Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1870-07-13

in the parlor, with the door closed after
them.
The Jailer met her as she entered the
hall and before she could resist, the
handouts were on her. She tried to
grapple with him but fell back scream
ing loudly.
The cry reached the ears of the child,
who threw up her small hands in alright
crying.
''Oh lady, somebody has hurt Greta,
poor Greta. Oh take me to her. She is
so sick!
'In moment my dear" said Flora,
"they will not hurt her." Just then the
door was opened by the Jailer, who
said.
at is useless Miss to contend with her.
She has tainted and in my opinion will
soon be dead". The child ran from
Flora and reaching the prostrate figure
of the gipsey, uttered wild cries of dis
tress.
"Oh Greta do not die If you do 1
will never see my mamma. Oh Greta
do not die, love you so!
The woman slowly returned to con-
seriousness and opening her large lustrOus
eyes, looked around her wildly. She
soon felt the restraint of the handouts
and began to sob bitterly, but spoke
soothing words to the child.
Flora motioned the Jailor to release
her arms which he did. She then said.
"You are very sick, but you deserve
punishment, I fear for, your crime in
in stealing this child. She does not be-
long to you, am her mothers cousin,
and here are her pictures SO there is no
doubt of her identity. You have been
very wicked to take child from its
mother, who has been almost crazed
about her ~
"Do you know my mamma" cried
Claire running to Flora
Yes, my dear, and your aunt Eva and
your uncle. Do you remember him.
Tell me his nameW
The child looked perpIexed and press
ing her hand to her brow said. 'EI can't
say it I was so sick once, forget every
thing but mamma and Aunt Eva"
The gypsy bowed her head and began
moaning. Clarie cried out. "Oh Greta
tell the pretty lady you did not steal me.
Tell her, tell her quick.
eyes! said Flora, Il would be glad tc
know you did not do such wickedness1
Poor thing"
''Lady, said the poor sufferer. awe
had camp near n. Orleans. Old Rams
the worst of the gang, wicked wretch
she was too, went every day into the
the city with her organ. She came home
one night with this bonnie bird, and the
same night we all embarked on a vessel
for Mexico. Rama was drunk and tool
the poor little one, and sung it lullaby!
| till it hushed its cries for mamma. Fol
year poor Birdie tramped through
Mexico with the tribes and Rama trainet
her to dance and sing, and many nigh
come in tired and worn out. The poo
baby had long spell Of fever at last anC
I thought she would die, but she LIVED
over it, and after that we returned tC
the States. One night shortly after we
got to New Orleans Rama died in {
drunken fit and I took Birdie and the
Organ and started to help find heI
! friends. She couldn't remember where
her home was and so we have wandered
every where. Lady, don't put me in pris
on. You don't know what Jail is to 8
free spirit. I never harmed the little
one. I have been so sick and-t'FOr.
give me Oh forgive me-" cried FlOrs
kneeling beside the pale woman, whose
earnest words carried conviction to every
heart. "YOu can go she added to the
men. They departed without word
and presently Greta was carried up
stairs and laid on a luxurious bed, where
Mother Pettibone and Katrine We'd with
each other in doing her service and quest,
iOning her. Flora had a bath prepared
and with her own hands administered its
healthful aid to restore the weary child
to cleanliness and comfort.
That night she took the little one tC
her own bed and with her arms around
her scarcely slept, so full was she of ex,
citenent and joy.
A telegram had been instantly sent tC
Mr.. Julian, and from that moment
Claire was kept by Flora's side, in readi
ness for the joyful reunion with hel
mother Much of the time was spent
by Greta's bed side, but the gypsy never
was sad and appeared to be falling
Claire never seemed to tire in. devotion
to her, her gay parttle and childish car
esses did not however raise Greta's spirit
At last Claire cried out 'Oh Greta smile
just once on your little Birdie if you dc
not will never be glad when mamml
comes" And the poor woman forced
smile to please the darling.
A few hours after this Flora saw from
the window the approach of her love
and the two ladies. She left the chilC
with Greta and hurried down to prepar,
Mrs. Julian for the meeting. The fami
Iy were gathered in the hall and as Eli
nor ran in her face all aglow, followed
by Eva and Julian. Flora exclaimed
Compose yourself first Elinor, yOl
must not see her too suddenly"
ooh bring me my child Flora. JOY
never kills-oh my child Where il
she?"
''Bring her at once cried Mr.. Julian,
| think
But his thought was not uttered for 6
little fairy in white swiss and blue rib
bons, came flying down the great stair
way, crying, Oh my mamma has come
Oh Oh!
Who could describe the scene, as tn,
lovely child flew to her mothers fonC
embrace and endearing expressions, glaC
and passionate came from both in rapiC
succession. Not an eye was dry; Julia1
and Eva were deeply moved and Flor,
stood 10y not daring to look up, tryinJ
vainly to repress her tears. Mother Pet
tibone declared that it beat any book sh,
had ever read and he he she said,
could cry buckets full if there WANT t
be weddin' in the house. I jest fee
like praisin' the Lord all the time. Hallt
Katrine if the old critter amt Ofyin
| too. Well! Well ~