The Opelousas courier., 1905-10-28

tank, and each time brought back, rs
i'll duty bound. the tin cup for her use,
it was 4 question whether the head OF
the flock derived much benefit from
these efforts. The passage of the cup
was hazardous with so many lurches
and other disastrous experiences! Be
sides, she divided with the baby. Al
last she could no longer resist thirst
aggravated from time to time by Il
few drops, and she ventured an ex-
petition Oh her own account.
Ostensibly the baby was left in the
care of the three remaining children,
but in reality, owing to the fact that
this trio at once shyly followed the
leader up the aisle, he was abandoned
to his fate. Promptly he rolled off the
seat, into the aisle, and almost under
the dismayed superintendent. There
was nothing els. to dn-the srperin-
tendent stopped and gingerly rescued
him. The baby's cries had been inter-
rupted by the accident, and they did
not now recommelice. He stared
blankly ct his preserver. Each was
afraid of the other.
The state of mental apprehension
was relieved by the Hurried reappear-
ance of the youthful nurse. With a
flushed countenance she fastened to
tighten the superintendent of the bur-
den lying SO awkwardly in his arms.
To her overtures the baby responded
with an energetic scream of Objec-
ton.
"Sh-sh-sh!!' said the girl. "Come,
row."
ut seems to prefer me, doesn't it,"
huskily admitted the superintendent,
set back by the change Of pro-
gramme. The baby, clinging to him
with astonishing strength, was quiet
once more.
Yes sir" replied the girl, with en-
barrassed shyness.
Perhaps I'd better keep it a while,
if that will stop its crying. Maybe it
will go to sleep" lie suggested. Selling
ol 4 possible reprieve for himself and
i'm SU1lCllIS lclSlDOl.
Il don't know, SIR answered the
girl, doubtfully.
"NeIl, we'll see" he continued look
ing down at the small being on his
lap. "Am | holding it right"
Yes, SIR he doesn't mind having
his legs twisted a little assured the
girl. "When he goes to sleep you can
lay him down. But : think I ought
to take him."
mo. indeed" interposed the super
intendeIt, i'll memory hearing those
appalling sounds renewed.
lie sat there stiffly, bolt upright,
not daring to move, the baby clasped
in his arms. and he felt very silly.
This was the first baby that he ever
,tad handled, and he was over forty.
On his part the baby was peering up
with all his might, but his eyes were
becoming drowsy.
You can sit here if you like, where
you can watch" said the super.nten-
dent to the girl, indicating the seat
facing him. You don't mind riding
backward?" he added, politely.
"Oh, no, sir" she declared; and she
slipped in. The other three children,
who had formed a wondering audi
ence, crowded and clamorcd after
her.
Where are you going" inquired
the superintendent.
Fargo, in Dakota" she replied, her
manner not yet free from timidity.
We've lost all our money" youch-
Safed Miss Eight-year-old, frankly.
'.Tllat's too bad, How did it hap
pen!" asked the superintendent.
Il don't know, sir" said the older
girl. "Oniy after we got on this train
I found I didn't have any more"
"And what will you doy pursued
the superintendent.
Our tickets take us to Chicago, and
when we get there I'll telegraph papa"
she returned proudly.
And where's papa?" persisted the
superintendent.
why, he's in Dakota, OH a farm,
and he's to meet us i'll Fargo
"But I'm afraid you can't telegraph
TO Fargo without money to pay for
the message; and, besides, how is he
to know there's a telegram for him|
excepted the superintendent.
'Ohv' exclaimed the girl, puzzled
for a moment, but nevertheless I'M
daunted.
"Papa'll send us money" trustfully
affirmed Miss Eight-year-old, squirm-
ing against the superintendent knees.
BE careful, Hilda, you'll wake
baby!" admonished tie girl. II guess
you can lay him down now, sir, it
you do it gently. He's asleep, | think"
The superintendent cautiously
obeyed the recommendation. The
operation was conducted to a success
full completion, and the thoroughly
subdued infant slumbered peacefully
on the crimson cushion. Mr.. Kilroy
more at ease Immediately. Never
theless, with q baby Oh the same seat,
a child at his knee, two others wrig-
Cling at the window at his elbow, and
a girl, who really was only a child,
as his yis-a-vis, his position continued
to be most extraordinary-for him.
And yet. strange to say, he found that
his ill-humor was fast vanishing.
so this is Hilda = he asked. Then
what is your name?
"Louise-Louise Swanson. And
that is Gusta, and that is John. and
the baby is Peter"
Mammals Dead. announced Hiida,
i'll 4 matter-of-fact way.
yes" explained Louise, with grow
ing assurance in her new acquaint-
ivy. 1...i -. D-..& Do,rrr1