street boys find +themselves banished to the upper gallery of their favorite theatre. But +in the days of which I am speaking they made themselves conspicuous in +the front rows, and were by no means bashful in indicating their +approbation or disapprobation of the different actors who appeared on +the boards before them. + +Ben had not gone far when he fell in with an acquaintance,--Barney +Flynn. + +"Where you goin', Ben?" inquired Barney. + +"Goin' to get some grub," answered Ben. + +"I'm with you, then. I haven't eat anything since mornin', and I'm awful +hungry." + +"Have you got any stamps?" + +"I've got a fifty." + +"So have I." + +"Where are you goin' for supper?" + +"To Pat's, I guess." + +"All right; I'll go with you." + +The establishment known as "Pat's" is located in a basement in Nassau +Street, as the reader of "Mark, the Match Boy," will remember. It is, of +coarse, a cheap restaurant, and is considerably frequented by the street +boys, who here find themselves more welcome guests than at some of the +more pretentious eating-houses. + +Ben and Barney entered, and gave their orders for a substantial repast. +The style in which the meal was served differed considerably from the +service at Delmonico's; but it is doubtful whether any of the guests at +the famous up-town restaurant enjoyed their meal any better than the two +street boys, each of whom was blest with a "healthy" appetite. Barney +had eaten nothing since morning, and Ben's fast had only been broken by +the eating of a two-cent apple, which had not been sufficient to satisfy +his hunger. + +Notwithstanding the liberality of their orders, however, each of the +boys found himself, at the end of the meal, the possessor of twenty-five +cents. This was not a very large sum to sleep on, but it was long since +either had waked up in the morning with so large a capital to commence +operations upon. + +"What shall we do?" asked Ben. + +"Suppose we go to the Old Bowery," suggested Barney. + +"Or Tony Pastor's," amended Ben. + +"I like the Bowery best. There's a great fight, and a feller gets killed +on the stage. It's a stunnin' old play." + +"Then let us go," said Ben, who, as well as his companion, liked the +idea of witnessing a stage fight, which was all the more attractive on +account of having a fatal termination. + +As the theatre tickets would cost but fifteen cents each, the boys felt +justified in purchasing each a cheap cigar, which they smoked as they +walked leisurely up Chatham Street. + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +THE ROOM UNDER THE WHARF. + + +It was at a late hour when the boys left the theatre. The play had been +of a highly sensational character, and had been greeted with +enthusiastic applause on the part of the audience, particularly the +occupants of the "pit." Now, as they emerged from the portals of the +theatre, various characteristic remarks of a commendatory character were +interchanged. + +"How'd you like it, Ben?" asked Barney. + +"Bully," said Ben. + +"I liked the fight best," said Barney. "Jones give it to him just about +right." + +"Yes, that was good," said Ben; "but I liked it best where Alphonso says +to Montmorency, 'Caitiff, beware, or, by the heavens above, my trusty +sword shall drink thy foul heart's blood!'" + +Ben gave this with the stage emphasis, so far as he could imitate it. +Barney listened admiringly. + +"I say, Ben," he replied, "you did that bully. You'd make a tip-top +actor." + +"Would I?" said Ben, complacently. "I think I'd like to try it if I knew +enough. How much money have you got, Barney?" + +"Nary a red. I spent the last on peanuts." + +"Just my case. We'll have to find some place to turn in for the night." + +"I know a place," said Barney, "if they'll let us in." + +"Whereabouts is it?" + +"Down to Dover Street wharf." + +"What sort of a place is it? There aint any boxes or old wagons, are +there?" + +"No, it's under the wharf,--a bully place." + +"Under the wharf! It's wet, isn't it?" + +"No, you just come along. I'll show you." + +Having no other place to suggest, Ben accepted his companion's guidance, +and the two made their way by the shortest route to the wharf named. It +is situated not far from Fulton Ferry on the east side. It may be called +a double wharf. As originally built, it was found too low for the class +of vessels that used it, and another flooring was built over the first, +leaving a considerable space between the two. Its capabilities for a +private rendezvous occurred to a few boys, who forthwith proceeded to +avail themselves of it. It was necessary to carry on their proceedings +secretly; otherwise there was danger of interference from the city +police. What steps they took to make their quarters comfortable will +shortly be described. + +When they reached the wharf, Barney looked about him with an air of +caution, which Ben observed. + +"What are you scared of?" asked Ben. + +"We mustn't let the 'copp' see us," said Barney, "Don't make no noise." + +Thus admonished, Ben followed his companion with as little noise as +possible. + +"How do you get down there?" he asked. + +"I'll show you," said Barney. + +He went to the end of the wharf, and, motioning Ben to look over, showed +him a kind of ladder formed by nailing strips of wood, at regular +intervals, from the outer edge down to the water's edge. This was not +an arrangement of the boys, but was for the accommodation of river-boats +landing at the wharf. + +"I'll go down first," whispered Barney. "If the 'copp' comes along, move +off, so he won't notice nothin'." + +"All right!" said Ben. + +Barney got part way down the ladder, when a head was protruded from +below, and a voice demanded, "Who's there?" + +"It's I,--Barney Flynn." + +"Come along, then." + +"I've got a fellow with me," continued Barney. + +"Who is it?" + +"It's Ben, the baggage-smasher. He wants to stop here to-night." + +"All right; we can trust him." + +"Come along, Ben," Barney called up the ladder. + +Ben quickly commenced the descent. Barney was waiting for him, and held +out his hand to help him off. Our hero stepped from the ladder upon the +lower flooring of the wharf, and looked about him with some curiosity. +It was certainly a singular spectacle that met his view. About a dozen +boys were congregated in the room under the wharf, and had evidently +taken some pains to make themselves comfortable. A carpet of good size +was spread over a portion of the flooring. Upon this three beds were +spread, each occupied by three boys. Those who could not be accommodated +in this way laid on the carpet. Some of the boys were already asleep; +two were smoking, and conversing in a low voice. Looking about him Ben +recognized acquaintances in several of them.[A] + +"Is that you, Mike Sweeny?" he asked of a boy stretched out on the +nearest bed. + +"Yes," said Mike; "come and lay alongside of me." + +There was no room on the bed, but Ben found space beside it on the +carpet, and accordingly stretched himself out. + +[A] The description of the room under the wharf, and the circumstances +of its occupation by a company of street boys, are not imaginary. It was +finally discovered, and broken up by the police, the details being +given, at the time, in the daily papers, as some of my New York readers +will remember. Discovery did not take place, however, until it had been +occupied some time. + +"How do you like it?" asked Mike. + +"Tip-top," said Ben. "How'd you get the carpet and beds? Did you buy +'em?" + +"Yes," said Mike, with a wink; "but the man wasn't in, and we didn't pay +for 'em." + +"You stole them, then?" + +"We took 'em," said Mike, who had an objection to the word stole. + +"How did you get them down here without the copp seein' you?" + +"We hid 'em away in the daytime, and didn't bring 'em here till night. +We came near gettin' caught." + +"How long have you been down here?" + +"Most a month." + +"It's a good place." + +"Yes," said Mike, "and the rent is very reasonable. We don't have to pay +nothin' for lodgin'. It's cheaper'n the Lodge." + +"That's so," said Ben. "I'm sleepy," he said, gaping. "I've been to the +Old Bowery to-night. Good-night!" + +"Good-night!" + +In five minutes Ben was fast asleep. Half an hour later, and not a sound +was heard in the room under the wharf except the occasional deep +breathing of some of the boys. The policeman who trod his beat near by +little suspected that just at hand, and almost under his feet, was a +rendezvous of street vagrants and juvenile thieves, for such I am sorry +to say was the character of some of the boys who frequented these cheap +lodgings. + +In addition to the articles already described there were two or three +chairs, which had been contributed by different members of the +organization. + +Ben slept soundly through the night. When he woke up, the gray morning +light entering from the open front towards the sea had already lighted +up indistinctly the space between the floors. Two or three of the boys +were already sitting up, yawning and stretching themselves after their +night's slumber. Among these was Mike Sweeny. + +"Are you awake, Ben?" he asked. + +"Yes," said Ben; "I didn't hardly know where I was at first." + +"It's a bully place, isn't it?" + +"That's so. How'd you come across it?" + +"Oh, some of us boys found it out. We've been sleepin' here a month." + +"Won't you let a feller in?" + +"We might let you in. I'll speak to the boys." + +"I'd like to sleep here," said Ben. "It's a good deal better than +sleepin' out round. Who runs the hotel?" + +"Well, I'm one of 'em." + +"You might call it Sweeny's Hotel," suggested Ben, laughing. + +"I aint the boss; Jim Bagley's got most to do with it." + +"Which is he?" + +"That's he, over on the next bed." + +"What does he do?" + +"He's a travellin' match merchant." + +"That sounds big." + +"Jim's smart,--he is. He makes more money'n any of us." + +"Where does he travel?" + +"Once he went to Californy in the steamer. He got a steerage ticket for +seventy-five dollars; but he made more'n that blackin' boots for the +other passengers afore they got there. He stayed there three months, and +then came home." + +"Does he travel now?" + +"Yes, he buys a lot of matches, and goes up the river or down into +Jersey, and is gone a week. A little while ago he went to Buffalo." + +"Oh, yes; I know where that is." + +"Blest if I do." + +"It's in the western part of York State, just across from Canada." + +"Who told you?" + +"I learned it in school." + +"I didn't know you was a scholar, Ben." + +"I aint now. I've forgot most all I ever knew. I haven't been to school +since I was ten years old." + +"Where was that?" + +"In the country." + +"Well, I never went to school more'n a few weeks. I can read a little, +but not much." + +"It costs a good deal to go to Buffalo. How did Jim make it while he was +gone?" + +"Oh, he came home with ten dollars in his pocket besides payin' his +expenses." + +"What does Jim do with all his money?" + +"He's got a mother and sister up in Bleecker Street, or somewheres round +there. He pays his mother five dollars a week, besides takin' care of +himself." + +"Why don't he live with his mother?" + +"He'd rather be round with the boys." + +I may remark here that Jim Bagley is a real character, and all that has +been said about him is derived from information given by himself, in a +conversation held with him at the Newsboys' Lodging House. He figures +here, however, under an assumed name, partly because the record in which +his real name is preserved has been mislaid. The impression made upon +the mind of the writer was, that Jim had unusual business ability and +self-reliance, and might possibly develop into a successful and +prosperous man of business. + +Jim by this time was awake. + +"Jim Bagley," said Mike, "here's a feller would like to put up at our +hotel." + +"Who is he?" asked Jim. + +The travelling match merchant, as Mike had described him, was a boy of +fifteen, rather small of his age, with a keen black eye, and a quick, +decided, business-like way. + +"It's this feller,--he's a baggage-smasher," explained Mike. + +"All right," said Jim; "he can come if he'll pay his share." + +"How much is it?" asked Ben. + +Mike explained that it was expected of each guest to bring something +that would add to the comforts of the rendezvous. Two boys had +contributed the carpet, for which probably they had paid nothing; Jim +had supplied a bed, for which he did pay, as "taking things without +leave" was not in his line. Three boys had each contributed a chair. +Thus all the articles which had been accumulated were individual +contributions. Ben promised to pay his admission fee in the same way, +but expressed a doubt whether he might not have to wait a few days, in +order to save money enough to make a purchase. He never stole himself, +though his association with street boys, whose principles are not +always very strict on this point, had accustomed him to regard theft as +a venial fault, provided it was not found out. For his own part, +however, he did not care to run the risk of detection. Though he had cut +himself off from his old home, he still felt that he should not like to +have the report reach home that he had been convicted of dishonesty. + +At an early hour the boys shook off their slumbers, and one by one left +the wharf to enter upon their daily work. The newsboys were the first to +go, as they must be on hand at the newspaper offices early to get their +supply of papers, and fold them in readiness for early customers. The +boot-blacks soon followed, as most of them were under the necessity of +earning their breakfast before they ate it. Ben also got up early, and +made his way to the pier of the Stonington line of steamers from Boston. +These usually arrived at an early hour, and there was a good chance of a +job in Ben's line when the passengers landed. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +BEN MEETS AN OLD FRIEND. + + +Ben had about half an hour to wait for the arrival of the steamer. Among +the passengers who crossed the plank from the steamer to the pier was a +gentleman of middle age, and a boy about a year younger than Ben. The +boy had a carpet-bag in his hand; the father, for such appeared to be +the relationship, carried a heavy valise, besides a small bundle. + +"Want your baggage carried?" asked Ben, varying his usual address. + +The gentleman hesitated a moment. + +"You'd better let him take it, father," said the boy. + +"Very well, you may take this;" and the valise was passed over to Ben. + +"Give me the bag too," said Ben, addressing the boy. + +"No, I'll take that. You'll have all you want to do, in carrying the +valise." + +They crossed the street, and here the gentleman stood still, evidently +undecided about something. + +"What are you thinking about, father?" + +"I was thinking," the gentleman said, after a slight pause, "what I had +better do." + +"About what?" + +"I have two or three errands in the lower part of the city, which, as my +time is limited, I should like to attend to at once." + +"You had better do it, then." + +"What I was thinking was, that it would not be worth while for you to go +round with me, carrying the baggage." + +"Couldn't I go right up to Cousin Mary's?" asked his son. + +"I am afraid you might lose the way." + +"This boy will go with me. I suppose he knows the way all about the +city. Don't you?" he asked, turning to Ben. + +"Where do you want to go?" asked Ben. + +"To No.--Madison Avenue." + +"Yes, I can show you the way there well enough, but it's a good way +off." + +"You can both take the cars or stage when you get up to the Astor +House." + +"How will that do?" asked Charles, for this was his name. + +"I think that will be the best plan. This boy can go with you, and you +can settle with him for his services. Have you got money enough?" + +"Yes, plenty." + +"I will leave you here, then." + +Left to themselves, it was natural that the two boys should grow social. +So far as clothing went, there was certainly a wide difference between +them. Ben was attired as described in the first chapter. Charles, on the +other hand, wore a short sack of dark cloth, a white vest, and gray +pants. A gold chain, depending from his watch-pocket, showed that he was +the possessor of a watch. His whole appearance was marked by neatness +and good taste. But, leaving out this difference, a keen observer might +detect a considerable resemblance in the features of the two boys. Both +had dark hair, black eyes, and the contour of the face was the same. I +regret to add, however, that Ben's face was not so clean as it ought to +have been. Among the articles contributed by the boys who lived in the +room under the wharf, a washstand had not been considered necessary, and +it had been long since Ben had regarded washing the face and hands as +the first preparation for the labors of the day. + +Charles Marston looked at his companion with some interest and +curiosity. He had never lived in New York, and there was a freshness and +novelty about life in the metropolis that was attractive to him. + +"Is this your business?" he asked. + +"What,--smashin' baggage?" inquired Ben. + +"Is that what you call it?" + +"Yes." + +"Well, is that what you do for a living?" + +"Yes," said Ben. "It's my profession, when I aint attendin' to my duties +as a member of the Common Council." + +"So you're a member of the city government?" asked Charles, amused. + +"Yes." + +"Do you have much to do that way?" + +"I'm one of the Committee on Wharves," said Ben. "It's my business to +see that they're right side up with care; likewise that nobody runs away +with them in the night." + +"How do you get paid?" + +"Well, I earn my lodgin' that way just now," said Ben. + +"Have you always been in this business?" + +"No. Sometimes I've sold papers." + +"How did you like that?" + +"I like baggage-smashin' best, when I get enough to do. You don't live +in the city, do you?" + +"No, I live just out of Boston,--a few miles." + +"Ever been in New York before?" + +"Once. That was four years ago. I passed through on the way from +Pennsylvania, where I used to live." + +"Pennsylvania," repeated Ben, beginning to be interested. "Whereabouts +did you live there,--in Philadelphy?" + +"No, a little way from there, in a small town named Cedarville." + +Ben started, and he nearly let fall the valise from his hand. + +"What's the matter?" asked Charles. + +"I came near fallin'," said Ben, a little confused. "What's your name?" +he asked, rather abruptly. + +"Charles Marston." + +Ben scanned intently the face of his companion. He had good reason to do +so, for though Charles little suspected that there was any relationship +between himself and the ragged and dirty boy who carried his valise, the +two were own cousins. They had been school-mates in Cedarville, and +passed many a merry hour together in boyish sport. In fact Charles had +been Ben's favorite playmate, as well as cousin, and many a time, when +he lay awake in such chance lodgings as the street provided, he had +thought of his cousin, and wished that he might meet him again. Now they +had met most strangely; no longer on terms of equality, but one with all +the outward appearance of a young gentleman, the other, a ragged and +ignorant street boy. Ben's heart throbbed painfully when he saw that his +cousin regarded him as a stranger, and for the first time in a long +while he felt ashamed of his position. He would not for the world have +revealed himself to Charles in his present situation; yet he felt a +strong desire to learn whether he was still remembered. How to effect +this without betraying his identity he hardly knew; at length he thought +of a way that might lead to it. + +"My name's shorter'n yours," he said. + +"What is it?" asked Charles. + +"It's Ben." + +"That stands for Benjamin; so yours is the longest after all." + +"That's so, I never thought of that. Everybody calls me Ben." + +"What's your other name?" + +Ben hesitated. If he said "Brandon" he would be discovered, and his +pride stood in the way of that. Finally he determined to give a false +name; so he answered after a slight pause, which Charles did not notice, +"My other name is Hooper,--Ben Hooper. Didn't you ever know anybody of +my name?" + +"What,--Ben Hooper?" + +"No, Ben." + +"Yes. I had a cousin named Ben." + +"Is he as old as you?" asked Ben, striving to speak carelessly. + +"He is older if he is living; but I don't think he is living." + +"Why, don't you know?" + +"He ran away from home when he was ten years old, and we have never seen +him since." + +"Didn't he write where he had gone?" + +"He wrote one letter to his mother, but he didn't say where he was. That +is the last any of us heard from him." + +"What sort of a chap was he?" inquired Ben. "He was a bad un, wasn't +he?" + +"No, Ben wasn't a bad boy. He had a quick temper though; but whenever he +was angry he soon got over it." + +"What made him run away from home?" + +"His father punished him for something he didn't do. He found it out +afterwards; but he is a stern man, and he never says anything about him. +But I guess he feels bad sometimes. Father says he has grown old very +fast since my cousin ran away." + +"Is his mother living,--your aunt?" Ben inquired, drawn on by an impulse +he could not resist. + +"Yes, but she is always sad; she has never stopped mourning for Ben." + +"Did you like your cousin?" Ben asked, looking wistfully in the face of +his companion. + +"Yes, he was my favorite cousin. Poor Ben and I were always together. I +wish I knew whether he were alive or not." + +"Perhaps you will see him again some time." + +"I don't know. I used to think so; but I have about given up hopes of +it. It is six years now since he ran away." + +"Maybe he's turned bad," said Ben. "S'posin' he was a ragged +baggage-smasher like me, you wouldn't care about seein' him, would you?" + +"Yes, I would," said Charles, warmly. "I'd be glad to see Ben again, no +matter how he looked, or how poor he might be." + +Ben looked at his cousin with a glance of wistful affection. Street boy +as he was, old memories had been awakened, and his heart had been +touched by the sight of the cousin whom he had most loved when a young +boy. + +"And I might be like him," thought Ben, looking askance at the rags in +which he was dressed, "instead of a walkin' rag-bag. I wish I was;" and +he suppressed a sigh. + +It has been said that street boys are not accessible to the softer +emotions; but Ben did long to throw his arm round his cousin's neck in +the old, affectionate way of six years since. It touched him to think +that Charlie held him in affectionate remembrance. But his thoughts were +diverted by noticing that they had reached the Astor House. + +"I guess we'd better cross the street, and take the Fourth Avenue cars," +he said. "There's one over there." + +"All right!" said Charles. "I suppose you know best." + +There was a car just starting; they succeeded in getting aboard, and +were speedily on their up town. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +BEN FORMS A RESOLUTION. + + +"Does this car go up Madison Avenue?" asked Charles, after they had +taken their seats. + +"No," said Ben, "it goes up Fourth Avenue; but that's only one block +away from Madison. We'll get out at Thirtieth Street." + +"I'm glad you're with me; I might have a hard time finding the place if +I were alone." + +"Are you going to stay in the city long?" asked Ben. + +"Yes, I am going to school here. Father is going to move here soon. +Until he comes I shall stay with my Cousin Mary." + +Ben felt quite sure that this must be his older sister, but did not like +to ask. + +"Is she married?" + +"Yes, it is the sister of my Cousin Ben. About two years ago she married +a New York gentleman. He is a broker, and has an office in Wall Street. +I suppose he's rich." + +"What's his name?" asked Ben. "Maybe I've seen his office." + +"It is Abercrombie,--James Abercrombie. Did you ever hear that name?" + +"No," answered Ben, "I can't say as I have. He aint the broker that does +my business." + +"Have you much business for a broker?" asked Charles, laughing. + +"I do a smashin' business in Erie and New York Central," answered Ben. + +"You are in the same business as the railroads," said Charles. + +"How is that?" + +"You are both baggage-smashers." + +"That's so; only I don't charge so much for smashin' baggage as they +do." + +They were on Centre Street now, and a stone building with massive stone +columns came in view on the west side of the street. + +"What building is that?" asked Charles. + +"That's a hotel, where they lodge people free gratis." + +Charles looked at his companion for information. + +"It's the Tombs," said Ben. "It aint so popular, though, as the hotels +where they charge higher." + +"No, I suppose not. It looks gloomy enough." + +"It aint very cheerful," said Ben. "I never put up there, but that's +what people say that have enjoyed that privilege." + +"Where is the Bowery?" + +"We'll soon be in it. We turn off Centre Street a little farther up." + +Charles was interested in all that he saw. The broad avenue which is +known as the Bowery, with its long line of shops on either side, and the +liberal display of goods on the sidewalk, attracted his attention, and +he had numerous questions to ask, most of which Ben was able to answer. +He had not knocked about the streets of New York six years for nothing. +His business had carried him to all parts of the city, and he had +acquired a large amount of local information, a part of which he +retailed now to his cousin as they rode side by side in the horse-cars. + +At length they reached Thirtieth Street, and here they got out. At the +distance of one block they found Madison Avenue. Examining the numbers, +they readily found the house of which they were in search. It was a +handsome four-story house, with a brown-stone front. + +"This must be Mr. Abercrombie's house," said Charles. "I didn't think +Cousin Mary lived in such a nice place." + +Ben surveyed the house with mingled emotions. He could not help +contrasting his own forlorn, neglected condition with the position of +his sister. She lived in an elegant home, enjoying, no doubt, all the +advantages which money could procure; while he, her only brother, walked +about the streets in rags, sleeping in any out-of-the-way corner. But he +could blame no one for it. It had been his own choice, and until this +morning he had been well enough contented with it. But all at once a +glimpse had been given him of what might have been his lot had he been +less influenced by pride and waywardness, and by the light of this new +prospect he saw how little hope there was of achieving any decent +position in society if he remained in his present occupation. But what +could he do? Should he declare himself at once to his cousin, and his +sister? Pride would not permit him to do it. He was not willing to let +them see him in his ragged and dirty state. He determined to work and +save up money, until he could purchase a suit as handsome as that which +his cousin wore. Then he would not be ashamed to present himself, so far +as his outward appearance went. He knew very well that he was ignorant; +but he must trust to the future to remedy that deficiency. It would be a +work of time, as he well knew. Meanwhile he had his cousin's assurance +that he would be glad to meet him again, and renew the old, affectionate +intimacy which formerly existed between them. + +While these thoughts were passing through Ben's mind, as I have said, +they reached the house. + +"Have you had any breakfast?" asked Charles as they ascended the steps. + +"Not yet," answered Ben. "It isn't fashionable to take breakfast early." + +"Then you must come in. My cousin will give you some breakfast." + +Ben hesitated; but finally decided to accept the invitation. He had two +reasons for this. Partly because it would give him an opportunity to see +his sister; and, secondly, because it would save him the expense of +buying his breakfast elsewhere, and that was a consideration, now that +he had a special object for saving money. + +"Is Mrs. Abercrombie at home?" asked Charles of the servant who answered +his summons. + +"Yes, sir; who shall I say is here?" + +"Her cousin, Charles Montrose." + +"Will you walk into the parlor?" said the servant, opening a door at the +side of the hall. She looked doubtfully at Ben, who had also entered the +house. + +"Sit down here, Ben," said Charles, indicating a chair on one side of +the hat-stand. "I'll stop here till Mrs. Abercrombie comes down," he +said. + +Soon a light step was heard on the stairs, and Mrs. Abercrombie +descended the staircase. She is the same that we last saw in the modest +house in the Pennsylvania village; but the lapse of time has softened +her manners, and the influence of a husband and a home have improved +her. But otherwise she has not greatly changed in her looks. + +Ben, who examined her face eagerly, recognized her at once. Yes, it was +his sister Mary that stood before him. He would have known her anywhere. +But there was a special mark by which he remembered her. There was a +dent in her cheek just below the temple, the existence of which he could +account for. In a fit of boyish passion, occasioned by her teasing him, +he had flung a stick of wood at her head, and this had led to the mark. + +"Where did you come from, Charles?" she said, giving her hand cordially +to her young cousin. + +"From Boston, Cousin Mary." + +"Have you just arrived, and where is your father? You did not come on +alone, did you?" + +"No, father is with me, or rather he came on with me, but he had some +errands down town, and stopped to attend to them. He will be here soon." + +"How did you find the way alone?" + +"I was not alone. There is my guide. By the way, I told him to stay, and +you would give him some breakfast." + +"Certainly, he can go down in the basement, and the servants will give +him something." + +Mrs. Abercrombie looked at Ben as she spoke; but on her part there was +no sign of recognition. This was not strange. A boy changes greatly +between ten and sixteen years of age, and when to this natural change is +added the great change in Ben's dress, it will not be wondered at that +his sister saw in him only an ordinary street boy. + +Ben was relieved to find that he was not known. He had felt afraid that +something in his looks might remind his sister of her lost brother; but +the indifferent look which she turned upon him proved that he had no +ground for this fear. + +"You have not breakfasted, I suppose, Charles." said his cousin. + +"You wouldn't think so, if you knew what an appetite I have," he +answered, laughing. + +"We will do our best to spoil it," said Mrs. Abercrombie. + +She rang the bell, and ordered breakfast to be served. + +"We are a little late this morning," she said. + +"Mr. Abercrombie is in Philadelphia on business; so you won't see him +till to-morrow." + +When the servant appeared, Mrs. Abercrombie directed her to take Ben +downstairs, and give him something to eat. + +"Don't go away till I see you, Ben," said Charles, lingering a little. + +"All right," said Ben. + +He followed the servant down the stairs leading to the basement. On the +way, he had a glimpse through the half-open door of the breakfast-table, +at which his sister and his cousin were shortly to sit down. + +"Some time, perhaps, I shall be invited in there," he said to himself. + +But at present he had no such wish. He knew that in his ragged garb he +would be out of place in the handsome breakfast-room, and he preferred +to wait until his appearance was improved. He had no fault to find with +the servants, who brought him a bountiful supply of beefsteak and bread +and butter, and a cup of excellent coffee. Ben had been up long enough +to have quite an appetite. Besides, the quality of the breakfast was +considerably superior to those which he was accustomed to take in the +cheap restaurants which he frequented, and he did full justice to the +food that was spread before him. + +When he had satisfied his appetite, he had a few minutes to wait before +Charles came down to speak to him. + +"Well, Ben, I hope you had a good breakfast," he said. + +"Tip-top," answered Ben. + +"And I hope also that you had an appetite equal to mine." + +"My appetite don't often give out," said Ben; "but it aint so good now +as it was when I came in." + +"Now we have a little business to attend to. How much shall I pay you +for smashing my baggage?" Charles asked, with a laugh. + +"Whatever you like." + +"Well, here's fifty cents for your services, and six cents for your +car-fare back." + +"Thank you," said Ben. + +"Besides this, Mrs. Abercrombie has a note, which she wants carried down +town to her husband's office in Wall Street. She will give you fifty +cents more, if you will agree to deliver it there at once, as it is of +importance." + +"All right," said Ben. "I'll do it." + +"Here is the note. I suppose you had better start with it at once. +Good-morning." + +"Good-morning," said Ben, as he held his cousin's proffered hand a +moment in his own. "Maybe I'll see you again some time." + +"I hope so," said Charles, kindly. + +A minute later Ben was on his way to take a Fourth Avenue car down +town. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +LUCK AND ILL LUCK. + + +"That will do very well for a beginning," thought Ben, as he surveyed, +with satisfaction, the two half dollars which he had received for his +morning's services. He determined to save one of them towards the fund +which he hoped to accumulate for the object which he had in view. How +much he would need he could not decide; but thought that it would be +safe to set the amount at fifty dollars. This would doubtless require a +considerable time to obtain. He could not expect to be so fortunate +every day as he had been this morning. Some days, no doubt, he would +barely earn enough to pay expenses. Still he had made a beginning, and +this was something gained. It was still more encouraging that he had +determined to save money, and had an inducement to do so. + +As Ben rode down town in the horse-cars, he thought of the six years +which he had spent as a New York street boy; and he could not help +feeling that the time had been wasted, so far as any progress or +improvement was concerned. Of books he knew less than when he first came +to the city. He knew more of life, indeed, but not the best side of +life. He had formed some bad habits, from which he would probably have +been saved if he had remained at home. Ben realized all at once how much +he had lost by his hasty action in leaving home. He regarded his street +life with different eyes, and felt ready to give it up, as soon as he +could present himself to his parents without too great a sacrifice of +his pride. + +At the end of half an hour, Ben found himself at the termination of the +car route, opposite the lower end of the City Hall Park. + +As the letter which he had to deliver was to be carried to Wall Street, +he kept on down Broadway till he reached Trinity Church, and then turned +into the street opposite. He quickly found the number indicated, and +entered Mr. Abercrombie's office. It was a handsome office on the lower +floor. Two or three clerks were at work at their desks. + +"So this is my brother-in-law's office," thought Ben. "It's rather +better than mine." + +"Well, young man, what can I do for you to-day?" inquired a clerk, in a +tone which indicated that he thought Ben had got into the wrong shop. + +"You can tell me whether your name is Sampson," answered Ben, coolly. + +"No, it isn't." + +"That's what I thought." + +"Suppose I am not; what then?" + +"Then the letter I've got isn't for you, that's all." + +"So you've got a letter, have you?" + +"That's what I said." + +"It seems to me you're mighty independent," sneered the clerk, who felt +aggrieved that Ben did not show him the respect which he conceived to be +his due. + +"Thank you for the compliment," said Ben, bowing. + +"You can hand me the letter." + +"I thought your name wasn't Sampson." + +"I'll hand it to Mr. Sampson. He's gone out a moment. He'll be in +directly." + +"Much obliged," said Ben; "but I'd rather hand it to Mr. Sampson myself. +Business aint particularly pressin' this mornin', so, if you'll hand me +the mornin' paper, I'll read till he comes." + +"Well, you've got cheek," ejaculated the clerk. + +"I've got two of 'em if I counted right when I got up," said Ben. + +Here there was a laugh from the other two clerks. + +"He's too smart for you, Granby," said one. + +"He's impudent enough," muttered the first, as he withdrew discomfited +to his desk. + +The enemy having retreated, Ben sat down in an arm-chair, and, picking +up a paper, began to read. + +He had not long to wait. Five minutes had scarcely passed when a man of +middle age entered the office. His manner showed that he belonged there. + +"If you're Mr. Sampson," said Ben, approaching him, "here is a letter +for you." + +"That is my name," said the gentleman, opening the note at once. + +"You come from Mrs. Abercrombie," he said, glancing at Ben, as he +finished reading it. + +"Yes, sir," said Ben. + +"How did she happen to select you as her messenger?" + +"I went up there this morning to carry a valise." + +"I have a great mind to send you back to her with an answer; but I +hesitate on one account." + +"What is that?" asked Ben. + +"I don't know whether you can be trusted." + +"Nor I," said Ben; "but I'm willin' to run the risk." + +"No doubt," said Mr. Sampson, smiling; "but it seems to me that I should +run a greater risk than you." + +"I don't know about that," answered Ben. "If it's money, and I keep it, +you can send the copps after me, and I'll be sent to the Island. That +would be worse than losing money." + +"That's true; but some of you boys don't mind that. However, I am +inclined to trust you. Mrs. Abercrombie asks for a sum of money, and +wishes me to send it up by one of the clerks. That I cannot very well +do, as we are particularly busy this morning. I will put the money in an +envelope, and give it to you to deliver. I will tell you beforehand that +it is fifty dollars." + +"Very good," said Ben; "I'll give it to her." + +"Wait a moment." + +Mr. Sampson went behind the desk, and reappeared almost directly. + +"Mrs. Abercrombie will give you a line to me, stating that she has +received the money. When you return with this, I will pay you for your +trouble." + +"All right," said Ben. + +As he left the office the young clerk first mentioned said, "I am +afraid, Mr. Sampson, Mrs. Abercrombie will never see that money." + +"Why not?" + +"The boy will keep it." + +"What makes you think so?" + +"He's one of the most impudent young rascals I ever saw." + +"I didn't form that opinion. He was respectful enough to me." + +"He wasn't to me." + +Mr. Sampson smiled a little. He had observed young Granby's assumption +of importance, and partly guessed how matters stood. + +"It's too late to recall him," he said. "I must run the risk. My own +opinion is that he will prove faithful." + +Ben had accepted the commission gladly, not alone because he would get +extra pay for the additional errand, but because he saw that there was +some hesitation in the mind of Mr. Sampson about trusting him, and he +meant to show himself worthy of confidence. There were fifty dollars in +the envelope. He had never before been trusted with that amount of +money, and now it was rather because no other messenger could be +conveniently sent that he found himself so trusted. Not a thought of +appropriating the money came to Ben. True, it occurred to him that this +was precisely the sum which he needed to fit him out respectably. But +there would be greater cause for shame if he appeared well dressed on +stolen money, than if he should present himself in rags to his sister. +However, it is only just to Ben to say that had the party to whom he +was sent been different, he would have discharged his commission +honorably. Not that he was a model boy, but his pride, which was in some +respects a fault with him, here served him in good stead, as it made him +ashamed to do a dishonest act. + +Ben rightly judged that the money would be needed as soon as possible, +and, as the distance was great, he resolved to ride, trusting to Mr. +Sampson's liberality to pay him for the expense which he would thus +incur in addition to the compensation allowed for his services. + +He once more made his way to the station of the Fourth Avenue cars, and +jumped aboard one just ready to start. + +The car gradually filled, and they commenced their progress up town. + +Ben took a seat in the corner next to the door. Next to him was a man +with black hair and black whiskers. He wore a tall felt hat with a bell +crown, and a long cloak. Ben took no particular notice of him, being too +much in the habit of seeing strange faces to observe them minutely. The +letter he put in the side pocket of his coat, on the side nearest the +stranger. He took it out once to look at it. It was addressed to Mrs. +Abercrombie, at her residence, and in one corner Mr. Sampson had written +"Money enclosed." + +Now it chanced, though Ben did not suspect it, that the man at his side +was a member of the swell mob, and his main business was picking +pockets. He observed the two words, already quoted, on the envelope when +Ben took it in his hand, and he made up his mind to get possession of +it. This was comparatively easy, for Ben's pocket was on the side +towards him. Our hero was rather careless, it must be owned, but it +happened that the inside pocket of his coat had been torn away, which +left him no other receptacle for the letter. Besides, Ben had never been +in a situation to have much fear of pick pockets, and under ordinary +circumstances he would hardly have been selected as worth plundering. +But the discovery that the letter contained money altered the case. + +While Ben was looking out from the opposite window across the street, +the stranger dexterously inserted his hand in his pocket, and withdrew +the letter. They were at that moment just opposite the Tombs. + +Having gained possession of the letter, of course it was his interest to +get out of the car as soon as possible, since Ben was liable at any +moment to discover his loss. + +He touched the conductor, who was just returning from the other end of +the car, after collecting the fares. + +"I'll get out here," he said. + +The conductor accordingly pulled the strap, and the car stopped. + +The stranger gathered his cloak about him, and, stepping out on the +platform, jumped from the car. Just at that moment Ben put his hand into +his pocket, and instantly discovered the loss of the letter. He +immediately connected it with the departure of his fellow-passenger, +and, with a hasty ejaculation, sprang from the car, and started in +pursuit of him. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +WHICH IS THE GUILTY PARTY? + + +It was an exciting moment for Ben. He felt that his character for +honesty was at stake. In case the pickpocket succeeded in getting off +with the letter and money, Mr. Sampson would no doubt come to the +conclusion that he had appropriated the fifty dollars to his own use, +while his story of the robbery would be regarded as an impudent +fabrication. He might even be arrested, and sentenced to the Island for +theft. If this should happen, though he were innocent, Ben felt that he +should not be willing to make himself known to his sister or his +parents. But there was a chance of getting back the money, and he +resolved to do his best. + +The pickpocket turned down a side street, his object being to get out of +the range of observation as soon as possible. But one thing he did not +anticipate, and this was Ben's immediate discovery of his loss. On this +subject he was soon enlightened. He saw Ben jump from the horse-car, and +his first impulse was to run. He made a quick movement in advance, and +then paused. It occurred to him that he occupied a position of advantage +with regard to his accuser, being respectably dressed, while Ben was +merely a ragged street boy, whose word probably would not inspire much +confidence. This vantage ground he would give up by having recourse to +flight, as this would be a virtual acknowledgment of guilt. He resolved +instantaneously to assume an attitude of conscious integrity, and frown +down upon Ben from the heights of assumed respectability. There was one +danger, however, that he was known to some of the police force in his +true character. But he must take the risk of recognition. + +On landing in the middle of the street, Ben lost no time; but, running +up to the pickpocket, caught him by the arm. + +"What do you want, boy?" he demanded, in a tone of indifference. + +"I want my money," said Ben. + +"I don't understand you," said the pickpocket loftily. + +"Look here, mister," said Ben, impatiently; "you know well enough what I +mean. You took a letter with money in it out of my pocket. Just hand it +back, and I won't say anything about it." + +"You're an impudent young rascal," returned the "gentleman," affecting +to be outraged by such a charge. "Do you dare to accuse a gentleman like +me of robbing a ragmuffin like you?" + +"Yes, I do," said Ben, boldly. + +"Then you're either crazy or impudent, I don't know which." + +"Call me what you please; but give me back my money." + +"I don't believe you ever had five dollars in your possession. How much +do you mean to say there was in this letter?" + +"Fifty dollars," answered Ben. + +The pickpocket had an object in asking this question. He wanted to learn +whether the sum of money was sufficient to make it worth his while to +keep it. Had it been three or four dollars, he might have given it up, +to avoid risk and trouble. But on finding that it was fifty dollars he +determined to hold on to it at all hazards. + +"Clear out, boy," he said, fiercely. "I shan't stand any of your +impudence." + +"Give me my money, then." + +"If you don't stop that, I'll knock you down," repeated the pickpocket, +shaking off Ben's grasp, and moving forward rapidly. + +If he expected to frighten our hero away thus easily, he was very much +mistaken. Ben had too much at stake to give up the attempt to recover +the letter. He ran forward, and, seizing the man by the arm, he +reiterated, in a tone of firm determination, "Give me my money, or I'll +call a copp." + +"Take that, you young villain!" exclaimed the badgered thief, bringing +his fist in contact with Ben's face in such a manner as to cause the +blood to flow. + +In a physical contest it was clear that Ben would get the worst of it. +He was but a boy of sixteen, strong, indeed, of his age; but still what +could he expect to accomplish against a tall man of mature age? He saw +that he needed help, and he called out at the top of his lungs, "Help! +Police!" + +His antagonist was adroit, and a life spent in eluding the law had made +him quick-witted. He turned the tables upon Ben by turning round, +grasping him firmly by the arm, and repeating in a voice louder than +Ben's, "Help! Police!" + +Contrary to the usual custom in such cases, a policeman happened to be +near, and hurried to the spot where he was apparently wanted. + +"What's the row?" he asked. + +Before Ben had time to prefer his charge, the pickpocket said glibly:-- + +"Policeman, I give this boy in charge." + +"What's he been doing?" + +"I caught him with his hand in my pocket," said the man. "He's a +thieving young vagabond." + +"That's a lie!" exclaimed Ben, rather startled at the unexpected turn +which affairs had taken. "He's a pickpocket." + +The real culprit shrugged his shoulders. "You aint quite smart enough, +boy," he said. + +"Has he taken anything of yours?" asked the policeman, who supposed Ben +to be what he was represented. + +"No," said the pickpocket; "but he came near taking a money letter which +I have in my pocket." + +Here, with astonishing effrontery, he displayed the letter which he had +stolen from Ben. + +"That's _my_ letter," said Ben. "He took it from my pocket." + +"A likely story," smiled the pickpocket, in serene superiority. "The +letter is for Mrs. Abercrombie, a friend of mine, and contains fifty +dollars. I incautiously wrote upon the envelope 'Money enclosed,' which +attracted the attention of this young vagabond, as I held it in my hand. +On replacing it in my pocket, he tried to get possession of it." + +"That's a lie from beginning to end," exclaimed Ben, impetuously. "He's +tryin' to make me out a thief, when he's one himself." + +"Well, what is your story?" asked the policeman, who, however, had +already decided in his own mind that Ben was the guilty party. + +"I was ridin' in the Fourth Avenue cars along side of this man," said +Ben, "when he put his hand in my pocket, and took out the letter that +he's just showed you. I jumped out after him, and asked him to give it +back, when he fetched me a lick in the face." + +"Do you mean to say that a ragamuffin like you had fifty dollars?" +demanded the thief. + +"No," said Ben, "the money wasn't mine. I was carryin' it up to Mrs. +Abercrombie, who lives on Madison Avenue." + +"It's a likely story that a ragamuffin like you would be trusted with so +much money." + +"If you don't believe it," said Ben, "go to Mr. Abercrombie's office in +Wall Street. Mr. Sampson gave it to me only a few minutes ago. If he +says he didn't, just carry me to the station-house as quick as you want +to." + +This confident assertion of Ben's put matters in rather a different +light. It seemed straightforward, and the reference might easily prove +which was the real culprit. The pickpocket saw that the officer wavered, +and rejoined hastily, "You must expect the officer's a fool to believe +your ridiculous story." + +"It's not so ridiculous," answered the policeman, scrutinizing the +speaker with sudden suspicion. "I am not sure but the boy is right." + +"I'm willing to let the matter drop," said the pickpocket, +magnanimously; "as he didn't succeed in getting my money, I will not +prosecute. You may let him go, Mr. Officer." + +"Not so fast," said the policeman, his suspicions of the other party +getting stronger and more clearly defined. "I haven't any authority to +do as you say." + +"Very well, take him along then. I suppose the law must take its +course." + +"Yes, it must." + +"Very well, boy, I'm sorry you've got into such a scrape; but it's your +own fault. Good morning, officer." + +"You're in too much of a hurry," said the policeman, coolly; "you must +go along with me too." + +"Really," said the thief, nervously, "I hope you'll excuse me. I've got +an important engagement this morning, and--I--in fact it will be +excessively inconvenient." + +"I'm sorry to put you to inconvenience, but it can't be helped." + +"Really, Mr. Officer--" + +"It's no use. I shall need you. Oblige me by handing me that letter." + +"Here it is," said the thief, unwillingly surrendering it. "Really, it's +excessively provoking. I'd rather lose the money than break my +engagement. I'll promise to be on hand at the trial, whenever it comes +off; if you keep the money it will be a guaranty of my appearance." + +"I don't know about that," answered the officer "As to being present at +the trial, I mean that you shall be." + +"Of course, I promised that." + +"There's one little matter you seem to forget," said the officer; "your +appearance may be quite as necessary as the boy's. It may be your trial +and not his." + +"Do you mean to insult me?" demanded the pickpocket, haughtily. + +"Not by no manner of means. I aint the judge, you know. If your story is +all right, it'll appear so." + +"Of course; but I shall have to break my engagement." + +"Well, that can't be helped as I see. Come along, if _you_ please." + +He tucked one arm in that of the man, and the other in Ben's, and moved +towards the station-house. Of the two Ben seemed to be much the more +unconcerned. He was confident that his innocence would be proclaimed, +while the other was equally convinced that trouble awaited him. + +"Well, boy, how do you like going to the station-house?" asked the +policeman. + +"I don't mind as long as he goes with me," answered Ben. "What I was +most afraid of was that I'd lose the money, and then Mr. Sampson would +have taken me for a thief." + +Meanwhile the other party was rapidly getting more and more nervous. He +felt that he was marching to his fate, and that the only way of escape +was by flight, and that immediate; for they were very near the +station-house. Just as Ben pronounced the last words, the thief gathered +all his strength, and broke from the grasp of the officer, whose hold +was momentarily relaxed. Once free he showed an astonishing rapidity. + +The officer hesitated for an instant, for he had another prisoner to +guard. + +"Go after him," exclaimed Ben, eagerly. "Don't let him escape. I'll stay +where I am." + +The conviction that the escaped party was the real thief determined the +policeman to follow Ben's advice. He let him go, and started in rapid +pursuit of the fugitive. + +Ben sat down on a doorstep, and awaited anxiously the result of the +chase. + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +HOW ALL CAME RIGHT IN THE MORNING. + + +It is quite possible that the pickpocket would have made good his +escape, if he had not, unluckily for himself, run into another +policeman. + +"Beg your pardon," he said, hurriedly. + +"Stop a minute," said the officer, detaining him by the arm, for his +appearance and haste inspired suspicion. He was bare-headed, for his hat +had fallen off, and he had not deemed it prudent to stop long enough to +pick it up. + +"I'm in a great hurry," panted the thief. "My youngest child is in a +fit, and I am running for a physician." + +This explanation seemed plausible, and the policeman, who was himself +the father of a family, was on the point of releasing him, when the +first officer came up. + +"Hold on to him," he said; "he's just broken away from me." + +"That's it, is it?" said the second policeman. "He told me he was after +a doctor for his youngest child." + +"I think he'll need a doctor himself," said the first, "if he tries +another of his games. You didn't stop to say good-by, my man." + +"I told you I had an important engagement," said the pickpocket, +sulkily,--"one that I cared more about than the money. Where's the boy?" + +"I had to leave him to go after you." + +"That's a pretty way to manage; you let the thief go in order to chase +his victim." + +"You're an able-bodied victim," said the policeman, laughing. + +"Where are you taking me?" + +"I'm going back for the boy. He said he'd wait till I returned." + +"Are you green enough to think you'll find him?" sneered the man in +charge. + +"Perhaps not; but I shouldn't be surprised if I did. If I guess right, +he'll find it worth his while to keep his promise." + +When they returned to the place where the thief had first effected his +escape, our hero was found quietly sitting on a wooden step. + +"So you've got him," said Ben, advancing to meet the officer with +evident satisfaction. + +"He's got you too," growled the pickpocket. "Why didn't you run away, +you little fool?" + +"I didn't have anything to run for," answered Ben. "Besides, I want my +money back." + +"Then you'll have to go with me to the station-house," said the officer. + +"I wish I could go to Mr. Abercrombie's office first to tell Mr. Sampson +what's happened." + +"I can't let you do that; but you may write a letter from the +station-house." + +"All right," said Ben, cheerfully; and he voluntarily placed himself on +the other side of the officer, and accompanied him to the station-house. + +"I thought you was guilty at first," said the officer; "but I guess your +story is correct. If it isn't, you're about the coolest chap I ever +saw, and I've seen some cool ones in my day." + +"It's just as I said," said Ben. "It'll all come right in the morning." + +They soon reached the station-house. Ben obtained the privilege of +writing a letter to Mr. Sampson, for which the officer undertook to +procure a messenger. In fact he began to feel quite interested for our +hero, feeling fully convinced that the other party was the real +offender. + +Ben found some difficulty in writing his letter. When he first came to +the city, he could have written one with considerable ease, but he had +scarcely touched a pen, or formed a letter, for six years, and of course +this made an important difference. However he finally managed to write +these few lines with a lead-pencil:-- + + "MR. SAMPSON: I am sory I can't cary that leter til to-morrow; but it + was took from my pokit by a thefe wen I was ridin' in the cars, and as + he sed I took it from him, the 'copp' has brort us both to the + stashun-house, whare I hope you wil come and tel them how it was, and + that you give me the leter to cary, for the other man says it is his + The 'copp' took the leter + + "BEN HOOPER." + +It will be observed that Ben's spelling had suffered; but this will not +excite surprise, considering how long it was since he had attended +school. It will also be noticed that he did not sign his real name, but +used the same which he had communicated to Charles Marston. More than +ever, till he was out of his present difficulty, he desired to conceal +his identity from his relations. + +Meanwhile, Mr. Sampson was busily engaged in his office in Wall Street. +It may as well be explained here that he was the junior partner of Mr. +Abercrombie. Occasionally he paused in his business to wonder whether he +had done well to expose a ragged street boy to such a temptation; but he +was a large-hearted man, inclined to think well of his fellow-men, and +though in his business life he had seen a good deal that was mean and +selfish in the conduct of others, he had never lost his confidence in +human nature, and never would. It is better to have such a disposition, +even if it does expose the possessor to being imposed upon at times, +than to regard everybody with distrust and suspicion. At any rate it +promotes happiness, and conciliates good-will, and these will offset an +occasional deception. + +An hour had passed, when a boy presented himself at Mr. Abercrombie's +office. It was a newsboy, who had been intrusted with Ben's letter. + +"This is for Mr. Sampson," he said, looking around him on entering. + +"Another of Mr. Sampson's friends," sneered Granby, in a tone which he +took care should be too low to come to that gentleman's ears. + +"My name is Sampson," said the owner of that name. "Who is your letter +from?" + +"It's from Ben." + +"And who is Ben?" asked Mr. Sampson, not much enlightened. + +"It's Ben, the baggage-smasher." + +"Give it to me," said the gentleman, conjecturing rightly that it was +his messenger who was meant. + +He ran his eye rapidly over the paper, or, I should say, as rapidly as +the character of Ben's writing would permit. + +"Do you come from the station-house?" he asked, looking up. + +"Yes, sir." + +"Which station-house is it?" + +"In Leonard Street." + +"Very well. Go back and tell the boy that I will call this afternoon. I +will also give you a line to a house on Madison Avenue. Can you go right +up there, calling at the station-house on the way?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Very well. Here is something for your trouble." + +The boy pocketed with satisfaction the money proffered him, and took the +letter which Mr. Sampson hastily wrote. It was to this effect:-- + + "MY DEAR MRS. ABERCROMBIE: I received your note, and despatched the + money which you desired by a messenger; but I have just learned that + his pocket was picked on the horse-cars. I cannot spare one of my + clerks just now, but at one o'clock will send one up with the money, + hoping that he may have better fortune than the first messenger, and + that you will not be seriously inconvenienced by the delay. + + "Yours truly, + + "HENRY SAMPSON." + +Then he dismissed the matter from his mind until afternoon, when, the +office having closed, he made his way to the Leonard Street +station-house, where he was speedily admitted to see Ben. + +"I'm glad you've come, Mr. Sampson," said our hero, eagerly. "I hope you +don't think I was to blame about the letter." + +"Tell me how it was, my lad," said Mr. Sampson, kindly. "I dare say you +can give me a satisfactory explanation." + +Ben felt grateful for the kindness of his tone. He saw that he was not +condemned unheard, but had a chance of clearing himself. + +He explained, briefly, how it occurred. Of course it is unnecessary to +give his account, for we know all about it already. + +"I believe you," said Mr. Sampson, in a friendly tone. "The only fault I +have to find with you is that you might have been more careful in +guarding your pockets." + +"That's so," said Ben; "but I don't often carry anything that's worth +stealing." + +"No, I suppose not," said Mr. Sampson, smiling. "Well, it appears that +no serious loss has occurred. The money will be recovered, as it is in +the hands of the authorities. As to the delay, that is merely an +inconvenience; but the most serious inconvenience falls upon you, in +your being brought here." + +"I don't mind that as long as the money is safe," said Ben. "It'll all +be right in the morning." + +"I see you are a philosopher. I see your face is swelled. You must have +got a blow." + +"Yes," said Ben; "the chap that took my letter left me something to +remember him by." + +"I shall try to make it up to you," said Mr. Sampson. "I can't stop any +longer, but I will be present at your trial, and my testimony will +undoubtedly clear you." + +He took his leave, leaving Ben considerably more cheerful than before. A +station-house is not a very agreeable place of detention; but then Ben +was not accustomed to luxury, and the absence of comfort did not +trouble him much. He cared more for the loss of his liberty, finding the +narrow cell somewhat too restricted for enjoyment. However, he consoled +himself by reflecting, to use his favorite phrase, that it would "all be +right in the morning." + +It will not be necessary to give a circumstantial account of Ben's +trial. Mr. Sampson was faithful to his promise, and presented himself, +somewhat to his personal inconvenience, at the early hour assigned for +trial. His testimony was brief and explicit, and cleared Ben. The real +pickpocket, however, being recognized by the judge as one who had been +up before him some months before, charged with a similar offence, was +sentenced to a term of imprisonment, considerably to his +dissatisfaction. + +Ben left the court-room well pleased with the result. His innocence had +been established, and he had proved that he could be trusted, or rather, +he had not proved faithless to his trust, and he felt that with his +present plans and hopes he could not afford to lose his character for +honesty. He knew that he had plenty of faults, but at any rate he was +not a thief. + +While he stood on the steps of the Tombs, in which the trial had taken +place, Mr. Sampson advanced towards him, and touched him on the +shoulder. + +"Well, my lad," he said, in a friendly manner, "so you're all right once +more?" + +"Yes," said Ben; "I knew it would all be right in the morning." + +"I owe you something for the inconvenience you have suffered while in my +employ. Here is a ten-dollar bill. I hope you will save it till you need +it, and won't spend it foolishly." + +"Thank you," said Ben, joyfully. "I'll put it in the bank." + +"That will be a good plan. Good-morning; when you need a friend, you +will know where to find me." + +He shook Ben's hand in a friendly way and left him. + +"He's a trump," thought Ben. "If my father'd treated me like that, I'd +never have wanted to run away from home." + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + +IN A NEW LINE. + + +"Ten dollars!" said Ben to himself, with exultation. "That's pretty good +pay for a few hours in the station-house. I'd like to board there a week +on the same terms." + +Ben's capital now amounted to eleven dollars; but of this sum he decided +to retain one dollar as a reserve to fall back upon in case of need. The +ten dollars he determined to deposit at once in a savings-bank. He +accordingly bent his steps towards one in the course of the forenoon. +The business was quickly transacted, and Ben left the building with a +bank-book containing an entry of his first deposit. + +This was a very good beginning, so Ben thought. Fifty dollars, as he had +estimated, would enable him to carry out the plan which he proposed, and +he had already one-fifth of the sum. But the accumulation of the other +forty dollars would no doubt take him a considerable time. The business +of a "baggage-smasher," as Ben knew from experience, is precarious, the +amount of gains depending partly upon luck. He had sometimes haunted the +steamboat landings for hours without obtaining a single job. Now that he +was anxious to get on, he felt this to be an objection. He began to +consider whether there was any way of adding to his income. + +After considerable thought he decided to buy a supply of weekly papers, +which he could sell while waiting for a job. One advantage in selecting +weekly papers rather than daily was this, that the latter must be sold +within a few hours, or they prove a dead loss. A daily paper of +yesterday is as unsalable as a last year's almanac. As Ben was liable to +be interrupted in his paper business at any time by a chance to carry +luggage, it was an important consideration to have a stock which would +remain fresh for a few days. + +This idea impressed Ben so favorably that he determined to act upon it +at once. In considering where he should go for his supply of papers, he +thought of a Broadway news-stand, which he frequently had occasion to +pass. On reaching it, he said to the proprietor, "Where do you buy your +papers?" + +"What do you want to know for?" + +"I thought maybe I'd go into the business." + +"You don't think of setting up a stand, do you?" asked the man, with a +significant glance at Ben's ragged attire. + +"No," said Ben. "I haven't got capital enough for that, unless you'll +sell out for fifty cents." + +"I suppose you want a few to carry round and sell?" + +"Yes." + +"Where do you think of going with them?" + +"Down to the wharves. I'm a baggage-smasher, and I thought I might make +somethin' by sellin' papers, when I hadn't any baggage to carry." + +"I get my papers from the 'American News Company' on Nassau Street." + +"I know the place well enough." + +"What papers do you think I could sell best?" asked Ben. + +"The picture papers go off as fast as any," said the street dealer. +"But I'll tell you what, my lad, maybe I can make an arrangement for you +to sell papers for me." + +"I don't think I'd like to stand here all day," said Ben, supposing the +other to mean to engage him to tend the stand. + +"I don't mean that." + +"Well," said Ben, "I'm open to an offer, as the old maid of sixty told a +feller that called to see her." + +"I'll tell you what I mean. I'll give you a bundle of papers every +morning to take with you. You will sell what you can, and bring back the +rest at night." + +"I like that," said Ben, with satisfaction. "But how much will I get?" + +"It will depend on the price of the papers. 'Harper's Weekly' and 'Frank +Leslie' sell for ten cents. I will allow you two cents on each of these. +On the 'Ledger' and 'Weekly,' and other papers of that price, I will +allow one cent. You'd make rather more if you bought them yourself; but +you might have them left on your hands." + +"That's so," said Ben. + +"Did you ever sell papers?" + +"I used to sell the mornin' and evenin' papers before I went to +baggage-smashin'." + +"Then you know something about the business. When do you want to begin?" + +"Right off." + +"Very well; I will make you up a bundle of a dozen papers to begin on. +I'll put in three each of the illustrated papers, and fill up with the +story papers." + +"All right, mister, you know better than I what people will buy." + +The dealer began to collect the papers, but paused in the middle of his +task, and looked doubtfully at our hero. + +"Well, what's up?" asked Ben, observing his hesitation. + +"How do I know but you'll sell the papers, and keep the money yourself?" +said the dealer. + +"That's so," said Ben. "I never thought of that." + +"That wouldn't be very profitable for me, you see." + +"I'll bring back the money or the papers," said Ben. "You needn't be +afraid." + +"Very likely you would; but how am I to know that?" + +"So you don't want to trust me," said Ben, rather disappointed. + +"Have you got any money?" + +"Yes." + +"Very well, you can leave enough with me to secure me against loss, and +I will give you the papers." + +"How much will that be?" + +After a little thought, the dealer answered, "Seventy-five cents." He +had some doubt whether Ben had so much; but our hero quickly set his +doubts at rest by drawing out his two half-dollars, and demanding a +quarter in change. + +The sight of this money reassured the dealer. Ben's ragged clothes had +led him to doubt his financial soundness; but the discovery that he was +a capitalist to the extent of a dollar gave him considerable more +respect for him. A dollar may not be a very large sum; I hope that to +you, my young reader, it is a very small one, and that you have never +been embarrassed for the want of it; but it is enough to lift a ragged +street boy from the position of a penniless vagabond to that of a +thrifty capitalist. After seeing it, the dealer would almost have felt +safe in trusting Ben with the papers without demanding a deposit of +their value. Still it was better and safer to require a deposit, and he +therefore took the dollar from Ben, returning twenty-five cents in +change. + +This preliminary matter settled, he made up the parcel of papers. + +"There they are," he said. "If you're smart, you can sell 'em all before +night." + +"I hope so," said Ben. + +With the papers under his arm, Ben made his way westward to the +Cortlandt Street ferry, which was a favorite place of resort with him. + +He did not have long to wait for his first customer. As he was walking +down Cortlandt Street, he met a gentleman, whose attention seemed +attracted by the papers he carried. + +"What papers have you got there, my lad?" he inquired. + +"'Harper's Weekly,' 'Frank Leslie,' 'Ledger,' 'Weekly,'" repeated Ben, +glibly, adding the names of the other papers in his parcel. + +"Give me the two picture papers," said the gentleman. "Twenty cents, I +suppose." + +"Yes," said Ben, "and as much more as you want to pay. I don't set no +limit to the generosity of my customers." + +"You're sharp," said the gentleman, laughing. "That's worth something. +Here's twenty-five cents. You may keep the change." + +"I'll do it cheerfully," said Ben. "Thank you, sir. I hope you'll buy +all your papers of me." + +"I won't promise always to pay you more than the regular price, but you +may leave 'Harper's' and 'Leslie' at my office every week. Here is my +card." + +Ben took the card, and put it in his pocket. He found the office to be +located in Trinity Building, Broadway. + +"I'll call every week reg'lar," he said. + +"That's right, my lad. Good-morning." + +"Good-mornin'." + +Ben felt that he had started well. He had cleared nine cents by his +sale, four representing his regular commission, while the other five +cents might be regarded as a donation. Nine cents was something. But for +his idea about the papers, he would have made nothing so far. It is a +very good thing to have two strings to your bow, so Ben thought, though +the thought did not take that precise form in his mind. He kept on his +way till he reached the ferry. There was no train in on the other side, +and would not be for some time, but passengers came over the ferry, and +Ben placed himself where he could be seen. It was some time before he +sold another paper however, although Ben, who improved some of his spare +time by looking over the pictures, was prepared to recommend them. + +"What papers have you got, boy?" asked a tall, lank man, whose thin +lips and pinched expression gave him an outward appearance of meanness, +which, by the way, did not belie his real character. + +Ben recited the list. + +"What's the price of 'Harper's Weekly'?" + +"Ten cents." + +"Ten cents is too much to pay for any paper. I don't see how they have +the face to ask it." + +"Nor I," said Ben; "but they don't consult me," + +"I'll give you eight cents." + +"No you won't, not if I know it. I'd rather keep the paper for my +private readin'," answered Ben. + +"Then you are at liberty to do so," said the gentleman, snappishly. +"You'd make profit enough, if you sold at eight cents." + +"All the profit I'd make wouldn't pay for a fly's breakfast," said Ben. + +The gentleman deigned no response, but walked across the street in a +dignified manner. Here he was accosted by a boot-black, who proposed to +shine his boots. + +"He'll get 'em done at the wholesale price, see if he don't," thought +Ben. He kept an eye on the boot-black and his patron until the job was +finished. Then he witnessed what appeared to be an angry dispute between +the two parties. It terminated by the gentleman lifting his cane in a +menacing manner. Ben afterwards gained from the boy particulars of the +transaction, which may be given here in the third person. + +"Shine yer boots?" asked the boot-black, as the gentleman reached his +side of the street, just after his unsuccessful negotiations with Ben. + +"What do you charge?" he inquired. + +"Ten cents." + +"That's too much." + +"It's the reg'lar price." + +"I can get my boots blacked for five cents anywhere. If you'll do it for +that, you can go to work." + +The boy hesitated. It was half price, but he had not yet obtained a job, +and he yielded. When the task was finished, his generous patron drew +four cents from his pocket. + +"I haven't got but four cents," he observed. "I guess that'll do." + +The boy was indignant, as was natural. To work for half price, and then +lose one-fifth of his reduced pay, was aggravating. What made it worse +was, that his customer was carefully dressed, and bore every appearance +of being a man of substance. + +"I want another cent," he demanded. + +"You're well enough paid," said the other, drawing on a kid glove. "Four +cents I consider very handsome pay for ten minutes' work. Many men do +not make as much." + +This reasoning did not strike the little boot-black as sound. He was no +logician; but he felt that he had been defrauded, and that in a very +mean manner. + +"Give me my money," he screamed, angrily. + +"I'll hand you over to the authorities," said the gentleman,--though I +hardly feel justified in calling him such,--lifting his cane menacingly. + +What could the boy do? Might was evidently on the side of the man who +had cheated him. But he was quick-witted, and a characteristic mode of +revenge suggested itself. The street was muddy (New York streets are +occasionally in that condition). The boot-black stooped down and +clutched a handful of mire in his hand, fortunately having no kid gloves +to soil, and, before his late customer fathomed his intention, +plentifully besprinkled one of the boots which he had just carefully +polished. + +"That's worth a cent," he remarked, with satisfaction, escaping from the +wrath of the injured party. + +His victim, almost speechless with rage, seemed disposed to pursue him; +but the boy, regardless of the mire, had run across the street, and to +follow would only be to make matters worse. + +"If I ever catch you, I'll break every bone in your body, you little +vagabond," he said, in a voice almost choked by passion, shaking his +cane energetically. + +Ben, who had witnessed the whole, burst into a hearty laugh, which drew +upon his head a portion of wrath. After a pause, the victim of his own +meanness turned up a side street. The reader will be glad to learn that +he had to employ a second boot black; so that he was not so much better +off for his economical management after all. It may be added that he was +actuated in all his dealings by the same frugality, if we may dignify it +by that name. He was a large dealer in ready-made under-clothing, for +the making of which he paid starvation prices; but, unfortunately, the +poor sewing-girls, whom he employed for a pittance, were not so well +able to defend themselves against imposition as the smart little +boot-black, who "knew his rights, and knowing, dared maintain." + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + +THE HEAVY VALISE. + + +Ben had sold half his papers when the arrival of the train from +Philadelphia gave him an opportunity to return to his legitimate +calling. + +"Smash your baggage, sir?" asked Ben of a dark-complexioned man of +thirty-five, who carried a moderate-sized valise. + +"Yes," said the other. + +"Where shall I carry it?" + +"To----" Here the man hesitated, and finally answered, "There is no need +of telling you. I will take it from you when we have got along far +enough." + +Ben was about to walk beside the owner of the valise; but the latter +objected to this. + +"You needn't walk beside me," he said. "Keep about a block ahead." + +"But how will I know where to go?" asked Ben, naturally. + +"You know where Broome Street runs into the Bowery?" + +"Of course I do." + +"Go there by the shortest route. Don't trouble yourself about me. I'll +follow along behind, and take the valise from you there. If you get +there before I do, wait for me." + +"I suppose I'm too ragged to walk alongside of him," thought Ben. + +He could think of no other reason for the direction given by the other. +However, Ben's pride was not very much hurt. Although he was ragged now, +he did not mean to be long. The time would come, he was confident, when +he could lay aside his rags, and appear in a respectable dress. + +The valise which he carried proved to be considerably heavier than would +have been imagined from its size. + +"I wonder what's in it," thought Ben, who found it tugging away at his +arms. "If it's shirts they're cast-iron. Maybe they're just comin' in +fashion." + +However, he did not perplex himself much about this point. Beyond a +momentary curiosity, he felt no particular interest in the contents of +the valise. The way in which it affected him principally was, to make +him inwardly resolve to ask an extra price, on account of the extra +weight. + +After walking a while he looked back for the owner of the valise. But he +was not in sight. + +"I might carry off his baggage," thought Ben, "without his knowin' it." + +He kept on, however, never doubting that the owner would sooner or later +overtake him. If he did not care enough for the valise to do this, Ben +would not be responsible. + +He had just shifted the heavy burden from one hand to the other, when he +felt himself tapped on the shoulder. Looking round, he saw that the one +who had done this was a quiet-looking man, of middle size, but with a +keen, sharp eye. + +"What's wanted?" asked Ben. + +"Where did you get that valise, my lad?" asked the new-comer. + +"I don't know as that's any of your business," answered Ben, who didn't +perceive the other's right to ask the question. + +"Is it yours?" + +"Maybe it is." + +"Let me lift it a moment." + +"Hands off!" said Ben, suspiciously. "Don't try none of your tricks on +me." + +The other did not appear to notice this. + +"I take it for granted that the valise is not yours," he said. "Now tell +me where you got it from." + +There was something of authority in his manner, which led Ben to think +that he had a warrant for asking the question, though he could not guess +his object in doing so. + +"I'm a baggage-smasher," answered Ben. "I got this from a man that came +by the Philadelphia train." + +"Where is he?" + +"I guess he's behind somewheres." + +"Where are you carrying the valise?" + +"Seems to me you want to know a good deal," said Ben, undecided as to +the right of the other to ask so many questions. + +"I'll let you into a secret, my lad; but you must keep the secret. That +valise is pretty heavy, isn't it?" + +"I'll bet it is." + +"To the best of my information, the man who employed you is a noted +burglar, and this valise contains his tools. I am a detective, and am on +his track. I received a telegram an hour ago from Philadelphia, +informing me that he was on his way. I got down to the wharf a little +too late. Now tell me where you are to carry this;" and the detective +pointed to the valise. + +"I am to meet the gentleman at the corner of Broome Street and the +Bowery," said Ben. + +"Very well. Go ahead and meet him." + +"Shall you be there?" asked Ben. + +"Never mind. Go on just as if I had not met you, and deliver up the +valise." + +"If you're goin' to nab him, just wait till I've got my pay. I don't +want to smash such heavy baggage for nothin'." + +"I agree to that. Moreover, if I succeed in getting hold of the fellow +through your information, I don't mind paying you five dollars out of +my own pocket." + +"Very good," said Ben. "I shan't mind takin' it, not by no means." + +"Go on, and don't be in too much of a hurry. I want time to lay my +trap." + +Ben walked along leisurely, in accordance with his instructions. At +length he reached the rendezvous. He found the owner of the valise +already in waiting. + +"Well, boy," he said, impatiently, "you took your time." + +"I generally do," said Ben. "It aint dishonest to take my own time, is +it?" + +"I've been waiting here for a quarter of an hour. I didn't know but +you'd gone to sleep somewhere on the way." + +"I don't sleep much in the daytime. It don't agree with my constitution. +Well, mister, I hope you'll give me something handsome. Your baggage +here is thunderin' heavy." + +"There's twenty-five cents," said the other. + +"Twenty-five cents!" exclaimed Ben, indignantly. + +"Twenty-five cents for walkin' two miles with such a heavy load. It's +worth fifty." + +"Well, you won't get fifty," said the other, roughly. + +"Just get somebody else to carry your baggage next time," said Ben, +angrily. + +He looked round, and saw the quiet-looking man, before referred to, +approaching. He felt some satisfaction in knowing that his recent +employer would meet with a check which he was far from anticipating. + +Without answering Ben, the latter took the valise, and was about moving +away, when the quiet-looking man suddenly quickened his pace, and laid +his hand on his arm. + +The burglar, for he was really one, started, and turned pale. + +"What do you want?" + +"You know what I want," said the detective, quietly. "I want you." + +"What do you want me for?" demanded the other; but it was easy to see +that he was nervous and alarmed. + +"You know that also," said the detective; "but I don't mind telling +you. You came from Philadelphia this morning, and your name is 'Sly +Bill.' You are a noted burglar, and I shall take you into immediate +custody." + +"You're mistaken," said Bill. "You've got hold of the wrong man." + +"That will soon be seen. Have the kindness to accompany me to the +station-house, and I'll take a look into that valise of yours." + +Bill was physically a stronger man than the detective, but he succumbed +at once to the tone of quiet authority with which he spoke, and prepared +to follow, though by no means with alacrity. + +"Here, my lad," said the detective, beckoning Ben, who came up. "Come +and see me at this place, to-morrow," he continued, producing a card, +"and I won't forget the promise I made you." + +"All right," said Ben. + +"I'm in luck ag'in," he said to himself. "At this rate it won't take me +long to make fifty dollars. Smashin' baggage for burglars pays pretty +well." + +He bethought himself of his papers, of which half remained unsold. He +sold some on the way back to the wharf, where, after a while, he got +another job, for which, being at some distance, he was paid fifty cents. + +At five in the afternoon he reported himself at the news-stand. + +"I've sold all the papers you gave me," he said, "and here's the money. +I guess I can sell more to-morrow." + +The news-dealer paid him the commission agreed upon, amounting to +eighteen cents, Ben, of course, retaining besides the five cents which +had been paid him extra in the morning. This made his earnings for the +day ninety-eight cents, besides the dollars promised by the detective. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + +THE SURPRISE. + + +Ben had certainly met with good luck so far. Even his temporary +detention at the station-house he regarded as a piece of good luck, +since he was paid handsomely for the confinement, while his bed there +was considerably more comfortable than he often enjoyed. His adventure +with the burglar also brought him in as much as under ordinary +circumstances he would have earned in a week. In two days he was able to +lay aside fifteen dollars and a half towards his fund. + +But of course such lucky adventures could not be expected every day. The +bulk of his money must be earned slowly, as the reward of persistent +labor and industry. But Ben was willing to work now that he had an +object before him. He kept up his double business of baggage-smasher and +vender of weekly papers. After a while the latter began to pay him +enough to prove quite a help, besides filling up his idle moments. +Another good result of his new business was, that, while waiting for +customers, he got into the habit of reading the papers he had for sale. +Now Ben had done very little reading since he came to New York, and, if +called upon to read aloud, would have shown the effects of want of +practice, in his frequent blunders. But the daily lessons in reading +which he now took began to remedy this deficiency, and give him +increased fluency and facility. It also had the effect of making him +wish that his education had not been interrupted, so that his Cousin +Charles might not be so far ahead of him. + +Ben also gave up smoking,--not so much because he considered it +injurious, but because cigars cost money, and he was economizing in +every possible way. He continued to sleep in the room under the wharf, +which thus far the occupants had managed to keep from the knowledge of +the police. Gradually the number had increased, until from twenty to +thirty boys made it a rendezvous nightly. By some means a stove had been +procured, and what was more difficult, got safely down without +observation, so that, as the nights grew cooler, the boys managed to +make themselves comfortable. Here they talked and told stories, and had +a good time before going to sleep. One evening it was proposed by one of +the boys that each should tell his own story; for though they met +together daily they knew little of each other beyond this, that they +were all engaged in some street avocation. Some of the stories told were +real, some burlesque. + +First Jim Bagley told his story. + +"I aint got much to tell, boys," he said. "My father kept a cigar store +on Eighth Avenue, and my mother and sister and I lived behind the shop. +We got along pretty well, till father got run over by a street-car, and +pretty soon after he died. We kept the store along a little while, but +we couldn't make it go and pay the rent; so we sold out to a man who +paid half down, and promised to pay the rest in a year. But before the +year was up he shut up the shop, and went off, and we never got the rest +of the money. The money we did get did not last long. Mother got some +sewin' to do, but she couldn't earn much. I took to sellin' papers; but +after a while I went into the match business, which pays pretty good. I +pay mother five dollars a week, and sometimes more; so she gets along +well." + +"I don't see how you make so much money, Jim," said Phil Cranmer. "I've +tried it, and I didn't get nothin' much out of it." + +"Jim knows how," said one of the boys. "He's got enterprise." + +"I go off into the country a good deal," said Jim. "There's plenty of +match boys in the city. Sometimes I hire another boy to come along and +help me. If he's smart I make money that way too. Last time I went out I +didn't make so much." + +"How was that, Jim?" + +"I went up to Albany on the boat. I was doin' pretty well up there, when +all to once they took me up for sellin' without a license; so I had to +pay ten dollars afore they'd let me off." + +"Did you have the money to pay, Jim?" + +"Yes, but it cleaned me out, so I didn't have but two dollars left. But +I travelled off into the country towns, and got it back in a week or +two. I'm glad they didn't get hold of Bill." + +"Who was Bill?" + +"The feller that sold for me. I couldn't have paid his fine too. That's +about all I have to tell."[B] + +"Captain Jinks!" called out one of the boys; "your turn next." + +Attention was directed to a tall, overgrown boy of sixteen, or possibly +seventeen, to whom for some unknown reason the name of the famous +Captain Jinks had been given. + +"That aint my name," he said. + +"Oh, bother your name! Go ahead." + +"I aint got nothing to say." + +"Go ahead and say it." + +The captain was rather taciturn, but was finally induced to tell his +story. + +[B] The main incidents of Jim Bagley's story are true, having been +communicated to the writer by Jim himself, a wide-awake boy of fifteen, +who appeared to possess decided business ability and energy. The name +only is fictitious. + +"My father and mother are dead," he said. "I used to live with my sister +and her husband. He would get drunk off the money I brought home, and if +I didn't bring home as much as he expected, he'd fling a chair at my +head." + +"He was a bully brother-in-law," said Jerry. "Did it hurt the chair +much?" + +"If you want to know bad, I'll try it on you," growled the narrator. + +"Good for Captain Jinks!" exclaimed two or three of the boys. + +"When did you join the Hoss Marines?" asked Jerry, with apparent +interest. + +"Shut up your mouth!" said the captain, who did not fancy the joke. + +"Go ahead, Jinks." + +"I would not stand that; so I went off, and lived at the Lodge till I +got in here. That's all." + +Captain Jinks relapsed into silence, and Tim McQuade was called upon. He +had a pair of sparkling black eyes, that looked as if he were not averse +to fun. + +"Maybe you don't know," he said, "that I'm fust cousin to a Markis." + +"The Markis of Cork," suggested one of the boys. + +"And sometimes I expect to come in for a lot of money, if I don't miss +of it." + +"When you do, just treat a feller, will you?" said Jerry. + +"Course I will. I was born in a big castle made of stone, and used to go +round dressed in welvet, and had no end of nice things, till one day a +feller that had a spite ag'in the Markis carried me off, and brought me +to America, where I had to go to work and earn my own livin'." + +"Why don't you write the Markis, and get him to send for you?" asked +Jerry. + +"'Cause he can't read, you spalpeen! What 'ud be the use of writin' to +him?" + +"Maybe it's the fault of your writin', Tim." + +"Maybe it is," said Tim. "When the Markis dies I'm going back, an' I'll +invite you all to come an' pass a week at Castle McQuade." + +"Bully for you, Tim! Now, Dutchey, tell us your story." + +Dutchey was a boy of ten, with a full face and rotund figure, whose +English, as he had been but two years in the country, was highly +flavored with his native dialect. + +"I cannot English sprechen," he said. + +"Never mind, Dutchey. Do as well as you can." + +"It is mine story you want? He is not very long, but I will tell him so +goot as I can. Mine vater was a shoemaker, what makes boots. He come +from Sharmany, on der Rhein, mit my moder, and five childer. He take a +little shop, and make some money, till one day a house fall on his head +mit a brick, an he die. Then I go out into der street, and black boots +so much as I get him to do, and the money what I get I carry home to +mine moder. I cannot much English sprechen, or I could tell mine story +more goot." + +"Bully for you, Dutchey! You're a trump." + +"What is one trump?" asked the boy, with a puzzled expression. + +"It is a good feller." + +This explanation seemed to reconcile Dutchey to being called a trump, +and he lay back on the bed with an expression of satisfaction. + +"Now, Ben, tell us your story." + +It was Ben, the luggage boy, who was addressed. The question embarrassed +him, for he preferred to keep his story secret. He hoped ere long to +leave his present haunts and associates, and he did not care to give the +latter a clue by which they might trace him in his new character and +position. Yet he had no good reason to assign for silence. He was +considering what sort of a story he could manufacture, that would pass +muster, when he was relieved from further consideration by an unexpected +occurrence. + +It appears that a boy had applied for admission to the rendezvous; but, +on account of his unpopular character, had been refused. This naturally +incensed him, and he determined to betray the boys to the policeman on +the beat. The sight that greeted Ben, as he looked towards the entrance, +was the face of the policeman, peering into the apartment. He uttered a +half exclamation, which attracted the general attention. Instantly all +was excitement. + +"The copp! the copp!" passed from mouth to mouth. + +The officer saw that the odds were against him, and he must summon help. +He went up the ladder, therefore, and went in search of assistance. The +boys scrambled up after him. Some were caught, and ultimately sentenced +to the Island, on a charge of stealing the articles which were found; +but others escaped. Among these was Ben, who was lucky enough to glide +off in the darkness. He took the little German boy under his protection, +and managed to get him safely away also. In this case the ends of +justice were not interfered with, as neither of the two had been guilty +of dishonesty, or anything else rendering them amenable to the law. + +"Well, Dutchey, we're safe," said Ben, when they had got some blocks +away from the wharf. "How do you feel?" + +"I lose mine breath," said the little boy, panting with the effort he +had made. + +"That's better than losin' your liberty," said Ben. "You'll get your +breath back again. Now we must look about and see where we can sleep. I +wonder if Jim Bagley's took." + +Just then a boy came running up. + +"Why, it's Ben and Dutchey," he said. + +"Jerry, is it you? I'm glad you're safe." + +"The copp got a grip of me, but I left my jacket in his hands. He can +carry that to the station-house if he wants to." + +Jerry's appearance corresponded to his statement, his jacket being gone, +leaving a dilapidated vest and ragged shirt alone to protect the upper +part of his body. He shivered with the cold, for it was now November. + +"Here, Jerry," said Ben, "just take my vest an' put over yours. I'll +button up my coat." + +"If I was as fat as Dutchey, I wouldn't mind the cold," said Jerry. + +The three boys finally found an old wagon, in which all three huddled up +together, by this means keeping warmer than they otherwise could. Being +turned out of their beds into the street might have been considered a +hardship by boys differently reared, but it was not enough to disturb +the philosophy of our young vagrants. