Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-12-24
The b a by and the Blu rglar
Spend Christmas Eve TogeGher
By ED WIN L. s ABIN
or DECEMBER 24, 1905

~ Oh, Bill" he called, impotence bursting
through all discretion. Bill"
Comm" announced Bill cheerily,
entering the other room. But l couldn't raise
hair nor hide of the milk"
"Wa-a-a-a a-a-a-ah! lamented Winfield II.
Eyes, l know, little tike," condoled Bill reducing
his voice to husky, buInblebee pitch. But the
COW must ave jumped the moon"
We feed our baby prepared food" said Win
field l. rritably.
Il guess he S teethin, amt he" pursued Bill.
Footsteps approached. They seemed to be
turning in. With muttered oath of disgust the
man guard abruptly dashed for the portieres and
disappeared. But the footsteps passed
1t only instants work for Winfield l.
to lunge for drawer in the bookcase jerk thence
the family revolver trusted and unloaded), and
preciptate himself into the other room.
Now, by the powers!" he exclaimed, with
weapon leveled, prepared to do battle for his own
dignity and the welfare of his child and glaring
amid the confines rent by the aments of Winfield H.
Wat ais you?" demanded Bill in injured tone
Don't go pointin' that thing at mel l amt done
nothin', | amt hurting the kid"
"Wa-a-a-a-a -a-a-a-a-ahl'' lamented Winfield H.
Hush, Winfield" babe Winfield l. Papa's here"
Yes; your daddy's here" supplemented Bill
{" Where's Tim?" he asked.
That's all right where Tim is" responded Win
field |. firmly. - You march out into the front
room and sit just where sitting Sharp, now!
I've got you covered And you'll sit there until
| can telephone and give you in charge"
Aw, sayl That amt no fair DEAL" complained
Bill, slowly moving. Il amt done nothin'"
You were going to rob me, weren't your"
accused his captor, closely following
But didn't, did I?' replied Bill He pumped
down disconsolately and threw his sack to the floor
This is hard luck, Christmas Eve"
And you were going to take Christmas presents,
which makes it worse, rebuked Winfield l.
Il guess other people like Christmas, besides you
rich Ones, mumbled Bill.
That's SO; don't doubt that's So, said VIM
field l. slightly lowering the revolver. Although
| know very well that you weren't gathering
Christmas presents to give away again You simply
picked on this as good night in which to burge."
Il could have cleaned out the stuff an been
away long ago. if | hadn't stopped to ten to the
kid" grumbled Bill AN this is W at get for it:
Christmas in the prison cell, wen my own kids
Il be wantin' me'
Winfield l. lowered his revolver still farther
How many children have you, Bill" he inquired
thoughtfully
informed Bill with grin.
well Bill, it's Christmas Eve Here" and
Winfield |. suddenly checked himself. But
you your pardner haven't-ah--commtte any
depredations elsewhere in the house. have your
s. help mel" vowed Bill earnestly Prove it
by me sack
Then here; here's ten dollars dollar apiece for
the children and one to go on, and dollar for you
and for your wife. Merry Christmas You can
go | won't keep you
Now looked" blurted Bill, accepting the two
greenbacks and scrutinizing them. That's wat
l call handsome! I'll give them kids an my oil
woman a bang-up Christmas, l tell you! This
burplarin amt reo'ler bus he anOIoUzed