A policeman is the friend of those in need of protection.

Mary and Ellen were two little sisters who lived in a town in sunny England. They loved to wander outside of town in the meadows and gather buttercups and daisies. One day they wandered farther than they had ever been before. They had found such a beautiful land where the wild roses and the hawthorn bushes were white and fragrant, and full of the songs of birds. Just out of reach could be seen a tiny nest, and the children wondered if there were any eggs in it. On and on they wandered, their arms full of bright blossoms.

All at once Mary happened to think of something she had heard some boys say, that “the gypsies were about.” This thought sent a thrill of fear over her, for had she not heard that the gypsies would steal little children?

“Oh, sister, let us go back,” cried Mary. “I’m afraid of the gypsies.” So the children took hands and ran back towards the city. They no longer cared to gather flowers they passed, and the fluttering of a bird among the bushes almost made their hearts stand still, so afraid were they that it might be the gypsies trying to catch them.

At last they reached the town and after walking past many houses they saw that they must have taken the wrong street for everything looked so strange. They were very lonely, and tired, so they sat on the curbing to rest. The day was warm and little Ellen was soon fast asleep against her sister’s shoulder. Mary sat still thinking, wondering how they could find their way home, when who should come round a corner but a policeman.

Now, a policeman, Mary thought, was as bad if not worse than a gypsy, for policemen always locked people up. Suppose he should lock them up. Poor Mary was afraid to look up until she heard a cheery voice say: “Hello, little tots! better run home!” Then she looked into the smiling face and kind eyes of the policeman, and her fears all vanished. She told him they were lost, and to please not to lock them up this time, for they would never go so far from home again.

Well, the big man laughed and laughed and said: “All right! come on, let’s find mother.” He took the poor little sleepy Ellen up in his arms, and taking Mary by the hand started off. Mary told him they lived on Durby Street and that their father’s name was Benton. Soon things began to look familiar, and soon they reached the dear home. Mother was very anxious about them and had just sent word to the police for help in finding the children. They were all very grateful to the kind policeman for bringing them safely home, for they had learned that he is a very good friend indeed.