Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1907-12-06


sniff aud reached for his old hat. Out
81 the crown be drew an Undermined
rac and appli'd the same 10 his nose.
-Niines Half OF what:" asked the
astonished Hard.
Half ~ these" Robert leaned over
the twins. and his Woke chosed. You
may have him" touching the baby
hoy. "or her" touching the baby girl
hut I guess mebby you better take
hlm and leave me her less you wait
her awful had. Its a lift 10 you"
-Oh. I sea gi'tr' aud Hard sat
down weakly beside his gift. There
vas "A queer expression about his eyes.
He leaned over and. resting his elbow
on his knees and his head In his hand.
was silent for moment. Her" car
fled his finger TO her mouth and began
to suck 1t with apparent relish and
many little gurglings.
What would your mother say II
kept half the twins?" he asked alb
ruptly.
"Of course she'd mebby be sorry. but
lHtA hou btiohs W uei' ihcs &c
mine"
"Not hers?" echoed Hard.
"Nope" smothering sob. 'They's
every bit of 'em mine Mamma never
had 'eIn cause first they was papa's.
and just before you give him fun'ral
be handed 'em over To me. They's all
got that can give away" he added
IN explanation.
Thank you, Robert. for the gift"
Hards tone was muftied And think
you're the only one in this city who Is
sorry enough for me tonight 10 make
me present-such rare and beautl-
| full present too. But" looking intently
at the little caretaker, I'D rather have
this baby" aud he Indicated the girl.
Roberts breast heaved, but he set
his thin lips together unchildishly as
he bent over the cart He carefully
unwedged the little creature and raised
her with all his slim strength to Hard s
arm.
The midget was not at all afraid
| She looked up with her great round
| eyes and thrust her baby fingers into
the thick hair brought within her
reach, laughing at the result.
What is her uame:" asked Hard
gently.
We're so busy over TO our house
me and mamma. that we hain't got
round TO namin' 'em yet. But" jeal'
ousiy, Il s'pose you'll be a-namin' heI
now" Then. after a slight pause, came
the suggestion. I'D Almost called bel
Ruth
Robert. with shaking hands. began
! to arrange the bedquilt over the soil
tary baby in the cart. He had r.
derby and the sleeve of his coat. Hard
sat silently watching him adjust tn,
black sun cover. although the sun hat
set and the short winter day wal
nearly ended. He watched until thu
boy trembled forth dutiful and brave
Merry Christmas" and had drawn thu
express cart TO the door. Then h,
smiled.
Robert" he called, come back ,
moment
Robert obeyed. with his eyes fxe,
longingly on the yellow head LYNN
against the black sleeve.
See here, Robert" began Hard
"you are leaving me in bad fix.
don't know what this youngster eat
or wears or drinks or anything else.
can't take care Of her"
Robert smiled through his tears
"Why, seems as If you're big enough
to know. amt you?" lie asked pity
ingly.
Yes, I'm big enough. but I've neve
been taught and I'm sure my house
keeper is just as ignorant as ar
Do YOU take care of these babies?
"Oh, yes. most all the time. 'caus
l mamma don't have no time much
She sews."
All right, then. I'll make Il bargai
) with you. You take care Of her. an
I'll pay you for It, I'll find out hoy
much it's worth in the baby marke
: How does that strike you! Hard
= mouth was grave, but his eyes keI
$ smiling in a way which always mad
his plain face attractive.
:, Robert became instantly animated
K "Ill do it anyway" he cried eagerly
: laying hold of the tot
g Hard released her. Hold on, though
e my man." he said. getting his topcoa
|, and hat. I'm going home with 70,
|. I'm afraid your mother Is rash enoug
I to believe she has as great Il claim o
+ those twins as you have"-his eye
: We're still smiling-"and want to loo
into the matter myself"
:. His eyes smiled all through his inte
J. view with Mrs. BroXley and for sev
eral days after They still wore the
" amused, good natured expression whe