The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1889-04-17

Now. see here. Father Claudius you know
very well that we have our hands full. and
can hardly make both ends meet You have
ample means. and being the finder. the law
will force you 10 take care OF the child
The law force me? Gracious! who ever
heard of such n thing? l won't take care
Of it, No. not II Nobody knows where il
came from. and the little bastard can so 10
the poor-house."
While this dispute was going on the chill
drcn amused themselves examining the old
rags in which the child had been dressed
and just as Father Claudius hal finished his
declaration the eldest boy picked up an old
green shawl which had envelopcd the poor
little infant and kept il from freezing 10
death. and rs no waved IL in the air for q
banner OF victory piece of paper fell at his
mothers feet.
Hal hat Father Claudlus. not so fast
What is this? Let's see! Perhaps il will
give us a clue" She had picked up the
message and read as follows:
This certiiles that this is the legitimate
child Of Mary Louisa Terre. lawful wife OF
George J. Claudius. The father was killed
in the last battle. and the mother. on her
death bed. LETT the infant 10 the care OF a
mutual friend OF her and her husband :
family. with tho request that. IL possible.
the child should be- conveyed TO his grand
father, Isaac Claudius. OF Leipsic.
Knowing that the owner OF this garden
is an intimate friend Of the old gentleman.
and also being assured that the children
would have their Easter hunt. we conceal
the little treasure in the soft bed OF leaves.
! where we believe it will surely be found
and in this way we relieve ourselves OF all
| responsibility without exposing our name
and hope that you will kindly deliver IL 10
the right owner. Isaac Claudus. who by law
is In duty bound TO take care of it as his
sons child.
That is put-up Job. They could palm
of dozen children on me in that wayl'
screamed the old man.
Hold on; here is some more!- And she
continued
Meanwhile we shall not lose our interest
in the orphan. and should any difficulties
arise we viii boldly come forward and take
the child's part.
Sincerely your true friend. -
There now; take the child and be of 10
| your cottage, quick as possible
Before the old man could say boo. he
felt himself pushed out OF doors. with the
child In his arms and bottle OF milk in his
coat pocket.
Being afraid OF becoming the laughing
stock OF the passers-by. he hastened home
as fast Us his lettering limbs would carry
| him.
Half an hour later. when the peasant
woman was sure she had given !he old man
| time enou. n to bethink himscl sho took
another bottle Of milk and everything that
was necessary 10 complete the baby's out
| tit, and went over to see what the old man
was doing. As she drew near the house
she heard the baby crying pitiiully. she
hastened as much a posi- le. and. opening
the door abruptly. found tho old man pacing
the iloor like one deranged the milk trick
/ ling from one Of his coat tails while the
child lay on the hard table. calling for at
| tention.
What's the matter2 What have you done
| to taby?"
| The poor man had not heard her come
and at the sound OF her voice appeared 70
be frightened out of his wits. "Why-why
nothing. put tho thing on the table.
| suppose you could find no softer place.
| Take IL up this instant and walk with IL =
| He silently obeyed. for he felt il was nc
use TO oppose her: but he took the child ar
in such an awkward manner that she was
obliged TO adjust it properly in his arms.
| Then she made him trot up and down.
where il the milk gave your
| What milk
The bottle Of milk Iput into your pocket.
Then. for the Asst time. no saw how hs
had sprinklod the floor with The contents O.
the smashed bottle