The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-09-15
Ghildren's Column.
For the Central Presbyterian.
Minnie Cartoons Half Dollar.

heart. In her right hand she grasped
four bright new silver half dollars which
her indulgent father had just given her.
A beautiful wax doll, Minnie's hearts de-
sire, was to take the place of the silver
But as the little girl ran singing along,
one of the pieces dropped from her hand
and rolled into the gutter. Just at that
moment dirty, ragged boy, one of those
Arabs of the street whom nobody loves or
cares for, darted in front, and picking up
the coin, disappeared with the swiftness
of an ostrich. Minnie stood still for a
moment, as if rooted to the spot, and then
running up to policeman who had Just
appeared, tried amid her sobs and tears,
to tell him of her loss.
We'll, little missy" said he, looking
down at The tear stained face, whats
up, and what are you doing by yourself
on the street bareheaded?"
AS she opened her hands and told him
her story the smile vanished, but with
kind words he tried to soothe her. adding,
lust let me catch the young rascal and
Ill not leave even hair on his head :"
ooh no. no" sobbed Minnie, "don't
be so cruel, perhaps that little ragged boy
don't know any better. don't believe
he loves Jesus. Do you, Mr. Policeman ?"
Bless you, No 1 dare say not, little
missy answered the astonished Guard
ian of the Peace"
Minnie was now walking hand in hand
by the side of her big protector who was
conducting her home
oh, how sad not to know any thing
about the dear Lord Jesus who lived and
died for us. Do you know and care for
MIN yourself?" she added, looking up
into the kind face.
"Oh yes, he answered carelessly, "and
so, says he, glad to change the subject,
you are little Miss Carlton, who lives
in yon handsome house. 1 know your
father very well. He pays me extra to
watch=his house at night, and many
night when you are fast asleep, I am
walking up and down, guarding your
house through all the long hours.
Well, Mr.. Guardy, (may call you
thatD you watch all light for little
money, and the good God who lives above
the stars is watching you day and night
and keeping you from harm. He does
all that because he loves you, but do you
love or care for him? Oh, Mr. Guardy
I'm so sorry for you'll"
Indeed, little missy, I don't know
what to think of you. You are the
queerest little thing l ever saw. Do you
ask everybody you see the same ques-
tion?"
"Oyes, was the simple answer, II love
Him so much l can't helpit Most every
body know loves Jesus except mamma,
and [ know she will love him soon
cause pray for her so often
They had now reached Mr.. Cartons.
Goodbye Mr.. Guardy, if you ever see
that little ragged boy again, tell him I
forgive him. y
Some days after, our policeman dis
covered several little boys, in an out-of-
the-way place, playing that game of
chance, pitch and toss, but found on going
nearer, very ragged urchin pitching
silver instead of pennies, and the silver
proved to be new fifty cent piece. Col
laring the boy, and taxing him with the
theft, he soon found he was on the right
track, and dragged the unwilling boy to
Mr. Cartoons.
The boy had not spent the money,
simply because he could never forget the
look Of entreaty on the little lady's face
as he ran past her. He had kept it, aud
now it had been the means of his detec-
ton.
What to do with the fellow our big
friend knew not, as he could not carry
such an object into the elegant house Of
the rich Mr.. Carlton But fortune favor
ed him, for just as they reached the house
little Minnie came out into the porch
skipping as usual, all dressed for a walk.
Her sweet face looked brighter than ever,
as she ran up to her big friend, saying,
Thank you, thank you, Mr.. Guardy for
bringing me that little boy :" and then
turning to him, added in her sweetest
voice and manner, I am SO sorry for you
little boy; so sorry you took my money.
Here it is, interrupted the police
man, handing it to her
"Oh no. | don't want it," she cried,
with a shake Of her head "Let the boy
have it again. Please tell me your name?''
Jack, ma am.
Well, Jack, / am sorry, she repeated, |
"you don't love Che Lord Jesus"
Who is he, ma amp" inquired Jack,
looking up for the first time
Your best friend, was the reply.
I've got no friends; nobody cares or
does anything for me-
Not even vour fa4bar opd roth -. -