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+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: 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
+
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