HER BENNY

A STORY OF STREET LIFE

* * *

SILAS HOCKING

*

Her Benny
A Story of Street Life
First published in 1879
ISBN 978-1-63421-276-2
Duke Classics
© 2014 Duke Classics and its licensors. All rights reserved.

While every effort has been used to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in this edition, Duke Classics does not assume liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in this book. Duke Classics does not accept responsibility for loss suffered as a result of reliance upon the accuracy or currency of information contained in this book.

Contents

*

Preface
Chapter I - Brother and Sister
Chapter II - Addler's Hall
Chapter III - Roughing It
Chapter IV - A Friend in Need
Chapter V - "Oh, Death! What Does Thou Mean?"
Chapter VI - In Which Benny Makes a Discovery
Chapter VII - Two Visits
Chapter VIII - In Which Joe Wrag Has a Vision
Chapter IX - Tempted
Chapter X - In the Woods
Chapter XI - Benny Prays
Chapter XII - Fading Away
Chapter XIII - The Tide Turns
Chapter XIV - A Glimpse of Paradise
Chapter XV - A Terrible Alternative
Chapter XVI - An Experiment
Chapter XVII - Perks Again
Chapter XVIII - Adrift
Chapter XIX - The Border Land
Chapter XX - Life at the Farm
Chapter XXI - An Accident
Chapter XXII - Recognition
Chapter XXIII - The Question Settled
Chapter XXIV - The Reward of Well-Doing

*

To

My Bairns

(GOD BLESS THEM!)

THIS LITTLE BOOK IS DEDICATED

WITH MUCH

AFFECTION.

Preface

*

My pastoral work, during a three years' residence in Liverpool, called me frequently into some of the poorest neighbourhoods of that town, where I became acquainted with some 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 of that name—that I felt that interest in, and sympathy for them, that 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.

SILAS K. HOCKING.

October 21st, 1879.