The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1889-04-18

Now, see here, Father Claudius! you know
very we'll 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 to take care of the child
The law force me? Gracious! who ever
heard of such thing? | won't take care
of it. No. not I! Nobody knows where it
came from, and the little bastard can go to
the poor-house."
While this dispute was going on the chill
dren amused themselves examining the old
rags in which the child had been dressed.
and just as Father Claudus had finished his
declaration the eldest boy picked up an old
green shawl which had enveloped the poor
little infant and kept it from freezing to
death, and as he waved it in the air for a
banner of victory piece of paper fell at his
| mothers feet
"Ha! ha! Father Claudius, not so fast!
What is this? Let's see! Perhaps it will
give us a clue" She had picked UP the
message and read as follows:
This certifies 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. left the infant to the care of a
mutual friend of her and her husbands
family. with the request that. if possible.
the child should be conveyed to his grand
father, Isaac Claudus, of Leipsic.
Knowing that the owner of this garden
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 it to
the right owner, Isaac Claudius. who by law
is in duty bound to take care of it as his
sons child"
That is a put-up job. They could palm
OIL dozen children on me in that way!"
creamed 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 will boldly come forward and take
the child's part.
Sincerely your true friend, -"
There now: take the child and be off to
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 a bottle of milk in his
coat pocket.
Being afraid of becoming the laughing
stock OF the passers-by, he hastened home
as fast as his lettering limbs would carry
him.
Half an hour later when the peasant
woman was sure she had given the old man
time enoush to bethink himsel she took
another bottle of milk and everything that
WIS HOCOoStIy W COHiplole Inc UHUy OUT
fit, and went over to see what the old man
was doing. AS she drew near the house
she heard the baby crying pitifuly. She
hastened as much as possible, and. opening
the door abruptly. found the old man pacing
the floor 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 matter? What have you done
to baby?"
The per man had not heard her come,
and at tn. sound of her voice appeared to
be frightened out of his wits. "Why-why
nothing. put the thing on the table, I
suppose you could find no softer place"
Take it up this instant, and walk with It'll"
He silently obeyed, for he felt it was no
use to oppose her; but he took the child up
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 is the milk gave your
What milk"
The bottle of milk put into your pocket"
Then for the first time. he saw how he
had sprinkled the floor with tie contents Of
the smashed bottle.