North Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1867-current, 1868-02-12
WHOLE No. 59l.

he could make his escape. He formed the
| plan Of dropping the unfortunate baby
and fleeing to the woods. In the hustle
and confusion it could only be accomplish
ed. But he had reckoned without his
host. Mr.. Smithers was there at his ell
bow. He had no notion of allowing that
tempting reward to slir through his fin
gers and q couple Of other gentlemen
kept guard with him. And there stood
poor Corban, holding the whimpering ba-
by, and expostulating, swearing and blus-
tering in way that made all the ladies
d. clare that he was monster, and they
gave him and the baby very wide berth.
Suddenly the whistle of the next train
from Parkersburg was heard. A bright
hope sprung up in Corban's breast 1t
was possible the baby's mother might be
on board.
He rushed forward, but Smithers seized
his arm and held him back.
Be quiet, sir,' said he, Remember,
you're under arrest
The train had been warned of the de-
tention of the first express, and came to a
halt at a little distance behind, and the
moment it did so, the door of one of the
carriages was quickly opened and out leap
ed the mother.
A cry of JOY came from Corban and
with one bound he broke the grasp Of Mr..
Smithers upon his arm, and rushed to-
wards her.
"Oh, my baby My precious baby T"
she screamed, snatching the child from
Corban. "My darling! My little angel
darling y and she fell to kissing it in a
way that set all the ladies around about to
pulling out their pocket handkerchiefs,
and exclaiming, "Did you ever ?'A
g God bless you ~ cried Corban enthu-
siastically. never was SO glad to see u
woman tefore ~
"Oh you dear delightful man ~ cried
she, shaking hands with him. 81 am so
much obliged to you for taking care of my
little lamb You see l got belated mo-
ment, the coffee was so dreadful hot y
Mr.. Smithers face had grown very
long. "Then it is not Mr.. Louis Roscoe s
child ! And it has not been stolen 7'' he
asked obviously.
should rather think not ~ replied
| the mother, Indignantly. 1t is ma child,
sir ! All have left Of the dear husband
who gave up his life at Coal Uarhor, two
months after baby's birth"
most heartily beg your pardon, SIR
said Mr.. Smithers, addressing Mr.. Corban.
l"I-I- that is, sir. didn't think. You
sec"
Mind your own business, SIR" said
MIR. Corban, shortly "and continue mind
ing it for the rest Of your life-that is my
advice, SIR"
Mr.. Corban and Mrs. Brent, for that
was the young Widows name, got very
| friendly and familiar while the train was
getting ready, and Mr.. Corban took the
next seat by her side with real feeling of
delight, now. She was going on visit
to some friends in the very city where his
business called him and he obtained per-
mission to call on her and inquire about
the baby.
And in due time-I cannot tell how it
came about, for there is no accounting for
| things Of this kind-Mr. Corban conclud-
ed that he was tired of boarding-Mrs
Gregg had become so neglectful of her
boarders' comfort so he led Mrs. Brent
to the altar, and set up home Of his own
with a wife and baby.
Go to him now and utter one word ag'st
women and babies, and you would get
shown to the door without ceremony.