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. + +BEN TRANSFORMED. + + +Ben worked away steadily at his double occupation, saving money as well +as he could; but he met with no more profitable adventures. His earnings +were gradual. Some weeks he laid by as much as a dollar and a half, or +even two dollars, but other weeks he barely reached a dollar. So the end +of March came before he was able to carry out the object which he had in +view. + +One morning about this time Ben carefully counted up his deposits, and +found they amounted to fifty dollars and thirty-seven cents. It was a +joyful moment, which he had long looked forward to. He had been tempted +to rest satisfied with forty when he had reached that sum, but he +resisted the temptation. + +"I aint goin' to do things by halves," he said to himself. "I can't do +it for less'n fifty dollars. I must wait awhile." + +But the moment had arrived when he could accomplish his purpose. As Ben +looked down at his ragged attire, which was in a considerably worse +condition then when he was first presented to the reader, he felt that +it was high time he got a new suit. + +The first thing to be done was to get his money. He made his way to the +savings-bank, and presented himself at the counter. + +"I want all of my money," he said. + +"I hope you're not going to spend it all," said the bank officer, who by +this time had come to feel acquainted with Ben, from his frequent calls +to make deposits. + +"I'm goin' to buy some new clothes," said Ben. "Don't I look as if I +needed some?" + +"Yes, you are rather out at elbows, I must admit. But new clothes won't +cost all the money you have in the bank." + +"I'm goin' home to my friends," said Ben, "after I've got dressed +decently." + +"That's a good resolution, my boy; I hope you'll stick to it." + +"It's what I've been workin' for, for a long time," said Ben. + +He filled out the order for the money, and it was delivered to him. + +The next thing was to buy a new suit of clothes. Usually Ben had +procured his outfit in Chatham Street, but he soared higher now. He made +his way to a large ready-made clothing warehouse on Broadway, and +entered. The main apartment was spacious, the counters were heaped with +articles of dress, and numerous clerks were ready to wait upon +customers. + +"Well, what's wanted?" asked one, glancing superciliously at the ragged +boy entering. + +"Have you got any clothes that will fit me?" asked Ben. + +"I guess you've lost your way, Johnny, haven't you?" + +"What makes you think so?" asked Ben. + +"This isn't Chatham Street." + +"Thank you for the information," said Ben. "I thought it was when I saw +you here." + +There was a laugh, at the clerk's expense, among those who heard the +retort. + +"What are you here for, any way?" demanded the clerk, with an air of +insulted majesty. + +"To buy some clothes," said Ben; "but you needn't show 'em to me. I'll +go to somebody else." + +"Have you got any money?" + +"You'll know soon enough." + +He went to another part of the store, and applied to a salesman whose +appearance he liked better. After some hesitation, Ben made choice of a +suit of substantial warm cloth, a dark mixed sack-coat, vest of the same +material, and a pair of pants of neat pattern. + +"I won't trouble you to send 'em," said Ben, "as my house is closed for +the season." + +The bundle was made up, and handed to him. The price of the entire suit +was twenty dollars, which was a good price for those days. Ben took the +bundle under his arm and went out. + +His purchases were not yet all made. He went next to a furnishing store, +and bought three shirts, three pairs of stockings, some collars, and a +necktie, finishing up with a pair of gloves. These cost him eight +dollars. A neat felt hat and a pair of shoes, which he procured +elsewhere, completed his outfit. On counting up, Ben found that he had +expended thirty-six dollars, leaving in his hands a balance of fourteen +dollars and thirty-seven cents. + +Before putting on his new purchases, Ben felt that he must go through a +process of purification. He went, therefore, to a barber's basement +shop, with which baths were connected, and, going down the steps, said +to the barber's assistant, who happened to be alone at the time, "I want +a warm bath." + +"Pay in advance," said the young man, surveying the ragged figure before +him with some hesitation. + +"All right," said Ben. "How much is it?" + +"Twenty-five cents." + +"Here it is," said Ben, producing the exact amount from his vest-pocket. + +Such ragged customers were not usual; but there seemed to be no good +excuse for refusing Ben, as he had the money to pay. In five minutes the +bath was declared to be ready, and Ben, entering the small room assigned +to him, joyfully divested himself of the ragged garments which he was +never again to put on, and got into the tub. It probably will not excite +surprise when I say that Ben stood in need of a bath. His street life +had not been particularly favorable to cleanliness, nor had he been +provided with such facilities for attending to his toilet as are usual +in well-regulated families. However, he was quite aware of his +deficiencies in this way, and spared neither pains nor soap to remedy +them. It was a work of time; but finally he felt satisfied with the +result of his efforts, and, after drying himself, proceeded to put on +his new clothes. They proved to fit excellently. Indeed, they wrought +such a change in our hero's appearance that he could hardly believe in +his own identity when he stood before the glass, and saw reflected the +form of a well-dressed boy, in place of the ragged figure which he saw +on entering. The only thing which marred his good appearance was his +hair, which had grown to undue length. He determined to have it cut +before he left the barber's shop. + +He tied up the clothes he had taken off in the paper which had contained +his new suit, and, opening the door, went out into the main room with +the bundle under his arm. + +Meanwhile the proprietor of the shop had returned. + +"Who is taking a bath?" he asked of his assistant. + +"A ragged street boy," said the latter. + +"What did you let him in for?" + +"He paid in advance." + +"I don't care about such customers any way," said the barber. "Remember +next time." + +"All right." + +At this moment Ben made his appearance; but that appearance was so much +altered that the young man looked at him in astonishment. He looked +thoroughly well dressed, and might have passed readily for the scion of +a wealthy family. + +"Were two bath-rooms occupied?" asked the proprietor. + +"No." + +"I thought you said--" + +"I was never so surprised in my life," said the assistant. "Did you get +changed in the bath?" he asked of Ben. + +"Yes," said Ben. + +"What made you wear such a ragged suit?" + +"I was in disguise," said Ben; "but I've got tired of it, and thrown it +off. I think I'll have my hair cut." + +"Take a seat," said the proprietor. "I'll cut your hair myself. How will +you have it cut?" + +"I want to be in the fashion," said Ben. "Make it look as well as you +can." + +He took his seat, and the task commenced. The barber was skilful in his +art, and he saw at once what style would become Ben best. He exerted +himself to the utmost, and when at the end of half an hour he withdrew +the cloth from around our hero's neck, he had effected a change almost +marvellous in Ben's appearance. + +I have already said that Ben was naturally good-looking. But even good +looks need fair play, and rags and neglect are apt to obscure the gifts +of nature. So Ben had never looked his best till now. But when his hair +was cut and arranged, and he looked in the mirror to observe the +effect, he was himself surprised. It was some like the change that +transformed Cinderella into a princess. + +"I shan't be ashamed to tell my cousin who I am now," he said. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + +BEN MAKES HIMSELF KNOWN. + + +Ben went out into the street with two bundles under his arm. One +contained the ragged clothes which he had just taken off. The other, +which was much smaller, contained his extra shirts and stockings. The +first he did not care to keep. He therefore lost no time in throwing it +into an alley-way. + +"It'll be a lucky chap that finds it," thought Ben. + +He next put on his gloves, and considered what he should do next. It was +half-past twelve o'clock already, for he had not been able to get his +money from the bank till ten, and the purchases and bath, as well as the +hair-cutting, had taken up considerable time. He began to feel hungry, +and appetite suggested that he should first of all go to a restaurant +and get some dinner. + +On the way thither he met two of his street acquaintances, who passed +him without the slightest mark of recognition. This pleased Ben, for it +assured him that the change which he had effected in his appearance was +a considerable one. + +While eating dinner, he deliberated what he should do. It was Saturday, +and it would be almost too late to start for his Pennsylvania home. He +decided to go to his sister's house on Madison Avenue, and make himself +known there first of all. He was influenced to this partly by the desire +he had to meet his cousin, who, as he knew, was making his home, while +attending school, at the house of Mr. Abercrombie. He had more than once +been up to that part of the city in the hope of catching a glimpse of +the cousin for whom he retained his old, boyish love; but he had always +shrunk, even when seeing him, from attracting his observation. He did +not wish to be remembered in his rags, and so denied himself the +pleasure for which he yearned. But now he was satisfied with his +appearance. He felt that he was as well dressed as Charles himself, and +would do no discredit to him if they were seen in the street together. + +He got on board an omnibus, and took his seat. A lady soon after +entered, and sat down beside him She drew out some money from her +purse, and, passing it to Ben, said, "Will you have the kindness to pass +up my fare, sir?" + +"Certainly," said Ben, politely. + +It was a small incident, but he felt, from the young lady's manner of +addressing him, that she looked upon him as her equal socially, and this +afforded him not a little pleasure. He wondered how he could have been +content to drift about the streets so long, clothed in rags. New hopes +and a new ambition had been awakened within him, and he felt that a new +life lay before him, much better worth living than the old life. + +These thoughts occupied him as he rode up Broadway. + +At length he left the omnibus, and took the shortest route to his +sister's house. When he ascended the steps, and rang the bell, he felt +rather a queer sensation come over him. He remembered very well the last +time he had ascended those same steps, carrying his cousin's valise. His +heart beat quick with excitement, in the midst of which the door was +opened by the servant. + +He had already decided to ask for his cousin, preferring to make himself +known to him first. + +"Is Charles Marston in?" he inquired. + +"Yes, sir," said the servant. "Won't you come in?" + +She threw open the door of the parlor, and Ben, entering, seated himself +in an arm-chair, holding his hat in his hand. + +"I wonder if she'd asked me in here if I'd come in my rags?" he asked +himself, with a smile. + +The servant went upstairs, where she found Charles in his own room, +writing a French exercise. + +"Master Charles," she said, "one of your school-mates is in the parlor. +He wants to see you." + +"All right. I'll go right down." + +The mistake was quite a natural one, as boys who attended the same +private school frequently called for Charles. + +Charles went downstairs, and entered the parlor. Ben rose as he entered. + +"How are you, Charlie?" said Ben, rising, and offering his hand. + +Charles looked in his face with a puzzled expression. It was not one of +his school-mates, as he had supposed; but it must be some one that knew +him intimately, or he would not have addressed him so familiarly. + +"I ought to know you," he said, apologetically; "but I can't think who +it is." + +"Don't you remember your Cousin Ben, Charlie?" asked our hero. + +"Ben!" exclaimed Charles, in the greatest astonishment. He looked +eagerly in our hero's face for a moment, then impulsively threw his arms +around Ben's neck, and kissed him. + +"I am so glad to see you, Ben," he said. "Where have you been all the +time?" + +"Then you didn't forget me, Charlie?" said Ben, returning the embrace. + +"No, Ben. I've thought of you many and many a time. We used to be such +good friends, you know. We will be again,--will we not?" + +"I hope so, Charlie. That was one of my reasons for coming back." + +"How did you know I was here?" + +"I will tell you some time, Charlie; but not now. Is my sister at home?" + +"Yes. I will call her. She will be very much surprised. We all thought +you--" + +"Dead, I suppose." + +"Yes; but I always hoped you would come back again." + +"Don't tell Mary who it is. See if she recognizes me." + +Summoned by Charles, Mrs. Abercrombie came down to the parlor. She was +merely told that a gentleman desired to see her. + +When she entered the parlor, Ben rose from his seat. + +She looked at him for a moment, and her face lighted up. + +"It's Ben," she said. "O Ben, how could you stay away so long?" + +"What, do you remember me, Mary?" asked our hero, in surprise. + +"Yes. I knew you by your resemblance to Charles. We always remarked it +when you were young boys together." + +As the two boys were standing side by side, the resemblance of which she +spoke was quite striking. Ben was the larger of the two; but their +features were similar, as well as the color of the hair and eyes, and +the similarity of their dress completed the illusion. Mrs. Abercrombie +surveyed her brother with satisfaction. She had been afraid he would be +coarse and vulgar after so many years of neglect, if he should ever +return; but here he was, to all appearance, a young gentleman of whom +she need not feel ashamed. + +"Ben must share my room, Cousin Mary," said Charles. "We've got so much +to say to each other." + +"I didn't know I was to stay," said Ben, smiling. + +"You mustn't leave us again, Ben," said his sister. "Monday you must +start for home. Poor mother has mourned for you so long. She will be +overjoyed to see you again." + +When Mr. Abercrombie came home, his new brother-in-law was introduced to +him. He received Ben cordially, and in a way to make him feel at home. +In the course of the morning Mr. Sampson called, and Ben was introduced +to him. + +"There's something in your brother's voice that sounds familiar," he +said to Mrs. Abercrombie. "I think I must have met him before." + +"He has not been with us for some years," said Mrs. Abercrombie, who did +not care to reveal that Ben was a returned prodigal. + +"Probably I am deceived," said Mr. Sampson. + +Ben, however, knew that Mr. Sampson had good cause to remember him. He +was afraid the servant who had brought him his breakfast some months +before in the basement might remember him; but there was no danger of +that. She never dreamed of associating the young gentleman, her +mistress's brother, with the ragged and dirty boy who had brought the +valise for Master Charles. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI. + +THE PRODIGAL'S RETURN. + + +On Sunday evening, Ben, in company with his sister, her husband, and +Charles, attended a sacred concert in Steinway Hall. As he stepped +within the vestibule, he saw two street boys outside, whom he knew well. +Their attire was very similar to that which he had himself worn until +the day before. They looked at Ben, but never thought of identifying him +with the baggage-smasher with whom they had often bunked together. + +"See what it is," thought Ben, "to be well dressed and have fashionable +friends." + +As he sat in a reserved seat but a little distance from the platform, +surrounded by well-dressed people, he was sometimes tempted to doubt +whether he was the same boy who a few days before was wandering about +the streets, a friendless outcast. The change was so complete and +wonderful that he seemed to himself a new boy. But he enjoyed the +change. It seemed a good deal pleasanter resting in the luxurious +bedchamber, which he shared with Charles at his sister's house, than the +chance accommodations to which he had been accustomed. + +On Monday he started for Philadelphia, on his journey home. + +We will precede him. + +Mrs. Brandon sat in an arm-chair before the fire, knitting. She was not +old, but care and sorrow had threaded her dark hair with silver, and on +her brow there were traces of a sorrow patiently borne, but none the +less deeply felt. She had never recovered from the loss of her son. Her +daughter Mary had inherited something of her father's self-contained, +undemonstrative manner; but Ben had been impulsive and affectionate, and +had always been very near his mother's heart. To feel that he had passed +from her sight was a great sorrow; but it was a greater still not to +know where he was. He might be suffering pain or privation; he might +have fallen into bad and vicious habits for aught she knew. It would +have been a relief, though a sad one, to know that he was dead. But +nothing whatever had been heard of him since the letter of which the +reader is already aware. + +Since Mary's marriage Mrs. Brandon had been very much alone. Her husband +was so taciturn and reserved that he was not much company for her; so +she was left very much to her own thoughts, and these dwelt often upon +Ben, though six years had elapsed since he left home. + +"If I could see him once more," she often said to herself, "I could die +in peace." + +So Mrs. Brandon was busily thinking of Ben on that Monday afternoon, as +she sat knitting before the fire; little thinking that God had heard her +prayer, and that the son whom she so longed to see was close at hand. He +was even then coming up the gravelled walk that led to the house. + +It may be imagined that Ben's heart beat with unwonted excitement, as +the scenes of his early boyhood once more appeared before him. A +thousand boyish memories returned to him, as he trod the familiar +street. He met persons whom he knew, but they showed no recognition of +him. Six years had wrought too great a change in him. + +He rang the bell. + +The summons was answered by the servant, the only one employed in Mrs. +Brandon's modest establishment. + +"Is Mrs. Brandon at home?" asked Ben. + +"Yes," answered the girl. "Will you walk in?" + +Ben stepped into the entry, and the girl opened the door of the room in +which Mrs. Brandon was seated. + +Mrs. Brandon looked up. + +She saw standing at the door a well-grown lad of sixteen, with a face +browned by long exposure to the sun and air. It was six years since she +had seen Ben; but in spite of the changes which time may have wrought, a +mother's heart is not easily deceived. A wild hope sprang up in her +heart. She tried to rise from her chair, but her excite was so great +that her limbs refused their office. + +"Mother!" exclaimed Ben, and, hurrying forward he threw his arms around +his mother's neck. + +"God be thanked!" she exclaimed, with heartfelt gratitude. "I have +missed you so much, Ben." + +Ben's heart reproached him as he saw the traces of sorrow upon his +mother's face, and felt that he had been the cause. + +"Forgive me, mother!" he said. + +"It is all forgotten now. I am so happy!" she answered, her eyes filled +with joyful tears. + +They sat down together, and Ben began to tell his story. In the midst of +it his father entered. He stopped short when he saw Ben sitting beside +his mother. + +"It is Ben come back," said his mother, joyfully. + +Mr. Brandon did not fall on his son's neck and kiss him. That was not +his way. He held out his hand, and said, "Benjamin, I am very glad to +see you." + +In the evening they talked together over the new plans which Ben's +return suggested. + +"You must stay with us, Ben," said his mother. "I cannot part with you +now." + +"I am getting old, Benjamin," said his father. "I need help in my +business. You must stay and help me, and by and by you shall have the +whole charge of it." + +"I am afraid I don't know enough," said Ben. "I haven't studied any +since I left home. I don't know as much as I did when I was ten." + +"You shall study at home for a year," said his father. "The teacher of +the academy shall give you private lessons. You can learn a great deal +in a year if you set about it." + +To this arrangement Ben acceded. He is now studying at home, and his +abilities being excellent, and his ambition excited, is making +remarkable progress. Next year he will assist his father. Mr. Brandon +seems to have changed greatly. He is no longer stern and hard, but +gentle and forbearing, and is evidently proud of Ben, who would run a +chance of being spoiled by over-indulgence, if his hard discipline as a +street boy had not given him a manliness and self-reliance above his +years. He is gradually laying aside the injurious habits which he +acquired in his street life, and I confidently hope for him a worthy and +useful manhood. + +From time to time Ben visits New York, and renews his intimacy with his +Cousin Charles, who returns his warm affection. Charles, in turn, +spends the summer at Cedarville, where they are inseparable. + +So we bid farewell to Ben, the Luggage Boy, hoping that he may be able +to repay his mother in part for the sorrow which his long absence +occasioned her, and that she may live long to enjoy his society. To my +young readers, who have received my stories of street life with so much +indulgence, I bid a brief farewell, hoping to present them ere long the +sixth volume of the Ragged Dick Series, under the title of + + + RUFUS AND ROSE; + + Or, + + THE FORTUNES OF ROUGH AND READY. + + * * * * * + + + + + FAMOUS ALGER BOOKS. + + RAGGED DICK SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 6 vols. 12mo. Cloth. + + RAGGED DICK. + ROUGH AND READY. + FAME AND FORTUNE. + BEN THE LUGGAGE BOY. + MARK THE MATCH BOY. + RUFUS AND ROSE. + + TATTERED TOM SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. + FIRST SERIES. + + TATTERED TOM. + PHIL THE FIDDLER. + PAUL THE PEDDLER. + SLOW AND SURE. + + TATTERED TOM SERIES. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. SECOND SERIES. + + JULIUS. + SAM'S CHANCE. + THE YOUNG OUTLAW. + THE TELEGRAPH BOY. + + CAMPAIGN SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 3 vols. + + FRANK'S CAMPAIGN. + CHARLIE CODMAN'S CRUISE. + PAUL PRESCOTT'S CHARGE. + + LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. + Cloth. FIRST SERIES. + + LUCK AND PLUCK. + STRONG AND STEADY. + SINK OR SWIM. + STRIVE AND SUCCEED. + + LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. SECOND SERIES. + + TRY AND TRUST. + RISEN FROM THE RANKS. + BOUND TO RISE. + HERBERT CARTER'S LEGACY. + + BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. + + BRAVE AND BOLD. + SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF. + JACK'S WARD. + WAIT AND HOPE. + + PACIFIC SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. + + THE YOUNG ADVENTURER. + THE YOUNG EXPLORERS. + THE YOUNG MINER. + BEN'S NUGGET. + + ATLANTIC SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. + + THE YOUNG CIRCUS RIDER. + HECTOR'S INHERITANCE. + DO AND DARE. + HELPING HIMSELF. + + WAY TO SUCCESS SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. + + BOB BURTON. + LUKE WALTON. + THE STORE BOY. + STRUGGLING UPWARD. + + NEW WORLD SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth. + DIGGING FOR GOLD. FACING THE WORLD. IN A NEW WORLD. + + Other Volumes in Preparation. + + * * * * * + + COPYRIGHT BY A. K. LORING, 1870. + + COPYRIGHT BY HORATIO ALGER, JR., 1898. + + + + + =The Roundabout Library= + + For + + =Young People= + + THIS WELL-KNOWN SERIES OF BOOKS + is recognized as the best library of Copyright Books + for young people, sold at popular prices. + + THE AUTHORS represented in the Roundabout + Library are not only the best well-known writers of + juvenile literature, but the titles listed comprise the + best writings of these authors. + + OVER 100 TITLES are now in this Library and + all new titles will be selected with the same care as + in the past, for stories that are not only entertaining + but equally _instructive_ and _elevating_. This respect + for wholesome juvenile literature is what has made + and kept the _Roundabout Library better than any + other library of books for Boys and Girls._ + + OUR AIM is to maintain the supremacy of these + books over all others _from every viewpoint_, and to + make the superior features so apparent that those who + have once read one, will always return to the + Roundabout Library for more. + + =_Bound In Extra Cloth, with gold title and appropriate + cover designs stamped in colors, + attractive and durable, printed on the best + paper from large clear type. Illustrated, + 12mo._= + + PRICE PER VOLUME, $.75 + + Catalogue mailed on application to the Publishers. + + THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., Publishers + PHILADELPHIA + + + + + ROUNDABOUT LIBRARY + + FOR YOUNG PEOPLE + + Selected from the works of Alger, Castlemon, Ellis, + Stephens, Henty, Mrs. Lillie and other writers. + + Price, per volume, $0.75 + + =Across Texas.= =Adventures in Canada; or, Life in the Woods.= By John + C. Geikie. + + =Alison's Adventures.= By Lucy C. Lillie. + + =American Family Robinson, The; or, The Adventures + of a Family Lost in the Great Desert of the West.= + By W. D. Belisle. + + =Bear Hunters of the Rocky Mountains, The.= By Anne + Bowman. + + =Ben's Nugget; or, A Boy's Search for a Fortune.= By + Horatio Alger, Jr. + + =Bob Burton; or, the Young Ranchman of the Missouri.= + By Horatio Alger, Jr. + + =Bonnie Prince Charlie; A Tale of Fontenoy and Culloden.= + By G. A. Henty. + + =Brave Billy.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Brave Tom; or, The Battle that Won.= By Edward S. + Ellis. + + =By England's Aid; or, The Freeing of the Netherlands + (1585-1604).= By G. A. Henty. + + =By Pike and Dyke; A Tale of the Rise of the Dutch + Republic.= By G. A. Henty. + + =By Right of Conquest; or, With Cortez in Mexico.= By + G. A. Henty. + + =By Love's Sweet Rule.= By Gabrielle Emelie Jackson. + + =Cabin in the Clearing, The.= A Tale of the Frontier. + By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Camping Out, As Recorded by "Kit."= By C. A. Stephens. + + =Camp in the Foothills, The.= By Harry Castlemon. + + + + + ROUNDABOUT LIBRARY (Continued) + + Price, per volume,$0.75 + + =Cornet of Horse, The.= A Tale of Marlborough's Wars. + By G. A. Henty. + + =Cruise of the Firefly.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Dear Days, A Story of Washington School Life.= By + Ada Mickle. + + =Diccon the Bold.= A Story of the Days of Columbus. + By John Russell Coryell. + + =Do and Dare; or, A Brave Boy's Fight for Fortune.= By + Horatio Alger, Jr. + + =Dog Crusoe, The.= A Tale of the Western Prairies. By + R. M. Ballantyne. + + =Dog of Cotopaxi, The.= By Hezekiah Butterworth. + + =Doris and Theodora.= By Margaret Vandegrift. + + =Dr. Gilbert's Daughters.= By Margaret H. Matthews. + + =Dragon and the Raven, The; or, The Days of King + Alfred.= By G. A. Henty. + + =Elam Storm, the Wolfer; or, The Lost Nugget.= By + Harry Castlemon. + + =Elinor Belden; or, The Step Brothers.= By Lucy C. Lillie. + + =Esther's Fortune.= By Lucy C. Lillie. + + =Floating Treasure.= By Harry Castlemon. + + =Four Little Indians.= By Ella Mary Coates. + + =Family Dilemma.= By Lucy C. Lillie. + + =Floating Light of the Goodwin Sands, The.= By R. M. + Ballantyne. + + =For Honor's Sake.= By Lucy C. Lillie. + + =Four Boys; or, The Story of the Forest Fire.= By Edward + S. Ellis. + + =Fox Hunting, As Recorded by "Raed."= By C. A. + Stephens. + + =Freaks on the Fells.= By R. M. Ballantyne. + + =Gascoyne, the Sandalwood Trader.= By R. M. Ballantyne. + + =Girl's Ordeal, A.= By Lucy C. Lillie. + + =Gorilla Hunters, The.= By R. M. Ballantyne. + + =Great Cattle Trail, The.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Hunt on Snow Shoes, A.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Hartwell Farm, The.= By Elizabeth B. Comins. + + =Hector's Inheritance; or, The Boys of Smith Institute.= + By Horatio Alger, Jr. + + + + + ROUNDABOUT LIBRARY (Continued) + + Price, per volume,$0.75 + + =Helen Glenn; or, My Mother's Enemy.= By Lucy C. + Lillie. + + =Helping Himself; or, Grant Thornton's Ambition.= By + Horatio Alger, Jr. + + =Honest Ned.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Haunted Mine, The.= By Harry Castlemon. + + =In Freedom's Cause.= A Story of Wallace and Bruce. + By G. A. Henty. + + =In the Reign of Terror; The Adventures of a Westminster + Boy.= By G. A. Henty. + + =Jack Midwood; or, Bread Cast Upon the Waters.= By + Edward S. Ellis. + + =Joe Wayring at Home; or, The Adventures of a Fly + Rod.= By Harry Castlemon. + + =Kangaroo Hunters, The; or, Adventures in the Bush.= + By Anne Bowman. + + =King's Rubies, The.= By Adelaide Fulaer Bell. + + =Lady Green Satin.= By Baroness Deschesnez. + + =Left on Labrador; or, The Cruise of the Yacht "Curlew."= + By C. A. Stephens. + + =Lena Wingo, the Mohawk.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Lenny, the Orphan.= By Margaret Hosmer. + + =Lion of the North, The. A Tale of the Times of Gustavus + Adolphus.= By G. A. Henty. + + =Luke Walton; or, The Chicago Newsboy.= By Horatio + Alger, Jr. + + =Lynx Hunting.= By C. A. Stephens. + + =Limber Lew, the Circus King.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Marion Berkley.= By Elizabeth B. Comins. + + =Missing Pocket-Book, The.= By Harry Castlemon. + + =Mysterious Andes, The.= By Hezekiah Butterworth. + + =Northern Lights.= Stories from Swedish and Finnish + Authors. + + =Off to the Geysers; or, The Young Yachters in Iceland.= + By C. A. Stephens. + + =On the Amazon; or, The Cruise of the "Rambler."= By + C. A. Stephens. + + =On the Trail of the Moose.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Orange and Green; A Tale of the Boyne and Limerick.= + By G. A. Henty. + + + + + ROUNDABOUT LIBRARY (Continued) + + Price, per volume,$0.75 + + =Oscar In Africa.= By Harry Castlemon. + + =Our Boys in Panama.= By Hezekiah Butterworth. + + =Our Fellows; or, Skirmishes with the Swamp Dragoons.= + By Harry Castlemon. + + =Path in the Ravine, The.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Plucky Dick; or, Sowing and Reaping.= By Edward S. + Ellis. + + =Queen's Body Guard, The.= By Margaret Vandegrift. + + =Question of Honor.= By Lynde Palmer. + + =Righting the Wrong.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =River Fugitives, The.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Romain Kalbris.= His Adventures by Sea and Shore. + Translated from the French of Hector Malot. + + =Rose Raymond's Wards.= By Margaret Vandegrift. + + =Ruth Endicott's Way.= By Lucy C. Lillie. + + =Shifting Winds; A Story of the Sea.= By R. M. Ballantyne. + + =Snagged and Sunk; or, The Adventures of a Canvas + Canoe.= By Harry Castlemon. + + =Squire's Daughter, The.= By Lucy C. Lillie. + + =Steel Horse, The; or, The Rambles of a Bicycle.= By + Harry Castlemon. + + =Store Boy, The; or, The Fortunes of Ben Barclay.= By + Horatio Alger, Jr. + + =Storm Mountain.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Struggling Upward; or, Luke Larkin's Luck.= By Horatio + Alger, Jr. + + =Tam; or, Holding the Fort.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Through Forest and Fire.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =True to the Old Flag; A Tale of the American War of + Independence.= By G. A. Henty. + + =Two Bequests, The; or, Heavenward Led.= By Jane R. + Sommers. + + =Two Ways of Becoming a Hunter.= By Harry Castlemon. + + =Under Drake's Flag. A Tale of the Spanish Main.= By + G. A. Henty. + + =Under the Holly.= By Margaret Hosmer. + + =Under the Red Flag; or, The Adventures of Two American + Boys in the Days of the Commune.= By Edward + King. + + + + + ROUNDABOUT LIBRARY (Continued) + + Price, per volume,$0.75 + + =Ways and Means.= By Margaret Vandegrift. + + =Where Honor Leads.= By Lynde Palmer. + + =Wilderness Fugitives, The.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Wild Man of the West, The.= By R. M. Ballantyne. + + =With Clive in India; or, The Beginning of an Empire.= + By G. A. Henty. + + =With Wolfe in Canada; or, The Winning of a Continent.= + By G. A. Henty. + + =Wyoming.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Young Adventurer, The; Tom's Trip Across the Plains.= + By Horatio Alger, Jr. + + =Young Circus Rider, The.= By Horatio Alger, Jr. + + =Young Conductor, The; or, Winning His Way.= By Edward + S. Ellis. + + =Young Explorer, The; or, Among the Sierras.= By Horatio + Alger, Jr. + + =Young Miner, The; or, Tom Nelson in California.= By + Horatio Alger, Jr. + + =Young Ranchers, The; or, Fighting the Sioux.= By + Edward S. Ellis. + + =Young Wrecker, The.= By Richard Meade Bache. + + + + +THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.'S POPULAR JUVENILES. + +HARRY CASTLEMON. + +HOW I CAME TO WRITE MY FIRST BOOK. + +When I was sixteen years old I belonged to a composition class. It was +our custom to go on the recitation seat every day with clean slates, and +we were allowed ten minutes to write seventy words on any subject the +teacher thought suited to our capacity. One day he gave out "What a Man +Would See if He Went to Greenland." My heart was in the matter, and +before the ten minutes were up I had one side of my slate filled. The +teacher listened to the reading of our compositions, and when they were +all over he simply said: "Some of you will make your living by writing +one of these days." That gave me something to ponder upon. I did not say +so out loud, but I knew that my composition was as good as the best of +them. By the way, there was another thing that came in my way just then. +I was reading at that time one of Mayne Reid's works which I had drawn +from the library, and I pondered upon it as much as I did upon what the +teacher said to me. In introducing Swartboy to his readers he made use +of this expression: "No visible change was observable in Swartboy's +countenance." Now, it occurred to me that if a man of his education +could make such a blunder as that and still write a book, I ought to be +able to do it, too. I went home that very day and began a story, "The +Old Guide's Narrative," which was sent to the _New York Weekly_, and +came back, respectfully declined. It was written on both sides of the +sheets but I didn't know that this was against the rules. Nothing +abashed, I began another, and receiving some instruction, from a friend +of mine who was a clerk in a book store, I wrote it on only one side of +the paper. But mind you, he didn't know what I was doing. Nobody knew +it; but one day, after a hard Saturday's work--the other boys had been +out skating on the brick-pond--I shyly broached the subject to my +mother. I felt the need of some sympathy. She listened in amazement, and +then said: "Why, do you think you could write a book like that?" That +settled the matter, and from that day no one knew what I was up to until +I sent the first four volumes of Gunboat Series to my father. Was it +work? Well, yes; it was hard work, but each week I had the satisfaction +of seeing the manuscript grow until the "Young Naturalist" was all +complete. + + --_Harry Castlemon in the Writer._ + + * * * * * + + + + + GUNBOAT SERIES. + + 6 vols. BY HARRY CASTLEMON. $6.00 + + Frank the Young Naturalist. + Frank on a Gunboat. + Frank in the Woods. + Frank before Vicksburg. + Frank on the Lower Mississippi. + Frank on the Prairie. + + + ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES. + + 3 vols. BY HARRY CASTLEMON. $3.00 + + Frank Among the Rancheros. + Frank at Don Carlos' Rancho. + Frank in the Mountains. + + + SPORTSMAN'S CLUB SERIES. + + 3 vols. BY HARRY CASTLEMON. $3.75 + + The Sportsman's Club in the Saddle. + The Sportsman's Club Afloat. + The Sportsman's Club. + Among the Trappers. + + + FRANK NELSON SERIES. + + 3 vols. BY HARRY CASTLEMON. $3.75 + + Snowed up. + Frank in the Forecastle. + The Boy Traders. + + =COMPLETE CATALOG OF BEST BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS + MAILED ON APPLICATION TO THE PUBLISHERS= + + =THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., PHILADELPHIA= + + + + + THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.'S POPULAR JUVENILES + + ROUGHING IT SERIES. + + 3 vols. BY HARRY CASTLEMON. $3.00 + + George in Camp. + George at the Fort. + George at the Wheel. + + + ROD AND GUN SERIES. + + 3 vols. BY HARRY CASTLEMON. $3.00 + + Don Gordon's Shooting Box. + The Young Wild Fowlers. + Rod and Gun Club. + + + GO-AHEAD SERIES. + + 3 vols. BY HARRY CASTLEMON. $3.00 + + Tom Newcombe. + Go-Ahead. + No Moss. + + + WAR SERIES. + + 6 vols. BY HARRY CASTLEMON. $6.00 + + True to His Colors. + Rodney the Partisan. + Rodney the Overseer. + Marcy the Blockade-Runner. + Marcy the Refugee. + Sailor Jack the Trader. + + + HOUSEBOAT SERIES. + + 3 vols. BY HARRY CASTLEMON. $3.00 + + The Houseboat Boys. + The Mystery of Lost River Cañon. + The Young Game Warden. + + AFLOAT AND ASHORE SERIES. + + 3 vols. BY HARRY CASTLEMON. $3.00 + + Rebellion in Dixie. + A Sailor in Spite of Himself. + The Ten-Ton Cutter. + + =COMPLETE CATALOG OF BEST BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS + MAILED ON APPLICATION TO THE PUBLISHERS= + + =THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., PHILADELPHIA= + + + + +=HORATIO ALGER, JR.= + + * * * * * + +The enormous sales of the books of Horatio Alger, Jr., show the +greatness of his popularity among the boys, and prove that he is one of +their most favored writers. I am told that more than half a million +copies altogether have been sold, and that all the large circulating +libraries in the country have several complete sets, of which only two +or three volumes are ever on the shelves at one time. If this is true, +what thousands and thousands of boys have read and are reading Mr. +Alger's books! His peculiar style of stories, often imitated but never +equaled, have taken a hold upon the young people, and, despite their +similarity, are eagerly read as soon as they appear. + +Mr. Alger became famous with the publication of that undying book, +"Ragged Dick, or Street Life in New York." It was his first book for +young people, and its success was so great that he immediately devoted +himself to that kind of writing. It was a new and fertile field for a +writer then, and Mr. Alger's treatment of it at once caught the fancy of +the boys. "Ragged Dick" first appeared in 1868, and ever since then it +has been selling steadily, until now it is estimated that about 200,000 +copies of the series have been sold. + + --"Pleasant Hours for Boys and Girls." + + * * * * * + +A writer for boys should have an abundant sympathy with them. He should +be able to enter into their plans, hopes, and aspirations. He should +learn to look upon life as they do. Boys object to be written down to. A +boy's heart opens to the man or writer who understands him. + + --From "Writing Stories for Boys," by Horatio Alger, Jr. + + + + + RAGGED DICK SERIES. + + 6 vols. =By Horatio Alger, Jr.= $6.00 + + Ragged Dick. + Fame and Fortune. + Mark the Match Boy. + Rough and Ready. + Ben the Luggage Boy. + Rufus and Rose. + + + TATTERED TOM SERIES--First Series. + + 4 vols. =By Horatio Alger, Jr.= $4.00 + + Tattered Tom. + Paul the Peddler. + Phil the Fiddler. + Slow and Sure. + + + TATTERED TOM SERIES--Second Series. + + 4 vols. $4.00 + + Julius. + The Young Outlaw. + Sam's Chance. + The Telegraph Boy. + + + CAMPAIGN SERIES. + + 3 vols. =By Horatio Alger, Jr.= $3.00 + + Frank's Campaign. + Charlie Codman's Cruise. + Paul Prescott's Charge. + + + LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES--First Series. + + 4 vols. =By Horatio Alger, Jr.= $4.00 + + Luck and Pluck. + Sink or Swim. + Strong and Steady. + Strive and Succeed. + + + LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES--Second Series. + + 4 vols. $4.00 + + Try and Trust. + Bound to Rise. + Risen from the Ranks. + Herbert Carter's Legacy. + + + BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES. + + 4 vols. =By Horatio Alger, Jr.= $4.00 + + Brave and Bold. + Jack's Ward. + Shifting for Himself. + Wait and Hope. + + =COMPLETE CATALOG OF BEST BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS + MAILED ON APPLICATION TO THE PUBLISHERS= + + =THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., PHILADELPHIA= + + + + + VICTORY SERIES. + + 3 Vols. =By Horatio Alger, Jr.= $3.00 + + Only an Irish Boy. + Victor Vane, or the Young Secretary. + Adrift in the City. + + + FRANK AND FEARLESS SERIES. + + 3 vols. =By Horatio Alger, Jr.= $3.00 + + Frank Hunter's Peril. + The Young Salesman. + Frank and Fearless. + + + GOOD FORTUNE LIBRARY. + + 3 vols. =By Horatio Alger, Jr.= $3.00 + + Walter Sherwood's Probation. + The Young Bank Messenger. + A Boy's Fortune. + + + HOW TO RISE LIBRARY. + + 3 vols. =By Horatio Alger, Jr.= $3.00 + + Jed, the Poorhouse Boy. + Lester's Luck. + Rupert's Ambition. + + =COMPLETE CATALOG OF BEST BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS + MAILED ON APPLICATION TO THE PUBLISHERS= + + =THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., PHILADELPHIA= + + + + +THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.'S POPULAR JUVENILES + +=J. T. TROWBRIDGE.= + +Neither as a writer does he stand apart from the great currents of life +and select some exceptional phase or odd combination of circumstances. +He stands on the common level and appeals to the universal heart, and +all that he suggests or achieves is on the plane and in the line of +march of the great body of humanity. + +The Jack Hazard series of stories, published in the late _Our Young +Folks_, and continued in the first volume of _St. Nicholas_, under the +title of "Fast Friends," is no doubt destined to hold a high place in +this class of literature. The delight of the boys in them (and of their +seniors, too) is well founded. They go to the right spot every time. +Trowbridge knows the heart of a boy like a book, and the heart of a man, +too, and he has laid them both open in these books in a most successful +manner. Apart from the qualities that render the series so attractive to +all young readers, they have great value on account of their +portraitures of American country life and character. The drawing is +wonderfully accurate, and as spirited as it is true. The constable, +Sellick, is an original character, and as minor figures where will we +find anything better than Miss Wansey, and Mr. P. Pipkin, Esq. The +picture of Mr. Dink's school, too, is capital, and where else in fiction +is there a better nick-name than that the boys gave to poor little +Stephen Treadwell, "Step Hen," as he himself pronounced his name in an +unfortunate moment when he saw it in print for the first time in his +lesson in school. + +On the whole, these books are very satisfactory, and afford the critical +reader the rare pleasure of the works that are just adequate, that +easily fulfill themselves and accomplish all they set out to +do.--_Scribner's Monthly._ + + + + +THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.'S POPULAR JUVENILES + + =JACK HAZARD SERIES.= + + 6 vols. BY J. T. TROWBRIDGE $7.25 + + Jack Hazard and His Fortunes. + Doing His Best. + The Young Surveyor. + A Chance for Himself. + Fast Friends. + Lawrence's Adventures. + + * * * * * + + =CHARLES ASBURY STEPHENS.= + + "This author wrote his "Camping Out Series" at the very height of his + mental and physical powers. + + "We do not wonder at the popularity of these books; there is a + freshness and variety about them, and an enthusiasm in the description + of sport and adventure, which even the older folk can hardly fail to + share."--_Worcester Spy._ + + "The author of the Camping Out Series is entitled to rank as decidedly + at the head of what may be called boys' literature."--_Buffalo + Courier._ + + =CAMPING OUT SERIES.= + + By C. A. STEPHENS. + + =All books in this series are 12mo. with eight full page illustrations. + Cloth, extra, 75 cents.= + + CAMPING OUT. As Recorded by "Kit." + + "This book is bright, breezy, wholesome, instructive, and stands above + the ordinary boys' books of the day by a whole head and + shoulders."--_The Christian Register_, Boston. + + LEFT ON LABRADOR; OR, THE CRUISE OF THE SCHOONER YACHT "CURLEW." As + Recorded by "Wash." + + "The perils of the voyagers, the narrow escapes, their strange + expedients, and the fun and jollity when danger had passed, will make + boys even unconscious of hunger."--_New Bedford Mercury._ + + OFF TO THE GEYSERS; OR THE YOUNG YACHTERS IN ICELAND. As Recorded by + "Wade." + + "It is difficult to believe that Wade and Read and Kit and Wash were + not live boys, sailing up Hudson Straits, and reigning temporarily + over an Esquimaux tribe."--_The Independent_, New York. + + LYNX HUNTING: From Notes by the Author of "Camping Out." + + "Of first quality as a boys' book, and fit to take its place beside + the best."--_Richmond Enquirer._ + + FOX HUNTING. As Recorded by "Raed." + + "The most spirited and entertaining book that has as yet appeared. It + overflows with incident, and is characterized by dash and brilliancy + throughout."--_Boston Gazette._ + + ON THE AMAZON; OR, THE CRUISE OF THE "RAMBLER." As Recorded by "Wash." + + "Gives vivid pictures of Brazilian adventure and scenery."--_Buffalo + Courier._ + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Ben, the Luggage Boy;, by Horatio Alger + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEN, THE LUGGAGE BOY; *** + +***** This file should be named 28381-8.txt or 28381-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/8/3/8/28381/ + +Produced by Taavi Kalju, Woodie4, Joseph Cooper and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net +(This file was produced from images generously made +available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Ben, the Luggage Boy; + or, Among the Wharves + +Author: Horatio Alger + +Release Date: March 21, 2009 [EBook #28381] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEN, THE LUGGAGE BOY; *** + + + + +Produced by Taavi Kalju, Woodie4, Joseph Cooper and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net +(This file was produced from images generously made +available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<p>Transcriber's note:<br /> +A list of some of the author's other books has been moved from the front papers to the end of the book.<br /></p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 390px;"> +<img src="images/front_cover.png" width="390" height="600" alt="Front cover" title="Front cover" /><br /><br /> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 357px;"> +<img src="images/ill01.png" width="357" height="600" alt="Title page" title="Title page" /> +</div> + +<h1>BEN, THE LUGGAGE BOY;</h1> + +<h5>OR,</h5> + +<h3>AMONG THE WHARVES.</h3> + +<h5>BY</h5> + +<h4>HORATIO ALGER, JR.,</h4> + +<h6>AUTHOR OF "RAGGED DICK," "FAME AND FORTUNE," "MARK, THE MATCH<br /> +BOY," "ROUGH AND READY," "CAMPAIGN SERIES,"<br /> +"LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES," ETC.</h6> +<h3>THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.</h3> +<h4>PHILADELPHIA,</h4> +<h5>CHICAGO, TORONTO.<br /><br /></h5> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<h4>TO</h4> + +<h2>ANNIE,</h2> + +<h4>THIS VOLUME IS DEDICATED</h4> + +<h4>In Tender Remembrance</h4> + +<h5>BY HER</h5> + +<h4><i>AFFECTIONATE BROTHER</i></h4> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE"></a>PREFACE.</h2> + + +<p>In presenting "Ben, the Luggage Boy," to the public, as the fifth of the +Ragged Dick Series, the author desires to say that it is in all +essential points a true history; the particulars of the story having +been communicated to him, by Ben himself, nearly two years since. In +particular, the circumstances attending the boy's running away from +home, and adopting the life of a street boy, are in strict accordance +with Ben's own statement. While some of the street incidents are +borrowed from the writer's own observation, those who are really +familiar with the different phases which street life assumes in New +York, will readily recognize their fidelity. The chapter entitled "The +Room under the Wharf" will recall to many readers of the daily journals +a paragraph which made its appearance within two years. The writer +cannot close without expressing anew his thanks for the large share of +favor which has been accorded to the volumes of the present series, and +takes this opportunity of saying that, in their preparation, invention +has played but a subordinate part. For his delineations of character and +choice of incidents, he has been mainly indebted to his own observation, +aided by valuable communications and suggestions from those who have +been brought into familiar acquaintance with the class whose mode of +life he has sought to describe.</p> + +<p class="citation"><span class="smcap">New York, April 5, 1876.</span></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="BEN_THE_LUGGAGE_BOY" id="BEN_THE_LUGGAGE_BOY"></a>BEN, THE LUGGAGE BOY;</h2> + +<h5>OR,</h5> + +<h3>AMONG THE WHARVES.</h3> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<h4>INTRODUCES BEN, THE LUGGAGE BOY.</h4> + + +<p>"How much yer made this mornin', Ben?"</p> + +<p>"Nary red," answered Ben, composedly.</p> + +<p>"Had yer breakfast?"</p> + +<p>"Only an apple. That's all I've eaten since yesterday. It's most time +for the train to be in from Philadelphy. I'm layin' round for a job."</p> + +<p>The first speaker was a short, freckled-faced boy, whose box strapped to +his back identified him at once as a street boot-black. His hair was +red, his fingers defaced by stains of blacking, and his clothing +constructed on the most approved system of ventilation. He appeared to +be about twelve years old.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p> + +<p>The boy whom he addressed as Ben was taller, and looked older. He was +probably not far from sixteen. His face and hands, though browned by +exposure to wind and weather, were several shades cleaner than those of +his companion. His face, too, was of a less common type. It was easy to +see that, if he had been well dressed, he might readily have been taken +for a gentleman's son. But in his present attire there was little chance +of this mistake being made. His pants, marked by a green stripe, small +around the waist and very broad at the hips, had evidently once belonged +to a Bowery swell; for the Bowery has its swells as well as Broadway, +its more aristocratic neighbor. The vest had been discarded as a +needless luxury, its place being partially supplied by a shirt of thick +red flannel. This was covered by a frock-coat, which might once have +belonged to a member of the Fat Men's Association, being aldermanic in +its proportions. Now it was fallen from its high estate, its nap and +original gloss had long departed, and it was frayed and torn in many +places. But among the street-boys dress is not much regarded, and Ben +never thought of apologizing for the defects of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> his wardrobe. We shall +learn in time what were his faults and what his virtues, for I can +assure my readers that street boys do have virtues sometimes, and when +they are thoroughly convinced that a questioner feels an interest in +them will drop the "chaff" in which they commonly indulge, and talk +seriously and feelingly of their faults and hardships. Some do this for +a purpose, no doubt, and the verdant stranger is liable to be taken in +by assumed virtue, and waste sympathy on those who do not deserve it. +But there are also many boys who have good tendencies and aspirations, +and only need to be encouraged and placed under right influences to +develop into worthy and respectable men.</p> + +<p>The conversation recorded above took place at the foot of Cortlandt +Street, opposite the ferry wharf. It was nearly time for the train, and +there was the usual scene of confusion. Express wagons, hacks, boys, +laborers, were gathering, presenting a confusing medley to the eye of +one unaccustomed to the spectacle.</p> + +<p>Ben was a luggage boy, his occupation being to wait at the piers for the +arrival of steamboats, or at the railway stations, on the chance of +getting a carpet<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>-bag or valise to carry. His business was a precarious +one. Sometimes he was lucky, sometimes unlucky. When he was flush, he +treated himself to a "square meal," and finished up the day at Tony +Pastor's, or the Old Bowery, where from his seat in the pit he indulged +in independent criticism of the acting, as he leaned back in his seat +and munched peanuts, throwing the shells about carelessly.</p> + +<p>It is not surprising that the street-boys like the Old Bowery, and are +willing to stint their stomachs, or run the risk of a night in the +streets, for the sake of the warm room and the glittering illusions of +the stage, introducing them for the time being to the society of nobles +and ladies of high birth, and enabling them to forget for a time the +hardships of their own lot, while they follow with rapt interest the +fortunes of Lord Frederic Montressor or the Lady Imogene Delacour. +Strange as it may seem, the street Arab has a decided fancy for these +pictures of aristocracy, and never suspects their want of fidelity. When +the play ends, and Lord Frederic comes to his own, having foiled all the +schemes of his crafty and unprincipled enemies, no one rejoices more +than the ragged<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> boy who has sat through the evening an interested +spectator of the play, and in his pleasure at the successful denouement, +he almost forgets that he will probably find the Newsboys' Lodging House +closed for the night, and be compelled to take up with such sleeping +accommodations as the street may provide.</p> + +<p>Ben crossed the street, taking a straight course, without paying +especial attention to the mud, which caused other pedestrians to pick +their way. To the condition of his shoes he was supremely indifferent. +Stockings he did not wear. They are luxuries in which few street boys +indulge.</p> + +<p>He had not long to wait. The boat bumped against the wharf, and directly +a crowd of passengers poured through the open gates in a continuous +stream.</p> + +<p>Ben looked sharply around him to judge who would be likely to employ +him. His attention was drawn to an elderly lady, with a large carpet-bag +swelled almost to bursting. She was looking about her in a bewildered +manner.</p> + +<p>"Carry your bag, ma'am?" he said, at the same time motioning towards it.</p> + +<p>"Who be you?" asked the old lady, suspiciously.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'm a baggage-smasher," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"Then I don't want you," answered the old lady, clinging to her bag as +if she feared it would be wrested from her. "I'm surprised that the law +allows sich things. You might be in a better business, young man, than +smashing baggage."</p> + +<p>"That's where you're right, old lady," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"Bankin' would pay better, if I only had the money to start on."</p> + +<p>"Are you much acquainted in New York?" asked the old lady.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Ben; "I know the mayor 'n' aldermen, 'n' all the principal +men. A. T. Stooart's my intimate friend, and I dine with Vanderbilt +every Sunday when I aint engaged at Astor's."</p> + +<p>"Do you wear them clo'es when you visit your fine friends?" asked the +old lady, shrewdly.</p> + +<p>"No," said Ben. "Them are my every-day clo'es. I've got some velvet +clo'es to home, embroidered with gold."</p> + +<p>"I believe you are telling fibs," said the old lady. "What I want to +know is, if you know my darter, Mrs. John Jones; her first name is +Seraphiny. She<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> lives on Bleecker Street, and her husband, who is a nice +man, though his head is bald on top, keeps a grocery store."</p> + +<p>"Of course I do," said Ben. "It was only yesterday that she told me her +mother was comin' to see her. I might have knowed you was she."</p> + +<p>"How would you have knowed?"</p> + +<p>"Cause she told me just how you looked."</p> + +<p>"Did she? How did she say I looked?"</p> + +<p>"She said you was most ninety, and—"</p> + +<p>"It isn't true," said the old lady, indignantly. "I'm only +seventy-three, and everybody says I'm wonderful young-lookin' for my +years. I don't believe Seraphiny told you so."</p> + +<p>"She might have said you looked as if you was most ninety."</p> + +<p>"You're a sassy boy!" said the owner of the carpet-bag, indignantly. "I +don't see how I'm going to get up to Seraphiny's," she continued, +complainingly. "They'd ought to have come down to meet me. How much will +you charge to carry my carpet-bag, and show me the way to my darter's?"</p> + +<p>"Fifty cents," said Ben.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Fifty cents!" repeated the old lady, aghast. "I didn't think you'd +charge more'n ten."</p> + +<p>"I have to," said Ben. "Board's high in New York."</p> + +<p>"How much would they charge me in a carriage? Here you, sir," addressing +a hackman, "what'll you charge to carry me to my darter's house, Mrs. +John Jones, in Bleecker Street?"</p> + +<p>"What's the number?"</p> + +<p>"I think it's a hundred and sixty-three."</p> + +<p>"A dollar and a half."</p> + +<p>"A dollar 'n' a half? Couldn't you do it for less?"</p> + +<p>"Carry your bag, sir?" asked Ben, of a gentleman passing.</p> + +<p>The gentleman shook his head.</p> + +<p>He made one or two other proposals, which being in like manner +unsuccessful, he returned to the old lady, who, having by this time got +through her negotiations with the hackman, whom she had vainly striven +to beat down to seventy-five cents, was in a more favorable mood to +accept Ben's services.</p> + +<p>"Can't you take less than fifty cents?" she asked.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No," said Ben, decidedly.</p> + +<p>"I'll give you forty."</p> + +<p>"Couldn't do it," said Ben, who felt sure of gaining his point now.</p> + +<p>"Well, I suppose I shall be obleeged to hire you," said the old lady +with a sigh. "Seraphiny ought to have sent down to meet me. I didn't +tell her I was comin' to-day; but she might have thought I'd come, bein' +so pleasant. Here, you boy, you may take the bag, and mind you don't run +away with it. There aint nothin' in it but some of my clo'es."</p> + +<p>"I don't want none of your clo'es," said Ben. "My wife's bigger'n you, +and they wouldn't fit her."</p> + +<p>"Massy sakes! you aint married, be you?"</p> + +<p>"Why shouldn't I be?"</p> + +<p>"I don't believe it. You're not old enough. But I'm glad you don't want +the clo'es. They wouldn't be of no use to you. Just you take the bag, +and I'll foller on behind."</p> + +<p>"I want my pay first."</p> + +<p>"I aint got the change. My darter Seraphiny will pay you when we get to +her house."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That don't go down," said Ben, decidedly. "Payment in advance; that's +the way I do business."</p> + +<p>"You'll get your pay; don't you be afraid."</p> + +<p>"I know I shall; but I want it now."</p> + +<p>"You won't run away after I've paid you, will you?"</p> + +<p>"In course not. That aint my style."</p> + +<p>The old lady took out her purse, and drew therefrom forty-seven cents. +She protested that she had not a cent more. Ben pardoned the deficiency, +feeling that he would, notwithstanding, be well paid for his time.</p> + +<p>"All right," said he, magnanimously. "I don't mind the three cents. It +aint any object to a man of my income. Take my hand, old lady, and we'll +go across the street."</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid of bein' run over," said she, hesitatingly.</p> + +<p>"What's the odds if you be?" said Ben. "The city'll have to pay you +damages."</p> + +<p>"But if I got killed, that wouldn't do me any good," remarked the old +lady, sensibly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then the money'd go to your friends," said Ben, consolingly.</p> + +<p>"Do you think I will be run over?" asked the old lady, anxiously.</p> + +<p>"In course you won't. I'll take care of you. They wouldn't dare to run +over me," said Ben, confidently.</p> + +<p>Somewhat reassured by this remark, the old lady submitted to Ben's +guidance, and was piloted across the street in safety.</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't live in New York for a heap of money. It would be as much as +my life is worth," she remarked. "How far is Bleecker Street?"</p> + +<p>"About two miles."</p> + +<p>"I almost wish I'd rid. But a dollar and a half is a sight to pay."</p> + +<p>"You'd have to pay more than that."</p> + +<p>"That's all the man asked."</p> + +<p>"I know," said Ben; "but when he'd got you there, he'd have charged you +five dollars."</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't have paid it."</p> + +<p>"Yes, you would," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"He couldn't make me."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> + +<p>"If you didn't pay, he'd have locked you in, and driven you off to the +river, and dumped you in."</p> + +<p>"Do they ever do such things?" asked the old lady, startled.</p> + +<p>"In course they do. Only last week a beautiful young lady was served +that way, 'cause she wouldn't pay what the hackman wanted."</p> + +<p>"And what was done to him?"</p> + +<p>"Nothin'," said Ben. "The police is in league with 'em, and get their +share of the money."</p> + +<p>"Why, you don't say so! What a wicked place New York is, to be sure!"</p> + +<p>"Of course it is. It's so wicked I'm goin' to the country myself as soon +as I get money enough to buy a farm."</p> + +<p>"Have you got much money saved up?" asked the old lady, interested.</p> + +<p>"Four thousand six hundred and seventy-seven dollars and fifty-five +cents. I don't count this money you give me, 'cause I'm goin' to spend +it."</p> + +<p>"You didn't make it all carryin' carpet-bags," said the old lady, +incredulously.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, I made most of it spekilatin' in real estate," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"You don't say!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I do."</p> + +<p>"You've got most enough to buy a farm a'ready."</p> + +<p>"I aint goin' to buy till I can buy a good one."</p> + +<p>"What's the name of this street?"</p> + +<p>"West Broadway."</p> + +<p>They were really upon West Broadway by this time, that being as direct a +line as any to Bleecker Street.</p> + +<p>"You see that store," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"Yes; what's the matter of it?"</p> + +<p>"I don't own it <i>now</i>," said Ben. "I sold it, cos the tenants didn't pay +their rent reg'lar."</p> + +<p>"I should think you'd dress better if you've got so much money," said +the old lady, not unnaturally.</p> + +<p>"What's the use of wearin' nice clo'es round among the wharves?" said +Ben.</p> + +<p>"There's suthin in that. I tell my darter Jane—she lives in the +country—that it's no use dressin' up the children to go to +school,—they're sure to get their clo'es tore and dirty afore they get +home."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> + +<p>So Ben beguiled the way with wonderful stories, with which he played +upon the old lady's credulity. Of course it was wrong; but a street +education is not very likely to inspire its pupils with a reverence for +truth; and Ben had been knocking about the streets of New York, most of +the time among the wharves, for six years. His street education had +commenced at the age of ten. He had adopted it of his own free will. +Even now there was a comfortable home waiting for him; there were +parents who supposed him dead, and who would have found a difficulty in +recognizing him under his present circumstances. In the next chapter a +light will be thrown upon his past history, and the reader will learn +how his street life began.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<h4>HOW BEN COMMENCED HIS STREET LIFE.</h4> + + +<p>One pleasant morning, six years before the date at which this story +commences, a small coasting-vessel drew up at a North River pier in the +lower part of the city. It was loaded with freight, but there was at +least one passenger on board. A boy of ten, dressed in a neat jacket and +pants of gray-mixed cloth, stood on deck, watching with interest the +busy city which they had just reached.</p> + +<p>"Well, bub, here we are," said the captain as he passed. "I suppose you +know your way home."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Are you going on shore now?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Well, good luck to you, my lad. If you are ever down this way, when I'm +in port, I shall be glad to see you."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir; good-by."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Good-by."</p> + +<p>Ben clambered over the side, and stepped upon the wharf. In the great +city he knew no one, and he was an utter stranger to the streets, never +before having visited it. He was about to begin life for himself at the +age of ten. He had voluntarily undertaken to support himself, leaving +behind him a comfortable home, where he had been well cared for. I must +explain how this came about.</p> + +<p>Ben had a pleasant face, and would be considered good-looking. But there +was a flash in his eye, when aroused, which showed that he had a quick +temper, and there was an expression of firmness, unusual to one so +young, which might have been read by an experienced physiognomist. He +was quick-tempered, proud, and probably obstinate. Yet with these +qualities he was pleasant in his manners, and had a sense of humor, +which made him a favorite among his companions.</p> + +<p>His father was a coal-dealer in a town a few miles distant from +Philadelphia, of a hasty temper like Ben himself. A week before he had +punished Ben severely for a fault which he had not committed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> The boy's +pride revolted at the injustice, and, young as he was, he resolved to +run away. I suppose there are few boys who do not form this resolution +at some time or other in their lives; but as a general thing it amounts +to nothing. With Ben it was different. His was a strong nature, whether +for good or for evil, and when he decided to do anything he was not +easily moved from his resolve. He forgot, in the present case, that, +though he had been unjustly punished, the injustice was not intentional +on the part of his father, who had been under a wrong impression +respecting him. But right or wrong, Ben made up his mind to run away; +and he did so. It was two or three days before a good opportunity +presented itself. Then, with a couple of shirts and collars rolled up in +a small bundle, he made his escape to Philadelphia, and after roaming +about the streets for several hours he made his way to the wharves, +where he found a vessel bound for New York. Representing to the captain +that he lived in New York, and had no money to pay his passage home, +that officer, who was a good-natured man, agreed to carry him for +nothing.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p> + +<p>The voyage was now over, and Ben landed, as we have said, an utter +stranger, with very indefinite ideas as to how he was to make his +living. He had told the captain that he knew his way home, for having +falsely represented that he lived in New York, he was in a manner +compelled to this additional falsehood. Still, in spite of his +friendless condition, his spirits were very good. The sun shone +brightly; all looked animated and cheerful. Ben saw numbers of men at +work about him, and he thought, "It will be a pity if I cannot make a +living."</p> + +<p>He did not care to linger about the wharf, for the captain might be led +to doubt his story. Accordingly he crossed the street, and at a venture +turned up a street facing the wharf.</p> + +<p>Ben did not know much about New York, even by report. But he had heard +of Broadway,—as who has not?—and this was about all he did know. When, +therefore, he had gone a short distance, he ventured to ask a +boot-black, whom he encountered at the corner of the next block, "Can +you tell me the shortest way to Broadway?"</p> + +<p>"Follow your nose, Johnny," was the reply.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p> + +<p>"My name isn't Johnny," replied Ben, rather indignant at the +familiarity. He had not learned that, in New York, Johnny is the generic +name for boy, where the specific name is unknown.</p> + +<p>"Aint it though?" returned the boot-black "What's the price of turnips +out where you live?"</p> + +<p>"I'll make your nose turn up if you aint careful," retorted Ben, +wrathfully.</p> + +<p>"You'll do," said the boot-black, favorably impressed by Ben's pluck. +"Just go straight ahead, and you'll come to Broadway. I'm going that +way, and you can come along with me if you want to."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Ben, appeased by the boy's changed manner.</p> + +<p>"Are you going to stay here?" inquired his new acquaintance.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Ben; "I'm going to live here."</p> + +<p>"Where do your friends live?"</p> + +<p>"I haven't got any friends in New York," said Ben, with a little +hesitation.</p> + +<p>"Over in Brooklyn, or Jersey, maybe?"</p> + +<p>"No, I don't know anybody this way."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Whew!" whistled the other. "How you goin' to live?"</p> + +<p>"I expect to earn my living," said Ben, in a tone of importance.</p> + +<p>"Father and mother dead?"</p> + +<p>"No, they're alive."</p> + +<p>"I s'pose they're poor?"</p> + +<p>"No, they're not; they're well off."</p> + +<p>The boot-black looked puzzled.</p> + +<p>"Why didn't you stay at home then? Wouldn't they let you?"</p> + +<p>"Of course they would. The fact is, I've run away."</p> + +<p>"Maybe they'd adopt me instead of you."</p> + +<p>"I don't think they would," said Ben, laughing.</p> + +<p>"I wish somebody with lots of cash would adopt me, and make a gentleman +of me. It would be a good sight better'n blackin' boots."</p> + +<p>"Do you make much money that way?" inquired Ben.</p> + +<p>"Pleasant days like this, sometimes I make a dollar, but when it rains +there aint much doin'."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> + +<p>"How much have you made this morning?" asked Ben, with interest.</p> + +<p>"Sixty cents."</p> + +<p>"Sixty cents, and it isn't more than ten o'clock. That's doing pretty +well."</p> + +<p>"'Taint so good in the afternoon. Most every body gets their boots +blacked in the mornin'. What are you goin' to do?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"Goin' to black boots? I'll show you how," said the other, generously +overlooking all considerations of possible rivalry.</p> + +<p>"I don't think I should like that very well," said Ben, slowly.</p> + +<p>Having been brought up in a comfortable home, he had a prejudice in +favor of clean hands and unsoiled clothes,—a prejudice of which his +street life speedily cured him.</p> + +<p>"I think I should rather sell papers, or go into a store," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"You can't make so much money sellin' papers," said his new +acquaintance. "Then you might get 'stuck'"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>.</p> + +<p>"What's that?" inquired Ben, innocently.</p> + +<p>"Don't you know?" asked the boot-black, wonderingly. "Why, it's when +you've got more papers than you can sell. That's what takes off the +profits. I was a newsboy once; but it's too hard work for the money. +There aint no chance of gettin' stuck on my business."</p> + +<p>"It's rather a dirty business," said Ben, venturing to state his main +objection, at the risk of offending. But Jerry Collins, for that was his +name, was not very sensitive on this score.</p> + +<p>"What's the odds?" he said, indifferently. "A feller gets used to it."</p> + +<p>Ben looked at Jerry's begrimed hands, and clothes liberally marked with +spots of blacking, and he felt that he was not quite ready to get used +to appearing in public in this way. He was yet young in his street life. +The time came when he ceased to be so particular.</p> + +<p>"Where do you board?" asked Ben, after a little pause.</p> + +<p>Jerry Collins stared at the questioner as if he sus<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>pected that a joke +was intended. But Ben's serious face assured him that he was in earnest.</p> + +<p>"You're jolly green," he remarked, sententiously.</p> + +<p>"Look here," said Ben, with spirit, "I'll give you a licking if you say +that again."</p> + +<p>It may be considered rather singular that Jerry, Instead of resenting +this threat, was led by it to regard Ben with favor.</p> + +<p>"I didn't mean anything," he said, by way of apology. "You're a trump, +and you'll get over it when you've been in the city a week."</p> + +<p>"What made you call me green?" asked Ben.</p> + +<p>"Did you think I boarded up to the Fifth Avenue?" asked Jerry.</p> + +<p>"What's that,—a hotel?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, it's one of the big hotels, where they eat off gold plates."</p> + +<p>"No, I don't suppose you board there," said Ben, laughing; "but I +suppose there are cheaper boarding-places. Where do you sleep?"</p> + +<p>"Sometimes in wagons, or in door-ways, on the docks, or anywhere where I +get a chance."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Don't you get cold sleeping out-doors?" asked Ben.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm used to it," said Jerry. "When it's cold I go to the Lodging +House."</p> + +<p>"What's that?"</p> + +<p>Jerry explained that there was a Newsboys' Lodging House, where a bed +could be obtained for six cents a night.</p> + +<p>"That's cheap," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"'Taint so cheap as sleepin' out-doors," returned the boot-black.</p> + +<p>This was true; but Ben thought he would rather pay the six cents than +sleep out, if it were only for the damage likely to come to his clothes, +which were yet clean and neat. Looking at Jerry's suit, however, he saw +that this consideration would be likely to have less weight with him. He +began to understand that he had entered upon a very different life from +the one he had hitherto led. He was not easily daunted, however.</p> + +<p>"If he can stand it, I can," he said to himself.</p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2> + +<h4>STREET SCENES.</h4> + + +<p>"Here's Broadway," said Jerry, suddenly.</p> + +<p>They emerged from the side street on which they had been walking, and, +turning the corner, found themselves in the great thoroughfare, a block +or two above Trinity Church.</p> + +<p>Ben surveyed the busy scenes that opened before him, with the eager +interest of a country boy who saw them for the first time.</p> + +<p>"What church is that?" he asked, pointing to the tall spire of the +imposing church that faces Wall Street.</p> + +<p>"That's Trinity Church."</p> + +<p>"Do you go to church there?"</p> + +<p>"I don't go anywhere else," said Jerry, equivocally. "What's the use of +going to church?"</p> + +<p>"I thought everybody went to church," said Ben, speaking from his +experience in a country village<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> "that is, most everybody," he corrected +himself, as several persons occurred to his mind who were more punctual +in their attendance at the liquor saloon than the church.</p> + +<p>"If I'd got good clothes like you have I'd go once just to see what it's +like; but I'd a good sight rather go to the old Bowery Theatre."</p> + +<p>"But you ought not to say that," said Ben, a little startled.</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"Because it's better to go to church than to the theatre."</p> + +<p>"Is it?" said Jerry. "Well, you can go if you want to. I'd give more for +a stunnin' old play at the Bowery than fifty churches."</p> + +<p>Ben began to suspect that Jerry was rather loose in his ideas on the +subject of religion, but did not think it best to say so, for fear of +giving offence, though in all probability Jerry's sensitiveness would +not have been at all disturbed by such a charge.</p> + +<p>During the last portion of the conversation they had been standing still +at the street corner.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'm goin' to Nassau Street," said Jerry. "If you want to go up +Broadway, that's the way."</p> + +<p>Without waiting for an answer he darted across the street, threading his +way among the numerous vehicles with a coolness and a success which +amazed Ben, who momentarily expected to see him run over. He drew a long +breath when he saw him safe on the other side, and bethought himself +that he would not like to take a similar risk. He felt sorry to have +Jerry leave him so abruptly. The boot-black had already imparted to him +considerable information about New York, which he saw was likely to be +of benefit to him. Besides, he felt that any society was better than +solitude, and a sudden feeling of loneliness overpowered him, as he felt +that among the crowd of persons that jostled him as he stood at the +corner, there was not one who felt an interest in him, or even knew his +name. It was very different in his native village, where he knew +everybody, and everybody had a friendly word for him. The thought did +occur to him for a moment whether he had been wise in running away from +home; but the thought of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> unjust punishment came with it, and his +expression became firmer and more resolute.</p> + +<p>"I won't go home if I starve," he said proudly to himself; and armed +with this new resolution he proceeded up Broadway.</p> + +<p>His attention was soon drawn to the street merchants doing business on +the sidewalk. Here was a vender of neckties, displaying a varied +assortment of different colors, for "only twenty-five cents each." Next +came a candy merchant with his stock in trade, divided up into irregular +lumps, and labelled a penny apiece. They looked rather tempting, and Ben +would have purchased, but he knew very well that his cash capital +amounted to only twenty-five cents, which, considering that he was as +yet without an income, was likely to be wanted for other purposes.</p> + +<p>Next came a man with an assortment of knives, all of them open, and +sticking into a large board, which was the only shop required by their +proprietor. Ben stopped a moment to look at them. He had always had a +fancy for knives, but was now without one. In fact he had sold a +handsome knife, which he had received as a birthday present, for +seventy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>-five cents, to raise money for his present expedition. Of this +sum but twenty-five cents remained.</p> + +<p>"Will you buy a knife to-day, young gentleman?" asked the vender, who +was on the alert for customers.</p> + +<p>"No, I guess not," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"Here's a very nice one for only one dollar," said the street merchant, +taking up a showy-looking knife with three blades. "Its the best of +steel, warranted. You won't get another such knife for the price in the +city."</p> + +<p>It did look cheap certainly. Ben could not but allow that. He would like +to have owned it, but circumstances forbade.</p> + +<p>"No, I won't buy to-day," he said.</p> + +<p>"Here, you shall have it for ninety-four cents," and the vender began to +roll it up in a piece of paper. "You can't say it isn't cheap."</p> + +<p>"Yes, it's cheap enough," said Ben, moving away, "but I haven't got the +money with me."</p> + +<p>This settled the matter, and the dealer reluctantly unrolled it, and +replaced it among his stock.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p> + +<p>"If you'll call round to-morrow, I'll save it for you till then," he +said.</p> + +<p>"All right," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"I wonder," he thought, "whether he would be so anxious to sell, if he +knew that I had run away from home, and had but twenty-five cents in the +world?"</p> + +<p>Ben's neat dress deceived the man, who naturally supposed him to belong +to a city family well to do.</p> + +<p>Our young hero walked on till he came to the Astor House. He stood on +the steps a few minutes taking a view of what may be considered the +liveliest and most animated part of New York. Nearly opposite was +Barnum's American Museum, the site being now occupied by the costly and +elegant Herald Building and Park Bank. He looked across to the lower end +of the City Hall Park, not yet diverted from its original purpose for +the new Post Office building. He saw a procession of horse-cars in +constant motion up and down Park Row. Everything seemed lively and +animated; and again the thought came to Ben, "If there is employment for +all these people, there must be something for me to do."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p> + +<p>He crossed to the foot of the Park, and walked up on the Park Row side. +Here again he saw a line of street merchants. Most conspicuous were the +dealers in penny ballads, whose wares lined the railings, and were +various enough to suit every taste. Here was an old woman, who might +have gained a first prize for ugliness, presiding over an apple-stand.</p> + +<p>"Take one, honey; it's only two cints," she said, observing that Ben's +attention was drawn to a rosy-cheeked apple.</p> + +<p>Ben was rather hungry, and reflecting that probably apples were as cheap +as any other article of diet, he responded to the appeal by purchasing. +It proved to be palatable, and he ate it with a good relish.</p> + +<p>"Ice-cream, only a penny a glass," was the next announcement. The +glasses, to be sure, were of very small size. Still ice-cream in any +quantity for a penny seemed so ridiculously cheap that Ben, poor as he +was, could not resist the temptation.</p> + +<p>"I'll take a glass," he said.</p> + +<p>A dab of ice-cream was deposited in a glass, and with a pewter spoon +handed to Ben. He raised<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> the spoon to his mouth, but alas! the mixture +was not quite so tempting to the taste as to the eye and the pocket. It +might be ice-cream, but there was an indescribable flavor about it, only +to be explained on the supposition that the ice had been frozen +dish-water. Ben's taste had not been educated up to that point which +would enable him to relish it. He laid it down with an involuntary +contortion of the face.</p> + +<p>"Give it to me, Johnny," he heard at his elbow.</p> + +<p>Turning, he saw a small, dirty-faced boy of six, with bare feet and +tattered attire, who was gazing with a look of greedy desire at the +delicious mixture.</p> + +<p>Ben handed him the glass and spoon, and stood by, looking at him with +some curiosity as he disposed of the contents with a look of evident +enjoyment.</p> + +<p>"Do you like it?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"It's bully," said the young epicure.</p> + +<p>If Ben had not been restricted by his narrow means, he would have +purchased another glass for the urchin. It would have been a very cheap<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> +"treat." But our young adventurer reflected that he had but twenty-two +cents left, and prudence forbade.</p> + +<p>"I don't see how he can like the nasty stuff," he thought.</p> + +<p>But the time was to come when Ben himself, grown less fastidious, would +be able to relish food quite as uninviting.</p> + +<p>Ben made his way across the Park to Broadway again. He felt that it was +high time for him to be seeking employment. His ideas on this subject +were not very well defined, but when he left home he made up his mind +that he would try to get a place in a store on Broadway. He supposed +that, among the great number of stores, there would be a chance for him +to get into some one. He expected to make enough to live in a +comfortable boarding-house, and buy his clothes, though he supposed that +would be about all. He expected to have to economize on spending money +the first year, but the second year his wages would be raised, and then +it would come easier. All this shows how very verdant and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> unpractical +our young adventurer was, and what disappointment he was preparing for +himself.</p> + +<p>However, Ben's knowledge was to come by experience, and that before +long.</p> + +<p>Reaching Broadway, he walked up slowly on the west side, looking in at +the shop-windows. In the lower part of this busy street are many +wholesale houses, while the upper part is devoted principally to retail +shops. Coming to a large warehouse for the sale of ready-made clothing, +Ben thought he might as well begin there. In such a large place there +must be a good deal to do.</p> + +<p>He passed in and looked about him rather doubtfully. The counters, which +were numerous, were filled high with ready-made garments. Ben saw no one +as small as himself, and that led him to doubt whether his size might +not be an objection.</p> + +<p>"Well, sonny, what do you want?" asked a clerk.</p> + +<p>"Don't you want to hire a boy?" asked our young adventurer, plunging +into his business.</p> + +<p>"I suppose you have had considerable experience in the business?" said +the clerk inclined to banter him a little.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, I haven't," said Ben, frankly.</p> + +<p>"Indeed, I judged from your looks that you were a man of experience."</p> + +<p>"If you don't want to hire me, I'll go," said Ben, independently.</p> + +<p>"Well, young man, I'm afraid you'll have to go. The fact is, we should +have to <i>higher</i> you before we could <i>hire</i> you;" and the clerk laughed +at his witticism.</p> + +<p>Ben naturally saw nothing to laugh at, but felt rather indignant. He +stepped into the street, a little depressed at the result of his first +application. But then, as he reflected, there were a great many other +stores besides this, and he might have better luck next time. He walked +on some distance, however, before trying again. Indeed, he had got above +Bleecker Street, when his attention was arrested by a paper pasted +inside of a shop-window, bearing the inscription:—</p> + +<h4>"CASH-BOYS WANTED."</h4> + +<p>Ben did not clearly understand what were the duties of a cash-boy, +though he supposed they must have something to do with receiving money. +Look<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>ing in through the glass door he saw boys as small as himself +flitting about, and this gave him courage to enter and make an +application for a place.</p> + +<p>He entered, therefore, and walked up boldly to the first clerk he saw.</p> + +<p>"Do you want a cash-boy?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Go up to that desk, Johnny," said the clerk, pointing to a desk about +midway of the store. A stout gentleman stood behind it, writing +something in a large book.</p> + +<p>Ben went up, and repeated his inquiry. "Do you want a cash-boy?"</p> + +<p>"How old are you?" asked the gentleman looking down at him.</p> + +<p>"Ten years old."</p> + +<p>"Have you ever been in a store?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"Do you live in the city?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"With your parents?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir," said Ben, with hesitation.</p> + +<p>"Who do you live with, then?"</p> + +<p>"With nobody. I take care of myself."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Humph!" The gentleman looked a little surprised, not at the idea of a +boy of ten looking out for himself, for such cases are common enough in +New York, but at the idea of such a well-dressed lad as Ben being in +that situation.</p> + +<p>"How long have you been your own man?" he inquired.</p> + +<p>"I've only just begun," Ben admitted.</p> + +<p>"Are your parents dead?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir; they're alive."</p> + +<p>"Then I advise you to go back to them. We don't receive any boys into +our employment, who do not live with their parents."</p> + +<p>The gentleman returned to his writing, and Ben saw that his case was +hopeless. His disappointment was greater than before, for he liked the +looks of the proprietor, if, as he judged, this was he. Besides, boys +were wanted, and his size would be no objection, judging from the +appearance of the other boys in the store. So he had been sanguine of +success. Now he saw that there was an objection which he could not +remove, and which would be very likely to stand in his way in other +places.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<h4>A RESTAURANT ON FULTON STREET.</h4> + + +<p>Ben kept on his way, looking in at the shop windows as before. He had +not yet given up the idea of getting a place in a store, though he began +to see that his chances of success were rather small.</p> + +<p>The next pause he came to was before a bookstore. Here, too, there was +posted on the window:—</p> + +<h4>"BOY WANTED."</h4> + +<p>Ben entered. There were two or three persons behind the counter. The +oldest, a man of forty, Ben decided to be the proprietor. He walked up +to him, and said, "Do you want a boy?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said the gentleman. "We want a boy to run of errands, and deliver +papers to customers. How old are you?"</p> + +<p>"Ten years old."</p> + +<p>"That is rather young."</p> + +<p>"I'm pretty strong of my age," said Ben, speaking<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> the truth here, for +he was rather larger and stouter than most boys of ten.</p> + +<p>"That is not important, as you will not have very heavy parcels to +carry. Are you well acquainted with the streets in this part of the +city?"</p> + +<p>This question was a poser, Ben thought. He was at first tempted to say +yes, but decided to answer truthfully.</p> + +<p>"No, sir," he answered.</p> + +<p>"Do you live in the lower part of the city?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; that is, I'm going to live there."</p> + +<p>"How long have you lived in the city?"</p> + +<p>"I only arrived this morning," Ben confessed, reluctantly.</p> + +<p>"Then I'm afraid you will not answer my purpose. We need a boy who is +well acquainted with the city streets."</p> + +<p>He was another disqualification. Ben left the store a little +discouraged. He began to think that it would be harder work making a +living than he had supposed. He would apply in two or three more stores, +and, if unsuccessful, he must sell papers or black boots. Of the two he +preferred selling papers.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> Blacking boots would soil his hands and his +clothes, and, as it was possible that he might some day encounter some +one from his native village, he did not like to have the report carried +home that he had become a New York boot-black. He felt that his +education and bringing up fitted him for something better than that. +However, it was not necessary to decide this question until he had got +through applying for a situation in a store.</p> + +<p>He tried his luck again, and once was on the point of being engaged at +three dollars per week, when a question as to his parents revealed the +fact that he was without a guardian, and this decided the question +against him.</p> + +<p>"It's of no use," said Ben, despondently. "I might as well go back."</p> + +<p>So he turned, and retraced his steps down Broadway. By the time he got +to the City Hall Park he was quite tired. Seeing some vacant seats +inside, he went in and sat down, resting his bundle on the seat beside +him. He saw quite a number of street boys within the inclosure, most of +them boot-blacks. As a rule, they bore the marks of their occupation +not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> only on their clothes, but on their faces and hands as well. Some, +who were a little more careful than the rest, were provided with a small +square strip of carpeting, on which they kneeled when engaged in +"shining up" a customer's boots. This formed a very good protection for +the knees of their pantaloons. Two were even more luxurious, having +chairs in which they seated their customers. Where this extra +accommodation was supplied, however, a fee of ten cents was demanded, +while the boot-blacks in general asked but five.</p> + +<p>"Black your boots?" asked one boy of Ben, observing that our young +adventurer's shoes were soiled.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Ben, "if you'll do it for nothing."</p> + +<p>"I'll black your eye for nothing," said the other.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Ben, "I won't trouble you."</p> + +<p>Ben was rather interested in a scene which he witnessed shortly +afterwards. A young man, whose appearance indicated that he was from the +country, was waylaid by the boys, and finally submitted his boots to an +operator.</p> + +<p>"How much do you want?"</p> + +<p>"Twenty-five cents," was the reply.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Twenty-five cents!" exclaimed the customer, aghast. "You're jokin', +aint you?"</p> + +<p>"Reg'lar price, mister," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"Why, I saw a boy blackin' boots down by the museum for ten cents."</p> + +<p>"Maybe you did; but this is the City Hall Park. We're employed by the +city, and we have to charge the reg'lar price."</p> + +<p>"I wish I'd got my boots blacked down to the museum," said the victim, +in a tone of disappointment, producing twenty-five cents, which was +eagerly appropriated by the young extortioner.</p> + +<p>"I say, Tommy, give us a treat, or we'll peach," said one of the boys.</p> + +<p>Tom led the way to the ice-cream vender's establishment, where with +reckless extravagance he ordered a penny ice-cream all round for the +half-dozen boys in his company, even then making a handsome thing out of +the extra pay he had obtained from his rustic patron.</p> + +<p>By this time it was half-past two o'clock. So Ben learned from the City +Hall clock. He was getting decidedly hungry. There were apple and cake +stands<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> just outside the railings, on which he could have regaled +himself cheaply, but his appetite craved something more solid. There was +a faint feeling, which nothing but meat could satisfy.</p> + +<p>Ben had no idea how much a plate of meat would cost at a restaurant. He +had but twenty-two cents, and whatever he got must come within that +limit. Still he hoped that something could be obtained for this sum.</p> + +<p>Where to go,—that was the question.</p> + +<p>"Can you tell me a good place to get some dinner?" he asked of a boy, +standing near him.</p> + +<p>"Down on Nassau Street or Fulton Street," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"Where is Fulton Street?" asked Ben, catching the last name.</p> + +<p>"I'm goin' that way. You can go with me if you want to."</p> + +<p>Ben readily accepted the companionship proffered, and was led past the +museum, the site of which, as I have said, is now occupied by the Herald +Building.</p> + +<p>Turning down Fulton Street, Ben soon saw a restaurant, with bills of +fare displayed outside.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That's a good place," said his guide.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Ben.</p> + +<p>He scanned the bill in advance, ascertaining to his satisfaction that he +could obtain a plate of roast beef for fifteen cents, and a cup of +coffee for five. This would make but twenty cents, leaving him a balance +of two cents.</p> + +<p>He opened the door and entered.</p> + +<p>There was a long table running through the centre of the apartment, from +the door to the rear. On each side, against the sides of the room, were +small tables intended for four persons each. There were but few eating, +as the busy time at down-town restaurants usually extends from twelve to +half-past one, or two o'clock, and it was now nearly three.</p> + +<p>Ben entered and took a seat at one of the side tables, laying his bundle +on a chair beside him.</p> + +<p>A colored waiter came up, and stood awaiting his orders.</p> + +<p>"Give me a plate of roast beef," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. Coffee or tea?"</p> + +<p>"Coffee."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p> + +<p>The waiter went to the lower end of the dining-room, and called out, +"Roast beef."</p> + +<p>After a brief delay, he returned with the article ordered, and a cup of +coffee.</p> + +<p>There were two potatoes with the meat, and a small piece of bread on the +side of the plate. The coffee looked muddy, and not particularly +inviting.</p> + +<p>Ben was not accustomed to the ways of restaurants, and supposed that, as +in shops, immediate payment was expected.