Middletown transcript., 1896-07-11

4
s'Said mamma Punch him; mayb
he II do 1t again. y
.sMa-maiu cried the baby loude
than before.
"That won't do. You've got to ge
4 over that y said Dick firmly. "Lool
at that, nowI See? Whoop-lap' HI
shook his watch chain violently ant
trotied the baby up and down on hi
knee. Charlie showed signs of anothe
out break. Dicks face grew red, bu
be went on trotting; also, the baby
went on crying.
"What do you propose to do about
the Professor2" asked Charlie. A yeai
younger that Dick. he was half q
dezeu years older in knowledge OF the
world; or at least he Thought so, which
comes to the same thing.
81 don't know" answered the other,
perplexed. 81 thought maybe he
wouldn't know anything about it, he's
so absent-minded."
."He ought to know something's up
with all that hoodool I'Il tell him.n
He went down the hall to closed door
and opened it.
1t was half study, half laboratory;
books, jars, retorts. battery, rows of
labeled drawers; and at table Uttered
with papers, writing with arms sprawled
among them, sat the Professor, = mid
dle-aged man of muscular build, though
a trifie stoop-shouldered a grizzied
beard and spectacled eyes.
"Come in, cune," he said, looking.
around.
Everybody wondered why Professor
Dubois, whose name was known to the
scientists of two continents, should
choose to keep bachelors hall with
men fifteen years younger than himself,
but the arrangement seemed to give
satisfaction to all concerned.
Ibid 1 hear noise just nova
rather peculiar noisep" He paused as
if trying to. classify it. SIT sounded
like-harkln
"Yes, here it is" announced the
young man, as Dick strobe in, still red,
but yalliently carrying the baby. now
crying Justify and kicking out with
both feet.
The Professor rose. It may not be
believed, but when the baby caught
sight of him he stretched out his arms
and sobbed: '.Papap'
Dick transferred him to the Pro-
fessJr, who took him in scientific but
delicate grip, as if it were glass jar.
"Whattee whattee matter?
Don't know his name-what to call
him" he adjusted his spectacIes and
looked from one to The other.
"Their mothers call 'em Precious
or .Tweel' or 'Dinkums.' or any little
thing like that" suggested Charlie.
"Whal:ee matter, little one?'' said
the Professor, kindly. Charlie became
suddenly sober. To see the dear Pro-
fessor, who wouldn't hurt fly (except
III the interests Of science), bending
over the baby With his gentle gaze, and
rrga,ding him with the same cheerful
interest he would have shown chem
ical analysis, made Linn '.fee queer"
The baby had stopped crying.
"Now, what | want to know is,
what shall do next 9'n asked Dick.
81 should advise" said The Pro-
fessor, ''that he be fed.n
''Of course; who'll see to him while
Pm gomez"
.sHe can remain here" said the Pro-
fessor, who, holding the baby in one
arm, had already resumed his writing.
s.All right didn't know but it
would trouble you."
"Not at ALL" said the Professor,
looking up III mild surprise.
sHere you are." said Dick, return
ing. The clerk was a family man; he
put me upt The right lhing-direc-
tions are on the box. And just step
ped round to the newsstand and got
Ladies' Home Assistant'-they have
whole rigmarole of Advice TO
Motheis.' Now Charles, pitch in, and
help.n
Both cast their coats and rolled up
their shirt sleeves. after mans FASH
ion Of making great preparations to ac-
complish small results.
Here's a water in it,
say, Professor. that can't be rightD-
(Dick rushed in with a saucepan If
teen minutes later sIook at 1.-THE
stnfl's bright pea green!"
81 think left some chemicals in
then--
'.Thupdelp' The next moment there
was tiny reverberation in distant re-
gions, echoed by derisive chuckels.
1t was crucial moment when they
came again with a big bowl. Would
the baby, or would he not, eat that por-
ridge?
The baby would. oh, moment Of
relief Under the soothing Influences
of food he became happy and almost
communicative; he played with them
all in turn. Soon his head began to
nod.
Now, we've got TO put him to bee, !"
said Dick. 'si'il see what the maga-
zine says" He grew perturbed again
us he read. 'sNeyer tells what you
want to know; there's lot about |
Group, but he hasn't got the croup.D
Il think the best way to put him to
bed is to go ahead and do it," sug-
gestsd the Professor. Charlie looked