Delaware state journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1870-1883, 1872-03-12
WHO STOLE THE BABY ?

AfToin ''Ouf Young fulkt.'l
"Rub-a-dub, dubl Rub.a dub, dubi Rat
a-tat-tatl"
1t was Johnny Holmes beating HE new
drum which his uncle had given him, maxi
ing noise enough TO drive the whole neigh
borhood distracted.
He was playing soldier, gong through
the most unhe0rd OF evouiions, calling 10 an
imaginary regiment, who were supposed TO
"haltp' and "fOrward, marchr' whenever
he gave the word of command.
The back yard, with its high brick wall
and its solitary shade tree, was transformed
by Joknny's Imagination into the most
enchanting parade grounds lie had the |
whole field to himself, and could have |
things all his own way; for no one OF his
imaginary followers thought OF counter. |
manding or disobeying orders.
His two sisters, Molie and Flora, were |
in the play room attending to the toilets oil !
their largest dolls, named respectively the
Lady Geraldine and the Lady Clara, who |
were going out 10 a full dress reception In |
honor Of the marriage oil their cousin, the
Lady GlendOra. There was good deal Of |
uiscussTOn as 10 whether the young ladies
should wear their pink silks looped with
white roses or their white silks loOped with
red roses; and the debate ran go high and
took up so much lime that the matter had
to bo compromised by dressing one in white
and the other in pink.
o, how lovely they werel The Lady
Geraldine, who must have been half yard
height was really queenly, with her white
silk trailing as mucu as three inches behind,
and slightly raised in front 10 show
the tiny white slipper; and the Lady Clara,
not whit less graceful and digui6ed, was
completely fascinating in her pink drape.y.
Placing upon their heads a bonnet the
exact size OF a pumpkin seed, and shaking
out their finest embroidered pocket hand
EafRbiafa fad nil tho nf
distilled essence OF peppermint, the young
ladies' were pronounced ready to step into
their family carriage, which at that moment
drove up in the form Of an overturned otto
man, into which they both passed with all
the grace imaginable, and were supposed 10
be whirled away.
1t was Monday morning. Mrs. Holmes
was looking over her housekeeping accounts
having given strict orders 10 Biddy 10 take
care OF the baby, and on no account allow
her own quiet to be disturbed.
Biddy, who was very busy that morning
getting the clothes in readiness to send to
the laundry, having in addition the dish
washing, sweeping, busting, &C, on her
hands, considered her duty with respect 10
the baby performed when she had planted
him in the centre OF the floor, surrounded
by all the tin cups, pans and spoons she
could muster, devoutly hoping and fervently
believing lie wonld make such q racket
among them oil as 10 keep him quiet without
iurher effort on her part.
AS the baby was only year old, and
oould not walk alone, she had al least nc
fears of his running away while her bacl
was turned. So Johnny drummed until /
was wonder he did rot pound a hole il
the drum head, and the little girls proceeded
10 set forth a most bountilul least consisting
Of two cookies, an apple, and some lemol
drops, oil which the Wedding guests, includ
ing Lady Glendora's relatives 10 the fltl
degree, were invited to partake.
The long summer morning was drawing
toward close when Mrs. Holmes, havin
Gddtd her columns of figures over and owe
again to be certain there was no mistake
and having arrived at a surprisingly larg
sum total pushed away pencil and paper
and walked down 10 relieve Biddy OF th
care oil the baby.
"Bbbyl" she called from the top Of III
kitchen stairs, "bring up the baby; wil
take care of him now."
.Indade, num-" replied the girl, "he ism
here at all. Hasn't yes got him already
"Do you mean 10 tell me the child ism
here2" asked Mrs. Holmes, her anxious fat
appearing half way down the stairs.
why, you see, mum, explained Bidd
~ was busy, loike, with me mind on n
work, and took no notice till yer ladysh
called, when it sthruck me, all OF suddl
that ! hadn't heard the blissed Child (
quite spell, and that he must nave ere
up stairs TO yes"
Indeed he hasn't" said the molhe
looking hurredly about; "but he may ha
creptinto the back yard" SO with Bid'
at her heels, she stepped into the paw
court, and closely searched every col
but no baby was there
Grub dub, dubl Rat tat laiP' sound
Johnny's drum; until bis mother "
forced 10 catch the drum Sticks out OF
hands before she could make her Vo
heard.
"Johnny; have your seen your iii
brother2"
No, Johnny had not seen him, and
alarmed mother rushed up to the play roc
hoping that Molie or Flora had taken
away.
why, no, mamma" said Flora. VI
wedding festivities are just over, and
newly married couple are about 10 start q
trip 10 Europe, and we haven't had Time
thank OF baby"
The now Thoroughly alarmed mother
stantly commenced most vigorous sea
of the whole house. Biddy was ID des
and iu tears. Her mistress had called he
careless girl, and her reputation was
unless tue baby was found. so sue pee