Sometimes, what an ordinary person does when confronted with extraordinary circumstances is the best definition of courage. On an ordinary day, this ordinary guy demonstrated great courage in the face of extraordinary circumstances. In addition to pumping gasoline, Otto washed windshields, checked the motor oil, and added extra air to tires that needed it. Many people gave the lad tips for doing this extra work. One day, a wealthy elderly lady, Mrs. Ophelia Oppenheimer, pulled into the station. After he completed his tasks, she thanked him and handed over a five-dollar tip--more than any driver had ever given him!
Then it happened. A big, mean man named Orson Ornery rushed out of an alley, jerked open Mrs. Oppenheimer’s door, and snatched her purse. Otto did not think twice. He rushed straight toward the man, who was at least twice his size, tackled him, and shouted for his dad to call the police. Furious, the man pulled out a long knife, stabbed the boy, and ran away. In his haste, he dropped Mrs. Oppenheimer’s purse. Otto was bleeding badly, and a crowd gathered to help if possible. Among them was a doctor who administered first aid and called an ambulance.
Cradling his son in his arms, Mr. Oglethorpe feared that the boy was dying. His limp body seemed lifeless. While facing this terrifying moment, the weeping father heard Otto groan, “Dad, it hurts real bad, but I will live.” Those few words made the father hopeful that the boy still had a fighting chance, but a very slim one.
