Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1857-10-10
THE BACHELOR AND BABY.

"What shall I do ?" and the old bachelor
stamped about the sitting room in a perfect rage
Of doubt, looking first a. the mapping baby in the
little willow cradle, and then at the busy French
clock on the mantle shelf.
GAS sure as my name is Joseph Phelps, that
little two fsted, large lunged nephew of mine is
about awaking, and it wants Que whole hour of
the time which its mother appointed for her re-
turn. Whew l actually sweat, thinking about
it. What can | do With it-how can | treat it to
sugar what dye calrems, or hold it, or trot it, or
do anything with it?"
At this %iuncture a faint wall from tho baby
brought bachelor Joseph to his taps. With an
energy and nlacrity that would not lily become a
husband and a baby tender, he commenced rock
ing the cradle, sending the baby into a perfect tre-
NOR of kicks aud squalls. Backwards and for
wards, from one side of the pillow to the other,
the round red face rolled the infant fists were
clenched with a force that purpled them while
from the white, plump throat came a cry that set
the bachelor wild with fear.
Again Joe looked at the clock.
What in tie world can | do ?" be exclaimed,
viewing w~oofully the little inGamed face before
him.
He sat down in a big chair before baby-spread
a double cradle quilt over his knees, and with a
look of terror upon his face, proceeded to take
baby from its resting place. He drew the young
hopeful into his lap, just as a very neat old lady
would pick up a pocket handkerchief, with his
thumbs, and fingers. A fresh yell from the rosy
mouth of the baby was the only expression Of
thanks, as be commenced the never out of fashion
baby trot.
1T must be something is p~ricking him. Shoe,
shoe ~ said Joe, commencing a search for the ag-
gravsting pin. that was driving the child into such
a rage. But no pin was to be found, and he
made an attempt to turn baby over, but oh, the
clumsiness Of his fngerr-the little eel-like form
fell out from his lap to the floor, sending forth a
> that t1nn1ar otaarar IoaJl;au Ilo~ l..
FORE"
80, save me I've broke his neck I" was the
exclamation, a. he picked baby up, and in agony
of despair tried 10 quiet him. A thought struck
Joe. He saw a basque hanging against the wall
Of the adjoining bedroom ; and with a smile Of
deli yht upon his oountenance he went for it,
Sure enough there it was. stufing, bodice, and all
a real monument of feminine ingenuity. He was
wild with joy. He pinned it over his coat, and
fastened the sleeves behind him. lie took baby
and laid its head against the false breast work.
"Shades of southern plantations and cotton fac.
tories" exclaimed Joe, as baby rooted its nose
into it about a mile, then cuddled for a snooze.-
Then the bachelor commenced singing
Women are all a fleeing show,
For mans delusion given,
When filled with bran and stuffed with tow,
They look quite we'll"
A tap upon the door stopped Joe in the midst
of his suggestive cong, and before he had time to
disarray himself, the door was opened, and q
roguish laughing pair of eyes peered in upon him
Your sister is not at home, is she ?" chirrup
cd the visitor.
"No, ma'am, stammered Joe, growing very rec
in tue face "and | have turned nurse"
Miss Hayes laughed ; offered to relieve him o
his charge, which he willingly consented to sit
ting near by, the while, iutently watching her,
She managed baby to q charm, without the basqu,
and Joe was captivated.
Joseph Phelps married Fanny IIayes-upon M
word he did.