Ben the Luggage Boy or, Among the Wharves. by Horatio Alger - book 
1-931927-74-X

PAPERBACK ILLUSTRATED A young runaway makes his living carrying baggage on the docks of New York; he is befriended by a well-to-do lady who persuades him to return home to his family in Philadelphia. In Ragged Dick Series.


At ten, Ben Brandon runs away from an abusive father to New York City. Once on the street, his belongings are stolen and he runs out of money. Fortunately, he is befriended by “Rufus,” known as “Rough and Ready,” the hero of another Alger story. Under his tutelage, Ben learns how to live on the streets, and work through the obstacles that stem from it. Together they have several adventures, and Ben works towards bringing his family back together again.