The Ragged Orphan

When 12 year-old Jared Johnson's little sister dies just hours after his mother breathes her last after wasting away so her children could eat he knows he is on own. _x000D_Desperate to avoid the workhouse he does everything he can to survive the inhospitable streets of Birmingham. Jared is blessed with the gift of the gab and soon attracts the attention of the King of the Tatters Toby McGuire. Recognising a kindred spirit Toby soon has Jared out on a cart hustling for rags._x000D_Jared loves driving his horse Bess shouting 'any old rags' as loud as he can and it's not long before he's thriving. But being successful can bring you enemies as well as friends. Toby knows that Jared is destined for bigger things - provided his big mouth doesn't get him hurt first. . .