The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1884-02-21

Then he iondled and caressed II, Just |
rs he would have done . kitten, and its
warm breath was sweet as IL snuggled |
against his rosy cheeks. All day long |
this wns repeated, and at night he built
a big fire, and drew lis bed beside il,
keeping the child still in his arms.
The next day lie warmed water and
tried to bathe it; but, between the soap |
snds and the kicking and screaming, he
was glad to wrap il up again in one Of
his own coarse but clean garments, and |
quiet it's cries.
Sill Doll ay<bupremely happy in
his new possession He had Of on
wished for l,kothers md sisters, but
this was mucn better; il was MI his
own, and he took the. Tiny fist in his
grasp with fatherly fondnsss, only one
thing mnrring his joy. and that vas
Pop. II
Poor Pop was very i'll; all day long
he moaned and moaned, and refused
food; nothing but little clam juice
passed his lips; and Doll began to
think something must be done. What
! the something should be he did not
know, but he would try just ms he had
+. done for the baby.
When he went owe. to Granny Cranes
for his next penny worth Of milk he
asked her for some boneset, and she
gave him big bunch Of the herb.
This he stepped in hot water, and gave
his father to drink. Pop certainly did
get better after he had swallowed big
pitcherful; but there seemed to he
something the matter with his legs, and
i Nil A. A. III. IL.
there was nothing to do but travel of
five miles away, and ask DIR. Perkins
to come over. It would have been too
great trial for Doll to leave the baby,
SO he didn't do it; he just bundled ii
up in an old piece Of bed-quilt, and
started on his journey. Fortunately
he did not have to 60 the whole way,
for he met the Docton on the road.
The gig was going slowly, and when
Doll stopped it stopped, for the Doc
tors horse knew when to do this quite
as we'll as his master.
so something's the matter with Pop,
eh?" said the Doctor. "Well, I'll come
down that way before I go home.
What have You got there-clamsa"
NO, SIR"
"Well, was in hopes you had some
they're wanting them at home"
I'll bring 'cm sure, Doctor soon as
you take look at Pop" answered Doll,
in great hurry to get off, and scud-
ding away Is fast rs his legs could carry
him.
"That was an odd sort Of bundle he
carried" thought the Doctor, as lie
tickled his horse with his whip.
lie still thought il odd when he was
gently but firmly handling Pops poor
bruised body, finding one leg broken,
and the other one almost as badly hurt.
Doll was crouching over his bundle
in the most remote corner Of the room,
unaware that the Doctors keen eye was
watching him. He thought the Doctor
wouldn't find out what it was, but his
little charge-was hungry, and he could
not prevent its crying.
"Hello, Doll. that's queer kind Of a
kitten" said the Doctor.
| faint no cat," said Doll, indig
nantly.
What under The sun is it, thcn?"
There was no use in trying to conceal
it any longer.
Its baby. that's what il is, an it's
mine; mint it, Pop?" sa,d Doll. holding
his treasure closely. but still proud to
show the little fair head, and fists like
crumpled rose leaves.
Il baby. Good gracious. Where did
You get that, Doll?"
Il didn't find i.--Pop did; but Tn
going to keep il till it's called for
1T IL be long while fore that's 8
done,' said Pop, feebiy. 1T was the
only one l could save--all the rest went
down. There were three men an q
woman. an might have saved her hut
for the baby. She couldn't hold on
long enough, though, an the wind was
orful."
All! l heard there WAS a schooner
ashore the other night"
That was it.
Il must make inquiries. Aud this
child--poor little thing! twill have to
go to the county house."
mo. it sha'n't," sobbed Doll. @Pop
says l may keep it. It's his find, an
nobody wants it. say. Doc, I'll bring
You clans every day if you'll let it alone
with me.'
Nonsense, child! How can You
bring up baby?"
II can, an will" said Doll, proud
and defiant.
The Doctor laughed, and turned
toward his patient, who, laying his
hand on his arm, said softly, Let him
be, Doc; it's Christmas, We know, an
l amt got nuthin' else ter give him."
, H.
Years passed, and it was Christmas
, Eve again and there Was storm beat
. ing on the coast, and rearing its angry
waves high npon the shore; again the
: old rafters shook, and the shutters rat
, tied, and the door seemed about 10
burst open; but it did not, for in place
Of the rusty latch was o good strong
bolt, and within was light and cheer
: and comfort. A bright fire of drift
wood leaped in clear flames, the door
was covered with rag carpet, and all
about the chimney, and over the win.
!: aows, and half burrving the dresser,
! with its row Of shining platters. were
/ boughs and branches Of spicy cedar.
: In the big easy chair. in the warnesi
, corner of the room sat an old man,
with a mass Of seine twine beside him,
. netting; opposite hlm a young man and
/ n boy were playing checkers; while q
| Young woman with pleasant face was
| moving about to the tune she was hum.
ming, alternately arranging the supper
: table and giving stir to the pudding
! splnttering i'm the pot.
i Presently she called them NIL to the
D table, and took the pot from the fire
: The boy gave cry of delight as ht