Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-03-17

He felt that It would dispel his headache,
so he waved aside the solicitous cabman at
the library door, and set out to walk to his
apartments. The storm caught him as he
entered the south gate of the park. He
had heard It droning in the air for some
time and had heightened his stride, hop
ing to reach his rooms before the rain fell
But now he would get thoroughly drenched
He took the partial shelter Of high hedge
that bordered the pathway, and lunged on
ward against the flashing rain and wind
Suddenly he was startled by q strange
bundle at his feet. It stirred, and two big,
appealing blue eyes looked up at him.
Great Scott, baby" calculated Bell.
He STOPPED down, and a pair of chubby
hands srasped the fur collar of his over
coat, and a cherubic smile came into the
damp little face. Poor little kid! How
the deuce did you come here?"
The baby was too young for rational
speech, but the big eyes answered plainly,
Baby lost Take baby home"
IT'S some fool nursemaid's work, sup
pose"
There was no policeman in sight and no
pedestrian Save for himself and the child,
that part Of the park was deserted, ami the
heavy storm presaged that t would remain
He unbuttoned his overcoat and drew
the wide flaps over the child. Come along
guess there are some women folks up at
the house who Will take care of you. Poor
little shaver"
As he reached the street door of the build
ing where he had his apartments fierce
blast of wind tore a large electric sign from
Il neighhoring edfice and sent it ripping
through the telephone wires oN erhead.
He opened the door with his latchkey.
and the storm fairly hurled him into the
hallway
Great guns, it was lucky ! didn't take Il
cab, youugster, or you might have been left
out overnight
Putting the child on a chair, Bell forcihiy
closed the door, then looked about His
eye fell on push button on the wall. The
janitor," Just the man! Perhaps he has
wife, too He pressed the button. We'll,
young fellow, what do you say to a big
bowl of bread and milk, and then a warm
tub and truckle bed, or whatever they
call it?'
The baby contemplated the poet solemnly
Finally it answered. Boo goo"
Just the thing" agreed Hell' liked it
myself once. What the deuce IS keeplng
Again he pressed the button but no jani-
tor appeared.
The look of contemplation went out of
the babys eyes. flooded away by two big
tears that rolled down the damp cheeks.
The childs silent grief moved the poet
deeply.
Don't cry. I'll find him. He must be
about somew here.
But he was not, and with the baby held
securely In his arms II little awkwardy,
Bell searched for some one to whom ne
could turn over his charge. But he found
the building deserted. He tried to ring
up the police station to ask that an am
bulance be sent for the lost child. but TO his
dismay he could not reach central The
telephone wires were down.
4 pair OF big blue eyes we're turned upon
the poet in q hurt manner. and q pair of
baby lips puckered hungrily.
TN have to do something that's GER
tain" Driven to the last resource, he
a. tn lytry1 plfS md Law
the little fellow on the bed, began to strip
off its wet clothing.
BOO goo, gee GOO TWO big tears were
crowded out of the blue eyes, to roll down
the tiny nose. and Bell fastened to find the
offending pin and remove 1t.
At last the baby was stripped, and plac-
Ing the little fellow on pillow, Bell brought
a couple of crash towels and thoroughly
dried the wet body Then Tummaging hur-
Tiedly among his posseSsions-going to the
door twice under the impression that he
had heard a wOmans voce-he got to-
gether a flannel chest protector fancy
vest and the coat of a suit of pajamas. and