The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1879-12-25

| ing fearl 10 steep, L lalu ner IN ner ualn-
| ty little crib and went about my
mornings work.
In the midst of this despair l heard
the sick man calling from above and
hurried to him. His fever was rising
again and he needed cooling draughts
and ice cloths to his head. 1 went to
work to prepare them with nervous
haste, for the morning was slipping by,
and the noon. meal must be in readiness
for the farming hands. In the midst of
my work and hurry, Little Pearls sharp,
imperative cry came piping from below.
What should I dot 1 had just spent
over half an hour lulling her to sleep,
and there she was on my hands again.
| 81 won't so down." cried in real an
ger. She may have her cry out-Oh,
dear, wish had no baby"
But the instant the unwomanly wish
had passed my lips repented of having
uttered it. No baby, no Little Pearl !
The bare thought filed me with shud-
dering terror. Hurriedly administering
the sick mans potion, fastened down
w AOI uilHioCAOliy
words by fond caresses.
There stood the cradle in its accus-
toned corner, the dainty lace coverlid
thrown back, the pillow still damp and
warm from the impress of the little
curly head, but Pearl was gone!
For an instant stood dumb-breath-
less; then, in frantic foolishness, /
searched the rooms, the yard, calling
upon the child's name as if she could
hear and answer me. And then, at
last, happy thought broke like sunlight
upon me. My husband had been home
and stolen away the child to tease me.
l set about preparing dinner, looking
every moment to see him come in. In
little while the noon bell rang, bring
ing the laborers from the clearing. l
hurried out to meet them.
"Where is Mr.. Weston q l ques-
toned, with my heart in my mouth.
"Haven't seen him, nam, since this
merning."
mot seen himl You surely have
| he's got my baby"
But the men shook their heads, and
catching up my shawl I hurried off in
the direction of his office.
Half mile from the cottage met
him on his way home.
! Why, Belle, he cried, catching my
| arm and looking down in CONSERVATION
at my draggled garments and muddy
feet, "where are you going 4-what is the
matter
go Philip, the baby, Little Pearl,
what have you done with her q
Ozone with Little Pearl Are you
going mad, Belle Tell me what you
mean"
"Snes gone-Little Pearls gone. l
came down stairs and found her cradle
empty, and was SO sure you had her."
He stood silent moment, his face
growing as white and stern as death;
then he said, solemnly
"No, Belle, haven't seen the child.
1 haven't been home since morning"
He started on before me with long,
rapid strides into the cottage and up to
the little cradle standing in the corner,
as if to satisfy his own eyes, J en- he
turned back to the yard and l. IAN to
examine the tracks in the mud around
the doorway The farm hands we're ex-
aiming them also.
"Mocassin tracks, Boss" said one old
man, significantly pointing to an in
denture in the yielding soil. "Injuns, l
guess"
My husbands face grew a shade
winter.
eyes" he responded, "that's it; come,
my lads, we haven't q moment to lose."
He started off, followed by the labor
ers, but few rods from the house he
turned back.
"Poor Belle" he said, putting his arms
round me, ''this is terrible for you, but
you must be strong and hope for the
best. The Indians have passed here,
and it was they, no doubt, who stole the
child. We must try to intercept them
before they cross the river; we may not
be back tonight; you had better 60 over
to Mr.. Delovan's and stay till we return"
But did no. 90. / went into the
lonely cottage and fell on my knees be-
side the little empty crib. God had
gwen me my wish; / had TO baby. All,
me, the self torture, the bitterness of
those long, long hours can never be de.
scribed
Morning dawnei at last, lurid and