Evening star., 1895-05-30
QUEER EXPERIEN CE
Little Lewis Batemaa Was Taken to the
Country
He Escaped From; His CnptOr and
Walked HOme-D6ld to Mind
the Geese.

Little Lewis Bateman, aged seven years,
SON of Mr.. George Bateman, living at No.
)23 18th street southeast, has just passed
through an experience that he is not likely
to forget for the remainder of his life.
While out in the street playing with some
comrades Tuesday, a woman, who Is well
known by sight among the storekeepers in
that section of the city, but of whose name
none seem to be aware, came along in a
little, old, no-top wagon, to which was
attached diminutive horse, and stopping
near where the boys were she asked little
Bateman to take ride with her.
The boy, nothing loath, did SO, and the
woman drove on down 10Th street to NJ
thence across the Navy Yard bridge and 10
Anacostia, where all trace of the party
was for the time being lost.
AS the lad did not return home at dark
search was made for him in the neighbor-
heed. and finally the police officials were
notified. The most diligent efforts TO get
trace of the boy were made by the lat
ter, but without avail, and the affair SEEM
ed to be one of those mysterious events
rot likely to be solved for long time
until about o'clock yesterday afternoon,
when the poor boy, almost worn out by a
ten-hours' tramp, reached his parents
home.
At first the boy was unable to tell what
had occurred to him during his absence
hut after receiving some proper food, he
said that when he got into the wagon 1t
was with the intention Of only riding as
far as the bricge. On getting there, how
ever, the woman declined to stop to allow
him to get out of the vehicle and drove
hurriedly across the bridge, telling Lewis
he could get out on the other side.
Arriving there. however she turned into
Harrison street, along which she drove
which is her home. to which she proceeded
How far he was taken the boy does not
know, but it was night when the party
reached the woman's house.
Soon afterward the woman gave Lewis
his supper and told him to go to bed. The
latter consisted of piece of carpet, which
he was told to place on the floor and lie on.
The boy obeyed. but was unable to sleep
light, hoping that he would have an oppor-
tunity to escape, as he felt sure that he
could find his way home If given the
chance. He was completely dumfounded
when, soon after breakfast, he was told by
the woman to mind some geese, but meekly
obeyed and performed the task faithfully
until she returned to the house, where the
husband of the latter. who had been absent
from home, but returned during the even
ing before, was also staying.
The moment that Lewis felt that he
would be reas sonably secure from obServa-
ton he started in what he supposed was
the direction of home, and after running a
long distance came within sight of the
Washington monument. Keeping this in
view. he finally reached Anacostia, from
which place to his home the journey, ex-
cept for the discomfort Dccasioned by sore
feet and WEAKNESS rof body, was easily
made.
1t is not thought that the woman, who
Is said to be simple-miuled, was actuated
by any other motive than desire to have
the child for company and while she only
furnished him with q carpet to lie upon, it
was the best sleeping arrangement she had
in the house. 1t is aisc said that she some
time s!Ece attempted to drive off with an
older brother of Lewis, and had him in her
wagon, but was discovered by Mr.. Bate
mans eldest son, a lad sof fourteen years,
who pulled the boy from the vehicle. 1t is
understood that no attempt will be made
to arrest the woman, as she is believed to
be wholly irresponsible for her. actions.