The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-03-18
I Really Rad BOY.

The New York sun tells this story:
Johnnie Russell is bad clean through.
Mrs. Funk says so and so does little Ida
Funk They ought 20 know, having haG
experience with him which nearly cost
them money. Johnnie went 10 the Funks
house at - south First street Williams
burg. on Monday afternoon and sat on he
steps. There he lifted up his voice and
howled dismally. Ida was sitting IN the
front room trying 10 persuade her oldest
doll who has never had much OF an APP
petite anyway 10 nibble at a cruller. and
she saw and heard him. Curiosity over
came the maternal instinct Flora Ann
was flung into a corner and Ida ran and
opened the door. Johnnie paid no at
tention. He simply continued TO howl
lie knew his little book.
What's the matter, little boy?' said
Ida.
Hungry" said Johnnie, with gulp.
"Ain't you had anythin' 10 eat?'
Nav" said Johnnie: mot fer a week. 70
"Oh. my" exclaimed Ida. II took her
but a few moments TO absorb this infor-
nation
why don't YOU go home. little boy?"
she inquired with "A brilliant thought.
Amt got no home" said Johnnie, and
he performed a few sobs.
"Why, where do you live?' asked the
girl, in great surprise.
Don't live nowhere
Amt you got any place to Sleep"
Nav" said Johnnie in heart breaking
tones. "Ain't slept for a month
Mamma. mamma" called Ida. running
to the stairs. heres little boy down
here He's almost starved to death. an
he don't live anywhere. Come quick
Mra o.
Johnnie had barely time 10 begin 10 sob
again.
Bless my SOUL" she said. "The poor
boy looks almost dead. Stop crying ana
come inside. What's the matter with
you
"AIe mudder licked me an turn me
out" moaned Johnnie going into
the house with Mrs Funk and Ida.
A repast of crulers. cold meat and
coffee were placed before him. 10 which
he devoted himself with an ardor that
left no doubt as 10 the genuincness of his
appetite Between bites ne said that his
name was Johnnie Smith. that he was 10
years old. and that after life Of mar
tyrdom inflicted by cruel mother he
had been beaten with % clothes pole and
driven forth to starve.
Poor boy" said Mr.. Funk.
Johnnie tsSaAtu a SOD, WHICH Wdr llhf
TO have terminated his career, for 10 met
a lump OF cruller halfway IN his throat.
and he nearly choked to death. When he
had recovered the doorhell rang. and his
two efactresses left him alone in the
kitchen for moment. ON the table lay
Mr.. Funk's large silver watch. The back
door was open. On their return the Funks
noticed first that their guest was gone.
Then they noticed that the watch was
gone.
The little wretch" cried Mrs. Funk.
I'D ar soon have thought it Of Flora
Ann" said Ida. and her eyes filed with
tears.
After some wanderings Johnnie and the
watch turned up in a pawnshop Just at
the time when Detectice Dunn. who had
been put on the case, got there.
ME mudder wants fl dollars on dis"
said Johnnie
Come along" said the detective. col
larlng him. and this time the urchin's
bowls were IN good faith. His alibi which
he alleged in the Lee Avenue Police Court
yesterday morning was insufficient. IL
consisted in the statement:
Il wasn't dere. 1t was some odder
fel'er"
He was committed to the care Of the
Children's Society Mrs. Funk says that
she was never so surprised in her life.