Harper's Young People, February 7, 1882

A curious fourteen‑year‑old American finds himself adrift in a wintery Paris while his family occupies itself with more adult pursuits. Determined to make the most of his stay, he wanders the city’s streets, marveling at the fresh snow that blankets the parks and avenues for the first time. His solitary trek leads him to the Bois de Boulogne, where the crisp air and sparkling landscape spark a spontaneous game of snow‑ball tossing.

Along his path he stumbles upon a small, lively scene: a street organ perched on a stool, a young girl sipping from a bottle, and a group of mischievous schoolboys. When the boys seize the organ and dash away, the boy’s sense of justice—and a touch of American bravado—propels him into a spirited chase through the snow‑covered woods. He manages to retrieve the instrument, but his adventure quickly turns into a puzzling trek as he loses his bearings, leaving him to wonder how he’ll navigate back to the bustling streets of Paris.