The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-01-05

The morning, brilliantly clear. was
frosty and cold. Big Jerry Callahan,
blowing the tips Of his fingers. red from
holding the relns OF the patient horse
that pulled the half-empty milk wagon,
and contemplating the thought Of argu-
meuts with angry cooks over the short
allowance Of milk that the weather I'm
posed, felt his spirits sinking even lower
than the mercury. And adding 10 his
depression was the recollection of Kath-
leeu-black-eyed, pretty Kathleen-who
had chosen to attend the annual bah
of the Shamrock Society with fat Tim
DOnneIy. Brass buttons have always at
tracted the feminine eye, and Tim. as he
strutted along in his snug-htting blue
uniform. twisting his billy. was line
figure of a man. Callahan admitted THAI
albeit grudgingly. Yet, despite his good
looks there was a something about the
policeman which Jerry vaguely dis
trusted. And kathleen had gone TO the
ball with him.
Turning back to his wagon after a
heated discussion during the course O.
which an irate maid had accused him Of
filing her bottles from the loose milk
can, a subdued whimper caught his at
tentlon On the curb, her white fur
edged coat sadly dirty, her chubby face
stained with tears stood a baby. a tiny
girl baby of about three years. lost
clearly. and sobbing softly 10 herself.
Jerry scratched a puzzled ear. He could
hardly leave her there alone. She was
too small and helpless for that. Besides,
the mite was shivering with fright and
cold. Yet his duty was to deliver his
milk. And no amount of careful inquiry
could elicit more than the fact that her
name was Muriel and that she lived on
Fifth avenue.
After moments consideration, ne
swung her to the seat, wrapping her we'll
in an old blanket. The tot, treasured and
happy, cuddled more closely under the
friendly shelter and looked up with
trustful smile.
'MurieHs hungry" she announced.
When second bottle Of milk had fol-
lowed the first, affairs began TO look
grave Already short on his orders. the
loss of two more bottles might involve
him in serious trouble. But TO fail those
confding blue eyes! Jerry shook his
head as he whipped up the old white
horse. The baby should not suffer. And
he found himself watching the child with
A perplexed frown. There was some
thing oddly familiar about the little face.
the ripping golden curls.
Sure tbs only that all babies do look
alike, then" was his masculine Conclu-
sion They've all yellow hair and blue
eyes"
Callahan's expectations were fulfilled.
The last customers We're very angry in
deed when their full quota Of milk was
not forthcoming, and dire were the
threats of complaint at headquarters.
Sure It's my job that I may be after
losing" reflected Jerry. with a rueful
smile at the placid young person beside
him. But il can't be helped now" a
true Irish philosophy coming to his aid;
so here goes for the station house"
In the precinct room the inspector
looked up keenly as the Irishman came
in carrying a tired. sleepy bundle. Lost
children were common enough. but to-
day excitement had run wild and high
II found her this morning early" ex-
planned Jerry 7 met her on me round"
White dress, white coat, pink shoes
and stockings itemized the sergeant
rapidly. It's she, all right Why
couldn't you have turned her in before?''
wheeling angrily upon the startled Gala
han. Don't you know there's been the
devil to pay about this?''
Don't I know there's the devil to pay
for the three bottles Of milk she's drunk
on me?" retorted Callahan. How about
that? It's pity hadn't left her to be
run over by team or an automobile. I'd
have been thanked then, suppose, with
fine sarcasm.
mo talk. please" raped out the ser
geant. CURLY. "Send DonnelIy here as
soon as he comes in, he added on the
telephone. You wait" to Callahan.
1t was very excited Donnelly that