</p> + +<p>"Here's the money—twenty cents," he said, producing the sum named.</p> + +<p>"Pay at the desk as you go out," said the waiter.</p> + +<p>Ben looked up, and then for the first time noticed a man behind a +counter in the front part of the room.</p> + +<p>At the same time the waiter produced a green ticket, bearing "20 cents" +printed upon it.</p> + +<p>Ben now addressed himself with a hearty appetite to the dinner. The +plate was dingy, and the meat neither very abundant nor very tender. +Still it can hardly be expected that for fifteen cents a large plate of +sirloin can be furnished. Ben was not in a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> mood to be critical. At home +he would have turned up his nose at such a repast, but hunger is very +well adapted to cure one of fastidiousness. He ate rapidly, and felt +that he had seldom eaten anything so good. He was sorry there was no +more bread, the supply being exceedingly limited. As for the coffee he +was able to drink it, though he did not enjoy it so well. It tasted as +if there was not more than a teaspoonful of milk in the infusion, while +the flavor of the beverage differed strangely from the coffee he had +been accustomed to get at home.</p> + +<p>"It isn't very good," thought Ben; and he could not help wishing he had +a cup of the good coffee his mother used to make at home.</p> + +<p>"Have anything more?" asked the waiter, coming up to the table.</p> + +<p>Ben looked over the bill of fare, not that he expected to get anything +for the two cents that still remained to him, but because he wanted to +notice the prices of different articles. His eye rested rather longingly +on "Apple Dumplings." He was very fond of this dish, and his appetite +was so far from being satisfied that he felt that he could have easily +dis<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>posed of a plate. But the price was ten cents, and of course it was +entirely beyond his means.</p> + +<p>"Nothing more," said he, and rose from his seat.</p> + +<p>He went up to the counter and settled his bill, and went out again into +the street. He felt more comfortable than he had done, as one is very +apt to feel after a good dinner, and Ben's dinner had been a good one, +his appetite making up for any deficiency in the quality.</p> + +<p>Where should he go now?</p> + +<p>He was still tired, and did not care to wander about the streets. +Besides, he had no particular place to go to. He therefore decided to +walk back to the City Hall Park, and sit down on one of the benches. +There would be something to see, and he was interested in watching the +street boys, whose ranks he felt that he should very soon be compelled +to join. His prospects did not look particularly bright, as he was not +provided with means sufficient to pay for another meal. But the time had +not yet come to trouble himself about that. When he got hungry again, he +would probably realize his position a little more keenly.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<h4>A BEER-GARDEN IN THE BOWERY.</h4> + + +<p>Ben sat down again in his old seat, and occupied himself once more in +looking about him. After a while he became sleepy. Besides having taken +a considerable walk, he had not slept much the night before. As no one +occupied the bench but himself, he thought he might as well make himself +comfortable. Accordingly he laid his bundle crosswise at one end, and +laid back, using it for a pillow. The visor of his cap he brought down +over his eyes, so as to shield them from the afternoon sun. The seat was +hard, to be sure, but his recumbent position rested him. He did not mean +to go to sleep, but gradually the sounds around him became an indistinct +hum; even the noise and bustle of busy Broadway, but a few feet distant, +failed to ward off sleep, and in a short time he was sleeping soundly.</p> + +<p>Of course he could not sleep in so public a place<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> without attracting +attention. Two ragged boys espied him, and held a low conference +together.</p> + +<p>"What's he got in that bundle, Jim, do you think?" asked one.</p> + +<p>"We'd better look and see."</p> + +<p>They went up to the bench, and touched him, to make sure that he was +fast asleep. The touch did not rouse him to consciousness.</p> + +<p>"Just lift up his head, Mike, and I'll take the bundle," said the larger +of the two boys.</p> + +<p>This was done.</p> + +<p>"Now, let him down softly."</p> + +<p>So the bundle was removed, and poor Ben, wandering somewhere in the land +of dreams, was none the wiser. His head, deprived of its former support, +now rested on the hard bench. It was not so comfortable, but he was too +tired to awake. So he slept on.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile Jim and Mike opened the bundle.</p> + +<p>"It's a couple of shirts," said Jim.</p> + +<p>"Is that all?" asked Mike, disappointed.</p> + +<p>"Well, that's better than nothin'."</p> + +<p>"Give me one of 'em."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It's just about your size. 'Taint big enough for me."</p> + +<p>"Then give me the two of 'em."</p> + +<p>"What'll you give?"</p> + +<p>"I aint got no stamps. I'll pay you a quarter when I get it."</p> + +<p>"That don't go down," said Jim, whose confidence in his confederate's +honesty was not very great. Considering the transaction in which they +were now engaged, it is not surprising that there should have been a +mutual distrust. Being unable to make any bargain, Jim decided to take +his share of the booty round to a second-hand clothes-dealer in Chatham +Street. Here, after considerable higgling, he succeeded in selling the +shirt for sixteen cents, which was less than his companion had offered. +However, it was cash down, and so was immediately available,—an +important consideration in the present state of Jim's finances. "A bird +in the hand," as he considered, "was worth two in the bush."</p> + +<p>Jim immediately purchased a cigar with a portion of his dishonest gains, +and, procuring a light, walked<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> about in a state of high enjoyment, +puffing away as coolly as a man of twice his years.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile Ben continued to sleep, happily unconscious of the loss of his +entire personal possessions. In his dreams he was at home once more, +playing with his school companions. Let him sleep! He will waken soon +enough to the hard realities of a street life, voluntarily undertaken, +it is true, but none the less likely to bear heavily upon him.</p> + +<p>He slept a long time. When he awoke it was six o'clock.</p> + +<p>He sat upon his seat, and rubbed his eyes in momentary bewilderment. In +his dreams he had been back again to his native village, and he could +not at once recall his change of circumstances. But it all came back to +him soon enough. He realized with a slight pang that he had a home no +longer; that he was a penniless vagrant, for whom the hospitality of the +streets alone was open. He did wish that he could sit down at the +plentiful home table, and eat the well-cooked supper which was always +provided; that is, if he could blot out one remembrance: when he thought +of the unjust punishment that had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> driven him forth, his pride rose, and +his determination became as stubborn as ever. I do not defend Ben in +this. He was clearly wrong. The best of parents may be unintentionally +unjust at times, and this is far from affording an adequate excuse for a +boy to leave home. But Ben had a great deal of pride, and I am only +telling you how he felt.</p> + +<p>Our young adventurer did not at first realize the loss which he had +sustained. It was at least five minutes before he thought of his bundle +at all. At length, chancing to look at the seat beside him, he missed +it.</p> + +<p>"Where can it be, I wonder?" he thought, perplexed.</p> + +<p>He looked under the bench, thinking that perhaps it had rolled off. But +it need not be said that it was not to be seen.</p> + +<p>Ben was rather disturbed. It was all he had brought from home, and +constituted his entire earthly possessions.</p> + +<p>"It must have rolled off, and been picked up by somebody," he thought; +but the explanation was not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> calculated to bring any satisfaction. "I +did not think I should fall asleep."</p> + +<p>It occurred to him that some of the boys near by might have seen it. So +he went up to a group of boot-blacks near by, one of whom was Jim, who +had actually been concerned in the robbery. The other boys knew nothing +of the affair.</p> + +<p>"I say, boys," said Ben, "have you seen anything of my bundle?"</p> + +<p>"What bundle, Johnny?" said Jim, who was now smoking his second cigar.</p> + +<p>"I had a small bundle tied up in a newspaper," said Ben. "I put it under +my head, and then fell asleep. Now I can't find it."</p> + +<p>"Do you think we stole it?" said Jim, defiantly.</p> + +<p>"Of course I don't," said Ben; "but I thought it might have slipped out, +and you might have seen somebody pick it up."</p> + +<p>"Haven't seen it, Johnny," said one of the other boys; "most likely it's +stole."</p> + +<p>"Do you think so?" asked Ben, anxiously.</p> + +<p>"In course, you might expect it would be."</p> + +<p>"I didn't mean to go to sleep."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What was there in it?"</p> + +<p>"There was two shirts."</p> + +<p>"You've got a shirt on, aint you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"That's all right, then. What does a feller want of a thousand shirts?"</p> + +<p>"There's some difference between two shirts and a thousand," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"What's the odds? I haven't got but one shirt. That's all I want. When +it is wore out I'll buy a new one."</p> + +<p>"What do you do when it gets dirty?" asked Ben, in some curiosity.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I wash it once in two or three weeks," was the reply.</p> + +<p>This was not exactly in accordance with Ben's ideas of neatness; but he +saw that no satisfaction was likely to be obtained in this quarter, so +he walked away rather depressed. It certainly hadn't been a lucky +day,—this first day in the city. He had been rejected in half-a-dozen +stores in his applications for employment, had spent nearly all his +money, and been robbed of all his clothing except what he wore.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p> + +<p>Again Ben began to feel an appetite. He had eaten his dinner late, but +it had consisted of a plate of meat only. His funds being now reduced to +two cents, he was obliged to content himself with an apple, which did +something towards appeasing his appetite.</p> + +<p>Next Ben began to consider anxiously how he was to pass the night. +Having no money to spend for lodging, there seemed nothing to do but to +sleep out of doors. It was warm weather, and plenty of street boys did +it. But to Ben it would be a new experience, and he regarded it with +some dread. He wished he could meet with Jerry Collins, his acquaintance +of the morning. From him he might obtain some information that would be +of service in his present strait.</p> + +<p>Three or four hours must elapse before it would be time to go to bed. +Ben hardly knew how or where to pass them. He had become tired of the +park; besides, he had got over a part of his fatigue, and felt able to +walk about and explore the city. He turned at a venture up Chatham +Street, and was soon interested in the sights of this peculiar +thoroughfare,—the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> shops open to the street, with half their stock in +trade exposed on the sidewalk, the importunities of the traders, and the +appearance of the people whom he met. It seemed very lively and +picturesque to Ben, and drew away his attention from his own awkward +position.</p> + +<p>He was asked to buy by some of the traders, being promised wonderful +bargains; but his penniless condition put him out of the reach of +temptation.</p> + +<p>So he wandered on until he came to the Bowery, a broad avenue, wider +than Broadway, and lined by shops of a great variety, but of a grade +inferior to those of its more aristocratic neighbor.</p> + +<p>Here, also, the goods are liberally displayed on the sidewalk, and are +generally labelled with low prices, which tempts many purchasers. The +purchaser, however, must look carefully to the quality of the goods +which he buys, or he will in many cases find the low price merely a +snare and a delusion, and regret that he had not paid more liberally and +bought a better article.</p> + +<p>Later in the evening, on his return walk, Ben came to an establishment +brilliant with light, from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> which proceeded strains of music. Looking +in, he saw that it was filled with small tables, around which were +seated men, women, and children. They had glasses before them from which +they drank. This was a Lager Beer Hall or Garden,—an institution +transplanted from Germany, and chiefly patronized by those of German +birth or extraction. It seemed bright and cheerful, and our young +adventurer thought it would be pleasant to go in, and spend an hour or +two, listening to the music; but he was prevented by the consciousness +that he had no money to spend, and might be considered an intruder.</p> + +<p>While he was looking in wistfully, he was struck on the back; and +turning, saw, to his surprise, the face of his only acquaintance in New +York, Jerry Collins, the boot-black.</p> + +<p>"I am glad to see you," he said, eagerly offering his hand, without +considering that Jerry's hand, unwashed during the day, was stained with +blacking. He felt so glad to meet an acquaintance, however, that he +would not have minded this, even if it had occurred to him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The same to you," said Jerry. "Are you going in?"</p> + +<p>"I haven't got any money," said Ben, a little ashamed of the confession.</p> + +<p>"Well, I have, and that'll do just as well."</p> + +<p>He took Ben by the arm, and they passed through a vestibule, and entered +the main apartment, which was of large size. On one side, about half way +down, was a large instrument some like an organ, from which the music +proceeded. The tables were very well filled, Germans largely +predominating among the guests.</p> + +<p>"Sit down here," said Jerry.</p> + +<p>They took seats at one of the tables. Opposite was a stout German and +his wife, the latter holding a baby. Both had glasses of lager before +them, and the baby was also offered a share by its mother; but, from the +contortions of its face, did not appear to relish it.</p> + +<p>"<i>Zwei Glass Lager</i>," said Jerry, to a passing attendant.</p> + +<p>"Can you speak German?" asked Ben, surprised.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yaw," said Jerry; "my father was an Irishman, and my mother was a +Dutchman."</p> + +<p>Jerry's German, however, seemed to be limited, as he made no further +attempts to converse in that language.</p> + +<p>The glasses were brought. Jerry drank his down at a draught, but Ben, +who had never before tasted lager, could not at once become reconciled +to its bitter taste.</p> + +<p>"Don't you like it?" asked Jerry.</p> + +<p>"Not very much," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"Then I'll finish it for you;" and he suited the action to the word.</p> + +<p>Besides the lager a few plain cakes were sold, but nothing more +substantial. Evidently the beer was the great attraction. Ben could not +help observing, with some surprise, that, though everybody was drinking, +there was not the slightest disturbance, or want of decorum, or +drunkenness. The music, which was furnished at intervals, was of very +good quality, and was listened to with attention.</p> + +<p>"I was goin' to Tony Pastor's to-night," said Jerry, "if I hadn't met +you."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What sort of a place is that?" asked Ben.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's a bully place—lots of fun. You must go there some time."</p> + +<p>"I think I will," answered Ben, mentally adding, "if I ever have money +enough."</p> + +<p>Here the music struck up, and they stopped to listen to it. When this +was over, Jerry proposed to go out. Ben would have been willing to stay +longer; but he saw that his companion did not care so much for the music +as himself, and he did not wish to lose sight of him. To be alone in a +great city, particularly under Ben's circumstances, is not very +pleasant, and our young adventurer determined to stick to his new +acquaintance, who, though rough in his manners, had yet seemed inclined +to be friendly, and Ben felt sadly in need of a friend.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<h4>THE BURNING BALES.</h4> + + +<p>"Where are you going to sleep to-night?" asked Ben, introducing a +subject which had given him some anxiety.</p> + +<p>"I don't know," said Jerry, carelessly. "I'll find a place somewhere."</p> + +<p>"I'll go with you, if you'll let me," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"In course I will."</p> + +<p>"I haven't got any money."</p> + +<p>"What's the odds? They don't charge nothin' at the hotel where I stop."</p> + +<p>"What time do you go to bed?"</p> + +<p>"Most any time. Do you feel sleepy?"</p> + +<p>"Rather. I didn't sleep much last night."</p> + +<p>"Well, we'll go and find a place now. How'd you like sleepin' on +cotton-bales?"</p> + +<p>"I think that would be comfortable."</p> + +<p>"There's a pile of bales down on the pier, where<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> the New Orleans +steamers come in. Maybe we could get a chance there."</p> + +<p>"All right. Where is it?"</p> + +<p>"Pier 8, North River. It'll take us twenty minutes, or maybe half an +hour, to go there."</p> + +<p>"Let us go," said Ben.</p> + +<p>He felt relieved at the idea of so comfortable a bed as a cotton-bale, +and was anxious to get stowed away for the night.</p> + +<p>The two boys struck across to Broadway, and followed that street down +past Trinity Church, turning down the first street beyond. Rector +Street, notwithstanding its clerical name, is far from an attractive +street. Just in the rear of the great church, and extending down to the +wharves, is a collection of miserable dwellings, occupied by tenants +upon whom the near presence of the sanctuary appears to produce little +impression of a salutary character. Ben looked about him in +ill-concealed disgust. He neither fancied the neighborhood, nor the +people whom he met. But the Island is very narrow just here, and he had +not far to walk to West Street, which runs along the edge of Manhattan +Island, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> is lined with wharves. Jerry, of course, did not mind the +surroundings. He was too well used to them to care.</p> + +<p>They brought out opposite the pier.</p> + +<p>"There it is," said Jerry.</p> + +<p>Ben saw a pile of cotton-bales heaped up on the wharf in front. Just +behind them was a gate, and over it the sign of the New Orleans Company.</p> + +<p>"I should think somebody would steal the bales," said Ben. "Are they +left out here all night?"</p> + +<p>"There's a watchman round here somewhere," said Jerry. "He stays here +all night to guard the bales."</p> + +<p>"Will he let us sleep here?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know," said Jerry. "We'll creep in, when he isn't looking."</p> + +<p>The watchman was sitting down, leaning his back against one of the +bales. A short pipe was in his mouth, and he seemed to be enjoying his +smoke. This was contrary to orders, for the cotton being combustible +might easily catch fire; but this man, supposing that he would not be +detected, indulged himself in the forbidden luxury.</p> + +<p>"Now creep along softly," said Jerry.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p> + +<p>The latter, being barefooted, had an advantage over Ben, but our young +adventurer crept after him as softly as he could. Jerry found a bale +screened from observation by the higher piles on each side, where he +thought they could sleep unobserved. Following his lead, Ben stretched +himself out upon it.</p> + +<p>The watchman was too busily occupied with his pipe to detect any noise.</p> + +<p>"Aint it comfortable?" whispered Jerry.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Ben, in the same low tone.</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't ask for nothin' better," said Jerry.</p> + +<p>Ben was not so sure about that; but then he had not slept out hundreds +of nights, like Jerry, in old wagons, or on door-steps, or wherever else +he could; so he had a different standard of comparison.</p> + +<p>He could not immediately go to sleep. He was tired, it was true, but his +mind was busy. It was only twelve hours since he had landed in the city, +but it had been an eventful twelve hours. He understood his position a +little better now, and how much he had undertaken, in boldly leaving +home at ten years of age, and taking upon himself the task of earning +his living.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p> + +<p>If he had known what was before him, would he have left home at all?</p> + +<p>Ben was not sure about this. He did own to himself, however, that he was +disappointed. The city had not proved the paradise he had expected. +Instead of finding shopkeepers eager to secure his services, he had +found himself uniformly rejected. He began to suspect that it was rather +early to begin the world at ten years of age. Then again, though he was +angry with his father, he had no cause of complaint against his mother. +She had been uniformly kind and gentle, and he found it hard to keep +back the tears when he thought how she would be distressed at his +running away. He had not thought of that in the heat of his first anger, +but he thought of it now. How would she feel if she knew where he was at +this moment, resting on a cotton-bale, on a city wharf, penniless and +without a friend in the great city, except the ragged boy who was +already asleep at his side? She would feel badly, Ben knew that, and he +half regretted having been so precipitate in his action. He could remedy +it all, and relieve his mother's heart by going back. But here Ben's +pride<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> came in. To go back would be to acknowledge himself wrong; it +would be a virtual confession of failure, and, moreover, knowing his +father's sternness, he knew that he would be severely punished. +Unfortunately for Ben, his father had a stern, unforgiving disposition, +that never made allowances for the impulses of boyhood. He had never +condescended to study his own son, and the method of training he had +adopted with him was in some respects very pernicious. His system +hardened, instead of softening, and prejudiced Ben against what was +right, maddening him with a sense of injustice, and so preventing his +being influenced towards good. Of course, all this did not justify Ben +in running away from home. The thought of his mother ought to have been +sufficient to have kept him from any such step. But it was necessary to +be stated, in order that my readers might better understand what sort of +a boy Ben was.</p> + +<p>So, in spite of his half relenting, Ben determined that he would not go +home at all events. Whatever hardships lay before him in the new life +which he had adopted, he resolved to stand them as well as he could. +Indeed, however much he might desire to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> retrace his steps, he had no +money to carry him back, nor could he obtain any unless he should write +home for it, and this again would be humiliating. Ben's last thought, +then, as he sank to sleep, was, that he would stick to New York, and get +his living somehow, even if he had to black boots for a living.</p> + +<p>At the end of an hour, both boys were fast asleep. The watchman, after +smoking his pipe, got up, and paced up and down the wharf drowsily. He +did not happen to observe the young sleepers. If he had done so, he +would undoubtedly have shaken them roughly, and ordered them off. It was +rather fortunate that neither Ben nor his companion were in the habit of +snoring, as this would at once have betrayed their presence, even to the +negligent watchman.</p> + +<p>After a while the watchman bethought himself again of his pipe, and, +filling the bowl with tobacco, lighted it. Then, with the most culpable +carelessness, he half reclined on one of the bales and "took comfort." +Not having prepared himself for the vigils of the night by repose during +the day, he began to feel uncommonly drowsy. The whiffs came less and +less frequently, until at last the pipe fell from his lips,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> and he fell +back fast asleep. The burning contents of the pipe fell on the bale, and +gradually worked their way down into the interior. Here the mischief +soon spread. What followed may easily be imagined.</p> + +<p>Ben was aroused from his sleep by a confused outcry. He rubbed his eyes +to see what was the matter. There was something stifling and suffocating +in the atmosphere, which caused him to choke as he breathed. As he +became more awake, he realized that the cotton-bales, among which he had +taken refuge, were on fire. He became alarmed, and shook Jerry +energetically.</p> + +<p>"What's up?" said Jerry, drowsily. "I aint done nothin'. You can't take +me up."</p> + +<p>"Jerry, wake up; the bales are on fire," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"I thought 'twas a copp," said Jerry, rousing, and at a glance +understanding the position of affairs. "Let's get out of this."</p> + +<p>That was not quite so easy. There was fire on all sides, and they must +rush through it at some risk. However, it was every moment getting +worse, and there was no chance for delay.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Foller me," said Jerry, and he dashed through, closely pursued by Ben.</p> + +<p>By this time quite a crowd of men and boys had gathered around the +burning bales.</p> + +<p>When the two boys rushed out, there was a general exclamation of +surprise. Then one burly man caught Jerry by the arm, and said, "Here's +the young villain that set the bales on fire."</p> + +<p>"Let me alone, will you?" said Jerry. "Yer grandmother set it on fire, +more likely."</p> + +<p>No sooner was Jerry seized, than another man caught hold of Ben, and +forcibly detained him.</p> + +<p>"I've got the other," he said.</p> + +<p>"Now, you young rascal, tell me how you did it," said the first. "Was +you smokin'?"</p> + +<p>"No, I wasn't," said Jerry, shortly. "I was sleepin' along of this other +boy."</p> + +<p>"What made you come here to sleep?"</p> + +<p>"'Cause we hadn't no other bed."</p> + +<p>"Are you sure you wasn't smoking?"</p> + +<p>"Look here," said Jerry, contemptuously, "you must think I'm a fool, to +go and set my own bed on fire."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That's true," said a bystander. "It wouldn't be very likely."</p> + +<p>"Who did it, then?" asked the stout man, suspiciously.</p> + +<p>"It's the watchman. I seed him smokin' when I turned in."</p> + +<p>"Where is he now?"</p> + +<p>Search was made for the watchman, but he had disappeared. Awaking to a +consciousness of what mischief he had caused through his carelessness, +he had slipped away in the confusion, and was not likely to return.</p> + +<p>"The boy tells the truth," said one of the crowd. "I saw the watchman +smoking myself. No doubt the fire caught from his pipe. The boys are +innocent. Better let them go."</p> + +<p>The two custodians of Jerry and Ben released their hold, and they gladly +availed themselves of the opportunity to remove themselves to a safer +distance from their late bedchamber.</p> + +<p>Two fire-engines came thundering up, and streams of water were directed +effectively at the burning<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> bales. The flames were extinguished, but not +till considerable damage had been done.</p> + +<p>As the two boys watched the contest between the flames and the engines, +from a safe distance, they heard the sonorous clang of the bell in the +church-tower, ringing out twelve o'clock.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<h4>BEN'S TEMPTATION.</h4> + + +<p>"Jest my luck!" complained Jerry. "Why couldn't the fire have waited +till mornin'?"</p> + +<p>"We might have burned up," said Ben, who was considerably impressed by +his narrow escape.</p> + +<p>"Only we didn't," said Jerry. "We'll have to try another hotel for the +rest of the night."</p> + +<p>"Where shall we go?"</p> + +<p>"We may find a hay-barge down to the pier at the foot of Franklin +Street."</p> + +<p>"Is it far?"</p> + +<p>"Not very."</p> + +<p>"Let us go then."</p> + +<p>So the boys walked along the street until they came to the pier referred +to. There was a barge loaded with hay, lying alongside the wharf. Jerry +speedily provided himself with a resting-place upon it, and Ben followed +his example. It proved to be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> quite as comfortable, if not more so, than +their former bed, and both boys were soon asleep. How long he slept Ben +did not know, but he was roused to consciousness by a rude shake.</p> + +<p>"Wake up there!" said a voice.</p> + +<p>Ben opened his eyes, and saw a laboring man bending over him.</p> + +<p>"Is it time to get up?" he inquired, hardly conscious where he was.</p> + +<p>"I should think it was, particularly as you haven't paid for your +lodging."</p> + +<p>"Where's Jerry?" asked Ben, missing the boot-black.</p> + +<p>The fact was, that Jerry, whose business required him to be astir early, +had been gone over an hour. He had not felt it necessary to wake up Ben, +knowing that the latter had nothing in particular to call him up.</p> + +<p>"I don't know anything about Jerry. You'd better be going home, young +'un. Take my advice, and don't stay out another night."</p> + +<p>He evidently thought that Ben was a truant from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> home, as his dress +would hardly class him among the homeless boys who slept out from +necessity.</p> + +<p>Ben scrambled upon the pier, and took a cross street up towards +Broadway. He had slept off his fatigue, and the natural appetite of a +healthy boy began to assert itself. It was rather uncomfortable to +reflect that he was penniless, and had no means of buying a breakfast. +He had meant to ask Jerry's advice, as to some occupation by which he +could earn a little money, and felt disappointed that his companion had +gone away before he waked up. His appetite was the greater because he +had been limited to a single apple for supper.</p> + +<p>Where to go he did not know. One place was as good as another. It was a +strange sensation to Ben to feel the cravings of appetite, with nothing +to satisfy it. All his life he had been accustomed to a good home, where +his wants were plentifully provided for. He had never had any anxiety +about the supply of his daily wants. In the city there were hundreds of +boys younger than he, who, rising in the morning, knew not where their +meals were to come from,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> or whether they were to have any; but this had +never been his case.</p> + +<p>"I am young and strong," thought Ben. "Why can't I find something to +do?"</p> + +<p>His greatest anxiety was to work, and earn his living somehow; but how +did not seem clear. Even if he were willing to turn boot-black, he had +no box nor brush, and had some doubts whether he should at first possess +the requisite skill. Selling papers struck him more favorably; but here +again the want of capital would be an objection.</p> + +<p>So, in a very perplexed frame of mind, our young adventurer went on his +way, and after a while caught sight of the upper end of the City Hall +Park. Here he felt himself at home, and, entering, looked among the +dozens of boys who were plying their work to see if he could not find +his acquaintance Jerry. But here he was unsuccessful. Jerry's business +stand was near the Cortlandt Street pier.</p> + +<p>Hour after hour passed, and Ben became more and more hungry and +dispirited. He felt thoroughly helpless. There seemed to be nothing that +he could do. He began to be faint, and his head ached. One<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> o'clock +found him on Nassau Street, near the corner of Fulton. There was a stand +for the sale of cakes and pies located here, presided over by an old +woman, of somewhat ample dimensions. This stall had a fascination for +poor Ben. He had such a craving for food that he could not take his eyes +off the tempting pile of cakes which were heaped up before him. It +seemed to him that he should be perfectly happy if he could be permitted +to eat all he wanted of them.</p> + +<p>Ben knew that it was wrong to steal. He had never in his life taken what +did not belong to him, which is more than many boys can say, who have +been brought up even more comfortably than he. But the temptation now +was very strong. He knew it was not right; but he was not without +excuse. Watching his opportunity, he put his hand out quickly, and, +seizing a couple of pies, stowed them away hastily in his pocket, and +was about moving off to eat them in some place where he would not be +observed. But though the owner of the stolen articles had not observed +the theft, there was a boy hanging about<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> the stall, possibly with the +same object in view, who did see it.</p> + +<p>"He's got some of your pies, old lady," said the young detective.</p> + +<p>The old woman looked round, and though the pies were in Ben's pocket +there was a telltale in his face which betrayed him.</p> + +<p>"Put back them pies, you young thafe!" said the angry pie-merchant. +"Aint you ashamed of yerself to rob a poor widdy, that has hard work to +support herself and her childers,—you that's dressed like a gentleman, +and ought to know better?"</p> + +<p>"Give it to him, old lady," said the hard-hearted young vagabond, who +had exposed Ben's iniquity.</p> + +<p>As for Ben, he had not a word to say. In spite of his hunger, he was +overwhelmed with confusion at having actually attempted to steal, and +been caught in the act. He was by no means a model boy; but apart from +anything which he had been taught in the Sunday school, he considered +stealing mean and discreditable, and yet he had been led into it. What +would his friends at home think of it, if they should ever hear of it? +So, as I said, he stood without a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> word to say in his defence, +mechanically replacing the pies on the stall.</p> + +<p>"I say, old lady, you'd orter give me a pie for tellin' you," said the +informer.</p> + +<p>"You'd have done the same, you young imp, if you'd had the chance," +answered the pie-vender, with more truth than gratitude. "Clear out, the +whole on ye. I've had trouble enough with ye."</p> + +<p>Ben moved off, thankful to get off so well. He had feared that he might +be handed over to the police, and this would have been the crowning +disgrace.</p> + +<p>But the old woman seemed satisfied with the restoration of her property, +and the expression of her indignation. The attempt upon her stock she +regarded with very little surprise, having suffered more than once +before in a similar way.</p> + +<p>But there was another spectator of the scene, whose attention had been +drawn to the neat attire and respectable appearance of Ben. He saw that +he differed considerably from the ordinary run of street boys. He +noticed also the flush on the boy's cheek when he was detected, and +judged that this was his first offence. Something out of the common way<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> +must have driven him to the act. He felt impelled to follow Ben, and +learn what that something was. I may as well state here that he was a +young man of twenty-five or thereabouts, a reporter on one or more of +the great morning papers. He, like Ben, had come to the city in search +of employment, and before he secured it had suffered more hardships and +privations than he liked to remember. He was now earning a modest +income, sufficient to provide for his wants, and leave a surplus over. +He had seen much of suffering and much of crime in his daily walks about +the city, but his heart had not become hardened, nor his sympathies +blunted. He gave more in proportion to his means than many rich men who +have a reputation for benevolence.</p> + +<p>Ben had walked but a few steps, when he felt a hand upon his shoulder.</p> + +<p>Looking round hastily, he met the gaze of the young man. He had thought +at first it might be a policeman, and he felt relieved when he saw his +mistake.</p> + +<p>"You are the boy who just now took a couple of pies from a stall?" said +the reporter.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes," said Ben, hesitatingly, his face crimsoning as he spoke.</p> + +<p>"Do you mind telling me why you did so?"</p> + +<p>There was something in his tone which reassured Ben, and he determined +to tell the truth frankly.</p> + +<p>"I have eaten nothing to-day," he said.</p> + +<p>"You never took anything before?"</p> + +<p>"No," said Ben, quickly.</p> + +<p>"I suppose you had no money to buy with?"</p> + +<p>"No, I had not."</p> + +<p>"How does it happen that a boy as well dressed as you are, are in such a +position?"</p> + +<p>"I would rather not tell," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"Have you run away from home?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; I had a good reason," he added, quickly.</p> + +<p>"What do you propose to do? You must earn your living in some way, or +starve."</p> + +<p>"I thought I might get a place in a store; but I have tried half a +dozen, and they won't take me."</p> + +<p>"No, your chance will be small, unless you can bring good references. +But you must be hungry."</p> + +<p>"I am," Ben admitted.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That can be remedied, at all events. I am just going to get some +dinner; will you go with me?"</p> + +<p>"I have no money."</p> + +<p>"I have, and that will answer the purpose for this time. We will go back +to Fulton Street."</p> + +<p>Ben turned back thankfully, and with his companion entered the very +restaurant in which he had dined the day before.</p> + +<p>"If you are faint, soup will be the best thing for you to begin on," +said the young man; and he gave an order to the waiter.</p> + +<p>Nothing had ever seemed more delicious to Ben than that soup. When he +had done justice to it, a plate of beefsteak awaited him, which also +received his attention. Then he was asked to select some dessert.</p> + +<p>"I am afraid you are spending too much for me," he said.</p> + +<p>"Don't be afraid of that; I am glad that you have a good appetite."</p> + +<p>At length the dinner was over. Ben felt decidedly better. His +despondency had vanished, and the world again seemed bright to him. It +is hard to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> be cheerful, or take bright views of life on an empty +stomach, as many have learned beside our young adventurer.</p> + +<p>"Now," said his new-found friend, "I have a few minutes to spare. +Suppose we talk over your plans and prospects, and see if we can find +anything for you to do."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Ben; "I wish you would give me your advice."</p> + +<p>"My advice is that you return to your home, if you have one," said the +reporter.</p> + +<p>Ben shook his head.</p> + +<p>"I don't want to do that," he answered.</p> + +<p>"I don't, of course, know what is your objection to this, which seems to +me the best course. Putting it aside, however, we will consider what you +can do here to earn your living."</p> + +<p>"That is what I want to do."</p> + +<p>"How would you like selling papers?"</p> + +<p>"I think I should like it," said Ben; "but I have no money to buy any."</p> + +<p>"It doesn't require a very large capital. I will lend you, or give you, +the small amount which will be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> necessary. However, you mustn't expect +to make a very large income."</p> + +<p>"If I can make enough to live on, I won't care," said Ben.</p> + +<p>He had at first aimed higher; but his short residence in the city taught +him that he would be fortunate to meet his expenses. There are a good +many besides Ben who have found their early expectations of success +considerably modified by experience.</p> + +<p>"Let me see. It is half-past one o'clock," said the reporter, drawing +out his watch. "You had better lay in a supply of 'Expresses' and +'Evening Posts,' and take a good stand somewhere, and do your best with +them. As you are inexperienced in the business it will be well to take a +small supply at first, or you might get 'stuck.'"</p> + +<p>"That's so."</p> + +<p>"You must not lay in more than you can sell."</p> + +<p>"Where can I get the papers?"</p> + +<p>"I will go with you to the newspaper offices, and buy you half a dozen +of each. If you succeed in selling them, you can buy more. To-morrow you +can lay in some of the morning papers, the 'Herald,'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span> 'World,' +'Tribune,' or 'Times.' It will be well also to have a few 'Suns' for +those who do not care to pay for the higher-priced papers."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Ben, who was eager to begin his business career.</p> + +<p>They rose from the table, and set out for the offices of the two evening +papers whose names have been mentioned.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<h4>BEN COMMENCES HIS BUSINESS CAREER.</h4> + + +<p>Ben soon took his stand in the street, with a roll of papers under his +arm, supplied by the generosity of his new acquaintance. It was rather a +trying ordeal for a country boy, new to the city and its ways. But Ben +was not bashful. He was not a timid boy, but was fully able to push his +way. So, glancing at the telegraphic headings, he began to call out the +news in a business-like way. He had already taken notice of how the +other newsboys acted, and therefore was at no loss how to proceed.</p> + +<p>He met with very fair success, selling out the twelve papers which had +been bought for him, in a comparatively short time. It might have been +that the fact that he was neater and better dressed operated in his +favor. At any rate, though a new hand, he succeeded better than those +who were older in the business.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p> + +<p>But his neat dress operated to his disadvantage in another quarter. His +business rivals, who were, with scarcely an exception, dressed with no +great pretensions to style or neatness, looked upon the interloper with +a jealous eye. They regarded him as "stuck up," in virtue of his +superior dress, and were indignant to find their sales affected by his +competition.</p> + +<p>"Who's he? Ever seen him afore?" asked Tim Banks of a newsboy at his +side.</p> + +<p>"No; he's a new chap."</p> + +<p>"What business has he got to come here and steal away our trade, I'd +like to know?" continued Tim, eying Ben with no friendly glance.</p> + +<p>At that moment a gentleman, passing Tim, bought an "Evening Post" of +Ben. It was the third paper that Ben had sold since Tim had effected a +sale. This naturally increased his indignation.</p> + +<p>"He's puttin' on airs just because he's got good clo'es," said the other +newsboy, who shared Tim's feelings on the subject.</p> + +<p>"Let's shove him out," suggested Tim.</p> + +<p>"All right."</p> + +<p>Tim, who was a boy of twelve, with a shock head,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> which looked as if it +had never been combed, and a suit of clothes which bore the marks of +severe usage, advanced to Ben, closely followed by his confederate, who +had agreed to back him.</p> + +<p>Ben had just sold his last paper when the two approached him. He did not +understand their object until Tim, swaggering up to him, said +offensively, "You'd better clear out; you aint wanted here."</p> + +<p>Ben turned and faced his ragged opponent with intrepidity.</p> + +<p>"Why aint I wanted here?" he inquired, without manifesting the least +symptom of alarm.</p> + +<p>Tim rather anticipated that Ben would show the white feather, and was a +little surprised at his calmness.</p> + +<p>"Cause yer aint, that's why," he answered.</p> + +<p>"If you don't like my company, you can go somewhere else," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"This is <i>my</i> place," said Tim. "You aint got no right to push in."</p> + +<p>"If it's your place, how much did you pay for it?" asked Ben. "I thought +that the sidewalk was free to all."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You aint got no right to interfere with my business."</p> + +<p>"I didn't know that I had interfered with it."</p> + +<p>"Well, you have. I aint sold more'n half as many papers since you've +been here."</p> + +<p>"You've got the same chance as I have," said Ben. "I didn't tell them +not to buy of you."</p> + +<p>"Well, you aint wanted here, and you'd better make tracks," said Tim, +who considered this the best argument of all.</p> + +<p>"Suppose I don't," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"Then I'll give you a lickin'."</p> + +<p>Ben surveyed the boy who uttered this threat, in the same manner that a +general would examine an opposing force, with a view to ascertain his +strength and ability to cope with him. It was clear that Tim was taller +than himself, and doubtless older. As to being stronger, Ben did not +feel so positive. He was himself well and compactly made, and strong of +his age. He did not relish the idea of being imposed upon, and prepared +to resist any encroachment upon his rights. He did not believe that Tim +had any right to order him off. He felt that the sidewalk was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> just as +free to him as to any other boy, and he made up his mind to assert and +maintain his right.</p> + +<p>"If you want to give me a licking, just try it," he said. "I've got just +as much right to stand here and sell papers as you have, and I'm going +to do it."</p> + +<p>"You needn't be so stuck up jest because you've got good clo'es on."</p> + +<p>"If they are good, I can't help it," said Ben. "They're all I have, and +they won't be good long."</p> + +<p>"Maybe I could get good clo'es if I'd steal em," said Tim.</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to say I stole these?" retorted Ben, angrily. He had no +sooner said it, however, than he thought of the pies which he should +have stolen if he had not been detected, and his face flushed. Luckily +Tim did not know why his words produced an effect upon Ben, or he would +have followed up his attack.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I do," said Tim.</p> + +<p>"Then you judge me by yourself," said Ben, "that's all I've got to say."</p> + +<p>"Say that ag'in," said Tim, menacingly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p> + +<p>"So I will, if you want to hear it. You judge me by yourself."</p> + +<p>"I'll give you a lickin'."</p> + +<p>"You've said that before."</p> + +<p>Tim was not particularly brave. Still Ben was a smaller boy, and besides +he had a friend at hand to back him, so he concluded that it would be +safe to venture. Doubling up a dirty fist, he struck out, intending to +hit Ben in the face; but our young adventurer was on his guard, and +fended off the blow with his arms.</p> + +<p>"Will yer go now?" demanded Tim, pausing after his attack.</p> + +<p>"Why should I?"</p> + +<p>"If you don't I'll give you another lick."</p> + +<p>"I can stand it, if it isn't any worse than that."</p> + +<p>Tim was spurred by this to renew the assault. He tried to throw his arms +around Ben, and lift him from the ground, which would enable him to +throw him with greater ease. But Ben was wary, and experienced in this +mode of warfare, having often had scuffles in fun with his +school-fellows. He evaded Tim's grasp, therefore, and dealt him a blow<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> +in the breast, which made Tim stagger back. He began to realize that +Ben, though a smaller boy, was a formidable opponent, and regretted that +he had undertaken a contest with him. He was constrained to appeal to +his companion for assistance.</p> + +<p>"Just lend a hand, Jack, and we'll give it to him."</p> + +<p>"So you have to ask help," said Ben, scornfully, "though you're bigger +than I am."</p> + +<p>"I could lick yer well enough alone," said Tim, "but you've been +interferin' with Jack's business, as well as mine."</p> + +<p>Jack responded to his friend's appeal, and the two advanced to the +assault of Ben. Of course all this took place much more quickly than it +has taken to describe it. The contest commenced, and our young +adventurer would have got the worst of it, if help had not arrived. +Though a match for either of the boys singly, he could not be expected +to cope with both at a time, especially as he was smaller than either.</p> + +<p>Tim found himself seized forcibly by the arm, just as he was about to +level a blow at Ben. Looking up, he met the glance of another newsboy, a +boy of four<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>teen, who was known among his comrades as "Rough and Ready." +This boy was stout and strong, and was generally liked by those of his +class for his generous qualities, as well as respected for his physical +strength, which he was always ready to exert in defence of a weaker boy.</p> + +<p>"What's all this, Tim?" he demanded. "Aint you ashamed, the two of you, +to pitch into a smaller boy?"</p> + +<p>"He aint got no business here," said Tim, doggedly.</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"He's takin' away all our trade."</p> + +<p>"Hasn't he just as much right to sell papers as you?"</p> + +<p>"He can go somewhere else."</p> + +<p>"So can you."</p> + +<p>"He's a new boy. This is the first day he's sold papers."</p> + +<p>"Then you ought to be able to keep up with him. What's your name, young +un?"</p> + +<p>This question was, of course, addressed to Ben.</p> + +<p>"Ben," answered our young hero. He did not think it necessary to mention +his other name, espe<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>cially as, having run away from home, he had a +vague idea that it might lead to his discovery.</p> + +<p>"Well, Ben, go ahead and sell your papers. I'll see that you have fair +play."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Ben. "I'm not afraid of either of them."</p> + +<p>"Both of them might be too much for you."</p> + +<p>"I don't want to interfere with their business. They've got just as good +a chance to sell as I have."</p> + +<p>"Of course they have. Is this your first day?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"How many papers have you sold?"</p> + +<p>"Six 'Posts' and six 'Expresses.'"</p> + +<p>"That's pretty good for a beginning. Are you going to get some more?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I was just going into the office when that boy," pointing to Tim, +"tried to drive me off."</p> + +<p>"He won't do it again. Come in with me. I'm going to buy some papers +too."</p> + +<p>"What's your name?" asked Ben. "I like you; you're not mean, like those +fellows."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span></p> + +<p>"My name is Rufus, but the boys call me Rough and Ready."</p> + +<p>"Where do you live,—at the Newsboys' Lodging House?"</p> + +<p>"No, I live in Leonard Street. I've got a mother and a little sister. I +live with them."</p> + +<p>"Have you got a father?"</p> + +<p>"No, that is, not a real father. I've got a step-father; but he's worse +than none, for he is loafing round most of the time, and spends all the +money he can get on drink. If it wasn't for me, he'd treat mother worse +than he does. How long have you been in New York?"</p> + +<p>"Only a day or two," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"Where are you living?"</p> + +<p>"Anywhere I can. I haven't got any place."</p> + +<p>"Where did you sleep last night?"</p> + +<p>"In a hay-barge, at one of the piers, along with a boot-black named +Jerry. That was the first night I ever slept out."</p> + +<p>"How did you like it?"</p> + +<p>"I think I'd prefer a bed," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"You can get one at the Lodge for six cents."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I didn't have six cents last night."</p> + +<p>"They'll trust you there, and you can pay next time."</p> + +<p>"Where is the Lodging House?"</p> + +<p>"It's on the corner of this street and Fulton," said Rough and Ready. +"I'll show it to you, if you want me to."</p> + +<p>"I'd like to have you. I'd rather pay six cents than sleep out again."</p> + +<p>By this time they reached the office of the "Express," and, entering, +purchased a supply of papers. He was about to invest his whole capital, +but, by the advice of his companion, bought only eight copies, as by the +time these were disposed of a later edition would be out, which of +course would be more salable.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<h4>SCENES AT THE NEWSBOYS' LODGING HOUSE.</h4> + + +<p>It will be unnecessary to give in detail the record of Ben's sales. He +succeeded, because he was in earnest, and he was in earnest, because his +own experience in the early part of the day had revealed to him how +uncomfortable it was to be without money or friends in a large city. At +seven o'clock, on counting over his money, he found that he had a dollar +and twelve cents. Of this sum he had received half a dollar from the +friendly reporter, to start him in business. This left sixty-two cents +as his net profits for the afternoon's work. Ben felt proud of it, for +it was the first money he had ever earned. His confidence came back to +him, and he thought he saw his way clear to earning his own living.</p> + +<p>Although the reporter had not exacted repayment, Ben determined to lay +aside fifty cents for that purpose. Of the remaining sixty-two, a part +must be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> saved as a fund for the purchase of papers the next morning. +Probably thirty cents would be sufficient for this, as, after selling +out those first purchased, he would have money for a new supply. This +would leave him thirty-two cents to pay for his supper, lodging, and +breakfast. Ben would not have seen his way to accomplish all this for so +small a sum, if he had not been told that at the Newsboys' Lodge the +regular charge was six cents for each meal, and the same for lodging. +This would make but eighteen cents, leaving him a surplus of fourteen. +On inquiry, however, he ascertained that it was already past the hour +for supper at the Lodge, and therefore went into the restaurant, on +Fulton Street, where he ordered a cup of coffee, and a plate of +tea-biscuit. These cost ten cents. Finding his appetite still +unsatisfied, he ordered another plate of biscuit, which carried up the +expense of his supper to fifteen cents. This left seventeen cents for +lodging and breakfast.</p> + +<p>After supper, he went out into the street once more, and walked about +for some time, until he began to feel tired, when he turned his steps +towards the Newsboys' Lodge. This institution occupied at that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> time the +two upper stories of the building at the corner of Nassau and Fulton +Streets. On the first floor was the office of the "Daily Sun." The +entrance to the Lodge was on Fulton Street. Ben went up a steep and +narrow staircase, and kept mounting up until he reached the sixth floor. +Here to the left he saw a door partially opened, through which he could +see a considerable number of boys, whose appearance indicated that they +belonged to the class known as street boys. He pushed the door open and +entered. He found himself in a spacious, but low-studded apartment, +abundantly lighted by rows of windows on two sides. At the end nearest +the door was a raised platform, on which stood a small melodeon, which +was used at the Sunday-evening meetings. There were rows of benches in +the centre of the apartment for the boys.</p> + +<p>A stout, pleasant-looking man, who proved to be Mr. O'Connor, the +superintendent, advanced to meet Ben, whom he at once recognized as a +new-comer.</p> + +<p>"Is this the Newsboys' Lodge?" asked Ben.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said the superintendent; "do you wish to stop with us?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I should like to sleep here to-night," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"You are quite welcome."</p> + +<p>"How much do you charge?"</p> + +<p>"Our charge is six cents."</p> + +<p>"Here is the money," said Ben, drawing it from his vest-pocket.</p> + +<p>"What is your name?"</p> + +<p>"Benjamin."</p> + +<p>"And your other name?"</p> + +<p>"Brandon," answered Ben, with some hesitation.</p> + +<p>"What do you do for a living?"</p> + +<p>"I am selling papers."</p> + +<p>"Well, we will assign you a bed."</p> + +<p>"Where are the beds?" asked Ben, looking about him.</p> + +<p>"They are on the floor below. Any of the boys will go down and show you +when you get ready to retire."</p> + +<p>"Can I get breakfast here in the morning?" inquired Ben.</p> + +<p>"Certainly. We charge the same as for lodging."</p> + +<p>Ben handed over six cents additional, and congrat<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>ulated himself that he +was not as badly off as the night before, being sure of a comfortable +bed, and a breakfast in the morning.</p> + +<p>"What are those for?" he asked, pointing to a row of drawers or lockers +on the sides of the apartment near the floor.</p> + +<p>"Boys who have any extra clothing, or any articles which they value, are +allowed to use them. Here they are safe, as they can be locked. We will +assign you one if you wish."</p> + +<p>"I have nothing to put away," said Ben. "I had a little bundle of +clothes; but they were stolen from me while I was lying asleep on a +bench in the City Hall Park."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you don't know who took them?"</p> + +<p>"No," said Ben; "but I think it was some of the boys that were blacking +boots near me.—That boy's got one of them on," he said, suddenly, in an +excited tone, pointing out Mike, the younger of the two boys who had +appropriated his bundle. Mike had locked up his own shirt, which was +considerably the worse for wear, and put on Ben's, which gave him a +decidedly neater appearance than before. He had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> thought himself +perfectly safe in doing so, not dreaming that he would be brought face +to face with the true owner in the Lodge.</p> + +<p>"What makes you think it is yours?" asked Mr. O'Connor.</p> + +<p>"It is cut like mine," said Ben. "Besides I remember getting a large +spot of ink on one of the sleeves, which would not wash out. There it +is, on the left arm."</p> + +<p>As Ben had said, there was a faint bluish spot on the sleeve of the +shirt. This made Ben's story a plausible one, though not conclusive. The +superintendent decided to inquire of Mike about the matter, and see what +explanation he could give.</p> + +<p>"Mike Rafferty," he said, in a tone of authority, "come here; I want +you."</p> + +<p>Mike came forward, but when he saw Ben, whom he recognized, he felt a +little taken aback. But he had not been brought up in the streets for +nothing. His embarrassment was only momentary. He determined to brazen +it out, and swear, if anything was said about the shirt, that it was his +own lawful property.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I see you've got a new shirt on, Mike," said Mr. O'Connor.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," said Mike.</p> + +<p>"Where did you get it?"</p> + +<p>"Where would I get it?" said Mike. "I bought it yesterday."</p> + +<p>"Where did you buy it?"</p> + +<p>"Round in Baxter Street," said Mike, confidently.</p> + +<p>"It is a pretty good shirt for Baxter Street," remarked Mr. O'Connor. +"How much did you pay for it?"</p> + +<p>"Fifty cents," answered Mike, glibly.</p> + +<p>"This may all be true, Mike," said the superintendent; "but I am not +certain about it. This boy here says it is his shirt, and he thinks that +you stole it from him while he was lying asleep in City Hall Park +yesterday."</p> + +<p>"It's a lie he's tellin', sir," said Mike. "I never seed him afore."</p> + +<p>Here seemed to be a conflict of evidence. Of the two Ben seemed the more +likely to tell the truth. Still it was possible that he might be +mistaken, and Mike might be right after all.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Have you any other proof that the shirt is yours?" asked Mr. O'Connor, +turning to Ben.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Ben, "my name is marked on the shirt, just below the waist."</p> + +<p>"We can settle the matter quickly then. Mike, pull out the shirt, so +that we can see it."</p> + +<p>Mike made some objection, which was quickly overruled. The shirt, being +examined, bore the name of "Benj. Brandon," just as Ben had said.</p> + +<p>"The shirt is yours," said the superintendent to Ben.</p> + +<p>"Now, Mike, what did you mean by telling me that lie? It was bad enough +to steal, without adding a lie besides."</p> + +<p>"I bought the shirt in Baxter Street," persisted Mike, unblushingly.</p> + +<p>"Then how do you account for his name on it?"</p> + +<p>"Maybe he sold it to the man I bought it of."</p> + +<p>"I didn't sell it at all," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"Was that all you had taken?"</p> + +<p>"No," said Ben. "There was another shirt besides."</p> + +<p>"Do you know anything about it, Mike?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, I don't," said Mike.</p> + +<p>"I don't know whether you are telling the truth or not," said the +superintendent; "but at any rate you must take this off, and give it to +the right owner."</p> + +<p>"And will he pay me the fifty cents?" asked Mike.</p> + +<p>"I don't think you bought it at all; but if you did, you can prove it by +the man you bought it of. If you can do that, I will see that the money +is refunded to you."</p> + +<p>There was one strong reason for discrediting Mike's story. These +Baxter-Street shops are often the receptacles of stolen goods. As their +identification might bring the dealers into trouble, they are very +careful, as soon as an article comes into their possession, to +obliterate all the marks of former ownership. It was hardly likely that +they would suffer a shirt to go out of their hands so plainly marked as +was the case in the present instance. Mr. O'Connor, of course, knew +this, and accordingly had very little fear that he was doing injustice +to Mike in ordering him to make restitution to Ben.</p> + +<p>Mike was forced, considerably against his will, to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> take off the new +shirt, and put on his old ragged one. But the former was no longer as +clean as formerly.</p> + +<p>"Where can I get it washed?" asked Ben.</p> + +<p>"You can wash it yourself, in the wash-room, or you can carry it to a +laundry, as some of the boys do, if you are willing to pay for it."</p> + +<p>"I think I would rather carry it to a laundry," said Ben, who doubted +strongly his ability to wash the shirt so as to improve its appearance. +The superintendent accordingly gave him the direction to one of these +establishments.</p> + +<p>Opposite the room which he had entered was a smaller room used by the +boys as a gymnasium. Ben looked into it, and determined to use it on +some future occasion. He next went into the wash-room. Here he saw two +or three boys, stripped to the waist, engaged in washing out their +shirts. Being provided with but a single one each, they left them to dry +over night while they were in bed, and could dispense with them. Ben +wondered how they managed about ironing them; but he soon found that +with these amateur laundresses ironing was not considered necessary. +They are put on rough-dry in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> morning, and so worn until they are +considered dirty enough for another purification.</p> + +<p>Ben looked about him with interest. The boys were chatting in an +animated manner, detailing their experiences during the day, or +"chaffing" each other in a style peculiar to themselves.</p> + +<p>"Say, Jim," said one, "didn't I see you at the Grand Opera last night?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, of course you did," said Jim. "I was in a private box along with +the mayor. I had a di'mond pin in the bosom of my shirt."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I seed you through my opera-glass. What have you done with your +di'mond pin?"</p> + +<p>"Do you think I'd bring it here to be stole? No, I keep it in my safe, +along of my other valooables."</p> + +<p>Ben listened in amusement, and thought that Jim would have cut rather a +singular figure in the mayor's box.</p> + +<p>Several boys, who had gone barefoot, were washing their feet, that being +required previous to going to bed. This is necessary; otherwise the +clean bed-clothes would be so soiled as to require daily washing.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p> + +<p>The boys seemed to be having a good time, and then, though he was +unacquainted with any of them, felt that it was much pleasanter to be +here, in a social atmosphere, than wandering around by himself in the +dark and lonely streets. He observed one thing with surprise, that the +boys refrained from profane or vulgar speech, though they were by no +means so particular in the street during the day. This is, however, a +rule strictly enforced by the superintendent, and, if not complied with, +the offender is denied the privilege of the Lodging House.</p> + +<p>After a while Ben expressed a desire to go to bed, and in company with +one of the boys descended to a room equally large, in the story below, +where over a hundred single beds were arranged in tiers, in a manner +very similar to the berths of a steamboat. Ben was agreeably surprised +by the neat and comfortable appearance of these beds. He felt that he +should be nearly as well provided for as at home. Quickly undressing +himself, he jumped into the bed assigned him, and in a few minutes was +fast asleep.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2> + +<h4>FURTHER EXPERIENCES.</h4> + + +<p>Ben had a comfortable night's rest, and when he awoke in the morning he +felt that a bed at the Newsboys' Lodge was considerably better than a +bale of cotton, or a hay-barge. At an early hour in the morning the boys +were called, and began to tumble out in all directions, interchanging, +as they performed their hasty toilet, a running fire of "chaff" and +good-humored jesting, some of which consisted of personal allusions the +reverse of complimentary.</p> + +<p>Many of the boys stopped to breakfast, but not all. Some wanted to get +to work earlier, and took breakfast at a later hour at some cheap +restaurant, earning it before they ate it. Ben, however, had paid for +his breakfast in advance, knowing that he could not get it so cheap +elsewhere, and so waited to partake of it. He took his place at a long +table with his companions, and found himself served with a bowl of +coffee<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> and a generous slice of bread. Sometimes, but not always, a +little cold meat is supplied in addition. But even when there is bread +only, the coffee warms the stomach, and so strengthens the boys for +their labors outside. The breakfast was not as varied, of course, as Ben +had been accustomed to at home, nor as tempting as my young readers have +spread before them every morning; but it was good of its kind, and Ben +ate it with unusual relish.</p> + +<p>When he had finished his meal, he prepared to go out to work; not, +however, till the superintendent, whose recollection of individual boys +is surprising, considering the large number who frequent the Lodging +House in the course of a year, had invited him to come again. The +Lodging House, though it cannot supply the place of a private home, +steps between hundreds of boys and complete vagabondage, into which, but +for its existence, they would quickly lapse. Probably no money is more +wisely expended than that which enables the Children's Aid Society of +New York to maintain this and kindred institutions.</p> + +<p>Ben had, after breakfast, eighty-five cents to commence the day on. But +of this sum, it will be remem<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>bered, he had reserved fifty cents to pay +the friendly reporter for his loan. This left him a working capital of +thirty-five cents. It was not a large sum to do business on, but it was +enough, and with it Ben felt quite independent.</p> + +<p>In front of the 'Times' office, Ben met Rough and Ready,—the newsboy +who had taken his part the day before. He had got the start of Ben, and +was just disposing of his only remaining paper.</p> + +<p>"How are you?" asked Ben.</p> + +<p>"So's to be around," answered the other. "What are you up to?"</p> + +<p>"I'm going to buy some papers."</p> + +<p>"I have sold eight already. Where did you sleep last night?"</p> + +<p>"At the Lodging House."</p> + +<p>"How do you like it?"</p> + +<p>"It's a good place, and very cheap."</p> + +<p>"Yes, it's a bully place. I'd go there myself, if it wasn't for mother +and Rose. It's enough sight better than our room on Leonard Street. But +I can't leave my mother and sister."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p> + +<p>"If you're going to buy some more papers, I'd like to go with you."</p> + +<p>"All right. Come ahead."</p> + +<p>Ben invested his money under the direction of his companion. By his +advice, he purchased nearly to the amount of his entire capital, knowing +that it would come back to him again, so that his plan for paying the +reporter could still be carried out.</p> + +<p>"You can stand near me, if you want to, Ben," said Rough and Ready.</p> + +<p>"I am afraid I shall interfere with your trade," answered Ben.</p> + +<p>"Don't be afraid of that. I don't ask no favors. I can get my share of +business."</p> + +<p>Ben, while engaged in selling papers himself, had an opportunity to +watch the ready tact with which Rough and Ready adapted himself to the +different persons whom he encountered. He succeeded in effecting a sale +in many cases where others would have failed. He had sold all his papers +before Ben had disposed of two-thirds of his, though both began with an +equal number.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Here, Ben," he said, generously, "give me three of your papers, I'll +sell 'em for you."</p> + +<p>By this friendly help, Ben found himself shortly empty-handed.</p> + +<p>"Shall I buy any more?" he inquired of his companion.</p> + +<p>"It's gettin' late for mornin' papers," said Rough and Ready. "You'd +better wait till the evenin' papers come out. How much money have you +made?"</p> + +<p>Ben counted over his money, and answered, "I've made thirty-five cents."</p> + +<p>"Well, that'll be more'n enough to buy your dinner."</p> + +<p>"How much do you make in a day?" asked Ben.</p> + +<p>"Sometimes over a dollar."</p> + +<p>"You ought to lay up money, then."</p> + +<p>Rough and Ready shook his head.</p> + +<p>"I have to pay everything over to my mother," he said. "It's little +enough to support a family."</p> + +<p>"Doesn't your father earn anything?"</p> + +<p>"My <i>step</i>-father," repeated the other, emphasizing the first syllable. +"No, he doesn't earn much, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> what he does earn, he spends for rum. We +could do a great deal better without him," he continued.</p> + +<p>Ben began to see that he had a much easier task before him in supporting +himself, than his new friend in supplying the wants of a family of four; +for Mr. Martin, his step-father, did not scruple to live partially on +the earnings of his step-son, whose industry should have put him to +shame.</p> + +<p>"I guess I'll go home a little while," said Rough and Ready. "I'll see +you again this afternoon."</p> + +<p>Left to himself, Ben began to walk around with an entirely different +feeling from that which he experienced the day before. He had one dollar +and twenty cents in his pocket; not all of it his own, but the greater +part of it his own earnings. Only twenty-four hours before his prospects +seemed very dark. Now he had found friends, and he had also learned how +to help himself.</p> + +<p>As he was walking down Nassau Street, he suddenly espied, a little +distance ahead, the reporter who had done him such an important service +the day before.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p> + +<p>He quickened his pace, and speedily came up with him.</p> + +<p>"Good-morning," said he, by way of calling the reporter's attention.</p> + +<p>"Good-morning," responded the reporter, not at first recognizing him.</p> + +<p>"I'm ready to pay the money you lent me yesterday," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"Oh, you're the boy I set up in business yesterday. Well, how have you +made out?"</p> + +<p>"Pretty well," said Ben, with satisfaction. "Here's the money you lent +me;" and he drew out fifty cents, and offered it to the young man.</p> + +<p>"But have you got any money left?" inquired the reporter.</p> + +<p>Ben displayed the remainder of his money, mentioning the amount.</p> + +<p>"You've succeeded capitally. Where did you sleep last night?"</p> + +<p>"At the Newsboys' Lodge."</p> + +<p>"That's better than sleeping out. I begin to think, my young friend, you +must have a decided<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> business talent. It isn't often a new boy succeeds +so well."</p> + +<p>Ben was pleased with this compliment, and made a new offer of the money, +which the young man had not yet taken.</p> + +<p>"I don't know as I had better take this money," said the reporter; "you +may need it."</p> + +<p>"No," said Ben, "I've got enough to keep me along."</p> + +<p>"You've got to get dinner."</p> + +<p>"That won't cost me more than twenty-five cents; then I shall have +forty-five to buy papers this afternoon."</p> + +<p>"Well," said the young man, "if you don't need it, I will take it; but +on one condition."</p> + +<p>"What is that?" asked Ben.</p> + +<p>"That if you get hard up at any time, you will come to me, and I will +help you out."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Ben, gratefully. "You are very kind."</p> + +<p>"I know that you boys are apt to have hard times; but if you work +faithfully and don't form any bad habits, I think you will get along. +Here is my card,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> and directions for finding me, if you need any +assistance at any time."</p> + +<p>Ben took the card, and went on his way, feeling more glad that he had +paid his debt than if the money were still in his possession. He felt +that it was a partial atonement for the theft which he had nearly +committed the day before.</p> + +<p>As he walked along, thinking of what he had just done, he suddenly found +himself shoved violently off the sidewalk. Looking angrily to see who +was the aggressor, he recognized Mike Rafferty, who had been detected +the night before in wearing his stolen shirt.</p> + +<p>"What's that for?" demanded Ben, angrily.</p> + +<p>"It's to tache you better manners, ye spalpeen!" said Mike.</p> + +<p>Ben returned the blow with spirit.</p> + +<p>"That's to teach you not to steal my shirt again," he said.</p> + +<p>"It's a lie," said Mike. "I bought it of the man you sold it to."</p> + +<p>"You know better," retorted Ben. "You took it while I was asleep in the +Park."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mike was about to retaliate with another blow, when the sight of an +approaching policeman warned him of peril, and he retreated in good +order, sending back looks of defiance at our hero, whom he could not +forgive for having proved him guilty of theft.</p> + +<p>Ben's exploration of the city had thus far been very limited. He had +heard of the Battery, and he determined to go down there. The distance +was not great, and in a few minutes he found himself at the lower end of +the Manhattan Island, looking with interest at the shores across the +river. Here was Castle Garden, a large structure, now used for recently +arrived emigrants, but once the scene of one of Jenny Lind's triumphs. +Now it would seem very strange to have a grand concert given in such a +building and in such a locality. However, Ben knew nothing of the +purposes of the building, and looked at it ignorantly. The Battery he +thought might once have been pretty; but now the grass has been worn off +by pedestrians, and the once fashionable houses in the neighborhood have +long ago been deserted by their original proprietors, and been turned +into warehouses, or cheap boarding-houses.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p> + +<p>After looking about a little, Ben turned to go back. He began to feel +hungry, and thought he might as well get some dinner. After that was +eaten it would be time for the evening papers. He was intending to go +back to Fulton Street; but his attention was drawn to a restaurant by +the bills of fare exposed outside. A brief examination satisfied him +that the prices were quite as moderate as in Fulton Street, and he +decided to enter, and take his dinner here.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<h4>BEN BECOMES A BAGGAGE-SMASHER.</h4> + + +<p>The restaurant was a small one, and not fashionable in appearance, +having a shabby look. The floor was sanded, and the tables were covered +with soiled cloths. However, Ben had learned already not to be +fastidious, and he sat down and gave his order. A plate of roast beef +and a cup of coffee were brought, according to his directions. Seated +opposite him at the table was a man who had nearly completed his dinner +as Ben commenced. He held in his hand a Philadelphia paper, which he +left behind when he rose to go.</p> + +<p>"You have left your paper," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"I have read it through," was the reply. "I don't care to take it."</p> + +<p>Ben took it up, and found it to be a daily paper which his father had +been accustomed to take for years. It gave him a start, as he saw the +familiar<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> page, and he felt a qualm of homesickness. The neat house in +which he had lived since he was born, his mother's gentle face, rose up +before him, compared with his present friendless condition, and the +tears rose to his eyes. But he was in a public restaurant, and his pride +came to the rescue. He pressed back the tears, and resumed his knife and +fork.</p> + +<p>When he had finished his dinner, he took up the paper once more, reading +here and there. At last his eye rested on the following advertisement:—</p> + +<blockquote><p>"My son, Benjamin Brandon, having run away from home without any good +reason, I hereby caution the public against trusting him on my +account; but will pay the sum of one dollar and necessary expenses to +any person who will return him to me. He is ten years old, well grown +for his age, has dark eyes and a dark complexion. He was dressed in a +gray-mixed suit, and had on a blue cap when he left home.</p> + +<p class="citation"><span class="smcap">James Brandon.</span><br /></p> + +</blockquote> + +<p>Ben's face flushed when he read this advertisement. It was written by +his father, he knew well enough, and he judged from the language that it +was written in anger. <i>One dollar</i> was offered for his restoration.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p> + +<p>Ben felt somehow humiliated at the smallness of the sum, and at the +thought that this advertisement would be read by his friends and +school-companions. The softer thoughts, which but just now came to him, +were banished, and he determined, whatever hardships awaited him, to +remain in New York, and support himself as he had begun to do. But, +embittered as he felt against his father, he felt a pang when he thought +of his mother. He knew how anxious she would feel about him, and he +wished he might be able to write her privately that he was well, and +doing well. But he was afraid the letter would get into his father's +hands, and reveal his whereabouts; then the police might be set on his +track, and he might be forced home to endure the humiliation of a severe +punishment, and the jeers of his companions, who would never let him +hear the last of his abortive attempt.</p> + +<p>At last a way occurred to him. He would write a letter, and place it in +the hands of some one going to Philadelphia, to be posted in the latter +city. This would give no clue to his present home, and would answer the +purpose of relieving his mother's anxiety.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p> + +<p>Late in the afternoon, Ben went into a stationery store on Nassau +Street.</p> + +<p>"Will you give me a sheet of paper, and an envelope?" he asked, +depositing two cents on the counter.</p> + +<p>The articles called for were handed him.</p> + +<p>"Can I write a letter here?" inquired Ben.</p> + +<p>"You can go round to that desk," said the clerk; "you will find pen and +ink there."</p> + +<p>Ben, with some difficulty, composed and wrote the following letter, for +it was the first he had ever had occasion to write:—</p> + +<blockquote><p>"<span class="smcap">Dear Mother</span>,—I hope you will not feel very bad because I have left +home. Father punished me for what I did not do, and after that I was +not willing to stay; but I wish I could see you. Don't feel anxious +about me, for I am getting along very well, and earning my own living. +I cannot tell you where I am, for father might find out, and I do not +want to come back, especially after that advertisement. I don't think +my going will make much difference to father, as he has only offered +one dollar reward for me. You need not show this letter to him. I +send<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> you my love, and I also send my love to Mary, though she used to +tease me sometimes. And now I must bid you good-by.</p> + + +<p class="quotsig1">From your affectionate son,<br /></p> + +<p class="citation"><span class="smcap">Ben.</span>"<br /></p> + +</blockquote> + +<p>After completing this letter Ben put it in the envelope, and directed it +to</p> + +<p class="quotsig3"><span class="smcap">"Mrs. Ruth Brandon</span>,</p> + +<p class="quotsig2"><i>"Cedarville,</i></p> + +<p class="quotsig1"><i>"Pennsylvania."</i></p> + +<p>It may be explained that the Mary referred to was an elder sister, ten +years older than Ben, against whom he felt somewhat aggrieved, on +account of his sister's having interfered with him more than he thought +she had any right to do. She and Ben were the only children.</p> + +<p>If I were to express my opinion of this letter of Ben's, I should say +that it was wanting in proper feeling for the mother who had always been +kind and gentle to him, and whose heart, he must have known, would be +deeply grieved by his running away from home. But Ben's besetting sin +was pride, mingled<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> with obstinacy, and pride prevailed over his love +for his mother. If he could have known of the bitter tears which his +mother was even now shedding over her lost boy, I think he would have +found it difficult to maintain his resolution.</p> + +<p>When the letter was written, Ben went across to the post-office, and +bought a three-cent stamp, which he placed on the envelope. Then, +learning that there was an evening train for Philadelphia, he went down +to the Cortlandt Street Ferry, and watched till he saw a gentleman, who +had the air of a traveller. Ben stepped up to him and inquired, "Are you +going to Philadelphia, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lad," was the answer; "are you going there also?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"I thought you might want somebody to take charge of you. Is there +anything I can do for you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. If you would be so kind as to post this letter in +Philadelphia."</p> + +<p>"I will do so; but why don't you post it in New York? It will go just as +well."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The person who wrote it," said Ben, "doesn't want to have it known +where it came from."</p> + +<p>"Very well, give it to me, and I will see that it is properly mailed."</p> + +<p>The gentleman took the letter, and Ben felt glad that it was written. He +thought it would relieve his mother's anxiety.</p> + +<p>As he was standing on the pier, a gentleman having a carpet-bag in one +hand, and a bundle of books in the other, accosted him.</p> + +<p>"Can you direct me to the Astor House, boy?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," said Ben.</p> + +<p>Then, with a sudden thought, he added, "Shall I carry your carpet-bag, +sir?"</p> + +<p>"On the whole I think you may," said the gentleman. "Or stay, I think +you may take this parcel of books."</p> + +<p>"I can carry both, sir."</p> + +<p>"No matter about that. I will carry the bag, and you shall be my guide."</p> + +<p>Ben had not yet had time to get very well acquainted with the city; but +the Astor House, which is situated nearly opposite the lower end of the +City<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> Hall Park, he had passed a dozen times, and knew the way to it +very well. He was glad that the gentleman wished to go there, and not to +one of the up-town hotels, of which he knew nothing. He went straight up +Cortlandt Street to Broadway, and then turning north, soon arrived at +the massive structure, which, for over thirty years, has welcomed +travellers from all parts of the world.</p> + +<p>"This is the Astor House, sir," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"I remember it now," said the gentleman; "but it is ten years since I +have been in New York, and I did not feel quite certain of finding my +way. Do you live in New York?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"You may give me the package now. How much shall I pay you for your +services?"</p> + +<p>"Whatever you please, sir," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"Will that answer?" and the traveller placed twenty-five cents in the +hands of our young hero.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," said Ben, in a tone of satisfaction. "Thank you."</p> + +<p>The traveller entered the hotel, and Ben remained outside, +congratulating himself upon his good luck.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That's an easy way to earn twenty five cents," he thought. "It didn't +take me more than fifteen minutes to come up from the ferry, and I +should have to sell twenty-five papers to make so much."</p> + +<p>This sum, added to what he had made during the day by selling papers, +and including what he had on hand originally, made one dollar and thirty +cents. But out of this he had spent twenty-five cents for dinner, and +for his letter, including postage, five cents. Thus his expenses had +been thirty cents, which, being deducted, left him just one dollar. Out +of this, however, it would be necessary to buy some supper, and pay for +his lodging and breakfast at the Newsboys' Home. Fifteen cents, however, +would do for the first, while the regular charge for the second would be +but twelve cents. Ben estimated, therefore, that he would have +seventy-three cents to start on next day. He felt that this was a +satisfactory state of finances, and considered whether he could not +afford to spend a little more for supper. However, not feeling very +hungry, he concluded not to do so.</p> + +<p>The next morning he bought papers as usual and sold them. But it seemed +considerably harder work,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> for the money, than carrying bundles. +However, Ben foresaw that in order to become a "baggage-smasher" (for +this is the technical term by which the boys and men are known, who wait +around the ferries and railway depots for a chance to carry baggage, +though I have preferred to use the term luggage boy), it would be +necessary to know more about localities in the city than he did at +present. Accordingly he devoted the intervals of time between the +selling of papers, to seeking out and ascertaining the locality of the +principal hotels and streets in the city.</p> + +<p>In the course of a fortnight he had obtained a very fair knowledge of +the city. He now commenced waiting at the ferries and depots, though he +did not immediately give up entirely the newspaper trade. But at length +he gave it up altogether, and became a "baggage-smasher," by profession, +or, as he is styled in the title of this book, a luggage boy.</p> + +<p>Thus commences a new page in his history.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2> + +<h4>BEN'S HOME IN PHILADELPHIA.</h4> + + +<p>Though the story of "Ben, the Luggage Boy," professes to treat of life +in the city streets, I must devote a single chapter to a very different +place. I must carry the reader to Ben's home in Pennsylvania, and show +what effect his running away had upon the family circle.</p> + +<p>There was a neat two-story house standing on the principal street in +Cedarville, with a pleasant lawn in front, through which, from the gate, +a gravelled walk ran to the front door. Mr. Brandon, as I have already +said, was a coal-dealer, and in very comfortable circumstances; so that +Ben had never known what it was to want anything which he really needed. +He was a man of great firmness, and at times severity, and more than +once Ben had felt aggrieved by his treatment of him. Mrs. Brandon was +quite different from her husband, being gentle and kind, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> it was to +her that Ben always went for sympathy, in any trouble or difficulty, +whether at home or at school.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Brandon was sitting at the window with her work in her hand; but it +had fallen listlessly in her lap, and on her face was a look of painful +preoccupation. Opposite her sat her daughter Mary, Ben's only sister, +already referred to.</p> + +<p>"Don't worry so, mother," said Mary; "you will make yourself sick."</p> + +<p>"I cannot help it, Mary," said Mrs. Brandon. "I can't help worrying +about Ben. He has been gone a week now, and Heaven knows what he has +suffered. He may be dead."</p> + +<p>"No, mother," said Mary, who had more of her father's strength than her +mother's gentleness. "He is not dead, you may depend upon that."</p> + +<p>"But he had no money, that I know of. How could he live?"</p> + +<p>"Ben can take care of himself better than most boys of his age."</p> + +<p>"But think of a boy of ten going out in the world by himself!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p> + +<p>"There are many boys of ten who have to do it, mother."</p> + +<p>"What could the poor boy do?"</p> + +<p>"He might suffer a little; but if he does, he will the sooner come +home."</p> + +<p>"I wish he might," said Mrs. Brandon, with a sigh. "I think your father +does very wrong not to go after him."</p> + +<p>"He wouldn't know where to go. Besides, he has advertised."</p> + +<p>"I hope Ben will not see the advertisement. Poor boy! he would feel hurt +to think that we cared so little for him as to offer only one dollar for +his return."</p> + +<p>"He will know you had nothing to do with the advertisement, mother; you +may be sure of that."</p> + +<p>"Yes, he knows me too well for that. I would give all I have to have him +back."</p> + +<p>"I want him back too," said Mary. "He is my only brother, and of course +I love him; but I don't think it will do him any harm to suffer a little +as a punishment for going away."</p> + +<p>"You were always hard upon the poor boy, Mary," said Mrs. Brandon.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, I am not hard; but I see his faults, and I want him to correct +them. It is you who have been too indulgent."</p> + +<p>"If I have been, it is because you and your father have been too much +the other way."</p> + +<p>There was a brief pause, then Mrs. Brandon said, "Can you think of any +place, Mary, where Ben would be likely to go?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I suppose he went to Philadelphia. When a boy runs away from home, +he naturally goes to the nearest city."</p> + +<p>"I have a great mind to go up to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"What good would it do, mother?"</p> + +<p>"I might meet him in the street."</p> + +<p>"There is not much chance of that. I shouldn't wonder if by this time he +had gone to sea."</p> + +<p>"Gone to sea!" repeated Mrs. Brandon, turning pale. "What makes you +think so? Did he ever speak of such a thing to you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, he once threatened to run away to sea, when I did something that +did not suit him."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I hope not. I have heard that boys are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> treated very badly on board +ship. Besides, he might get drowned."</p> + +<p>"I am not sure whether a good sea-voyage might not be the best thing for +him," said strong-minded Mary.</p> + +<p>"But suppose he should be ill-treated?"</p> + +<p>"It might take the pride out of him, and make him a better boy."</p> + +<p>"I never get much satisfaction from you, Mary. I don't see how you can +be so harsh."</p> + +<p>"I see we are not likely to agree, mother. But there is a boy coming up +the walk with a letter in his hand."</p> + +<p>"It may be from Ben," said his mother, rising hastily, and going to the +door.</p> + +<p>The boy was William Gordon, a school-mate of Ben's, whose disappearance, +long before this time, had been reported throughout the village.</p> + +<p>"I was passing the post-office, Mrs. Brandon," he said, "when the +postmaster called from the window, and asked me to bring you this +letter. I think it is from Ben. The handwriting looks like his."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, thank you, William," said Mrs. Brandon, joyfully. "Give it to me +quick."</p> + +<p>She tore it open and read the letter, which is given at length in the +last chapter.</p> + +<p>"Is it from Ben?" asked William.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Is he in Philadelphia? I noticed it was mailed there."</p> + +<p>"Yes—no—he says he cannot tell us where he is."</p> + +<p>"I think he must be in Philadelphia, or the letter would not be mailed +there."</p> + +<p>"Come in, William. I must go and tell Mary."</p> + +<p>"No, thank you, Mrs. Brandon. I am on an errand for my mother. I hope +Ben is well?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, he says so."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Brandon went in, and showed the letter to her daughter.</p> + +<p>"There, I told you, mother, you need not be alarmed. He says he is +earning his living."</p> + +<p>"But it seems so hard for a boy of ten to have to work for his living. +What can he do?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, there are various things he can do. He might sell papers, for +instance."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I think I shall go to Philadelphia to-morrow, Mary."</p> + +<p>"It won't be of any use, you may depend, mother. He is not in +Philadelphia."</p> + +<p>"But this letter is posted there."