Who is Mudlark Boy from London Labour and the London Poor and what is their importance?

Like most mudlarks, this young boy waded into the river Thames up to his chest to scavenge bits of rope, bone, coal, metal or anything else that could be resold. He was usually covered from head to toe with mud, and made no attempt to clean it off before eating or sleeping. Eventually he joined a gang of youths who stole items in the markets, but insisted that he would prefer a life free of crime. Eventually, a publisher friend of Mayhew's gave the lad a job, and helped him get an apprenticeship. True to his word, the boy never stole anything again and was able to support himself.