The Boy Who Tried to Buy His Mother’s Freedom

When the case of Mary Silk was called in Justice I.J. White's court, the most interested spectators were a little boy about seven years old and a girl a year or two older. The woman had been disorderly and was fined $10 and costs. The boy stepped up to an officer and asked, 'What are they going to do with my mamma?' 'I am afraid they will have to send her to the bridewell unless you can raise $10 to pay her fine,' was the response. The boy looked up at him a moment, while his under lip quivered and his eyes grew moist. Then, with an air of determination, he said, 'Come on, Mattie, we'll get the money.' A few hours later the lad came back and stood in front of the Desk Sergeant twirling his hat in his hand. His head came just a little above the desk. 'Well, my little man,' said the Sergeant, 'What can I do for you?' 'Please sir, I come to see if I couldn't get my mother out of jail,' replied the urchin as two big tears rolled down his cheeks. 'I've got $2 which was given to me; please take it and let me go in mamma's place. I can't work as hard, but I'll stay longer.' With this the little fellow broke down and commenced to sob. 'Don't cry, my lad,' said Bailiff Keily, who had overheard the conversation. 'I'd pay two fines myself first.' The officers of the station became interested in the boy's manly bearing and efforts to get his mother released. Justice I.J. White was seen, and consented to suspend the fine. The children were taken down to their mother, who was told how they had tried to beg the money to pay for her release. It was the one touch of nature, and mother, children, and officers held a little jubilee in the station. 'A woman with such children as yours ought not to be here,' said the bailiff. 'No,' was the sobbing answer, 'and never will be again.'