</p> + +<p>"That is a proof to me that he is not there. He says he don't want to +come back."</p> + +<p>Shortly after, Mr. Brandon entered the house.</p> + +<p>"We have had a letter from Ben, father," said Mary.</p> + +<p>"Show it to me," he said, briefly.</p> + +<p>He read the letter, and handed it back without a word.</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do about it, Mr. Brandon?" asked his wife.</p> + +<p>"What is there to be done?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"I think I had better go up to Philadelphia to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"What for?"</p> + +<p>"I might see him."</p> + +<p>"You would be going on a wild-goose chase."</p> + +<p>"Then why won't you go?"</p> + +<p>"It isn't worth while. If the boy doesn't want to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> come home, he may +take care of himself if he likes it so well. I shan't run round after +him."</p> + +<p>"He says he did not do what you punished him for," said Mrs. Brandon, +rather deprecatingly, for she was somewhat in awe of her husband.</p> + +<p>"Of course he would say that. I have heard that before."</p> + +<p>"But I don't think he really did."</p> + +<p>"I know you have always been foolishly indulgent to him."</p> + +<p>"At any rate that cannot be said of you," said his wife, with some +spirit.</p> + +<p>"No," he answered, rather surprised at such an unusual manifestation +from his usually acquiescent wife; "you are right there, and you might +add that I don't mean to be, if he should return."</p> + +<p>"I think he would have come home but for that advertisement. You see +what he says about it in his letter."</p> + +<p>"If I were to write it again, I should write it in the same manner, +though perhaps I might not offer so large a sum."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Brandon sighed, and ceased speaking. She<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> knew her husband well +enough to see that there was little chance of changing his +determination, or softening his anger towards Ben.</p> + +<p>The next day, when Mr. Brandon returned home to dinner from his +coal-wharf, he found Mary seated at the head of the table.</p> + +<p>"Where is your mother?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"She went to Philadelphia by the middle train," was the answer.</p> + +<p>"She has gone on a fool's errand."</p> + +<p>"I advised her not to go; but she thought she might meet Ben, and I +could not dissuade her."</p> + +<p>"Well, she will be better satisfied after she has been up—and failed to +find him."</p> + +<p>"Do you think he will ever come back, father?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; he will turn up again some day, like a bad penny. He will find +that earning his own living is not quite so agreeable as being taken +care of at home."</p> + +<p>"Suppose he shouldn't come back?"</p> + +<p>"So much the worse for him," said Mr. Brandon.</p> + +<p>Mr. Brandon spoke after his way of speaking, for he was not an +affectionate man, nor given to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> softer emotions. He had never given +Ben any reason to think he loved him, at least since he was a baby, but +appearances are sometimes deceptive, and he thought more of his son's +absence than any one would have supposed. He thought, too, of that +sentence in Ben's letter, in which he spoke of being punished for what +he did not do, and he admitted to himself, though he would not have done +so to his wife, that perhaps he had been unjust to the boy after all. +Every day when he turned from his office to go home, it was with the +unacknowledged hope that he might find the prodigal returned. But in +this hope they were all doomed to be disappointed. Year after year +passed away, and still no tidings from Ben beyond that single letter +which we have mentioned.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Brandon returned from Philadelphia, as might have been anticipated, +disappointed and despondent. She was very tired, for she had wandered +about the streets, looking everywhere, during the four or five hours she +was in the city. Once or twice her heart beat high, as she saw in front +of her a boy of Ben's size, and dressed as he had been dressed when he +left home. But when, with hurry<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>ing steps she came up with him, she was +doomed, in every case, to disappointment.</p> + +<p>"I told you it would be no use, mother," said Mary.</p> + +<p>"I couldn't stay at home contented, if I did nothing to find him, Mary."</p> + +<p>"He'll turn up yet some day, mother,—return in rags most likely."</p> + +<p>"Come when he may, or how he may, Mary, my arms shall be open to receive +him."</p> + +<p>But the years passed, and Ben did not come.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<h4>THE FIRST CIGAR.</h4> + + +<p>It was a week or more after Ben started in business as a +baggage-smasher, that, in returning from carrying a carpet-bag to +Lovejoy's Hotel, on Broadway, he fell in with his first city +acquaintance, Jerry Collins. Jerry had just "polished up" a gentleman's +boots, and, having been unusually lucky this morning in securing shines, +felt disposed to be lavish.</p> + +<p>"How are you, Ben?" asked Jerry. "What are you up to now?"</p> + +<p>"I'm a baggage-smasher," answered Ben, who was beginning to adopt the +language of the streets.</p> + +<p>"How does it pay?"</p> + +<p>"Well," said Ben, "sometimes it pays first rate, when I'm lucky. Other +days I don't get much to do. I didn't make but fifteen cents this +morning. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> carried a bag up to Lovejoy's, and that's all the man would +pay me."</p> + +<p>"I've made fifty cents this mornin'. Look here, Johnny."</p> + +<p>The Johnny addressed was a boy who sold cigars, four for ten cents.</p> + +<p>"I'll take two," said Jerry, producing five cents.</p> + +<p>"Six cents for two," said the cigar boy.</p> + +<p>"All right, I'll owe you the other cent," said Jerry, coolly.</p> + +<p>"Do you smoke?" inquired Ben.</p> + +<p>"In course I do. Don't you?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"Why don't you?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know," said Ben. "Do you like it?"</p> + +<p>"It's bully. Here, take this cigar. I bought it for you."</p> + +<p>Ben hesitated; but finally, induced mainly by a curiosity to see how it +seemed, accepted the cigar, and lighted it by Jerry's. The two boys sat +down on an empty box, and Jerry instructed Ben how to puff. Ben did not +particularly enjoy it; but thought he might as well learn now as any +other time. His<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> companion puffed away like a veteran smoker; but after +a while Ben's head began to swim, and he felt sick at his stomach.</p> + +<p>"I don't feel well," he said. "I guess I'll stop smoking."</p> + +<p>"Oh, go ahead," said Jerry. "It's only because it's the first time. +You'll like it after a while."</p> + +<p>Thus encouraged, Ben continued to smoke, though his head and his stomach +got continually worse.</p> + +<p>"I don't like it," gasped Ben, throwing down the cigar. "I'm going to +stop."</p> + +<p>"You've got a healthy color," said Jerry, slyly.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid I'm going to be awful sick," said Ben, whose sensations were +very far from comfortable. Just at this moment, ignorant of the brief +character of his present feelings, he heartily wished himself at home, +for the first time since his arrival in the city.</p> + +<p>"You do look rather green," said Jerry. "Maybe you're going to have the +cholera. I've heard that there's some cases round."</p> + +<p>This suggestion alarmed Ben, who laid his head down between his knees, +and began to feel worse than ever.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Don't be scared," said Jerry, thinking it time to relieve Ben's mind. +"It's only the cigar. You'll feel all right in a jiffy."</p> + +<p>While Ben was experiencing the disagreeable effects of his first cigar, +he resolved never to smoke another. But, as might have been expected, he +felt differently on recovering. It was not long before he could puff +away with as much enjoyment and unconcern as any of his street +companions, and a part of his earnings were consumed in this way. It may +be remarked here that the street boy does not always indulge in the +luxury of a whole cigar. Sometimes he picks up a fragment which has been +discarded by the original smoker. There are some small dealers, who make +it a business to collect these "stubs," or employ others to do so, and +then sell them to the street boys, at a penny apiece, or less, according +to size. Sometimes these stubs are bought in preference to a cheap +cigar, because they are apt to be of a superior quality. Ben, however, +never smoked "stubs." In course of time he became very much like other +street boys; but in some respects his taste was more fastidious, and he +preferred to indulge<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> himself in a cheap cigar, which was not +second-hand.</p> + +<p>We must now pass rapidly over the six years which elapsed from the date +of Ben's first being set adrift in the streets to the period at which +our story properly begins. These years have been fruitful of change to +our young adventurer. They have changed him from a country boy of ten, +to a self-reliant and independent street boy of sixteen. The impressions +left by his early and careful home-training have been mostly effaced. +Nothing in his garb now distinguishes him from the class of which he is +a type. He has long since ceased to care for neat or whole attire, or +carefully brushed hair. His straggling locks, usually long, protrude +from an aperture in his hat. His shoes would make a very poor +advertisement for the shoemaker by whom they were originally +manufactured. His face is not always free from stains, and his street +companions have long since ceased to charge him with putting on airs, on +account of the superior neatness of his personal appearance. Indeed, he +has become rather a favorite among them, in consequence of his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> +frankness, and his willingness at all times to lend a helping hand to a +comrade temporarily "hard up." He has adopted to a great extent the +tastes and habits of the class to which he belongs, and bears with +acquired philosophy the hardships and privations which fall to their +lot. Like "Ragged Dick," he has a sense of humor, which is apt to reveal +itself in grotesque phrases, or amusing exaggerations.</p> + +<p>Of course his education, so far as education is obtained from books, has +not advanced at all. He has not forgotten how to read, having occasion +to read the daily papers. Occasionally, too, he indulges himself in a +dime novel, the more sensational the better, and is sometimes induced to +read therefrom to a group of companions whose attainments are even less +than his own.</p> + +<p>It may be asked whether he ever thinks of his Pennsylvania home, of his +parents and his sister. At first he thought of them frequently; but by +degrees he became so accustomed to the freedom and independence of his +street life, with its constant variety, that he would have been +unwilling to return, even if the original cause of his leaving home were +removed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> Life in a Pennsylvania village seemed "slow" compared with the +excitement of his present life.</p> + +<p>In the winter, when the weather was inclement, and the lodging +accommodations afforded by the street were not particularly +satisfactory, Ben found it convenient to avail himself of the cheap +lodgings furnished by the Newsboys' Lodging House; but at other times, +particularly in the warm summer nights, he saved his six cents, and +found a lodging for himself among the wharves, or in some lane or alley. +Of the future he did not think much. Like street boys in general, his +horizon was limited by the present. Sometimes, indeed, it did occur to +him that he could not be a luggage boy all his lifetime. Some time or +other he must take up something else. However, Ben carelessly concluded +that he could make a living somehow or other, and as to old age that was +too far ahead to disquiet himself about.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<h4>THE PASSENGER FROM ALBANY.</h4> + + +<p>Ben did not confine himself to any particular pier or railway depot, but +stationed himself now at one, now at another, according as the whim +seized him, or as the prospect of profit appeared more or less +promising. One afternoon he made his way to the pier at which the Albany +boats landed. He knew the hour of arrival, not only for the river-boats, +but for most of the inward trains, for this was required by his +business.</p> + +<p>He had just finished smoking a cheap cigar when the boat arrived. The +passengers poured out, and the usual bustle ensued. Now was the time for +Ben to be on the alert. He scanned the outcoming passengers with an +attentive eye, fixing his attention upon those who were encumbered with +carpet-bags, valises, or bundles. These he marked out as his possible +patrons, and accosted them professionally.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Smash yer baggage, sir?" he said to a gentleman carrying a valise.</p> + +<p>The latter stared hard at Ben, evidently misunderstanding him, and +answered irascibly, "Confound your impudence, boy; what do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"Smash yer baggage, sir?"</p> + +<p>"If you smash my baggage, I'll smash your head."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir, for your kind offer; but my head aint insured," said +Ben, who saw the joke, and enjoyed it.</p> + +<p>"Look here, boy," said the puzzled traveller, "what possible good would +it do you to smash my baggage?"</p> + +<p>"That's the way I make a livin'," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to say any persons are foolish enough to pay you for +destroying their baggage? You must be crazy, or else you must think I +am."</p> + +<p>"Not destroying it, smashin' it."</p> + +<p>"What's the difference?"</p> + +<p>Here a person who had listened to the conversation with some amusement +interposed.</p> + +<p>"If you will allow me to explain, sir, the boy only proposes to carry +your valise. He is what we call a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> 'baggage-smasher,' and carrying it is +called 'smashing.'"</p> + +<p>"Indeed, that's a very singular expression to use. Well, my lad, I think +I understand you now. You have no hostile intentions, then?"</p> + +<p>"Nary a one," answered Ben.</p> + +<p>"Then I may see fit to employ you. Of course you know the way +everywhere?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"You may take my valise as far as Broadway. There I shall take a stage."</p> + +<p>Ben took the valise, and raising it to his shoulders was about to +precede his patron.</p> + +<p>"You can walk along by my side," said the gentleman; "I want to talk to +you."</p> + +<p>"All right, governor," said Ben. "I'm ready for an interview."</p> + +<p>"How do you like 'baggage-smashing,' as you call it?"</p> + +<p>"I like it pretty well when I'm workin' for a liberal gentleman like +you," said Ben, shrewdly.</p> + +<p>"What makes you think I am liberal?" asked the gentleman, smiling.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I can tell by your face," answered our hero.</p> + +<p>"But you get disappointed sometimes, don't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sometimes," Ben admitted.</p> + +<p>"Tell me some of your experiences that way."</p> + +<p>"Last week," said Ben, "I carried a bag, and a thunderin' heavy one, +from the Norwich boat to French's Hotel,—a mile and a half I guess it +was,—and how much do you think the man paid me?"</p> + +<p>"Twenty-five cents."</p> + +<p>"Yes, he did, but he didn't want to. All he offered me first was ten +cents."</p> + +<p>"That's rather poor pay. I don't think I should want to work for that +myself."</p> + +<p>"You couldn't live very high on such pay," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"I have worked as cheap, though."</p> + +<p>"You have!" said Ben, surprised.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lad, I was a poor boy once,—as poor as you are."</p> + +<p>"Where did you live?" asked Ben, interested.</p> + +<p>"In a country town in New England. My father died early, and I was left +alone in the world. So I hired myself out to a farmer for a dollar a +week and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> board. I had to be up at five every morning, and work all day. +My wages, you see, amounted to only about sixteen cents a day and board +for twelve hours' work."</p> + +<p>"Why didn't you run away?" inquired Ben.</p> + +<p>"I didn't know where to run to."</p> + +<p>"I s'pose you aint workin' for that now?" said our hero.</p> + +<p>"No, I've been promoted," said the gentleman, smiling. "Of course I got +higher pay, as I grew older. Still, at twenty-one I found myself with +only two hundred dollars. I worked a year longer till it became three +hundred, and then I went out West,—to Ohio,—where I took up a +quarter-section of land, and became a farmer on my own account. Since +then I've dipped into several things, have bought more land, which has +increased in value on my hands, till now I am probably worth fifty +thousand dollars."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad of it," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>"Because you can afford to pay me liberal for smashin' your baggage."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What do you call liberal?" inquired his patron, smiling.</p> + +<p>"Fifty cents," answered Ben, promptly.</p> + +<p>"Then I will be liberal. Now, suppose you tell me something about +yourself. How long have you been a 'baggage-smasher,' as you call it?"</p> + +<p>"Six years," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"You must have begun young. How old are you now?"</p> + +<p>"Sixteen."</p> + +<p>"You'll soon be a man. What do you intend to do then?"</p> + +<p>"I haven't thought much about it," said Ben, with truth.</p> + +<p>"You don't mean to carry baggage all your life, do you?"</p> + +<p>"I guess not," answered Ben. "When I get to be old and infirm, I'm goin' +into some light, genteel employment, such as keepin' a street stand."</p> + +<p>"So that is your highest ambition, is it?" asked the stranger.</p> + +<p>"I don't think I've got any ambition," said Ben. "As long as I make a +livin', I don't mind."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span></p> + +<p>"When you see well-dressed gentlemen walking down Broadway, or riding in +their carriages, don't you sometimes think it would be agreeable if you +could be in their place?"</p> + +<p>"I should like to have a lot of money," said Ben. "I wouldn't mind bein' +the president of a bank, or a railway-director, or somethin' of that +kind."</p> + +<p>"I am afraid you have never thought seriously upon the subject of your +future," said Ben's companion, "or you wouldn't be satisfied with your +present business."</p> + +<p>"What else can I do? I'd rather smash baggage than sell papers or black +boots."</p> + +<p>"I would not advise either. I'll tell you what you ought to do, my young +friend. You should leave the city, and come out West. I'll give you +something to do on one of my farms, and promote you as you are fit for +it."</p> + +<p>"You're very kind," said Ben, more seriously; "but I shouldn't like it."</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"I don't want to leave the city. Here there's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> somethin' goin' on. I'd +miss the streets and the crowds. I'd get awful lonesome in the country."</p> + +<p>"Isn't it better to have a good home in the country than to live as you +do in the city?"</p> + +<p>"I like it well enough," said Ben. "We're a jolly crowd, and we do as we +please. There aint nobody to order us round 'cept the copps, and they +let us alone unless we steal, or something of that kind."</p> + +<p>"So you are wedded to your city life?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I guess so; though I don't remember when the weddin' took place."</p> + +<p>"And you prefer to live on in your old way?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; thank you all the same."</p> + +<p>"You may change your mind some time, my lad. If you ever do, and will +write to me at B——, Ohio, I will send for you to come out. Here is my +card."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir," said Ben. "I'll keep the card, and if ever I change my +mind, I'll let you know."</p> + +<p>They had been walking slowly, or they would have reached Broadway +sooner. They had now arrived there, and the stranger bade Ben good-by, +handing him at the same time the fifty cents agreed upon.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span></p> + +<p>"He's a brick," Ben soliloquized, "even if he did say he'd smash my +head. I hope I'll meet some more like him."</p> + +<p>Ben's objection to leaving the city is felt in an equal degree by many +boys who are situated like himself. Street life has its privations and +actual sufferings; but for all that there is a wild independence and +freedom from restraint about it, which suits those who follow it. To be +at the beck and call of no one; to be responsible only to themselves, +provided they keep from violating the law, has a charm to these young +outcasts. Then, again, they become accustomed to the street and its +varied scenes, and the daily excitement of life in a large city becomes +such a matter of necessity to them, that they find the country lonesome. +Yet, under the auspices of the Children's Aid Society, companies of boys +are continually being sent out to the great West with the happiest +results. After a while the first loneliness wears away, and they become +interested in the new scenes and labors to which they are introduced, +and a large number have already grown up to hold respectable, and, in +some cases, prominent places, in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> the communities which they have +joined. Others have pined for the city, until they could no longer +resist their yearning for it, and have found their way back to the old, +familiar scenes, to resume the former life of suffering and privation. +Such is the strange fascination which their lawless and irresponsible +mode of life oftentimes exerts upon the minds of these young Arabs of +the street.</p> + +<p>When Ben parted from the passenger by the Albany boat, he did not +immediately seek another job. Accustomed as he was to live from "hand to +mouth," he had never troubled himself much about accumulating more than +would answer his immediate needs. Some boys in the Lodging House made +deposits in the bank of that institution; but frugality was not one of +Ben's virtues. As long as he came out even at the end of the day, he +felt very well satisfied. Generally he went penniless to bed; his +business not being one that required him to reserve money for capital to +carry it on. In the case of a newsboy it was different. He must keep +enough on hand to buy a supply of papers in the morning, even if he were +compelled to go to bed supperless.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p> + +<p>With fifty cents in his pocket, Ben felt rich. It would buy him a good +supper, besides paying for his lodging at the Newsboys' Home, and a +ticket for the Old Bowery besides,—that is, a fifteen-cent ticket, +which, according to the arrangement of that day, would admit him to one +of the best-located seats in the house, that is, in the pit, +corresponding to what is known as the parquette in other theatres. This +arrangement has now been changed, so that the street boys find +themselves banished to the upper gallery of their favorite theatre. But +in the days of which I am speaking they made themselves conspicuous in +the front rows, and were by no means bashful in indicating their +approbation or disapprobation of the different actors who appeared on +the boards before them.</p> + +<p>Ben had not gone far when he fell in with an acquaintance,—Barney +Flynn.</p> + +<p>"Where you goin', Ben?" inquired Barney.</p> + +<p>"Goin' to get some grub," answered Ben.</p> + +<p>"I'm with you, then. I haven't eat anything since mornin', and I'm awful +hungry."</p> + +<p>"Have you got any stamps?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I've got a fifty."</p> + +<p>"So have I."</p> + +<p>"Where are you goin' for supper?"</p> + +<p>"To Pat's, I guess."</p> + +<p>"All right; I'll go with you."</p> + +<p>The establishment known as "Pat's" is located in a basement in Nassau +Street, as the reader of "Mark, the Match Boy," will remember. It is, of +coarse, a cheap restaurant, and is considerably frequented by the street +boys, who here find themselves more welcome guests than at some of the +more pretentious eating-houses.</p> + +<p>Ben and Barney entered, and gave their orders for a substantial repast. +The style in which the meal was served differed considerably from the +service at Delmonico's; but it is doubtful whether any of the guests at +the famous up-town restaurant enjoyed their meal any better than the two +street boys, each of whom was blest with a "healthy" appetite. Barney +had eaten nothing since morning, and Ben's fast had only been broken by +the eating of a two-cent apple, which had not been sufficient to satisfy +his hunger.</p> + +<p>Notwithstanding the liberality of their orders, how<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>ever, each of the +boys found himself, at the end of the meal, the possessor of twenty-five +cents. This was not a very large sum to sleep on, but it was long since +either had waked up in the morning with so large a capital to commence +operations upon.</p> + +<p>"What shall we do?" asked Ben.</p> + +<p>"Suppose we go to the Old Bowery," suggested Barney.</p> + +<p>"Or Tony Pastor's," amended Ben.</p> + +<p>"I like the Bowery best. There's a great fight, and a feller gets killed +on the stage. It's a stunnin' old play."</p> + +<p>"Then let us go," said Ben, who, as well as his companion, liked the +idea of witnessing a stage fight, which was all the more attractive on +account of having a fatal termination.</p> + +<p>As the theatre tickets would cost but fifteen cents each, the boys felt +justified in purchasing each a cheap cigar, which they smoked as they +walked leisurely up Chatham Street.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2> + +<h4>THE ROOM UNDER THE WHARF.</h4> + + +<p>It was at a late hour when the boys left the theatre. The play had been +of a highly sensational character, and had been greeted with +enthusiastic applause on the part of the audience, particularly the +occupants of the "pit." Now, as they emerged from the portals of the +theatre, various characteristic remarks of a commendatory character were +interchanged.</p> + +<p>"How'd you like it, Ben?" asked Barney.</p> + +<p>"Bully," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"I liked the fight best," said Barney. "Jones give it to him just about +right."</p> + +<p>"Yes, that was good," said Ben; "but I liked it best where Alphonso says +to Montmorency, 'Caitiff, beware, or, by the heavens above, my trusty +sword shall drink thy foul heart's blood!'"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span></p> + +<p>Ben gave this with the stage emphasis, so far as he could imitate it. +Barney listened admiringly.</p> + +<p>"I say, Ben," he replied, "you did that bully. You'd make a tip-top +actor."</p> + +<p>"Would I?" said Ben, complacently. "I think I'd like to try it if I knew +enough. How much money have you got, Barney?"</p> + +<p>"Nary a red. I spent the last on peanuts."</p> + +<p>"Just my case. We'll have to find some place to turn in for the night."</p> + +<p>"I know a place," said Barney, "if they'll let us in."</p> + +<p>"Whereabouts is it?"</p> + +<p>"Down to Dover Street wharf."</p> + +<p>"What sort of a place is it? There aint any boxes or old wagons, are +there?"</p> + +<p>"No, it's under the wharf,—a bully place."</p> + +<p>"Under the wharf! It's wet, isn't it?"</p> + +<p>"No, you just come along. I'll show you."</p> + +<p>Having no other place to suggest, Ben accepted his companion's guidance, +and the two made their way by the shortest route to the wharf named. It +is situated not far from Fulton Ferry on the east side. It may be called +a double wharf. As originally built,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> it was found too low for the class +of vessels that used it, and another flooring was built over the first, +leaving a considerable space between the two. Its capabilities for a +private rendezvous occurred to a few boys, who forthwith proceeded to +avail themselves of it. It was necessary to carry on their proceedings +secretly; otherwise there was danger of interference from the city +police. What steps they took to make their quarters comfortable will +shortly be described.</p> + +<p>When they reached the wharf, Barney looked about him with an air of +caution, which Ben observed.</p> + +<p>"What are you scared of?" asked Ben.</p> + +<p>"We mustn't let the 'copp' see us," said Barney, "Don't make no noise."</p> + +<p>Thus admonished, Ben followed his companion with as little noise as +possible.</p> + +<p>"How do you get down there?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"I'll show you," said Barney.</p> + +<p>He went to the end of the wharf, and, motioning Ben to look over, showed +him a kind of ladder formed by nailing strips of wood, at regular +intervals, from the outer edge down to the water's edge. This<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span> was not +an arrangement of the boys, but was for the accommodation of river-boats +landing at the wharf.</p> + +<p>"I'll go down first," whispered Barney. "If the 'copp' comes along, move +off, so he won't notice nothin'."</p> + +<p>"All right!" said Ben.</p> + +<p>Barney got part way down the ladder, when a head was protruded from +below, and a voice demanded, "Who's there?"</p> + +<p>"It's I,—Barney Flynn."</p> + +<p>"Come along, then."</p> + +<p>"I've got a fellow with me," continued Barney.</p> + +<p>"Who is it?"</p> + +<p>"It's Ben, the baggage-smasher. He wants to stop here to-night."</p> + +<p>"All right; we can trust him."</p> + +<p>"Come along, Ben," Barney called up the ladder.</p> + +<p>Ben quickly commenced the descent. Barney was waiting for him, and held +out his hand to help him off. Our hero stepped from the ladder upon the +lower flooring of the wharf, and looked about him with some curiosity. +It was certainly a singular spectacle that met his view. About a dozen +boys<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span> were congregated in the room under the wharf, and had evidently +taken some pains to make themselves comfortable. A carpet of good size +was spread over a portion of the flooring. Upon this three beds were +spread, each occupied by three boys. Those who could not be accommodated +in this way laid on the carpet. Some of the boys were already asleep; +two were smoking, and conversing in a low voice. Looking about him Ben +recognized acquaintances in several of them.<a name="FNanchor_A_1" id="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a></p> + +<p>"Is that you, Mike Sweeny?" he asked of a boy stretched out on the +nearest bed.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Mike; "come and lay alongside of me."</p> + +<p>There was no room on the bed, but Ben found space beside it on the +carpet, and accordingly stretched himself out.</p> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_A_1" id="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1"><span class="label">[A]</span></a> The description of the room under the wharf, and the +circumstances of its occupation by a company of street boys, are not +imaginary. It was finally discovered, and broken up by the police, the +details being given, at the time, in the daily papers, as some of my New +York readers will remember. Discovery did not take place, however, until +it had been occupied some time.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span></p></div> + +<p>"How do you like it?" asked Mike.</p> + +<p>"Tip-top," said Ben. "How'd you get the carpet and beds? Did you buy +'em?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Mike, with a wink; "but the man wasn't in, and we didn't pay +for 'em."</p> + +<p>"You stole them, then?"</p> + +<p>"We took 'em," said Mike, who had an objection to the word stole.</p> + +<p>"How did you get them down here without the copp seein' you?"</p> + +<p>"We hid 'em away in the daytime, and didn't bring 'em here till night. +We came near gettin' caught."</p> + +<p>"How long have you been down here?"</p> + +<p>"Most a month."</p> + +<p>"It's a good place."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Mike, "and the rent is very reasonable. We don't have to pay +nothin' for lodgin'. It's cheaper'n the Lodge."</p> + +<p>"That's so," said Ben. "I'm sleepy," he said, gaping. "I've been to the +Old Bowery to-night. Good-night!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Good-night!"</p> + +<p>In five minutes Ben was fast asleep. Half an hour later, and not a sound +was heard in the room under the wharf except the occasional deep +breathing of some of the boys. The policeman who trod his beat near by +little suspected that just at hand, and almost under his feet, was a +rendezvous of street vagrants and juvenile thieves, for such I am sorry +to say was the character of some of the boys who frequented these cheap +lodgings.</p> + +<p>In addition to the articles already described there were two or three +chairs, which had been contributed by different members of the +organization.</p> + +<p>Ben slept soundly through the night. When he woke up, the gray morning +light entering from the open front towards the sea had already lighted +up indistinctly the space between the floors. Two or three of the boys +were already sitting up, yawning and stretching themselves after their +night's slumber. Among these was Mike Sweeny.</p> + +<p>"Are you awake, Ben?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Ben; "I didn't hardly know where I was at first."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It's a bully place, isn't it?"</p> + +<p>"That's so. How'd you come across it?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, some of us boys found it out. We've been sleepin' here a month."</p> + +<p>"Won't you let a feller in?"</p> + +<p>"We might let you in. I'll speak to the boys."</p> + +<p>"I'd like to sleep here," said Ben. "It's a good deal better than +sleepin' out round. Who runs the hotel?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm one of 'em."</p> + +<p>"You might call it Sweeny's Hotel," suggested Ben, laughing.</p> + +<p>"I aint the boss; Jim Bagley's got most to do with it."</p> + +<p>"Which is he?"</p> + +<p>"That's he, over on the next bed."</p> + +<p>"What does he do?"</p> + +<p>"He's a travellin' match merchant."</p> + +<p>"That sounds big."</p> + +<p>"Jim's smart,—he is. He makes more money'n any of us."</p> + +<p>"Where does he travel?"</p> + +<p>"Once he went to Californy in the steamer. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> got a steerage ticket for +seventy-five dollars; but he made more'n that blackin' boots for the +other passengers afore they got there. He stayed there three months, and +then came home."</p> + +<p>"Does he travel now?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, he buys a lot of matches, and goes up the river or down into +Jersey, and is gone a week. A little while ago he went to Buffalo."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes; I know where that is."</p> + +<p>"Blest if I do."</p> + +<p>"It's in the western part of York State, just across from Canada."</p> + +<p>"Who told you?"</p> + +<p>"I learned it in school."</p> + +<p>"I didn't know you was a scholar, Ben."</p> + +<p>"I aint now. I've forgot most all I ever knew. I haven't been to school +since I was ten years old."</p> + +<p>"Where was that?"</p> + +<p>"In the country."</p> + +<p>"Well, I never went to school more'n a few weeks. I can read a little, +but not much."</p> + +<p>"It costs a good deal to go to Buffalo. How did Jim make it while he was +gone?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, he came home with ten dollars in his pocket besides payin' his +expenses."</p> + +<p>"What does Jim do with all his money?"</p> + +<p>"He's got a mother and sister up in Bleecker Street, or somewheres round +there. He pays his mother five dollars a week, besides takin' care of +himself."</p> + +<p>"Why don't he live with his mother?"</p> + +<p>"He'd rather be round with the boys."</p> + +<p>I may remark here that Jim Bagley is a real character, and all that has +been said about him is derived from information given by himself, in a +conversation held with him at the Newsboys' Lodging House. He figures +here, however, under an assumed name, partly because the record in which +his real name is preserved has been mislaid. The impression made upon +the mind of the writer was, that Jim had unusual business ability and +self-reliance, and might possibly develop into a successful and +prosperous man of business.</p> + +<p>Jim by this time was awake.</p> + +<p>"Jim Bagley," said Mike, "here's a feller would like to put up at our +hotel."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Who is he?" asked Jim.</p> + +<p>The travelling match merchant, as Mike had described him, was a boy of +fifteen, rather small of his age, with a keen black eye, and a quick, +decided, business-like way.</p> + +<p>"It's this feller,—he's a baggage-smasher," explained Mike.</p> + +<p>"All right," said Jim; "he can come if he'll pay his share."</p> + +<p>"How much is it?" asked Ben.</p> + +<p>Mike explained that it was expected of each guest to bring something +that would add to the comforts of the rendezvous. Two boys had +contributed the carpet, for which probably they had paid nothing; Jim +had supplied a bed, for which he did pay, as "taking things without +leave" was not in his line. Three boys had each contributed a chair. +Thus all the articles which had been accumulated were individual +contributions. Ben promised to pay his admission fee in the same way, +but expressed a doubt whether he might not have to wait a few days, in +order to save money enough to make a purchase. He never stole himself, +though his association with street boys,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> whose principles are not +always very strict on this point, had accustomed him to regard theft as +a venial fault, provided it was not found out. For his own part, +however, he did not care to run the risk of detection. Though he had cut +himself off from his old home, he still felt that he should not like to +have the report reach home that he had been convicted of dishonesty.</p> + +<p>At an early hour the boys shook off their slumbers, and one by one left +the wharf to enter upon their daily work. The newsboys were the first to +go, as they must be on hand at the newspaper offices early to get their +supply of papers, and fold them in readiness for early customers. The +boot-blacks soon followed, as most of them were under the necessity of +earning their breakfast before they ate it. Ben also got up early, and +made his way to the pier of the Stonington line of steamers from Boston. +These usually arrived at an early hour, and there was a good chance of a +job in Ben's line when the passengers landed.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + +<h4>BEN MEETS AN OLD FRIEND.</h4> + + +<p>Ben had about half an hour to wait for the arrival of the steamer. Among +the passengers who crossed the plank from the steamer to the pier was a +gentleman of middle age, and a boy about a year younger than Ben. The +boy had a carpet-bag in his hand; the father, for such appeared to be +the relationship, carried a heavy valise, besides a small bundle.</p> + +<p>"Want your baggage carried?" asked Ben, varying his usual address.</p> + +<p>The gentleman hesitated a moment.</p> + +<p>"You'd better let him take it, father," said the boy.</p> + +<p>"Very well, you may take this;" and the valise was passed over to Ben.</p> + +<p>"Give me the bag too," said Ben, addressing the boy.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, I'll take that. You'll have all you want to do, in carrying the +valise."</p> + +<p>They crossed the street, and here the gentleman stood still, evidently +undecided about something.</p> + +<p>"What are you thinking about, father?"</p> + +<p>"I was thinking," the gentleman said, after a slight pause, "what I had +better do."</p> + +<p>"About what?"</p> + +<p>"I have two or three errands in the lower part of the city, which, as my +time is limited, I should like to attend to at once."</p> + +<p>"You had better do it, then."</p> + +<p>"What I was thinking was, that it would not be worth while for you to go +round with me, carrying the baggage."</p> + +<p>"Couldn't I go right up to Cousin Mary's?" asked his son.</p> + +<p>"I am afraid you might lose the way."</p> + +<p>"This boy will go with me. I suppose he knows the way all about the +city. Don't you?" he asked, turning to Ben.</p> + +<p>"Where do you want to go?" asked Ben.</p> + +<p>"To No.—Madison Avenue."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, I can show you the way there well enough, but it's a good way +off."</p> + +<p>"You can both take the cars or stage when you get up to the Astor +House."</p> + +<p>"How will that do?" asked Charles, for this was his name.</p> + +<p>"I think that will be the best plan. This boy can go with you, and you +can settle with him for his services. Have you got money enough?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, plenty."</p> + +<p>"I will leave you here, then."</p> + +<p>Left to themselves, it was natural that the two boys should grow social. +So far as clothing went, there was certainly a wide difference between +them. Ben was attired as described in the first chapter. Charles, on the +other hand, wore a short sack of dark cloth, a white vest, and gray +pants. A gold chain, depending from his watch-pocket, showed that he was +the possessor of a watch. His whole appearance was marked by neatness +and good taste. But, leaving out this difference, a keen observer might +detect a considerable resemblance in the features of the two boys. Both +had dark hair, black eyes, and the con<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span>tour of the face was the same. I +regret to add, however, that Ben's face was not so clean as it ought to +have been. Among the articles contributed by the boys who lived in the +room under the wharf, a washstand had not been considered necessary, and +it had been long since Ben had regarded washing the face and hands as +the first preparation for the labors of the day.</p> + +<p>Charles Marston looked at his companion with some interest and +curiosity. He had never lived in New York, and there was a freshness and +novelty about life in the metropolis that was attractive to him.</p> + +<p>"Is this your business?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"What,—smashin' baggage?" inquired Ben.</p> + +<p>"Is that what you call it?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Well, is that what you do for a living?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Ben. "It's my profession, when I aint attendin' to my duties +as a member of the Common Council."</p> + +<p>"So you're a member of the city government?" asked Charles, amused.</p> + +<p>"Yes."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Do you have much to do that way?"</p> + +<p>"I'm one of the Committee on Wharves," said Ben. "It's my business to +see that they're right side up with care; likewise that nobody runs away +with them in the night."</p> + +<p>"How do you get paid?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I earn my lodgin' that way just now," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"Have you always been in this business?"</p> + +<p>"No. Sometimes I've sold papers."</p> + +<p>"How did you like that?"</p> + +<p>"I like baggage-smashin' best, when I get enough to do. You don't live +in the city, do you?"</p> + +<p>"No, I live just out of Boston,—a few miles."</p> + +<p>"Ever been in New York before?"</p> + +<p>"Once. That was four years ago. I passed through on the way from +Pennsylvania, where I used to live."</p> + +<p>"Pennsylvania," repeated Ben, beginning to be interested. "Whereabouts +did you live there,—in Philadelphy?"</p> + +<p>"No, a little way from there, in a small town named Cedarville."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span></p> + +<p>Ben started, and he nearly let fall the valise from his hand.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter?" asked Charles.</p> + +<p>"I came near fallin'," said Ben, a little confused. "What's your name?" +he asked, rather abruptly.</p> + +<p>"Charles Marston."</p> + +<p>Ben scanned intently the face of his companion. He had good reason to do +so, for though Charles little suspected that there was any relationship +between himself and the ragged and dirty boy who carried his valise, the +two were own cousins. They had been school-mates in Cedarville, and +passed many a merry hour together in boyish sport. In fact Charles had +been Ben's favorite playmate, as well as cousin, and many a time, when +he lay awake in such chance lodgings as the street provided, he had +thought of his cousin, and wished that he might meet him again. Now they +had met most strangely; no longer on terms of equality, but one with all +the outward appearance of a young gentleman, the other, a ragged and +ignorant street boy. Ben's heart throbbed painfully when he saw that his +cousin regarded him as a stranger,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> and for the first time in a long +while he felt ashamed of his position. He would not for the world have +revealed himself to Charles in his present situation; yet he felt a +strong desire to learn whether he was still remembered. How to effect +this without betraying his identity he hardly knew; at length he thought +of a way that might lead to it.</p> + +<p>"My name's shorter'n yours," he said.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" asked Charles.</p> + +<p>"It's Ben."</p> + +<p>"That stands for Benjamin; so yours is the longest after all."</p> + +<p>"That's so, I never thought of that. Everybody calls me Ben."</p> + +<p>"What's your other name?"</p> + +<p>Ben hesitated. If he said "Brandon" he would be discovered, and his +pride stood in the way of that. Finally he determined to give a false +name; so he answered after a slight pause, which Charles did not notice, +"My other name is Hooper,—Ben Hooper. Didn't you ever know anybody of +my name?"</p> + +<p>"What,—Ben Hooper?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, Ben."</p> + +<p>"Yes. I had a cousin named Ben."</p> + +<p>"Is he as old as you?" asked Ben, striving to speak carelessly.</p> + +<p>"He is older if he is living; but I don't think he is living."</p> + +<p>"Why, don't you know?"</p> + +<p>"He ran away from home when he was ten years old, and we have never seen +him since."</p> + +<p>"Didn't he write where he had gone?"</p> + +<p>"He wrote one letter to his mother, but he didn't say where he was. That +is the last any of us heard from him."</p> + +<p>"What sort of a chap was he?" inquired Ben. "He was a bad un, wasn't +he?"</p> + +<p>"No, Ben wasn't a bad boy. He had a quick temper though; but whenever he +was angry he soon got over it."</p> + +<p>"What made him run away from home?"</p> + +<p>"His father punished him for something he didn't do. He found it out +afterwards; but he is a stern man, and he never says anything about him. +But I guess he feels bad sometimes. Father says<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> he has grown old very +fast since my cousin ran away."</p> + +<p>"Is his mother living,—your aunt?" Ben inquired, drawn on by an impulse +he could not resist.</p> + +<p>"Yes, but she is always sad; she has never stopped mourning for Ben."</p> + +<p>"Did you like your cousin?" Ben asked, looking wistfully in the face of +his companion.</p> + +<p>"Yes, he was my favorite cousin. Poor Ben and I were always together. I +wish I knew whether he were alive or not."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you will see him again some time."</p> + +<p>"I don't know. I used to think so; but I have about given up hopes of +it. It is six years now since he ran away."</p> + +<p>"Maybe he's turned bad," said Ben. "S'posin' he was a ragged +baggage-smasher like me, you wouldn't care about seein' him, would you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I would," said Charles, warmly. "I'd be glad to see Ben again, no +matter how he looked, or how poor he might be."</p> + +<p>Ben looked at his cousin with a glance of wistful<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> affection. Street boy +as he was, old memories had been awakened, and his heart had been +touched by the sight of the cousin whom he had most loved when a young +boy.</p> + +<p>"And I might be like him," thought Ben, looking askance at the rags in +which he was dressed, "instead of a walkin' rag-bag. I wish I was;" and +he suppressed a sigh.</p> + +<p>It has been said that street boys are not accessible to the softer +emotions; but Ben did long to throw his arm round his cousin's neck in +the old, affectionate way of six years since. It touched him to think +that Charlie held him in affectionate remembrance. But his thoughts were +diverted by noticing that they had reached the Astor House.</p> + +<p>"I guess we'd better cross the street, and take the Fourth Avenue cars," +he said. "There's one over there."</p> + +<p>"All right!" said Charles. "I suppose you know best."</p> + +<p>There was a car just starting; they succeeded in getting aboard, and +were speedily on their up town.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2> + +<h4>BEN FORMS A RESOLUTION.</h4> + + +<p>"Does this car go up Madison Avenue?" asked Charles, after they had +taken their seats.</p> + +<p>"No," said Ben, "it goes up Fourth Avenue; but that's only one block +away from Madison. We'll get out at Thirtieth Street."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad you're with me; I might have a hard time finding the place if +I were alone."</p> + +<p>"Are you going to stay in the city long?" asked Ben.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I am going to school here. Father is going to move here soon. +Until he comes I shall stay with my Cousin Mary."</p> + +<p>Ben felt quite sure that this must be his older sister, but did not like +to ask.</p> + +<p>"Is she married?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, it is the sister of my Cousin Ben. About two years ago she married +a New York gentleman.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> He is a broker, and has an office in Wall Street. +I suppose he's rich."</p> + +<p>"What's his name?" asked Ben. "Maybe I've seen his office."</p> + +<p>"It is Abercrombie,—James Abercrombie. Did you ever hear that name?"</p> + +<p>"No," answered Ben, "I can't say as I have. He aint the broker that does +my business."</p> + +<p>"Have you much business for a broker?" asked Charles, laughing.</p> + +<p>"I do a smashin' business in Erie and New York Central," answered Ben.</p> + +<p>"You are in the same business as the railroads," said Charles.</p> + +<p>"How is that?"</p> + +<p>"You are both baggage-smashers."</p> + +<p>"That's so; only I don't charge so much for smashin' baggage as they +do."</p> + +<p>They were on Centre Street now, and a stone building with massive stone +columns came in view on the west side of the street.</p> + +<p>"What building is that?" asked Charles.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That's a hotel, where they lodge people free gratis."</p> + +<p>Charles looked at his companion for information.</p> + +<p>"It's the Tombs," said Ben. "It aint so popular, though, as the hotels +where they charge higher."</p> + +<p>"No, I suppose not. It looks gloomy enough."</p> + +<p>"It aint very cheerful," said Ben. "I never put up there, but that's +what people say that have enjoyed that privilege."</p> + +<p>"Where is the Bowery?"</p> + +<p>"We'll soon be in it. We turn off Centre Street a little farther up."</p> + +<p>Charles was interested in all that he saw. The broad avenue which is +known as the Bowery, with its long line of shops on either side, and the +liberal display of goods on the sidewalk, attracted his attention, and +he had numerous questions to ask, most of which Ben was able to answer. +He had not knocked about the streets of New York six years for nothing. +His business had carried him to all parts of the city, and he had +acquired a large amount of local information, a part of which he +retailed now to his cousin as they rode side by side in the horse-cars.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span></p> + +<p>At length they reached Thirtieth Street, and here they got out. At the +distance of one block they found Madison Avenue. Examining the numbers, +they readily found the house of which they were in search. It was a +handsome four-story house, with a brown-stone front.</p> + +<p>"This must be Mr. Abercrombie's house," said Charles. "I didn't think +Cousin Mary lived in such a nice place."</p> + +<p>Ben surveyed the house with mingled emotions. He could not help +contrasting his own forlorn, neglected condition with the position of +his sister. She lived in an elegant home, enjoying, no doubt, all the +advantages which money could procure; while he, her only brother, walked +about the streets in rags, sleeping in any out-of-the-way corner. But he +could blame no one for it. It had been his own choice, and until this +morning he had been well enough contented with it. But all at once a +glimpse had been given him of what might have been his lot had he been +less influenced by pride and waywardness, and by the light of this new +prospect he saw how little hope there was of achieving any decent +position in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> society if he remained in his present occupation. But what +could he do? Should he declare himself at once to his cousin, and his +sister? Pride would not permit him to do it. He was not willing to let +them see him in his ragged and dirty state. He determined to work and +save up money, until he could purchase a suit as handsome as that which +his cousin wore. Then he would not be ashamed to present himself, so far +as his outward appearance went. He knew very well that he was ignorant; +but he must trust to the future to remedy that deficiency. It would be a +work of time, as he well knew. Meanwhile he had his cousin's assurance +that he would be glad to meet him again, and renew the old, affectionate +intimacy which formerly existed between them.</p> + +<p>While these thoughts were passing through Ben's mind, as I have said, +they reached the house.</p> + +<p>"Have you had any breakfast?" asked Charles as they ascended the steps.</p> + +<p>"Not yet," answered Ben. "It isn't fashionable to take breakfast early."</p> + +<p>"Then you must come in. My cousin will give you some breakfast."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span></p> + +<p>Ben hesitated; but finally decided to accept the invitation. He had two +reasons for this. Partly because it would give him an opportunity to see +his sister; and, secondly, because it would save him the expense of +buying his breakfast elsewhere, and that was a consideration, now that +he had a special object for saving money.</p> + +<p>"Is Mrs. Abercrombie at home?" asked Charles of the servant who answered +his summons.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; who shall I say is here?"</p> + +<p>"Her cousin, Charles Montrose."</p> + +<p>"Will you walk into the parlor?" said the servant, opening a door at the +side of the hall. She looked doubtfully at Ben, who had also entered the +house.</p> + +<p>"Sit down here, Ben," said Charles, indicating a chair on one side of +the hat-stand. "I'll stop here till Mrs. Abercrombie comes down," he +said.</p> + +<p>Soon a light step was heard on the stairs, and Mrs. Abercrombie +descended the staircase. She is the same that we last saw in the modest +house in the Pennsylvania village; but the lapse of time has softened +her manners, and the influence of a husband<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> and a home have improved +her. But otherwise she has not greatly changed in her looks.</p> + +<p>Ben, who examined her face eagerly, recognized her at once. Yes, it was +his sister Mary that stood before him. He would have known her anywhere. +But there was a special mark by which he remembered her. There was a +dent in her cheek just below the temple, the existence of which he could +account for. In a fit of boyish passion, occasioned by her teasing him, +he had flung a stick of wood at her head, and this had led to the mark.</p> + +<p>"Where did you come from, Charles?" she said, giving her hand cordially +to her young cousin.</p> + +<p>"From Boston, Cousin Mary."</p> + +<p>"Have you just arrived, and where is your father? You did not come on +alone, did you?"</p> + +<p>"No, father is with me, or rather he came on with me, but he had some +errands down town, and stopped to attend to them. He will be here soon."</p> + +<p>"How did you find the way alone?"</p> + +<p>"I was not alone. There is my guide. By the way, I told him to stay, and +you would give him some breakfast."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Certainly, he can go down in the basement, and the servants will give +him something."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Abercrombie looked at Ben as she spoke; but on her part there was +no sign of recognition. This was not strange. A boy changes greatly +between ten and sixteen years of age, and when to this natural change is +added the great change in Ben's dress, it will not be wondered at that +his sister saw in him only an ordinary street boy.</p> + +<p>Ben was relieved to find that he was not known. He had felt afraid that +something in his looks might remind his sister of her lost brother; but +the indifferent look which she turned upon him proved that he had no +ground for this fear.</p> + +<p>"You have not breakfasted, I suppose, Charles." said his cousin.</p> + +<p>"You wouldn't think so, if you knew what an appetite I have," he +answered, laughing.</p> + +<p>"We will do our best to spoil it," said Mrs. Abercrombie.</p> + +<p>She rang the bell, and ordered breakfast to be served.</p> + +<p>"We are a little late this morning," she said.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Mr. Abercrombie is in Philadelphia on business; so you won't see him +till to-morrow."</p> + +<p>When the servant appeared, Mrs. Abercrombie directed her to take Ben +downstairs, and give him something to eat.</p> + +<p>"Don't go away till I see you, Ben," said Charles, lingering a little.</p> + +<p>"All right," said Ben.</p> + +<p>He followed the servant down the stairs leading to the basement. On the +way, he had a glimpse through the half-open door of the breakfast-table, +at which his sister and his cousin were shortly to sit down.</p> + +<p>"Some time, perhaps, I shall be invited in there," he said to himself.</p> + +<p>But at present he had no such wish. He knew that in his ragged garb he +would be out of place in the handsome breakfast-room, and he preferred +to wait until his appearance was improved. He had no fault to find with +the servants, who brought him a bountiful supply of beefsteak and bread +and butter, and a cup of excellent coffee. Ben had been up long enough +to have quite an appetite. Besides, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span> quality of the breakfast was +considerably superior to those which he was accustomed to take in the +cheap restaurants which he frequented, and he did full justice to the +food that was spread before him.</p> + +<p>When he had satisfied his appetite, he had a few minutes to wait before +Charles came down to speak to him.</p> + +<p>"Well, Ben, I hope you had a good breakfast," he said.</p> + +<p>"Tip-top," answered Ben.</p> + +<p>"And I hope also that you had an appetite equal to mine."</p> + +<p>"My appetite don't often give out," said Ben; "but it aint so good now +as it was when I came in."</p> + +<p>"Now we have a little business to attend to. How much shall I pay you +for smashing my baggage?" Charles asked, with a laugh.</p> + +<p>"Whatever you like."</p> + +<p>"Well, here's fifty cents for your services, and six cents for your +car-fare back."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"Besides this, Mrs. Abercrombie has a note, which she wants carried down +town to her husband's office<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span> in Wall Street. She will give you fifty +cents more, if you will agree to deliver it there at once, as it is of +importance."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Ben. "I'll do it."</p> + +<p>"Here is the note. I suppose you had better start with it at once. +Good-morning."</p> + +<p>"Good-morning," said Ben, as he held his cousin's proffered hand a +moment in his own. "Maybe I'll see you again some time."</p> + +<p>"I hope so," said Charles, kindly.</p> + +<p>A minute later Ben was on his way to take a Fourth Avenue car down +town.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2> + +<h4>LUCK AND ILL LUCK.</h4> + + +<p>"That will do very well for a beginning," thought Ben, as he surveyed, +with satisfaction, the two half dollars which he had received for his +morning's services. He determined to save one of them towards the fund +which he hoped to accumulate for the object which he had in view. How +much he would need he could not decide; but thought that it would be +safe to set the amount at fifty dollars. This would doubtless require a +considerable time to obtain. He could not expect to be so fortunate +every day as he had been this morning. Some days, no doubt, he would +barely earn enough to pay expenses. Still he had made a beginning, and +this was something gained. It was still more encouraging that he had +determined to save money, and had an inducement to do so.</p> + +<p>As Ben rode down town in the horse-cars, he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> thought of the six years +which he had spent as a New York street boy; and he could not help +feeling that the time had been wasted, so far as any progress or +improvement was concerned. Of books he knew less than when he first came +to the city. He knew more of life, indeed, but not the best side of +life. He had formed some bad habits, from which he would probably have +been saved if he had remained at home. Ben realized all at once how much +he had lost by his hasty action in leaving home. He regarded his street +life with different eyes, and felt ready to give it up, as soon as he +could present himself to his parents without too great a sacrifice of +his pride.</p> + +<p>At the end of half an hour, Ben found himself at the termination of the +car route, opposite the lower end of the City Hall Park.</p> + +<p>As the letter which he had to deliver was to be carried to Wall Street, +he kept on down Broadway till he reached Trinity Church, and then turned +into the street opposite. He quickly found the number indicated, and +entered Mr. Abercrombie's office. It<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> was a handsome office on the lower +floor. Two or three clerks were at work at their desks.</p> + +<p>"So this is my brother-in-law's office," thought Ben. "It's rather +better than mine."</p> + +<p>"Well, young man, what can I do for you to-day?" inquired a clerk, in a +tone which indicated that he thought Ben had got into the wrong shop.</p> + +<p>"You can tell me whether your name is Sampson," answered Ben, coolly.</p> + +<p>"No, it isn't."</p> + +<p>"That's what I thought."</p> + +<p>"Suppose I am not; what then?"</p> + +<p>"Then the letter I've got isn't for you, that's all."</p> + +<p>"So you've got a letter, have you?"</p> + +<p>"That's what I said."</p> + +<p>"It seems to me you're mighty independent," sneered the clerk, who felt +aggrieved that Ben did not show him the respect which he conceived to be +his due.</p> + +<p>"Thank you for the compliment," said Ben, bowing.</p> + +<p>"You can hand me the letter."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I thought your name wasn't Sampson."</p> + +<p>"I'll hand it to Mr. Sampson. He's gone out a moment. He'll be in +directly."</p> + +<p>"Much obliged," said Ben; "but I'd rather hand it to Mr. Sampson myself. +Business aint particularly pressin' this mornin', so, if you'll hand me +the mornin' paper, I'll read till he comes."</p> + +<p>"Well, you've got cheek," ejaculated the clerk.</p> + +<p>"I've got two of 'em if I counted right when I got up," said Ben.</p> + +<p>Here there was a laugh from the other two clerks.</p> + +<p>"He's too smart for you, Granby," said one.</p> + +<p>"He's impudent enough," muttered the first, as he withdrew discomfited +to his desk.</p> + +<p>The enemy having retreated, Ben sat down in an arm-chair, and, picking +up a paper, began to read.</p> + +<p>He had not long to wait. Five minutes had scarcely passed when a man of +middle age entered the office. His manner showed that he belonged there.</p> + +<p>"If you're Mr. Sampson," said Ben, approaching him, "here is a letter +for you."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That is my name," said the gentleman, opening the note at once.</p> + +<p>"You come from Mrs. Abercrombie," he said, glancing at Ben, as he +finished reading it.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"How did she happen to select you as her messenger?"</p> + +<p>"I went up there this morning to carry a valise."</p> + +<p>"I have a great mind to send you back to her with an answer; but I +hesitate on one account."</p> + +<p>"What is that?" asked Ben.</p> + +<p>"I don't know whether you can be trusted."</p> + +<p>"Nor I," said Ben; "but I'm willin' to run the risk."</p> + +<p>"No doubt," said Mr. Sampson, smiling; "but it seems to me that I should +run a greater risk than you."</p> + +<p>"I don't know about that," answered Ben. "If it's money, and I keep it, +you can send the copps after me, and I'll be sent to the Island. That +would be worse than losing money."</p> + +<p>"That's true; but some of you boys don't mind that. However, I am +inclined to trust you. Mrs. Abercrombie asks for a sum of money, and +wishes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> me to send it up by one of the clerks. That I cannot very well +do, as we are particularly busy this morning. I will put the money in an +envelope, and give it to you to deliver. I will tell you beforehand that +it is fifty dollars."</p> + +<p>"Very good," said Ben; "I'll give it to her."</p> + +<p>"Wait a moment."</p> + +<p>Mr. Sampson went behind the desk, and reappeared almost directly.</p> + +<p>"Mrs. Abercrombie will give you a line to me, stating that she has +received the money. When you return with this, I will pay you for your +trouble."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Ben.</p> + +<p>As he left the office the young clerk first mentioned said, "I am +afraid, Mr. Sampson, Mrs. Abercrombie will never see that money."</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"The boy will keep it."</p> + +<p>"What makes you think so?"</p> + +<p>"He's one of the most impudent young rascals I ever saw."</p> + +<p>"I didn't form that opinion. He was respectful enough to me."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span></p> + +<p>"He wasn't to me."</p> + +<p>Mr. Sampson smiled a little. He had observed young Granby's assumption +of importance, and partly guessed how matters stood.</p> + +<p>"It's too late to recall him," he said. "I must run the risk. My own +opinion is that he will prove faithful."</p> + +<p>Ben had accepted the commission gladly, not alone because he would get +extra pay for the additional errand, but because he saw that there was +some hesitation in the mind of Mr. Sampson about trusting him, and he +meant to show himself worthy of confidence. There were fifty dollars in +the envelope. He had never before been trusted with that amount of +money, and now it was rather because no other messenger could be +conveniently sent that he found himself so trusted. Not a thought of +appropriating the money came to Ben. True, it occurred to him that this +was precisely the sum which he needed to fit him out respectably. But +there would be greater cause for shame if he appeared well dressed on +stolen money, than if he should present himself in rags to his sister. +However, it is only just to Ben to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> say that had the party to whom he +was sent been different, he would have discharged his commission +honorably. Not that he was a model boy, but his pride, which was in some +respects a fault with him, here served him in good stead, as it made him +ashamed to do a dishonest act.</p> + +<p>Ben rightly judged that the money would be needed as soon as possible, +and, as the distance was great, he resolved to ride, trusting to Mr. +Sampson's liberality to pay him for the expense which he would thus +incur in addition to the compensation allowed for his services.</p> + +<p>He once more made his way to the station of the Fourth Avenue cars, and +jumped aboard one just ready to start.</p> + +<p>The car gradually filled, and they commenced their progress up town.</p> + +<p>Ben took a seat in the corner next to the door. Next to him was a man +with black hair and black whiskers. He wore a tall felt hat with a bell +crown, and a long cloak. Ben took no particular notice of him, being too +much in the habit of seeing strange faces to observe them minutely. The +letter he put in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> the side pocket of his coat, on the side nearest the +stranger. He took it out once to look at it. It was addressed to Mrs. +Abercrombie, at her residence, and in one corner Mr. Sampson had written +"Money enclosed."</p> + +<p>Now it chanced, though Ben did not suspect it, that the man at his side +was a member of the swell mob, and his main business was picking +pockets. He observed the two words, already quoted, on the envelope when +Ben took it in his hand, and he made up his mind to get possession of +it. This was comparatively easy, for Ben's pocket was on the side +towards him. Our hero was rather careless, it must be owned, but it +happened that the inside pocket of his coat had been torn away, which +left him no other receptacle for the letter. Besides, Ben had never been +in a situation to have much fear of pick pockets, and under ordinary +circumstances he would hardly have been selected as worth plundering. +But the discovery that the letter contained money altered the case.</p> + +<p>While Ben was looking out from the opposite window across the street, +the stranger dexterously in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span>serted his hand in his pocket, and withdrew +the letter. They were at that moment just opposite the Tombs.</p> + +<p>Having gained possession of the letter, of course it was his interest to +get out of the car as soon as possible, since Ben was liable at any +moment to discover his loss.</p> + +<p>He touched the conductor, who was just returning from the other end of +the car, after collecting the fares.</p> + +<p>"I'll get out here," he said.</p> + +<p>The conductor accordingly pulled the strap, and the car stopped.</p> + +<p>The stranger gathered his cloak about him, and, stepping out on the +platform, jumped from the car. Just at that moment Ben put his hand into +his pocket, and instantly discovered the loss of the letter. He +immediately connected it with the departure of his fellow-passenger, +and, with a hasty ejaculation, sprang from the car, and started in +pursuit of him.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2> + +<h4>WHICH IS THE GUILTY PARTY?</h4> + + +<p>It was an exciting moment for Ben. He felt that his character for +honesty was at stake. In case the pickpocket succeeded in getting off +with the letter and money, Mr. Sampson would no doubt come to the +conclusion that he had appropriated the fifty dollars to his own use, +while his story of the robbery would be regarded as an impudent +fabrication. He might even be arrested, and sentenced to the Island for +theft. If this should happen, though he were innocent, Ben felt that he +should not be willing to make himself known to his sister or his +parents. But there was a chance of getting back the money, and he +resolved to do his best.</p> + +<p>The pickpocket turned down a side street, his object being to get out of +the range of observation as soon as possible. But one thing he did not +anticipate, and this was Ben's immediate discovery of his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> loss. On this +subject he was soon enlightened. He saw Ben jump from the horse-car, and +his first impulse was to run. He made a quick movement in advance, and +then paused. It occurred to him that he occupied a position of advantage +with regard to his accuser, being respectably dressed, while Ben was +merely a ragged street boy, whose word probably would not inspire much +confidence. This vantage ground he would give up by having recourse to +flight, as this would be a virtual acknowledgment of guilt. He resolved +instantaneously to assume an attitude of conscious integrity, and frown +down upon Ben from the heights of assumed respectability. There was one +danger, however, that he was known to some of the police force in his +true character. But he must take the risk of recognition.</p> + +<p>On landing in the middle of the street, Ben lost no time; but, running +up to the pickpocket, caught him by the arm.</p> + +<p>"What do you want, boy?" he demanded, in a tone of indifference.</p> + +<p>"I want my money," said Ben.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I don't understand you," said the pickpocket loftily.</p> + +<p>"Look here, mister," said Ben, impatiently; "you know well enough what I +mean. You took a letter with money in it out of my pocket. Just hand it +back, and I won't say anything about it."</p> + +<p>"You're an impudent young rascal," returned the "gentleman," affecting +to be outraged by such a charge. "Do you dare to accuse a gentleman like +me of robbing a ragmuffin like you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I do," said Ben, boldly.</p> + +<p>"Then you're either crazy or impudent, I don't know which."</p> + +<p>"Call me what you please; but give me back my money."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe you ever had five dollars in your possession. How much +do you mean to say there was in this letter?"</p> + +<p>"Fifty dollars," answered Ben.</p> + +<p>The pickpocket had an object in asking this question. He wanted to learn +whether the sum of money was sufficient to make it worth his while to +keep it. Had it been three or four dollars, he might have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> given it up, +to avoid risk and trouble. But on finding that it was fifty dollars he +determined to hold on to it at all hazards.</p> + +<p>"Clear out, boy," he said, fiercely. "I shan't stand any of your +impudence."</p> + +<p>"Give me my money, then."</p> + +<p>"If you don't stop that, I'll knock you down," repeated the pickpocket, +shaking off Ben's grasp, and moving forward rapidly.</p> + +<p>If he expected to frighten our hero away thus easily, he was very much +mistaken. Ben had too much at stake to give up the attempt to recover +the letter. He ran forward, and, seizing the man by the arm, he +reiterated, in a tone of firm determination, "Give me my money, or I'll +call a copp."</p> + +<p>"Take that, you young villain!" exclaimed the badgered thief, bringing +his fist in contact with Ben's face in such a manner as to cause the +blood to flow.</p> + +<p>In a physical contest it was clear that Ben would get the worst of it. +He was but a boy of sixteen, strong, indeed, of his age; but still what +could he expect to accomplish against a tall man of mature<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> age? He saw +that he needed help, and he called out at the top of his lungs, "Help! +Police!"</p> + +<p>His antagonist was adroit, and a life spent in eluding the law had made +him quick-witted. He turned the tables upon Ben by turning round, +grasping him firmly by the arm, and repeating in a voice louder than +Ben's, "Help! Police!"</p> + +<p>Contrary to the usual custom in such cases, a policeman happened to be +near, and hurried to the spot where he was apparently wanted.</p> + +<p>"What's the row?" he asked.</p> + +<p>Before Ben had time to prefer his charge, the pickpocket said glibly:—</p> + +<p>"Policeman, I give this boy in charge."</p> + +<p>"What's he been doing?"</p> + +<p>"I caught him with his hand in my pocket," said the man. "He's a +thieving young vagabond."</p> + +<p>"That's a lie!" exclaimed Ben, rather startled at the unexpected turn +which affairs had taken. "He's a pickpocket."</p> + +<p>The real culprit shrugged his shoulders. "You aint quite smart enough, +boy," he said.</p> + +<p>"Has he taken anything of yours?" asked the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> policeman, who supposed Ben +to be what he was represented.</p> + +<p>"No," said the pickpocket; "but he came near taking a money letter which +I have in my pocket."</p> + +<p>Here, with astonishing effrontery, he displayed the letter which he had +stolen from Ben.</p> + +<p>"That's <i>my</i> letter," said Ben. "He took it from my pocket."</p> + +<p>"A likely story," smiled the pickpocket, in serene superiority. "The +letter is for Mrs. Abercrombie, a friend of mine, and contains fifty +dollars. I incautiously wrote upon the envelope 'Money enclosed,' which +attracted the attention of this young vagabond, as I held it in my hand. +On replacing it in my pocket, he tried to get possession of it."</p> + +<p>"That's a lie from beginning to end," exclaimed Ben, impetuously. "He's +tryin' to make me out a thief, when he's one himself."</p> + +<p>"Well, what is your story?" asked the policeman, who, however, had +already decided in his own mind that Ben was the guilty party.</p> + +<p>"I was ridin' in the Fourth Avenue cars along<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span> side of this man," said +Ben, "when he put his hand in my pocket, and took out the letter that +he's just showed you. I jumped out after him, and asked him to give it +back, when he fetched me a lick in the face."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to say that a ragamuffin like you had fifty dollars?" +demanded the thief.</p> + +<p>"No," said Ben, "the money wasn't mine. I was carryin' it up to Mrs. +Abercrombie, who lives on Madison Avenue."</p> + +<p>"It's a likely story that a ragamuffin like you would be trusted with so +much money."</p> + +<p>"If you don't believe it," said Ben, "go to Mr. Abercrombie's office in +Wall Street. Mr. Sampson gave it to me only a few minutes ago. If he +says he didn't, just carry me to the station-house as quick as you want +to."</p> + +<p>This confident assertion of Ben's put matters in rather a different +light. It seemed straightforward, and the reference might easily prove +which was the real culprit. The pickpocket saw that the officer wavered, +and rejoined hastily, "You must<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> expect the officer's a fool to believe +your ridiculous story."</p> + +<p>"It's not so ridiculous," answered the policeman, scrutinizing the +speaker with sudden suspicion. "I am not sure but the boy is right."</p> + +<p>"I'm willing to let the matter drop," said the pickpocket, +magnanimously; "as he didn't succeed in getting my money, I will not +prosecute. You may let him go, Mr. Officer."</p> + +<p>"Not so fast," said the policeman, his suspicions of the other party +getting stronger and more clearly defined. "I haven't any authority to +do as you say."</p> + +<p>"Very well, take him along then. I suppose the law must take its +course."</p> + +<p>"Yes, it must."</p> + +<p>"Very well, boy, I'm sorry you've got into such a scrape; but it's your +own fault. Good morning, officer."</p> + +<p>"You're in too much of a hurry," said the policeman, coolly; "you must +go along with me too."</p> + +<p>"Really," said the thief, nervously, "I hope you'll excuse me. I've got +an important engage<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span>ment this morning, and—I—in fact it will be +excessively inconvenient."</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry to put you to inconvenience, but it can't be helped."</p> + +<p>"Really, Mr. Officer—"</p> + +<p>"It's no use. I shall need you. Oblige me by handing me that letter."</p> + +<p>"Here it is," said the thief, unwillingly surrendering it. "Really, it's +excessively provoking. I'd rather lose the money than break my +engagement. I'll promise to be on hand at the trial, whenever it comes +off; if you keep the money it will be a guaranty of my appearance."</p> + +<p>"I don't know about that," answered the officer "As to being present at +the trial, I mean that you shall be."</p> + +<p>"Of course, I promised that."</p> + +<p>"There's one little matter you seem to forget, said the officer; "your +appearance may be quite as necessary as the boy's. It may be your trial +and not his."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to insult me?" demanded the pickpocket, haughtily.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Not by no manner of means. I aint the judge, you know. If your story is +all right, it'll appear so."</p> + +<p>"Of course; but I shall have to break my engagement."</p> + +<p>"Well, that can't be helped as I see. Come along, if <i>you</i> please."</p> + +<p>He tucked one arm in that of the man, and the other in Ben's, and moved +towards the station-house. Of the two Ben seemed to be much the more +unconcerned. He was confident that his innocence would be proclaimed, +while the other was equally convinced that trouble awaited him.</p> + +<p>"Well, boy, how do you like going to the station-house?" asked the +policeman.</p> + +<p>"I don't mind as long as he goes with me," answered Ben. "What I was +most afraid of was that I'd lose the money, and then Mr. Sampson would +have taken me for a thief."</p> + +<p>Meanwhile the other party was rapidly getting more and more nervous. He +felt that he was marching to his fate, and that the only way of escape +was by flight, and that immediate; for they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> were very near the +station-house. Just as Ben pronounced the last words, the thief gathered +all his strength, and broke from the grasp of the officer, whose hold +was momentarily relaxed. Once free he showed an astonishing rapidity.</p> + +<p>The officer hesitated for an instant, for he had another prisoner to +guard.</p> + +<p>"Go after him," exclaimed Ben, eagerly. "Don't let him escape. I'll stay +where I am."</p> + +<p>The conviction that the escaped party was the real thief determined the +policeman to follow Ben's advice. He let him go, and started in rapid +pursuit of the fugitive.</p> + +<p>Ben sat down on a doorstep, and awaited anxiously the result of the +chase.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.</h2> + +<h4>HOW ALL CAME RIGHT IN THE MORNING.</h4> + + +<p>It is quite possible that the pickpocket would have made good his +escape, if he had not, unluckily for himself, run into another +policeman.</p> + +<p>"Beg your pardon," he said, hurriedly.</p> + +<p>"Stop a minute," said the officer, detaining him by the arm, for his +appearance and haste inspired suspicion. He was bare-headed, for his hat +had fallen off, and he had not deemed it prudent to stop long enough to +pick it up.</p> + +<p>"I'm in a great hurry," panted the thief. "My youngest child is in a +fit, and I am running for a physician."</p> + +<p>This explanation seemed plausible, and the policeman, who was himself +the father of a family, was on the point of releasing him, when the +first officer came up.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Hold on to him," he said; "he's just broken away from me."</p> + +<p>"That's it, is it?" said the second policeman. "He told me he was after +a doctor for his youngest child."</p> + +<p>"I think he'll need a doctor himself," said the first, "if he tries +another of his games. You didn't stop to say good-by, my man."</p> + +<p>"I told you I had an important engagement," said the pickpocket, +sulkily,—"one that I cared more about than the money. Where's the boy?"</p> + +<p>"I had to leave him to go after you."</p> + +<p>"That's a pretty way to manage; you let the thief go in order to chase +his victim."</p> + +<p>"You're an able-bodied victim," said the policeman, laughing.</p> + +<p>"Where are you taking me?"</p> + +<p>"I'm going back for the boy. He said he'd wait till I returned."</p> + +<p>"Are you green enough to think you'll find him?" sneered the man in +charge.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps not; but I shouldn't be surprised if I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> did. If I guess right, +he'll find it worth his while to keep his promise."</p> + +<p>When they returned to the place where the thief had first effected his +escape, our hero was found quietly sitting on a wooden step.</p> + +<p>"So you've got him," said Ben, advancing to meet the officer with +evident satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"He's got you too," growled the pickpocket. "Why didn't you run away, +you little fool?"</p> + +<p>"I didn't have anything to run for," answered Ben. "Besides, I want my +money back."</p> + +<p>"Then you'll have to go with me to the station-house," said the officer.</p> + +<p>"I wish I could go to Mr. Abercrombie's office first to tell Mr. Sampson +what's happened."</p> + +<p>"I can't let you do that; but you may write a letter from the +station-house."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Ben, cheerfully; and he voluntarily placed himself on +the other side of the officer, and accompanied him to the station-house.</p> + +<p>"I thought you was guilty at first," said the officer; "but I guess your +story is correct. If it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> isn't, you're about the coolest chap I ever +saw, and I've seen some cool ones in my day."</p> + +<p>"It's just as I said," said Ben. "It'll all come right in the morning."</p> + +<p>They soon reached the station-house. Ben obtained the privilege of +writing a letter to Mr. Sampson, for which the officer undertook to +procure a messenger. In fact he began to feel quite interested for our +hero, feeling fully convinced that the other party was the real +offender.</p> + +<p>Ben found some difficulty in writing his letter. When he first came to +the city, he could have written one with considerable ease, but he had +scarcely touched a pen, or formed a letter, for six years, and of course +this made an important difference. However he finally managed to write +these few lines with a lead-pencil:—</p> + +<blockquote><p>"<span class="smcap">Mr. Sampson</span>: I am sory I can't cary that leter til to-morrow; but it +was took from my pokit by a thefe wen I was ridin' in the cars, and as +he sed I took it from him, the 'copp' has brort us both to the +stashun-house, whare I hope you wil<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span> come and tel them how it was, and +that you give me the leter to cary, for the other man says it is his +The 'copp' took the leter</p> + + +<p class="citation"><span class="smcap">"Ben Hooper."</span><br /> +</p> + +</blockquote> + +<p>It will be observed that Ben's spelling had suffered; but this will not +excite surprise, considering how long it was since he had attended +school. It will also be noticed that he did not sign his real name, but +used the same which he had communicated to Charles Marston. More than +ever, till he was out of his present difficulty, he desired to conceal +his identity from his relations.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile, Mr. Sampson was busily engaged in his office in Wall Street. +It may as well be explained here that he was the junior partner of Mr. +Abercrombie. Occasionally he paused in his business to wonder whether he +had done well to expose a ragged street boy to such a temptation; but he +was a large-hearted man, inclined to think well of his fellow-men, and +though in his business life he had seen a good deal that was mean and +selfish in the conduct of others, he had never lost his confidence in +human nature, and never would. It is better to have such<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span> a disposition, +even if it does expose the possessor to being imposed upon at times, +than to regard everybody with distrust and suspicion. At any rate it +promotes happiness, and conciliates good-will, and these will offset an +occasional deception.</p> + +<p>An hour had passed, when a boy presented himself at Mr. Abercrombie's +office. It was a newsboy, who had been intrusted with Ben's letter.</p> + +<p>"This is for Mr. Sampson," he said, looking around him on entering.</p> + +<p>"Another of Mr. Sampson's friends," sneered Granby, in a tone which he +took care should be too low to come to that gentleman's ears.</p> + +<p>"My name is Sampson," said the owner of that name. "Who is your letter +from?"</p> + +<p>"It's from Ben."</p> + +<p>"And who is Ben?" asked Mr. Sampson, not much enlightened.</p> + +<p>"It's Ben, the baggage-smasher."</p> + +<p>"Give it to me," said the gentleman, conjecturing rightly that it was +his messenger who was meant.</p> + +<p>He ran his eye rapidly over the paper, or, I should<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> say, as rapidly as +the character of Ben's writing would permit.</p> + +<p>"Do you come from the station-house?" he asked, looking up.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Which station-house is it?"</p> + +<p>"In Leonard Street."</p> + +<p>"Very well. Go back and tell the boy that I will call this afternoon. I +will also give you a line to a house on Madison Avenue. Can you go right +up there, calling at the station-house on the way?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Very well. Here is something for your trouble."</p> + +<p>The boy pocketed with satisfaction the money proffered him, and took the +letter which Mr. Sampson hastily wrote. It was to this effect:—</p> + +<blockquote><p>"<span class="smcap">My dear Mrs. Abercrombie</span>: I received your note, and despatched the +money which you desired by a messenger; but I have just learned that +his pocket was picked on the horse-cars. I cannot spare one of my +clerks just now, but at one o'clock will send one up with the money, +hoping that he may have better<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span> fortune than the first messenger, and +that you will not be seriously inconvenienced by the delay.</p> + + +<p class="quotsig1">"Yours truly,</p> + +<p class="citation"><span class="smcap">"Henry Sampson"</span>.<br /></p> + +</blockquote> + +<p>Then he dismissed the matter from his mind until afternoon, when, the +office having closed, he made his way to the Leonard Street +station-house, where he was speedily admitted to see Ben.</p> + +<p>"I'm glad you've come, Mr. Sampson," said our hero, eagerly. "I hope you +don't think I was to blame about the letter."</p> + +<p>"Tell me how it was, my lad," said Mr. Sampson, kindly. "I dare say you +can give me a satisfactory explanation."</p> + +<p>Ben felt grateful for the kindness of his tone. He saw that he was not +condemned unheard, but had a chance of clearing himself.</p> + +<p>He explained, briefly, how it occurred. Of course it is unnecessary to +give his account, for we know all about it already.</p> + +<p>"I believe you," said Mr. Sampson, in a friendly tone. "The only fault I +have to find with you is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span> that you might have been more careful in +guarding your pockets."</p> + +<p>"That's so," said Ben; "but I don't often carry anything that's worth +stealing."</p> + +<p>"No, I suppose not," said Mr. Sampson, smiling. "Well, it appears that +no serious loss has occurred. The money will be recovered, as it is in +the hands of the authorities. As to the delay, that is merely an +inconvenience; but the most serious inconvenience falls upon you, in +your being brought here."</p> + +<p>"I don't mind that as long as the money is safe," said Ben. "It'll all +be right in the morning."</p> + +<p>"I see you are a philosopher. I see your face is swelled. You must have +got a blow."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Ben; "the chap that took my letter left me something to +remember him by."</p> + +<p>"I shall try to make it up to you," said Mr. Sampson. "I can't stop any +longer, but I will be present at your trial, and my testimony will +undoubtedly clear you."</p> + +<p>He took his leave, leaving Ben considerably more cheerful than before. A +station-house is not a very agreeable place of detention; but then Ben +was not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span> accustomed to luxury, and the absence of comfort did not +trouble him much. He cared more for the loss of his liberty, finding the +narrow cell somewhat too restricted for enjoyment. However, he consoled +himself by reflecting, to use his favorite phrase, that it would "all be +right in the morning."</p> + +<p>It will not be necessary to give a circumstantial account of Ben's +trial. Mr. Sampson was faithful to his promise, and presented himself, +somewhat to his personal inconvenience, at the early hour assigned for +trial. His testimony was brief and explicit, and cleared Ben. The real +pickpocket, however, being recognized by the judge as one who had been +up before him some months before, charged with a similar offence, was +sentenced to a term of imprisonment, considerably to his +dissatisfaction.</p> + +<p>Ben left the court-room well pleased with the result. His innocence had +been established, and he had proved that he could be trusted, or rather, +he had not proved faithless to his trust, and he felt that with his +present plans and hopes he could not afford to lose his character for +honesty. He knew<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> that he had plenty of faults, but at any rate he was +not a thief.</p> + +<p>While he stood on the steps of the Tombs, in which the trial had taken +place, Mr. Sampson advanced towards him, and touched him on the +shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Well, my lad," he said, in a friendly manner, "so you're all right once +more?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Ben; "I knew it would all be right in the morning."</p> + +<p>"I owe you something for the inconvenience you have suffered while in my +employ. Here is a ten-dollar bill. I hope you will save it till you need +it, and won't spend it foolishly."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Ben, joyfully. "I'll put it in the bank."</p> + +<p>"That will be a good plan. Good-morning; when you need a friend, you +will know where to find me."</p> + +<p>He shook Ben's hand in a friendly way and left him.</p> + +<p>"He's a trump," thought Ben. "If my father'd treated me like that, I'd +never have wanted to run away from home."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.</h2> + +<h4>IN A NEW LINE.</h4> + + +<p>"Ten dollars!" said Ben to himself, with exultation. "That's pretty good +pay for a few hours in the station-house. I'd like to board there a week +on the same terms."