Josie, a girl brought up in poverty and want, is the sole comfort of her widowed mother. When the latter is suddenly stricken ill, the child is almost frantic. She renders her all the aid possible, but the doctor who attends the woman says that she must have a certain kind of medicine and a little wine or she will not live. The heartbroken Josie races to the drug store with the prescription, but is roughly turned away by the druggist when he finds she has no money. She goes out on the street and narrowly escapes being knocked down by the hurrying crowd who have but little thought for the child's trouble. Pausing in front of a fruit stand, she is moved on by an Italian peddler, who turns to wait on a messenger boy who has left his bicycle on the curb. In a flash Josie makes up her mind and seizing the bicycle rides madly off. Stopping at the first bicycle store and after some persuasion the man gives her $5.00 for the wheel. Purchasing the medicine and wine, she races home. Meanwhile, the messenger boy discovers the theft of his wheel. He points out Josie as the thief. The officer is about to take her when she explains. Although the boy wants him to take her away, he allows her ten minutes grace. Entering the room, the child gets the medicine ready and proceeds to her mother's bed only to find she is dead. At this moment the policeman indicates that the ten minutes are up and the messenger starts to rush in. The policeman stops him and gently opening the door sees a sad tableau. Taking in the situation at a glance the man in uniform pays the messenger boy.
Where to Watch A Friend in Need
