The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1876-01-27

On and ON went the train; out of the
village, across the river, down through
the meadow; now twisting around the
curve, then shooting straight ahead over q
long. line Ut high trestle- work; then dash
ing into the wood, leaving Rob's native
town and the brick block far behind and
out of sight. Still on and on went the
train, faster and faster, and the empty car
in the rear swayed from side to side, lull-
ing the children to faster slumber. Occa-
sionally the whistle shrieked, the bell rang
and the huge engine stopped, putting,
fixing and snorting with impotence until
everything was in readiness for fresh
start-and still the little sleepers were un-
disturbed.
"Och, an be jabers, what's this, thinv'
exclaimed Mike O'Flanagan, the good
natured brakeman, who, on entering the
empty freight-car stumbled over the Sleep
ing children. 1.-TWO babies, as sure as
the worreld," said he, STOPPING and gently
touching Rob's cheek with his rough I'm
ger, which had the effect to xaken the lit.
tie fellow at once, and starting to his feet
he exclaimed:
"Oh, how long we have slept It's
time for mother to be home, Daisy; and,
oh. whatever will she say? Please, sir, let
uS KCt OUt ~ OQCC. vi, uC6I! Wu6t u0kCS
the car shake so?'
Because it's goin' at the rate of twinty
miles the hour" said Mike, with broad
grin. But wharf are ye doin' here,
anyhow? Ye're two precious babbies to
be all alone on the train, and night com
in on. Who sin: We of like this, I'd like
to know?"
"Oh, dear! oh, dearr' cried Rob. 1--WE
e0 in horn tn v%1oxr and
to sleep; and now the car is carrying us
off: Won't you stop it, sir, so that Daisy
and can get out? for mother'll be home
and be so scared about u.s."
Aye, aye, my lad! Mother'll have a
good scare afore she'll see the likes of yes
again. Be jabers, boy, ye're close to the
big city! But l must be of tendin' to
me brakes. Stop quiet where We are now
till come back, and I'll see what can
be done wild ye." And before Rob had
time to reply the man went out, leaving
the little fellow in an agony of terror and
remorse.
Soon the cars stopped, and very soon
Mike again appeared, accompanied by
tall, bearded stranger, who looked so fierce
that Rob began to tremble. But as soon
as the stranger spoke the boys fears van
ished at once, for the voice was very ten
der and kind
"Poor little waifs," he said, "you are
in a bad fix, sure enough; but it might be
worse. Nothing but a baby" said he,
taking little Daisy in his strong arms.
my eye! what q time the mother must be
having! What's your name, my MANI"
turning to Rob, who was clinging to
Mikes grimy hand"
"Rob, sir" said the little fellow; "and
her name is Daisy. "Oh, dear, what will
mother do without Daisy to-nightF" And
Rob commenced crying so Justify that his
little sister opened her brown eyes, and, at
sight Of the tall, bearded man who held
her in his arms, followed his example.
"Come, Mike" said the stranger, let's
get 'em home as soon as possible. There,
here, little robin" said he to the fright
ened child; don't cry; nobody shall hurt
her"
"Don't be afraid, Daisy" said Rob,
drying his own tears, "Rob's here and he
won't let anybody hurt YOU"
We will now leave our little adventures
in the care of Conductor BIS kind
hearted wife, who gave them q good sup
per, then took little Daisy in her lap, un-
dressed her, rocked and sang to her, until
the brown eyes again closed in happy for
getfulness of her baby SORROWS, while
Rob, finding playmate of his own size,
accepted the situation like philosopher.
Here we will leave them and return to
the brick block near the depot.
Children, where are you?" called Mrs.
Dunbar US she entered the yard. 8 Come,
now, don't he hiding, for mother is tired,
and wants to give you your suppers and
get you to bed. Rob! l say, Rob! Dear
me! what mess of rubbish those children
have left on the stairsv'
81 think the children must be in the
house." said the grocer's clerk, coming to
the basement door; "for haven't seen
them in the yard for an hour or more."~
Mrs Dunbar assembled the long stairs
with an alacrity that was quite new to her
after hard days work, and, throwing
open the door, called Rob!" in tone
that startled her neighbor on the floor be-
low, who came out upon the landing to
see what was the matter.
"Where are my children ?" asked Mrs.
Dunbar, in voice sharpened by fear.
II can't lind them anywhere"
"Oh, they're not far of, you may be
sure" Mrs. Wells replied; saw them
only little while ago making mud pies,
as happy as two larks, and such locking
children as they were!'' and the good
woman laughed heartily ct the remem-
brance.
"How long ago was itT' asked Mrs.
Dunbar, anxiously.
"Oh, not long; the matter Of an hour,
perhaps. Let's see, what time is't!" and
the woman approached the clock with her
hand shading her eyes. "Six O'Clock
| No! that can't he possible! hain't slept
l here In M oh spt xoo vsnavH Al hOnpQ WAM
now, ii that don't beat alll'
Haven't you seem my children since
three O'Clock - asked Mrs. Dunbar, with
increasing alarm.
"No, not since about half-past two, :"
was the reply; "but, law, Mis- Dunbar,
don't You be scairt. Them children amt
fur of, you may be sure"
But Maggie Dunbar waited to hear no
more, but flew down the. stairs and out
| into the street, half crazed with fear, call.
ing at every house, store or shop; asking
Of every one she met If anything had been
seen of her children: But al In vain, and
the Door mother became half frantic.
| As soon rs it became known that Mag.
gle Dunbar's children were missing every:
body's sympathy was ct once excited, and
| such . running here and there, such Z
searching Of all likely and unlikely
places, such . rummaging among barrel.
and boxes. and peeping into wells and
uncovered cisternsl But oil to no pur
pose. The shades Of night were fast fall
ing, and yet no trace Of the children had
appeared.
The town crier had been out ringing
his bell and crying ct thetop Of his lungs
Children lost!'' but all In vain.
Every house, indeed every nook and
i cnrner IF the vS1la0n had feen aearchAd