The news-boys found it was so much better for them to put their money in the bank, than to spend it in gaming, or for cigars, or in other useless ways, that they voted to close it again, not to be opened till December.  During the month of November, nineteen boys saved sixty-three dollars and forty-seven cents.  One of them had put in thirteen dollars.  He did not spend it all for himself, but gave a part of it to his mother to pay her rent.

The boys were delighted with their wealth.  “No hard times here!” they cried.  “Money isn’t tight with us.  There is plenty of it.”

One of the boys purchased an entire suit of clothes; and when he made his appearance among the others, in his nice blue jacket, with bright buttons, his pantaloons to match, and his blue navy-cap, he was greeted with cheers.  One and another examined his wardrobe, and all enjoyed his success.  “Who are you?  Who’d think this was Charley ——?  Is this a news-boy?  Who’d believe this was a news-boy?” and various other exclamations escaped from them.  “Charley has done well this time.”  Yes, Charley did well, and he will not soon forget the lesson he learned that month.  He knows more of the true use of money than ever before.

The first of December the boys voted to keep the bank closed till the third of January.  They decided not to have it opened on the first, because there are so many temptations to spend money that they feared, if they had it in their pockets, they should part with it foolishly.

One of the news-boys has been recently run over by a stage.  I inquired about him, and learned that he is the very boy whom I met in a friend’s office, and my interest in whom led me first to visit the lodging-house.  This is the third time he has narrowly escaped death.  The omnibus passed directly over his body.  When he was taken up, his companions thought him dying.  He was conveyed immediately to the hospital.

The boys at the lodging-house were saddened by Patrick’s troubles.  They expected he would die.  They recounted his excellencies of character.  His cheerfulness and ready wit were not forgotten.  Patrick is not a boy of many words, but when he speaks, it is to the purpose.  The boys called at the hospital to see him.  The door-keeper said he never knew a boy who had so many cousins!

The next day Patrick was better.  It was found that he was not so much injured as was at first supposed.  There was great rejoicing in the evening at the lodging-house.  A heavy load had been lifted from their hearts.  Patrick would soon be among them again.  They were cheerful and full of life and spirits.  “Patrick must be half made of India-rubber!” they exclaimed, gleefully.