"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?"