Her Benny
HER BENNY
For a moment the children looked at each other in blank dismay.
HER BENNY
by
SILAS K. HOCKING, F.R.H.S.
Author of "Ivy," "Real Grit," &c., &c.
The man put three moderate-sized potatoes into Benny's outstretched palms.—Page 8.
LONDON & NEW YORK
FREDERICK WARNE AND CO.
1890
PREFACE
TO THIS EDITION.
The Publishers have decided to array Benny in new and more expensive attire. For at least ten years he has worn the same suit of clothes. A suit which has become him very well, and in which he has received a hearty welcome in myriads of English homes, and in homes beyond the sea. Now that he appears in finer dress I hope his welcome will be none the less hearty, and that he will continue to play some humble part in winning sympathy and help for the waifs and strays of our streets.
Southport,
April, 1890.
PREFACE
TO THE ORIGINAL EDITION.
My pastoral work, during a three years' residence in Liverpool, called me frequently into some of the poorest neighbourhoods of that city, where I became acquainted with most of the originals of this story. It was not until I had seen the little Arabs of the streets in their homes—if such haunts of wretchedness be worthy the name—that I felt that interest in, and sympathy for them, which I have experienced ever since. Getting to know them in their homes, I was glad to stop and speak to them in the streets, and give them a word of sympathy and encouragement. They are not all bad, as many people seem to think. Many of them try hard to earn an honest living, though they find it a difficult matter, especially when at home they receive no encouragement, while in the streets temptation is being continually put in their way by those of whom "Perks" so justly complained.
The grouping of the characters that figure in the story is purely fictitious, but not the characters themselves. Benny and little Nell, Perks and Joe Wrag, Granny and Eva Lawrence, are drawn from life. I knew them well. Some of them are alive to-day, others have gone to their rest.
For the interest my little story has awakened in both old and young, in its serial form, I am rejoiced and thankful; and if, in the more permanent and attractive style it now assumes, it shall awaken any sympathy for the poor little waifs of our streets, I shall have my reward.
October 21st, 1879.
CONTENTS.
|
Brother and Sister
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
1 |
|
Addler's Hall
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
12 |
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Roughing It
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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24 |
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A Friend in Need
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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34 |
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"O Death! What Dost Thou Mean?"
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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44 |
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In which Benny makes a Discovery
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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52 |
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Two Visits
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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64 |
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In which Joe Wrag has a Vision
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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76 |
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Tempted
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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85 |
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In the Woods
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
97 |
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Benny Prays
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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110 |
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Fading Away
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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122 |
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The Tide Turns
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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131 |
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A Glimpse of Paradise
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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145 |
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A Terrible Alternative
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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156 |
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An Experiment
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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172 |
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Perks Again
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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184 |
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Adrift
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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196 |
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The Border Land
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
210 |
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Life at the Farm
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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222 |
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An Accident
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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234 |
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Recognition
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
249 |
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The Question Settled
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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264 |
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The Reward of Well-Doing
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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278 |
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
- For a moment the children looked at each other in blank dismay
Frontispiece. - The man put three moderate -sized potatoes into Benny's outstretched palms
Title-page. - Initial
Page 1 - "Carry yer bag, sir?" he said
Page„ 4 - Evidently glad that he was so near laying down his burden
Page„ 6 - Joe moved aside to make room, for the little waifs
Page„ 9 - Initial
Page„ 12 - They paused for a moment and listened
Page„ 15 - "Now out of the way, you brats" was her greeting
Page„ 17 - The frightened children came out and stood before him
Page„ 18 - Benny put his arm around his little sister
Page„ 21 - Benny was able to reach the cupboard without difficulty
Page„ 22 - Initial
Page„24 - They watched his rugged face with the firelight playing upon it
Page„ 40 - The old woman gave them a rough though kindly welcome
Page„ 42 - And thus he mused hour after hour
Page„47 - Dick Bates wandered along the long line of docks
Page„ 49 - Many a gentleman would put a penny into the little thin hand
Page„ 53 - The children listened with wide-open and wondering eyes
Page„ 57 - Benny sat as if transfixed
Page„ 70 - Joe would come into the hut and take her upon his knee
Page„ 79 - Initial
Page„ 85 - A hand was laid upon his arm with a firm grip
Page„ 93 - "If you plaise, Mr, God, I's very sorry I tried to stole"
Page„ 95 - And amid loud hurrahs came first into the goal
Page„ 107 - "Oh, lor'! I thought that wur the 'ouse the Queen lived in"
Page„ 113 - He knelt on the cold flags and looked up into the silent heavens
Page„ 116 - The little wasted arms were twined about his neck
Page„ 119 - Drew down his weather-beaten wrinkled face and kissed him
Page„ 125 - Initial
Page„ 181 - The gentleman did not heed his tears or his pleading voice
Page„ 135 - "I want to ask a favour," said Eva
Page„ 141 - Looking up, he saw his little benefactress
Page„ 150 - Initial
Page„ 156 - Be went on to tell all the circumstances
Page„ 163 - He walked along by the officer's side with the calmness of despair settling down upon his heart
Page„ 167 - "We are all God's children, an' He loves us all"
Page„ 179 - "I'm not a thief, sir, if you'll on'y believe it; I'm not, really"
page„ 185 - He was greeted with a shout and a howl
page„ 203 - Initial
page„ 210 - Laid gently in a clean soft bed, in a cool pleasant room
page„219 - He lifted his white scared face to Mrs, Fisher
page„ 226 - Initial
page„ 234 - "You're hurt, I'm sure you are; tell me what's the matter"
page„ 241 - When the song was finished, Eva swung herself round on the music-stool
page„ 256 - "Mr. Lawrence!" said Benny, in a tone of surprise
page„ 272 - Kneeling by the little grave, he offered up a silent prayer
page„ 279
This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.
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