The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1892-04-27

cages OF happy tamlues, ana monkeys
and parrots and snakes; and on the little
platform around were the usual arm
less man, and the midget, and
the phenomenal girl whistler and the
man who ate glass and the fell
low with the India rubber skin
and the other freaks of training or nature.
Ira walked aimlessly about for few min
utes and refused to try the battery or
buy lemonade or a button-hole bouquet
or photographs of the freaks, and all
other dime-catchipg devices OF the place
and started out.
"Fine entertainment on the Stage up
stairs, just about 10 begin-walk right up
and see it, young man" said a sonorous
voice in his ear.
Ira turned "Mr. Burton" ne ex-
claimed.
The tall, pompous man shrunk visibly.
He gave Ira one searching rstartled look.
"H'Sshw he said, come herel' and he
walked rapidly into the room labeled
Private Office" When he had closed
the door he turned to the young man and
said sharply: "My names Ia Grange not
Burton. Who are you, sir?"
Mr.. La Grange wore full beard now,
and he was dressed in new clothes, and
sparkled with snowy jewelry in the hight
of flashY fashion; but there was no mis-
taking that voice and manner. 1t had
made a too strong impression on the un-
sophisticated country boy years ago when
he first heard and saw him.
"Mr. Burton-La Grange, excuse me,
sir; mean you no harm, but you can
perhaps help ne; you are the one man
above ali others most wanted TO see.
Proceed" said the gentleman, gradu-
ally regainin0 his ease
Thirteen years ago last spring you
gave a show in place. called Mapleville
in this state; you, your wife, Dora Field
ing, and colored man you picked up
do you remember"
Proceed" said the non -committal ex-
professor.
You stopped at my grandmothers
house; am the boy Ira or Stubby who took
you there-don't you remember me
now?"
Proceed, Davies" said the gentleman.
You LETT child ut my grandmother's;
afterward her mother, Dora Fielding, died
in San Francisco. Can you tell me any
thing about the child's antecedents-her
mothers history"
my young friend, may l ask your
object in wanting to know this?
Solely for the good of the child
Babe"
But she Is dead years ago"
The child is not dead. she still lives in
Mapleyille."
"Wel, well, exclaimed Burton, passing
his hand over his forehead, now my wife
heard that she was dead. too-so she was
brought up by yourigrandmother-n old
dame-and still lives in this here Maple
ton. does she?"
eyes, sir; in Mapleville."
'Well, now, that will be news to Maria
And so your Nubby, are you? Rawther
hot town, Mapleboro, that night for yours
truly-hey?" And ne punched Ira in the
side and chuckled as he thought of that
entertainment. But we're flying way up
in high O. now-pm the grand mogul of
this shebang. No more living on turkey
today and their feathers tomorrow for me
and Maria" and he waited for the young
man to digest this important announce
ment.
Ppm glad to hear that you are doing so
well, but can you tell me anything about
Babes mother?" asked Ira impatiently.
Eyes, all about her. Msria's got a box
of papers that belonged to her that was
let mere in New York with a trunk of
our things--she spoke about EN- the other
day-but there's nothing in 'em-no
money in il for anybody"
WHO was Babes father?" asked Ira,
nervously
why, Jack Fielding-nice young
fellah-not in our line though-mid-air
man-trapeze. you know-had consump-
ton and didn't live long after they were
married"
after who were married ?" asked Ira,
still nervous.
why, who the devil do you suppose?
Who we taking about? After he and
Dora were married"
How can l prove this marriage ?" asked
Ira excitedly.
prove it easy enough, young fellah. il
you want to take the trouble. They were
married in Cincinnati. o., and in that
state they've cot law that requires every
marriage to be recorded in the probate
court-you can find it in the county
records. 1t amt like it is in this state
where, if the parsons certificate is lost, a
man can't prove the marriage of his own
grandmother, or any other marriage when
the witnesses are all dead but guess
you'll find her marriage certificate among
those papers-but ! tell you there ain
any money in it-Maria says So"
IL didn't suppose there was" said Ira,
little vexed that the actor could not
understand his solcitnde when there was
no money in it.
But, Mr.. Bur-La Grange, the village
people look at this question OF girls birth
differently, perhaps, than.people who have
led your sort of life do"
"Yes, that's SC" said the old strolline
PLAYER affablv; birth don't count with us
unless you have big man for father
then it's a rattlin' adj. Here can't gel
away now, but I'll give you a note to
Maria and you can go and see her tonight
if you wish" and he at once wrote it and
gave Ira the address "See here" said
i he, as he handed it over, creme IN Der that
/ am La Grange and Maria is Mrs La
| Grange under all circumstances. Ii isn'i
at all necessary 10 explain why we-um-
prefer La Grange, but we've been keeping
a hotel under a sign with that name on
out in Nevada for a few years back and
we've got used TO it. 1t fits O. X and we
amt agoing to change back-under.
standP and he gave a regulation stage
comedians wink that wrinkled up all one
side of his face.
Hold on" he called out as Ira hast
ened away, and he took out large pocket
book and presented Ira with an annua
pass into the museum. drop in and see
us occasionally" he said Hospitality, and
raising his voice 30 that the bystander'
could hear, he added I'VE have already
the cheapest and best resort in the city
we propose to add from time to time such