A Boy's Fortune; Or, The Strange Adventures of Ben Baker

by Horatio Alger

"A Boy's Fortune; Or, The Strange Adventures of Ben Baker" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows the journey of Ben Baker, a sixteen-year-old boy from the countryside who arrives in New York City with hopes of making a fortune and learning about business. As he navigates the challenges of urban life, he encounters various characters that influence his path, including his estranged uncle, Nicholas Walton, and new friends like a kind reporter named Hugh Manton. The opening of the novel introduces Ben as he spends his first night in the city, having fallen asleep on a park bench. A policeman offers him guidance, leading him to a restaurant where he meets Manton. The young boy's situation is precarious, having just arrived in New York with little money and no place to stay. After enjoying a meal and discussing dreams of success, Ben is offered a place to sleep by Manton, setting him on a path of new adventures. The chapter hints at the complexities of family relations, as Ben's uncle, unbeknownst to him, harbors a deep secret regarding Ben's father, suggesting that his quest for fortune may involve more than just hard work.