Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1907-06-12

half an hour later rushed into the
room, Donnelly who swore fiuently
ana fast. Detailed specially on the
case. for hours he had been securing
the streets in search of a child with
white dress, white coat and pink stock
ings
''And you to have had her all this
timer was his exasperated ejaculation.
I'm not sure but it'll be abduction
that's charged against you. To keep
me busy this way!'
Twas hard, l admit" agreed Jerry
blandly 1T must be an unusual feel
ing. And whose child is it, then, that
you're so keen about it," curiously.
Tim Donnelly's face changed as
though he had suddenly remembered
something. With an elaborate appear
ance of unconcern he leaned forward
to take the child from where she still
nestled in Jerry's strong arms.
"Oh, sure that could make no differ
ence to YOU" he said. I'll not be keep
ing you any longer. Good morning, Mr..
Callahan"
"Good morning." responded Jerry.
He had no desire to stop longer. But
the baby, now broad awake once more,
thought differently She wanted her
nice man; she must have her nice man.
And, held by Donnelly, her disapproval
found vent in no gentle manner. In
vain the sergeant, the matron, sought
to interfere. In vain Donnelly strove TO
soothe, to propitiate, while Jerry stood
shifting from foot to foot. Her nice
man she wanted; her nice man she
would have.
1t was upon this scene that trim,
smart looking nursemaid distractedly
burst.
"Muriel! Oh, Muriel!" she cried,
snatching the baby from Donnelly's
arms. "Muriel, dear, are you cold, are
you cold, are you hungry? Muriel, Mu-
riel,' In deepest reproach, why did
you run away from poor Kathleen"
Jerry, taking in the situation, uttered
smothered gasp. SO this was old
Stockton's orphan grandchild, the little
heiress to his millions and Kathleens
charge. No wonder Donnelly had been
so anxious to get him away.
"She ran downstairs from me this
morning" explained the fearful Kath-
leen, "and she must have slipped out
under cooks very nose Sure she might
have been killed or hurted. Oh, Mr..
Donnelly, how can l ever thank you
enough for finding herr with fervent
gratitude.
"'Twas nothing" murmured the
complacent Donnelly, nothing at all"
Callahan turned away. Let Donnel-
ly take the credit If he chose. 1t was
all over between himself and Kath-
leen, anyway. What was the use of
saying anything?
But the baby, perceiving his retreat
set up her wall.
"AIy nice man, my nice man." she
stormed again. Jerry, reluctantly
avoiding Kathleen's astonished eyes,
stood twisting his hat.
"Sure, as Mr.. Donnelly says, twas
nothing" he stammered. 81 met
her on my rounds this morning.
"An' he Wrapped me up an took me
to divine an dave me milk" put in
the baby girl triumphantly. He's my
nice man, an 1 love him. Kiss him,
Kathleen
"You-you found herr" cried the
crimsoning Kathleen. "Why--but I
thought understood, turning swift
ly upon the discounted Donnelly.
Didn't you say
IL said she was here" muttered the
mortified policeman. FL telephoned
she was found" his flush deepening
under Kathleen's eyes.
"Oh," said Kathleen slowly. oh"
a significant oh" long and full of
meaning, II see. And it was very
kind of you to send word, Mr.. Donnel-
ly. thank you, Jerry" She moved
closer to him, while mute plea for
pardon shone in the soft black eyes.
Sure twas mistaken I've been,
Jerry" The note Of appeal In the visit
full voice gave far wider meaning to
the simple words than their sense i'm
piled. Wont you take us home? I'm
sure Mr.. Stockton will be wanting to
see you" CTimidly)
II go with you, Kathleen, anywhere"
was the loyal response.
The sergeant smiled.
"'Tis easy enough to see how 1t Is
with them," he commented, turning
back to his work. swell, / hope old
Stockton will do something handsome
for them"
And after a good scolding to Kath-
leen old Stockton did