Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-06-11
The Lost Purse.

"What are you going to do with il? What arc
YOU going to do with III" exclaimed half dozen
ragged urchins to a bright-cyed, thin clad news
boy who was holding eplendd purse in one Of
his purple, cold banda, that he had taken but a
few moments previous from the sidewalk.
Return IL to the owner" answered the little
honest fellow, in firm tone.
a fool a fool ?" shouted the boys "Would'nt
catch us returning purse that looked as though
il had lots of money in 1t, as that does. Let's see
how much there ia, spoke the eldest of the
group. and made an attempt TO wrcst 1t from the
Buys hand.
ut shant be opened. Iii, none Of your bust.
ness what II contains; it is none OF ours; and i
yon don't loose your grasp u5on IT. will call the
police" returned honest Johnny in command.
ing tone.
The boys knew that Johnny would do as he said
hence they not only ceased tormenting him, but
stole away il the police were already upon their
tracks. M
When alone, Johnny began to consider what it
was best to do. There was no way, that he saw,
by which the owner could be identified by him.
A thought struck him he would deliver 1t TO the
Office Of the chief Of police. But he should lose
the sale Of his papers II he attended to it then;
aud IL he did, his mother and little sister must 60
without bread that night; for they had nothing to
cat save that which the daily aale of the newspa
pcrs brought. What should he dos He paused
awhile and then said: Mother, you had rather 60
hungry tonight am sure; would rather, too,
than keep this purse until tomorrow morning ~
Let's sesir he put his hand into his pocket and,
after fumbling short time drew forth three cents
"Pve got money enough TO buy loaf of bread
for little sisters supper and breakfast, and Twill 60
without; 80 ] will 90 at once and carry the purse
where the owner can obtain It," Thus saying, he
trudged of with the purse in hand and large
bundle OF newspapers in the other. He whistled
al he went for although pinched with cold and
hunger, he felt happy, because he was doing good.
After disposing of the purse, and being called
an honest little fellow" by the police, he returned
home and reated to his mother how he had acted
She praised him for 80 doing, and said he must do
right, II he persisted In the attempt.
The next morning Johnny went from his home
little bluer and colder than usual for he had no
supper or breakfast to Gil up his stomach, thereby
keeping the cold out.
heart, for he had sold papers enough to buy bread
enough TO last his mother, sister, aud himself one
day, when he was mot by gentleman TO whom he
had delivered the purse on the previous day.
"My little fellow" exclaimed the gentleman,
pattting him on the shoulder, "the purse you left
with Inc has been returned 70 the owner, who by
the way, is an intimate friend Of mine and, to re-
ward you, he has offered TO take you into his EN-
ploy and see what he can make OF you"
"Will he give wages enough 10 buy mother
and sister bready' anxously inquired the lad. .
yes" returned the gentleman, "and moro
than that "Come," he added, "we1l soon sec
what he'll do for you" Thus saying, he led the
way to largo brick dwelling, nearly opposite TO
where they had been talking.
slight ring ofthe door-bel brought the owner Of
the purse 70 the door, He was informed by his friend
that the lad before him was the one to whom he
was indebted for the recovery Of his lost property
Johnny was met with a warm and hearty welcome
from his new friend who not only promised 10 take
the honest boy into his employ, but that his mother
aud sister should be made comfortable and happy.
Tears Of Joy filed the little fellows eyes as he
hastened to inform his mother Of his good fortune.
Hismothcr was overjoyed at the pleasing tidings
Of her con, and she and Johnny never after had
occasion 70 regret the latters conduct respecting
the lost purse.--Nec York paper.