The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1901-01-03

gone in the house." whispered the lead
er. ms pretty late and we might as
well strike up. We won't wait for
Potts"
So the torch was lighted and given to
the willing Shafto, the band men
grouped themselves. and soon their
cheeks were bulgng as they blew La
Fiesta" march from their blaring
horns.
AS the last strains died away a loud
husky voice burst upon them:
Darn my skin if that amt real good
boys! That's the genooine article.
sure's you're born"
Looking around, the musician saw
short, stubby man leaning over the
gate. He wore fur cap and blanket
coat.
That's the fust music I've heerd fur
years. boys" he said. I'm Bill Spelt.
I've Jest got back from Alasky. | made
my pile and dug out fur Frisco. This
music makes me feel real good. Give
us another tune. boys"
The leader looked at the house. A
light was bobbing about like will-o'-
the-wisp from window to window, but
no one came out.
Presently the martial strains of a
popular march Jared the window
panes.
Bully, boys!" circulated Bill Spelt,
as the braZen notes ceased. That's
meat and drink and 40-rod whisky all
in one. Boys, | see saloon down the
street, and"
But at that moment the front door
opened and Mr.. Wrinkle came out with
lamp in his hand. Mrs. Wrinkles dim
form appeared behind him. He peered
to the right and left like a hen in the
dark.
Gentlemen" he began, TREMENDOUSLY,
Il do not know to what we are indebt-
ed for this great honor You have made
a mistake, haven't you?'
NO mistake at all, SIR" replied the
leader, with a smoker THAT is COL,
amt it? It's all right"
Twill you come in. gentlemen" said
Mr.. Wrinkle, with despairing politeness.
We're hardly situated so as to enter
tain YOU as we would wish. but you re
welcome | assure you-very welcome.
Just then a small, shrill wall foated
out upon the still air.
20. my goodness! They've walked the
baby" exclaimed Mrs. Wrinkle. and she
vanished like smoke.
"Thunder!" cried the leader. aghast.
Never mind gentlemen said Mr..
Wrinkle, with untiring courtesy It's
not our baby, you know. Some on,
abandoned it on our doorstep this very
evening. \ very singular thing"
"Trot him out!" burst out Bill Spell.
stepping forward. II hain't hardly
seen Kid furyears, pardner I've beer
up on the Yukon diggin gold. and jes;
got back. It was tough pardner, But
1 was a-Scoopin' in the nuggets jest the
same. Can't ! see the kid. parduer?
Certainly. friend" replied Mr. Win
kle. Come in. Al come in, gentle
men," .
We'll we've walked up the baby, an(
| guess we can't do much more dam.
age" said the leader.
SO they all went in and stood around
amongst the wreckage in the big par
Tor, and Mrs. Wrinkle brought in the
baby. who blinked at the light and
stretched out its little arms toward the
shining brass horns.
Darn my skim" roared Bill Spelt. il
high delight. as the baby's tiny hanC
clutched his big rough fingers. See he
little toad! There's the maxim of q
miner, boys. He kin almost handle q
pick already. I've got something here
fur the kid"
He thrust hand deep in his pocket
and pulled out a heavy buckskin bag,
from which he poured handful of colo
nuggets. Selecting half dozen of the
largest he gave them TO Mr.. Ninkle.
Keep EN- fur the little feller,' he
said. Its little present fur him
And now | guess we'd better go. Ne
business to attend to down the street
I'VE are greatly obliged for this
pleasant call" said Mr.. Wrinkle. some
what hazily.
Il see twas surprise to you. sir"
said the leader. "But joke is joke.
| thought the young fellow was here.
but | s'pose he'll be around tomorrow
and explain it all and have the laugh
on YOU"
'Who?" asked Mr.. Wrinkle, hopeless
ly puzzled.
"Why. the young fellow that hired
u.s."
Mr.. Wrinkle said no more. 1t was too
much for his troubled brain. Bill Spe.t.
Shafto and the band filed out. In the
yard they halted and played "Peek-a-
Boo" Then they all went down the
street to the saloon where Bill Spelt
threw twenty at the bartender for
a starter" as he said.
Meanwhile several blocks down the
street well-dressed young man was
Impatiently waiting at the gate of
residence set in beautiful grounds. Be
side him stood man with bass drum
md cymba,s.
What has got the rest Of the band?"
exclaimed the young man. in sup
pressed but angry voice
Il don't know, sir" replied Potts. 81