</p> + +<p>Ben's capital now amounted to eleven dollars; but of this sum he decided +to retain one dollar as a reserve to fall back upon in case of need. The +ten dollars he determined to deposit at once in a savings-bank. He +accordingly bent his steps towards one in the course of the forenoon. +The business was quickly transacted, and Ben left the building with a +bank-book containing an entry of his first deposit.</p> + +<p>This was a very good beginning, so Ben thought. Fifty dollars, as he had +estimated, would enable him to carry out the plan which he proposed, and +he had already one-fifth of the sum. But the accumulation of the other +forty dollars would no doubt take him a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span> considerable time. The business +of a "baggage-smasher," as Ben knew from experience, is precarious, the +amount of gains depending partly upon luck. He had sometimes haunted the +steamboat landings for hours without obtaining a single job. Now that he +was anxious to get on, he felt this to be an objection. He began to +consider whether there was any way of adding to his income.</p> + +<p>After considerable thought he decided to buy a supply of weekly papers, +which he could sell while waiting for a job. One advantage in selecting +weekly papers rather than daily was this, that the latter must be sold +within a few hours, or they prove a dead loss. A daily paper of +yesterday is as unsalable as a last year's almanac. As Ben was liable to +be interrupted in his paper business at any time by a chance to carry +luggage, it was an important consideration to have a stock which would +remain fresh for a few days.</p> + +<p>This idea impressed Ben so favorably that he determined to act upon it +at once. In considering where he should go for his supply of papers, he +thought of a Broadway news-stand, which he fre<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span>quently had occasion to +pass. On reaching it, he said to the proprietor, "Where do you buy your +papers?"</p> + +<p>"What do you want to know for?"</p> + +<p>"I thought maybe I'd go into the business."</p> + +<p>"You don't think of setting up a stand, do you?" asked the man, with a +significant glance at Ben's ragged attire.</p> + +<p>"No," said Ben. "I haven't got capital enough for that, unless you'll +sell out for fifty cents."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you want a few to carry round and sell?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Where do you think of going with them?"</p> + +<p>"Down to the wharves. I'm a baggage-smasher, and I thought I might make +somethin' by sellin' papers, when I hadn't any baggage to carry."</p> + +<p>"I get my papers from the 'American News Company' on Nassau Street."</p> + +<p>"I know the place well enough."</p> + +<p>"What papers do you think I could sell best?" asked Ben.</p> + +<p>"The picture papers go off as fast as any," said<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span> the street dealer. +"But I'll tell you what, my lad, maybe I can make an arrangement for you +to sell papers for me."</p> + +<p>"I don't think I'd like to stand here all day," said Ben, supposing the +other to mean to engage him to tend the stand.</p> + +<p>"I don't mean that."</p> + +<p>"Well, said Ben, "I'm open to an offer, as the old maid of sixty told a +feller that called to see her."</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you what I mean. I'll give you a bundle of papers every +morning to take with you. You will sell what you can, and bring back the +rest at night."</p> + +<p>"I like that," said Ben, with satisfaction. "But how much will I get?"</p> + +<p>"It will depend on the price of the papers. 'Harper's Weekly' and 'Frank +Leslie' sell for ten cents. I will allow you two cents on each of these. +On the 'Ledger' and 'Weekly,' and other papers of that price, I will +allow one cent. You'd make rather more if you bought them yourself; but +you might have them left on your hands."</p> + +<p>"That's so," said Ben.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Did you ever sell papers?"</p> + +<p>"I used to sell the mornin' and evenin' papers before I went to +baggage-smashin'."</p> + +<p>"Then you know something about the business. When do you want to begin?"</p> + +<p>"Right off."</p> + +<p>"Very well; I will make you up a bundle of a dozen papers to begin on. +I'll put in three each of the illustrated papers, and fill up with the +story papers."</p> + +<p>"All right, mister, you know better than I what people will buy."</p> + +<p>The dealer began to collect the papers, but paused in the middle of his +task, and looked doubtfully at our hero.</p> + +<p>"Well, what's up?" asked Ben, observing his hesitation.</p> + +<p>"How do I know but you'll sell the papers, and keep the money yourself?" +said the dealer.</p> + +<p>"That's so," said Ben. "I never thought of that."</p> + +<p>"That wouldn't be very profitable for me, you see."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'll bring back the money or the papers," said Ben. "You needn't be +afraid."</p> + +<p>"Very likely you would; but how am I to know that?"</p> + +<p>"So you don't want to trust me," said Ben, rather disappointed.</p> + +<p>"Have you got any money?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Very well, you can leave enough with me to secure me against loss, and +I will give you the papers."</p> + +<p>"How much will that be?"</p> + +<p>After a little thought, the dealer answered, "Seventy-five cents." He +had some doubt whether Ben had so much; but our hero quickly set his +doubts at rest by drawing out his two half-dollars, and demanding a +quarter in change.</p> + +<p>The sight of this money reassured the dealer. Ben's ragged clothes had +led him to doubt his financial soundness; but the discovery that he was +a capitalist to the extent of a dollar gave him considerable more +respect for him. A dollar may not be a very large sum; I hope that to +you, my young<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span> reader, it is a very small one, and that you have never +been embarrassed for the want of it; but it is enough to lift a ragged +street boy from the position of a penniless vagabond to that of a +thrifty capitalist. After seeing it, the dealer would almost have felt +safe in trusting Ben with the papers without demanding a deposit of +their value. Still it was better and safer to require a deposit, and he +therefore took the dollar from Ben, returning twenty-five cents in +change.</p> + +<p>This preliminary matter settled, he made up the parcel of papers.</p> + +<p>"There they are," he said. "If you're smart, you can sell 'em all before +night."</p> + +<p>"I hope so," said Ben.</p> + +<p>With the papers under his arm, Ben made his way westward to the +Cortlandt Street ferry, which was a favorite place of resort with him.</p> + +<p>He did not have long to wait for his first customer. As he was walking +down Cortlandt Street, he met a gentleman, whose attention seemed +attracted by the papers he carried.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What papers have you got there, my lad?" he inquired.</p> + +<p>"'Harper's Weekly,' 'Frank Leslie,' 'Ledger,' 'Weekly,'" repeated Ben, +glibly, adding the names of the other papers in his parcel.</p> + +<p>"Give me the two picture papers," said the gentleman. "Twenty cents, I +suppose."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Ben, "and as much more as you want to pay. I don't set no +limit to the generosity of my customers."</p> + +<p>"You're sharp," said the gentleman, laughing. "That's worth something. +Here's twenty-five cents. You may keep the change."</p> + +<p>"I'll do it cheerfully," said Ben. "Thank you, sir. I hope you'll buy +all your papers of me."</p> + +<p>"I won't promise always to pay you more than the regular price, but you +may leave 'Harper's' and 'Leslie' at my office every week. Here is my +card."</p> + +<p>Ben took the card, and put it in his pocket. He found the office to be +located in Trinity Building, Broadway.</p> + +<p>"I'll call every week reg'lar," he said.</p> + +<p>"That's right, my lad. Good-morning."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Good-mornin'."</p> + +<p>Ben felt that he had started well. He had cleared nine cents by his +sale, four representing his regular commission, while the other five +cents might be regarded as a donation. Nine cents was something. But for +his idea about the papers, he would have made nothing so far. It is a +very good thing to have two strings to your bow, so Ben thought, though +the thought did not take that precise form in his mind. He kept on his +way till he reached the ferry. There was no train in on the other side, +and would not be for some time, but passengers came over the ferry, and +Ben placed himself where he could be seen. It was some time before he +sold another paper however, although Ben, who improved some of his spare +time by looking over the pictures, was prepared to recommend them.</p> + +<p>"What papers have you got, boy? " asked a tall, lank man, whose thin +lips and pinched expression gave him an outward appearance of meanness, +which, by the way, did not belie his real character.</p> + +<p>Ben recited the list.</p> + +<p>"What's the price of 'Harper's Weekly'?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Ten cents."</p> + +<p>"Ten cents is too much to pay for any paper. I don't see how they have +the face to ask it."</p> + +<p>"Nor I," said Ben; "but they don't consult me,"</p> + +<p>"I'll give you eight cents."</p> + +<p>"No you won't, not if I know it. I'd rather keep the paper for my +private readin'," answered Ben.</p> + +<p>"Then you are at liberty to do so," said the gentleman, snappishly. +"You'd make profit enough, if you sold at eight cents."</p> + +<p>"All the profit I'd make wouldn't pay for a fly's breakfast," said Ben.</p> + +<p>The gentleman deigned no response, but walked across the street in a +dignified manner. Here he was accosted by a boot-black, who proposed to +shine his boots.</p> + +<p>"He'll get 'em done at the wholesale price, see if he don't," thought +Ben. He kept an eye on the boot-black and his patron until the job was +finished. Then he witnessed what appeared to be an angry dispute between +the two parties. It terminated by the gentleman lifting his cane in a +menacing manner. Ben afterwards gained from the boy particulars of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span> the +transaction, which may be given here in the third person.</p> + +<p>"Shine yer boots?" asked the boot-black, as the gentleman reached his +side of the street, just after his unsuccessful negotiations with Ben.</p> + +<p>"What do you charge?" he inquired.</p> + +<p>"Ten cents."</p> + +<p>"That's too much."</p> + +<p>"It's the reg'lar price."</p> + +<p>"I can get my boots blacked for five cents anywhere. If you'll do it for +that, you can go to work."</p> + +<p>The boy hesitated. It was half price, but he had not yet obtained a job, +and he yielded. When the task was finished, his generous patron drew +four cents from his pocket.</p> + +<p>"I haven't got but four cents," he observed. "I guess that'll do."</p> + +<p>The boy was indignant, as was natural. To work for half price, and then +lose one-fifth of his reduced pay, was aggravating. What made it worse +was, that his customer was carefully dressed, and bore every appearance +of being a man of substance.</p> + +<p>"I want another cent," he demanded.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You're well enough paid," said the other, drawing on a kid glove. "Four +cents I consider very handsome pay for ten minutes' work. Many men do +not make as much."</p> + +<p>This reasoning did not strike the little boot-black as sound. He was no +logician; but he felt that he had been defrauded, and that in a very +mean manner.</p> + +<p>"Give me my money," he screamed, angrily.</p> + +<p>"I'll hand you over to the authorities," said the gentleman,—though I +hardly feel justified in calling him such,—lifting his cane menacingly.</p> + +<p>What could the boy do? Might was evidently on the side of the man who +had cheated him. But he was quick-witted, and a characteristic mode of +revenge suggested itself. The street was muddy (New York streets are +occasionally in that condition). The boot-black stooped down and +clutched a handful of mire in his hand, fortunately having no kid gloves +to soil, and, before his late customer fathomed his intention, +plentifully besprinkled one of the boots which he had just carefully +polished.</p> + +<p>"That's worth a cent," he remarked, with satisfaction, escaping from the +wrath of the injured party.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span></p> + +<p>His victim, almost speechless with rage, seemed disposed to pursue him; +but the boy, regardless of the mire, had run across the street, and to +follow would only be to make matters worse.</p> + +<p>"If I ever catch you, I'll break every bone in your body, you little +vagabond," he said, in a voice almost choked by passion, shaking his +cane energetically.</p> + +<p>Ben, who had witnessed the whole, burst into a hearty laugh, which drew +upon his head a portion of wrath. After a pause, the victim of his own +meanness turned up a side street. The reader will be glad to learn that +he had to employ a second boot black; so that he was not so much better +off for his economical management after all. It may be added that he was +actuated in all his dealings by the same frugality, if we may dignify it +by that name. He was a large dealer in ready-made under-clothing, for +the making of which he paid starvation prices; but, unfortunately, the +poor sewing-girls, whom he employed for a pittance, were not so well +able to defend themselves against imposition as the smart little +boot-black, who "knew his rights, and knowing, dared maintain."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.</h2> + +<h4>THE HEAVY VALISE.</h4> + + +<p>Ben had sold half his papers when the arrival of the train from +Philadelphia gave him an opportunity to return to his legitimate +calling.</p> + +<p>"Smash your baggage, sir?" asked Ben of a dark-complexioned man of +thirty-five, who carried a moderate-sized valise.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said the other.</p> + +<p>"Where shall I carry it?"</p> + +<p>"To——" Here the man hesitated, and finally answered, "There is no need +of telling you. I will take it from you when we have got along far +enough."</p> + +<p>Ben was about to walk beside the owner of the valise; but the latter +objected to this.</p> + +<p>"You needn't walk beside me," he said. "Keep about a block ahead."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span></p> + +<p>"But how will I know where to go?" asked Ben, naturally.</p> + +<p>"You know where Broome Street runs into the Bowery?"</p> + +<p>"Of course I do."</p> + +<p>"Go there by the shortest route. Don't trouble yourself about me. I'll +follow along behind, and take the valise from you there. If you get +there before I do, wait for me."</p> + +<p>"I suppose I'm too ragged to walk alongside of him," thought Ben.</p> + +<p>He could think of no other reason for the direction given by the other. +However, Ben's pride was not very much hurt. Although he was ragged now, +he did not mean to be long. The time would come, he was confident, when +he could lay aside his rags, and appear in a respectable dress.</p> + +<p>The valise which he carried proved to be considerably heavier than would +have been imagined from its size.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what's in it," thought Ben, who found it tugging away at his +arms. "If it's shirts they're cast-iron. Maybe they're just comin' in +fashion."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span></p> + +<p>However, he did not perplex himself much about this point. Beyond a +momentary curiosity, he felt no particular interest in the contents of +the valise. The way in which it affected him principally was, to make +him inwardly resolve to ask an extra price, on account of the extra +weight.</p> + +<p>After walking a while he looked back for the owner of the valise. But he +was not in sight.</p> + +<p>"I might carry off his baggage," thought Ben, "without his knowin' it."</p> + +<p>He kept on, however, never doubting that the owner would sooner or later +overtake him. If he did not care enough for the valise to do this, Ben +would not be responsible.</p> + +<p>He had just shifted the heavy burden from one hand to the other, when he +felt himself tapped on the shoulder. Looking round, he saw that the one +who had done this was a quiet-looking man, of middle size, but with a +keen, sharp eye.</p> + +<p>"What's wanted?" asked Ben.</p> + +<p>"Where did you get that valise, my lad?" asked the new-comer.</p> + +<p>"I don't know as that's any of your business,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> answered Ben, who didn't +perceive the other's right to ask the question.</p> + +<p>"Is it yours?"</p> + +<p>"Maybe it is."</p> + +<p>"Let me lift it a moment."</p> + +<p>"Hands off!" said Ben, suspiciously. "Don't try none of your tricks on +me."</p> + +<p>The other did not appear to notice this.</p> + +<p>"I take it for granted that the valise is not yours," he said. "Now tell +me where you got it from."</p> + +<p>There was something of authority in his manner, which led Ben to think +that he had a warrant for asking the question, though he could not guess +his object in doing so.</p> + +<p>"I'm a baggage-smasher," answered Ben. "I got this from a man that came +by the Philadelphia train."</p> + +<p>"Where is he?"</p> + +<p>"I guess he's behind somewheres."</p> + +<p>"Where are you carrying the valise?"</p> + +<p>"Seems to me you want to know a good deal," said Ben, undecided as to +the right of the other to ask so many questions.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'll let you into a secret, my lad; but you must keep the secret. That +valise is pretty heavy, isn't it?"</p> + +<p>"I'll bet it is."</p> + +<p>"To the best of my information, the man who employed you is a noted +burglar, and this valise contains his tools. I am a detective, and am on +his track. I received a telegram an hour ago from Philadelphia, +informing me that he was on his way. I got down to the wharf a little +too late. Now tell me where you are to carry this;" and the detective +pointed to the valise.</p> + +<p>"I am to meet the gentleman at the corner of Broome Street and the +Bowery," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"Very well. Go ahead and meet him."</p> + +<p>"Shall you be there?" asked Ben.</p> + +<p>"Never mind. Go on just as if I had not met you, and deliver up the +valise."</p> + +<p>"If you're goin' to nab him, just wait till I've got my pay. I don't +want to smash such heavy baggage for nothin'."</p> + +<p>"I agree to that. Moreover, if I succeed in getting hold of the fellow +through your information, I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span> don't mind paying you five dollars out of +my own pocket."</p> + +<p>"Very good," said Ben. "I shan't mind takin' it, not by no means."</p> + +<p>"Go on, and don't be in too much of a hurry. I want time to lay my +trap."</p> + +<p>Ben walked along leisurely, in accordance with his instructions. At +length he reached the rendezvous. He found the owner of the valise +already in waiting.</p> + +<p>"Well, boy," he said, impatiently, "you took your time."</p> + +<p>"I generally do," said Ben. "It aint dishonest to take my own time, is +it?"</p> + +<p>"I've been waiting here for a quarter of an hour. I didn't know but +you'd gone to sleep somewhere on the way."</p> + +<p>"I don't sleep much in the daytime. It don't agree with my constitution. +Well, mister, I hope you'll give me something handsome. Your baggage +here is thunderin' heavy."</p> + +<p>"There's twenty-five cents," said the other.</p> + +<p>"Twenty-five cents!" exclaimed Ben, indignantly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Twenty-five cents for walkin' two miles with such a heavy load. It's +worth fifty."</p> + +<p>"Well, you won't get fifty," said the other, roughly.</p> + +<p>"Just get somebody else to carry your baggage next time," said Ben, +angrily.</p> + +<p>He looked round, and saw the quiet-looking man, before referred to, +approaching. He felt some satisfaction in knowing that his recent +employer would meet with a check which he was far from anticipating.</p> + +<p>Without answering Ben, the latter took the valise, and was about moving +away, when the quiet-looking man suddenly quickened his pace, and laid +his hand on his arm.</p> + +<p>The burglar, for he was really one, started, and turned pale.</p> + +<p>"What do you want?"</p> + +<p>"You know what I want," said the detective, quietly. "I want you."</p> + +<p>"What do you want me for?" demanded the other; but it was easy to see +that he was nervous and alarmed.</p> + +<p>"You know that also," said the detective; "but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> I don't mind telling +you. You came from Philadelphia this morning, and your name is 'Sly +Bill.' You are a noted burglar, and I shall take you into immediate +custody."</p> + +<p>"You're mistaken," said Bill. "You've got hold of the wrong man."</p> + +<p>"That will soon be seen. Have the kindness to accompany me to the +station-house, and I'll take a look into that valise of yours."</p> + +<p>Bill was physically a stronger man than the detective, but he succumbed +at once to the tone of quiet authority with which he spoke, and prepared +to follow, though by no means with alacrity.</p> + +<p>"Here, my lad," said the detective, beckoning Ben, who came up. "Come +and see me at this place, to-morrow," he continued, producing a card, +"and I won't forget the promise I made you."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"I'm in luck ag'in," he said to himself. "At this rate it won't take me +long to make fifty dollars. Smashin' baggage for burglars pays pretty +well."</p> + +<p>He bethought himself of his papers, of which half remained unsold. He +sold some on the way back to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span> the wharf, where, after a while, he got +another job, for which, being at some distance, he was paid fifty cents.</p> + +<p>At five in the afternoon he reported himself at the news-stand.</p> + +<p>"I've sold all the papers you gave me," he said, "and here's the money. +I guess I can sell more to-morrow."</p> + +<p>The news-dealer paid him the commission agreed upon, amounting to +eighteen cents, Ben, of course, retaining besides the five cents which +had been paid him extra in the morning. This made his earnings for the +day ninety-eight cents, besides the dollars promised by the detective.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2> + +<h4>THE SURPRISE.</h4> + + +<p>Ben had certainly met with good luck so far. Even his temporary +detention at the station-house he regarded as a piece of good luck, +since he was paid handsomely for the confinement, while his bed there +was considerably more comfortable than he often enjoyed. His adventure +with the burglar also brought him in as much as under ordinary +circumstances he would have earned in a week. In two days he was able to +lay aside fifteen dollars and a half towards his fund.</p> + +<p>But of course such lucky adventures could not be expected every day. The +bulk of his money must be earned slowly, as the reward of persistent +labor and industry. But Ben was willing to work now that he had an +object before him. He kept up his double business of baggage-smasher and +vender of weekly papers. After a while the latter began<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span> to pay him +enough to prove quite a help, besides filling up his idle moments. +Another good result of his new business was, that, while waiting for +customers, he got into the habit of reading the papers he had for sale. +Now Ben had done very little reading since he came to New York, and, if +called upon to read aloud, would have shown the effects of want of +practice, in his frequent blunders. But the daily lessons in reading +which he now took began to remedy this deficiency, and give him +increased fluency and facility. It also had the effect of making him +wish that his education had not been interrupted, so that his Cousin +Charles might not be so far ahead of him.</p> + +<p>Ben also gave up smoking,—not so much because he considered it +injurious, but because cigars cost money, and he was economizing in +every possible way. He continued to sleep in the room under the wharf, +which thus far the occupants had managed to keep from the knowledge of +the police. Gradually the number had increased, until from twenty to +thirty boys made it a rendezvous nightly. By some means a stove had been +procured, and what<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span> was more difficult, got safely down without +observation, so that, as the nights grew cooler, the boys managed to +make themselves comfortable. Here they talked and told stories, and had +a good time before going to sleep. One evening it was proposed by one of +the boys that each should tell his own story; for though they met +together daily they knew little of each other beyond this, that they +were all engaged in some street avocation. Some of the stories told were +real, some burlesque.</p> + +<p>First Jim Bagley told his story.</p> + +<p>"I aint got much to tell, boys," he said. "My father kept a cigar store +on Eighth Avenue, and my mother and sister and I lived behind the shop. +We got along pretty well, till father got run over by a street-car, and +pretty soon after he died. We kept the store along a little while, but +we couldn't make it go and pay the rent; so we sold out to a man who +paid half down, and promised to pay the rest in a year. But before the +year was up he shut up the shop, and went off, and we never got the rest +of the money. The money we did get did not last long. Mother got some +sewin' to do, but she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span> couldn't earn much. I took to sellin' papers; but +after a while I went into the match business, which pays pretty good. I +pay mother five dollars a week, and sometimes more; so she gets along +well."</p> + +<p>"I don't see how you make so much money, Jim," said Phil Cranmer. "I've +tried it, and I didn't get nothin' much out of it."</p> + +<p>"Jim knows how," said one of the boys. "He's got enterprise."</p> + +<p>"I go off into the country a good deal," said Jim. "There's plenty of +match boys in the city. Sometimes I hire another boy to come along and +help me. If he's smart I make money that way too. Last time I went out I +didn't make so much."</p> + +<p>"How was that, Jim?"</p> + +<p>"I went up to Albany on the boat. I was doin' pretty well up there, when +all to once they took me up for sellin' without a license; so I had to +pay ten dollars afore they'd let me off."</p> + +<p>"Did you have the money to pay, Jim?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, but it cleaned me out, so I didn't have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span> but two dollars left. But +I travelled off into the country towns, and got it back in a week or +two. I'm glad they didn't get hold of Bill."</p> + +<p>"Who was Bill?"</p> + +<p>"The feller that sold for me. I couldn't have paid his fine too. That's +about all I have to tell." <a name="FNanchor_B_2" id="FNanchor_B_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_B_2" class="fnanchor">[B]</a></p> + +<p>"Captain Jinks!" called out one of the boys; "your turn next."</p> + +<p>Attention was directed to a tall, overgrown boy of sixteen, or possibly +seventeen, to whom for some unknown reason the name of the famous +Captain Jinks had been given.</p> + +<p>"That aint my name," he said.</p> + +<p>"Oh, bother your name! Go ahead."</p> + +<p>"I aint got nothing to say."</p> + +<p>"Go ahead and say it."</p> + +<p>The captain was rather taciturn, but was finally induced to tell his +story.</p> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_B_2" id="Footnote_B_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_B_2"><span class="label">[B]</span></a> The main incidents of Jim Bagley's story are true, having +been communicated to the writer by Jim himself, a wide-awake boy of +fifteen, who appeared to possess decided business ability and energy. +The name only is fictitious.</p></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span></p> + +<p>"My father and mother are dead," he said. "I used to live with my sister +and her husband. He would get drunk off the money I brought home, and if +I didn't bring home as much as he expected, he'd fling a chair at my +head."</p> + +<p>"He was a bully brother-in-law," said Jerry. "Did it hurt the chair +much?"</p> + +<p>"If you want to know bad, I'll try it on you," growled the narrator.</p> + +<p>"Good for Captain Jinks!" exclaimed two or three of the boys.</p> + +<p>"When did you join the Hoss Marines?" asked Jerry, with apparent +interest.</p> + +<p>"Shut up your mouth!" said the captain, who did not fancy the joke.</p> + +<p>"Go ahead, Jinks."</p> + +<p>"I would not stand that; so I went off, and lived at the Lodge till I +got in here. That's all."</p> + +<p>Captain Jinks relapsed into silence, and Tim McQuade was called upon. He +had a pair of sparkling black eyes, that looked as if he were not averse +to fun.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Maybe you don't know," he said, "that I'm fust cousin to a Markis."</p> + +<p>"The Markis of Cork," suggested one of the boys.</p> + +<p>"And sometimes I expect to come in for a lot of money, if I don't miss +of it."</p> + +<p>"When you do, just treat a feller, will you?" said Jerry.</p> + +<p>"Course I will. I was born in a big castle made of stone, and used to go +round dressed in welvet, and had no end of nice things, till one day a +feller that had a spite ag'in the Markis carried me off, and brought me +to America, where I had to go to work and earn my own livin'."</p> + +<p>"Why don't you write the Markis, and get him to send for you?" asked +Jerry.</p> + +<p>"'Cause he can't read, you spalpeen! What 'ud be the use of writin' to +him?"</p> + +<p>"Maybe it's the fault of your writin', Tim."</p> + +<p>"Maybe it is," said Tim. "When the Markis dies I'm going back, an' I'll +invite you all to come an' pass a week at Castle McQuade."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Bully for you, Tim! Now, Dutchey, tell us your story."</p> + +<p>Dutchey was a boy of ten, with a full face and rotund figure, whose +English, as he had been but two years in the country, was highly +flavored with his native dialect.</p> + +<p>"I cannot English sprechen," he said.</p> + +<p>"Never mind, Dutchey. Do as well as you can."</p> + +<p>"It is mine story you want? He is not very long, but I will tell him so +goot as I can. Mine vater was a shoemaker, what makes boots. He come +from Sharmany, on der Rhein, mit my moder, and five childer. He take a +little shop, and make some money, till one day a house fall on his head +mit a brick, an he die. Then I go out into der street, and black boots +so much as I get him to do, and the money what I get I carry home to +mine moder. I cannot much English sprechen, or I could tell mine story +more goot."</p> + +<p>"Bully for you, Dutchey! You're a trump."</p> + +<p>"What is one trump?" asked the boy, with a puzzled expression.</p> + +<p>"It is a good feller."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span></p> + +<p>This explanation seemed to reconcile Dutchey to being called a trump, +and he lay back on the bed with an expression of satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"Now, Ben, tell us your story."</p> + +<p>It was Ben, the luggage boy, who was addressed. The question embarrassed +him, for he preferred to keep his story secret. He hoped ere long to +leave his present haunts and associates, and he did not care to give the +latter a clue by which they might trace him in his new character and +position. Yet he had no good reason to assign for silence. He was +considering what sort of a story he could manufacture, that would pass +muster, when he was relieved from further consideration by an unexpected +occurrence.</p> + +<p>It appears that a boy had applied for admission to the rendezvous; but, +on account of his unpopular character, had been refused. This naturally +incensed him, and he determined to betray the boys to the policeman on +the beat. The sight that greeted Ben, as he looked towards the entrance, +was the face of the policeman, peering into the apartment. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span> uttered a +half exclamation, which attracted the general attention. Instantly all +was excitement.</p> + +<p>"The copp! the copp!" passed from mouth to mouth.</p> + +<p>The officer saw that the odds were against him, and he must summon help. +He went up the ladder, therefore, and went in search of assistance. The +boys scrambled up after him. Some were caught, and ultimately sentenced +to the Island, on a charge of stealing the articles which were found; +but others escaped. Among these was Ben, who was lucky enough to glide +off in the darkness. He took the little German boy under his protection, +and managed to get him safely away also. In this case the ends of +justice were not interfered with, as neither of the two had been guilty +of dishonesty, or anything else rendering them amenable to the law.</p> + +<p>"Well, Dutchey, we're safe," said Ben, when they had got some blocks +away from the wharf. "How do you feel?"</p> + +<p>"I lose mine breath," said the little boy, panting with the effort he +had made.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That's better than losin' your liberty," said Ben. "You'll get your +breath back again. Now we must look about and see where we can sleep. I +wonder if Jim Bagley's took."</p> + +<p>Just then a boy came running up.</p> + +<p>"Why, it's Ben and Dutchey," he said.</p> + +<p>"Jerry, is it you? I'm glad you're safe."</p> + +<p>"The copp got a grip of me, but I left my jacket in his hands. He can +carry that to the station-house if he wants to."</p> + +<p>Jerry's appearance corresponded to his statement, his jacket being gone, +leaving a dilapidated vest and ragged shirt alone to protect the upper +part of his body. He shivered with the cold, for it was now November.</p> + +<p>"Here, Jerry," said Ben, "just take my vest an' put over yours. I'll +button up my coat."</p> + +<p>"If I was as fat as Dutchey, I wouldn't mind the cold," said Jerry.</p> + +<p>The three boys finally found an old wagon, in which all three huddled up +together, by this means keeping warmer than they otherwise could. Being<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span> +turned out of their beds into the street might have been considered a +hardship by boys differently reared, but it was not enough to disturb +the philosophy of our young vagrants.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2> + +<h4>BEN TRANSFORMED.</h4> + + +<p>Ben worked away steadily at his double occupation, saving money as well +as he could; but he met with no more profitable adventures. His earnings +were gradual. Some weeks he laid by as much as a dollar and a half, or +even two dollars, but other weeks he barely reached a dollar. So the end +of March came before he was able to carry out the object which he had in +view.</p> + +<p>One morning about this time Ben carefully counted up his deposits, and +found they amounted to fifty dollars and thirty-seven cents. It was a +joyful moment, which he had long looked forward to. He had been tempted +to rest satisfied with forty when he had reached that sum, but he +resisted the temptation.</p> + +<p>"I aint goin' to do things by halves," he said to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> himself. "I can't do +it for less'n fifty dollars. I must wait awhile."</p> + +<p>But the moment had arrived when he could accomplish his purpose. As Ben +looked down at his ragged attire, which was in a considerably worse +condition then when he was first presented to the reader, he felt that +it was high time he got a new suit.</p> + +<p>The first thing to be done was to get his money. He made his way to the +savings-bank, and presented himself at the counter.</p> + +<p>"I want all of my money," he said.</p> + +<p>"I hope you're not going to spend it all," said the bank officer, who by +this time had come to feel acquainted with Ben, from his frequent calls +to make deposits.</p> + +<p>"I'm goin' to buy some new clothes," said Ben. "Don't I look as if I +needed some?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, you are rather out at elbows, I must admit. But new clothes won't +cost all the money you have in the bank."</p> + +<p>"I'm goin' home to my friends," said Ben, "after I've got dressed +decently."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That's a good resolution, my boy; I hope you'll stick to it."</p> + +<p>"It's what I've been workin' for, for a long time," said Ben.</p> + +<p>He filled out the order for the money, and it was delivered to him.</p> + +<p>The next thing was to buy a new suit of clothes. Usually Ben had +procured his outfit in Chatham Street, but he soared higher now. He made +his way to a large ready-made clothing warehouse on Broadway, and +entered. The main apartment was spacious, the counters were heaped with +articles of dress, and numerous clerks were ready to wait upon +customers.</p> + +<p>"Well, what's wanted?" asked one, glancing superciliously at the ragged +boy entering.</p> + +<p>"Have you got any clothes that will fit me?" asked Ben.</p> + +<p>"I guess you've lost your way, Johnny, haven't you?"</p> + +<p>"What makes you think so?" asked Ben.</p> + +<p>"This isn't Chatham Street."</p> + +<p>"Thank you for the information," said Ben. "I thought it was when I saw +you here."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span></p> + +<p>There was a laugh, at the clerk's expense, among those who heard the +retort.</p> + +<p>"What are you here for, any way?" demanded the clerk, with an air of +insulted majesty.</p> + +<p>"To buy some clothes," said Ben; "but you needn't show 'em to me. I'll +go to somebody else."</p> + +<p>"Have you got any money?"</p> + +<p>"You'll know soon enough."</p> + +<p>He went to another part of the store, and applied to a salesman whose +appearance he liked better. After some hesitation, Ben made choice of a +suit of substantial warm cloth, a dark mixed sack-coat, vest of the same +material, and a pair of pants of neat pattern.</p> + +<p>"I won't trouble you to send 'em," said Ben, "as my house is closed for +the season."</p> + +<p>The bundle was made up, and handed to him. The price of the entire suit +was twenty dollars, which was a good price for those days. Ben took the +bundle under his arm and went out.</p> + +<p>His purchases were not yet all made. He went next to a furnishing store, +and bought three shirts, three pairs of stockings, some collars, and a +necktie,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span> finishing up with a pair of gloves. These cost him eight +dollars. A neat felt hat and a pair of shoes, which he procured +elsewhere, completed his outfit. On counting up, Ben found that he had +expended thirty-six dollars, leaving in his hands a balance of fourteen +dollars and thirty-seven cents.</p> + +<p>Before putting on his new purchases, Ben felt that he must go through a +process of purification. He went, therefore, to a barber's basement +shop, with which baths were connected, and, going down the steps, said +to the barber's assistant, who happened to be alone at the time, "I want +a warm bath."</p> + +<p>"Pay in advance," said the young man, surveying the ragged figure before +him with some hesitation.</p> + +<p>"All right," said Ben. "How much is it?"</p> + +<p>"Twenty-five cents."</p> + +<p>"Here it is," said Ben, producing the exact amount from his vest-pocket.</p> + +<p>Such ragged customers were not usual; but there seemed to be no good +excuse for refusing Ben, as he had the money to pay. In five minutes the +bath was declared to be ready, and Ben, entering the small room assigned +to him, joyfully divested himself of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span> the ragged garments which he was +never again to put on, and got into the tub. It probably will not excite +surprise when I say that Ben stood in need of a bath. His street life +had not been particularly favorable to cleanliness, nor had he been +provided with such facilities for attending to his toilet as are usual +in well-regulated families. However, he was quite aware of his +deficiencies in this way, and spared neither pains nor soap to remedy +them. It was a work of time; but finally he felt satisfied with the +result of his efforts, and, after drying himself, proceeded to put on +his new clothes. They proved to fit excellently. Indeed, they wrought +such a change in our hero's appearance that he could hardly believe in +his own identity when he stood before the glass, and saw reflected the +form of a well-dressed boy, in place of the ragged figure which he saw +on entering. The only thing which marred his good appearance was his +hair, which had grown to undue length. He determined to have it cut +before he left the barber's shop.</p> + +<p>He tied up the clothes he had taken off in the paper which had contained +his new suit, and, opening<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span> the door, went out into the main room with +the bundle under his arm.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile the proprietor of the shop had returned.</p> + +<p>"Who is taking a bath?" he asked of his assistant.</p> + +<p>"A ragged street boy," said the latter.</p> + +<p>"What did you let him in for?"</p> + +<p>"He paid in advance."</p> + +<p>"I don't care about such customers any way," said the barber. "Remember +next time."</p> + +<p>"All right."</p> + +<p>At this moment Ben made his appearance; but that appearance was so much +altered that the young man looked at him in astonishment. He looked +thoroughly well dressed, and might have passed readily for the scion of +a wealthy family.</p> + +<p>"Were two bath-rooms occupied?" asked the proprietor.</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"I thought you said—"</p> + +<p>"I was never so surprised in my life," said the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span> assistant. "Did you get +changed in the bath?" he asked of Ben.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"What made you wear such a ragged suit?"</p> + +<p>"I was in disguise," said Ben; "but I've got tired of it, and thrown it +off. I think I'll have my hair cut."</p> + +<p>"Take a seat," said the proprietor. "I'll cut your hair myself. How will +you have it cut?"</p> + +<p>"I want to be in the fashion," said Ben. "Make it look as well as you +can."</p> + +<p>He took his seat, and the task commenced. The barber was skilful in his +art, and he saw at once what style would become Ben best. He exerted +himself to the utmost, and when at the end of half an hour he withdrew +the cloth from around our hero's neck, he had effected a change almost +marvellous in Ben's appearance.</p> + +<p>I have already said that Ben was naturally good-looking. But even good +looks need fair play, and rags and neglect are apt to obscure the gifts +of nature. So Ben had never looked his best till now. But when his hair +was cut and arranged, and he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span> looked in the mirror to observe the +effect, he was himself surprised. It was some like the change that +transformed Cinderella into a princess.</p> + +<p>"I shan't be ashamed to tell my cousin who I am now," he said.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV.</h2> + +<h4>BEN MAKES HIMSELF KNOWN.</h4> + + +<p>Ben went out into the street with two bundles under his arm. One +contained the ragged clothes which he had just taken off. The other, +which was much smaller, contained his extra shirts and stockings. The +first he did not care to keep. He therefore lost no time in throwing it +into an alley-way.</p> + +<p>"It'll be a lucky chap that finds it," thought Ben.</p> + +<p>He next put on his gloves, and considered what he should do next. It was +half-past twelve o'clock already, for he had not been able to get his +money from the bank till ten, and the purchases and bath, as well as the +hair-cutting, had taken up considerable time. He began to feel hungry, +and appetite suggested that he should first of all go to a restaurant +and get some dinner.</p> + +<p>On the way thither he met two of his street acquaintances, who passed +him without the slightest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span> mark of recognition. This pleased Ben, for it +assured him that the change which he had effected in his appearance was +a considerable one.</p> + +<p>While eating dinner, he deliberated what he should do. It was Saturday, +and it would be almost too late to start for his Pennsylvania home. He +decided to go to his sister's house on Madison Avenue, and make himself +known there first of all. He was influenced to this partly by the desire +he had to meet his cousin, who, as he knew, was making his home, while +attending school, at the house of Mr. Abercrombie. He had more than once +been up to that part of the city in the hope of catching a glimpse of +the cousin for whom he retained his old, boyish love; but he had always +shrunk, even when seeing him, from attracting his observation. He did +not wish to be remembered in his rags, and so denied himself the +pleasure for which he yearned. But now he was satisfied with his +appearance. He felt that he was as well dressed as Charles himself, and +would do no discredit to him if they were seen in the street together.</p> + +<p>He got on board an omnibus, and took his seat. A lady soon after +entered, and sat down beside him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span> She drew out some money from her +purse, and, passing it to Ben, said, "Will you have the kindness to pass +up my fare, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly," said Ben, politely.</p> + +<p>It was a small incident, but he felt, from the young lady's manner of +addressing him, that she looked upon him as her equal socially, and this +afforded him not a little pleasure. He wondered how he could have been +content to drift about the streets so long, clothed in rags. New hopes +and a new ambition had been awakened within him, and he felt that a new +life lay before him, much better worth living than the old life.</p> + +<p>These thoughts occupied him as he rode up Broadway.</p> + +<p>At length he left the omnibus, and took the shortest route to his +sister's house. When he ascended the steps, and rang the bell, he felt +rather a queer sensation come over him. He remembered very well the last +time he had ascended those same steps, carrying his cousin's valise. His +heart beat quick with excitement, in the midst of which the door was +opened by the servant.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span></p> + +<p>He had already decided to ask for his cousin, preferring to make himself +known to him first.</p> + +<p>"Is Charles Marston in?" he inquired.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," said the servant. "Won't you come in?"</p> + +<p>She threw open the door of the parlor, and Ben, entering, seated himself +in an arm-chair, holding his hat in his hand.</p> + +<p>"I wonder if she'd asked me in here if I'd come in my rags?" he asked +himself, with a smile.</p> + +<p>The servant went upstairs, where she found Charles in his own room, +writing a French exercise.</p> + +<p>"Master Charles," she said, "one of your school-mates is in the parlor. +He wants to see you."</p> + +<p>"All right. I'll go right down."</p> + +<p>The mistake was quite a natural one, as boys who attended the same +private school frequently called for Charles.</p> + +<p>Charles went downstairs, and entered the parlor. Ben rose as he entered.</p> + +<p>"How are you, Charlie?" said Ben, rising, and offering his hand.</p> + +<p>Charles looked in his face with a puzzled expres<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span>sion. It was not one of +his school-mates, as he had supposed; but it must be some one that knew +him intimately, or he would not have addressed him so familiarly.</p> + +<p>"I ought to know you," he said, apologetically; "but I can't think who +it is."</p> + +<p>"Don't you remember your Cousin Ben, Charlie?" asked our hero.</p> + +<p>"Ben!" exclaimed Charles, in the greatest astonishment. He looked +eagerly in our hero's face for a moment, then impulsively threw his arms +around Ben's neck, and kissed him.</p> + +<p>"I am so glad to see you, Ben," he said. "Where have you been all the +time?"</p> + +<p>"Then you didn't forget me, Charlie?" said Ben, returning the embrace.</p> + +<p>"No, Ben. I've thought of you many and many a time. We used to be such +good friends, you know. We will be again,—will we not?"</p> + +<p>"I hope so, Charlie. That was one of my reasons for coming back."</p> + +<p>"How did you know I was here?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I will tell you some time, Charlie; but not now. Is my sister at home?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. I will call her. She will be very much surprised. We all thought +you—"</p> + +<p>"Dead, I suppose."</p> + +<p>"Yes; but I always hoped you would come back again."</p> + +<p>"Don't tell Mary who it is. See if she recognizes me."</p> + +<p>Summoned by Charles, Mrs. Abercrombie came down to the parlor. She was +merely told that a gentleman desired to see her.</p> + +<p>When she entered the parlor, Ben rose from his seat.</p> + +<p>She looked at him for a moment, and her face lighted up.</p> + +<p>"It's Ben," she said. "O Ben, how could you stay away so long?"</p> + +<p>"What, do you remember me, Mary?" asked our hero, in surprise.</p> + +<p>"Yes. I knew you by your resemblance to Charles. We always remarked it +when you were young boys together."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span></p> + +<p>As the two boys were standing side by side, the resemblance of which she +spoke was quite striking. Ben was the larger of the two; but their +features were similar, as well as the color of the hair and eyes, and +the similarity of their dress completed the illusion. Mrs. Abercrombie +surveyed her brother with satisfaction. She had been afraid he would be +coarse and vulgar after so many years of neglect, if he should ever +return; but here he was, to all appearance, a young gentleman of whom +she need not feel ashamed.</p> + +<p>"Ben must share my room, Cousin Mary," said Charles. "We've got so much +to say to each other."</p> + +<p>"I didn't know I was to stay," said Ben, smiling.</p> + +<p>"You mustn't leave us again, Ben," said his sister. "Monday you must +start for home. Poor mother has mourned for you so long. She will be +overjoyed to see you again."</p> + +<p>When Mr. Abercrombie came home, his new brother-in-law was introduced to +him. He received Ben cordially, and in a way to make him feel at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span> home. +In the course of the morning Mr. Sampson called, and Ben was introduced +to him.</p> + +<p>"There's something in your brother's voice that sounds familiar," he +said to Mrs. Abercrombie. "I think I must have met him before."</p> + +<p>"He has not been with us for some years," said Mrs. Abercrombie, who did +not care to reveal that Ben was a returned prodigal.</p> + +<p>"Probably I am deceived," said Mr. Sampson.</p> + +<p>Ben, however, knew that Mr. Sampson had good cause to remember him. He +was afraid the servant who had brought him his breakfast some months +before in the basement might remember him; but there was no danger of +that. She never dreamed of associating the young gentleman, her +mistress's brother, with the ragged and dirty boy who had brought the +valise for Master Charles.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.</h2> + +<h4>THE PRODIGAL'S RETURN.</h4> + + +<p>On Sunday evening, Ben, in company with his sister, her husband, and +Charles, attended a sacred concert in Steinway Hall. As he stepped +within the vestibule, he saw two street boys outside, whom he knew well. +Their attire was very similar to that which he had himself worn until +the day before. They looked at Ben, but never thought of identifying him +with the baggage-smasher with whom they had often bunked together.</p> + +<p>"See what it is," thought Ben, "to be well dressed and have fashionable +friends."</p> + +<p>As he sat in a reserved seat but a little distance from the platform, +surrounded by well-dressed people, he was sometimes tempted to doubt +whether he was the same boy who a few days before was wandering about +the streets, a friendless outcast. The change was so complete and +wonderful that he seemed to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span> himself a new boy. But he enjoyed the +change. It seemed a good deal pleasanter resting in the luxurious +bedchamber, which he shared with Charles at his sister's house, than the +chance accommodations to which he had been accustomed.</p> + +<p>On Monday he started for Philadelphia, on his journey home.</p> + +<p>We will precede him.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Brandon sat in an arm-chair before the fire, knitting. She was not +old, but care and sorrow had threaded her dark hair with silver, and on +her brow there were traces of a sorrow patiently borne, but none the +less deeply felt. She had never recovered from the loss of her son. Her +daughter Mary had inherited something of her father's self-contained, +undemonstrative manner; but Ben had been impulsive and affectionate, and +had always been very near his mother's heart. To feel that he had passed +from her sight was a great sorrow; but it was a greater still not to +know where he was. He might be suffering pain or privation; he might +have fallen into bad and vicious habits for aught she knew. It would +have been a relief, though a sad one, to know that he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span> was dead. But +nothing whatever had been heard of him since the letter of which the +reader is already aware.</p> + +<p>Since Mary's marriage Mrs. Brandon had been very much alone. Her husband +was so taciturn and reserved that he was not much company for her; so +she was left very much to her own thoughts, and these dwelt often upon +Ben, though six years had elapsed since he left home.</p> + +<p>"If I could see him once more," she often said to herself, "I could die +in peace."</p> + +<p>So Mrs. Brandon was busily thinking of Ben on that Monday afternoon, as +she sat knitting before the fire; little thinking that God had heard her +prayer, and that the son whom she so longed to see was close at hand. He +was even then coming up the gravelled walk that led to the house.</p> + +<p>It may be imagined that Ben's heart beat with unwonted excitement, as +the scenes of his early boyhood once more appeared before him. A +thousand boyish memories returned to him, as he trod the familiar +street. He met persons whom he knew, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span> they showed no recognition of +him. Six years had wrought too great a change in him.</p> + +<p>He rang the bell.</p> + +<p>The summons was answered by the servant, the only one employed in Mrs. +Brandon's modest establishment.</p> + +<p>"Is Mrs. Brandon at home?" asked Ben.</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered the girl. "Will you walk in?"</p> + +<p>Ben stepped into the entry, and the girl opened the door of the room in +which Mrs. Brandon was seated.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Brandon looked up.</p> + +<p>She saw standing at the door a well-grown lad of sixteen, with a face +browned by long exposure to the sun and air. It was six years since she +had seen Ben; but in spite of the changes which time may have wrought, a +mother's heart is not easily deceived. A wild hope sprang up in her +heart. She tried to rise from her chair, but her excite was so great +that her limbs refused their office.</p> + +<p>"Mother!" exclaimed Ben, and, hurrying forward he threw his arms around +his mother's neck.</p> + +<p>"God be thanked!" she exclaimed, with heartfelt gratitude. "I have +missed you so much, Ben."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span></p> + +<p>Ben's heart reproached him as he saw the traces of sorrow upon his +mother's face, and felt that he had been the cause.</p> + +<p>"Forgive me, mother!" he said.</p> + +<p>"It is all forgotten now. I am so happy!" she answered, her eyes filled +with joyful tears.</p> + +<p>They sat down together, and Ben began to tell his story. In the midst of +it his father entered. He stopped short when he saw Ben sitting beside +his mother.</p> + +<p>"It is Ben come back," said his mother, joyfully.</p> + +<p>Mr. Brandon did not fall on his son's neck and kiss him. That was not +his way. He held out his hand, and said, "Benjamin, I am very glad to +see you."</p> + +<p>In the evening they talked together over the new plans which Ben's +return suggested.</p> + +<p>"You must stay with us, Ben," said his mother. "I cannot part with you +now."</p> + +<p>"I am getting old, Benjamin," said his father. "I need help in my +business. You must stay and help me, and by and by you shall have the +whole charge of it."</p> + +<p>"I am afraid I don't know enough," said Ben. "I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span> haven't studied any +since I left home. I don't know as much as I did when I was ten."</p> + +<p>"You shall study at home for a year," said his father. "The teacher of +the academy shall give you private lessons. You can learn a great deal +in a year if you set about it."</p> + +<p>To this arrangement Ben acceded. He is now studying at home, and his +abilities being excellent, and his ambition excited, is making +remarkable progress. Next year he will assist his father. Mr. Brandon +seems to have changed greatly. He is no longer stern and hard, but +gentle and forbearing, and is evidently proud of Ben, who would run a +chance of being spoiled by over-indulgence, if his hard discipline as a +street boy had not given him a manliness and self-reliance above his +years. He is gradually laying aside the injurious habits which he +acquired in his street life, and I confidently hope for him a worthy and +useful manhood.</p> + +<p>From time to time Ben visits New York, and renews his intimacy with his +Cousin Charles, who returns his warm affection. Charles, in turn, +spends<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span> the summer at Cedarville, where they are inseparable.</p> + +<p>So we bid farewell to Ben, the Luggage Boy, hoping that he may be able +to repay his mother in part for the sorrow which his long absence +occasioned her, and that she may live long to enjoy his society. To my +young readers, who have received my stories of street life with so much +indulgence, I bid a brief farewell, hoping to present them ere long the +sixth volume of the Ragged Dick Series, under the title of</p> + + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rufus And Rose;</span></h4> + +<h5>Or,</h5> + +<h4><span class="smcap">The Fortunes of Rough and Ready.<br /><br /><br /></span></h4> + + +<p style="margin-left: 25%;">FAMOUS ALGER BOOKS.<br /> +<br /> +RAGGED DICK SERIES. By<span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 6 vols. 12mo. Cloth.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Ragged Dick</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Rough and Ready</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Fame and Fortune</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Ben the Luggage Boy</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Mark the Match Boy</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Rufus and Rose</span>.<br /> +<br /> +TATTERED TOM SERIES. By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. First Series<br /> +<span class="smcap">Tattered Tom</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Phil the Fiddler</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Paul the Peddler</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Slow and Sure</span>.<br /> +<br /> +TATTERED TOM SERIES. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. SECOND SERIES.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Julius</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Sam's Chance</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">The Young Outlaw</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">The Telegraph Boy</span>.<br /> +<br /> +CAMPAIGN SERIES. By HORATIO <span class="smcap">ALGER, Jr.</span> 3 vols.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Frank's Campaign</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Charlie Codman's Cruise</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Paul Prescott's Charge</span>.<br /> +<br /> +LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES. By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 4 vols. 12mo.Cloth. +<span class="smcap">First Series</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Luck and Pluck</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Strong and Steady</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Sink Or Swim</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Strive and Succeed</span>.<br /> +<br /> +LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. +<span class="smcap">Second Series</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Try and Trust</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Risen From the Ranks</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Bound To Rise</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Herbert Carter's Legacy.</span><br /> +<br /> +BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES. By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Brave and Bold</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Shifting for Himself.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Jack's Ward</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Wait and Hope</span>.<br /> +<br /> +PACIFIC SERIES. By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 4 vols. 12mo.<br /> +<span class="smcap">The Young Adventurer</span>. +<span class="smcap">The Young Explorers</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">The Young Miner</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Ben's Nugget</span>.<br /> +<br /> +ATLANTIC SERIES. By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 4 vols.<br /> +<span class="smcap">The Young Circus Rider</span>. +<span class="smcap">Hector's Inheritance</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Do and Dare</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Helping Himself</span>.<br /> +<br /> +WAY TO SUCCESS SERIES. By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 4 vols. 12mo.Cloth.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Bob Burton</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Luke Walton</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">The Store Boy</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Struggling Upward</span>.<br /> +<br /> +NEW WORLD SERIES. By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Digging for Gold</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Facing the World</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">In a New World</span>.<br /> +</p> + +<h5><i><b>Other Volumes in Preparation.</b></i></h5> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h3><span class="smcap">Copyright by A. K. Loring</span>, 1870.</h3> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<h3><span class="smcap">Copyright by Horatio Alger, Jr.</span>, 1898.<br /><br /><br /> +</h3> + +<h2>The Roundabout Library</h2> + +<h4>For</h4> + +<h2>Young People</h2> + + +<p>THIS WELL-KNOWN SERIES OF BOOKS +is recognized as the best library of Copyright Books +for young people, sold at popular prices.<br /> + +THE AUTHORS represented in the Roundabout +Library are not only the best well-known writers of +juvenile literature, but the titles listed comprise the +best writings of these authors.<br /><br /> + +OVER 100 TITLES are now in this Library and +all new titles will be selected with the same care as +in the past, for stories that are not only entertaining +but equally <i>instructive</i> and <i>elevating</i>. This respect +for wholesome juvenile literature is what has made +and kept the <i>Roundabout Library better than any</i> +<i>other library of books for Boys and Girls.</i><br /><br /> + +OUR AIM is to maintain the supremacy of these +books over all others <i>from every viewpoint</i>, and to +make the superior features so apparent that those who +have once read one, will always return to the +Roundabout Library for more.<br /><br /> + +<b><i>Bound In Extra Cloth, with gold title and appropriate +cover designs stamped in colors, +attractive and durable, printed on the best +paper from large clear type. Illustrated, +12mo.</i></b><br /></p> + +<h3>PRICE PER VOLUME, $.75</h3> + +<h4>Catalogue mailed on application to the Publishers.</h4> + +<h2>THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., Publishers</h2> + +<h3>PHILADELPHIA<br /><br /></h3> + + + +<h2>ROUNDABOUT LIBRARY</h2> + +<h4>FOR YOUNG PEOPLE</h4> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Selected from the works of Alger, Castlemon, Ellis,<br /> +Stephens, Henty, Mrs. Lillie and other writers.</span><br /></h4> + +<h4>Price, per volume, $0.75</h4> + +<p style="margin-left: 18%;"><b>Across Texas.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>Adventures in Canada; or, Life in the Woods.</b> By John C. Geikie.<br /> + +<b>Alison's Adventures.</b> By Lucy C. Lillie.<br /> + +<b>American Family Robinson, The; or, The Adventures<br /> +of a Family Lost in the Great Desert of the West.</b> By W. D. Belisle.<br /> + +<b>Bear Hunters of the Rocky Mountains, The.</b> By Anne Bowman.<br /> + +<b>Ben's Nugget; or, A Boy's Search for a Fortune.</b> By Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> + +<b>Bob Burton; or, the Young Ranchman of the Missouri.</b> By Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> + +<b>Bonnie Prince Charlie; A Tale of Fontenoy and Culloden.</b> By G. A. Henty.<br /> + +<b>Brave Billy.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>Brave Tom; or, The Battle that Won.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>By England's Aid; or, The Freeing of the Netherlands(1585-1604).</b> By G. A. Henty.<br /> + +<b>By Pike and Dyke; A Tale of the Rise of the Dutch Republic.</b> By G. A. Henty.<br /> + +<b>By Right of Conquest; or, With Cortez in Mexico.</b> By G. A. Henty.<br /> + +<b>By Love's Sweet Rule.</b> By Gabrielle Emelie Jackson.<br /> + +<b>Cabin in the Clearing, The.</b> A Tale of the Frontier. By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>Camping Out, As Recorded by "Kit."</b> By C. A. Stephens.<br /> + +<b>Camp in the Foothills, The.</b> By Harry Castlemon.<br /> +</p> + +<h3>ROUNDABOUT LIBRARY (Continued)</h3> + +<h4>Price, per volume, $0.75</h4> + + +<p style="margin-left: 18%;"><b>Cornet of Horse, The.</b> A Tale of Marlborough's Wars. By G. A. Henty.<br /> + +<b>Cruise of the Firefly.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>Dear Days, A Story of Washington School Life.</b> By Ada Mickle.<br /> + +<b>Diccon the Bold.</b> A Story of the Days of Columbus. By John Russell Coryell.<br /> + +<b>Do and Dare; or, A Brave Boy's Fight for Fortune.</b> By Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> + +<b>Dog Crusoe, The.</b> A Tale of the Western Prairies. By R. M. Ballantyne.<br /> + +<b>Dog of Cotopaxi, The.</b> By Hezekiah Butterworth.<br /> + +<b>Doris and Theodora.</b> By Margaret Vandegrift.<br /> + +<b>Dr. Gilbert's Daughters.</b> By Margaret H. Matthews.<br /> + +<b>Dragon and the Raven, The; or, The Days of King Alfred.</b> By G. A. Henty.<br /> + +<b>Elam Storm, the Wolfer; or, The Lost Nugget.</b> By Harry Castlemon.<br /> + +<b>Elinor Belden; or, The Step Brothers.</b> By Lucy C. Lillie.<br /> + +<b>Esther's Fortune.</b> By Lucy C. Lillie.<br /> + +<b>Floating Treasure.</b> By Harry Castlemon.<br /> + +<b>Four Little Indians.</b> By Ella Mary Coates.<br /> + +<b>Family Dilemma.</b> By Lucy C. Lillie.<br /> + +<b>Floating Light of the Goodwin Sands, The.</b> By R. M. Ballantyne.<br /> + +<b>For Honor's Sake.</b> By Lucy C. Lillie.<br /> + +<b>Four Boys; or, The Story of the Forest Fire.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>Fox Hunting, As Recorded by "Raed."</b> By C. A. Stephens.<br /> + +<b>Freaks on the Fells.</b> By R. M. Ballantyne.<br /> + +<b>Gascoyne, the Sandalwood Trader.</b> By R. M. Ballantyne.<br /> + +<b>Girl's Ordeal, A.</b> By Lucy C. Lillie.<br /> + +<b>Gorilla Hunters, The.</b> By R. M. Ballantyne.<br /> + +<b>Great Cattle Trail, The.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>Hunt on Snow Shoes, A.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>Hartwell Farm, The.</b> By Elizabeth B. Comins.<br /> + +<b>Hector's Inheritance; or, The Boys of Smith Institute.</b> By Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> +</p> + +<h3>ROUNDABOUT LIBRARY (Continued)</h3> + +<h4>Price, per volume, $0.75</h4> + + +<p style="margin-left: 18%;"><b>Helen Glenn; or, My Mother's Enemy.</b> By Lucy C. Lillie.<br /> + +<b>Helping Himself; or, Grant Thornton's Ambition.</b> By Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> + +<b>Honest Ned.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>Haunted Mine, The.</b> By Harry Castlemon.<br /> + +<b>In Freedom's Cause.</b> A Story of Wallace and Bruce. By G. A. Henty.<br /> + +<b>In the Reign of Terror; The Adventures of a Westminster Boy.</b> By G. A. Henty.<br /> + +<b>Jack Midwood; or, Bread Cast Upon the Waters.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>Joe Wayring at Home; or, The Adventures of a Fly Rod.</b> By Harry Castlemon.<br /> + +<b>Kangaroo Hunters, The; or, Adventures in the Bush.</b> By Anne Bowman.<br /> + +<b>King's Rubies, The.</b> By Adelaide Fulaer Bell.<br /> + +<b>Lady Green Satin.</b> By Baroness Deschesnez.<br /> + +<b>Left on Labrador; or, The Cruise of the Yacht "Curlew."</b> By C. A. Stephens.<br /> + +<b>Lena Wingo, the Mohawk.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>Lenny, the Orphan.</b> By Margaret Hosmer.<br /> + +<b>Lion of the North, The. A Tale of the Times of Gustavus Adolphus.</b> By G. A. Henty.<br /> + +<b>Luke Walton; or, The Chicago Newsboy.</b> By Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> + +<b>Lynx Hunting.</b> By C. A. Stephens.<br /> + +<b>Limber Lew, the Circus King.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>Marion Berkley.</b> By Elizabeth B. Comins.<br /> + +<b>Missing Pocket-Book, The.</b> By Harry Castlemon.<br /> + +<b>Mysterious Andes, The.</b> By Hezekiah Butterworth.<br /> + +<b>Northern Lights.</b> Stories from Swedish and Finnish Authors.<br /> + +<b>Off to the Geysers; or, The Young Yachters in Iceland.</b> By C. A. Stephens.<br /> + +<b>On the Amazon; or, The Cruise of the "Rambler."</b> By C. A. Stephens.<br /> + +<b>On the Trail of the Moose.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>Orange and Green; A Tale of the Boyne and Limerick.</b> By G. A. Henty.<br /> +</p> + +<h3>ROUNDABOUT LIBRARY (Continued)</h3> + +<h4>Price, per volume, $0.75</h4> + +<p style="margin-left: 18%;"><b>Oscar In Africa.</b> By Harry Castlemon.<br /> + +<b>Our Boys in Panama.</b> By Hezekiah Butterworth.<br /> + +<b>Our Fellows; or, Skirmishes with the Swamp Dragoons.</b> By Harry Castlemon.<br /> + +<b>Path in the Ravine, The.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>Plucky Dick; or, Sowing and Reaping.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>Queen's Body Guard, The.</b> By Margaret Vandegrift.<br /> + +<b>Question of Honor.</b> By Lynde Palmer.<br /> + +<b>Righting the Wrong.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>River Fugitives, The.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>Romain Kalbris.</b> His Adventures by Sea and Shore. Translated from the French of Hector Malot.<br /> + +<b>Rose Raymond's Wards.</b> By Margaret Vandegrift.<br /> + +<b>Ruth Endicott's Way.</b> By Lucy C. Lillie.<br /> + +<b>Shifting Winds; A Story of the Sea.</b> By R. M. Ballantyne.<br /> + +<b>Snagged and Sunk; or, The Adventures of a Canvas Canoe.</b> By Harry Castlemon.<br /> + +<b>Squire's Daughter, The.</b> By Lucy C. Lillie.<br /> + +<b>Steel Horse, The; or, The Rambles of a Bicycle.</b> By Harry Castlemon.<br /> + +<b>Store Boy, The; or, The Fortunes of Ben Barclay.</b> By Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> + +<b>Storm Mountain.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>Struggling Upward; or, Luke Larkin's Luck.</b> By Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> + +<b>Tam; or, Holding the Fort.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>Through Forest and Fire.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>True to the Old Flag; A Tale of the American War of Independence.</b> By G. A. Henty.<br /> + +<b>Two Bequests, The; or, Heavenward Led.</b> By Jane R. Sommers.<br /> + +<b>Two Ways of Becoming a Hunter.</b> By Harry Castlemon.<br /> + +<b>Under Drake's Flag. A Tale of the Spanish Main.</b> By G. A. Henty.<br /> + +<b>Under the Holly.</b> By Margaret Hosmer.<br /> + +<b>Under the Red Flag; or, The Adventures of Two American Boys in the Days of the Commune.</b> +By Edward King.<br /> +</p> + +<h3>ROUNDABOUT LIBRARY (Continued)</h3> + +<h4>Price, per volume, $0.75</h4> + +<p style="margin-left: 18%;"><b>Ways and Means.</b> By Margaret Vandegrift.<br /> + +<b>Where Honor Leads.</b> By Lynde Palmer.<br /> + +<b>Wilderness Fugitives, The.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>Wild Man of the West, The.</b> By R. M. Ballantyne.<br /> + +<b>With Clive in India; or, The Beginning of an Empire.</b> By G. A. Henty.<br /> + +<b>With Wolfe in Canada; or, The Winning of a Continent.</b> By G. A. Henty.<br /> + +<b>Wyoming.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>Young Adventurer, The; Tom's Trip Across the Plains.</b> By Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> + +<b>Young Circus Rider, The.</b> By Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> + +<b>Young Conductor, The; or, Winning His Way.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>Young Explorer, The; or, Among the Sierras.</b> By Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> + +<b>Young Miner, The; or, Tom Nelson in California.</b> By Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> + +<b>Young Ranchers, The; or, Fighting the Sioux.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.<br /> + +<b>Young Wrecker, The.</b> By Richard Meade Bache.<br /><br /><br /> +</p> + +<h2>HARRY CASTLEMON.</h2> + +<h4>HOW I CAME TO WRITE MY FIRST BOOK.</h4> + +<p>When I was sixteen years old I belonged to a composition class. It was +our custom to go on the recitation seat every day with clean slates, and +we were allowed ten minutes to write seventy words on any subject the +teacher thought suited to our capacity. One day he gave out "What a Man +Would See if He Went to Greenland." My heart was in the matter, and +before the ten minutes were up I had one side of my slate filled. The +teacher listened to the reading of our compositions, and when they were +all over he simply said: "Some of you will make your living by writing +one of these days." That gave me something to ponder upon. I did not say +so out loud, but I knew that my composition was as good as the best of +them. By the way, there was another thing that came in my way just then. +I was reading at that time one of Mayne Reid's works which I had drawn +from the library, and I pondered upon it as much as I did upon what the +teacher said to me. In introducing Swartboy to his readers he made use +of this expression: "No visible change was observable in Swartboy's +countenance." Now, it occurred to me that if a man of his education +could make such a blunder as that and still write a book, I ought to be +able to do it, too. I went home that very day and began a story, "The +Old Guide's Narrative," which was sent to the <i>New York Weekly</i>, and +came back, respectfully declined. It was written on both sides of the +sheets but I didn't know that this was against the rules. Nothing +abashed, I began another, and receiving some instruction, from a friend +of mine who was a clerk in a book store, I wrote it on only one side of +the paper. But mind you, he didn't know what I was doing. Nobody knew +it; but one day, after a hard Saturday's work—the other boys had been +out skating on the brick-pond—I shyly broached the subject to my +mother. I felt the need of some sympathy. She listened in amazement, and +then said: "Why, do you think you could write a book like that?" That +settled the matter, and from that day no one knew what I was up to until +I sent the first four volumes of Gunboat Series to my father. Was it +work? Well, yes; it was hard work, but each week I had the satisfaction +of seeing the manuscript grow until the "Young Naturalist" was all +complete.</p> + +<p class="citation"> +—<i>Harry Castlemon in the Writer.</i><br /> +</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + + +<p style="margin-left: 30%"><b>GUNBOAT SERIES.</b><br /><br /> + + +6 vols. <span class="smcap">By Harry Castlemon. $6.00<br /><br /></span> + +Frank the Young Naturalist.<br /> +Frank on a Gunboat.<br /> +Frank in the Woods.<br /> +Frank before Vicksburg.<br /> +Frank on the Lower Mississippi.<br /> +Frank on the Prairie.<br /><br /> + + +<b>ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES.</b><br /><br /> + +3 vols. <span class="smcap">By Harry Castlemon. $3.00<br /><br /></span> + +Frank Among the Rancheros.<br /> +Frank at Don Carlos' Rancho.<br /> +Frank in the Mountains.<br /><br /> + +<b>SPORTSMAN'S CLUB SERIES.</b><br /><br /> + +3 vols. <span class="smcap">By Harry Castlemon. $3.75<br /><br /></span> + +The Sportsman's Club in the Saddle.<br /> +The Sportsman's Club Afloat.<br /> +The Sportsman's Club Among the Trappers.<br /><br /> + +<b>FRANK NELSON SERIES.</b><br /><br /> + +3 vols. <span class="smcap">By Harry Castlemon. $3.75<br /><br /></span> + +Snowed up.<br /> +Frank in the Forecastle.<br /> +The Boy Traders.<br /> +</p> + +<h4><b>COMPLETE CATALOG OF BEST BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS<br /> +MAILED ON APPLICATION TO THE PUBLISHERS</b></h4> + +<h3><b>THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., PHILADELPHIA</b><br /><br /><br /></h3> + + + + +<p style="margin-left: 30%"><b>ROUGHING IT SERIES.</b><br /><br /> + + +3 vols. <span class="smcap">By Harry Castlemon. $3.00<br /><br /></span> + +George in Camp.<br /> +George at the Fort.<br /> +George at the Wheel.<br /><br /> + +<b>ROD AND GUN SERIES.</b><br /><br /> + +3 vols. <span class="smcap">By Harry Castlemon. $3.00<br /><br /></span> + +Don Gordon's Shooting Box.<br /> +The Young Wild Fowlers.<br /> +Rod and Gun Club.<br /><br /> + +<b>GO-AHEAD SERIES.</b><br /><br /> + +3 vols. <span class="smcap">By Harry Castlemon. $3.00<br /><br /></span> + +Tom Newcombe.<br /> +Go-Ahead.<br /> +No Moss.<br /><br /> + +<b>WAR SERIES.</b><br /><br /> + +6 vols. <span class="smcap">By Harry Castlemon. $6.00<br /><br /></span> + +True to His Colors.<br /> +Rodney the Partisan.<br /> +Rodney the Overseer.<br /> +Marcy the Blockade-Runner.<br /> +Marcy the Refugee.<br /> +Sailor Jack the Trader.<br /><br /> + +<b>HOUSEBOAT SERIES</b><br /><br /> + +3 vols. <span class="smcap">By Harry Castlemon. $3.00<br /><br /></span> + +The Houseboat Boys.<br /> +The Mystery of Lost River Cañon.<br /> +The Young Game Warden.<br /><br /> + +<b>AFLOAT AND ASHORE SERIES.</b><br /><br /> + +3 vols. <span class="smcap">By Harry Castlemon. $3.00<br /><br /></span> + +Rebellion in Dixie.<br /> +A Sailor in Spite of Himself.<br /> +The Ten-Ton Cutter.<br /> +</p> + + +<h4><b>COMPLETE CATALOG OF BEST BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS<br /> +MAILED ON APPLICATION TO THE PUBLISHERS</b><br /></h4> + +<h3><b>THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., PHILADELPHIA</b><br /><br /><br /></h3> + + +<h4>HORATIO ALGER, JR.</h4> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p>The enormous sales of the books of Horatio Alger, Jr., show the +greatness of his popularity among the boys, and prove that he is one of +their most favored writers. I am told that more than half a million +copies altogether have been sold, and that all the large circulating +libraries in the country have several complete sets, of which only two +or three volumes are ever on the shelves at one time. If this is true, +what thousands and thousands of boys have read and are reading Mr. +Alger's books! His peculiar style of stories, often imitated but never +equaled, have taken a hold upon the young people, and, despite their +similarity, are eagerly read as soon as they appear.</p> + +<p>Mr. Alger became famous with the publication of that undying book, +"Ragged Dick, or Street Life in New York." It was his first book for +young people, and its success was so great that he immediately devoted +himself to that kind of writing. It was a new and fertile field for a +writer then, and Mr. Alger's treatment of it at once caught the fancy of +the boys. "Ragged Dick" first appeared in 1868, and ever since then it +has been selling steadily, until now it is estimated that about 200,000 +copies of the series have been sold.</p> + +<p class="citation"> +—"Pleasant Hours for Boys and Girls."<br /> +</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p>A writer for boys should have an abundant sympathy with them. He should +be able to enter into their plans, hopes, and aspirations. He should +learn to look upon life as they do. Boys object to be written down to. A +boy's heart opens to the man or writer who understands him.</p> + +<p class="citation"> +—From "Writing Stories for Boys," by Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /><br /><br /> +</p> + +<p style="margin-left: 30%"><b>RAGGED DICK SERIES.</b><br /><br /> + +6 vols. <b>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</b> $6.00<br /><br /> + +Ragged Dick.<br /> +Fame and Fortune.<br /> +Mark the Match Boy.<br /> +Rough and Ready.<br /> +Ben the Luggage Boy.<br /> +Rufus and Rose.<br /><br /> + +<b>TATTERED TOM SERIES—First Series.</b><br /><br /> + +4 vols. <b>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</b> $4.00<br /> + +Tattered Tom.<br /> +Paul the Peddler.<br /> +Phil the Fiddler.<br /> +Slow and Sure.<br /><br /> + +<b>TATTERED TOM SERIES—Second Series.</b><br /><br /> + +4 vols. <b>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</b> $4.00<br /> + +Julius.<br /> +The Young Outlaw.<br /> +Sam's Chance.<br /> +The Telegraph Boy.<br /><br /> + +<b>CAMPAIGN SERIES.</b><br /><br /> + +3 vols. <b>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</b> $3.00<br /> + +Frank's Campaign.<br /> +Charlie Codman's Cruise.<br /> +Paul Prescott's Charge.<br /><br /> + +<b>LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES—First Series.</b><br /><br /> + +4 vols. <b>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</b> $4.00<br /> + +Luck and Pluck.<br /> +Sink or Swim.<br /> +Strong and Steady.<br /> +Strive and Succeed.<br /><br /> + +<b>LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES—Second Series.</b><br /><br /> + +4 vols. <b>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</b> $4.00<br /> + +Try and Trust.<br /> +Bound to Rise.<br /> +Risen from the Ranks.<br /> +Herbert Carter's Legacy.<br /><br /> + +<b>BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES.</b><br /><br /> + +4 vols. <b>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</b> $4.00<br /> + +Brave and Bold.<br /> +Jack's Ward.<br /> +Shifting for Himself.<br /> +Wait and Hope.<br /> +</p> + +<h4><b>COMPLETE CATALOG OF BEST BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS<br /> +MAILED ON APPLICATION TO THE PUBLISHERS</b><br /></h4> + +<h3><b>THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., PHILADELPHIA</b><br /><br /><br /></h3> + +<p style="margin-left: 30%"><b>VICTORY SERIES.</b><br /><br /> + +3 Vols. <b>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</b> $3.00<br /><br /> + +Only an Irish Boy.<br /> +Victor Vane, or the Young Secretary.<br /> +Adrift in the City.<br /><br /><br /> + +<b>FRANK AND FEARLESS SERIES.</b><br /><br /> + +3 vols. <b>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</b> $3.00<br /><br /> + +Frank Hunter's Peril.<br /> +The Young Salesman.<br /> +Frank and Fearless.<br /><br /><br /> + +<b>GOOD FORTUNE LIBRARY.</b><br /><br /> + +3 vols. <b>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</b> $3.00<br /><br /> + +Walter Sherwood's Probation.<br /> +The Young Bank Messenger.<br /> +A Boy's Fortune.<br /><br /><br /> + +<b>HOW TO RISE LIBRARY.</b><br /><br /> + +3 vols. <b>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</b> $3.00<br /><br /> + +Jed, the Poorhouse Boy.<br /> +Lester's Luck.<br /> +Rupert's Ambition.<br /> +</p> + +<h4><b>COMPLETE CATALOG OF BEST BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS<br /> +MAILED ON APPLICATION TO THE PUBLISHERS</b><br /></h4> + +<h3><b>THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., PHILADELPHIA</b><br /><br /><br /></h3> + + +<h4>J. T. TROWBRIDGE.</h4> + +<p>Neither as a writer does he stand apart from the great currents of life +and select some exceptional phase or odd combination of circumstances. +He stands on the common level and appeals to the universal heart, and +all that he suggests or achieves is on the plane and in the line of +march of the great body of humanity.</p> + +<p>The Jack Hazard series of stories, published in the late <i>Our Young +Folks</i>, and continued in the first volume of <i>St. Nicholas</i>, under the +title of "Fast Friends," is no doubt destined to hold a high place in +this class of literature. The delight of the boys in them (and of their +seniors, too) is well founded. They go to the right spot every time. +Trowbridge knows the heart of a boy like a book, and the heart of a man, +too, and he has laid them both open in these books in a most successful +manner. Apart from the qualities that render the series so attractive to +all young readers, they have great value on account of their +portraitures of American country life and character. The drawing is +wonderfully accurate, and as spirited as it is true. The constable, +Sellick, is an original character, and as minor figures where will we +find anything better than Miss Wansey, and Mr. P. Pipkin, Esq. The +picture of Mr. Dink's school, too, is capital, and where else in fiction +is there a better nick-name than that the boys gave to poor little +Stephen Treadwell, "Step Hen," as he himself pronounced his name in an +unfortunate moment when he saw it in print for the first time in his +lesson in school.</p> + +<p>On the whole, these books are very satisfactory, and afford the critical +reader the rare pleasure of the works that are just adequate, that +easily fulfill themselves and accomplish all they set out to +do.—<i>Scribner's Monthly.</i><br /><br /><br /></p> + +<p style="margin-left: 35%"><b>JACK HAZARD SERIES.</b><br /><br /> + +6 vols. <span class="smcap">By J. T. TROWBRIDGE $7.25<br /><br /></span> + +Jack Hazard and His Fortunes.<br /> +Doing His Best.<br /> +The Young Surveyor.<br /> +A Chance for Himself.<br /> +Fast Friends.<br /> +Lawrence's Adventures.<br /> +</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h3>CHARLES ASBURY STEPHENS.</h3> + +<p>"This author wrote his "Camping Out Series" at the very height of his +mental and physical powers.</p> + +<blockquote><p>"We do not wonder at the popularity of these books; there is a +freshness and variety about them, and an enthusiasm in the description +of sport and adventure, which even the older folk can hardly fail to +share."—<i>Worcester Spy.</i></p></blockquote> + +<blockquote><p>"The author of the Camping Out Series is entitled to rank as decidedly +at the head of what may be called boys' literature."—<i>Buffalo +Courier.</i></p></blockquote> + +<h3>CAMPING OUT SERIES.</h3> + +<h4>By C. A. STEPHENS.</h4> + +<p><b>All books in this series are 12mo. with eight full page illustrations. +Cloth, extra, 75 cents.</b></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Camping Out. As Recorded by "Kit."</span></p> + +<blockquote><p>"This book is bright, breezy, wholesome, instructive, and stands above +the ordinary boys' books of the day by a whole head and +shoulders."—<i>The Christian Register</i>, Boston.</p></blockquote> + +<p><span class="smcap">Left on Labrador; or, the Cruise of the Schooner Yacht "Curlew." As +Recorded by "Wash."</span></p> + +<blockquote><p>"The perils of the voyagers, the narrow escapes, their strange +expedients, and the fun and jollity when danger had passed, will make +boys even unconscious of hunger."—<i>New Bedford Mercury.</i></p></blockquote> + +<p><span class="smcap">Off to the Geysers; or the Young Yachters in Iceland. As Recorded by +"Wade."</span></p> + +<blockquote><p>"It is difficult to believe that Wade and Read and Kit and Wash were +not live boys, sailing up Hudson Straits, and reigning temporarily +over an Esquimaux tribe."—<i>The Independent</i>, New York.</p></blockquote> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lynx Hunting: From Notes by the Author of "Camping Out."</span></p> + +<blockquote><p>"Of first quality as a boys' book, and fit to take its place beside +the best."—<i>Richmond Enquirer.</i></p></blockquote> + +<p><span class="smcap">Fox Hunting. As Recorded by "Raed."</span></p> + +<blockquote><p>"The most spirited and entertaining book that has as yet appeared. It +overflows with incident, and is characterized by dash and brilliancy +throughout."—<i>Boston Gazette.</i></p></blockquote> + +<p><span class="smcap">On the Amazon; or, the Cruise of the "Rambler." As Recorded by "Wash."</span></p> + +<blockquote><p>"Gives vivid pictures of Brazilian adventure and scenery."—<i>Buffalo +Courier.</i></p></blockquote> + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Ben, the Luggage Boy;, by Horatio Alger + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEN, THE LUGGAGE BOY; *** + +***** This file should be named 28381-h.htm or 28381-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/8/3/8/28381/ + +Produced by Taavi Kalju, Woodie4, Joseph Cooper and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net +(This file was produced from images generously made +available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Ben, the Luggage Boy; + or, Among the Wharves + +Author: Horatio Alger + +Release Date: March 21, 2009 [EBook #28381] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEN, THE LUGGAGE BOY; *** + + + + +Produced by Taavi Kalju, Woodie4, Joseph Cooper and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net +(This file was produced from images generously made +available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + + + + +Transcriber's notes: + +Captions have been added to the illustration markers +for the convenience of some readers. These have been +indicated by an asterisk. + +A list of some of the author's other books has been moved from the front +papers to the end of the book. + + + [Illustration: Front cover]* + + [Illustration: Title page: + RAGGED DICK SERIES BY HORATIO ALGER JR. + BEN THE LUGGAGE BOY] + + + BEN, THE LUGGAGE BOY; + + OR, + + AMONG THE WHARVES. + + BY + + HORATIO ALGER, JR., + + AUTHOR OF "RAGGED DICK," "FAME AND FORTUNE," "MARK, THE MATCH + BOY," "ROUGH AND READY," "CAMPAIGN SERIES," + "LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES," ETC. + + THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., + + PHILADELPHIA, + CHICAGO, TORONTO. + + + TO + + ANNIE, + + THIS VOLUME IS DEDICATED + + In Tender Remembrance, + + BY HER + + _AFFECTIONATE BROTHER_ + + + + +PREFACE. + + +In presenting "Ben, the Luggage Boy," to the public, as the fifth of the +Ragged Dick Series, the author desires to say that it is in all +essential points a true history; the particulars of the story having +been communicated to him, by Ben himself, nearly two years since. In +particular, the circumstances attending the boy's running away from +home, and adopting the life of a street boy, are in strict accordance +with Ben's own statement. While some of the street incidents are +borrowed from the writer's own observation, those who are really +familiar with the different phases which street life assumes in New +York, will readily recognize their fidelity. The chapter entitled "The +Room under the Wharf" will recall to many readers of the daily journals +a paragraph which made its appearance within two years. The writer +cannot close without expressing anew his thanks for the large share of +favor which has been accorded to the volumes of the present series, and +takes this opportunity of saying that, in their preparation, invention +has played but a subordinate part. For his delineations of character and +choice of incidents, he has been mainly indebted to his own observation, +aided by valuable communications and suggestions from those who have +been brought into familiar acquaintance with the class whose mode of +life he has sought to describe. + +NEW YORK, April 5, 1876. + + +BEN, THE LUGGAGE BOY; + +OR, + +AMONG THE WHARVES. