New-York tribune., 1900-11-25
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4 THANKSGIVING BABY.

stuffed rag dolly. with painted face. two little
soft kid shoes battered silver mug and shabby
linen picture book, ranged side by side a small
table in Neds nursery. A harmless collection.
surely yet Ned's chubby face a strangely
fierce expression ne stands before them, and
his fat little hands have been tightened into unms-
taxable fists.
Il defest 90! just most hate oo I'd like to
frow evy one In fire, Evy time my muvver
sees she just cwies an cwies. Cause be
longed to sister baby she says. An sister ba by
vented away angels an isn't tummin' back
The angry little speaker stopped If silenced
by startling thought With fixed intensity of
expression strange TO see on his child face Ned
gazed at the contents of the table for
ments, struggled into his little REFER and then
marched resolutey from the room, seizing his red
silk fez he went. With obvious caution, lest he
should he stopped the way. he reached the front
door. and. by standing his stubby little toes.
contrived to open it. The fve-year-old boy had
vague feeling that In an older person would have
expressed itself in Fortune favors the brave and
he swiftly down the broad avenue his heart
was filled with Joyous confidence.
When of breath little Ned slackened his steps
somewhat. but trIdged manfully on. the light Of a
great purpose shining in his big, brown eyes After
time ne stopped and looked eagerly around. while
he murmured thoughtfully: I'm most sure Wis Is
e way Justine bwought me vat day. We're! see e
trees" and darted toward Madison Square.
Once there he walked slowly past the benches
\ few nursemads with children in carriages or
them
paid attention, although he attracted not
little himself 1t was rather unusual to see child
handsome and we'll dressed alone in the square
At last a sudden light flashed into his face He
had evidently found the object OF his search On a
seat somewhat apart from the others sat woman,
poorly dressed and sad faced holding child in her
arms Ned approached her and said politely:
Good mornn. Is vat little sister baby
The woman looked up in surprise at the singular
address and answered: Yes that unfortu-
l.,.l,- A-al
approached a step nearer. DO you want her? May
| have her? | want "a sister baby for my muyveI
so she won't cry any more.
The woman drew long breath and muttered
God. is this the answer" Then kissed the baby
passionateIy with a smothered sob The little
hoy's face grew grave. and he said. hesitatingly.
''I'lI look for anover II you want her. although
his eyes dwelt longlngly on the pretty child that
lay asleep.
Looking quickly around and noting that there
was no policeman in sight. the woman said. with
al almost fierce air OF decision. You may have
her Tell YOU mamma TO be good TO her Now
sit down and III put her in your arms. Don't get
up until | get to that corner In an instant
the transfer made and Ned hugged his treas
ure with deep delight until the woman was out OF
sight.
The serious problem OF getting down from the
high confronted him. Alone he could
have scrambled down easily enough but the sister
baby was difficulty. He looked helplessly around
him for moment then espied policeman not
far away. 10 whom he joyfuly called;
Please Mister Policeman. come and help me
down
Well I'm blessed exclaimed the officer. What
on earth are you a-doIn here without your nurse
Il l.ft Justine home" explained the boy. and
want TO take the baby TO my muvver. n she
won't cwy any more
The policeman looked down Ned with wide
eyed surprise. and by skiifl questioning drew the
whole simple story from the child Then he re-
vi, wed the situation. pulling his mustaChe perpex-
edy At last he said. We'll. hut amt gon to
| interfere with Providence. If your mother don't
want the baby she send II where III have 10
take II II Il don't go home with you. It's mother
gone. fast enough. SO here goes, Madison avenue,
you say? What's the number? Oh. that's only a