Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-10-22

playing, a sudden idea flashed his mind What
claim has Miss Crane 10 this child II would
serve Amy right IL to adtl' the little thing
look after it myself could easily tell bogus
to Miss Crane about the child coming Directly
unnatural mother has got rid Of he child shen leave the
country that she cannot be traced no moral
right to give such beautiful child to the tender mercics
Of old hedgehog like Miss Crane shed probably slap
It, the little hing. Slap it, Yet catch
that's all You wouldn't like slapped would you"
he asked the child she began play with his watch
chain
The baby laughed at such a silly question Her
blue eyes than confirmed Jones In the
nefarous decision to which he had 'ust He began
to dande her on his knee again Noud like TO with
me, wouldn't you now?' ne said. tnconsciousy selecting
the smallest words in his vocabulary
" Iss!" said the baby. gleefully
" Sure you don't want your mammy?" doubtfully
asked Mr. Jones.
The chnds blue eyes began to cond Mr. Jones hastily
ratified mis- watch chain lest the baby should Roas
sured she forgot and Mr. gathered from her
manner that she quite prepared to home with him
Mr. Jones' baby knee. wrote letter TO Miss Crane
saying that the had failed keep the appoint
ment, and that therefore impossible for him (Mr
Jones, to deliver the child as per arrangement He had
TO write this letter, fold IT, put IN the envelope
dress it with hand for the baby anxious to
look into the inkpot that 1t took him all his time keep
her out of it, At length he stamped the letter, lifted
the child mis- and told her that he going to
take her home. don't go O a nasty. sour
old do you, pe? he sad the lovely little
thing. Wen just post this letter then III take you
home get housekeeper to look aer and tomorrow
wen buy some nice toys and be as happy as the day is
long
Iss!' said the child. Happy-as -day's-long!" The
word " happy - was almost too much for her small
mouth but with tremendous effort she got it out and
Mr.. Jones kissed her to seal the compact
His daughter Amy stood in he doorway, looking at
him. What are you going to do with child?' she
asked
Mr. Jones dropped the letter on floor Going
to take it to Miss Crane" ne said, dumfounded. Il
didn't know it yours"
~" Father, you're quite sure you going TO take It
Miss Crane's?"
quite sure" faitered Mr. Jones
- don't think so" Amy picked up the letter ad
dressed to Miss Crane. IF going to take the
child Miss why should write her? believe
you intended steal her"
a. Well, what If dd?' asked Mr.. Jones, dehantly
d" Would you stop me?"
Amy stood in front of him. and the child stretched
toward her. Yes Amy said, looking at
Mr. with laughter ii. the beautiful which were
like her babys OF course I would daddy unless
''what?" asked Mr. Jones, holding tenaciously to
the child.
Unless youIl steal me, too"
Does this mean youre-sorry?
mo"
Then it was all arranged between you and Miss
Crane?"
Yes"
." You thought I'd relent?"
Il never thought anything it. You're harsh,
obstinate but your way, you good man and"
He noticed Amy's glance at the black folds of
dress Her voice faltered. II known you
to turn widowed the fatheress from your door"
The resolve began TO melt Otherwise
YOU would have to me?
81 would not have come to you. AZ long as my nus
band lived my duty to hm she stretched out
her arms hungrly toward Mr.. Jones Father! tather!
The tears into Mr. Jones " Poor Bridge"
said hastily. " Poor Bridget II always liked
Bridge"
:. Father father" The young widow wept in his
arms.
You mold the child while go and get cab" said
Mr. presently when she began to He gave
the child it's mother went out and called cab
Where going?" sobbed Amy.
Homel Where else could so@ Mr.. Jones became
testy again WIN Crane be there before us?'
think she really expected you or the baby
either" said Amy.
Hum! What does she think Of me?'
"Td rather not say"
." | wish it,"
IS he-she says you are a lath painted to look like
iron"
O. does she!" Mr.. could not conceal his an
noyance. No amount Of paint could make her look
like anything but lath Now let's go home This child
ought be in bed"
And they went home.