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +INTRODUCES BEN, THE LUGGAGE BOY. + + +"How much yer made this mornin', Ben?" + +"Nary red," answered Ben, composedly. + +"Had yer breakfast?" + +"Only an apple. That's all I've eaten since yesterday. It's most time +for the train to be in from Philadelphy. I'm layin' round for a job." + +The first speaker was a short, freckled-faced boy, whose box strapped to +his back identified him at once as a street boot-black. His hair was +red, his fingers defaced by stains of blacking, and his clothing +constructed on the most approved system of ventilation. He appeared to +be about twelve years old. + +The boy whom he addressed as Ben was taller, and looked older. He was +probably not far from sixteen. His face and hands, though browned by +exposure to wind and weather, were several shades cleaner than those of +his companion. His face, too, was of a less common type. It was easy to +see that, if he had been well dressed, he might readily have been taken +for a gentleman's son. But in his present attire there was little chance +of this mistake being made. His pants, marked by a green stripe, small +around the waist and very broad at the hips, had evidently once belonged +to a Bowery swell; for the Bowery has its swells as well as Broadway, +its more aristocratic neighbor. The vest had been discarded as a +needless luxury, its place being partially supplied by a shirt of thick +red flannel. This was covered by a frock-coat, which might once have +belonged to a member of the Fat Men's Association, being aldermanic in +its proportions. Now it was fallen from its high estate, its nap and +original gloss had long departed, and it was frayed and torn in many +places. But among the street-boys dress is not much regarded, and Ben +never thought of apologizing for the defects of his wardrobe. We shall +learn in time what were his faults and what his virtues, for I can +assure my readers that street boys do have virtues sometimes, and when +they are thoroughly convinced that a questioner feels an interest in +them will drop the "chaff" in which they commonly indulge, and talk +seriously and feelingly of their faults and hardships. Some do this for +a purpose, no doubt, and the verdant stranger is liable to be taken in +by assumed virtue, and waste sympathy on those who do not deserve it. +But there are also many boys who have good tendencies and aspirations, +and only need to be encouraged and placed under right influences to +develop into worthy and respectable men. + +The conversation recorded above took place at the foot of Cortlandt +Street, opposite the ferry wharf. It was nearly time for the train, and +there was the usual scene of confusion. Express wagons, hacks, boys, +laborers, were gathering, presenting a confusing medley to the eye of +one unaccustomed to the spectacle. + +Ben was a luggage boy, his occupation being to wait at the piers for the +arrival of steamboats, or at the railway stations, on the chance of +getting a carpet-bag or valise to carry. His business was a precarious +one. Sometimes he was lucky, sometimes unlucky. When he was flush, he +treated himself to a "square meal," and finished up the day at Tony +Pastor's, or the Old Bowery, where from his seat in the pit he indulged +in independent criticism of the acting, as he leaned back in his seat +and munched peanuts, throwing the shells about carelessly. + +It is not surprising that the street-boys like the Old Bowery, and are +willing to stint their stomachs, or run the risk of a night in the +streets, for the sake of the warm room and the glittering illusions of +the stage, introducing them for the time being to the society of nobles +and ladies of high birth, and enabling them to forget for a time the +hardships of their own lot, while they follow with rapt interest the +fortunes of Lord Frederic Montressor or the Lady Imogene Delacour. +Strange as it may seem, the street Arab has a decided fancy for these +pictures of aristocracy, and never suspects their want of fidelity. When +the play ends, and Lord Frederic comes to his own, having foiled all the +schemes of his crafty and unprincipled enemies, no one rejoices more +than the ragged boy who has sat through the evening an interested +spectator of the play, and in his pleasure at the successful denouement, +he almost forgets that he will probably find the Newsboys' Lodging House +closed for the night, and be compelled to take up with such sleeping +accommodations as the street may provide. + +Ben crossed the street, taking a straight course, without paying +especial attention to the mud, which caused other pedestrians to pick +their way. To the condition of his shoes he was supremely indifferent. +Stockings he did not wear. They are luxuries in which few street boys +indulge. + +He had not long to wait. The boat bumped against the wharf, and directly +a crowd of passengers poured through the open gates in a continuous +stream. + +Ben looked sharply around him to judge who would be likely to employ +him. His attention was drawn to an elderly lady, with a large carpet-bag +swelled almost to bursting. She was looking about her in a bewildered +manner. + +"Carry your bag, ma'am?" he said, at the same time motioning towards it. + +"Who be you?" asked the old lady, suspiciously. + +"I'm a baggage-smasher," said Ben. + +"Then I don't want you," answered the old lady, clinging to her bag as +if she feared it would be wrested from her. "I'm surprised that the law +allows sich things. You might be in a better business, young man, than +smashing baggage." + +"That's where you're right, old lady," said Ben. + +"Bankin' would pay better, if I only had the money to start on." + +"Are you much acquainted in New York?" asked the old lady. + +"Yes," said Ben; "I know the mayor 'n' aldermen, 'n' all the principal +men. A. T. Stooart's my intimate friend, and I dine with Vanderbilt +every Sunday when I aint engaged at Astor's." + +"Do you wear them clo'es when you visit your fine friends?" asked the +old lady, shrewdly. + +"No," said Ben. "Them are my every-day clo'es. I've got some velvet +clo'es to home, embroidered with gold." + +"I believe you are telling fibs," said the old lady. "What I want to +know is, if you know my darter, Mrs. John Jones; her first name is +Seraphiny. She lives on Bleecker Street, and her husband, who is a nice +man, though his head is bald on top, keeps a grocery store." + +"Of course I do," said Ben. "It was only yesterday that she told me her +mother was comin' to see her. I might have knowed you was she." + +"How would you have knowed?" + +"Cause she told me just how you looked." + +"Did she? How did she say I looked?" + +"She said you was most ninety, and--" + +"It isn't true," said the old lady, indignantly. "I'm only +seventy-three, and everybody says I'm wonderful young-lookin' for my +years. I don't believe Seraphiny told you so." + +"She might have said you looked as if you was most ninety." + +"You're a sassy boy!" said the owner of the carpet-bag, indignantly. "I +don't see how I'm going to get up to Seraphiny's," she continued, +complainingly. "They'd ought to have come down to meet me. How much will +you charge to carry my carpet-bag, and show me the way to my darter's?" + +"Fifty cents," said Ben. + +"Fifty cents!" repeated the old lady, aghast. "I didn't think you'd +charge more'n ten." + +"I have to," said Ben. "Board's high in New York." + +"How much would they charge me in a carriage? Here you, sir," addressing +a hackman, "what'll you charge to carry me to my darter's house, Mrs. +John Jones, in Bleecker Street?" + +"What's the number?" + +"I think it's a hundred and sixty-three." + +"A dollar and a half." + +"A dollar 'n' a half? Couldn't you do it for less?" + +"Carry your bag, sir?" asked Ben, of a gentleman passing. + +The gentleman shook his head. + +He made one or two other proposals, which being in like manner +unsuccessful, he returned to the old lady, who, having by this time got +through her negotiations with the hackman, whom she had vainly striven +to beat down to seventy-five cents, was in a more favorable mood to +accept Ben's services. + +"Can't you take less than fifty cents?" she asked. + +"No," said Ben, decidedly. + +"I'll give you forty." + +"Couldn't do it," said Ben, who felt sure of gaining his point now. + +"Well, I suppose I shall be obleeged to hire you," said the old lady +with a sigh. "Seraphiny ought to have sent down to meet me. I didn't +tell her I was comin' to-day; but she might have thought I'd come, bein' +so pleasant. Here, you boy, you may take the bag, and mind you don't run +away with it. There aint nothin' in it but some of my clo'es." + +"I don't want none of your clo'es," said Ben. "My wife's bigger'n you, +and they wouldn't fit her." + +"Massy sakes! you aint married, be you?" + +"Why shouldn't I be?" + +"I don't believe it. You're not old enough. But I'm glad you don't want +the clo'es. They wouldn't be of no use to you. Just you take the bag, +and I'll foller on behind." + +"I want my pay first." + +"I aint got the change. My darter Seraphiny will pay you when we get to +her house." + +"That don't go down," said Ben, decidedly. "Payment in advance; that's +the way I do business." + +"You'll get your pay; don't you be afraid." + +"I know I shall; but I want it now." + +"You won't run away after I've paid you, will you?" + +"In course not. That aint my style." + +The old lady took out her purse, and drew therefrom forty-seven cents. +She protested that she had not a cent more. Ben pardoned the deficiency, +feeling that he would, notwithstanding, be well paid for his time. + +"All right," said he, magnanimously. "I don't mind the three cents. It +aint any object to a man of my income. Take my hand, old lady, and we'll +go across the street." + +"I'm afraid of bein' run over," said she, hesitatingly. + +"What's the odds if you be?" said Ben. "The city'll have to pay you +damages." + +"But if I got killed, that wouldn't do me any good," remarked the old +lady, sensibly. + +"Then the money'd go to your friends," said Ben, consolingly. + +"Do you think I will be run over?" asked the old lady, anxiously. + +"In course you won't. I'll take care of you. They wouldn't dare to run +over me," said Ben, confidently. + +Somewhat reassured by this remark, the old lady submitted to Ben's +guidance, and was piloted across the street in safety. + +"I wouldn't live in New York for a heap of money. It would be as much as +my life is worth," she remarked. "How far is Bleecker Street?" + +"About two miles." + +"I almost wish I'd rid. But a dollar and a half is a sight to pay." + +"You'd have to pay more than that." + +"That's all the man asked." + +"I know," said Ben; "but when he'd got you there, he'd have charged you +five dollars." + +"I wouldn't have paid it." + +"Yes, you would," said Ben. + +"He couldn't make me." + +"If you didn't pay, he'd have locked you in, and driven you off to the +river, and dumped you in." + +"Do they ever do such things?" asked the old lady, startled. + +"In course they do. Only last week a beautiful young lady was served +that way, 'cause she wouldn't pay what the hackman wanted." + +"And what was done to him?" + +"Nothin'," said Ben. "The police is in league with 'em, and get their +share of the money." + +"Why, you don't say so! What a wicked place New York is, to be sure!" + +"Of course it is. It's so wicked I'm goin' to the country myself as soon +as I get money enough to buy a farm." + +"Have you got much money saved up?" asked the old lady, interested. + +"Four thousand six hundred and seventy-seven dollars and fifty-five +cents. I don't count this money you give me, 'cause I'm goin' to spend +it." + +"You didn't make it all carryin' carpet-bags," said the old lady, +incredulously. + +"No, I made most of it spekilatin' in real estate," said Ben. + +"You don't say!" + +"Yes, I do." + +"You've got most enough to buy a farm a'ready." + +"I aint goin' to buy till I can buy a good one." + +"What's the name of this street?" + +"West Broadway." + +They were really upon West Broadway by this time, that being as direct a +line as any to Bleecker Street. + +"You see that store," said Ben. + +"Yes; what's the matter of it?" + +"I don't own it _now_," said Ben. "I sold it, cos the tenants didn't pay +their rent reg'lar." + +"I should think you'd dress better if you've got so much money," said +the old lady, not unnaturally. + +"What's the use of wearin' nice clo'es round among the wharves?" said +Ben. + +"There's suthin in that. I tell my darter Jane--she lives in the +country--that it's no use dressin' up the children to go to +school,--they're sure to get their clo'es tore and dirty afore they get +home." + +So Ben beguiled the way with wonderful stories, with which he played +upon the old lady's credulity. Of course it was wrong; but a street +education is not very likely to inspire its pupils with a reverence for +truth; and Ben had been knocking about the streets of New York, most of +the time among the wharves, for six years. His street education had +commenced at the age of ten. He had adopted it of his own free will. +Even now there was a comfortable home waiting for him; there were +parents who supposed him dead, and who would have found a difficulty in +recognizing him under his present circumstances. In the next chapter a +light will be thrown upon his past history, and the reader will learn +how his street life began. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +HOW BEN COMMENCED HIS STREET LIFE. + + +One pleasant morning, six years before the date at which this story +commences, a small coasting-vessel drew up at a North River pier in the +lower part of the city. It was loaded with freight, but there was at +least one passenger on board. A boy of ten, dressed in a neat jacket and +pants of gray-mixed cloth, stood on deck, watching with interest the +busy city which they had just reached. + +"Well, bub, here we are," said the captain as he passed. "I suppose you +know your way home." + +"Yes, sir." + +"Are you going on shore now?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Well, good luck to you, my lad. If you are ever down this way, when I'm +in port, I shall be glad to see you." + +"Thank you, sir; good-by." + +"Good-by." + +Ben clambered over the side, and stepped upon the wharf. In the great +city he knew no one, and he was an utter stranger to the streets, never +before having visited it. He was about to begin life for himself at the +age of ten. He had voluntarily undertaken to support himself, leaving +behind him a comfortable home, where he had been well cared for. I must +explain how this came about. + +Ben had a pleasant face, and would be considered good-looking. But there +was a flash in his eye, when aroused, which showed that he had a quick +temper, and there was an expression of firmness, unusual to one so +young, which might have been read by an experienced physiognomist. He +was quick-tempered, proud, and probably obstinate. Yet with these +qualities he was pleasant in his manners, and had a sense of humor, +which made him a favorite among his companions. + +His father was a coal-dealer in a town a few miles distant from +Philadelphia, of a hasty temper like Ben himself. A week before he had +punished Ben severely for a fault which he had not committed. The boy's +pride revolted at the injustice, and, young as he was, he resolved to +run away. I suppose there are few boys who do not form this resolution +at some time or other in their lives; but as a general thing it amounts +to nothing. With Ben it was different. His was a strong nature, whether +for good or for evil, and when he decided to do anything he was not +easily moved from his resolve. He forgot, in the present case, that, +though he had been unjustly punished, the injustice was not intentional +on the part of his father, who had been under a wrong impression +respecting him. But right or wrong, Ben made up his mind to run away; +and he did so. It was two or three days before a good opportunity +presented itself. Then, with a couple of shirts and collars rolled up in +a small bundle, he made his escape to Philadelphia, and after roaming +about the streets for several hours he made his way to the wharves, +where he found a vessel bound for New York. Representing to the captain +that he lived in New York, and had no money to pay his passage home, +that officer, who was a good-natured man, agreed to carry him for +nothing. + +The voyage was now over, and Ben landed, as we have said, an utter +stranger, with very indefinite ideas as to how he was to make his +living. He had told the captain that he knew his way home, for having +falsely represented that he lived in New York, he was in a manner +compelled to this additional falsehood. Still, in spite of his +friendless condition, his spirits were very good. The sun shone +brightly; all looked animated and cheerful. Ben saw numbers of men at +work about him, and he thought, "It will be a pity if I cannot make a +living." + +He did not care to linger about the wharf, for the captain might be led +to doubt his story. Accordingly he crossed the street, and at a venture +turned up a street facing the wharf. + +Ben did not know much about New York, even by report. But he had heard +of Broadway,--as who has not?--and this was about all he did know. When, +therefore, he had gone a short distance, he ventured to ask a +boot-black, whom he encountered at the corner of the next block, "Can +you tell me the shortest way to Broadway?" + +"Follow your nose, Johnny," was the reply. + +"My name isn't Johnny," replied Ben, rather indignant at the +familiarity. He had not learned that, in New York, Johnny is the generic +name for boy, where the specific name is unknown. + +"Aint it though?" returned the boot-black "What's the price of turnips +out where you live?" + +"I'll make your nose turn up if you aint careful," retorted Ben, +wrathfully. + +"You'll do," said the boot-black, favorably impressed by Ben's pluck. +"Just go straight ahead, and you'll come to Broadway. I'm going that +way, and you can come along with me if you want to." + +"Thank you," said Ben, appeased by the boy's changed manner. + +"Are you going to stay here?" inquired his new acquaintance. + +"Yes," said Ben; "I'm going to live here." + +"Where do your friends live?" + +"I haven't got any friends in New York," said Ben, with a little +hesitation. + +"Over in Brooklyn, or Jersey, maybe?" + +"No, I don't know anybody this way." + +"Whew!" whistled the other. "How you goin' to live?" + +"I expect to earn my living," said Ben, in a tone of importance. + +"Father and mother dead?" + +"No, they're alive." + +"I s'pose they're poor?" + +"No, they're not; they're well off." + +The boot-black looked puzzled. + +"Why didn't you stay at home then? Wouldn't they let you?" + +"Of course they would. The fact is, I've run away." + +"Maybe they'd adopt me instead of you." + +"I don't think they would," said Ben, laughing. + +"I wish somebody with lots of cash would adopt me, and make a gentleman +of me. It would be a good sight better'n blackin' boots." + +"Do you make much money that way?" inquired Ben. + +"Pleasant days like this, sometimes I make a dollar, but when it rains +there aint much doin'." + +"How much have you made this morning?" asked Ben, with interest. + +"Sixty cents." + +"Sixty cents, and it isn't more than ten o'clock. That's doing pretty +well." + +"'Taint so good in the afternoon. Most every body gets their boots +blacked in the mornin'. What are you goin' to do?" + +"I don't know," said Ben. + +"Goin' to black boots? I'll show you how," said the other, generously +overlooking all considerations of possible rivalry. + +"I don't think I should like that very well," said Ben, slowly. + +Having been brought up in a comfortable home, he had a prejudice in +favor of clean hands and unsoiled clothes,--a prejudice of which his +street life speedily cured him. + +"I think I should rather sell papers, or go into a store," said Ben. + +"You can't make so much money sellin' papers," said his new +acquaintance. "Then you might get 'stuck'". + +"What's that?" inquired Ben, innocently. + +"Don't you know?" asked the boot-black, wonderingly. "Why, it's when +you've got more papers than you can sell. That's what takes off the +profits. I was a newsboy once; but it's too hard work for the money. +There aint no chance of gettin' stuck on my business." + +"It's rather a dirty business," said Ben, venturing to state his main +objection, at the risk of offending. But Jerry Collins, for that was his +name, was not very sensitive on this score. + +"What's the odds?" he said, indifferently. "A feller gets used to it." + +Ben looked at Jerry's begrimed hands, and clothes liberally marked with +spots of blacking, and he felt that he was not quite ready to get used +to appearing in public in this way. He was yet young in his street life. +The time came when he ceased to be so particular. + +"Where do you board?" asked Ben, after a little pause. + +Jerry Collins stared at the questioner as if he suspected that a joke +was intended. But Ben's serious face assured him that he was in earnest. + +"You're jolly green," he remarked, sententiously. + +"Look here," said Ben, with spirit, "I'll give you a licking if you say +that again." + +It may be considered rather singular that Jerry, Instead of resenting +this threat, was led by it to regard Ben with favor. + +"I didn't mean anything," he said, by way of apology. "You're a trump, +and you'll get over it when you've been in the city a week." + +"What made you call me green?" asked Ben. + +"Did you think I boarded up to the Fifth Avenue?" asked Jerry. + +"What's that,--a hotel?" + +"Yes, it's one of the big hotels, where they eat off gold plates." + +"No, I don't suppose you board there," said Ben, laughing; "but I +suppose there are cheaper boarding-places. Where do you sleep?" + +"Sometimes in wagons, or in door-ways, on the docks, or anywhere where I +get a chance." + +"Don't you get cold sleeping out-doors?" asked Ben. + +"Oh, I'm used to it," said Jerry. "When it's cold I go to the Lodging +House." + +"What's that?" + +Jerry explained that there was a Newsboys' Lodging House, where a bed +could be obtained for six cents a night. + +"That's cheap," said Ben. + +"'Taint so cheap as sleepin' out-doors," returned the boot-black. + +This was true; but Ben thought he would rather pay the six cents than +sleep out, if it were only for the damage likely to come to his clothes, +which were yet clean and neat. Looking at Jerry's suit, however, he saw +that this consideration would be likely to have less weight with him. He +began to understand that he had entered upon a very different life from +the one he had hitherto led. He was not easily daunted, however. + +"If he can stand it, I can," he said to himself. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +STREET SCENES. + + +"Here's Broadway," said Jerry, suddenly. + +They emerged from the side street on which they had been walking, and, +turning the corner, found themselves in the great thoroughfare, a block +or two above Trinity Church. + +Ben surveyed the busy scenes that opened before him, with the eager +interest of a country boy who saw them for the first time. + +"What church is that?" he asked, pointing to the tall spire of the +imposing church that faces Wall Street. + +"That's Trinity Church." + +"Do you go to church there?" + +"I don't go anywhere else," said Jerry, equivocally. "What's the use of +going to church?" + +"I thought everybody went to church," said Ben, speaking from his +experience in a country village "that is, most everybody," he corrected +himself, as several persons occurred to his mind who were more punctual +in their attendance at the liquor saloon than the church. + +"If I'd got good clothes like you have I'd go once just to see what it's +like; but I'd a good sight rather go to the old Bowery Theatre." + +"But you ought not to say that," said Ben, a little startled. + +"Why not?" + +"Because it's better to go to church than to the theatre." + +"Is it?" said Jerry. "Well, you can go if you want to. I'd give more for +a stunnin' old play at the Bowery than fifty churches." + +Ben began to suspect that Jerry was rather loose in his ideas on the +subject of religion, but did not think it best to say so, for fear of +giving offence, though in all probability Jerry's sensitiveness would +not have been at all disturbed by such a charge. + +During the last portion of the conversation they had been standing still +at the street corner. + +"I'm goin' to Nassau Street," said Jerry. "If you want to go up +Broadway, that's the way." + +Without waiting for an answer he darted across the street, threading his +way among the numerous vehicles with a coolness and a success which +amazed Ben, who momentarily expected to see him run over. He drew a long +breath when he saw him safe on the other side, and bethought himself +that he would not like to take a similar risk. He felt sorry to have +Jerry leave him so abruptly. The boot-black had already imparted to him +considerable information about New York, which he saw was likely to be +of benefit to him. Besides, he felt that any society was better than +solitude, and a sudden feeling of loneliness overpowered him, as he felt +that among the crowd of persons that jostled him as he stood at the +corner, there was not one who felt an interest in him, or even knew his +name. It was very different in his native village, where he knew +everybody, and everybody had a friendly word for him. The thought did +occur to him for a moment whether he had been wise in running away from +home; but the thought of the unjust punishment came with it, and his +expression became firmer and more resolute. + +"I won't go home if I starve," he said proudly to himself; and armed +with this new resolution he proceeded up Broadway. + +His attention was soon drawn to the street merchants doing business on +the sidewalk. Here was a vender of neckties, displaying a varied +assortment of different colors, for "only twenty-five cents each." Next +came a candy merchant with his stock in trade, divided up into irregular +lumps, and labelled a penny apiece. They looked rather tempting, and Ben +would have purchased, but he knew very well that his cash capital +amounted to only twenty-five cents, which, considering that he was as +yet without an income, was likely to be wanted for other purposes. + +Next came a man with an assortment of knives, all of them open, and +sticking into a large board, which was the only shop required by their +proprietor. Ben stopped a moment to look at them. He had always had a +fancy for knives, but was now without one. In fact he had sold a +handsome knife, which he had received as a birthday present, for +seventy-five cents, to raise money for his present expedition. Of this +sum but twenty-five cents remained. + +"Will you buy a knife to-day, young gentleman?" asked the vender, who +was on the alert for customers. + +"No, I guess not," said Ben. + +"Here's a very nice one for only one dollar," said the street merchant, +taking up a showy-looking knife with three blades. "Its the best of +steel, warranted. You won't get another such knife for the price in the +city." + +It did look cheap certainly. Ben could not but allow that. He would like +to have owned it, but circumstances forbade. + +"No, I won't buy to-day," he said. + +"Here, you shall have it for ninety-four cents," and the vender began to +roll it up in a piece of paper. "You can't say it isn't cheap." + +"Yes, it's cheap enough," said Ben, moving away, "but I haven't got the +money with me." + +This settled the matter, and the dealer reluctantly unrolled it, and +replaced it among his stock. + +"If you'll call round to-morrow, I'll save it for you till then," he +said. + +"All right," said Ben. + +"I wonder," he thought, "whether he would be so anxious to sell, if he +knew that I had run away from home, and had but twenty-five cents in the +world?" + +Ben's neat dress deceived the man, who naturally supposed him to belong +to a city family well to do. + +Our young hero walked on till he came to the Astor House. He stood on +the steps a few minutes taking a view of what may be considered the +liveliest and most animated part of New York. Nearly opposite was +Barnum's American Museum, the site being now occupied by the costly and +elegant Herald Building and Park Bank. He looked across to the lower end +of the City Hall Park, not yet diverted from its original purpose for +the new Post Office building. He saw a procession of horse-cars in +constant motion up and down Park Row. Everything seemed lively and +animated; and again the thought came to Ben, "If there is employment for +all these people, there must be something for me to do." + +He crossed to the foot of the Park, and walked up on the Park Row side. +Here again he saw a line of street merchants. Most conspicuous were the +dealers in penny ballads, whose wares lined the railings, and were +various enough to suit every taste. Here was an old woman, who might +have gained a first prize for ugliness, presiding over an apple-stand. + +"Take one, honey; it's only two cints," she said, observing that Ben's +attention was drawn to a rosy-cheeked apple. + +Ben was rather hungry, and reflecting that probably apples were as cheap +as any other article of diet, he responded to the appeal by purchasing. +It proved to be palatable, and he ate it with a good relish. + +"Ice-cream, only a penny a glass," was the next announcement. The +glasses, to be sure, were of very small size. Still ice-cream in any +quantity for a penny seemed so ridiculously cheap that Ben, poor as he +was, could not resist the temptation. + +"I'll take a glass," he said. + +A dab of ice-cream was deposited in a glass, and with a pewter spoon +handed to Ben. He raised the spoon to his mouth, but alas! the mixture +was not quite so tempting to the taste as to the eye and the pocket. It +might be ice-cream, but there was an indescribable flavor about it, only +to be explained on the supposition that the ice had been frozen +dish-water. Ben's taste had not been educated up to that point which +would enable him to relish it. He laid it down with an involuntary +contortion of the face. + +"Give it to me, Johnny," he heard at his elbow. + +Turning, he saw a small, dirty-faced boy of six, with bare feet and +tattered attire, who was gazing with a look of greedy desire at the +delicious mixture. + +Ben handed him the glass and spoon, and stood by, looking at him with +some curiosity as he disposed of the contents with a look of evident +enjoyment. + +"Do you like it?" he asked. + +"It's bully," said the young epicure. + +If Ben had not been restricted by his narrow means, he would have +purchased another glass for the urchin. It would have been a very cheap +"treat." But our young adventurer reflected that he had but twenty-two +cents left, and prudence forbade. + +"I don't see how he can like the nasty stuff," he thought. + +But the time was to come when Ben himself, grown less fastidious, would +be able to relish food quite as uninviting. + +Ben made his way across the Park to Broadway again. He felt that it was +high time for him to be seeking employment. His ideas on this subject +were not very well defined, but when he left home he made up his mind +that he would try to get a place in a store on Broadway. He supposed +that, among the great number of stores, there would be a chance for him +to get into some one. He expected to make enough to live in a +comfortable boarding-house, and buy his clothes, though he supposed that +would be about all. He expected to have to economize on spending money +the first year, but the second year his wages would be raised, and then +it would come easier. All this shows how very verdant and unpractical +our young adventurer was, and what disappointment he was preparing for +himself. + +However, Ben's knowledge was to come by experience, and that before +long. + +Reaching Broadway, he walked up slowly on the west side, looking in at +the shop-windows. In the lower part of this busy street are many +wholesale houses, while the upper part is devoted principally to retail +shops. Coming to a large warehouse for the sale of ready-made clothing, +Ben thought he might as well begin there. In such a large place there +must be a good deal to do. + +He passed in and looked about him rather doubtfully. The counters, which +were numerous, were filled high with ready-made garments. Ben saw no one +as small as himself, and that led him to doubt whether his size might +not be an objection. + +"Well, sonny, what do you want?" asked a clerk. + +"Don't you want to hire a boy?" asked our young adventurer, plunging +into his business. + +"I suppose you have had considerable experience in the business?" said +the clerk inclined to banter him a little. + +"No, I haven't," said Ben, frankly. + +"Indeed, I judged from your looks that you were a man of experience." + +"If you don't want to hire me, I'll go," said Ben, independently. + +"Well, young man, I'm afraid you'll have to go. The fact is, we should +have to _higher_ you before we could _hire_ you;" and the clerk laughed +at his witticism. + +Ben naturally saw nothing to laugh at, but felt rather indignant. He +stepped into the street, a little depressed at the result of his first +application. But then, as he reflected, there were a great many other +stores besides this, and he might have better luck next time. He walked +on some distance, however, before trying again. Indeed, he had got above +Bleecker Street, when his attention was arrested by a paper pasted +inside of a shop-window, bearing the inscription:-- + + "CASH-BOYS WANTED." + +Ben did not clearly understand what were the duties of a cash-boy, +though he supposed they must have something to do with receiving money. +Looking in through the glass door he saw boys as small as himself +flitting about, and this gave him courage to enter and make an +application for a place. + +He entered, therefore, and walked up boldly to the first clerk he saw. + +"Do you want a cash-boy?" he asked. + +"Go up to that desk, Johnny," said the clerk, pointing to a desk about +midway of the store. A stout gentleman stood behind it, writing +something in a large book. + +Ben went up, and repeated his inquiry. "Do you want a cash-boy?" + +"How old are you?" asked the gentleman looking down at him. + +"Ten years old." + +"Have you ever been in a store?" + +"No, sir." + +"Do you live in the city?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"With your parents?" + +"No, sir," said Ben, with hesitation. + +"Who do you live with, then?" + +"With nobody. I take care of myself." + +"Humph!" The gentleman looked a little surprised, not at the idea of a +boy of ten looking out for himself, for such cases are common enough in +New York, but at the idea of such a well-dressed lad as Ben being in +that situation. + +"How long have you been your own man?" he inquired. + +"I've only just begun," Ben admitted. + +"Are your parents dead?" + +"No, sir; they're alive." + +"Then I advise you to go back to them. We don't receive any boys into +our employment, who do not live with their parents." + +The gentleman returned to his writing, and Ben saw that his case was +hopeless. His disappointment was greater than before, for he liked the +looks of the proprietor, if, as he judged, this was he. Besides, boys +were wanted, and his size would be no objection, judging from the +appearance of the other boys in the store. So he had been sanguine of +success. Now he saw that there was an objection which he could not +remove, and which would be very likely to stand in his way in other +places. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +A RESTAURANT ON FULTON STREET. + + +Ben kept on his way, looking in at the shop windows as before. He had +not yet given up the idea of getting a place in a store, though he began +to see that his chances of success were rather small. + +The next pause he came to was before a bookstore. Here, too, there was +posted on the window:-- + + "BOY WANTED." + +Ben entered. There were two or three persons behind the counter. The +oldest, a man of forty, Ben decided to be the proprietor. He walked up +to him, and said, "Do you want a boy?" + +"Yes," said the gentleman. "We want a boy to run of errands, and deliver +papers to customers. How old are you?" + +"Ten years old." + +"That is rather young." + +"I'm pretty strong of my age," said Ben, speaking the truth here, for +he was rather larger and stouter than most boys of ten. + +"That is not important, as you will not have very heavy parcels to +carry. Are you well acquainted with the streets in this part of the +city?" + +This question was a poser, Ben thought. He was at first tempted to say +yes, but decided to answer truthfully. + +"No, sir," he answered. + +"Do you live in the lower part of the city?" + +"Yes, sir; that is, I'm going to live there." + +"How long have you lived in the city?" + +"I only arrived this morning," Ben confessed, reluctantly. + +"Then I'm afraid you will not answer my purpose. We need a boy who is +well acquainted with the city streets." + +He was another disqualification. Ben left the store a little +discouraged. He began to think that it would be harder work making a +living than he had supposed. He would apply in two or three more stores, +and, if unsuccessful, he must sell papers or black boots. Of the two he +preferred selling papers. Blacking boots would soil his hands and his +clothes, and, as it was possible that he might some day encounter some +one from his native village, he did not like to have the report carried +home that he had become a New York boot-black. He felt that his +education and bringing up fitted him for something better than that. +However, it was not necessary to decide this question until he had got +through applying for a situation in a store. + +He tried his luck again, and once was on the point of being engaged at +three dollars per week, when a question as to his parents revealed the +fact that he was without a guardian, and this decided the question +against him. + +"It's of no use," said Ben, despondently. "I might as well go back." + +So he turned, and retraced his steps down Broadway. By the time he got +to the City Hall Park he was quite tired. Seeing some vacant seats +inside, he went in and sat down, resting his bundle on the seat beside +him. He saw quite a number of street boys within the inclosure, most of +them boot-blacks. As a rule, they bore the marks of their occupation +not only on their clothes, but on their faces and hands as well. Some, +who were a little more careful than the rest, were provided with a small +square strip of carpeting, on which they kneeled when engaged in +"shining up" a customer's boots. This formed a very good protection for +the knees of their pantaloons. Two were even more luxurious, having +chairs in which they seated their customers. Where this extra +accommodation was supplied, however, a fee of ten cents was demanded, +while the boot-blacks in general asked but five. + +"Black your boots?" asked one boy of Ben, observing that our young +adventurer's shoes were soiled. + +"Yes," said Ben, "if you'll do it for nothing." + +"I'll black your eye for nothing," said the other. + +"Thank you," said Ben, "I won't trouble you." + +Ben was rather interested in a scene which he witnessed shortly +afterwards. A young man, whose appearance indicated that he was from the +country, was waylaid by the boys, and finally submitted his boots to an +operator. + +"How much do you want?" + +"Twenty-five cents," was the reply. + +"Twenty-five cents!" exclaimed the customer, aghast. "You're jokin', +aint you?" + +"Reg'lar price, mister," was the reply. + +"Why, I saw a boy blackin' boots down by the museum for ten cents." + +"Maybe you did; but this is the City Hall Park. We're employed by the +city, and we have to charge the reg'lar price." + +"I wish I'd got my boots blacked down to the museum," said the victim, +in a tone of disappointment, producing twenty-five cents, which was +eagerly appropriated by the young extortioner. + +"I say, Tommy, give us a treat, or we'll peach," said one of the boys. + +Tom led the way to the ice-cream vender's establishment, where with +reckless extravagance he ordered a penny ice-cream all round for the +half-dozen boys in his company, even then making a handsome thing out of +the extra pay he had obtained from his rustic patron. + +By this time it was half-past two o'clock. So Ben learned from the City +Hall clock. He was getting decidedly hungry. There were apple and cake +stands just outside the railings, on which he could have regaled +himself cheaply, but his appetite craved something more solid. There was +a faint feeling, which nothing but meat could satisfy. + +Ben had no idea how much a plate of meat would cost at a restaurant. He +had but twenty-two cents, and whatever he got must come within that +limit. Still he hoped that something could be obtained for this sum. + +Where to go,--that was the question. + +"Can you tell me a good place to get some dinner?" he asked of a boy, +standing near him. + +"Down on Nassau Street or Fulton Street," was the reply. + +"Where is Fulton Street?" asked Ben, catching the last name. + +"I'm goin' that way. You can go with me if you want to." + +Ben readily accepted the companionship proffered, and was led past the +museum, the site of which, as I have said, is now occupied by the Herald +Building. + +Turning down Fulton Street, Ben soon saw a restaurant, with bills of +fare displayed outside. + +"That's a good place," said his guide. + +"Thank you," said Ben. + +He scanned the bill in advance, ascertaining to his satisfaction that he +could obtain a plate of roast beef for fifteen cents, and a cup of +coffee for five. This would make but twenty cents, leaving him a balance +of two cents. + +He opened the door and entered. + +There was a long table running through the centre of the apartment, from +the door to the rear. On each side, against the sides of the room, were +small tables intended for four persons each. There were but few eating, +as the busy time at down-town restaurants usually extends from twelve to +half-past one, or two o'clock, and it was now nearly three. + +Ben entered and took a seat at one of the side tables, laying his bundle +on a chair beside him. + +A colored waiter came up, and stood awaiting his orders. + +"Give me a plate of roast beef," said Ben. + +"Yes, sir. Coffee or tea?" + +"Coffee." + +The waiter went to the lower end of the dining-room, and called out, +"Roast beef." + +After a brief delay, he returned with the article ordered, and a cup of +coffee. + +There were two potatoes with the meat, and a small piece of bread on the +side of the plate. The coffee looked muddy, and not particularly +inviting. + +Ben was not accustomed to the ways of restaurants, and supposed that, as +in shops, immediate payment was expected. + +"Here's the money--twenty cents," he said, producing the sum named. + +"Pay at the desk as you go out," said the waiter. + +Ben looked up, and then for the first time noticed a man behind a +counter in the front part of the room. + +At the same time the waiter produced a green ticket, bearing "20 cents" +printed upon it. + +Ben now addressed himself with a hearty appetite to the dinner. The +plate was dingy, and the meat neither very abundant nor very tender. +Still it can hardly be expected that for fifteen cents a large plate of +sirloin can be furnished. Ben was not in a mood to be critical. At home +he would have turned up his nose at such a repast, but hunger is very +well adapted to cure one of fastidiousness. He ate rapidly, and felt +that he had seldom eaten anything so good. He was sorry there was no +more bread, the supply being exceedingly limited. As for the coffee he +was able to drink it, though he did not enjoy it so well. It tasted as +if there was not more than a teaspoonful of milk in the infusion, while +the flavor of the beverage differed strangely from the coffee he had +been accustomed to get at home. + +"It isn't very good," thought Ben; and he could not help wishing he had +a cup of the good coffee his mother used to make at home. + +"Have anything more?" asked the waiter, coming up to the table. + +Ben looked over the bill of fare, not that he expected to get anything +for the two cents that still remained to him, but because he wanted to +notice the prices of different articles. His eye rested rather longingly +on "Apple Dumplings." He was very fond of this dish, and his appetite +was so far from being satisfied that he felt that he could have easily +disposed of a plate. But the price was ten cents, and of course it was +entirely beyond his means. + +"Nothing more," said he, and rose from his seat. + +He went up to the counter and settled his bill, and went out again into +the street. He felt more comfortable than he had done, as one is very +apt to feel after a good dinner, and Ben's dinner had been a good one, +his appetite making up for any deficiency in the quality. + +Where should he go now? + +He was still tired, and did not care to wander about the streets. +Besides, he had no particular place to go to. He therefore decided to +walk back to the City Hall Park, and sit down on one of the benches. +There would be something to see, and he was interested in watching the +street boys, whose ranks he felt that he should very soon be compelled +to join. His prospects did not look particularly bright, as he was not +provided with means sufficient to pay for another meal. But the time had +not yet come to trouble himself about that. When he got hungry again, he +would probably realize his position a little more keenly. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +A BEER-GARDEN IN THE BOWERY. + + +Ben sat down again in his old seat, and occupied himself once more in +looking about him. After a while he became sleepy. Besides having taken +a considerable walk, he had not slept much the night before. As no one +occupied the bench but himself, he thought he might as well make himself +comfortable. Accordingly he laid his bundle crosswise at one end, and +laid back, using it for a pillow. The visor of his cap he brought down +over his eyes, so as to shield them from the afternoon sun. The seat was +hard, to be sure, but his recumbent position rested him. He did not mean +to go to sleep, but gradually the sounds around him became an indistinct +hum; even the noise and bustle of busy Broadway, but a few feet distant, +failed to ward off sleep, and in a short time he was sleeping soundly. + +Of course he could not sleep in so public a place without attracting +attention. Two ragged boys espied him, and held a low conference +together. + +"What's he got in that bundle, Jim, do you think?" asked one. + +"We'd better look and see." + +They went up to the bench, and touched him, to make sure that he was +fast asleep. The touch did not rouse him to consciousness. + +"Just lift up his head, Mike, and I'll take the bundle," said the larger +of the two boys. + +This was done. + +"Now, let him down softly." + +So the bundle was removed, and poor Ben, wandering somewhere in the land +of dreams, was none the wiser. His head, deprived of its former support, +now rested on the hard bench. It was not so comfortable, but he was too +tired to awake. So he slept on. + +Meanwhile Jim and Mike opened the bundle. + +"It's a couple of shirts," said Jim. + +"Is that all?" asked Mike, disappointed. + +"Well, that's better than nothin'." + +"Give me one of 'em." + +"It's just about your size. 'Taint big enough for me." + +"Then give me the two of 'em." + +"What'll you give?" + +"I aint got no stamps. I'll pay you a quarter when I get it." + +"That don't go down," said Jim, whose confidence in his confederate's +honesty was not very great. Considering the transaction in which they +were now engaged, it is not surprising that there should have been a +mutual distrust. Being unable to make any bargain, Jim decided to take +his share of the booty round to a second-hand clothes-dealer in Chatham +Street. Here, after considerable higgling, he succeeded in selling the +shirt for sixteen cents, which was less than his companion had offered. +However, it was cash down, and so was immediately available,--an +important consideration in the present state of Jim's finances. "A bird +in the hand," as he considered, "was worth two in the bush." + +Jim immediately purchased a cigar with a portion of his dishonest gains, +and, procuring a light, walked about in a state of high enjoyment, +puffing away as coolly as a man of twice his years. + +Meanwhile Ben continued to sleep, happily unconscious of the loss of his +entire personal possessions. In his dreams he was at home once more, +playing with his school companions. Let him sleep! He will waken soon +enough to the hard realities of a street life, voluntarily undertaken, +it is true, but none the less likely to bear heavily upon him. + +He slept a long time. When he awoke it was six o'clock. + +He sat upon his seat, and rubbed his eyes in momentary bewilderment. In +his dreams he had been back again to his native village, and he could +not at once recall his change of circumstances. But it all came back to +him soon enough. He realized with a slight pang that he had a home no +longer; that he was a penniless vagrant, for whom the hospitality of the +streets alone was open. He did wish that he could sit down at the +plentiful home table, and eat the well-cooked supper which was always +provided; that is, if he could blot out one remembrance: when he thought +of the unjust punishment that had driven him forth, his pride rose, and +his determination became as stubborn as ever. I do not defend Ben in +this. He was clearly wrong. The best of parents may be unintentionally +unjust at times, and this is far from affording an adequate excuse for a +boy to leave home. But Ben had a great deal of pride, and I am only +telling you how he felt. + +Our young adventurer did not at first realize the loss which he had +sustained. It was at least five minutes before he thought of his bundle +at all. At length, chancing to look at the seat beside him, he missed +it. + +"Where can it be, I wonder?" he thought, perplexed. + +He looked under the bench, thinking that perhaps it had rolled off. But +it need not be said that it was not to be seen. + +Ben was rather disturbed. It was all he had brought from home, and +constituted his entire earthly possessions. + +"It must have rolled off, and been picked up by somebody," he thought; +but the explanation was not calculated to bring any satisfaction. "I +did not think I should fall asleep." + +It occurred to him that some of the boys near by might have seen it. So +he went up to a group of boot-blacks near by, one of whom was Jim, who +had actually been concerned in the robbery. The other boys knew nothing +of the affair. + +"I say, boys," said Ben, "have you seen anything of my bundle?" + +"What bundle, Johnny?" said Jim, who was now smoking his second cigar. + +"I had a small bundle tied up in a newspaper," said Ben. "I put it under +my head, and then fell asleep. Now I can't find it." + +"Do you think we stole it?" said Jim, defiantly. + +"Of course I don't," said Ben; "but I thought it might have slipped out, +and you might have seen somebody pick it up." + +"Haven't seen it, Johnny," said one of the other boys; "most likely it's +stole." + +"Do you think so?" asked Ben, anxiously. + +"In course, you might expect it would be." + +"I didn't mean to go to sleep." + +"What was there in it?" + +"There was two shirts." + +"You've got a shirt on, aint you?" + +"Yes," said Ben. + +"That's all right, then. What does a feller want of a thousand shirts?" + +"There's some difference between two shirts and a thousand," said Ben. + +"What's the odds? I haven't got but one shirt. That's all I want. When +it is wore out I'll buy a new one." + +"What do you do when it gets dirty?" asked Ben, in some curiosity. + +"Oh, I wash it once in two or three weeks," was the reply. + +This was not exactly in accordance with Ben's ideas of neatness; but he +saw that no satisfaction was likely to be obtained in this quarter, so +he walked away rather depressed. It certainly hadn't been a lucky +day,--this first day in the city. He had been rejected in half-a-dozen +stores in his applications for employment, had spent nearly all his +money, and been robbed of all his clothing except what he wore. + +Again Ben began to feel an appetite. He had eaten his dinner late, but +it had consisted of a plate of meat only. His funds being now reduced to +two cents, he was obliged to content himself with an apple, which did +something towards appeasing his appetite. + +Next Ben began to consider anxiously how he was to pass the night. +Having no money to spend for lodging, there seemed nothing to do but to +sleep out of doors. It was warm weather, and plenty of street boys did +it. But to Ben it would be a new experience, and he regarded it with +some dread. He wished he could meet with Jerry Collins, his acquaintance +of the morning. From him he might obtain some information that would be +of service in his present strait. + +Three or four hours must elapse before it would be time to go to bed. +Ben hardly knew how or where to pass them. He had become tired of the +park; besides, he had got over a part of his fatigue, and felt able to +walk about and explore the city. He turned at a venture up Chatham +Street, and was soon interested in the sights of this peculiar +thoroughfare,--the shops open to the street, with half their stock in +trade exposed on the sidewalk, the importunities of the traders, and the +appearance of the people whom he met. It seemed very lively and +picturesque to Ben, and drew away his attention from his own awkward +position. + +He was asked to buy by some of the traders, being promised wonderful +bargains; but his penniless condition put him out of the reach of +temptation. + +So he wandered on until he came to the Bowery, a broad avenue, wider +than Broadway, and lined by shops of a great variety, but of a grade +inferior to those of its more aristocratic neighbor. + +Here, also, the goods are liberally displayed on the sidewalk, and are +generally labelled with low prices, which tempts many purchasers. The +purchaser, however, must look carefully to the quality of the goods +which he buys, or he will in many cases find the low price merely a +snare and a delusion, and regret that he had not paid more liberally and +bought a better article. + +Later in the evening, on his return walk, Ben came to an establishment +brilliant with light, from which proceeded strains of music. Looking +in, he saw that it was filled with small tables, around which were +seated men, women, and children. They had glasses before them from which +they drank. This was a Lager Beer Hall or Garden,--an institution +transplanted from Germany, and chiefly patronized by those of German +birth or extraction. It seemed bright and cheerful, and our young +adventurer thought it would be pleasant to go in, and spend an hour or +two, listening to the music; but he was prevented by the consciousness +that he had no money to spend, and might be considered an intruder. + +While he was looking in wistfully, he was struck on the back; and +turning, saw, to his surprise, the face of his only acquaintance in New +York, Jerry Collins, the boot-black. + +"I am glad to see you," he said, eagerly offering his hand, without +considering that Jerry's hand, unwashed during the day, was stained with +blacking. He felt so glad to meet an acquaintance, however, that he +would not have minded this, even if it had occurred to him. + +"The same to you," said Jerry. "Are you going in?" + +"I haven't got any money," said Ben, a little ashamed of the confession. + +"Well, I have, and that'll do just as well." + +He took Ben by the arm, and they passed through a vestibule, and entered +the main apartment, which was of large size. On one side, about half way +down, was a large instrument some like an organ, from which the music +proceeded. The tables were very well filled, Germans largely +predominating among the guests. + +"Sit down here," said Jerry. + +They took seats at one of the tables. Opposite was a stout German and +his wife, the latter holding a baby. Both had glasses of lager before +them, and the baby was also offered a share by its mother; but, from the +contortions of its face, did not appear to relish it. + +"_Zwei Glass Lager_," said Jerry, to a passing attendant. + +"Can you speak German?" asked Ben, surprised. + +"Yaw," said Jerry; "my father was an Irishman, and my mother was a +Dutchman." + +Jerry's German, however, seemed to be limited, as he made no further +attempts to converse in that language. + +The glasses were brought. Jerry drank his down at a draught, but Ben, +who had never before tasted lager, could not at once become reconciled +to its bitter taste. + +"Don't you like it?" asked Jerry. + +"Not very much," said Ben. + +"Then I'll finish it for you;" and he suited the action to the word. + +Besides the lager a few plain cakes were sold, but nothing more +substantial. Evidently the beer was the great attraction. Ben could not +help observing, with some surprise, that, though everybody was drinking, +there was not the slightest disturbance, or want of decorum, or +drunkenness. The music, which was furnished at intervals, was of very +good quality, and was listened to with attention. + +"I was goin' to Tony Pastor's to-night," said Jerry, "if I hadn't met +you." + +"What sort of a place is that?" asked Ben. + +"Oh, it's a bully place--lots of fun. You must go there some time." + +"I think I will," answered Ben, mentally adding, "if I ever have money +enough." + +Here the music struck up, and they stopped to listen to it. When this +was over, Jerry proposed to go out. Ben would have been willing to stay +longer; but he saw that his companion did not care so much for the music +as himself, and he did not wish to lose sight of him. To be alone in a +great city, particularly under Ben's circumstances, is not very +pleasant, and our young adventurer determined to stick to his new +acquaintance, who, though rough in his manners, had yet seemed inclined +to be friendly, and Ben felt sadly in need of a friend. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +THE BURNING BALES. + + +"Where are you going to sleep to-night?" asked Ben, introducing a +subject which had given him some anxiety. + +"I don't know," said Jerry, carelessly. "I'll find a place somewhere." + +"I'll go with you, if you'll let me," said Ben. + +"In course I will." + +"I haven't got any money." + +"What's the odds? They don't charge nothin' at the hotel where I stop." + +"What time do you go to bed?" + +"Most any time. Do you feel sleepy?" + +"Rather. I didn't sleep much last night." + +"Well, we'll go and find a place now. How'd you like sleepin' on +cotton-bales?" + +"I think that would be comfortable." + +"There's a pile of bales down on the pier, where the New Orleans +steamers come in. Maybe we could get a chance there." + +"All right. Where is it?" + +"Pier 8, North River. It'll take us twenty minutes, or maybe half an +hour, to go there." + +"Let us go," said Ben. + +He felt relieved at the idea of so comfortable a bed as a cotton-bale, +and was anxious to get stowed away for the night. + +The two boys struck across to Broadway, and followed that street down +past Trinity Church, turning down the first street beyond. Rector +Street, notwithstanding its clerical name, is far from an attractive +street. Just in the rear of the great church, and extending down to the +wharves, is a collection of miserable dwellings, occupied by tenants +upon whom the near presence of the sanctuary appears to produce little +impression of a salutary character. Ben looked about him in +ill-concealed disgust. He neither fancied the neighborhood, nor the +people whom he met. But the Island is very narrow just here, and he had +not far to walk to West Street, which runs along the edge of Manhattan +Island, and is lined with wharves. Jerry, of course, did not mind the +surroundings. He was too well used to them to care. + +They brought out opposite the pier. + +"There it is," said Jerry. + +Ben saw a pile of cotton-bales heaped up on the wharf in front. Just +behind them was a gate, and over it the sign of the New Orleans Company. + +"I should think somebody would steal the bales," said Ben. "Are they +left out here all night?" + +"There's a watchman round here somewhere," said Jerry. "He stays here +all night to guard the bales." + +"Will he let us sleep here?" + +"I don't know," said Jerry. "We'll creep in, when he isn't looking." + +The watchman was sitting down, leaning his back against one of the +bales. A short pipe was in his mouth, and he seemed to be enjoying his +smoke. This was contrary to orders, for the cotton being combustible +might easily catch fire; but this man, supposing that he would not be +detected, indulged himself in the forbidden luxury. + +"Now creep along softly," said Jerry. + +The latter, being barefooted, had an advantage over Ben, but our young +adventurer crept after him as softly as he could. Jerry found a bale +screened from observation by the higher piles on each side, where he +thought they could sleep unobserved. Following his lead, Ben stretched +himself out upon it. + +The watchman was too busily occupied with his pipe to detect any noise. + +"Aint it comfortable?" whispered Jerry. + +"Yes," said Ben, in the same low tone. + +"I wouldn't ask for nothin' better," said Jerry. + +Ben was not so sure about that; but then he had not slept out hundreds +of nights, like Jerry, in old wagons, or on door-steps, or wherever else +he could; so he had a different standard of comparison. + +He could not immediately go to sleep. He was tired, it was true, but his +mind was busy. It was only twelve hours since he had landed in the city, +but it had been an eventful twelve hours. He understood his position a +little better now, and how much he had undertaken, in boldly leaving +home at ten years of age, and taking upon himself the task of earning +his living. + +If he had known what was before him, would he have left home at all? + +Ben was not sure about this. He did own to himself, however, that he was +disappointed. The city had not proved the paradise he had expected. +Instead of finding shopkeepers eager to secure his services, he had +found himself uniformly rejected. He began to suspect that it was rather +early to begin the world at ten years of age. Then again, though he was +angry with his father, he had no cause of complaint against his mother. +She had been uniformly kind and gentle, and he found it hard to keep +back the tears when he thought how she would be distressed at his +running away. He had not thought of that in the heat of his first anger, +but he thought of it now. How would she feel if she knew where he was at +this moment, resting on a cotton-bale, on a city wharf, penniless and +without a friend in the great city, except the ragged boy who was +already asleep at his side? She would feel badly, Ben knew that, and he +half regretted having been so precipitate in his action. He could remedy +it all, and relieve his mother's heart by going back. But here Ben's +pride came in. To go back would be to acknowledge himself wrong; it +would be a virtual confession of failure, and, moreover, knowing his +father's sternness, he knew that he would be severely punished. +Unfortunately for Ben, his father had a stern, unforgiving disposition, +that never made allowances for the impulses of boyhood. He had never +condescended to study his own son, and the method of training he had +adopted with him was in some respects very pernicious. His system +hardened, instead of softening, and prejudiced Ben against what was +right, maddening him with a sense of injustice, and so preventing his +being influenced towards good. Of course, all this did not justify Ben +in running away from home. The thought of his mother ought to have been +sufficient to have kept him from any such step. But it was necessary to +be stated, in order that my readers might better understand what sort of +a boy Ben was. + +So, in spite of his half relenting, Ben determined that he would not go +home at all events. Whatever hardships lay before him in the new life +which he had adopted, he resolved to stand them as well as he could. +Indeed, however much he might desire to retrace his steps, he had no +money to carry him back, nor could he obtain any unless he should write +home for it, and this again would be humiliating. Ben's last thought, +then, as he sank to sleep, was, that he would stick to New York, and get +his living somehow, even if he had to black boots for a living. + +At the end of an hour, both boys were fast asleep. The watchman, after +smoking his pipe, got up, and paced up and down the wharf drowsily. He +did not happen to observe the young sleepers. If he had done so, he +would undoubtedly have shaken them roughly, and ordered them off. It was +rather fortunate that neither Ben nor his companion were in the habit of +snoring, as this would at once have betrayed their presence, even to the +negligent watchman. + +After a while the watchman bethought himself again of his pipe, and, +filling the bowl with tobacco, lighted it. Then, with the most culpable +carelessness, he half reclined on one of the bales and "took comfort." +Not having prepared himself for the vigils of the night by repose during +the day, he began to feel uncommonly drowsy. The whiffs came less and +less frequently, until at last the pipe fell from his lips, and he fell +back fast asleep. The burning contents of the pipe fell on the bale, and +gradually worked their way down into the interior. Here the mischief +soon spread. What followed may easily be imagined. + +Ben was aroused from his sleep by a confused outcry. He rubbed his eyes +to see what was the matter. There was something stifling and suffocating +in the atmosphere, which caused him to choke as he breathed. As he +became more awake, he realized that the cotton-bales, among which he had +taken refuge, were on fire. He became alarmed, and shook Jerry +energetically. + +"What's up?" said Jerry, drowsily. "I aint done nothin'. You can't take +me up." + +"Jerry, wake up; the bales are on fire," said Ben. + +"I thought 'twas a copp," said Jerry, rousing, and at a glance +understanding the position of affairs. "Let's get out of this." + +That was not quite so easy. There was fire on all sides, and they must +rush through it at some risk. However, it was every moment getting +worse, and there was no chance for delay. + +"Foller me," said Jerry, and he dashed through, closely pursued by Ben. + +By this time quite a crowd of men and boys had gathered around the +burning bales. + +When the two boys rushed out, there was a general exclamation of +surprise. Then one burly man caught Jerry by the arm, and said, "Here's +the young villain that set the bales on fire." + +"Let me alone, will you?" said Jerry. "Yer grandmother set it on fire, +more likely." + +No sooner was Jerry seized, than another man caught hold of Ben, and +forcibly detained him. + +"I've got the other," he said. + +"Now, you young rascal, tell me how you did it," said the first. "Was +you smokin'?" + +"No, I wasn't," said Jerry, shortly. "I was sleepin' along of this other +boy." + +"What made you come here to sleep?" + +"'Cause we hadn't no other bed." + +"Are you sure you wasn't smoking?" + +"Look here," said Jerry, contemptuously, "you must think I'm a fool, to +go and set my own bed on fire." + +"That's true," said a bystander. "It wouldn't be very likely." + +"Who did it, then?" asked the stout man, suspiciously. + +"It's the watchman. I seed him smokin' when I turned in." + +"Where is he now?" + +Search was made for the watchman, but he had disappeared. Awaking to a +consciousness of what mischief he had caused through his carelessness, +he had slipped away in the confusion, and was not likely to return. + +"The boy tells the truth," said one of the crowd. "I saw the watchman +smoking myself. No doubt the fire caught from his pipe. The boys are +innocent. Better let them go." + +The two custodians of Jerry and Ben released their hold, and they gladly +availed themselves of the opportunity to remove themselves to a safer +distance from their late bedchamber. + +Two fire-engines came thundering up, and streams of water were directed +effectively at the burning bales. The flames were extinguished, but not +till considerable damage had been done. + +As the two boys watched the contest between the flames and the engines, +from a safe distance, they heard the sonorous clang of the bell in the +church-tower, ringing out twelve o'clock. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +BEN'S TEMPTATION. + + +"Jest my luck!" complained Jerry. "Why couldn't the fire have waited +till mornin'?" + +"We might have burned up," said Ben, who was considerably impressed by +his narrow escape. + +"Only we didn't," said Jerry. "We'll have to try another hotel for the +rest of the night." + +"Where shall we go?" + +"We may find a hay-barge down to the pier at the foot of Franklin +Street." + +"Is it far?" + +"Not very." + +"Let us go then." + +So the boys walked along the street until they came to the pier referred +to. There was a barge loaded with hay, lying alongside the wharf. Jerry +speedily provided himself with a resting-place upon it, and Ben followed +his example. It proved to be quite as comfortable, if not more so, than +their former bed, and both boys were soon asleep. How long he slept Ben +did not know, but he was roused to consciousness by a rude shake. + +"Wake up there!" said a voice. + +Ben opened his eyes, and saw a laboring man bending over him. + +"Is it time to get up?" he inquired, hardly conscious where he was. + +"I should think it was, particularly as you haven't paid for your +lodging." + +"Where's Jerry?" asked Ben, missing the boot-black. + +The fact was, that Jerry, whose business required him to be astir early, +had been gone over an hour. He had not felt it necessary to wake up Ben, +knowing that the latter had nothing in particular to call him up. + +"I don't know anything about Jerry. You'd better be going home, young +'un. Take my advice, and don't stay out another night." + +He evidently thought that Ben was a truant from home, as his dress +would hardly class him among the homeless boys who slept out from +necessity. + +Ben scrambled upon the pier, and took a cross street up towards +Broadway. He had slept off his fatigue, and the natural appetite of a +healthy boy began to assert itself. It was rather uncomfortable to +reflect that he was penniless, and had no means of buying a breakfast. +He had meant to ask Jerry's advice, as to some occupation by which he +could earn a little money, and felt disappointed that his companion had +gone away before he waked up. His appetite was the greater because he +had been limited to a single apple for supper. + +Where to go he did not know. One place was as good as another. It was a +strange sensation to Ben to feel the cravings of appetite, with nothing +to satisfy it. All his life he had been accustomed to a good home, where +his wants were plentifully provided for. He had never had any anxiety +about the supply of his daily wants. In the city there were hundreds of +boys younger than he, who, rising in the morning, knew not where their +meals were to come from, or whether they were to have any; but this had +never been his case. + +"I am young and strong," thought Ben. "Why can't I find something to +do?" + +His greatest anxiety was to work, and earn his living somehow; but how +did not seem clear. Even if he were willing to turn boot-black, he had +no box nor brush, and had some doubts whether he should at first possess +the requisite skill. Selling papers struck him more favorably; but here +again the want of capital would be an objection. + +So, in a very perplexed frame of mind, our young adventurer went on his +way, and after a while caught sight of the upper end of the City Hall +Park. Here he felt himself at home, and, entering, looked among the +dozens of boys who were plying their work to see if he could not find +his acquaintance Jerry. But here he was unsuccessful. Jerry's business +stand was near the Cortlandt Street pier. + +Hour after hour passed, and Ben became more and more hungry and +dispirited. He felt thoroughly helpless. There seemed to be nothing that +he could do. He began to be faint, and his head ached. One o'clock +found him on Nassau Street, near the corner of Fulton. There was a stand +for the sale of cakes and pies located here, presided over by an old +woman, of somewhat ample dimensions. This stall had a fascination for +poor Ben. He had such a craving for food that he could not take his eyes +off the tempting pile of cakes which were heaped up before him. It +seemed to him that he should be perfectly happy if he could be permitted +to eat all he wanted of them. + +Ben knew that it was wrong to steal. He had never in his life taken what +did not belong to him, which is more than many boys can say, who have +been brought up even more comfortably than he. But the temptation now +was very strong. He knew it was not right; but he was not without +excuse. Watching his opportunity, he put his hand out quickly, and, +seizing a couple of pies, stowed them away hastily in his pocket, and +was about moving off to eat them in some place where he would not be +observed. But though the owner of the stolen articles had not observed +the theft, there was a boy hanging about the stall, possibly with the +same object in view, who did see it. + +"He's got some of your pies, old lady," said the young detective. + +The old woman looked round, and though the pies were in Ben's pocket +there was a telltale in his face which betrayed him. + +"Put back them pies, you young thafe!" said the angry pie-merchant. +"Aint you ashamed of yerself to rob a poor widdy, that has hard work to +support herself and her childers,--you that's dressed like a gentleman, +and ought to know better?" + +"Give it to him, old lady," said the hard-hearted young vagabond, who +had exposed Ben's iniquity. + +As for Ben, he had not a word to say. In spite of his hunger, he was +overwhelmed with confusion at having actually attempted to steal, and +been caught in the act. He was by no means a model boy; but apart from +anything which he had been taught in the Sunday school, he considered +stealing mean and discreditable, and yet he had been led into it. What +would his friends at home think of it, if they should ever hear of it? +So, as I said, he stood without a word to say in his defence, +mechanically replacing the pies on the stall. + +"I say, old lady, you'd orter give me a pie for tellin' you," said the +informer. + +"You'd have done the same, you young imp, if you'd had the chance," +answered the pie-vender, with more truth than gratitude. "Clear out, the +whole on ye. I've had trouble enough with ye." + +Ben moved off, thankful to get off so well. He had feared that he might +be handed over to the police, and this would have been the crowning +disgrace. + +But the old woman seemed satisfied with the restoration of her property, +and the expression of her indignation. The attempt upon her stock she +regarded with very little surprise, having suffered more than once +before in a similar way. + +But there was another spectator of the scene, whose attention had been +drawn to the neat attire and respectable appearance of Ben. He saw that +he differed considerably from the ordinary run of street boys. He +noticed also the flush on the boy's cheek when he was detected, and +judged that this was his first offence. Something out of the common way +must have driven him to the act. He felt impelled to follow Ben, and +learn what that something was. I may as well state here that he was a +young man of twenty-five or thereabouts, a reporter on one or more of +the great morning papers. He, like Ben, had come to the city in search +of employment, and before he secured it had suffered more hardships and +privations than he liked to remember. He was now earning a modest +income, sufficient to provide for his wants, and leave a surplus over. +He had seen much of suffering and much of crime in his daily walks about +the city, but his heart had not become hardened, nor his sympathies +blunted. He gave more in proportion to his means than many rich men who +have a reputation for benevolence. + +Ben had walked but a few steps, when he felt a hand upon his shoulder. + +Looking round hastily, he met the gaze of the young man. He had thought +at first it might be a policeman, and he felt relieved when he saw his +mistake. + +"You are the boy who just now took a couple of pies from a stall?" said +the reporter. + +"Yes," said Ben, hesitatingly, his face crimsoning as he spoke. + +"Do you mind telling me why you did so?" + +There was something in his tone which reassured Ben, and he determined +to tell the truth frankly. + +"I have eaten nothing to-day," he said. + +"You never took anything before?" + +"No," said Ben, quickly. + +"I suppose you had no money to buy with?" + +"No, I had not." + +"How does it happen that a boy as well dressed as you are, are in such a +position?" + +"I would rather not tell," said Ben. + +"Have you run away from home?" + +"Yes; I had a good reason," he added, quickly. + +"What do you propose to do? You must earn your living in some way, or +starve." + +"I thought I might get a place in a store; but I have tried half a +dozen, and they won't take me." + +"No, your chance will be small, unless you can bring good references. +But you must be hungry." + +"I am," Ben admitted. + +"That can be remedied, at all events. I am just going to get some +dinner; will you go with me?" + +"I have no money." + +"I have, and that will answer the purpose for this time. We will go back +to Fulton Street." + +Ben turned back thankfully, and with his companion entered the very +restaurant in which he had dined the day before. + +"If you are faint, soup will be the best thing for you to begin on," +said the young man; and he gave an order to the waiter. + +Nothing had ever seemed more delicious to Ben than that soup. When he +had done justice to it, a plate of beefsteak awaited him, which also +received his attention. Then he was asked to select some dessert. + +"I am afraid you are spending too much for me," he said. + +"Don't be afraid of that; I am glad that you have a good appetite." + +At length the dinner was over. Ben felt decidedly better. His +despondency had vanished, and the world again seemed bright to him. It +is hard to be cheerful, or take bright views of life on an empty +stomach, as many have learned beside our young adventurer. + +"Now," said his new-found friend, "I have a few minutes to spare. +Suppose we talk over your plans and prospects, and see if we can find +anything for you to do." + +"Thank you," said Ben; "I wish you would give me your advice." + +"My advice is that you return to your home, if you have one," said the +reporter. + +Ben shook his head. + +"I don't want to do that," he answered. + +"I don't, of course, know what is your objection to this, which seems to +me the best course. Putting it aside, however, we will consider what you +can do here to earn your living." + +"That is what I want to do." + +"How would you like selling papers?" + +"I think I should like it," said Ben; "but I have no money to buy any." + +"It doesn't require a very large capital. I will lend you, or give you, +the small amount which will be necessary. However, you mustn't expect +to make a very large income." + +"If I can make enough to live on, I won't care," said Ben. + +He had at first aimed higher; but his short residence in the city taught +him that he would be fortunate to meet his expenses. There are a good +many besides Ben who have found their early expectations of success +considerably modified by experience. + +"Let me see. It is half-past one o'clock," said the reporter, drawing +out his watch. "You had better lay in a supply of 'Expresses' and +'Evening Posts,' and take a good stand somewhere, and do your best with +them. As you are inexperienced in the business it will be well to take a +small supply at first, or you might get 'stuck.'" + +"That's so." + +"You must not lay in more than you can sell." + +"Where can I get the papers?" + +"I will go with you to the newspaper offices, and buy you half a dozen +of each. If you succeed in selling them, you can buy more. To-morrow you +can lay in some of the morning papers, the 'Herald,' 'World,' +'Tribune,' or 'Times.' It will be well also to have a few 'Suns' for +those who do not care to pay for the higher-priced papers." + +"Thank you," said Ben, who was eager to begin his business career. + +They rose from the table, and set out for the offices of the two evening +papers whose names have been mentioned. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +BEN COMMENCES HIS BUSINESS CAREER. + + +Ben soon took his stand in the street, with a roll of papers under his +arm, supplied by the generosity of his new acquaintance. It was rather a +trying ordeal for a country boy, new to the city and its ways. But Ben +was not bashful. He was not a timid boy, but was fully able to push his +way. So, glancing at the telegraphic headings, he began to call out the +news in a business-like way. He had already taken notice of how the +other newsboys acted, and therefore was at no loss how to proceed. + +He met with very fair success, selling out the twelve papers which had +been bought for him, in a comparatively short time. It might have been +that the fact that he was neater and better dressed operated in his +favor. At any rate, though a new hand, he succeeded better than those +who were older in the business. + +But his neat dress operated to his disadvantage in another quarter. His +business rivals, who were, with scarcely an exception, dressed with no +great pretensions to style or neatness, looked upon the interloper with +a jealous eye. They regarded him as "stuck up," in virtue of his +superior dress, and were indignant to find their sales affected by his +competition. + +"Who's he? Ever seen him afore?" asked Tim Banks of a newsboy at his +side. + +"No; he's a new chap." + +"What business has he got to come here and steal away our trade, I'd +like to know?" continued Tim, eying Ben with no friendly glance. + +At that moment a gentleman, passing Tim, bought an "Evening Post" of +Ben. It was the third paper that Ben had sold since Tim had effected a +sale. This naturally increased his indignation. + +"He's puttin' on airs just because he's got good clo'es," said the other +newsboy, who shared Tim's feelings on the subject. + +"Let's shove him out," suggested Tim. + +"All right." + +Tim, who was a boy of twelve, with a shock head, which looked as if it +had never been combed, and a suit of clothes which bore the marks of +severe usage, advanced to Ben, closely followed by his confederate, who +had agreed to back him. + +Ben had just sold his last paper when the two approached him. He did not +understand their object until Tim, swaggering up to him, said +offensively, "You'd better clear out; you aint wanted here." + +Ben turned and faced his ragged opponent with intrepidity. + +"Why aint I wanted here?" he inquired, without manifesting the least +symptom of alarm. + +Tim rather anticipated that Ben would show the white feather, and was a +little surprised at his calmness. + +"Cause yer aint, that's why," he answered. + +"If you don't like my company, you can go somewhere else," said Ben. + +"This is _my_ place," said Tim. "You aint got no right to push in." + +"If it's your place, how much did you pay for it?" asked Ben. "I thought +that the sidewalk was free to all." + +"You aint got no right to interfere with my business." + +"I didn't know that I had interfered with it." + +"Well, you have. I aint sold more'n half as many papers since you've +been here." + +"You've got the same chance as I have," said Ben. "I didn't tell them +not to buy of you." + +"Well, you aint wanted here, and you'd better make tracks," said Tim, +who considered this the best argument of all. + +"Suppose I don't," said Ben. + +"Then I'll give you a lickin'." + +Ben surveyed the boy who uttered this threat, in the same manner that a +general would examine an opposing force, with a view to ascertain his +strength and ability to cope with him. It was clear that Tim was taller +than himself, and doubtless older. As to being stronger, Ben did not +feel so positive. He was himself well and compactly made, and strong of +his age. He did not relish the idea of being imposed upon, and prepared +to resist any encroachment upon his rights. He did not believe that Tim +had any right to order him off. He felt that the sidewalk was just as +free to him as to any other boy, and he made up his mind to assert and +maintain his right. + +"If you want to give me a licking, just try it," he said. "I've got just +as much right to stand here and sell papers as you have, and I'm going +to do it." + +"You needn't be so stuck up jest because you've got good clo'es on." + +"If they are good, I can't help it," said Ben. "They're all I have, and +they won't be good long." + +"Maybe I could get good clo'es if I'd steal em," said Tim. + +"Do you mean to say I stole these?" retorted Ben, angrily. He had no +sooner said it, however, than he thought of the pies which he should +have stolen if he had not been detected, and his face flushed. Luckily +Tim did not know why his words produced an effect upon Ben, or he would +have followed up his attack. + +"Yes, I do," said Tim. + +"Then you judge me by yourself," said Ben, "that's all I've got to say." + +"Say that ag'in," said Tim, menacingly. + +"So I will, if you want to hear it. You judge me by yourself." + +"I'll give you a lickin'." + +"You've said that before." + +Tim was not particularly brave. Still Ben was a smaller boy, and besides +he had a friend at hand to back him, so he concluded that it would be +safe to venture. Doubling up a dirty fist, he struck out, intending to +hit Ben in the face; but our young adventurer was on his guard, and +fended off the blow with his arms. + +"Will yer go now?" demanded Tim, pausing after his attack. + +"Why should I?" + +"If you don't I'll give you another lick." + +"I can stand it, if it isn't any worse than that." + +Tim was spurred by this to renew the assault. He tried to throw his arms +around Ben, and lift him from the ground, which would enable him to +throw him with greater ease. But Ben was wary, and experienced in this +mode of warfare, having often had scuffles in fun with his +school-fellows. He evaded Tim's grasp, therefore, and dealt him a blow +in the breast, which made Tim stagger back. He began to realize that +Ben, though a smaller boy, was a formidable opponent, and regretted that +he had undertaken a contest with him. He was constrained to appeal to +his companion for assistance. + +"Just lend a hand, Jack, and we'll give it to him." + +"So you have to ask help," said Ben, scornfully, "though you're bigger +than I am." + +"I could lick yer well enough alone," said Tim, "but you've been +interferin' with Jack's business, as well as mine." + +Jack responded to his friend's appeal, and the two advanced to the +assault of Ben. Of course all this took place much more quickly than it +has taken to describe it. The contest commenced, and our young +adventurer would have got the worst of it, if help had not arrived. +Though a match for either of the boys singly, he could not be expected +to cope with both at a time, especially as he was smaller than either. + +Tim found himself seized forcibly by the arm, just as he was about to +level a blow at Ben. Looking up, he met the glance of another newsboy, a +boy of fourteen, who was known among his comrades as "Rough and Ready." +This boy was stout and strong, and was generally liked by those of his +class for his generous qualities, as well as respected for his physical +strength, which he was always ready to exert in defence of a weaker boy. + +"What's all this, Tim?" he demanded. "Aint you ashamed, the two of you, +to pitch into a smaller boy?" + +"He aint got no business here," said Tim, doggedly. + +"Why not?" + +"He's takin' away all our trade." + +"Hasn't he just as much right to sell papers as you?" + +"He can go somewhere else." + +"So can you." + +"He's a new boy. This is the first day he's sold papers." + +"Then you ought to be able to keep up with him. What's your name, young +un?" + +This question was, of course, addressed to Ben. + +"Ben," answered our young hero. He did not think it necessary to mention +his other name, especially as, having run away from home, he had a +vague idea that it might lead to his discovery. + +"Well, Ben, go ahead and sell your papers. I'll see that you have fair +play." + +"Thank you," said Ben. "I'm not afraid of either of them." + +"Both of them might be too much for you." + +"I don't want to interfere with their business. They've got just as good +a chance to sell as I have." + +"Of course they have. Is this your first day?" + +"Yes." + +"How many papers have you sold?" + +"Six 'Posts' and six 'Expresses.'" + +"That's pretty good for a beginning. Are you going to get some more?" + +"Yes, I was just going into the office when that boy," pointing to Tim, +"tried to drive me off." + +"He won't do it again. Come in with me. I'm going to buy some papers +too." + +"What's your name?" asked Ben. "I like you; you're not mean, like those +fellows." + +"My name is Rufus, but the boys call me Rough and Ready." + +"Where do you live,--at the Newsboys' Lodging House?" + +"No, I live in Leonard Street. I've got a mother and a little sister. I +live with them." + +"Have you got a father?" + +"No, that is, not a real father. I've got a step-father; but he's worse +than none, for he is loafing round most of the time, and spends all the +money he can get on drink. If it wasn't for me, he'd treat mother worse +than he does. How long have you been in New York?" + +"Only a day or two," said Ben. + +"Where are you living?" + +"Anywhere I can. I haven't got any place." + +"Where did you sleep last night?" + +"In a hay-barge, at one of the piers, along with a boot-black named +Jerry. That was the first night I ever slept out." + +"How did you like it?" + +"I think I'd prefer a bed," said Ben. + +"You can get one at the Lodge for six cents." + +"I didn't have six cents last night." + +"They'll trust you there, and you can pay next time." + +"Where is the Lodging House?" + +"It's on the corner of this street and Fulton," said Rough and Ready. +"I'll show it to you, if you want me to." + +"I'd like to have you. I'd rather pay six cents than sleep out again." + +By this time they reached the office of the "Express," and, entering, +purchased a supply of papers. He was about to invest his whole capital, +but, by the advice of his companion, bought only eight copies, as by the +time these were disposed of a later edition would be out, which of +course would be more salable. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +SCENES AT THE NEWSBOYS' LODGING HOUSE. + + +It will be unnecessary to give in detail the record of Ben's sales. He +succeeded, because he was in earnest, and he was in earnest, because his +own experience in the early part of the day had revealed to him how +uncomfortable it was to be without money or friends in a large city. At +seven o'clock, on counting over his money, he found that he had a dollar +and twelve cents. Of this sum he had received half a dollar from the +friendly reporter, to start him in business. This left sixty-two cents +as his net profits for the afternoon's work. Ben felt proud of it, for +it was the first money he had ever earned. His confidence came back to +him, and he thought he saw his way clear to earning his own living. + +Although the reporter had not exacted repayment, Ben determined to lay +aside fifty cents for that purpose. Of the remaining sixty-two, a part +must be saved as a fund for the purchase of papers the next morning. +Probably thirty cents would be sufficient for this, as, after selling +out those first purchased, he would have money for a new supply. This +would leave him thirty-two cents to pay for his supper, lodging, and +breakfast. Ben would not have seen his way to accomplish all this for so +small a sum, if he had not been told that at the Newsboys' Lodge the +regular charge was six cents for each meal, and the same for lodging. +This would make but eighteen cents, leaving him a surplus of fourteen. +On inquiry, however, he ascertained that it was already past the hour +for supper at the Lodge, and therefore went into the restaurant, on +Fulton Street, where he ordered a cup of coffee, and a plate of +tea-biscuit. These cost ten cents. Finding his appetite still +unsatisfied, he ordered another plate of biscuit, which carried up the +expense of his supper to fifteen cents. This left seventeen cents for +lodging and breakfast. + +After supper, he went out into the street once more, and walked about +for some time, until he began to feel tired, when he turned his steps +towards the Newsboys' Lodge. This institution occupied at that time the +two upper stories of the building at the corner of Nassau and Fulton +Streets. On the first floor was the office of the "Daily Sun." The +entrance to the Lodge was on Fulton Street. Ben went up a steep and +narrow staircase, and kept mounting up until he reached the sixth floor. +Here to the left he saw a door partially opened, through which he could +see a considerable number of boys, whose appearance indicated that they +belonged to the class known as street boys. He pushed the door open and +entered. He found himself in a spacious, but low-studded apartment, +abundantly lighted by rows of windows on two sides. At the end nearest +the door was a raised platform, on which stood a small melodeon, which +was used at the Sunday-evening meetings. There were rows of benches in +the centre of the apartment for the boys. + +A stout, pleasant-looking man, who proved to be Mr. O'Connor, the +superintendent, advanced to meet Ben, whom he at once recognized as a +new-comer. + +"Is this the Newsboys' Lodge?" asked Ben. + +"Yes," said the superintendent; "do you wish to stop with us?" + +"I should like to sleep here to-night," said Ben. + +"You are quite welcome." + +"How much do you charge?" + +"Our charge is six cents." + +"Here is the money," said Ben, drawing it from his vest-pocket. + +"What is your name?" + +"Benjamin." + +"And your other name?" + +"Brandon," answered Ben, with some hesitation. + +"What do you do for a living?" + +"I am selling papers." + +"Well, we will assign you a bed." + +"Where are the beds?" asked Ben, looking about him. + +"They are on the floor below. Any of the boys will go down and show you +when you get ready to retire." + +"Can I get breakfast here in the morning?" inquired Ben. + +"Certainly. We charge the same as for lodging." + +Ben handed over six cents additional, and congratulated himself that he +was not as badly off as the night before, being sure of a comfortable +bed, and a breakfast in the morning. + +"What are those for?" he asked, pointing to a row of drawers or lockers +on the sides of the apartment near the floor. + +"Boys who have any extra clothing, or any articles which they value, are +allowed to use them. Here they are safe, as they can be locked. We will +assign you one if you wish." + +"I have nothing to put away," said Ben. "I had a little bundle of +clothes; but they were stolen from me while I was lying asleep on a +bench in the City Hall Park." + +"I suppose you don't know who took them?" + +"No," said Ben; "but I think it was some of the boys that were blacking +boots near me.