Ben, the Luggage Boy; Or, Among the Wharves

by Jr. Horatio Alger

"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.