The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1905-09-21


He impatiently drew in his hand the
boys hands were sticky, and his Wis
itor retreated, alarmed.
"Ah. All! A-a-a-ah" the baby wa:
shouting.
The superintendent, now wide
awake. knew that sleep would not ap
proach him again with these coudi
tons prevailing. He had lost his op'
portunity, and he grumbled and kicked
his feet with impo .ent wrath.
Although one after another of her
band. with the exception Of the in.
fant. was constantly ut the ice water
tank, and each time brought back. as
in duty bound. the tin cup for her use.
it was question whether the head OF
the flock derived much benefit from
these efforts. The passage Of tile 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 10 time by q
few drops. and she ventured an eX-
pedition 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
int 1,a oic c1n al
the dismayed superintendent. There
was nothing else to do-the superiu-
tendent stopped and girgerly rescued
him. The baby's cries had been inter-
rupted by the accident, and they did
not now recommence. He stared
blankly at his preserver. Each was
afraid of the other.
The. state of mental apprehension
was relieved by the furried rcappear-
ance of the youthful nurse. With 4
flushed countenance she hasteEed to
tighten the superintendent of the bur-
den lying so awkNardly in his arms.
To her overtures the baby responded
with an energetic scream of objec
ton.
"SE-sn-sll! said the girl. "Comc,
Eow."
1T seems to prefer me. doesn't it?'
huskily admitted the superintendent,
set back by the change of pro-
gramme. Tie 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" he suggested. seizinS
on Il possible reprieve for himself and
his suffering neighbor.
Il don't know, s.r," answered the
girl. doubtfully.
well, we'll see," he continued look
ing down at the small being on his
lap. Am I holding it right"
Yes. SIR he doesn't mind having
his legs twisted little" assured the
girl. When he goes. to sleep you can
lay him down. But : think 1 ought
to take him.
NO, indeed" ilterposed the super
intendent, in memory hearing those
appalling sounds renewed.
He sat there stitdy, 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
rad handled, and he was over forty.
On his part the baby was peerinS up
with all his might, but his eyes were
becoming drowsy.
You can sit here if you like, where
YOU can watch" said the superinten-
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 wondering audi
ence, crowded and clamorcd after
her.
where are you going?" inquired
the superintendent.
'Fargo, in Dakota" she replied. hef
manner not vet free from tinidity.
We've lost all our money" vouch-
safed Miss Eight-year-old, frankly.
That's too bad! How die it hap
pen:" asked the superintendent.
Il don't know, sir said the older
girl. Only after we got on this train
| found l didn't have any more"
And what will you do:" pursued
the superintendent.
"Our tickets take us to Chicago. ana
when we get there III telegraph papa"
she returned proudly.
And where's papa" persisted the
superintendent.
Why, he's in Dakota, On farm
and he's to meet us in 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 telegram for him.
excepted the superintendent.
OH exclaimed the girl. puzzled
for 4 moment, but nevertheless un-
daunted.
"papa'll send us money" trustfully
affirmed Miss Eight-year-old. squirm-
EnnaS