The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-04-27
LITTLE JOHNNIE WAS
"LOSTED" AND LIKED IT
Preferred Wandering to Home and
Was Happy at Police
Headquarters.
STORY OF FIVE-YEAR-OLD

NEW YORK, April 26.-"Johnnie" Han
son is only FIVE years old, but already the
thirst for wandering has come upon him.
Drawn by il. he quietly departed from his
home, at Third avenue and Twenty-first
street, early in the morning. and by night
fall was found at 19sth street and Webster
avenue, nine miles away at least.
johnnie" was entirely willing TO ac-
company Policeman Mcmahon to the Ire
mont police station. where he at once made
friends and assumed charge. He enjoyed
his trip TO police headquarters, and his
night there was so enjoyable that he cried
when his uncle. Ernest Resnan. came for
him.
1t was a very much disheveled and dirty
little boy that the policeman found near
the entrance to Bronx Park, and the meet
ing came about. while Johnnie was, SOL
emily debating whether TO enter the dark
woods, where there might be all sorts OF
fierce things waiting for little boys.
What's your name, kid" asked the po-
liceman.
rs there bears in there?" inquired john
ME-, ignoring the question.
Hey Where did you come from
Where's your home? Are you lost?''
the last question. I'm lOsted. Is there
real bears in there, mister?"
That was all Policeman Mcmahon could
get out OF him. Johnnie" either did not
know who he was and where he came from
or he didn't care. He willingly accompanied
the policeman, and never once dld ne
whimper. At headquarters, where ne was
ticketed as "unidentifed lost, John
MES answers were practically the same.
He was much more interested In playing
''horsey'' and riding ''pig-a-back' than in
his own pedigree.
He learned early that the more reticent
he was concerning himself the more favors
he received. 1t is a standing rule among
the lost children identification corps at
headquarters that the way to q child s
heart is through his mouth, and Johnnie"
prospered on apples and oranges, peanuts
and fairy stories until Mrs Travers. the
matron had exhausted every species of
the Juvenile third degree.
"Oh. jes 'alked and alked.' his
answer TO one question.
"A man give me some bread an butter
out of bucket" he replied to another
question IL he were hungry. He said
Here, you damn kid take this an run
home to your mother; she'll lick you Les
play again It's nice being losted.'
Mr.. Resnan, who lives at No. 595 Third
avenue, arrived at headquarters after
Johnnie had received good bath, a nice
breakfast and was marshaling three po-
ucemen for another morning of play Mr..
Resnan said Johnnie was very bad boy
and had caused his parents much uneasi-
ness and worry.
There was no question of Identification
for when Johnnie him he Immediately
sought the shelter of a big policeman $
arms and carried on all negotiations about
returning home from that refuge. So far
as he was concerned he absolutely declined
TO discuss going home. and his sturdy lit
tie legs flew vigorously and his lamenta-
lions were loud when the case went against
him.
What are you going to be when you
grow up. Johrnie?" asked one of the wit
led away
"A p'liceman." was the prompt answer