Little Playfellows: / Sugar Plum Series

SUGAR Plum Series
Published by Peter G. Thomson. Cincinnati, -- O --

A little boy was playing with his hobby-horse one day, and making a great deal of noise, when an old gentleman, who lived in the next room, called to him and said, “Can you not play more quietly?” The little boy answered, “It is raining and I can't go out of doors.” The old gentleman said, “But can you not make less noise, for I am sick and need rest.” The little boy said, “If that is the case, I will not make any noise.” When his mother came home, she praised him for his kindness, and said he did right. Little Johnnie, for that was his name, had forgotten all about the old gentleman, when, a week after, a large box came to him on which was written, “To my young neighbor, a souvenir of a rainy day.” The box was full of beautiful lead soldiers and cannons, with which he had a great deal of pleasure. When his mother saw them she said, “You see, my son, kindness always receives its reward.”
There was once a little boy who came from Savoy to the City of Paris with a fellow-countryman. Soon after arriving his countryman deserted him, though he had promised his mother to take care of him. Little Pierre did not know what to do all alone in this great city. He walked around all day crying bitterly, but when evening came he thought of a prayer his mother had taught him, and he repeated it: “My God, you who watch over the little birds, oh! do not forsake the little children.” As he ended the prayer the pigeons of the city, which were very numerous, flew about him, and one lit on his shoulder. He said to it, “Beautiful bird, go and tell my mother to come and get me.” A lady passing by heard him repeat the prayer and give the message to the bird. She knew at once that he was a good boy, so she took him to her home, where she gave him nice clothes and plenty to eat. She sent a letter to his mother, and while waiting for her to come to him he used to go out and play with the pigeons. They would run to be caressed by him, for they well knew that they could trust a child who prays.