Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1894-11-28

edy in the scene before them. Their
bright, inquisitive, laughing faces filled the
lonely. middle-aged WOman'S heart with
new loneliness. Then, when they entered
the warm room, everybody crowded
around the baby and Johns pretty young
wife They tried to include Aunt Jane
in the brightness, but she kept herself per-
sistently oloof She wouldn't even take
off her hat and cloak nor wait to warm
her hands, but, marching straight up to
Mrs. Gates, said martha, please tell
me which room I'm to have she added
Martha Gates!'
Poor Mrs. Gates showed her the room
and left her. Then she went into the
kitchen. 'Bijah was there alone. "Oh
Marthy, Marthy,' he said, Il wouldn't
have had this happen for the world"
"She's a-goin' off on the 6 o'clock train
in the mornin," half sobbed his wife, IAN
she won't eat no supper nor breakfast, an
she says she'll never forgive me. oh,
'Bijah, | did it all for the best Surely,
God'n help us out somehow. He alWuz
did before when we did the best we
could"
1t was only about o'clock in the even
ing when they reached home from the
train. The day had been very mild, and
the heavy snow of the day before had
rapidly disappeared jp the warm sunshine.
Suddenly, however, keen, fierce wind
arose, and when John and his wife went
to bed their panes were covered over with
q thick frost in spite of the fire in the
little stove, which on this night proved in
adequate to keep the large room warm
John, too, was considerably annoyed at
Martha Gates deception. He would have
done anything to spare his wife the I'M
p!casantness of this ill-advised Thanks
giving gathering.
hope mas satisfied now" said Tom,
sull1liy, as he and his sister were getting
ready to go to their rooms
She probably is" Uttered Susy
II think it's so silly for q girl to giggle
all the time" said Tom.
''And [ think it's just delightful to have
a dear brother find so much fault all the
time" said Susy.
And even far into the night, Mrs. Gates
lay wakeful and restless beside her sleep
ing husband. Her strong, resolute spirit
was completely humbled. ooh, dear
the best. Amt there no way to bring 'em
together? Oh, make a way" At last a
feeling of sweet peace stole over her trOu-
bled senses, and she slept.
She aWoke very suddenly. Some one
was moving about in the kitchen. She
could hear the stove covers rattling and
other sounds, then startled voices. She
lit a lamp, half dressed herself, and en-
tered the kitchen. There were John ard
his wife, also half dressed, trying to give
the baby a warm drink.
Everything was in confusion for a little
While. The only thing definitely known
and understood was that the baby was
dangerously i'll.
Then 'Bijah. was aroused and started off
post-haste for the doctor. In the mean-
time the baby grew less and less able TO
breathe.
Tho x-o,Dr ,,,o+Ior ,,-oc or,-;,,r ,,;+oo,,elv
as she held the baby to her breast John
walked about the kitchen in a perfectly
frenzied condition, and Martha looked on
helplessly.
Suddenly a gaunt, stiff form appeared
in the doorway. 1t was Jane.
Don't any of you people know any
thing" she exclaimed, vigorously. That
child's got the membraneous Group. Give
him to me this minute. | saved a baby's
life once before the doctor came, and l
reckon | can do it again. Martha | want
steam. Set the kettles on boiling, and
give me steam"
How she did fly around! She made
little bed some way, and raised over it Il
blanket tent. Then under cover of the
blanket she slipped the snout of the tea
kettle, meanwhile ordering them to put
the baby in the bed Very soon the little
tent was filled with warm, moist air. and
a hot pouItice was placed on the child's
throat When the doctor came the little
one was breathing easily. Jane told him
what had been the condition of the child
and just what she had done, and he said
very emphatically and respectfully,
Madam, you have undoubtedly saved
the child's life. l should have come too
late"
He remained a short time, then left, and
there was a deep silence amid the little
company. The pretty young mother went
up to the stern. lonely old woman. put
her arms around her neck and sobbed on
her breast. Jane" she said, dear sister
Jane"
And John? John was crying like a big
baby, and Martha's eyes shone, and Mar
tha's lips said, ooh, Lord, thank theer'
Rodney Blake in the American Agri-
culturst.