Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-03-11
#isfellaneoms.
MOTHER AND 1.
CONTINUED FROM YEsTERDAY.1

"Come here, joey, come see this geutle-
man :: he can tell you wonderful Stories"
Joe walked slowly up to Uncle Will,
keeping his eyes fastened on the stranger
at last he found himself safely nestled in
the doctors lap, where he sat looking
eagerly at the strange face.
"My little man," said the stranger,
"won't you sit in my lap? Uncle Will
has babies to love him, all these good peo-
pie have some one to care for and pet
them, but have not one person in this
great world to love me to night"
Then l WILL" said the child, and with
bound he was in the strangers arms.
The gentlemen looked at each other and
smiled. The boy played with the stran-
gers watch guard, asked some questions
about strange charm upon it, and at
last, looking the stranger full in the face,
he said. with childish abruptness:
Give seen you some place before"
''Did youP" said the stranger where
could it have been P never saw you be-
fore"
"Praps it was up at the State Fair"
said the child.
Think not, my man have only been
In the State few hours"
"Josey. dear, don't annoy the gentle
man with questions"
"Do 'noy you ?" queried Joey.
"Not particle" said his new friend.
II know Pve seen you some place."
said Joey, confidently; "or else you ate
just like somebody somewhere"
Joey takes queer fancies in that head
of his sometimes" said Uncle Will.
The stranger did not reply, but watched
the boy closely. Joey" said he. "could
you remember who that somebody was if
took my hat off P"
.'Praps so; do it," And the stranger
did, but still joey looked puzzled. May
be dreamed about you," said Joey.
Joey's father was busy just then telling
the family group about new pump he
proposed trying. and no one observed
Uncle Will, the stranger and little Joe.
Joey" said his new friend, with q
quick glance st the doctor, edo look like
your somebody now P" and the stranger
brushed his wavy locks away from his
broad, full forehead. The child gave one
long, searching look. and then reaching
up nearer the strangers ear, he whis-
pered, "You look just like Uncle Joe's
picture is youP'
Eyes, darling" he answered. in husky
voice, your own, wandering uncle, come
at last"
DR.. Will sprang to his feet. he never
knew what became of that superior ci-
gar" but seizing his brothers hands, he
led him into the group, saying, Father.
mother, here's our dear old Joe, God bless
him."
Mother Bray kissed the ''dear child" as
she had done twelve years before. Faith
er wept like a child over his "precious
boy" and brothers and sisters whirled
him about, hugged him, kissed him. and
shook him, until he threw himself on the
grass quite exhausted, where he was
joined by little Joe. who declared, she is
mine anyhow, for finded him first" The
children were allowed to sit up an hour
later than usual, and their parents asked
so many questions of "Mr. Josephs," he
insisted upon it, they attacked him as
tiercely as mosquitoes in India.
"How about those specimens, you ras-
cal ?" said DR.. Will, giving him an affec-
tiOnate pinch.
IL was looking for specimens for the
human heart" said Joe .gravely, land l
found rare precious Ones"
"How could you see US all. and keep
still ?" said Ben.
IL nearly broke down." he answered,
"when went into the old dining room,
and saw Mother, but she did not see "her
baby" in the rough man. and then. when
you all came in, nothing but that cigar
kept me from playing the baby; and
came near dropping that. when Win was
telling me what he would give to see his
brother once MORE"
The doctor responded to this with q
hearty shake of the hand.
IL think. children" said Father BRAY.
1--WE had better walk into the sitting room.
and say few words to friend that has
been very good to US all. especially to
Mother and l."
And they went in, the old man leaning
on Joe's arm. After prayers, came tho
good-nights, so very hard to say. when
each had so much to hear and tell viii
declared he had half mind to give all
patients the slip for one night. and try his
old quarters with Joe; and Joe heartily
wished he would, aud asked If the shed
roof still came under the window, 80 he
could steal out and help himself TO mel
ons MS in the old day. Better stay, viii;
7 4 al: n