A narrow escape

Title

A narrow escape

Creator

Peña, Julio Cesar

Language

English

Source

The adventures of a beggar boy.

Year

1935

Subject

Stories--Philippines.

Beggars--Juvenile literatures.

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

Abstract

A series of story about the adventure of a beggar named Tonio.

Fulltext

176 THE YOUNG CITIZEN ,.I 11p•sl, /.'I,,'.} Chapter five A NARROW ESCAPE T HE more Tonio thought about the strangers' offer, the more he wm; tempted to accept it. But when he remembered that he had been enjoined not to let his Lolo know about it, he became suspicious and decided to tell the old man what the strangers had offered to do for him. When the old man learned that the two men had mentioned something about an easy but gainful occupation he was alarmec~ and exclaimed, "0 my boy, avoid such men. I don't believe they are honest. They may be pickpockets 01· shoplifters. Be patient,_ my b_oy, God will provide. To whom he gives IIfe, he will also give means of livelihood. Go to bed. You need plenty of 1·est after '' hard day." Tonio, then and there, decided not to see the men. The week that followed was not a profitable one for Tonio and his Lolo. Their alms consisted mostly of rice and they had to draw upon their saving. The okl man decided to confine his begging activities in the market and in front of churches. Saturday morning found the pair solicit· ing alms from the shoppers and vendol'S. They we1·e about to station themselves at the entrance to a big bazaar facing the market when they heard the shouts of "Thief! Thief!" and people threw themselves upon THE ADVENTURES OF A BEGGAR BOY by Julio Cesar Pena two men and a boy. When the men were searched, undershirts and socks were found concealed in their wastes. The boy had a pocketbook in his shi1t. The salesmen heir! the men by the collar while a shopper caught the boy by the bl'east. When the policeman arrived, the boy, who \\"aS trembling all ove1·. cried aloud and said, "They made me do it, Sir, those two. They would beat me if·I did not obey them." Tonio recognized in the two shopliftel'.i the men who offered to train him in an e~sy but gainful occupation. Honified he clutched at the old man's trousers. "Lolo," he whispered, "those are the men I told vou about." "Su;r,rn1'iosep !" the old man murmured c1·ossing himself. "Thank God you did not fall into their hands." On theii· way home, the old man impressed upon the boy's mind the clanger oi going with unknown people. "Pove1ty is nothing to be ashamed of, but dishonesty brings disgrace that will follow you all your life. You ai·e growing fast. Still I hope you will always confide in me." "I \\·ill, Lolo." Tonio promised. After a long silence, the old man I"esumed, "You must go to school in June. It is not enough that a pel'Son be good. He must be informed. I cannot see ho\\· I can send you to schcol, but I will." "I am old enough to '11·ork, Lolo. I can shine shoes. Smaller boys than I do." ·•yes, child, you can. But I am afraid you might fall into bad company." "I \\'ill take care not to, Lo lo. Let ns make use of om· saYing. I shall sell ne\\·s · pape1·s in the morning, peddle ice drops i1. ( l'kfl.~,· f1•nt to /HI!/•' 181) A1•r111111, l.'i.J!i THE YOUNG CITIZEN I~ I THE ADVENTURES OF A (Conti1111rd from pnge 176) the early afternoon, and shine shoes later in the afternoon. We don't have to beg anymore. We shall need money for ric" only. I can catch small crabs and dig for clams and mussels." Tonio said with the seriousness of a man. The old man realized that Tonio was no longe1· a small boy. He was beginning to think for himself and to demand his own share of responsibilities. "Sooner or later he will have to take care of himself. He should learn early what i~ is to strnggle. He must know the pitfalls of life and learn to avoid them. I shall not live f01·ever to watch over him," the old man mused. Aloud he said, "Yes, my boy, we may have to try your plans." (Read about Tonio';; interesting experiences with street boys in September number of 1'111' Yo1rng Citi::( 11.) CASSIOPEIA (Couti1wcd from page 175) the sea were offended and complained to Neptune, the god of the sea. As a punishment for her insolence, Neptune sent a frightful monster to ravage her coast and THE CA VE IN TALBAK (ConlimH·d jl'om 11ar1c }{ii) tiful domes ove1·head with sparkling spike:< drooping downward. Closer obse1·vation will reveal numerous names and dates inscribed on the smooth and conspicuous pa1·ts. Some names are of those who harl played impo1·tant parts in the Philippine history. Dates as early as the eighteenth hunch·eds abound. Once inside, you will feel a ve1·y peculiar sensation. In spite of the water oozing between the cracks and tl1e moisture dripping from above, you will fed ve1·y warm. Howeve1· death larks bebin<l this magnificence. T1·eachernus pits a1·e scattered here and there not very deep though, but enough to break one's neck. To avoid any mishap should you explore this cave, extreme care must be taken. to devour Cassiopeia's daughter, Andromeda. Cassiopeia appealed to Jupite1-, who placed her in the heaven out of reach of Neptune. SWEETSTAKE BUBBLE GUM SENSATION of the SEASON O'RACCA CONFECTIONERY 67 BARRA.CA .'.\t.\'.'l"ILA, P. I

Date Issued

I(7) August, 1935

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