--That boy's got one of them on," he said, suddenly, in an +excited tone, pointing out Mike, the younger of the two boys who had +appropriated his bundle. Mike had locked up his own shirt, which was +considerably the worse for wear, and put on Ben's, which gave him a +decidedly neater appearance than before. He had thought himself +perfectly safe in doing so, not dreaming that he would be brought face +to face with the true owner in the Lodge. + +"What makes you think it is yours?" asked Mr. O'Connor. + +"It is cut like mine," said Ben. "Besides I remember getting a large +spot of ink on one of the sleeves, which would not wash out. There it +is, on the left arm." + +As Ben had said, there was a faint bluish spot on the sleeve of the +shirt. This made Ben's story a plausible one, though not conclusive. The +superintendent decided to inquire of Mike about the matter, and see what +explanation he could give. + +"Mike Rafferty," he said, in a tone of authority, "come here; I want +you." + +Mike came forward, but when he saw Ben, whom he recognized, he felt a +little taken aback. But he had not been brought up in the streets for +nothing. His embarrassment was only momentary. He determined to brazen +it out, and swear, if anything was said about the shirt, that it was his +own lawful property. + +"I see you've got a new shirt on, Mike," said Mr. O'Connor. + +"Yes, sir," said Mike. + +"Where did you get it?" + +"Where would I get it?" said Mike. "I bought it yesterday." + +"Where did you buy it?" + +"Round in Baxter Street," said Mike, confidently. + +"It is a pretty good shirt for Baxter Street," remarked Mr. O'Connor. +"How much did you pay for it?" + +"Fifty cents," answered Mike, glibly. + +"This may all be true, Mike," said the superintendent; "but I am not +certain about it. This boy here says it is his shirt, and he thinks that +you stole it from him while he was lying asleep in City Hall Park +yesterday." + +"It's a lie he's tellin', sir," said Mike. "I never seed him afore." + +Here seemed to be a conflict of evidence. Of the two Ben seemed the more +likely to tell the truth. Still it was possible that he might be +mistaken, and Mike might be right after all. + +"Have you any other proof that the shirt is yours?" asked Mr. O'Connor, +turning to Ben. + +"Yes," said Ben, "my name is marked on the shirt, just below the waist." + +"We can settle the matter quickly then. Mike, pull out the shirt, so +that we can see it." + +Mike made some objection, which was quickly overruled. The shirt, being +examined, bore the name of "Benj. Brandon," just as Ben had said. + +"The shirt is yours," said the superintendent to Ben. + +"Now, Mike, what did you mean by telling me that lie? It was bad enough +to steal, without adding a lie besides." + +"I bought the shirt in Baxter Street," persisted Mike, unblushingly. + +"Then how do you account for his name on it?" + +"Maybe he sold it to the man I bought it of." + +"I didn't sell it at all," said Ben. + +"Was that all you had taken?" + +"No," said Ben. "There was another shirt besides." + +"Do you know anything about it, Mike?" + +"No, I don't," said Mike. + +"I don't know whether you are telling the truth or not," said the +superintendent; "but at any rate you must take this off, and give it to +the right owner." + +"And will he pay me the fifty cents?" asked Mike. + +"I don't think you bought it at all; but if you did, you can prove it by +the man you bought it of. If you can do that, I will see that the money +is refunded to you." + +There was one strong reason for discrediting Mike's story. These +Baxter-Street shops are often the receptacles of stolen goods. As their +identification might bring the dealers into trouble, they are very +careful, as soon as an article comes into their possession, to +obliterate all the marks of former ownership. It was hardly likely that +they would suffer a shirt to go out of their hands so plainly marked as +was the case in the present instance. Mr. O'Connor, of course, knew +this, and accordingly had very little fear that he was doing injustice +to Mike in ordering him to make restitution to Ben. + +Mike was forced, considerably against his will, to take off the new +shirt, and put on his old ragged one. But the former was no longer as +clean as formerly. + +"Where can I get it washed?" asked Ben. + +"You can wash it yourself, in the wash-room, or you can carry it to a +laundry, as some of the boys do, if you are willing to pay for it." + +"I think I would rather carry it to a laundry," said Ben, who doubted +strongly his ability to wash the shirt so as to improve its appearance. +The superintendent accordingly gave him the direction to one of these +establishments. + +Opposite the room which he had entered was a smaller room used by the +boys as a gymnasium. Ben looked into it, and determined to use it on +some future occasion. He next went into the wash-room. Here he saw two +or three boys, stripped to the waist, engaged in washing out their +shirts. Being provided with but a single one each, they left them to dry +over night while they were in bed, and could dispense with them. Ben +wondered how they managed about ironing them; but he soon found that +with these amateur laundresses ironing was not considered necessary. +They are put on rough-dry in the morning, and so worn until they are +considered dirty enough for another purification. + +Ben looked about him with interest. The boys were chatting in an +animated manner, detailing their experiences during the day, or +"chaffing" each other in a style peculiar to themselves. + +"Say, Jim," said one, "didn't I see you at the Grand Opera last night?" + +"Yes, of course you did," said Jim. "I was in a private box along with +the mayor. I had a di'mond pin in the bosom of my shirt." + +"Yes, I seed you through my opera-glass. What have you done with your +di'mond pin?" + +"Do you think I'd bring it here to be stole? No, I keep it in my safe, +along of my other valooables." + +Ben listened in amusement, and thought that Jim would have cut rather a +singular figure in the mayor's box. + +Several boys, who had gone barefoot, were washing their feet, that being +required previous to going to bed. This is necessary; otherwise the +clean bed-clothes would be so soiled as to require daily washing. + +The boys seemed to be having a good time, and then, though he was +unacquainted with any of them, felt that it was much pleasanter to be +here, in a social atmosphere, than wandering around by himself in the +dark and lonely streets. He observed one thing with surprise, that the +boys refrained from profane or vulgar speech, though they were by no +means so particular in the street during the day. This is, however, a +rule strictly enforced by the superintendent, and, if not complied with, +the offender is denied the privilege of the Lodging House. + +After a while Ben expressed a desire to go to bed, and in company with +one of the boys descended to a room equally large, in the story below, +where over a hundred single beds were arranged in tiers, in a manner +very similar to the berths of a steamboat. Ben was agreeably surprised +by the neat and comfortable appearance of these beds. He felt that he +should be nearly as well provided for as at home. Quickly undressing +himself, he jumped into the bed assigned him, and in a few minutes was +fast asleep. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +FURTHER EXPERIENCES. + + +Ben had a comfortable night's rest, and when he awoke in the morning he +felt that a bed at the Newsboys' Lodge was considerably better than a +bale of cotton, or a hay-barge. At an early hour in the morning the boys +were called, and began to tumble out in all directions, interchanging, +as they performed their hasty toilet, a running fire of "chaff" and +good-humored jesting, some of which consisted of personal allusions the +reverse of complimentary. + +Many of the boys stopped to breakfast, but not all. Some wanted to get +to work earlier, and took breakfast at a later hour at some cheap +restaurant, earning it before they ate it. Ben, however, had paid for +his breakfast in advance, knowing that he could not get it so cheap +elsewhere, and so waited to partake of it. He took his place at a long +table with his companions, and found himself served with a bowl of +coffee and a generous slice of bread. Sometimes, but not always, a +little cold meat is supplied in addition. But even when there is bread +only, the coffee warms the stomach, and so strengthens the boys for +their labors outside. The breakfast was not as varied, of course, as Ben +had been accustomed to at home, nor as tempting as my young readers have +spread before them every morning; but it was good of its kind, and Ben +ate it with unusual relish. + +When he had finished his meal, he prepared to go out to work; not, +however, till the superintendent, whose recollection of individual boys +is surprising, considering the large number who frequent the Lodging +House in the course of a year, had invited him to come again. The +Lodging House, though it cannot supply the place of a private home, +steps between hundreds of boys and complete vagabondage, into which, but +for its existence, they would quickly lapse. Probably no money is more +wisely expended than that which enables the Children's Aid Society of +New York to maintain this and kindred institutions. + +Ben had, after breakfast, eighty-five cents to commence the day on. But +of this sum, it will be remembered, he had reserved fifty cents to pay +the friendly reporter for his loan. This left him a working capital of +thirty-five cents. It was not a large sum to do business on, but it was +enough, and with it Ben felt quite independent. + +In front of the 'Times' office, Ben met Rough and Ready,--the newsboy +who had taken his part the day before. He had got the start of Ben, and +was just disposing of his only remaining paper. + +"How are you?" asked Ben. + +"So's to be around," answered the other. "What are you up to?" + +"I'm going to buy some papers." + +"I have sold eight already. Where did you sleep last night?" + +"At the Lodging House." + +"How do you like it?" + +"It's a good place, and very cheap." + +"Yes, it's a bully place. I'd go there myself, if it wasn't for mother +and Rose. It's enough sight better than our room on Leonard Street. But +I can't leave my mother and sister." + +"If you're going to buy some more papers, I'd like to go with you." + +"All right. Come ahead." + +Ben invested his money under the direction of his companion. By his +advice, he purchased nearly to the amount of his entire capital, knowing +that it would come back to him again, so that his plan for paying the +reporter could still be carried out. + +"You can stand near me, if you want to, Ben," said Rough and Ready. + +"I am afraid I shall interfere with your trade," answered Ben. + +"Don't be afraid of that. I don't ask no favors. I can get my share of +business." + +Ben, while engaged in selling papers himself, had an opportunity to +watch the ready tact with which Rough and Ready adapted himself to the +different persons whom he encountered. He succeeded in effecting a sale +in many cases where others would have failed. He had sold all his papers +before Ben had disposed of two-thirds of his, though both began with an +equal number. + +"Here, Ben," he said, generously, "give me three of your papers, I'll +sell 'em for you." + +By this friendly help, Ben found himself shortly empty-handed. + +"Shall I buy any more?" he inquired of his companion. + +"It's gettin' late for mornin' papers," said Rough and Ready. "You'd +better wait till the evenin' papers come out. How much money have you +made?" + +Ben counted over his money, and answered, "I've made thirty-five cents." + +"Well, that'll be more'n enough to buy your dinner." + +"How much do you make in a day?" asked Ben. + +"Sometimes over a dollar." + +"You ought to lay up money, then." + +Rough and Ready shook his head. + +"I have to pay everything over to my mother," he said. "It's little +enough to support a family." + +"Doesn't your father earn anything?" + +"My _step_-father," repeated the other, emphasizing the first syllable. +"No, he doesn't earn much, and what he does earn, he spends for rum. We +could do a great deal better without him," he continued. + +Ben began to see that he had a much easier task before him in supporting +himself, than his new friend in supplying the wants of a family of four; +for Mr. Martin, his step-father, did not scruple to live partially on +the earnings of his step-son, whose industry should have put him to +shame. + +"I guess I'll go home a little while," said Rough and Ready. "I'll see +you again this afternoon." + +Left to himself, Ben began to walk around with an entirely different +feeling from that which he experienced the day before. He had one dollar +and twenty cents in his pocket; not all of it his own, but the greater +part of it his own earnings. Only twenty-four hours before his prospects +seemed very dark. Now he had found friends, and he had also learned how +to help himself. + +As he was walking down Nassau Street, he suddenly espied, a little +distance ahead, the reporter who had done him such an important service +the day before. + +He quickened his pace, and speedily came up with him. + +"Good-morning," said he, by way of calling the reporter's attention. + +"Good-morning," responded the reporter, not at first recognizing him. + +"I'm ready to pay the money you lent me yesterday," said Ben. + +"Oh, you're the boy I set up in business yesterday. Well, how have you +made out?" + +"Pretty well," said Ben, with satisfaction. "Here's the money you lent +me;" and he drew out fifty cents, and offered it to the young man. + +"But have you got any money left?" inquired the reporter. + +Ben displayed the remainder of his money, mentioning the amount. + +"You've succeeded capitally. Where did you sleep last night?" + +"At the Newsboys' Lodge." + +"That's better than sleeping out. I begin to think, my young friend, you +must have a decided business talent. It isn't often a new boy succeeds +so well." + +Ben was pleased with this compliment, and made a new offer of the money, +which the young man had not yet taken. + +"I don't know as I had better take this money," said the reporter; "you +may need it." + +"No," said Ben, "I've got enough to keep me along." + +"You've got to get dinner." + +"That won't cost me more than twenty-five cents; then I shall have +forty-five to buy papers this afternoon." + +"Well," said the young man, "if you don't need it, I will take it; but +on one condition." + +"What is that?" asked Ben. + +"That if you get hard up at any time, you will come to me, and I will +help you out." + +"Thank you," said Ben, gratefully. "You are very kind." + +"I know that you boys are apt to have hard times; but if you work +faithfully and don't form any bad habits, I think you will get along. +Here is my card, and directions for finding me, if you need any +assistance at any time." + +Ben took the card, and went on his way, feeling more glad that he had +paid his debt than if the money were still in his possession. He felt +that it was a partial atonement for the theft which he had nearly +committed the day before. + +As he walked along, thinking of what he had just done, he suddenly found +himself shoved violently off the sidewalk. Looking angrily to see who +was the aggressor, he recognized Mike Rafferty, who had been detected +the night before in wearing his stolen shirt. + +"What's that for?" demanded Ben, angrily. + +"It's to tache you better manners, ye spalpeen!" said Mike. + +Ben returned the blow with spirit. + +"That's to teach you not to steal my shirt again," he said. + +"It's a lie," said Mike. "I bought it of the man you sold it to." + +"You know better," retorted Ben. "You took it while I was asleep in the +Park." + +Mike was about to retaliate with another blow, when the sight of an +approaching policeman warned him of peril, and he retreated in good +order, sending back looks of defiance at our hero, whom he could not +forgive for having proved him guilty of theft. + +Ben's exploration of the city had thus far been very limited. He had +heard of the Battery, and he determined to go down there. The distance +was not great, and in a few minutes he found himself at the lower end of +the Manhattan Island, looking with interest at the shores across the +river. Here was Castle Garden, a large structure, now used for recently +arrived emigrants, but once the scene of one of Jenny Lind's triumphs. +Now it would seem very strange to have a grand concert given in such a +building and in such a locality. However, Ben knew nothing of the +purposes of the building, and looked at it ignorantly. The Battery he +thought might once have been pretty; but now the grass has been worn off +by pedestrians, and the once fashionable houses in the neighborhood have +long ago been deserted by their original proprietors, and been turned +into warehouses, or cheap boarding-houses. + +After looking about a little, Ben turned to go back. He began to feel +hungry, and thought he might as well get some dinner. After that was +eaten it would be time for the evening papers. He was intending to go +back to Fulton Street; but his attention was drawn to a restaurant by +the bills of fare exposed outside. A brief examination satisfied him +that the prices were quite as moderate as in Fulton Street, and he +decided to enter, and take his dinner here. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +BEN BECOMES A BAGGAGE-SMASHER. + + +The restaurant was a small one, and not fashionable in appearance, +having a shabby look. The floor was sanded, and the tables were covered +with soiled cloths. However, Ben had learned already not to be +fastidious, and he sat down and gave his order. A plate of roast beef +and a cup of coffee were brought, according to his directions. Seated +opposite him at the table was a man who had nearly completed his dinner +as Ben commenced. He held in his hand a Philadelphia paper, which he +left behind when he rose to go. + +"You have left your paper," said Ben. + +"I have read it through," was the reply. "I don't care to take it." + +Ben took it up, and found it to be a daily paper which his father had +been accustomed to take for years. It gave him a start, as he saw the +familiar page, and he felt a qualm of homesickness. The neat house in +which he had lived since he was born, his mother's gentle face, rose up +before him, compared with his present friendless condition, and the +tears rose to his eyes. But he was in a public restaurant, and his pride +came to the rescue. He pressed back the tears, and resumed his knife and +fork. + +When he had finished his dinner, he took up the paper once more, reading +here and there. At last his eye rested on the following advertisement:-- + + "My son, Benjamin Brandon, having run away from home without any good + reason, I hereby caution the public against trusting him on my + account; but will pay the sum of one dollar and necessary expenses to + any person who will return him to me. He is ten years old, well grown + for his age, has dark eyes and a dark complexion. He was dressed in a + gray-mixed suit, and had on a blue cap when he left home. + + "JAMES BRANDON." + +Ben's face flushed when he read this advertisement. It was written by +his father, he knew well enough, and he judged from the language that it +was written in anger. _One dollar_ was offered for his restoration. + +Ben felt somehow humiliated at the smallness of the sum, and at the +thought that this advertisement would be read by his friends and +school-companions. The softer thoughts, which but just now came to him, +were banished, and he determined, whatever hardships awaited him, to +remain in New York, and support himself as he had begun to do. But, +embittered as he felt against his father, he felt a pang when he thought +of his mother. He knew how anxious she would feel about him, and he +wished he might be able to write her privately that he was well, and +doing well. But he was afraid the letter would get into his father's +hands, and reveal his whereabouts; then the police might be set on his +track, and he might be forced home to endure the humiliation of a severe +punishment, and the jeers of his companions, who would never let him +hear the last of his abortive attempt. + +At last a way occurred to him. He would write a letter, and place it in +the hands of some one going to Philadelphia, to be posted in the latter +city. This would give no clue to his present home, and would answer the +purpose of relieving his mother's anxiety. + +Late in the afternoon, Ben went into a stationery store on Nassau +Street. + +"Will you give me a sheet of paper, and an envelope?" he asked, +depositing two cents on the counter. + +The articles called for were handed him. + +"Can I write a letter here?" inquired Ben. + +"You can go round to that desk," said the clerk; "you will find pen and +ink there." + +Ben, with some difficulty, composed and wrote the following letter, for +it was the first he had ever had occasion to write:-- + + "DEAR MOTHER,--I hope you will not feel very bad because I have left + home. Father punished me for what I did not do, and after that I was + not willing to stay; but I wish I could see you. Don't feel anxious + about me, for I am getting along very well, and earning my own living. + I cannot tell you where I am, for father might find out, and I do not + want to come back, especially after that advertisement. I don't think + my going will make much difference to father, as he has only offered + one dollar reward for me. You need not show this letter to him. I + send you my love, and I also send my love to Mary, though she used to + tease me sometimes. And now I must bid you good-by. + + "From your affectionate son, + + "BEN." + +After completing this letter Ben put it in the envelope, and directed it +to + + "MRS. RUTH BRANDON, + + "_Cedarville,_ + + "_Pennsylvania._" + +It may be explained that the Mary referred to was an elder sister, ten +years older than Ben, against whom he felt somewhat aggrieved, on +account of his sister's having interfered with him more than he thought +she had any right to do. She and Ben were the only children. + +If I were to express my opinion of this letter of Ben's, I should say +that it was wanting in proper feeling for the mother who had always been +kind and gentle to him, and whose heart, he must have known, would be +deeply grieved by his running away from home. But Ben's besetting sin +was pride, mingled with obstinacy, and pride prevailed over his love +for his mother. If he could have known of the bitter tears which his +mother was even now shedding over her lost boy, I think he would have +found it difficult to maintain his resolution. + +When the letter was written, Ben went across to the post-office, and +bought a three-cent stamp, which he placed on the envelope. Then, +learning that there was an evening train for Philadelphia, he went down +to the Cortlandt Street Ferry, and watched till he saw a gentleman, who +had the air of a traveller. Ben stepped up to him and inquired, "Are you +going to Philadelphia, sir?" + +"Yes, my lad," was the answer; "are you going there also?" + +"No, sir." + +"I thought you might want somebody to take charge of you. Is there +anything I can do for you?" + +"Yes, sir. If you would be so kind as to post this letter in +Philadelphia." + +"I will do so; but why don't you post it in New York? It will go just as +well." + +"The person who wrote it," said Ben, "doesn't want to have it known +where it came from." + +"Very well, give it to me, and I will see that it is properly mailed." + +The gentleman took the letter, and Ben felt glad that it was written. He +thought it would relieve his mother's anxiety. + +As he was standing on the pier, a gentleman having a carpet-bag in one +hand, and a bundle of books in the other, accosted him. + +"Can you direct me to the Astor House, boy?" + +"Yes, sir," said Ben. + +Then, with a sudden thought, he added, "Shall I carry your carpet-bag, +sir?" + +"On the whole I think you may," said the gentleman. "Or stay, I think +you may take this parcel of books." + +"I can carry both, sir." + +"No matter about that. I will carry the bag, and you shall be my guide." + +Ben had not yet had time to get very well acquainted with the city; but +the Astor House, which is situated nearly opposite the lower end of the +City Hall Park, he had passed a dozen times, and knew the way to it +very well. He was glad that the gentleman wished to go there, and not to +one of the up-town hotels, of which he knew nothing. He went straight up +Cortlandt Street to Broadway, and then turning north, soon arrived at +the massive structure, which, for over thirty years, has welcomed +travellers from all parts of the world. + +"This is the Astor House, sir," said Ben. + +"I remember it now," said the gentleman; "but it is ten years since I +have been in New York, and I did not feel quite certain of finding my +way. Do you live in New York?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"You may give me the package now. How much shall I pay you for your +services?" + +"Whatever you please, sir," said Ben. + +"Will that answer?" and the traveller placed twenty-five cents in the +hands of our young hero. + +"Yes, sir," said Ben, in a tone of satisfaction. "Thank you." + +The traveller entered the hotel, and Ben remained outside, +congratulating himself upon his good luck. + +"That's an easy way to earn twenty five cents," he thought. "It didn't +take me more than fifteen minutes to come up from the ferry, and I +should have to sell twenty-five papers to make so much." + +This sum, added to what he had made during the day by selling papers, +and including what he had on hand originally, made one dollar and thirty +cents. But out of this he had spent twenty-five cents for dinner, and +for his letter, including postage, five cents. Thus his expenses had +been thirty cents, which, being deducted, left him just one dollar. Out +of this, however, it would be necessary to buy some supper, and pay for +his lodging and breakfast at the Newsboys' Home. Fifteen cents, however, +would do for the first, while the regular charge for the second would be +but twelve cents. Ben estimated, therefore, that he would have +seventy-three cents to start on next day. He felt that this was a +satisfactory state of finances, and considered whether he could not +afford to spend a little more for supper. However, not feeling very +hungry, he concluded not to do so. + +The next morning he bought papers as usual and sold them. But it seemed +considerably harder work, for the money, than carrying bundles. +However, Ben foresaw that in order to become a "baggage-smasher" (for +this is the technical term by which the boys and men are known, who wait +around the ferries and railway depots for a chance to carry baggage, +though I have preferred to use the term luggage boy), it would be +necessary to know more about localities in the city than he did at +present. Accordingly he devoted the intervals of time between the +selling of papers, to seeking out and ascertaining the locality of the +principal hotels and streets in the city. + +In the course of a fortnight he had obtained a very fair knowledge of +the city. He now commenced waiting at the ferries and depots, though he +did not immediately give up entirely the newspaper trade. But at length +he gave it up altogether, and became a "baggage-smasher," by profession, +or, as he is styled in the title of this book, a luggage boy. + +Thus commences a new page in his history. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +BEN'S HOME IN PHILADELPHIA. + + +Though the story of "Ben, the Luggage Boy," professes to treat of life +in the city streets, I must devote a single chapter to a very different +place. I must carry the reader to Ben's home in Pennsylvania, and show +what effect his running away had upon the family circle. + +There was a neat two-story house standing on the principal street in +Cedarville, with a pleasant lawn in front, through which, from the gate, +a gravelled walk ran to the front door. Mr. Brandon, as I have already +said, was a coal-dealer, and in very comfortable circumstances; so that +Ben had never known what it was to want anything which he really needed. +He was a man of great firmness, and at times severity, and more than +once Ben had felt aggrieved by his treatment of him. Mrs. Brandon was +quite different from her husband, being gentle and kind, and it was to +her that Ben always went for sympathy, in any trouble or difficulty, +whether at home or at school. + +Mrs. Brandon was sitting at the window with her work in her hand; but it +had fallen listlessly in her lap, and on her face was a look of painful +preoccupation. Opposite her sat her daughter Mary, Ben's only sister, +already referred to. + +"Don't worry so, mother," said Mary; "you will make yourself sick." + +"I cannot help it, Mary," said Mrs. Brandon. "I can't help worrying +about Ben. He has been gone a week now, and Heaven knows what he has +suffered. He may be dead." + +"No, mother," said Mary, who had more of her father's strength than her +mother's gentleness. "He is not dead, you may depend upon that." + +"But he had no money, that I know of. How could he live?" + +"Ben can take care of himself better than most boys of his age." + +"But think of a boy of ten going out in the world by himself!" + +"There are many boys of ten who have to do it, mother." + +"What could the poor boy do?" + +"He might suffer a little; but if he does, he will the sooner come +home." + +"I wish he might," said Mrs. Brandon, with a sigh. "I think your father +does very wrong not to go after him." + +"He wouldn't know where to go. Besides, he has advertised." + +"I hope Ben will not see the advertisement. Poor boy! he would feel hurt +to think that we cared so little for him as to offer only one dollar for +his return." + +"He will know you had nothing to do with the advertisement, mother; you +may be sure of that." + +"Yes, he knows me too well for that. I would give all I have to have him +back." + +"I want him back too," said Mary. "He is my only brother, and of course +I love him; but I don't think it will do him any harm to suffer a little +as a punishment for going away." + +"You were always hard upon the poor boy, Mary," said Mrs. Brandon. + +"No, I am not hard; but I see his faults, and I want him to correct +them. It is you who have been too indulgent." + +"If I have been, it is because you and your father have been too much +the other way." + +There was a brief pause, then Mrs. Brandon said, "Can you think of any +place, Mary, where Ben would be likely to go?" + +"Yes, I suppose he went to Philadelphia. When a boy runs away from home, +he naturally goes to the nearest city." + +"I have a great mind to go up to-morrow." + +"What good would it do, mother?" + +"I might meet him in the street." + +"There is not much chance of that. I shouldn't wonder if by this time he +had gone to sea." + +"Gone to sea!" repeated Mrs. Brandon, turning pale. "What makes you +think so? Did he ever speak of such a thing to you?" + +"Yes, he once threatened to run away to sea, when I did something that +did not suit him." + +"Oh, I hope not. I have heard that boys are treated very badly on board +ship. Besides, he might get drowned." + +"I am not sure whether a good sea-voyage might not be the best thing for +him," said strong-minded Mary. + +"But suppose he should be ill-treated?" + +"It might take the pride out of him, and make him a better boy." + +"I never get much satisfaction from you, Mary. I don't see how you can +be so harsh." + +"I see we are not likely to agree, mother. But there is a boy coming up +the walk with a letter in his hand." + +"It may be from Ben," said his mother, rising hastily, and going to the +door. + +The boy was William Gordon, a school-mate of Ben's, whose disappearance, +long before this time, had been reported throughout the village. + +"I was passing the post-office, Mrs. Brandon," he said, "when the +postmaster called from the window, and asked me to bring you this +letter. I think it is from Ben. The handwriting looks like his." + +"Oh, thank you, William," said Mrs. Brandon, joyfully. "Give it to me +quick." + +She tore it open and read the letter, which is given at length in the +last chapter. + +"Is it from Ben?" asked William. + +"Yes." + +"Is he in Philadelphia? I noticed it was mailed there." + +"Yes--no--he says he cannot tell us where he is." + +"I think he must be in Philadelphia, or the letter would not be mailed +there." + +"Come in, William. I must go and tell Mary." + +"No, thank you, Mrs. Brandon. I am on an errand for my mother. I hope +Ben is well?" + +"Yes, he says so." + +Mrs. Brandon went in, and showed the letter to her daughter. + +"There, I told you, mother, you need not be alarmed. He says he is +earning his living." + +"But it seems so hard for a boy of ten to have to work for his living. +What can he do?" + +"Oh, there are various things he can do. He might sell papers, for +instance." + +"I think I shall go to Philadelphia to-morrow, Mary." + +"It won't be of any use, you may depend, mother. He is not in +Philadelphia." + +"But this letter is posted there." + +"That is a proof to me that he is not there. He says he don't want to +come back." + +Shortly after, Mr. Brandon entered the house. + +"We have had a letter from Ben, father," said Mary. + +"Show it to me," he said, briefly. + +He read the letter, and handed it back without a word. + +"What are you going to do about it, Mr. Brandon?" asked his wife. + +"What is there to be done?" he asked. + +"I think I had better go up to Philadelphia to-morrow." + +"What for?" + +"I might see him." + +"You would be going on a wild-goose chase." + +"Then why won't you go?" + +"It isn't worth while. If the boy doesn't want to come home, he may +take care of himself if he likes it so well. I shan't run round after +him." + +"He says he did not do what you punished him for," said Mrs. Brandon, +rather deprecatingly, for she was somewhat in awe of her husband. + +"Of course he would say that. I have heard that before." + +"But I don't think he really did." + +"I know you have always been foolishly indulgent to him." + +"At any rate that cannot be said of you," said his wife, with some +spirit. + +"No," he answered, rather surprised at such an unusual manifestation +from his usually acquiescent wife; "you are right there, and you might +add that I don't mean to be, if he should return." + +"I think he would have come home but for that advertisement. You see +what he says about it in his letter." + +"If I were to write it again, I should write it in the same manner, +though perhaps I might not offer so large a sum." + +Mrs. Brandon sighed, and ceased speaking. She knew her husband well +enough to see that there was little chance of changing his +determination, or softening his anger towards Ben. + +The next day, when Mr. Brandon returned home to dinner from his +coal-wharf, he found Mary seated at the head of the table. + +"Where is your mother?" he asked. + +"She went to Philadelphia by the middle train," was the answer. + +"She has gone on a fool's errand." + +"I advised her not to go; but she thought she might meet Ben, and I +could not dissuade her." + +"Well, she will be better satisfied after she has been up--and failed to +find him." + +"Do you think he will ever come back, father?" + +"Yes; he will turn up again some day, like a bad penny. He will find +that earning his own living is not quite so agreeable as being taken +care of at home." + +"Suppose he shouldn't come back?" + +"So much the worse for him," said Mr. Brandon. + +Mr. Brandon spoke after his way of speaking, for he was not an +affectionate man, nor given to the softer emotions. He had never given +Ben any reason to think he loved him, at least since he was a baby, but +appearances are sometimes deceptive, and he thought more of his son's +absence than any one would have supposed. He thought, too, of that +sentence in Ben's letter, in which he spoke of being punished for what +he did not do, and he admitted to himself, though he would not have done +so to his wife, that perhaps he had been unjust to the boy after all. +Every day when he turned from his office to go home, it was with the +unacknowledged hope that he might find the prodigal returned. But in +this hope they were all doomed to be disappointed. Year after year +passed away, and still no tidings from Ben beyond that single letter +which we have mentioned. + +Mrs. Brandon returned from Philadelphia, as might have been anticipated, +disappointed and despondent. She was very tired, for she had wandered +about the streets, looking everywhere, during the four or five hours she +was in the city. Once or twice her heart beat high, as she saw in front +of her a boy of Ben's size, and dressed as he had been dressed when he +left home. But when, with hurrying steps she came up with him, she was +doomed, in every case, to disappointment. + +"I told you it would be no use, mother," said Mary. + +"I couldn't stay at home contented, if I did nothing to find him, Mary." + +"He'll turn up yet some day, mother,--return in rags most likely." + +"Come when he may, or how he may, Mary, my arms shall be open to receive +him." + +But the years passed, and Ben did not come. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +THE FIRST CIGAR. + + +It was a week or more after Ben started in business as a +baggage-smasher, that, in returning from carrying a carpet-bag to +Lovejoy's Hotel, on Broadway, he fell in with his first city +acquaintance, Jerry Collins. Jerry had just "polished up" a gentleman's +boots, and, having been unusually lucky this morning in securing shines, +felt disposed to be lavish. + +"How are you, Ben?" asked Jerry. "What are you up to now?" + +"I'm a baggage-smasher," answered Ben, who was beginning to adopt the +language of the streets. + +"How does it pay?" + +"Well," said Ben, "sometimes it pays first rate, when I'm lucky. Other +days I don't get much to do. I didn't make but fifteen cents this +morning. I carried a bag up to Lovejoy's, and that's all the man would +pay me." + +"I've made fifty cents this mornin'. Look here, Johnny." + +The Johnny addressed was a boy who sold cigars, four for ten cents. + +"I'll take two," said Jerry, producing five cents. + +"Six cents for two," said the cigar boy. + +"All right, I'll owe you the other cent," said Jerry, coolly. + +"Do you smoke?" inquired Ben. + +"In course I do. Don't you?" + +"No." + +"Why don't you?" + +"I don't know," said Ben. "Do you like it?" + +"It's bully. Here, take this cigar. I bought it for you." + +Ben hesitated; but finally, induced mainly by a curiosity to see how it +seemed, accepted the cigar, and lighted it by Jerry's. The two boys sat +down on an empty box, and Jerry instructed Ben how to puff. Ben did not +particularly enjoy it; but thought he might as well learn now as any +other time. His companion puffed away like a veteran smoker; but after +a while Ben's head began to swim, and he felt sick at his stomach. + +"I don't feel well," he said. "I guess I'll stop smoking." + +"Oh, go ahead," said Jerry. "It's only because it's the first time. +You'll like it after a while." + +Thus encouraged, Ben continued to smoke, though his head and his stomach +got continually worse. + +"I don't like it," gasped Ben, throwing down the cigar. "I'm going to +stop." + +"You've got a healthy color," said Jerry, slyly. + +"I'm afraid I'm going to be awful sick," said Ben, whose sensations were +very far from comfortable. Just at this moment, ignorant of the brief +character of his present feelings, he heartily wished himself at home, +for the first time since his arrival in the city. + +"You do look rather green," said Jerry. "Maybe you're going to have the +cholera. I've heard that there's some cases round." + +This suggestion alarmed Ben, who laid his head down between his knees, +and began to feel worse than ever. + +"Don't be scared," said Jerry, thinking it time to relieve Ben's mind. +"It's only the cigar. You'll feel all right in a jiffy." + +While Ben was experiencing the disagreeable effects of his first cigar, +he resolved never to smoke another. But, as might have been expected, he +felt differently on recovering. It was not long before he could puff +away with as much enjoyment and unconcern as any of his street +companions, and a part of his earnings were consumed in this way. It may +be remarked here that the street boy does not always indulge in the +luxury of a whole cigar. Sometimes he picks up a fragment which has been +discarded by the original smoker. There are some small dealers, who make +it a business to collect these "stubs," or employ others to do so, and +then sell them to the street boys, at a penny apiece, or less, according +to size. Sometimes these stubs are bought in preference to a cheap +cigar, because they are apt to be of a superior quality. Ben, however, +never smoked "stubs." In course of time he became very much like other +street boys; but in some respects his taste was more fastidious, and he +preferred to indulge himself in a cheap cigar, which was not +second-hand. + +We must now pass rapidly over the six years which elapsed from the date +of Ben's first being set adrift in the streets to the period at which +our story properly begins. These years have been fruitful of change to +our young adventurer. They have changed him from a country boy of ten, +to a self-reliant and independent street boy of sixteen. The impressions +left by his early and careful home-training have been mostly effaced. +Nothing in his garb now distinguishes him from the class of which he is +a type. He has long since ceased to care for neat or whole attire, or +carefully brushed hair. His straggling locks, usually long, protrude +from an aperture in his hat. His shoes would make a very poor +advertisement for the shoemaker by whom they were originally +manufactured. His face is not always free from stains, and his street +companions have long since ceased to charge him with putting on airs, on +account of the superior neatness of his personal appearance. Indeed, he +has become rather a favorite among them, in consequence of his +frankness, and his willingness at all times to lend a helping hand to a +comrade temporarily "hard up." He has adopted to a great extent the +tastes and habits of the class to which he belongs, and bears with +acquired philosophy the hardships and privations which fall to their +lot. Like "Ragged Dick," he has a sense of humor, which is apt to reveal +itself in grotesque phrases, or amusing exaggerations. + +Of course his education, so far as education is obtained from books, has +not advanced at all. He has not forgotten how to read, having occasion +to read the daily papers. Occasionally, too, he indulges himself in a +dime novel, the more sensational the better, and is sometimes induced to +read therefrom to a group of companions whose attainments are even less +than his own. + +It may be asked whether he ever thinks of his Pennsylvania home, of his +parents and his sister. At first he thought of them frequently; but by +degrees he became so accustomed to the freedom and independence of his +street life, with its constant variety, that he would have been +unwilling to return, even if the original cause of his leaving home were +removed. Life in a Pennsylvania village seemed "slow" compared with the +excitement of his present life. + +In the winter, when the weather was inclement, and the lodging +accommodations afforded by the street were not particularly +satisfactory, Ben found it convenient to avail himself of the cheap +lodgings furnished by the Newsboys' Lodging House; but at other times, +particularly in the warm summer nights, he saved his six cents, and +found a lodging for himself among the wharves, or in some lane or alley. +Of the future he did not think much. Like street boys in general, his +horizon was limited by the present. Sometimes, indeed, it did occur to +him that he could not be a luggage boy all his lifetime. Some time or +other he must take up something else. However, Ben carelessly concluded +that he could make a living somehow or other, and as to old age that was +too far ahead to disquiet himself about. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +THE PASSENGER FROM ALBANY. + + +Ben did not confine himself to any particular pier or railway depot, but +stationed himself now at one, now at another, according as the whim +seized him, or as the prospect of profit appeared more or less +promising. One afternoon he made his way to the pier at which the Albany +boats landed. He knew the hour of arrival, not only for the river-boats, +but for most of the inward trains, for this was required by his +business. + +He had just finished smoking a cheap cigar when the boat arrived. The +passengers poured out, and the usual bustle ensued. Now was the time for +Ben to be on the alert. He scanned the outcoming passengers with an +attentive eye, fixing his attention upon those who were encumbered with +carpet-bags, valises, or bundles. These he marked out as his possible +patrons, and accosted them professionally. + +"Smash yer baggage, sir?" he said to a gentleman carrying a valise. + +The latter stared hard at Ben, evidently misunderstanding him, and +answered irascibly, "Confound your impudence, boy; what do you mean?" + +"Smash yer baggage, sir?" + +"If you smash my baggage, I'll smash your head." + +"Thank you, sir, for your kind offer; but my head aint insured," said +Ben, who saw the joke, and enjoyed it. + +"Look here, boy," said the puzzled traveller, "what possible good would +it do you to smash my baggage?" + +"That's the way I make a livin'," said Ben. + +"Do you mean to say any persons are foolish enough to pay you for +destroying their baggage? You must be crazy, or else you must think I +am." + +"Not destroying it, smashin' it." + +"What's the difference?" + +Here a person who had listened to the conversation with some amusement +interposed. + +"If you will allow me to explain, sir, the boy only proposes to carry +your valise. He is what we call a 'baggage-smasher,' and carrying it is +called 'smashing.'" + +"Indeed, that's a very singular expression to use. Well, my lad, I think +I understand you now. You have no hostile intentions, then?" + +"Nary a one," answered Ben. + +"Then I may see fit to employ you. Of course you know the way +everywhere?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"You may take my valise as far as Broadway. There I shall take a stage." + +Ben took the valise, and raising it to his shoulders was about to +precede his patron. + +"You can walk along by my side," said the gentleman; "I want to talk to +you." + +"All right, governor," said Ben. "I'm ready for an interview." + +"How do you like 'baggage-smashing,' as you call it?" + +"I like it pretty well when I'm workin' for a liberal gentleman like +you," said Ben, shrewdly. + +"What makes you think I am liberal?" asked the gentleman, smiling. + +"I can tell by your face," answered our hero. + +"But you get disappointed sometimes, don't you?" + +"Yes, sometimes," Ben admitted. + +"Tell me some of your experiences that way." + +"Last week," said Ben, "I carried a bag, and a thunderin' heavy one, +from the Norwich boat to French's Hotel,--a mile and a half I guess it +was,--and how much do you think the man paid me?" + +"Twenty-five cents." + +"Yes, he did, but he didn't want to. All he offered me first was ten +cents." + +"That's rather poor pay. I don't think I should want to work for that +myself." + +"You couldn't live very high on such pay," said Ben. + +"I have worked as cheap, though." + +"You have!" said Ben, surprised. + +"Yes, my lad, I was a poor boy once,--as poor as you are." + +"Where did you live?" asked Ben, interested. + +"In a country town in New England. My father died early, and I was left +alone in the world. So I hired myself out to a farmer for a dollar a +week and board. I had to be up at five every morning, and work all day. +My wages, you see, amounted to only about sixteen cents a day and board +for twelve hours' work." + +"Why didn't you run away?" inquired Ben. + +"I didn't know where to run to." + +"I s'pose you aint workin' for that now?" said our hero. + +"No, I've been promoted," said the gentleman, smiling. "Of course I got +higher pay, as I grew older. Still, at twenty-one I found myself with +only two hundred dollars. I worked a year longer till it became three +hundred, and then I went out West,--to Ohio,--where I took up a +quarter-section of land, and became a farmer on my own account. Since +then I've dipped into several things, have bought more land, which has +increased in value on my hands, till now I am probably worth fifty +thousand dollars." + +"I'm glad of it," said Ben. + +"Why?" + +"Because you can afford to pay me liberal for smashin' your baggage." + +"What do you call liberal?" inquired his patron, smiling. + +"Fifty cents," answered Ben, promptly. + +"Then I will be liberal. Now, suppose you tell me something about +yourself. How long have you been a 'baggage-smasher,' as you call it?" + +"Six years," said Ben. + +"You must have begun young. How old are you now?" + +"Sixteen." + +"You'll soon be a man. What do you intend to do then?" + +"I haven't thought much about it," said Ben, with truth. + +"You don't mean to carry baggage all your life, do you?" + +"I guess not," answered Ben. "When I get to be old and infirm, I'm goin' +into some light, genteel employment, such as keepin' a street stand." + +"So that is your highest ambition, is it?" asked the stranger. + +"I don't think I've got any ambition," said Ben. "As long as I make a +livin', I don't mind." + +"When you see well-dressed gentlemen walking down Broadway, or riding in +their carriages, don't you sometimes think it would be agreeable if you +could be in their place?" + +"I should like to have a lot of money," said Ben. "I wouldn't mind bein' +the president of a bank, or a railway-director, or somethin' of that +kind." + +"I am afraid you have never thought seriously upon the subject of your +future," said Ben's companion, "or you wouldn't be satisfied with your +present business." + +"What else can I do? I'd rather smash baggage than sell papers or black +boots." + +"I would not advise either. I'll tell you what you ought to do, my young +friend. You should leave the city, and come out West. I'll give you +something to do on one of my farms, and promote you as you are fit for +it." + +"You're very kind," said Ben, more seriously; "but I shouldn't like it." + +"Why not?" + +"I don't want to leave the city. Here there's somethin' goin' on. I'd +miss the streets and the crowds. I'd get awful lonesome in the country." + +"Isn't it better to have a good home in the country than to live as you +do in the city?" + +"I like it well enough," said Ben. "We're a jolly crowd, and we do as we +please. There aint nobody to order us round 'cept the copps, and they +let us alone unless we steal, or something of that kind." + +"So you are wedded to your city life?" + +"Yes, I guess so; though I don't remember when the weddin' took place." + +"And you prefer to live on in your old way?" + +"Yes, sir; thank you all the same." + +"You may change your mind some time, my lad. If you ever do, and will +write to me at B----, Ohio, I will send for you to come out. Here is my +card." + +"Thank you, sir," said Ben. "I'll keep the card, and if ever I change my +mind, I'll let you know." + +They had been walking slowly, or they would have reached Broadway +sooner. They had now arrived there, and the stranger bade Ben good-by, +handing him at the same time the fifty cents agreed upon. + +"He's a brick," Ben soliloquized, "even if he did say he'd smash my +head. I hope I'll meet some more like him." + +Ben's objection to leaving the city is felt in an equal degree by many +boys who are situated like himself. Street life has its privations and +actual sufferings; but for all that there is a wild independence and +freedom from restraint about it, which suits those who follow it. To be +at the beck and call of no one; to be responsible only to themselves, +provided they keep from violating the law, has a charm to these young +outcasts. Then, again, they become accustomed to the street and its +varied scenes, and the daily excitement of life in a large city becomes +such a matter of necessity to them, that they find the country lonesome. +Yet, under the auspices of the Children's Aid Society, companies of boys +are continually being sent out to the great West with the happiest +results. After a while the first loneliness wears away, and they become +interested in the new scenes and labors to which they are introduced, +and a large number have already grown up to hold respectable, and, in +some cases, prominent places, in the communities which they have +joined. Others have pined for the city, until they could no longer +resist their yearning for it, and have found their way back to the old, +familiar scenes, to resume the former life of suffering and privation. +Such is the strange fascination which their lawless and irresponsible +mode of life oftentimes exerts upon the minds of these young Arabs of +the street. + +When Ben parted from the passenger by the Albany boat, he did not +immediately seek another job. Accustomed as he was to live from "hand to +mouth," he had never troubled himself much about accumulating more than +would answer his immediate needs. Some boys in the Lodging House made +deposits in the bank of that institution; but frugality was not one of +Ben's virtues. As long as he came out even at the end of the day, he +felt very well satisfied. Generally he went penniless to bed; his +business not being one that required him to reserve money for capital to +carry it on. In the case of a newsboy it was different. He must keep +enough on hand to buy a supply of papers in the morning, even if he were +compelled to go to bed supperless. + +With fifty cents in his pocket, Ben felt rich. It would buy him a good +supper, besides paying for his lodging at the Newsboys' Home, and a +ticket for the Old Bowery besides,--that is, a fifteen-cent ticket, +which, according to the arrangement of that day, would admit him to one +of the best-located seats in the house, that is, in the pit, +corresponding to what is known as the parquette in other theatres. This +arrangement has now been changed, so that the street boys find +themselves banished to the upper gallery of their favorite theatre. But +in the days of which I am speaking they made themselves conspicuous in +the front rows, and were by no means bashful in indicating their +approbation or disapprobation of the different actors who appeared on +the boards before them. + +Ben had not gone far when he fell in with an acquaintance,--Barney +Flynn. + +"Where you goin', Ben?" inquired Barney. + +"Goin' to get some grub," answered Ben. + +"I'm with you, then. I haven't eat anything since mornin', and I'm awful +hungry." + +"Have you got any stamps?" + +"I've got a fifty." + +"So have I." + +"Where are you goin' for supper?" + +"To Pat's, I guess." + +"All right; I'll go with you." + +The establishment known as "Pat's" is located in a basement in Nassau +Street, as the reader of "Mark, the Match Boy," will remember. It is, of +coarse, a cheap restaurant, and is considerably frequented by the street +boys, who here find themselves more welcome guests than at some of the +more pretentious eating-houses. + +Ben and Barney entered, and gave their orders for a substantial repast. +The style in which the meal was served differed considerably from the +service at Delmonico's; but it is doubtful whether any of the guests at +the famous up-town restaurant enjoyed their meal any better than the two +street boys, each of whom was blest with a "healthy" appetite. Barney +had eaten nothing since morning, and Ben's fast had only been broken by +the eating of a two-cent apple, which had not been sufficient to satisfy +his hunger. + +Notwithstanding the liberality of their orders, however, each of the +boys found himself, at the end of the meal, the possessor of twenty-five +cents. This was not a very large sum to sleep on, but it was long since +either had waked up in the morning with so large a capital to commence +operations upon. + +"What shall we do?" asked Ben. + +"Suppose we go to the Old Bowery," suggested Barney. + +"Or Tony Pastor's," amended Ben. + +"I like the Bowery best. There's a great fight, and a feller gets killed +on the stage. It's a stunnin' old play." + +"Then let us go," said Ben, who, as well as his companion, liked the +idea of witnessing a stage fight, which was all the more attractive on +account of having a fatal termination. + +As the theatre tickets would cost but fifteen cents each, the boys felt +justified in purchasing each a cheap cigar, which they smoked as they +walked leisurely up Chatham Street. + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +THE ROOM UNDER THE WHARF. + + +It was at a late hour when the boys left the theatre. The play had been +of a highly sensational character, and had been greeted with +enthusiastic applause on the part of the audience, particularly the +occupants of the "pit." Now, as they emerged from the portals of the +theatre, various characteristic remarks of a commendatory character were +interchanged. + +"How'd you like it, Ben?" asked Barney. + +"Bully," said Ben. + +"I liked the fight best," said Barney. "Jones give it to him just about +right." + +"Yes, that was good," said Ben; "but I liked it best where Alphonso says +to Montmorency, 'Caitiff, beware, or, by the heavens above, my trusty +sword shall drink thy foul heart's blood!'" + +Ben gave this with the stage emphasis, so far as he could imitate it. +Barney listened admiringly. + +"I say, Ben," he replied, "you did that bully. You'd make a tip-top +actor." + +"Would I?" said Ben, complacently. "I think I'd like to try it if I knew +enough. How much money have you got, Barney?" + +"Nary a red. I spent the last on peanuts." + +"Just my case. We'll have to find some place to turn in for the night." + +"I know a place," said Barney, "if they'll let us in." + +"Whereabouts is it?" + +"Down to Dover Street wharf." + +"What sort of a place is it? There aint any boxes or old wagons, are +there?" + +"No, it's under the wharf,--a bully place." + +"Under the wharf! It's wet, isn't it?" + +"No, you just come along. I'll show you." + +Having no other place to suggest, Ben accepted his companion's guidance, +and the two made their way by the shortest route to the wharf named. It +is situated not far from Fulton Ferry on the east side. It may be called +a double wharf. As originally built, it was found too low for the class +of vessels that used it, and another flooring was built over the first, +leaving a considerable space between the two. Its capabilities for a +private rendezvous occurred to a few boys, who forthwith proceeded to +avail themselves of it. It was necessary to carry on their proceedings +secretly; otherwise there was danger of interference from the city +police. What steps they took to make their quarters comfortable will +shortly be described. + +When they reached the wharf, Barney looked about him with an air of +caution, which Ben observed. + +"What are you scared of?" asked Ben. + +"We mustn't let the 'copp' see us," said Barney, "Don't make no noise." + +Thus admonished, Ben followed his companion with as little noise as +possible. + +"How do you get down there?" he asked. + +"I'll show you," said Barney. + +He went to the end of the wharf, and, motioning Ben to look over, showed +him a kind of ladder formed by nailing strips of wood, at regular +intervals, from the outer edge down to the water's edge. This was not +an arrangement of the boys, but was for the accommodation of river-boats +landing at the wharf. + +"I'll go down first," whispered Barney. "If the 'copp' comes along, move +off, so he won't notice nothin'." + +"All right!" said Ben. + +Barney got part way down the ladder, when a head was protruded from +below, and a voice demanded, "Who's there?" + +"It's I,--Barney Flynn." + +"Come along, then." + +"I've got a fellow with me," continued Barney. + +"Who is it?" + +"It's Ben, the baggage-smasher. He wants to stop here to-night." + +"All right; we can trust him." + +"Come along, Ben," Barney called up the ladder. + +Ben quickly commenced the descent. Barney was waiting for him, and held +out his hand to help him off. Our hero stepped from the ladder upon the +lower flooring of the wharf, and looked about him with some curiosity. +It was certainly a singular spectacle that met his view. About a dozen +boys were congregated in the room under the wharf, and had evidently +taken some pains to make themselves comfortable. A carpet of good size +was spread over a portion of the flooring. Upon this three beds were +spread, each occupied by three boys. Those who could not be accommodated +in this way laid on the carpet. Some of the boys were already asleep; +two were smoking, and conversing in a low voice. Looking about him Ben +recognized acquaintances in several of them.[A] + +"Is that you, Mike Sweeny?" he asked of a boy stretched out on the +nearest bed. + +"Yes," said Mike; "come and lay alongside of me." + +There was no room on the bed, but Ben found space beside it on the +carpet, and accordingly stretched himself out. + +[A] The description of the room under the wharf, and the circumstances +of its occupation by a company of street boys, are not imaginary. It was +finally discovered, and broken up by the police, the details being +given, at the time, in the daily papers, as some of my New York readers +will remember. Discovery did not take place, however, until it had been +occupied some time. + +"How do you like it?" asked Mike. + +"Tip-top," said Ben. "How'd you get the carpet and beds? Did you buy +'em?" + +"Yes," said Mike, with a wink; "but the man wasn't in, and we didn't pay +for 'em." + +"You stole them, then?" + +"We took 'em," said Mike, who had an objection to the word stole. + +"How did you get them down here without the copp seein' you?" + +"We hid 'em away in the daytime, and didn't bring 'em here till night. +We came near gettin' caught." + +"How long have you been down here?" + +"Most a month." + +"It's a good place." + +"Yes," said Mike, "and the rent is very reasonable. We don't have to pay +nothin' for lodgin'. It's cheaper'n the Lodge." + +"That's so," said Ben. "I'm sleepy," he said, gaping. "I've been to the +Old Bowery to-night. Good-night!" + +"Good-night!" + +In five minutes Ben was fast asleep. Half an hour later, and not a sound +was heard in the room under the wharf except the occasional deep +breathing of some of the boys. The policeman who trod his beat near by +little suspected that just at hand, and almost under his feet, was a +rendezvous of street vagrants and juvenile thieves, for such I am sorry +to say was the character of some of the boys who frequented these cheap +lodgings. + +In addition to the articles already described there were two or three +chairs, which had been contributed by different members of the +organization. + +Ben slept soundly through the night. When he woke up, the gray morning +light entering from the open front towards the sea had already lighted +up indistinctly the space between the floors. Two or three of the boys +were already sitting up, yawning and stretching themselves after their +night's slumber. Among these was Mike Sweeny. + +"Are you awake, Ben?" he asked. + +"Yes," said Ben; "I didn't hardly know where I was at first." + +"It's a bully place, isn't it?" + +"That's so. How'd you come across it?" + +"Oh, some of us boys found it out. We've been sleepin' here a month." + +"Won't you let a feller in?" + +"We might let you in. I'll speak to the boys." + +"I'd like to sleep here," said Ben. "It's a good deal better than +sleepin' out round. Who runs the hotel?" + +"Well, I'm one of 'em." + +"You might call it Sweeny's Hotel," suggested Ben, laughing. + +"I aint the boss; Jim Bagley's got most to do with it." + +"Which is he?" + +"That's he, over on the next bed." + +"What does he do?" + +"He's a travellin' match merchant." + +"That sounds big." + +"Jim's smart,--he is. He makes more money'n any of us." + +"Where does he travel?" + +"Once he went to Californy in the steamer. He got a steerage ticket for +seventy-five dollars; but he made more'n that blackin' boots for the +other passengers afore they got there. He stayed there three months, and +then came home." + +"Does he travel now?" + +"Yes, he buys a lot of matches, and goes up the river or down into +Jersey, and is gone a week. A little while ago he went to Buffalo." + +"Oh, yes; I know where that is." + +"Blest if I do." + +"It's in the western part of York State, just across from Canada." + +"Who told you?" + +"I learned it in school." + +"I didn't know you was a scholar, Ben." + +"I aint now. I've forgot most all I ever knew. I haven't been to school +since I was ten years old." + +"Where was that?" + +"In the country." + +"Well, I never went to school more'n a few weeks. I can read a little, +but not much." + +"It costs a good deal to go to Buffalo. How did Jim make it while he was +gone?" + +"Oh, he came home with ten dollars in his pocket besides payin' his +expenses." + +"What does Jim do with all his money?" + +"He's got a mother and sister up in Bleecker Street, or somewheres round +there. He pays his mother five dollars a week, besides takin' care of +himself." + +"Why don't he live with his mother?" + +"He'd rather be round with the boys." + +I may remark here that Jim Bagley is a real character, and all that has +been said about him is derived from information given by himself, in a +conversation held with him at the Newsboys' Lodging House. He figures +here, however, under an assumed name, partly because the record in which +his real name is preserved has been mislaid. The impression made upon +the mind of the writer was, that Jim had unusual business ability and +self-reliance, and might possibly develop into a successful and +prosperous man of business. + +Jim by this time was awake. + +"Jim Bagley," said Mike, "here's a feller would like to put up at our +hotel." + +"Who is he?" asked Jim. + +The travelling match merchant, as Mike had described him, was a boy of +fifteen, rather small of his age, with a keen black eye, and a quick, +decided, business-like way. + +"It's this feller,--he's a baggage-smasher," explained Mike. + +"All right," said Jim; "he can come if he'll pay his share." + +"How much is it?" asked Ben. + +Mike explained that it was expected of each guest to bring something +that would add to the comforts of the rendezvous. Two boys had +contributed the carpet, for which probably they had paid nothing; Jim +had supplied a bed, for which he did pay, as "taking things without +leave" was not in his line. Three boys had each contributed a chair. +Thus all the articles which had been accumulated were individual +contributions. Ben promised to pay his admission fee in the same way, +but expressed a doubt whether he might not have to wait a few days, in +order to save money enough to make a purchase. He never stole himself, +though his association with street boys, whose principles are not +always very strict on this point, had accustomed him to regard theft as +a venial fault, provided it was not found out. For his own part, +however, he did not care to run the risk of detection. Though he had cut +himself off from his old home, he still felt that he should not like to +have the report reach home that he had been convicted of dishonesty. + +At an early hour the boys shook off their slumbers, and one by one left +the wharf to enter upon their daily work. The newsboys were the first to +go, as they must be on hand at the newspaper offices early to get their +supply of papers, and fold them in readiness for early customers. The +boot-blacks soon followed, as most of them were under the necessity of +earning their breakfast before they ate it. Ben also got up early, and +made his way to the pier of the Stonington line of steamers from Boston. +These usually arrived at an early hour, and there was a good chance of a +job in Ben's line when the passengers landed. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +BEN MEETS AN OLD FRIEND. + + +Ben had about half an hour to wait for the arrival of the steamer. Among +the passengers who crossed the plank from the steamer to the pier was a +gentleman of middle age, and a boy about a year younger than Ben. The +boy had a carpet-bag in his hand; the father, for such appeared to be +the relationship, carried a heavy valise, besides a small bundle. + +"Want your baggage carried?" asked Ben, varying his usual address. + +The gentleman hesitated a moment. + +"You'd better let him take it, father," said the boy. + +"Very well, you may take this;" and the valise was passed over to Ben. + +"Give me the bag too," said Ben, addressing the boy. + +"No, I'll take that. You'll have all you want to do, in carrying the +valise." + +They crossed the street, and here the gentleman stood still, evidently +undecided about something. + +"What are you thinking about, father?" + +"I was thinking," the gentleman said, after a slight pause, "what I had +better do." + +"About what?" + +"I have two or three errands in the lower part of the city, which, as my +time is limited, I should like to attend to at once." + +"You had better do it, then." + +"What I was thinking was, that it would not be worth while for you to go +round with me, carrying the baggage." + +"Couldn't I go right up to Cousin Mary's?" asked his son. + +"I am afraid you might lose the way." + +"This boy will go with me. I suppose he knows the way all about the +city. Don't you?" he asked, turning to Ben. + +"Where do you want to go?" asked Ben. + +"To No.--Madison Avenue." + +"Yes, I can show you the way there well enough, but it's a good way +off." + +"You can both take the cars or stage when you get up to the Astor +House." + +"How will that do?" asked Charles, for this was his name. + +"I think that will be the best plan. This boy can go with you, and you +can settle with him for his services. Have you got money enough?" + +"Yes, plenty." + +"I will leave you here, then." + +Left to themselves, it was natural that the two boys should grow social. +So far as clothing went, there was certainly a wide difference between +them. Ben was attired as described in the first chapter. Charles, on the +other hand, wore a short sack of dark cloth, a white vest, and gray +pants. A gold chain, depending from his watch-pocket, showed that he was +the possessor of a watch. His whole appearance was marked by neatness +and good taste. But, leaving out this difference, a keen observer might +detect a considerable resemblance in the features of the two boys. Both +had dark hair, black eyes, and the contour of the face was the same. I +regret to add, however, that Ben's face was not so clean as it ought to +have been. Among the articles contributed by the boys who lived in the +room under the wharf, a washstand had not been considered necessary, and +it had been long since Ben had regarded washing the face and hands as +the first preparation for the labors of the day. + +Charles Marston looked at his companion with some interest and +curiosity. He had never lived in New York, and there was a freshness and +novelty about life in the metropolis that was attractive to him. + +"Is this your business?" he asked. + +"What,--smashin' baggage?" inquired Ben. + +"Is that what you call it?" + +"Yes." + +"Well, is that what you do for a living?" + +"Yes," said Ben. "It's my profession, when I aint attendin' to my duties +as a member of the Common Council." + +"So you're a member of the city government?" asked Charles, amused. + +"Yes." + +"Do you have much to do that way?" + +"I'm one of the Committee on Wharves," said Ben. "It's my business to +see that they're right side up with care; likewise that nobody runs away +with them in the night." + +"How do you get paid?" + +"Well, I earn my lodgin' that way just now," said Ben. + +"Have you always been in this business?" + +"No. Sometimes I've sold papers." + +"How did you like that?" + +"I like baggage-smashin' best, when I get enough to do. You don't live +in the city, do you?" + +"No, I live just out of Boston,--a few miles." + +"Ever been in New York before?" + +"Once. That was four years ago. I passed through on the way from +Pennsylvania, where I used to live." + +"Pennsylvania," repeated Ben, beginning to be interested. "Whereabouts +did you live there,--in Philadelphy?" + +"No, a little way from there, in a small town named Cedarville." + +Ben started, and he nearly let fall the valise from his hand. + +"What's the matter?" asked Charles. + +"I came near fallin'," said Ben, a little confused. "What's your name?" +he asked, rather abruptly. + +"Charles Marston." + +Ben scanned intently the face of his companion. He had good reason to do +so, for though Charles little suspected that there was any relationship +between himself and the ragged and dirty boy who carried his valise, the +two were own cousins. They had been school-mates in Cedarville, and +passed many a merry hour together in boyish sport. In fact Charles had +been Ben's favorite playmate, as well as cousin, and many a time, when +he lay awake in such chance lodgings as the street provided, he had +thought of his cousin, and wished that he might meet him again. Now they +had met most strangely; no longer on terms of equality, but one with all +the outward appearance of a young gentleman, the other, a ragged and +ignorant street boy. Ben's heart throbbed painfully when he saw that his +cousin regarded him as a stranger, and for the first time in a long +while he felt ashamed of his position. He would not for the world have +revealed himself to Charles in his present situation; yet he felt a +strong desire to learn whether he was still remembered. How to effect +this without betraying his identity he hardly knew; at length he thought +of a way that might lead to it. + +"My name's shorter'n yours," he said. + +"What is it?" asked Charles. + +"It's Ben." + +"That stands for Benjamin; so yours is the longest after all." + +"That's so, I never thought of that. Everybody calls me Ben." + +"What's your other name?" + +Ben hesitated. If he said "Brandon" he would be discovered, and his +pride stood in the way of that. Finally he determined to give a false +name; so he answered after a slight pause, which Charles did not notice, +"My other name is Hooper,--Ben Hooper. Didn't you ever know anybody of +my name?" + +"What,--Ben Hooper?" + +"No, Ben." + +"Yes. I had a cousin named Ben." + +"Is he as old as you?" asked Ben, striving to speak carelessly. + +"He is older if he is living; but I don't think he is living." + +"Why, don't you know?" + +"He ran away from home when he was ten years old, and we have never seen +him since." + +"Didn't he write where he had gone?" + +"He wrote one letter to his mother, but he didn't say where he was. That +is the last any of us heard from him." + +"What sort of a chap was he?" inquired Ben. "He was a bad un, wasn't +he?" + +"No, Ben wasn't a bad boy. He had a quick temper though; but whenever he +was angry he soon got over it." + +"What made him run away from home?" + +"His father punished him for something he didn't do. He found it out +afterwards; but he is a stern man, and he never says anything about him. +But I guess he feels bad sometimes. Father says he has grown old very +fast since my cousin ran away." + +"Is his mother living,--your aunt?" Ben inquired, drawn on by an impulse +he could not resist. + +"Yes, but she is always sad; she has never stopped mourning for Ben." + +"Did you like your cousin?" Ben asked, looking wistfully in the face of +his companion. + +"Yes, he was my favorite cousin. Poor Ben and I were always together. I +wish I knew whether he were alive or not." + +"Perhaps you will see him again some time." + +"I don't know. I used to think so; but I have about given up hopes of +it. It is six years now since he ran away." + +"Maybe he's turned bad," said Ben. "S'posin' he was a ragged +baggage-smasher like me, you wouldn't care about seein' him, would you?" + +"Yes, I would," said Charles, warmly. "I'd be glad to see Ben again, no +matter how he looked, or how poor he might be." + +Ben looked at his cousin with a glance of wistful affection. Street boy +as he was, old memories had been awakened, and his heart had been +touched by the sight of the cousin whom he had most loved when a young +boy. + +"And I might be like him," thought Ben, looking askance at the rags in +which he was dressed, "instead of a walkin' rag-bag. I wish I was;" and +he suppressed a sigh. + +It has been said that street boys are not accessible to the softer +emotions; but Ben did long to throw his arm round his cousin's neck in +the old, affectionate way of six years since. It touched him to think +that Charlie held him in affectionate remembrance. But his thoughts were +diverted by noticing that they had reached the Astor House. + +"I guess we'd better cross the street, and take the Fourth Avenue cars," +he said. "There's one over there." + +"All right!" said Charles. "I suppose you know best." + +There was a car just starting; they succeeded in getting aboard, and +were speedily on their up town. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +BEN FORMS A RESOLUTION. + + +"Does this car go up Madison Avenue?" asked Charles, after they had +taken their seats. + +"No," said Ben, "it goes up Fourth Avenue; but that's only one block +away from Madison. We'll get out at Thirtieth Street." + +"I'm glad you're with me; I might have a hard time finding the place if +I were alone." + +"Are you going to stay in the city long?" asked Ben. + +"Yes, I am going to school here. Father is going to move here soon. +Until he comes I shall stay with my Cousin Mary." + +Ben felt quite sure that this must be his older sister, but did not like +to ask. + +"Is she married?" + +"Yes, it is the sister of my Cousin Ben. About two years ago she married +a New York gentleman. He is a broker, and has an office in Wall Street. +I suppose he's rich." + +"What's his name?" asked Ben. "Maybe I've seen his office." + +"It is Abercrombie,--James Abercrombie. Did you ever hear that name?" + +"No," answered Ben, "I can't say as I have. He aint the broker that does +my business." + +"Have you much business for a broker?" asked Charles, laughing. + +"I do a smashin' business in Erie and New York Central," answered Ben. + +"You are in the same business as the railroads," said Charles. + +"How is that?" + +"You are both baggage-smashers." + +"That's so; only I don't charge so much for smashin' baggage as they +do." + +They were on Centre Street now, and a stone building with massive stone +columns came in view on the west side of the street. + +"What building is that?" asked Charles. + +"That's a hotel, where they lodge people free gratis." + +Charles looked at his companion for information. + +"It's the Tombs," said Ben. "It aint so popular, though, as the hotels +where they charge higher." + +"No, I suppose not. It looks gloomy enough." + +"It aint very cheerful," said Ben. "I never put up there, but that's +what people say that have enjoyed that privilege." + +"Where is the Bowery?" + +"We'll soon be in it. We turn off Centre Street a little farther up." + +Charles was interested in all that he saw. The broad avenue which is +known as the Bowery, with its long line of shops on either side, and the +liberal display of goods on the sidewalk, attracted his attention, and +he had numerous questions to ask, most of which Ben was able to answer. +He had not knocked about the streets of New York six years for nothing. +His business had carried him to all parts of the city, and he had +acquired a large amount of local information, a part of which he +retailed now to his cousin as they rode side by side in the horse-cars. + +At length they reached Thirtieth Street, and here they got out. At the +distance of one block they found Madison Avenue. Examining the numbers, +they readily found the house of which they were in search. It was a +handsome four-story house, with a brown-stone front. + +"This must be Mr. Abercrombie's house," said Charles. "I didn't think +Cousin Mary lived in such a nice place." + +Ben surveyed the house with mingled emotions. He could not help +contrasting his own forlorn, neglected condition with the position of +his sister. She lived in an elegant home, enjoying, no doubt, all the +advantages which money could procure; while he, her only brother, walked +about the streets in rags, sleeping in any out-of-the-way corner. But he +could blame no one for it. It had been his own choice, and until this +morning he had been well enough contented with it. But all at once a +glimpse had been given him of what might have been his lot had he been +less influenced by pride and waywardness, and by the light of this new +prospect he saw how little hope there was of achieving any decent +position in society if he remained in his present occupation. But what +could he do? Should he declare himself at once to his cousin, and his +sister? Pride would not permit him to do it. He was not willing to let +them see him in his ragged and dirty state. He determined to work and +save up money, until he could purchase a suit as handsome as that which +his cousin wore. Then he would not be ashamed to present himself, so far +as his outward appearance went. He knew very well that he was ignorant; +but he must trust to the future to remedy that deficiency. It would be a +work of time, as he well knew. Meanwhile he had his cousin's assurance +that he would be glad to meet him again, and renew the old, affectionate +intimacy which formerly existed between them. + +While these thoughts were passing through Ben's mind, as I have said, +they reached the house. + +"Have you had any breakfast?" asked Charles as they ascended the steps. + +"Not yet," answered Ben. "It isn't fashionable to take breakfast early." + +"Then you must come in. My cousin will give you some breakfast." + +Ben hesitated; but finally decided to accept the invitation. He had two +reasons for this. Partly because it would give him an opportunity to see +his sister; and, secondly, because it would save him the expense of +buying his breakfast elsewhere, and that was a consideration, now that +he had a special object for saving money. + +"Is Mrs. Abercrombie at home?" asked Charles of the servant who answered +his summons. + +"Yes, sir; who shall I say is here?" + +"Her cousin, Charles Montrose." + +"Will you walk into the parlor?" said the servant, opening a door at the +side of the hall. She looked doubtfully at Ben, who had also entered the +house. + +"Sit down here, Ben," said Charles, indicating a chair on one side of +the hat-stand. "I'll stop here till Mrs. Abercrombie comes down," he +said. + +Soon a light step was heard on the stairs, and Mrs. Abercrombie +descended the staircase. She is the same that we last saw in the modest +house in the Pennsylvania village; but the lapse of time has softened +her manners, and the influence of a husband and a home have improved +her. But otherwise she has not greatly changed in her looks. + +Ben, who examined her face eagerly, recognized her at once. Yes, it was +his sister Mary that stood before him. He would have known her anywhere. +But there was a special mark by which he remembered her. There was a +dent in her cheek just below the temple, the existence of which he could +account for. In a fit of boyish passion, occasioned by her teasing him, +he had flung a stick of wood at her head, and this had led to the mark. + +"Where did you come from, Charles?" she said, giving her hand cordially +to her young cousin. + +"From Boston, Cousin Mary." + +"Have you just arrived, and where is your father? You did not come on +alone, did you?" + +"No, father is with me, or rather he came on with me, but he had some +errands down town, and stopped to attend to them. He will be here soon." + +"How did you find the way alone?" + +"I was not alone. There is my guide. By the way, I told him to stay, and +you would give him some breakfast." + +"Certainly, he can go down in the basement, and the servants will give +him something." + +Mrs. Abercrombie looked at Ben as she spoke; but on her part there was +no sign of recognition. This was not strange. A boy changes greatly +between ten and sixteen years of age, and when to this natural change is +added the great change in Ben's dress, it will not be wondered at that +his sister saw in him only an ordinary street boy. + +Ben was relieved to find that he was not known. He had felt afraid that +something in his looks might remind his sister of her lost brother; but +the indifferent look which she turned upon him proved that he had no +ground for this fear. + +"You have not breakfasted, I suppose, Charles." said his cousin. + +"You wouldn't think so, if you knew what an appetite I have," he +answered, laughing. + +"We will do our best to spoil it," said Mrs. Abercrombie. + +She rang the bell, and ordered breakfast to be served. + +"We are a little late this morning," she said. + +"Mr. Abercrombie is in Philadelphia on business; so you won't see him +till to-morrow." + +When the servant appeared, Mrs. Abercrombie directed her to take Ben +downstairs, and give him something to eat. + +"Don't go away till I see you, Ben," said Charles, lingering a little. + +"All right," said Ben. + +He followed the servant down the stairs leading to the basement. On the +way, he had a glimpse through the half-open door of the breakfast-table, +at which his sister and his cousin were shortly to sit down. + +"Some time, perhaps, I shall be invited in there," he said to himself. + +But at present he had no such wish. He knew that in his ragged garb he +would be out of place in the handsome breakfast-room, and he preferred +to wait until his appearance was improved. He had no fault to find with +the servants, who brought him a bountiful supply of beefsteak and bread +and butter, and a cup of excellent coffee. Ben had been up long enough +to have quite an appetite. Besides, the quality of the breakfast was +considerably superior to those which he was accustomed to take in the +cheap restaurants which he frequented, and he did full justice to the +food that was spread before him. + +When he had satisfied his appetite, he had a few minutes to wait before +Charles came down to speak to him. + +"Well, Ben, I hope you had a good breakfast," he said. + +"Tip-top," answered Ben. + +"And I hope also that you had an appetite equal to mine." + +"My appetite don't often give out," said Ben; "but it aint so good now +as it was when I came in." + +"Now we have a little business to attend to. How much shall I pay you +for smashing my baggage?" Charles asked, with a laugh. + +"Whatever you like." + +"Well, here's fifty cents for your services, and six cents for your +car-fare back." + +"Thank you," said Ben. + +"Besides this, Mrs. Abercrombie has a note, which she wants carried down +town to her husband's office in Wall Street. She will give you fifty +cents more, if you will agree to deliver it there at once, as it is of +importance." + +"All right," said Ben. "I'll do it." + +"Here is the note. I suppose you had better start with it at once. +Good-morning." + +"Good-morning," said Ben, as he held his cousin's proffered hand a +moment in his own. "Maybe I'll see you again some time." + +"I hope so," said Charles, kindly. + +A minute later Ben was on his way to take a Fourth Avenue car down +town. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +LUCK AND ILL LUCK. + + +"That will do very well for a beginning," thought Ben, as he surveyed, +with satisfaction, the two half dollars which he had received for his +morning's services. He determined to save one of them towards the fund +which he hoped to accumulate for the object which he had in view. How +much he would need he could not decide; but thought that it would be +safe to set the amount at fifty dollars. This would doubtless require a +considerable time to obtain. He could not expect to be so fortunate +every day as he had been this morning. Some days, no doubt, he would +barely earn enough to pay expenses. Still he had made a beginning, and +this was something gained. It was still more encouraging that he had +determined to save money, and had an inducement to do so. + +As Ben rode down town in the horse-cars, he thought of the six years +which he had spent as a New York street boy; and he could not help +feeling that the time had been wasted, so far as any progress or +improvement was concerned. Of books he knew less than when he first came +to the city. He knew more of life, indeed, but not the best side of +life. He had formed some bad habits, from which he would probably have +been saved if he had remained at home. Ben realized all at once how much +he had lost by his hasty action in leaving home. He regarded his street +life with different eyes, and felt ready to give it up, as soon as he +could present himself to his parents without too great a sacrifice of +his pride. + +At the end of half an hour, Ben found himself at the termination of the +car route, opposite the lower end of the City Hall Park. + +As the letter which he had to deliver was to be carried to Wall Street, +he kept on down Broadway till he reached Trinity Church, and then turned +into the street opposite. He quickly found the number indicated, and +entered Mr. Abercrombie's office. It was a handsome office on the lower +floor. Two or three clerks were at work at their desks. + +"So this is my brother-in-law's office," thought Ben. "It's rather +better than mine." + +"Well, young man, what can I do for you to-day?" inquired a clerk, in a +tone which indicated that he thought Ben had got into the wrong shop. + +"You can tell me whether your name is Sampson," answered Ben, coolly. + +"No, it isn't." + +"That's what I thought." + +"Suppose I am not; what then?" + +"Then the letter I've got isn't for you, that's all." + +"So you've got a letter, have you?" + +"That's what I said." + +"It seems to me you're mighty independent," sneered the clerk, who felt +aggrieved that Ben did not show him the respect which he conceived to be +his due. + +"Thank you for the compliment," said Ben, bowing. + +"You can hand me the letter." + +"I thought your name wasn't Sampson." + +"I'll hand it to Mr. Sampson. He's gone out a moment. He'll be in +directly." + +"Much obliged," said Ben; "but I'd rather hand it to Mr. Sampson myself. +Business aint particularly pressin' this mornin', so, if you'll hand me +the mornin' paper, I'll read till he comes." + +"Well, you've got cheek," ejaculated the clerk. + +"I've got two of 'em if I counted right when I got up," said Ben. + +Here there was a laugh from the other two clerks. + +"He's too smart for you, Granby," said one. + +"He's impudent enough," muttered the first, as he withdrew discomfited +to his desk. + +The enemy having retreated, Ben sat down in an arm-chair, and, picking +up a paper, began to read. + +He had not long to wait. Five minutes had scarcely passed when a man of +middle age entered the office. His manner showed that he belonged there. + +"If you're Mr. Sampson," said Ben, approaching him, "here is a letter +for you." + +"That is my name," said the gentleman, opening the note at once. + +"You come from Mrs. Abercrombie," he said, glancing at Ben, as he +finished reading it. + +"Yes, sir," said Ben. + +"How did she happen to select you as her messenger?" + +"I went up there this morning to carry a valise." + +"I have a great mind to send you back to her with an answer; but I +hesitate on one account." + +"What is that?" asked Ben. + +"I don't know whether you can be trusted." + +"Nor I," said Ben; "but I'm willin' to run the risk." + +"No doubt," said Mr. Sampson, smiling; "but it seems to me that I should +run a greater risk than you." + +"I don't know about that," answered Ben. "If it's money, and I keep it, +you can send the copps after me, and I'll be sent to the Island. That +would be worse than losing money." + +"That's true; but some of you boys don't mind that. However, I am +inclined to trust you. Mrs. Abercrombie asks for a sum of money, and +wishes me to send it up by one of the clerks. That I cannot very well +do, as we are particularly busy this morning. I will put the money in an +envelope, and give it to you to deliver. I will tell you beforehand that +it is fifty dollars." + +"Very good," said Ben; "I'll give it to her." + +"Wait a moment." + +Mr. Sampson went behind the desk, and reappeared almost directly. + +"Mrs. Abercrombie will give you a line to me, stating that she has +received the money. When you return with this, I will pay you for your +trouble." + +"All right," said Ben. + +As he left the office the young clerk first mentioned said, "I am +afraid, Mr. Sampson, Mrs. Abercrombie will never see that money." + +"Why not?" + +"The boy will keep it." + +"What makes you think so?" + +"He's one of the most impudent young rascals I ever saw." + +"I didn't form that opinion. He was respectful enough to me." + +"He wasn't to me." + +Mr. Sampson smiled a little. He had observed young Granby's assumption +of importance, and partly guessed how matters stood. + +"It's too late to recall him," he said. "I must run the risk. My own +opinion is that he will prove faithful." + +Ben had accepted the commission gladly, not alone because he would get +extra pay for the additional errand, but because he saw that there was +some hesitation in the mind of Mr. Sampson about trusting him, and he +meant to show himself worthy of confidence. There were fifty dollars in +the envelope. He had never before been trusted with that amount of +money, and now it was rather because no other messenger could be +conveniently sent that he found himself so trusted. Not a thought of +appropriating the money came to Ben. True, it occurred to him that this +was precisely the sum which he needed to fit him out respectably. But +there would be greater cause for shame if he appeared well dressed on +stolen money, than if he should present himself in rags to his sister. +However, it is only just to Ben to say that had the party to whom he +was sent been different, he would have discharged his commission +honorably. Not that he was a model boy, but his pride, which was in some +respects a fault with him, here served him in good stead, as it made him +ashamed to do a dishonest act. + +Ben rightly judged that the money would be needed as soon as possible, +and, as the distance was great, he resolved to ride, trusting to Mr. +Sampson's liberality to pay him for the expense which he would thus +incur in addition to the compensation allowed for his services. + +He once more made his way to the station of the Fourth Avenue cars, and +jumped aboard one just ready to start. + +The car gradually filled, and they commenced their progress up town. + +Ben took a seat in the corner next to the door. Next to him was a man +with black hair and black whiskers. He wore a tall felt hat with a bell +crown, and a long cloak. Ben took no particular notice of him, being too +much in the habit of seeing strange faces to observe them minutely. The +letter he put in the side pocket of his coat, on the side nearest the +stranger. He took it out once to look at it. It was addressed to Mrs. +Abercrombie, at her residence, and in one corner Mr. Sampson had written +"Money enclosed." + +Now it chanced, though Ben did not suspect it, that the man at his side +was a member of the swell mob, and his main business was picking +pockets. He observed the two words, already quoted, on the envelope when +Ben took it in his hand, and he made up his mind to get possession of +it. This was comparatively easy, for Ben's pocket was on the side +towards him. Our hero was rather careless, it must be owned, but it +happened that the inside pocket of his coat had been torn away, which +left him no other receptacle for the letter. Besides, Ben had never been +in a situation to have much fear of pick pockets, and under ordinary +circumstances he would hardly have been selected as worth plundering. +But the discovery that the letter contained money altered the case. + +While Ben was looking out from the opposite window across the street, +the stranger dexterously inserted his hand in his pocket, and withdrew +the letter. They were at that moment just opposite the Tombs. + +Having gained possession of the letter, of course it was his interest to +get out of the car as soon as possible, since Ben was liable at any +moment to discover his loss. + +He touched the conductor, who was just returning from the other end of +the car, after collecting the fares. + +"I'll get out here," he said. + +The conductor accordingly pulled the strap, and the car stopped. + +The stranger gathered his cloak about him, and, stepping out on the +platform, jumped from the car. Just at that moment Ben put his hand into +his pocket, and instantly discovered the loss of the letter. He +immediately connected it with the departure of his fellow-passenger, +and, with a hasty ejaculation, sprang from the car, and started in +pursuit of him. