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.