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +WHICH IS THE GUILTY PARTY? + + +It was an exciting moment for Ben. He felt that his character for +honesty was at stake. In case the pickpocket succeeded in getting off +with the letter and money, Mr. Sampson would no doubt come to the +conclusion that he had appropriated the fifty dollars to his own use, +while his story of the robbery would be regarded as an impudent +fabrication. He might even be arrested, and sentenced to the Island for +theft. If this should happen, though he were innocent, Ben felt that he +should not be willing to make himself known to his sister or his +parents. But there was a chance of getting back the money, and he +resolved to do his best. + +The pickpocket turned down a side street, his object being to get out of +the range of observation as soon as possible. But one thing he did not +anticipate, and this was Ben's immediate discovery of his loss. On this +subject he was soon enlightened. He saw Ben jump from the horse-car, and +his first impulse was to run. He made a quick movement in advance, and +then paused. It occurred to him that he occupied a position of advantage +with regard to his accuser, being respectably dressed, while Ben was +merely a ragged street boy, whose word probably would not inspire much +confidence. This vantage ground he would give up by having recourse to +flight, as this would be a virtual acknowledgment of guilt. He resolved +instantaneously to assume an attitude of conscious integrity, and frown +down upon Ben from the heights of assumed respectability. There was one +danger, however, that he was known to some of the police force in his +true character. But he must take the risk of recognition. + +On landing in the middle of the street, Ben lost no time; but, running +up to the pickpocket, caught him by the arm. + +"What do you want, boy?" he demanded, in a tone of indifference. + +"I want my money," said Ben. + +"I don't understand you," said the pickpocket loftily. + +"Look here, mister," said Ben, impatiently; "you know well enough what I +mean. You took a letter with money in it out of my pocket. Just hand it +back, and I won't say anything about it." + +"You're an impudent young rascal," returned the "gentleman," affecting +to be outraged by such a charge. "Do you dare to accuse a gentleman like +me of robbing a ragmuffin like you?" + +"Yes, I do," said Ben, boldly. + +"Then you're either crazy or impudent, I don't know which." + +"Call me what you please; but give me back my money." + +"I don't believe you ever had five dollars in your possession. How much +do you mean to say there was in this letter?" + +"Fifty dollars," answered Ben. + +The pickpocket had an object in asking this question. He wanted to learn +whether the sum of money was sufficient to make it worth his while to +keep it. Had it been three or four dollars, he might have given it up, +to avoid risk and trouble. But on finding that it was fifty dollars he +determined to hold on to it at all hazards. + +"Clear out, boy," he said, fiercely. "I shan't stand any of your +impudence." + +"Give me my money, then." + +"If you don't stop that, I'll knock you down," repeated the pickpocket, +shaking off Ben's grasp, and moving forward rapidly. + +If he expected to frighten our hero away thus easily, he was very much +mistaken. Ben had too much at stake to give up the attempt to recover +the letter. He ran forward, and, seizing the man by the arm, he +reiterated, in a tone of firm determination, "Give me my money, or I'll +call a copp." + +"Take that, you young villain!" exclaimed the badgered thief, bringing +his fist in contact with Ben's face in such a manner as to cause the +blood to flow. + +In a physical contest it was clear that Ben would get the worst of it. +He was but a boy of sixteen, strong, indeed, of his age; but still what +could he expect to accomplish against a tall man of mature age? He saw +that he needed help, and he called out at the top of his lungs, "Help! +Police!" + +His antagonist was adroit, and a life spent in eluding the law had made +him quick-witted. He turned the tables upon Ben by turning round, +grasping him firmly by the arm, and repeating in a voice louder than +Ben's, "Help! Police!" + +Contrary to the usual custom in such cases, a policeman happened to be +near, and hurried to the spot where he was apparently wanted. + +"What's the row?" he asked. + +Before Ben had time to prefer his charge, the pickpocket said glibly:-- + +"Policeman, I give this boy in charge." + +"What's he been doing?" + +"I caught him with his hand in my pocket," said the man. "He's a +thieving young vagabond." + +"That's a lie!" exclaimed Ben, rather startled at the unexpected turn +which affairs had taken. "He's a pickpocket." + +The real culprit shrugged his shoulders. "You aint quite smart enough, +boy," he said. + +"Has he taken anything of yours?" asked the policeman, who supposed Ben +to be what he was represented. + +"No," said the pickpocket; "but he came near taking a money letter which +I have in my pocket." + +Here, with astonishing effrontery, he displayed the letter which he had +stolen from Ben. + +"That's _my_ letter," said Ben. "He took it from my pocket." + +"A likely story," smiled the pickpocket, in serene superiority. "The +letter is for Mrs. Abercrombie, a friend of mine, and contains fifty +dollars. I incautiously wrote upon the envelope 'Money enclosed,' which +attracted the attention of this young vagabond, as I held it in my hand. +On replacing it in my pocket, he tried to get possession of it." + +"That's a lie from beginning to end," exclaimed Ben, impetuously. "He's +tryin' to make me out a thief, when he's one himself." + +"Well, what is your story?" asked the policeman, who, however, had +already decided in his own mind that Ben was the guilty party. + +"I was ridin' in the Fourth Avenue cars along side of this man," said +Ben, "when he put his hand in my pocket, and took out the letter that +he's just showed you. I jumped out after him, and asked him to give it +back, when he fetched me a lick in the face." + +"Do you mean to say that a ragamuffin like you had fifty dollars?" +demanded the thief. + +"No," said Ben, "the money wasn't mine. I was carryin' it up to Mrs. +Abercrombie, who lives on Madison Avenue." + +"It's a likely story that a ragamuffin like you would be trusted with so +much money." + +"If you don't believe it," said Ben, "go to Mr. Abercrombie's office in +Wall Street. Mr. Sampson gave it to me only a few minutes ago. If he +says he didn't, just carry me to the station-house as quick as you want +to." + +This confident assertion of Ben's put matters in rather a different +light. It seemed straightforward, and the reference might easily prove +which was the real culprit. The pickpocket saw that the officer wavered, +and rejoined hastily, "You must expect the officer's a fool to believe +your ridiculous story." + +"It's not so ridiculous," answered the policeman, scrutinizing the +speaker with sudden suspicion. "I am not sure but the boy is right." + +"I'm willing to let the matter drop," said the pickpocket, +magnanimously; "as he didn't succeed in getting my money, I will not +prosecute. You may let him go, Mr. Officer." + +"Not so fast," said the policeman, his suspicions of the other party +getting stronger and more clearly defined. "I haven't any authority to +do as you say." + +"Very well, take him along then. I suppose the law must take its +course." + +"Yes, it must." + +"Very well, boy, I'm sorry you've got into such a scrape; but it's your +own fault. Good morning, officer." + +"You're in too much of a hurry," said the policeman, coolly; "you must +go along with me too." + +"Really," said the thief, nervously, "I hope you'll excuse me. I've got +an important engagement this morning, and--I--in fact it will be +excessively inconvenient." + +"I'm sorry to put you to inconvenience, but it can't be helped." + +"Really, Mr. Officer--" + +"It's no use. I shall need you. Oblige me by handing me that letter." + +"Here it is," said the thief, unwillingly surrendering it. "Really, it's +excessively provoking. I'd rather lose the money than break my +engagement. I'll promise to be on hand at the trial, whenever it comes +off; if you keep the money it will be a guaranty of my appearance." + +"I don't know about that," answered the officer "As to being present at +the trial, I mean that you shall be." + +"Of course, I promised that." + +"There's one little matter you seem to forget," said the officer; "your +appearance may be quite as necessary as the boy's. It may be your trial +and not his." + +"Do you mean to insult me?" demanded the pickpocket, haughtily. + +"Not by no manner of means. I aint the judge, you know. If your story is +all right, it'll appear so." + +"Of course; but I shall have to break my engagement." + +"Well, that can't be helped as I see. Come along, if _you_ please." + +He tucked one arm in that of the man, and the other in Ben's, and moved +towards the station-house. Of the two Ben seemed to be much the more +unconcerned. He was confident that his innocence would be proclaimed, +while the other was equally convinced that trouble awaited him. + +"Well, boy, how do you like going to the station-house?" asked the +policeman. + +"I don't mind as long as he goes with me," answered Ben. "What I was +most afraid of was that I'd lose the money, and then Mr. Sampson would +have taken me for a thief." + +Meanwhile the other party was rapidly getting more and more nervous. He +felt that he was marching to his fate, and that the only way of escape +was by flight, and that immediate; for they were very near the +station-house. Just as Ben pronounced the last words, the thief gathered +all his strength, and broke from the grasp of the officer, whose hold +was momentarily relaxed. Once free he showed an astonishing rapidity. + +The officer hesitated for an instant, for he had another prisoner to +guard. + +"Go after him," exclaimed Ben, eagerly. "Don't let him escape. I'll stay +where I am." + +The conviction that the escaped party was the real thief determined the +policeman to follow Ben's advice. He let him go, and started in rapid +pursuit of the fugitive. + +Ben sat down on a doorstep, and awaited anxiously the result of the +chase. + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +HOW ALL CAME RIGHT IN THE MORNING. + + +It is quite possible that the pickpocket would have made good his +escape, if he had not, unluckily for himself, run into another +policeman. + +"Beg your pardon," he said, hurriedly. + +"Stop a minute," said the officer, detaining him by the arm, for his +appearance and haste inspired suspicion. He was bare-headed, for his hat +had fallen off, and he had not deemed it prudent to stop long enough to +pick it up. + +"I'm in a great hurry," panted the thief. "My youngest child is in a +fit, and I am running for a physician." + +This explanation seemed plausible, and the policeman, who was himself +the father of a family, was on the point of releasing him, when the +first officer came up. + +"Hold on to him," he said; "he's just broken away from me." + +"That's it, is it?" said the second policeman. "He told me he was after +a doctor for his youngest child." + +"I think he'll need a doctor himself," said the first, "if he tries +another of his games. You didn't stop to say good-by, my man." + +"I told you I had an important engagement," said the pickpocket, +sulkily,--"one that I cared more about than the money. Where's the boy?" + +"I had to leave him to go after you." + +"That's a pretty way to manage; you let the thief go in order to chase +his victim." + +"You're an able-bodied victim," said the policeman, laughing. + +"Where are you taking me?" + +"I'm going back for the boy. He said he'd wait till I returned." + +"Are you green enough to think you'll find him?" sneered the man in +charge. + +"Perhaps not; but I shouldn't be surprised if I did. If I guess right, +he'll find it worth his while to keep his promise." + +When they returned to the place where the thief had first effected his +escape, our hero was found quietly sitting on a wooden step. + +"So you've got him," said Ben, advancing to meet the officer with +evident satisfaction. + +"He's got you too," growled the pickpocket. "Why didn't you run away, +you little fool?" + +"I didn't have anything to run for," answered Ben. "Besides, I want my +money back." + +"Then you'll have to go with me to the station-house," said the officer. + +"I wish I could go to Mr. Abercrombie's office first to tell Mr. Sampson +what's happened." + +"I can't let you do that; but you may write a letter from the +station-house." + +"All right," said Ben, cheerfully; and he voluntarily placed himself on +the other side of the officer, and accompanied him to the station-house. + +"I thought you was guilty at first," said the officer; "but I guess your +story is correct. If it isn't, you're about the coolest chap I ever +saw, and I've seen some cool ones in my day." + +"It's just as I said," said Ben. "It'll all come right in the morning." + +They soon reached the station-house. Ben obtained the privilege of +writing a letter to Mr. Sampson, for which the officer undertook to +procure a messenger. In fact he began to feel quite interested for our +hero, feeling fully convinced that the other party was the real +offender. + +Ben found some difficulty in writing his letter. When he first came to +the city, he could have written one with considerable ease, but he had +scarcely touched a pen, or formed a letter, for six years, and of course +this made an important difference. However he finally managed to write +these few lines with a lead-pencil:-- + + "MR. SAMPSON: I am sory I can't cary that leter til to-morrow; but it + was took from my pokit by a thefe wen I was ridin' in the cars, and as + he sed I took it from him, the 'copp' has brort us both to the + stashun-house, whare I hope you wil come and tel them how it was, and + that you give me the leter to cary, for the other man says it is his + The 'copp' took the leter + + "BEN HOOPER." + +It will be observed that Ben's spelling had suffered; but this will not +excite surprise, considering how long it was since he had attended +school. It will also be noticed that he did not sign his real name, but +used the same which he had communicated to Charles Marston. More than +ever, till he was out of his present difficulty, he desired to conceal +his identity from his relations. + +Meanwhile, Mr. Sampson was busily engaged in his office in Wall Street. +It may as well be explained here that he was the junior partner of Mr. +Abercrombie. Occasionally he paused in his business to wonder whether he +had done well to expose a ragged street boy to such a temptation; but he +was a large-hearted man, inclined to think well of his fellow-men, and +though in his business life he had seen a good deal that was mean and +selfish in the conduct of others, he had never lost his confidence in +human nature, and never would. It is better to have such a disposition, +even if it does expose the possessor to being imposed upon at times, +than to regard everybody with distrust and suspicion. At any rate it +promotes happiness, and conciliates good-will, and these will offset an +occasional deception. + +An hour had passed, when a boy presented himself at Mr. Abercrombie's +office. It was a newsboy, who had been intrusted with Ben's letter. + +"This is for Mr. Sampson," he said, looking around him on entering. + +"Another of Mr. Sampson's friends," sneered Granby, in a tone which he +took care should be too low to come to that gentleman's ears. + +"My name is Sampson," said the owner of that name. "Who is your letter +from?" + +"It's from Ben." + +"And who is Ben?" asked Mr. Sampson, not much enlightened. + +"It's Ben, the baggage-smasher." + +"Give it to me," said the gentleman, conjecturing rightly that it was +his messenger who was meant. + +He ran his eye rapidly over the paper, or, I should say, as rapidly as +the character of Ben's writing would permit. + +"Do you come from the station-house?" he asked, looking up. + +"Yes, sir." + +"Which station-house is it?" + +"In Leonard Street." + +"Very well. Go back and tell the boy that I will call this afternoon. I +will also give you a line to a house on Madison Avenue. Can you go right +up there, calling at the station-house on the way?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Very well. Here is something for your trouble." + +The boy pocketed with satisfaction the money proffered him, and took the +letter which Mr. Sampson hastily wrote. It was to this effect:-- + + "MY DEAR MRS. ABERCROMBIE: I received your note, and despatched the + money which you desired by a messenger; but I have just learned that + his pocket was picked on the horse-cars. I cannot spare one of my + clerks just now, but at one o'clock will send one up with the money, + hoping that he may have better fortune than the first messenger, and + that you will not be seriously inconvenienced by the delay. + + "Yours truly, + + "HENRY SAMPSON." + +Then he dismissed the matter from his mind until afternoon, when, the +office having closed, he made his way to the Leonard Street +station-house, where he was speedily admitted to see Ben. + +"I'm glad you've come, Mr. Sampson," said our hero, eagerly. "I hope you +don't think I was to blame about the letter." + +"Tell me how it was, my lad," said Mr. Sampson, kindly. "I dare say you +can give me a satisfactory explanation." + +Ben felt grateful for the kindness of his tone. He saw that he was not +condemned unheard, but had a chance of clearing himself. + +He explained, briefly, how it occurred. Of course it is unnecessary to +give his account, for we know all about it already. + +"I believe you," said Mr. Sampson, in a friendly tone. "The only fault I +have to find with you is that you might have been more careful in +guarding your pockets." + +"That's so," said Ben; "but I don't often carry anything that's worth +stealing." + +"No, I suppose not," said Mr. Sampson, smiling. "Well, it appears that +no serious loss has occurred. The money will be recovered, as it is in +the hands of the authorities. As to the delay, that is merely an +inconvenience; but the most serious inconvenience falls upon you, in +your being brought here." + +"I don't mind that as long as the money is safe," said Ben. "It'll all +be right in the morning." + +"I see you are a philosopher. I see your face is swelled. You must have +got a blow." + +"Yes," said Ben; "the chap that took my letter left me something to +remember him by." + +"I shall try to make it up to you," said Mr. Sampson. "I can't stop any +longer, but I will be present at your trial, and my testimony will +undoubtedly clear you." + +He took his leave, leaving Ben considerably more cheerful than before. A +station-house is not a very agreeable place of detention; but then Ben +was not accustomed to luxury, and the absence of comfort did not +trouble him much. He cared more for the loss of his liberty, finding the +narrow cell somewhat too restricted for enjoyment. However, he consoled +himself by reflecting, to use his favorite phrase, that it would "all be +right in the morning." + +It will not be necessary to give a circumstantial account of Ben's +trial. Mr. Sampson was faithful to his promise, and presented himself, +somewhat to his personal inconvenience, at the early hour assigned for +trial. His testimony was brief and explicit, and cleared Ben. The real +pickpocket, however, being recognized by the judge as one who had been +up before him some months before, charged with a similar offence, was +sentenced to a term of imprisonment, considerably to his +dissatisfaction. + +Ben left the court-room well pleased with the result. His innocence had +been established, and he had proved that he could be trusted, or rather, +he had not proved faithless to his trust, and he felt that with his +present plans and hopes he could not afford to lose his character for +honesty. He knew that he had plenty of faults, but at any rate he was +not a thief. + +While he stood on the steps of the Tombs, in which the trial had taken +place, Mr. Sampson advanced towards him, and touched him on the +shoulder. + +"Well, my lad," he said, in a friendly manner, "so you're all right once +more?" + +"Yes," said Ben; "I knew it would all be right in the morning." + +"I owe you something for the inconvenience you have suffered while in my +employ. Here is a ten-dollar bill. I hope you will save it till you need +it, and won't spend it foolishly." + +"Thank you," said Ben, joyfully. "I'll put it in the bank." + +"That will be a good plan. Good-morning; when you need a friend, you +will know where to find me." + +He shook Ben's hand in a friendly way and left him. + +"He's a trump," thought Ben. "If my father'd treated me like that, I'd +never have wanted to run away from home." + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + +IN A NEW LINE. + + +"Ten dollars!" said Ben to himself, with exultation. "That's pretty good +pay for a few hours in the station-house. I'd like to board there a week +on the same terms." + +Ben's capital now amounted to eleven dollars; but of this sum he decided +to retain one dollar as a reserve to fall back upon in case of need. The +ten dollars he determined to deposit at once in a savings-bank. He +accordingly bent his steps towards one in the course of the forenoon. +The business was quickly transacted, and Ben left the building with a +bank-book containing an entry of his first deposit. + +This was a very good beginning, so Ben thought. Fifty dollars, as he had +estimated, would enable him to carry out the plan which he proposed, and +he had already one-fifth of the sum. But the accumulation of the other +forty dollars would no doubt take him a considerable time. The business +of a "baggage-smasher," as Ben knew from experience, is precarious, the +amount of gains depending partly upon luck. He had sometimes haunted the +steamboat landings for hours without obtaining a single job. Now that he +was anxious to get on, he felt this to be an objection. He began to +consider whether there was any way of adding to his income. + +After considerable thought he decided to buy a supply of weekly papers, +which he could sell while waiting for a job. One advantage in selecting +weekly papers rather than daily was this, that the latter must be sold +within a few hours, or they prove a dead loss. A daily paper of +yesterday is as unsalable as a last year's almanac. As Ben was liable to +be interrupted in his paper business at any time by a chance to carry +luggage, it was an important consideration to have a stock which would +remain fresh for a few days. + +This idea impressed Ben so favorably that he determined to act upon it +at once. In considering where he should go for his supply of papers, he +thought of a Broadway news-stand, which he frequently had occasion to +pass. On reaching it, he said to the proprietor, "Where do you buy your +papers?" + +"What do you want to know for?" + +"I thought maybe I'd go into the business." + +"You don't think of setting up a stand, do you?" asked the man, with a +significant glance at Ben's ragged attire. + +"No," said Ben. "I haven't got capital enough for that, unless you'll +sell out for fifty cents." + +"I suppose you want a few to carry round and sell?" + +"Yes." + +"Where do you think of going with them?" + +"Down to the wharves. I'm a baggage-smasher, and I thought I might make +somethin' by sellin' papers, when I hadn't any baggage to carry." + +"I get my papers from the 'American News Company' on Nassau Street." + +"I know the place well enough." + +"What papers do you think I could sell best?" asked Ben. + +"The picture papers go off as fast as any," said the street dealer. +"But I'll tell you what, my lad, maybe I can make an arrangement for you +to sell papers for me." + +"I don't think I'd like to stand here all day," said Ben, supposing the +other to mean to engage him to tend the stand. + +"I don't mean that." + +"Well," said Ben, "I'm open to an offer, as the old maid of sixty told a +feller that called to see her." + +"I'll tell you what I mean. I'll give you a bundle of papers every +morning to take with you. You will sell what you can, and bring back the +rest at night." + +"I like that," said Ben, with satisfaction. "But how much will I get?" + +"It will depend on the price of the papers. 'Harper's Weekly' and 'Frank +Leslie' sell for ten cents. I will allow you two cents on each of these. +On the 'Ledger' and 'Weekly,' and other papers of that price, I will +allow one cent. You'd make rather more if you bought them yourself; but +you might have them left on your hands." + +"That's so," said Ben. + +"Did you ever sell papers?" + +"I used to sell the mornin' and evenin' papers before I went to +baggage-smashin'." + +"Then you know something about the business. When do you want to begin?" + +"Right off." + +"Very well; I will make you up a bundle of a dozen papers to begin on. +I'll put in three each of the illustrated papers, and fill up with the +story papers." + +"All right, mister, you know better than I what people will buy." + +The dealer began to collect the papers, but paused in the middle of his +task, and looked doubtfully at our hero. + +"Well, what's up?" asked Ben, observing his hesitation. + +"How do I know but you'll sell the papers, and keep the money yourself?" +said the dealer. + +"That's so," said Ben. "I never thought of that." + +"That wouldn't be very profitable for me, you see." + +"I'll bring back the money or the papers," said Ben. "You needn't be +afraid." + +"Very likely you would; but how am I to know that?" + +"So you don't want to trust me," said Ben, rather disappointed. + +"Have you got any money?" + +"Yes." + +"Very well, you can leave enough with me to secure me against loss, and +I will give you the papers." + +"How much will that be?" + +After a little thought, the dealer answered, "Seventy-five cents." He +had some doubt whether Ben had so much; but our hero quickly set his +doubts at rest by drawing out his two half-dollars, and demanding a +quarter in change. + +The sight of this money reassured the dealer. Ben's ragged clothes had +led him to doubt his financial soundness; but the discovery that he was +a capitalist to the extent of a dollar gave him considerable more +respect for him. A dollar may not be a very large sum; I hope that to +you, my young reader, it is a very small one, and that you have never +been embarrassed for the want of it; but it is enough to lift a ragged +street boy from the position of a penniless vagabond to that of a +thrifty capitalist. After seeing it, the dealer would almost have felt +safe in trusting Ben with the papers without demanding a deposit of +their value. Still it was better and safer to require a deposit, and he +therefore took the dollar from Ben, returning twenty-five cents in +change. + +This preliminary matter settled, he made up the parcel of papers. + +"There they are," he said. "If you're smart, you can sell 'em all before +night." + +"I hope so," said Ben. + +With the papers under his arm, Ben made his way westward to the +Cortlandt Street ferry, which was a favorite place of resort with him. + +He did not have long to wait for his first customer. As he was walking +down Cortlandt Street, he met a gentleman, whose attention seemed +attracted by the papers he carried. + +"What papers have you got there, my lad?" he inquired. + +"'Harper's Weekly,' 'Frank Leslie,' 'Ledger,' 'Weekly,'" repeated Ben, +glibly, adding the names of the other papers in his parcel. + +"Give me the two picture papers," said the gentleman. "Twenty cents, I +suppose." + +"Yes," said Ben, "and as much more as you want to pay. I don't set no +limit to the generosity of my customers." + +"You're sharp," said the gentleman, laughing. "That's worth something. +Here's twenty-five cents. You may keep the change." + +"I'll do it cheerfully," said Ben. "Thank you, sir. I hope you'll buy +all your papers of me." + +"I won't promise always to pay you more than the regular price, but you +may leave 'Harper's' and 'Leslie' at my office every week. Here is my +card." + +Ben took the card, and put it in his pocket. He found the office to be +located in Trinity Building, Broadway. + +"I'll call every week reg'lar," he said. + +"That's right, my lad. Good-morning." + +"Good-mornin'." + +Ben felt that he had started well. He had cleared nine cents by his +sale, four representing his regular commission, while the other five +cents might be regarded as a donation. Nine cents was something. But for +his idea about the papers, he would have made nothing so far. It is a +very good thing to have two strings to your bow, so Ben thought, though +the thought did not take that precise form in his mind. He kept on his +way till he reached the ferry. There was no train in on the other side, +and would not be for some time, but passengers came over the ferry, and +Ben placed himself where he could be seen. It was some time before he +sold another paper however, although Ben, who improved some of his spare +time by looking over the pictures, was prepared to recommend them. + +"What papers have you got, boy?" asked a tall, lank man, whose thin +lips and pinched expression gave him an outward appearance of meanness, +which, by the way, did not belie his real character. + +Ben recited the list. + +"What's the price of 'Harper's Weekly'?" + +"Ten cents." + +"Ten cents is too much to pay for any paper. I don't see how they have +the face to ask it." + +"Nor I," said Ben; "but they don't consult me," + +"I'll give you eight cents." + +"No you won't, not if I know it. I'd rather keep the paper for my +private readin'," answered Ben. + +"Then you are at liberty to do so," said the gentleman, snappishly. +"You'd make profit enough, if you sold at eight cents." + +"All the profit I'd make wouldn't pay for a fly's breakfast," said Ben. + +The gentleman deigned no response, but walked across the street in a +dignified manner. Here he was accosted by a boot-black, who proposed to +shine his boots. + +"He'll get 'em done at the wholesale price, see if he don't," thought +Ben. He kept an eye on the boot-black and his patron until the job was +finished. Then he witnessed what appeared to be an angry dispute between +the two parties. It terminated by the gentleman lifting his cane in a +menacing manner. Ben afterwards gained from the boy particulars of the +transaction, which may be given here in the third person. + +"Shine yer boots?" asked the boot-black, as the gentleman reached his +side of the street, just after his unsuccessful negotiations with Ben. + +"What do you charge?" he inquired. + +"Ten cents." + +"That's too much." + +"It's the reg'lar price." + +"I can get my boots blacked for five cents anywhere. If you'll do it for +that, you can go to work." + +The boy hesitated. It was half price, but he had not yet obtained a job, +and he yielded. When the task was finished, his generous patron drew +four cents from his pocket. + +"I haven't got but four cents," he observed. "I guess that'll do." + +The boy was indignant, as was natural. To work for half price, and then +lose one-fifth of his reduced pay, was aggravating. What made it worse +was, that his customer was carefully dressed, and bore every appearance +of being a man of substance. + +"I want another cent," he demanded. + +"You're well enough paid," said the other, drawing on a kid glove. "Four +cents I consider very handsome pay for ten minutes' work. Many men do +not make as much." + +This reasoning did not strike the little boot-black as sound. He was no +logician; but he felt that he had been defrauded, and that in a very +mean manner. + +"Give me my money," he screamed, angrily. + +"I'll hand you over to the authorities," said the gentleman,--though I +hardly feel justified in calling him such,--lifting his cane menacingly. + +What could the boy do? Might was evidently on the side of the man who +had cheated him. But he was quick-witted, and a characteristic mode of +revenge suggested itself. The street was muddy (New York streets are +occasionally in that condition). The boot-black stooped down and +clutched a handful of mire in his hand, fortunately having no kid gloves +to soil, and, before his late customer fathomed his intention, +plentifully besprinkled one of the boots which he had just carefully +polished. + +"That's worth a cent," he remarked, with satisfaction, escaping from the +wrath of the injured party. + +His victim, almost speechless with rage, seemed disposed to pursue him; +but the boy, regardless of the mire, had run across the street, and to +follow would only be to make matters worse. + +"If I ever catch you, I'll break every bone in your body, you little +vagabond," he said, in a voice almost choked by passion, shaking his +cane energetically. + +Ben, who had witnessed the whole, burst into a hearty laugh, which drew +upon his head a portion of wrath. After a pause, the victim of his own +meanness turned up a side street. The reader will be glad to learn that +he had to employ a second boot black; so that he was not so much better +off for his economical management after all. It may be added that he was +actuated in all his dealings by the same frugality, if we may dignify it +by that name. He was a large dealer in ready-made under-clothing, for +the making of which he paid starvation prices; but, unfortunately, the +poor sewing-girls, whom he employed for a pittance, were not so well +able to defend themselves against imposition as the smart little +boot-black, who "knew his rights, and knowing, dared maintain." + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + +THE HEAVY VALISE. + + +Ben had sold half his papers when the arrival of the train from +Philadelphia gave him an opportunity to return to his legitimate +calling. + +"Smash your baggage, sir?" asked Ben of a dark-complexioned man of +thirty-five, who carried a moderate-sized valise. + +"Yes," said the other. + +"Where shall I carry it?" + +"To----" Here the man hesitated, and finally answered, "There is no need +of telling you. I will take it from you when we have got along far +enough." + +Ben was about to walk beside the owner of the valise; but the latter +objected to this. + +"You needn't walk beside me," he said. "Keep about a block ahead." + +"But how will I know where to go?" asked Ben, naturally. + +"You know where Broome Street runs into the Bowery?" + +"Of course I do." + +"Go there by the shortest route. Don't trouble yourself about me. I'll +follow along behind, and take the valise from you there. If you get +there before I do, wait for me." + +"I suppose I'm too ragged to walk alongside of him," thought Ben. + +He could think of no other reason for the direction given by the other. +However, Ben's pride was not very much hurt. Although he was ragged now, +he did not mean to be long. The time would come, he was confident, when +he could lay aside his rags, and appear in a respectable dress. + +The valise which he carried proved to be considerably heavier than would +have been imagined from its size. + +"I wonder what's in it," thought Ben, who found it tugging away at his +arms. "If it's shirts they're cast-iron. Maybe they're just comin' in +fashion." + +However, he did not perplex himself much about this point. Beyond a +momentary curiosity, he felt no particular interest in the contents of +the valise. The way in which it affected him principally was, to make +him inwardly resolve to ask an extra price, on account of the extra +weight. + +After walking a while he looked back for the owner of the valise. But he +was not in sight. + +"I might carry off his baggage," thought Ben, "without his knowin' it." + +He kept on, however, never doubting that the owner would sooner or later +overtake him. If he did not care enough for the valise to do this, Ben +would not be responsible. + +He had just shifted the heavy burden from one hand to the other, when he +felt himself tapped on the shoulder. Looking round, he saw that the one +who had done this was a quiet-looking man, of middle size, but with a +keen, sharp eye. + +"What's wanted?" asked Ben. + +"Where did you get that valise, my lad?" asked the new-comer. + +"I don't know as that's any of your business," answered Ben, who didn't +perceive the other's right to ask the question. + +"Is it yours?" + +"Maybe it is." + +"Let me lift it a moment." + +"Hands off!" said Ben, suspiciously. "Don't try none of your tricks on +me." + +The other did not appear to notice this. + +"I take it for granted that the valise is not yours," he said. "Now tell +me where you got it from." + +There was something of authority in his manner, which led Ben to think +that he had a warrant for asking the question, though he could not guess +his object in doing so. + +"I'm a baggage-smasher," answered Ben. "I got this from a man that came +by the Philadelphia train." + +"Where is he?" + +"I guess he's behind somewheres." + +"Where are you carrying the valise?" + +"Seems to me you want to know a good deal," said Ben, undecided as to +the right of the other to ask so many questions. + +"I'll let you into a secret, my lad; but you must keep the secret. That +valise is pretty heavy, isn't it?" + +"I'll bet it is." + +"To the best of my information, the man who employed you is a noted +burglar, and this valise contains his tools. I am a detective, and am on +his track. I received a telegram an hour ago from Philadelphia, +informing me that he was on his way. I got down to the wharf a little +too late. Now tell me where you are to carry this;" and the detective +pointed to the valise. + +"I am to meet the gentleman at the corner of Broome Street and the +Bowery," said Ben. + +"Very well. Go ahead and meet him." + +"Shall you be there?" asked Ben. + +"Never mind. Go on just as if I had not met you, and deliver up the +valise." + +"If you're goin' to nab him, just wait till I've got my pay. I don't +want to smash such heavy baggage for nothin'." + +"I agree to that. Moreover, if I succeed in getting hold of the fellow +through your information, I don't mind paying you five dollars out of +my own pocket." + +"Very good," said Ben. "I shan't mind takin' it, not by no means." + +"Go on, and don't be in too much of a hurry. I want time to lay my +trap." + +Ben walked along leisurely, in accordance with his instructions. At +length he reached the rendezvous. He found the owner of the valise +already in waiting. + +"Well, boy," he said, impatiently, "you took your time." + +"I generally do," said Ben. "It aint dishonest to take my own time, is +it?" + +"I've been waiting here for a quarter of an hour. I didn't know but +you'd gone to sleep somewhere on the way." + +"I don't sleep much in the daytime. It don't agree with my constitution. +Well, mister, I hope you'll give me something handsome. Your baggage +here is thunderin' heavy." + +"There's twenty-five cents," said the other. + +"Twenty-five cents!" exclaimed Ben, indignantly. + +"Twenty-five cents for walkin' two miles with such a heavy load. It's +worth fifty." + +"Well, you won't get fifty," said the other, roughly. + +"Just get somebody else to carry your baggage next time," said Ben, +angrily. + +He looked round, and saw the quiet-looking man, before referred to, +approaching. He felt some satisfaction in knowing that his recent +employer would meet with a check which he was far from anticipating. + +Without answering Ben, the latter took the valise, and was about moving +away, when the quiet-looking man suddenly quickened his pace, and laid +his hand on his arm. + +The burglar, for he was really one, started, and turned pale. + +"What do you want?" + +"You know what I want," said the detective, quietly. "I want you." + +"What do you want me for?" demanded the other; but it was easy to see +that he was nervous and alarmed. + +"You know that also," said the detective; "but I don't mind telling +you. You came from Philadelphia this morning, and your name is 'Sly +Bill.' You are a noted burglar, and I shall take you into immediate +custody." + +"You're mistaken," said Bill. "You've got hold of the wrong man." + +"That will soon be seen. Have the kindness to accompany me to the +station-house, and I'll take a look into that valise of yours." + +Bill was physically a stronger man than the detective, but he succumbed +at once to the tone of quiet authority with which he spoke, and prepared +to follow, though by no means with alacrity. + +"Here, my lad," said the detective, beckoning Ben, who came up. "Come +and see me at this place, to-morrow," he continued, producing a card, +"and I won't forget the promise I made you." + +"All right," said Ben. + +"I'm in luck ag'in," he said to himself. "At this rate it won't take me +long to make fifty dollars. Smashin' baggage for burglars pays pretty +well." + +He bethought himself of his papers, of which half remained unsold. He +sold some on the way back to the wharf, where, after a while, he got +another job, for which, being at some distance, he was paid fifty cents. + +At five in the afternoon he reported himself at the news-stand. + +"I've sold all the papers you gave me," he said, "and here's the money. +I guess I can sell more to-morrow." + +The news-dealer paid him the commission agreed upon, amounting to +eighteen cents, Ben, of course, retaining besides the five cents which +had been paid him extra in the morning. This made his earnings for the +day ninety-eight cents, besides the dollars promised by the detective. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + +THE SURPRISE. + + +Ben had certainly met with good luck so far. Even his temporary +detention at the station-house he regarded as a piece of good luck, +since he was paid handsomely for the confinement, while his bed there +was considerably more comfortable than he often enjoyed. His adventure +with the burglar also brought him in as much as under ordinary +circumstances he would have earned in a week. In two days he was able to +lay aside fifteen dollars and a half towards his fund. + +But of course such lucky adventures could not be expected every day. The +bulk of his money must be earned slowly, as the reward of persistent +labor and industry. But Ben was willing to work now that he had an +object before him. He kept up his double business of baggage-smasher and +vender of weekly papers. After a while the latter began to pay him +enough to prove quite a help, besides filling up his idle moments. +Another good result of his new business was, that, while waiting for +customers, he got into the habit of reading the papers he had for sale. +Now Ben had done very little reading since he came to New York, and, if +called upon to read aloud, would have shown the effects of want of +practice, in his frequent blunders. But the daily lessons in reading +which he now took began to remedy this deficiency, and give him +increased fluency and facility. It also had the effect of making him +wish that his education had not been interrupted, so that his Cousin +Charles might not be so far ahead of him. + +Ben also gave up smoking,--not so much because he considered it +injurious, but because cigars cost money, and he was economizing in +every possible way. He continued to sleep in the room under the wharf, +which thus far the occupants had managed to keep from the knowledge of +the police. Gradually the number had increased, until from twenty to +thirty boys made it a rendezvous nightly. By some means a stove had been +procured, and what was more difficult, got safely down without +observation, so that, as the nights grew cooler, the boys managed to +make themselves comfortable. Here they talked and told stories, and had +a good time before going to sleep. One evening it was proposed by one of +the boys that each should tell his own story; for though they met +together daily they knew little of each other beyond this, that they +were all engaged in some street avocation. Some of the stories told were +real, some burlesque. + +First Jim Bagley told his story. + +"I aint got much to tell, boys," he said. "My father kept a cigar store +on Eighth Avenue, and my mother and sister and I lived behind the shop. +We got along pretty well, till father got run over by a street-car, and +pretty soon after he died. We kept the store along a little while, but +we couldn't make it go and pay the rent; so we sold out to a man who +paid half down, and promised to pay the rest in a year. But before the +year was up he shut up the shop, and went off, and we never got the rest +of the money. The money we did get did not last long. Mother got some +sewin' to do, but she couldn't earn much. I took to sellin' papers; but +after a while I went into the match business, which pays pretty good. I +pay mother five dollars a week, and sometimes more; so she gets along +well." + +"I don't see how you make so much money, Jim," said Phil Cranmer. "I've +tried it, and I didn't get nothin' much out of it." + +"Jim knows how," said one of the boys. "He's got enterprise." + +"I go off into the country a good deal," said Jim. "There's plenty of +match boys in the city. Sometimes I hire another boy to come along and +help me. If he's smart I make money that way too. Last time I went out I +didn't make so much." + +"How was that, Jim?" + +"I went up to Albany on the boat. I was doin' pretty well up there, when +all to once they took me up for sellin' without a license; so I had to +pay ten dollars afore they'd let me off." + +"Did you have the money to pay, Jim?" + +"Yes, but it cleaned me out, so I didn't have but two dollars left. But +I travelled off into the country towns, and got it back in a week or +two. I'm glad they didn't get hold of Bill." + +"Who was Bill?" + +"The feller that sold for me. I couldn't have paid his fine too. That's +about all I have to tell."[B] + +"Captain Jinks!" called out one of the boys; "your turn next." + +Attention was directed to a tall, overgrown boy of sixteen, or possibly +seventeen, to whom for some unknown reason the name of the famous +Captain Jinks had been given. + +"That aint my name," he said. + +"Oh, bother your name! Go ahead." + +"I aint got nothing to say." + +"Go ahead and say it." + +The captain was rather taciturn, but was finally induced to tell his +story. + +[B] The main incidents of Jim Bagley's story are true, having been +communicated to the writer by Jim himself, a wide-awake boy of fifteen, +who appeared to possess decided business ability and energy. The name +only is fictitious. + +"My father and mother are dead," he said. "I used to live with my sister +and her husband. He would get drunk off the money I brought home, and if +I didn't bring home as much as he expected, he'd fling a chair at my +head." + +"He was a bully brother-in-law," said Jerry. "Did it hurt the chair +much?" + +"If you want to know bad, I'll try it on you," growled the narrator. + +"Good for Captain Jinks!" exclaimed two or three of the boys. + +"When did you join the Hoss Marines?" asked Jerry, with apparent +interest. + +"Shut up your mouth!" said the captain, who did not fancy the joke. + +"Go ahead, Jinks." + +"I would not stand that; so I went off, and lived at the Lodge till I +got in here. That's all." + +Captain Jinks relapsed into silence, and Tim McQuade was called upon. He +had a pair of sparkling black eyes, that looked as if he were not averse +to fun. + +"Maybe you don't know," he said, "that I'm fust cousin to a Markis." + +"The Markis of Cork," suggested one of the boys. + +"And sometimes I expect to come in for a lot of money, if I don't miss +of it." + +"When you do, just treat a feller, will you?" said Jerry. + +"Course I will. I was born in a big castle made of stone, and used to go +round dressed in welvet, and had no end of nice things, till one day a +feller that had a spite ag'in the Markis carried me off, and brought me +to America, where I had to go to work and earn my own livin'." + +"Why don't you write the Markis, and get him to send for you?" asked +Jerry. + +"'Cause he can't read, you spalpeen! What 'ud be the use of writin' to +him?" + +"Maybe it's the fault of your writin', Tim." + +"Maybe it is," said Tim. "When the Markis dies I'm going back, an' I'll +invite you all to come an' pass a week at Castle McQuade." + +"Bully for you, Tim! Now, Dutchey, tell us your story." + +Dutchey was a boy of ten, with a full face and rotund figure, whose +English, as he had been but two years in the country, was highly +flavored with his native dialect. + +"I cannot English sprechen," he said. + +"Never mind, Dutchey. Do as well as you can." + +"It is mine story you want? He is not very long, but I will tell him so +goot as I can. Mine vater was a shoemaker, what makes boots. He come +from Sharmany, on der Rhein, mit my moder, and five childer. He take a +little shop, and make some money, till one day a house fall on his head +mit a brick, an he die. Then I go out into der street, and black boots +so much as I get him to do, and the money what I get I carry home to +mine moder. I cannot much English sprechen, or I could tell mine story +more goot." + +"Bully for you, Dutchey! You're a trump." + +"What is one trump?" asked the boy, with a puzzled expression. + +"It is a good feller." + +This explanation seemed to reconcile Dutchey to being called a trump, +and he lay back on the bed with an expression of satisfaction. + +"Now, Ben, tell us your story." + +It was Ben, the luggage boy, who was addressed. The question embarrassed +him, for he preferred to keep his story secret. He hoped ere long to +leave his present haunts and associates, and he did not care to give the +latter a clue by which they might trace him in his new character and +position. Yet he had no good reason to assign for silence. He was +considering what sort of a story he could manufacture, that would pass +muster, when he was relieved from further consideration by an unexpected +occurrence. + +It appears that a boy had applied for admission to the rendezvous; but, +on account of his unpopular character, had been refused. This naturally +incensed him, and he determined to betray the boys to the policeman on +the beat. The sight that greeted Ben, as he looked towards the entrance, +was the face of the policeman, peering into the apartment. He uttered a +half exclamation, which attracted the general attention. Instantly all +was excitement. + +"The copp! the copp!" passed from mouth to mouth. + +The officer saw that the odds were against him, and he must summon help. +He went up the ladder, therefore, and went in search of assistance. The +boys scrambled up after him. Some were caught, and ultimately sentenced +to the Island, on a charge of stealing the articles which were found; +but others escaped. Among these was Ben, who was lucky enough to glide +off in the darkness. He took the little German boy under his protection, +and managed to get him safely away also. In this case the ends of +justice were not interfered with, as neither of the two had been guilty +of dishonesty, or anything else rendering them amenable to the law. + +"Well, Dutchey, we're safe," said Ben, when they had got some blocks +away from the wharf. "How do you feel?" + +"I lose mine breath," said the little boy, panting with the effort he +had made. + +"That's better than losin' your liberty," said Ben. "You'll get your +breath back again. Now we must look about and see where we can sleep. I +wonder if Jim Bagley's took." + +Just then a boy came running up. + +"Why, it's Ben and Dutchey," he said. + +"Jerry, is it you? I'm glad you're safe." + +"The copp got a grip of me, but I left my jacket in his hands. He can +carry that to the station-house if he wants to." + +Jerry's appearance corresponded to his statement, his jacket being gone, +leaving a dilapidated vest and ragged shirt alone to protect the upper +part of his body. He shivered with the cold, for it was now November. + +"Here, Jerry," said Ben, "just take my vest an' put over yours. I'll +button up my coat." + +"If I was as fat as Dutchey, I wouldn't mind the cold," said Jerry. + +The three boys finally found an old wagon, in which all three huddled up +together, by this means keeping warmer than they otherwise could. Being +turned out of their beds into the street might have been considered a +hardship by boys differently reared, but it was not enough to disturb +the philosophy of our young vagrants. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. + +BEN TRANSFORMED. + + +Ben worked away steadily at his double occupation, saving money as well +as he could; but he met with no more profitable adventures. His earnings +were gradual. Some weeks he laid by as much as a dollar and a half, or +even two dollars, but other weeks he barely reached a dollar. So the end +of March came before he was able to carry out the object which he had in +view. + +One morning about this time Ben carefully counted up his deposits, and +found they amounted to fifty dollars and thirty-seven cents. It was a +joyful moment, which he had long looked forward to. He had been tempted +to rest satisfied with forty when he had reached that sum, but he +resisted the temptation. + +"I aint goin' to do things by halves," he said to himself. "I can't do +it for less'n fifty dollars. I must wait awhile." + +But the moment had arrived when he could accomplish his purpose. As Ben +looked down at his ragged attire, which was in a considerably worse +condition then when he was first presented to the reader, he felt that +it was high time he got a new suit. + +The first thing to be done was to get his money. He made his way to the +savings-bank, and presented himself at the counter. + +"I want all of my money," he said. + +"I hope you're not going to spend it all," said the bank officer, who by +this time had come to feel acquainted with Ben, from his frequent calls +to make deposits. + +"I'm goin' to buy some new clothes," said Ben. "Don't I look as if I +needed some?" + +"Yes, you are rather out at elbows, I must admit. But new clothes won't +cost all the money you have in the bank." + +"I'm goin' home to my friends," said Ben, "after I've got dressed +decently." + +"That's a good resolution, my boy; I hope you'll stick to it." + +"It's what I've been workin' for, for a long time," said Ben. + +He filled out the order for the money, and it was delivered to him. + +The next thing was to buy a new suit of clothes. Usually Ben had +procured his outfit in Chatham Street, but he soared higher now. He made +his way to a large ready-made clothing warehouse on Broadway, and +entered. The main apartment was spacious, the counters were heaped with +articles of dress, and numerous clerks were ready to wait upon +customers. + +"Well, what's wanted?" asked one, glancing superciliously at the ragged +boy entering. + +"Have you got any clothes that will fit me?" asked Ben. + +"I guess you've lost your way, Johnny, haven't you?" + +"What makes you think so?" asked Ben. + +"This isn't Chatham Street." + +"Thank you for the information," said Ben. "I thought it was when I saw +you here." + +There was a laugh, at the clerk's expense, among those who heard the +retort. + +"What are you here for, any way?" demanded the clerk, with an air of +insulted majesty. + +"To buy some clothes," said Ben; "but you needn't show 'em to me. I'll +go to somebody else." + +"Have you got any money?" + +"You'll know soon enough." + +He went to another part of the store, and applied to a salesman whose +appearance he liked better. After some hesitation, Ben made choice of a +suit of substantial warm cloth, a dark mixed sack-coat, vest of the same +material, and a pair of pants of neat pattern. + +"I won't trouble you to send 'em," said Ben, "as my house is closed for +the season." + +The bundle was made up, and handed to him. The price of the entire suit +was twenty dollars, which was a good price for those days. Ben took the +bundle under his arm and went out. + +His purchases were not yet all made. He went next to a furnishing store, +and bought three shirts, three pairs of stockings, some collars, and a +necktie, finishing up with a pair of gloves. These cost him eight +dollars. A neat felt hat and a pair of shoes, which he procured +elsewhere, completed his outfit. On counting up, Ben found that he had +expended thirty-six dollars, leaving in his hands a balance of fourteen +dollars and thirty-seven cents. + +Before putting on his new purchases, Ben felt that he must go through a +process of purification. He went, therefore, to a barber's basement +shop, with which baths were connected, and, going down the steps, said +to the barber's assistant, who happened to be alone at the time, "I want +a warm bath." + +"Pay in advance," said the young man, surveying the ragged figure before +him with some hesitation. + +"All right," said Ben. "How much is it?" + +"Twenty-five cents." + +"Here it is," said Ben, producing the exact amount from his vest-pocket. + +Such ragged customers were not usual; but there seemed to be no good +excuse for refusing Ben, as he had the money to pay. In five minutes the +bath was declared to be ready, and Ben, entering the small room assigned +to him, joyfully divested himself of the ragged garments which he was +never again to put on, and got into the tub. It probably will not excite +surprise when I say that Ben stood in need of a bath. His street life +had not been particularly favorable to cleanliness, nor had he been +provided with such facilities for attending to his toilet as are usual +in well-regulated families. However, he was quite aware of his +deficiencies in this way, and spared neither pains nor soap to remedy +them. It was a work of time; but finally he felt satisfied with the +result of his efforts, and, after drying himself, proceeded to put on +his new clothes. They proved to fit excellently. Indeed, they wrought +such a change in our hero's appearance that he could hardly believe in +his own identity when he stood before the glass, and saw reflected the +form of a well-dressed boy, in place of the ragged figure which he saw +on entering. The only thing which marred his good appearance was his +hair, which had grown to undue length. He determined to have it cut +before he left the barber's shop. + +He tied up the clothes he had taken off in the paper which had contained +his new suit, and, opening the door, went out into the main room with +the bundle under his arm. + +Meanwhile the proprietor of the shop had returned. + +"Who is taking a bath?" he asked of his assistant. + +"A ragged street boy," said the latter. + +"What did you let him in for?" + +"He paid in advance." + +"I don't care about such customers any way," said the barber. "Remember +next time." + +"All right." + +At this moment Ben made his appearance; but that appearance was so much +altered that the young man looked at him in astonishment. He looked +thoroughly well dressed, and might have passed readily for the scion of +a wealthy family. + +"Were two bath-rooms occupied?" asked the proprietor. + +"No." + +"I thought you said--" + +"I was never so surprised in my life," said the assistant. "Did you get +changed in the bath?" he asked of Ben. + +"Yes," said Ben. + +"What made you wear such a ragged suit?" + +"I was in disguise," said Ben; "but I've got tired of it, and thrown it +off. I think I'll have my hair cut." + +"Take a seat," said the proprietor. "I'll cut your hair myself. How will +you have it cut?" + +"I want to be in the fashion," said Ben. "Make it look as well as you +can." + +He took his seat, and the task commenced. The barber was skilful in his +art, and he saw at once what style would become Ben best. He exerted +himself to the utmost, and when at the end of half an hour he withdrew +the cloth from around our hero's neck, he had effected a change almost +marvellous in Ben's appearance. + +I have already said that Ben was naturally good-looking. But even good +looks need fair play, and rags and neglect are apt to obscure the gifts +of nature. So Ben had never looked his best till now. But when his hair +was cut and arranged, and he looked in the mirror to observe the +effect, he was himself surprised. It was some like the change that +transformed Cinderella into a princess. + +"I shan't be ashamed to tell my cousin who I am now," he said. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + +BEN MAKES HIMSELF KNOWN. + + +Ben went out into the street with two bundles under his arm. One +contained the ragged clothes which he had just taken off. The other, +which was much smaller, contained his extra shirts and stockings. The +first he did not care to keep. He therefore lost no time in throwing it +into an alley-way. + +"It'll be a lucky chap that finds it," thought Ben. + +He next put on his gloves, and considered what he should do next. It was +half-past twelve o'clock already, for he had not been able to get his +money from the bank till ten, and the purchases and bath, as well as the +hair-cutting, had taken up considerable time. He began to feel hungry, +and appetite suggested that he should first of all go to a restaurant +and get some dinner. + +On the way thither he met two of his street acquaintances, who passed +him without the slightest mark of recognition. This pleased Ben, for it +assured him that the change which he had effected in his appearance was +a considerable one. + +While eating dinner, he deliberated what he should do. It was Saturday, +and it would be almost too late to start for his Pennsylvania home. He +decided to go to his sister's house on Madison Avenue, and make himself +known there first of all. He was influenced to this partly by the desire +he had to meet his cousin, who, as he knew, was making his home, while +attending school, at the house of Mr. Abercrombie. He had more than once +been up to that part of the city in the hope of catching a glimpse of +the cousin for whom he retained his old, boyish love; but he had always +shrunk, even when seeing him, from attracting his observation. He did +not wish to be remembered in his rags, and so denied himself the +pleasure for which he yearned. But now he was satisfied with his +appearance. He felt that he was as well dressed as Charles himself, and +would do no discredit to him if they were seen in the street together. + +He got on board an omnibus, and took his seat. A lady soon after +entered, and sat down beside him She drew out some money from her +purse, and, passing it to Ben, said, "Will you have the kindness to pass +up my fare, sir?" + +"Certainly," said Ben, politely. + +It was a small incident, but he felt, from the young lady's manner of +addressing him, that she looked upon him as her equal socially, and this +afforded him not a little pleasure. He wondered how he could have been +content to drift about the streets so long, clothed in rags. New hopes +and a new ambition had been awakened within him, and he felt that a new +life lay before him, much better worth living than the old life. + +These thoughts occupied him as he rode up Broadway. + +At length he left the omnibus, and took the shortest route to his +sister's house. When he ascended the steps, and rang the bell, he felt +rather a queer sensation come over him. He remembered very well the last +time he had ascended those same steps, carrying his cousin's valise. His +heart beat quick with excitement, in the midst of which the door was +opened by the servant. + +He had already decided to ask for his cousin, preferring to make himself +known to him first. + +"Is Charles Marston in?" he inquired. + +"Yes, sir," said the servant. "Won't you come in?" + +She threw open the door of the parlor, and Ben, entering, seated himself +in an arm-chair, holding his hat in his hand. + +"I wonder if she'd asked me in here if I'd come in my rags?" he asked +himself, with a smile. + +The servant went upstairs, where she found Charles in his own room, +writing a French exercise. + +"Master Charles," she said, "one of your school-mates is in the parlor. +He wants to see you." + +"All right. I'll go right down." + +The mistake was quite a natural one, as boys who attended the same +private school frequently called for Charles. + +Charles went downstairs, and entered the parlor. Ben rose as he entered. + +"How are you, Charlie?" said Ben, rising, and offering his hand. + +Charles looked in his face with a puzzled expression. It was not one of +his school-mates, as he had supposed; but it must be some one that knew +him intimately, or he would not have addressed him so familiarly. + +"I ought to know you," he said, apologetically; "but I can't think who +it is." + +"Don't you remember your Cousin Ben, Charlie?" asked our hero. + +"Ben!" exclaimed Charles, in the greatest astonishment. He looked +eagerly in our hero's face for a moment, then impulsively threw his arms +around Ben's neck, and kissed him. + +"I am so glad to see you, Ben," he said. "Where have you been all the +time?" + +"Then you didn't forget me, Charlie?" said Ben, returning the embrace. + +"No, Ben. I've thought of you many and many a time. We used to be such +good friends, you know. We will be again,--will we not?" + +"I hope so, Charlie. That was one of my reasons for coming back." + +"How did you know I was here?" + +"I will tell you some time, Charlie; but not now. Is my sister at home?" + +"Yes. I will call her. She will be very much surprised. We all thought +you--" + +"Dead, I suppose." + +"Yes; but I always hoped you would come back again." + +"Don't tell Mary who it is. See if she recognizes me." + +Summoned by Charles, Mrs. Abercrombie came down to the parlor. She was +merely told that a gentleman desired to see her. + +When she entered the parlor, Ben rose from his seat. + +She looked at him for a moment, and her face lighted up. + +"It's Ben," she said. "O Ben, how could you stay away so long?" + +"What, do you remember me, Mary?" asked our hero, in surprise. + +"Yes. I knew you by your resemblance to Charles. We always remarked it +when you were young boys together." + +As the two boys were standing side by side, the resemblance of which she +spoke was quite striking. Ben was the larger of the two; but their +features were similar, as well as the color of the hair and eyes, and +the similarity of their dress completed the illusion. Mrs. Abercrombie +surveyed her brother with satisfaction. She had been afraid he would be +coarse and vulgar after so many years of neglect, if he should ever +return; but here he was, to all appearance, a young gentleman of whom +she need not feel ashamed. + +"Ben must share my room, Cousin Mary," said Charles. "We've got so much +to say to each other." + +"I didn't know I was to stay," said Ben, smiling. + +"You mustn't leave us again, Ben," said his sister. "Monday you must +start for home. Poor mother has mourned for you so long. She will be +overjoyed to see you again." + +When Mr. Abercrombie came home, his new brother-in-law was introduced to +him. He received Ben cordially, and in a way to make him feel at home. +In the course of the morning Mr. Sampson called, and Ben was introduced +to him. + +"There's something in your brother's voice that sounds familiar," he +said to Mrs. Abercrombie. "I think I must have met him before." + +"He has not been with us for some years," said Mrs. Abercrombie, who did +not care to reveal that Ben was a returned prodigal. + +"Probably I am deceived," said Mr. Sampson. + +Ben, however, knew that Mr. Sampson had good cause to remember him. He +was afraid the servant who had brought him his breakfast some months +before in the basement might remember him; but there was no danger of +that. She never dreamed of associating the young gentleman, her +mistress's brother, with the ragged and dirty boy who had brought the +valise for Master Charles. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI. + +THE PRODIGAL'S RETURN. + + +On Sunday evening, Ben, in company with his sister, her husband, and +Charles, attended a sacred concert in Steinway Hall. As he stepped +within the vestibule, he saw two street boys outside, whom he knew well. +Their attire was very similar to that which he had himself worn until +the day before. They looked at Ben, but never thought of identifying him +with the baggage-smasher with whom they had often bunked together. + +"See what it is," thought Ben, "to be well dressed and have fashionable +friends." + +As he sat in a reserved seat but a little distance from the platform, +surrounded by well-dressed people, he was sometimes tempted to doubt +whether he was the same boy who a few days before was wandering about +the streets, a friendless outcast. The change was so complete and +wonderful that he seemed to himself a new boy. But he enjoyed the +change. It seemed a good deal pleasanter resting in the luxurious +bedchamber, which he shared with Charles at his sister's house, than the +chance accommodations to which he had been accustomed. + +On Monday he started for Philadelphia, on his journey home. + +We will precede him. + +Mrs. Brandon sat in an arm-chair before the fire, knitting. She was not +old, but care and sorrow had threaded her dark hair with silver, and on +her brow there were traces of a sorrow patiently borne, but none the +less deeply felt. She had never recovered from the loss of her son. Her +daughter Mary had inherited something of her father's self-contained, +undemonstrative manner; but Ben had been impulsive and affectionate, and +had always been very near his mother's heart. To feel that he had passed +from her sight was a great sorrow; but it was a greater still not to +know where he was. He might be suffering pain or privation; he might +have fallen into bad and vicious habits for aught she knew. It would +have been a relief, though a sad one, to know that he was dead. But +nothing whatever had been heard of him since the letter of which the +reader is already aware. + +Since Mary's marriage Mrs. Brandon had been very much alone. Her husband +was so taciturn and reserved that he was not much company for her; so +she was left very much to her own thoughts, and these dwelt often upon +Ben, though six years had elapsed since he left home. + +"If I could see him once more," she often said to herself, "I could die +in peace." + +So Mrs. Brandon was busily thinking of Ben on that Monday afternoon, as +she sat knitting before the fire; little thinking that God had heard her +prayer, and that the son whom she so longed to see was close at hand. He +was even then coming up the gravelled walk that led to the house. + +It may be imagined that Ben's heart beat with unwonted excitement, as +the scenes of his early boyhood once more appeared before him. A +thousand boyish memories returned to him, as he trod the familiar +street. He met persons whom he knew, but they showed no recognition of +him. Six years had wrought too great a change in him. + +He rang the bell. + +The summons was answered by the servant, the only one employed in Mrs. +Brandon's modest establishment. + +"Is Mrs. Brandon at home?" asked Ben. + +"Yes," answered the girl. "Will you walk in?" + +Ben stepped into the entry, and the girl opened the door of the room in +which Mrs. Brandon was seated. + +Mrs. Brandon looked up. + +She saw standing at the door a well-grown lad of sixteen, with a face +browned by long exposure to the sun and air. It was six years since she +had seen Ben; but in spite of the changes which time may have wrought, a +mother's heart is not easily deceived. A wild hope sprang up in her +heart. She tried to rise from her chair, but her excite was so great +that her limbs refused their office. + +"Mother!" exclaimed Ben, and, hurrying forward he threw his arms around +his mother's neck. + +"God be thanked!" she exclaimed, with heartfelt gratitude. "I have +missed you so much, Ben." + +Ben's heart reproached him as he saw the traces of sorrow upon his +mother's face, and felt that he had been the cause. + +"Forgive me, mother!" he said. + +"It is all forgotten now. I am so happy!" she answered, her eyes filled +with joyful tears. + +They sat down together, and Ben began to tell his story. In the midst of +it his father entered. He stopped short when he saw Ben sitting beside +his mother. + +"It is Ben come back," said his mother, joyfully. + +Mr. Brandon did not fall on his son's neck and kiss him. That was not +his way. He held out his hand, and said, "Benjamin, I am very glad to +see you." + +In the evening they talked together over the new plans which Ben's +return suggested. + +"You must stay with us, Ben," said his mother. "I cannot part with you +now." + +"I am getting old, Benjamin," said his father. "I need help in my +business. You must stay and help me, and by and by you shall have the +whole charge of it." + +"I am afraid I don't know enough," said Ben. "I haven't studied any +since I left home. I don't know as much as I did when I was ten." + +"You shall study at home for a year," said his father. "The teacher of +the academy shall give you private lessons. You can learn a great deal +in a year if you set about it." + +To this arrangement Ben acceded. He is now studying at home, and his +abilities being excellent, and his ambition excited, is making +remarkable progress. Next year he will assist his father. Mr. Brandon +seems to have changed greatly. He is no longer stern and hard, but +gentle and forbearing, and is evidently proud of Ben, who would run a +chance of being spoiled by over-indulgence, if his hard discipline as a +street boy had not given him a manliness and self-reliance above his +years. He is gradually laying aside the injurious habits which he +acquired in his street life, and I confidently hope for him a worthy and +useful manhood. + +From time to time Ben visits New York, and renews his intimacy with his +Cousin Charles, who returns his warm affection. Charles, in turn, +spends the summer at Cedarville, where they are inseparable. + +So we bid farewell to Ben, the Luggage Boy, hoping that he may be able +to repay his mother in part for the sorrow which his long absence +occasioned her, and that she may live long to enjoy his society. To my +young readers, who have received my stories of street life with so much +indulgence, I bid a brief farewell, hoping to present them ere long the +sixth volume of the Ragged Dick Series, under the title of + + + RUFUS AND ROSE; + + Or, + + THE FORTUNES OF ROUGH AND READY. + + * * * * * + + + + + FAMOUS ALGER BOOKS. + + RAGGED DICK SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 6 vols. 12mo. Cloth. + + RAGGED DICK. + ROUGH AND READY. + FAME AND FORTUNE. + BEN THE LUGGAGE BOY. + MARK THE MATCH BOY. + RUFUS AND ROSE. + + TATTERED TOM SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. + FIRST SERIES. + + TATTERED TOM. + PHIL THE FIDDLER. + PAUL THE PEDDLER. + SLOW AND SURE. + + TATTERED TOM SERIES. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. SECOND SERIES. + + JULIUS. + SAM'S CHANCE. + THE YOUNG OUTLAW. + THE TELEGRAPH BOY. + + CAMPAIGN SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 3 vols. + + FRANK'S CAMPAIGN. + CHARLIE CODMAN'S CRUISE. + PAUL PRESCOTT'S CHARGE. + + LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. + Cloth. FIRST SERIES. + + LUCK AND PLUCK. + STRONG AND STEADY. + SINK OR SWIM. + STRIVE AND SUCCEED. + + LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. SECOND SERIES. + + TRY AND TRUST. + RISEN FROM THE RANKS. + BOUND TO RISE. + HERBERT CARTER'S LEGACY. + + BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. + + BRAVE AND BOLD. + SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF. + JACK'S WARD. + WAIT AND HOPE. + + PACIFIC SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. + + THE YOUNG ADVENTURER. + THE YOUNG EXPLORERS. + THE YOUNG MINER. + BEN'S NUGGET. + + ATLANTIC SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. + + THE YOUNG CIRCUS RIDER. + HECTOR'S INHERITANCE. + DO AND DARE. + HELPING HIMSELF. + + WAY TO SUCCESS SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. + + BOB BURTON. + LUKE WALTON. + THE STORE BOY. + STRUGGLING UPWARD. + + NEW WORLD SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth. + DIGGING FOR GOLD. FACING THE WORLD. IN A NEW WORLD. + + Other Volumes in Preparation. + + * * * * * + + COPYRIGHT BY A. K. LORING, 1870. + + COPYRIGHT BY HORATIO ALGER, JR., 1898. + + + + + =The Roundabout Library= + + For + + =Young People= + + THIS WELL-KNOWN SERIES OF BOOKS + is recognized as the best library of Copyright Books + for young people, sold at popular prices. + + THE AUTHORS represented in the Roundabout + Library are not only the best well-known writers of + juvenile literature, but the titles listed comprise the + best writings of these authors. + + OVER 100 TITLES are now in this Library and + all new titles will be selected with the same care as + in the past, for stories that are not only entertaining + but equally _instructive_ and _elevating_. This respect + for wholesome juvenile literature is what has made + and kept the _Roundabout Library better than any + other library of books for Boys and Girls._ + + OUR AIM is to maintain the supremacy of these + books over all others _from every viewpoint_, and to + make the superior features so apparent that those who + have once read one, will always return to the + Roundabout Library for more. + + =_Bound In Extra Cloth, with gold title and appropriate + cover designs stamped in colors, + attractive and durable, printed on the best + paper from large clear type. Illustrated, + 12mo._= + + PRICE PER VOLUME, $.75 + + Catalogue mailed on application to the Publishers. + + THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., Publishers + PHILADELPHIA + + + + + ROUNDABOUT LIBRARY + + FOR YOUNG PEOPLE + + Selected from the works of Alger, Castlemon, Ellis, + Stephens, Henty, Mrs. Lillie and other writers. + + Price, per volume, $0.75 + + =Across Texas.= =Adventures in Canada; or, Life in the Woods.= By John + C. Geikie. + + =Alison's Adventures.= By Lucy C. Lillie. + + =American Family Robinson, The; or, The Adventures + of a Family Lost in the Great Desert of the West.= + By W. D. Belisle. + + =Bear Hunters of the Rocky Mountains, The.= By Anne + Bowman. + + =Ben's Nugget; or, A Boy's Search for a Fortune.= By + Horatio Alger, Jr. + + =Bob Burton; or, the Young Ranchman of the Missouri.= + By Horatio Alger, Jr. + + =Bonnie Prince Charlie; A Tale of Fontenoy and Culloden.= + By G. A. Henty. + + =Brave Billy.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Brave Tom; or, The Battle that Won.= By Edward S. + Ellis. + + =By England's Aid; or, The Freeing of the Netherlands + (1585-1604).= By G. A. Henty. + + =By Pike and Dyke; A Tale of the Rise of the Dutch + Republic.= By G. A. Henty. + + =By Right of Conquest; or, With Cortez in Mexico.= By + G. A. Henty. + + =By Love's Sweet Rule.= By Gabrielle Emelie Jackson. + + =Cabin in the Clearing, The.= A Tale of the Frontier. + By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Camping Out, As Recorded by "Kit."= By C. A. Stephens. + + =Camp in the Foothills, The.= By Harry Castlemon. + + + + + ROUNDABOUT LIBRARY (Continued) + + Price, per volume,$0.75 + + =Cornet of Horse, The.= A Tale of Marlborough's Wars. + By G. A. Henty. + + =Cruise of the Firefly.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Dear Days, A Story of Washington School Life.= By + Ada Mickle. + + =Diccon the Bold.= A Story of the Days of Columbus. + By John Russell Coryell. + + =Do and Dare; or, A Brave Boy's Fight for Fortune.= By + Horatio Alger, Jr. + + =Dog Crusoe, The.= A Tale of the Western Prairies. By + R. M. Ballantyne. + + =Dog of Cotopaxi, The.= By Hezekiah Butterworth. + + =Doris and Theodora.= By Margaret Vandegrift. + + =Dr. Gilbert's Daughters.= By Margaret H. Matthews. + + =Dragon and the Raven, The; or, The Days of King + Alfred.= By G. A. Henty. + + =Elam Storm, the Wolfer; or, The Lost Nugget.= By + Harry Castlemon. + + =Elinor Belden; or, The Step Brothers.= By Lucy C. Lillie. + + =Esther's Fortune.= By Lucy C. Lillie. + + =Floating Treasure.= By Harry Castlemon. + + =Four Little Indians.= By Ella Mary Coates. + + =Family Dilemma.= By Lucy C. Lillie. + + =Floating Light of the Goodwin Sands, The.= By R. M. + Ballantyne. + + =For Honor's Sake.= By Lucy C. Lillie. + + =Four Boys; or, The Story of the Forest Fire.= By Edward + S. Ellis. + + =Fox Hunting, As Recorded by "Raed."= By C. A. + Stephens. + + =Freaks on the Fells.= By R. M. Ballantyne. + + =Gascoyne, the Sandalwood Trader.= By R. M. Ballantyne. + + =Girl's Ordeal, A.= By Lucy C. Lillie. + + =Gorilla Hunters, The.= By R. M. Ballantyne. + + =Great Cattle Trail, The.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Hunt on Snow Shoes, A.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Hartwell Farm, The.= By Elizabeth B. Comins. + + =Hector's Inheritance; or, The Boys of Smith Institute.= + By Horatio Alger, Jr. + + + + + ROUNDABOUT LIBRARY (Continued) + + Price, per volume,$0.75 + + =Helen Glenn; or, My Mother's Enemy.= By Lucy C. + Lillie. + + =Helping Himself; or, Grant Thornton's Ambition.= By + Horatio Alger, Jr. + + =Honest Ned.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Haunted Mine, The.= By Harry Castlemon. + + =In Freedom's Cause.= A Story of Wallace and Bruce. + By G. A. Henty. + + =In the Reign of Terror; The Adventures of a Westminster + Boy.= By G. A. Henty. + + =Jack Midwood; or, Bread Cast Upon the Waters.= By + Edward S. Ellis. + + =Joe Wayring at Home; or, The Adventures of a Fly + Rod.= By Harry Castlemon. + + =Kangaroo Hunters, The; or, Adventures in the Bush.= + By Anne Bowman. + + =King's Rubies, The.= By Adelaide Fulaer Bell. + + =Lady Green Satin.= By Baroness Deschesnez. + + =Left on Labrador; or, The Cruise of the Yacht "Curlew."= + By C. A. Stephens. + + =Lena Wingo, the Mohawk.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Lenny, the Orphan.= By Margaret Hosmer. + + =Lion of the North, The. A Tale of the Times of Gustavus + Adolphus.= By G. A. Henty. + + =Luke Walton; or, The Chicago Newsboy.= By Horatio + Alger, Jr. + + =Lynx Hunting.= By C. A. Stephens. + + =Limber Lew, the Circus King.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Marion Berkley.= By Elizabeth B. Comins. + + =Missing Pocket-Book, The.= By Harry Castlemon. + + =Mysterious Andes, The.= By Hezekiah Butterworth. + + =Northern Lights.= Stories from Swedish and Finnish + Authors. + + =Off to the Geysers; or, The Young Yachters in Iceland.= + By C. A. Stephens. + + =On the Amazon; or, The Cruise of the "Rambler."= By + C. A. Stephens. + + =On the Trail of the Moose.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Orange and Green; A Tale of the Boyne and Limerick.= + By G. A. Henty. + + + + + ROUNDABOUT LIBRARY (Continued) + + Price, per volume,$0.75 + + =Oscar In Africa.= By Harry Castlemon. + + =Our Boys in Panama.= By Hezekiah Butterworth. + + =Our Fellows; or, Skirmishes with the Swamp Dragoons.= + By Harry Castlemon. + + =Path in the Ravine, The.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Plucky Dick; or, Sowing and Reaping.= By Edward S. + Ellis. + + =Queen's Body Guard, The.= By Margaret Vandegrift. + + =Question of Honor.= By Lynde Palmer. + + =Righting the Wrong.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =River Fugitives, The.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Romain Kalbris.= His Adventures by Sea and Shore. + Translated from the French of Hector Malot. + + =Rose Raymond's Wards.= By Margaret Vandegrift. + + =Ruth Endicott's Way.= By Lucy C. Lillie. + + =Shifting Winds; A Story of the Sea.= By R. M. Ballantyne. + + =Snagged and Sunk; or, The Adventures of a Canvas + Canoe.= By Harry Castlemon. + + =Squire's Daughter, The.= By Lucy C. Lillie. + + =Steel Horse, The; or, The Rambles of a Bicycle.= By + Harry Castlemon. + + =Store Boy, The; or, The Fortunes of Ben Barclay.= By + Horatio Alger, Jr. + + =Storm Mountain.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Struggling Upward; or, Luke Larkin's Luck.= By Horatio + Alger, Jr. + + =Tam; or, Holding the Fort.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Through Forest and Fire.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =True to the Old Flag; A Tale of the American War of + Independence.= By G. A. Henty. + + =Two Bequests, The; or, Heavenward Led.= By Jane R. + Sommers. + + =Two Ways of Becoming a Hunter.= By Harry Castlemon. + + =Under Drake's Flag. A Tale of the Spanish Main.= By + G. A. Henty. + + =Under the Holly.= By Margaret Hosmer. + + =Under the Red Flag; or, The Adventures of Two American + Boys in the Days of the Commune.= By Edward + King. + + + + + ROUNDABOUT LIBRARY (Continued) + + Price, per volume,$0.75 + + =Ways and Means.= By Margaret Vandegrift. + + =Where Honor Leads.= By Lynde Palmer. + + =Wilderness Fugitives, The.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Wild Man of the West, The.= By R. M. Ballantyne. + + =With Clive in India; or, The Beginning of an Empire.= + By G. A. Henty. + + =With Wolfe in Canada; or, The Winning of a Continent.= + By G. A. Henty. + + =Wyoming.= By Edward S. Ellis. + + =Young Adventurer, The; Tom's Trip Across the Plains.= + By Horatio Alger, Jr. + + =Young Circus Rider, The.= By Horatio Alger, Jr. + + =Young Conductor, The; or, Winning His Way.= By Edward + S. Ellis. + + =Young Explorer, The; or, Among the Sierras.= By Horatio + Alger, Jr. + + =Young Miner, The; or, Tom Nelson in California.= By + Horatio Alger, Jr. + + =Young Ranchers, The; or, Fighting the Sioux.= By + Edward S. Ellis. + + =Young Wrecker, The.= By Richard Meade Bache. + + + + +THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.'S POPULAR JUVENILES. + +HARRY CASTLEMON. + +HOW I CAME TO WRITE MY FIRST BOOK. + +When I was sixteen years old I belonged to a composition class. It was +our custom to go on the recitation seat every day with clean slates, and +we were allowed ten minutes to write seventy words on any subject the +teacher thought suited to our capacity. One day he gave out "What a Man +Would See if He Went to Greenland." My heart was in the matter, and +before the ten minutes were up I had one side of my slate filled. The +teacher listened to the reading of our compositions, and when they were +all over he simply said: "Some of you will make your living by writing +one of these days." That gave me something to ponder upon. I did not say +so out loud, but I knew that my composition was as good as the best of +them. By the way, there was another thing that came in my way just then. +I was reading at that time one of Mayne Reid's works which I had drawn +from the library, and I pondered upon it as much as I did upon what the +teacher said to me. In introducing Swartboy to his readers he made use +of this expression: "No visible change was observable in Swartboy's +countenance." Now, it occurred to me that if a man of his education +could make such a blunder as that and still write a book, I ought to be +able to do it, too. I went home that very day and began a story, "The +Old Guide's Narrative," which was sent to the _New York Weekly_, and +came back, respectfully declined. It was written on both sides of the +sheets but I didn't know that this was against the rules. Nothing +abashed, I began another, and receiving some instruction, from a friend +of mine who was a clerk in a book store, I wrote it on only one side of +the paper. But mind you, he didn't know what I was doing. Nobody knew +it; but one day, after a hard Saturday's work--the other boys had been +out skating on the brick-pond--I shyly broached the subject to my +mother. I felt the need of some sympathy. She listened in amazement, and +then said: "Why, do you think you could write a book like that?" That +settled the matter, and from that day no one knew what I was up to until +I sent the first four volumes of Gunboat Series to my father. Was it +work? Well, yes; it was hard work, but each week I had the satisfaction +of seeing the manuscript grow until the "Young Naturalist" was all +complete. + + --_Harry Castlemon in the Writer._ + + * * * * * + + + + + GUNBOAT SERIES. + + 6 vols. BY HARRY CASTLEMON. $6.00 + + Frank the Young Naturalist. + Frank on a Gunboat. + Frank in the Woods. + Frank before Vicksburg. + Frank on the Lower Mississippi. + Frank on the Prairie. + + + ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES. + + 3 vols. BY HARRY CASTLEMON. $3.00 + + Frank Among the Rancheros. + Frank at Don Carlos' Rancho. + Frank in the Mountains. + + + SPORTSMAN'S CLUB SERIES. + + 3 vols. BY HARRY CASTLEMON. $3.75 + + The Sportsman's Club in the Saddle. + The Sportsman's Club Afloat. + The Sportsman's Club. + Among the Trappers. + + + FRANK NELSON SERIES. + + 3 vols. BY HARRY CASTLEMON. $3.75 + + Snowed up. + Frank in the Forecastle. + The Boy Traders. + + =COMPLETE CATALOG OF BEST BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS + MAILED ON APPLICATION TO THE PUBLISHERS= + + =THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., PHILADELPHIA= + + + + + THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.'S POPULAR JUVENILES + + ROUGHING IT SERIES. + + 3 vols. BY HARRY CASTLEMON. $3.00 + + George in Camp. + George at the Fort. + George at the Wheel. + + + ROD AND GUN SERIES. + + 3 vols. BY HARRY CASTLEMON. $3.00 + + Don Gordon's Shooting Box. + The Young Wild Fowlers. + Rod and Gun Club. + + + GO-AHEAD SERIES. + + 3 vols. BY HARRY CASTLEMON. $3.00 + + Tom Newcombe. + Go-Ahead. + No Moss. + + + WAR SERIES. + + 6 vols. BY HARRY CASTLEMON. $6.00 + + True to His Colors. + Rodney the Partisan. + Rodney the Overseer. + Marcy the Blockade-Runner. + Marcy the Refugee. + Sailor Jack the Trader. + + + HOUSEBOAT SERIES. + + 3 vols. BY HARRY CASTLEMON. $3.00 + + The Houseboat Boys. + The Mystery of Lost River Canon. + The Young Game Warden. + + AFLOAT AND ASHORE SERIES. + + 3 vols. BY HARRY CASTLEMON. $3.00 + + Rebellion in Dixie. + A Sailor in Spite of Himself. + The Ten-Ton Cutter. + + =COMPLETE CATALOG OF BEST BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS + MAILED ON APPLICATION TO THE PUBLISHERS= + + =THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., PHILADELPHIA= + + + + +=HORATIO ALGER, JR.= + + * * * * * + +The enormous sales of the books of Horatio Alger, Jr., show the +greatness of his popularity among the boys, and prove that he is one of +their most favored writers. I am told that more than half a million +copies altogether have been sold, and that all the large circulating +libraries in the country have several complete sets, of which only two +or three volumes are ever on the shelves at one time. If this is true, +what thousands and thousands of boys have read and are reading Mr. +Alger's books! His peculiar style of stories, often imitated but never +equaled, have taken a hold upon the young people, and, despite their +similarity, are eagerly read as soon as they appear. + +Mr. Alger became famous with the publication of that undying book, +"Ragged Dick, or Street Life in New York." It was his first book for +young people, and its success was so great that he immediately devoted +himself to that kind of writing. It was a new and fertile field for a +writer then, and Mr. Alger's treatment of it at once caught the fancy of +the boys. "Ragged Dick" first appeared in 1868, and ever since then it +has been selling steadily, until now it is estimated that about 200,000 +copies of the series have been sold. + + --"Pleasant Hours for Boys and Girls." + + * * * * * + +A writer for boys should have an abundant sympathy with them. He should +be able to enter into their plans, hopes, and aspirations. He should +learn to look upon life as they do. Boys object to be written down to. A +boy's heart opens to the man or writer who understands him. + + --From "Writing Stories for Boys," by Horatio Alger, Jr. + + + + + RAGGED DICK SERIES. + + 6 vols. =By Horatio Alger, Jr.= $6.00 + + Ragged Dick. + Fame and Fortune. + Mark the Match Boy. + Rough and Ready. + Ben the Luggage Boy. + Rufus and Rose. + + + TATTERED TOM SERIES--First Series. + + 4 vols. =By Horatio Alger, Jr.= $4.00 + + Tattered Tom. + Paul the Peddler. + Phil the Fiddler. + Slow and Sure. + + + TATTERED TOM SERIES--Second Series. + + 4 vols. $4.00 + + Julius. + The Young Outlaw. + Sam's Chance. + The Telegraph Boy. + + + CAMPAIGN SERIES. + + 3 vols. =By Horatio Alger, Jr.= $3.00 + + Frank's Campaign. + Charlie Codman's Cruise. + Paul Prescott's Charge. + + + LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES--First Series. + + 4 vols. =By Horatio Alger, Jr.= $4.00 + + Luck and Pluck. + Sink or Swim. + Strong and Steady. + Strive and Succeed. + + + LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES--Second Series. + + 4 vols. $4.00 + + Try and Trust. + Bound to Rise. + Risen from the Ranks. + Herbert Carter's Legacy. + + + BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES. + + 4 vols. =By Horatio Alger, Jr.= $4.00 + + Brave and Bold. + Jack's Ward. + Shifting for Himself. + Wait and Hope. + + =COMPLETE CATALOG OF BEST BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS + MAILED ON APPLICATION TO THE PUBLISHERS= + + =THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., PHILADELPHIA= + + + + + VICTORY SERIES. + + 3 Vols. =By Horatio Alger, Jr.= $3.00 + + Only an Irish Boy. + Victor Vane, or the Young Secretary. + Adrift in the City. + + + FRANK AND FEARLESS SERIES. + + 3 vols. =By Horatio Alger, Jr.= $3.00 + + Frank Hunter's Peril. + The Young Salesman. + Frank and Fearless. + + + GOOD FORTUNE LIBRARY. + + 3 vols. =By Horatio Alger, Jr.= $3.00 + + Walter Sherwood's Probation. + The Young Bank Messenger. + A Boy's Fortune. + + + HOW TO RISE LIBRARY. + + 3 vols. =By Horatio Alger, Jr.= $3.00 + + Jed, the Poorhouse Boy. + Lester's Luck. + Rupert's Ambition. + + =COMPLETE CATALOG OF BEST BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS + MAILED ON APPLICATION TO THE PUBLISHERS= + + =THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., PHILADELPHIA= + + + + +THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.'S POPULAR JUVENILES + +=J. T. TROWBRIDGE.= + +Neither as a writer does he stand apart from the great currents of life +and select some exceptional phase or odd combination of circumstances. +He stands on the common level and appeals to the universal heart, and +all that he suggests or achieves is on the plane and in the line of +march of the great body of humanity. + +The Jack Hazard series of stories, published in the late _Our Young +Folks_, and continued in the first volume of _St. Nicholas_, under the +title of "Fast Friends," is no doubt destined to hold a high place in +this class of literature. The delight of the boys in them (and of their +seniors, too) is well founded. They go to the right spot every time. +Trowbridge knows the heart of a boy like a book, and the heart of a man, +too, and he has laid them both open in these books in a most successful +manner. Apart from the qualities that render the series so attractive to +all young readers, they have great value on account of their +portraitures of American country life and character. The drawing is +wonderfully accurate, and as spirited as it is true. The constable, +Sellick, is an original character, and as minor figures where will we +find anything better than Miss Wansey, and Mr. P. Pipkin, Esq. The +picture of Mr. Dink's school, too, is capital, and where else in fiction +is there a better nick-name than that the boys gave to poor little +Stephen Treadwell, "Step Hen," as he himself pronounced his name in an +unfortunate moment when he saw it in print for the first time in his +lesson in school. + +On the whole, these books are very satisfactory, and afford the critical +reader the rare pleasure of the works that are just adequate, that +easily fulfill themselves and accomplish all they set out to +do.--_Scribner's Monthly._ + + + + +THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.'S POPULAR JUVENILES + + =JACK HAZARD SERIES.= + + 6 vols. BY J. T. TROWBRIDGE $7.25 + + Jack Hazard and His Fortunes. + Doing His Best. + The Young Surveyor. + A Chance for Himself. + Fast Friends. + Lawrence's Adventures. + + * * * * * + + =CHARLES ASBURY STEPHENS.= + + "This author wrote his "Camping Out Series" at the very height of his + mental and physical powers. + + "We do not wonder at the popularity of these books; there is a + freshness and variety about them, and an enthusiasm in the description + of sport and adventure, which even the older folk can hardly fail to + share."--_Worcester Spy._ + + "The author of the Camping Out Series is entitled to rank as decidedly + at the head of what may be called boys' literature."--_Buffalo + Courier._ + + =CAMPING OUT SERIES.= + + By C. A. STEPHENS. + + =All books in this series are 12mo. with eight full page illustrations. + Cloth, extra, 75 cents.= + + CAMPING OUT. As Recorded by "Kit." + + "This book is bright, breezy, wholesome, instructive, and stands above + the ordinary boys' books of the day by a whole head and + shoulders."--_The Christian Register_, Boston. + + LEFT ON LABRADOR; OR, THE CRUISE OF THE SCHOONER YACHT "CURLEW." As + Recorded by "Wash." + + "The perils of the voyagers, the narrow escapes, their strange + expedients, and the fun and jollity when danger had passed, will make + boys even unconscious of hunger."--_New Bedford Mercury._ + + OFF TO THE GEYSERS; OR THE YOUNG YACHTERS IN ICELAND. As Recorded by + "Wade." + + "It is difficult to believe that Wade and Read and Kit and Wash were + not live boys, sailing up Hudson Straits, and reigning temporarily + over an Esquimaux tribe."--_The Independent_, New York. + + LYNX HUNTING: From Notes by the Author of "Camping Out." + + "Of first quality as a boys' book, and fit to take its place beside + the best."--_Richmond Enquirer._ + + FOX HUNTING. As Recorded by "Raed." + + "The most spirited and entertaining book that has as yet appeared. It + overflows with incident, and is characterized by dash and brilliancy + throughout."--_Boston Gazette._ + + ON THE AMAZON; OR, THE CRUISE OF THE "RAMBLER." As Recorded by "Wash." + + "Gives vivid pictures of Brazilian adventure and scenery."--_Buffalo + Courier._ + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Ben, the Luggage Boy;, by Horatio Alger + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEN, THE LUGGAGE BOY; *** + +***** This file should be named 28381.txt or 28381.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/8/3/8/28381/ + +Produced by Taavi Kalju, Woodie4, Joseph Cooper and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net +(This file was produced from images generously made +available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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