The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-01-04
THE EVENING STOR Y
Jerry's Find.
by A. M. Davies Ogden

/ ne 4ilOTulISs primarily Clear, Was
frosty and cold. Big Jerry Callahan,
blowing the tips of his fingers, red from
holding the reins of the patient horse
that pulled the half-empty milk wagon,
ana contemplating the thought of argu-
ments with angry cooks over the short
allowance of milk that the weather i'm
posed, felt his spirits sinking even lower
tnan the mercury. And adding to his
depression was the recollection of Kath-
leen-black-eyed, pretty Kathleen-who
nad CHOSEN to attend the annual ball
or the Shamrock society with fat Tim
Donnelly. Brass buttons have always
attracted the feminine eye and Tim as
ne strutted along in his snug fitting
blue uniform, twisting his billy, was
flne figure of a man. Callahan admitted
that, 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
heated discussion during the course Of
which an irate maid had accused him of
ming her bottles from the loose milk
can, a subdued whimper caught his at
tention. On the curb, her white fur
stained with tears stood a baby. tiny
girl baby of about years, lost clearly
ana sobbing softly to 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, he
swung her to the seat, wrapping her
well in an old blanket. The tot, re-
assured and happy, cuddled more close
ly under the friendly shelter and looked
up with a trustful smile.
"MuriePs hungry" she announced.
When second bottle of milk had
followed the first affairs began to look
grave. Already short on his orders,
the loss of two more bottles might in
yolve him in serious trouble. But to
fail those confiding blue eyes! Jerry
shook his head, as he whipped up the
old white horse. The baby should not
suffer. And he found himself watch
ing the child with perplexed frown.
There was something oddly familiar
about the little face, the ripping
golden curls.
Sure it's only that all babies do
look alike. then" was his masculine
conclusion. They've all yellow hair
and blue eyes,
Callahan's expectations were full
filled. The last customers were very
angry indeed when their full quota of
milk was not forthcoming and dire
were the threats of complaint at head
quarters.
Sure tits my job that I may be
after losing reflected Jerry with
rueful smile at the placid young per-
son beside him. But it can't be help
ed now true Irish philosophy COM
ing to his aid; $50 here goes for the
station house"
In the precinct room the inspector
looked up keenly as the Irishman
came in carrying a tired. sleepy bun
die. Lost children were common
enough, but today excitement had run
Il found her this morning early"
explained Jerry. "I met her on me
round
white dress, white coat, pink
shoes and stockings" itemized the ser
Why couldn't you have turned her in
before o. wheeling .angriiy upon. the
startled Callahan. Don't you know
this?''
"Don't 1 know there's the devil to
pay for the three bottles of milk she's
left her to be run over by a team or
an automobile. I'd have been thank
ed then, suppose" with fine sarcasm.
''No talk, please" raped out the
sergeant CURLY. "send Donnelly here
as soon as he comes In he added on
tho telephone. "You wait" to Gala
ham,
1t was a very excited Donnelly, that
half an hour later rushed into the
room, a Donnelly who swore f1uentiy
and 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
stockings
And you to have had her all this
time" was his exasperated ejaculation.
I'm not sure but it'll be abduction
that's charged against you. To keep
me busy this way!"
~ blandly. at must be an unsual
feeling. And whose child is 1t, then, |
that you're so keen about it?" GU
riously.
Tim Donnelly's face changed as
though he had suddenly remembered |
pearance of unconcern he leaned for |
ward 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 |
keeping you any longer. Good morn !
ing, 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 disapprov-
al found vent in no gentle manner. In |
vain Donnelly strove to soothe, to pro-
uitiate while Jerry stood shifting from |
ed, her nice man she would have.
1t was upon this scene that a trim,
nurse maid distractedly
burst.
"Muriel, oh Muriel." she cried,
the baby from Donnelly's
arms "Muriel, dear. Are you cold,
are you cold. are you hungry? Muriel,
Muriel" in deepest reproach. why did
YOU run away from poor Kathleen ?"
Jerry, taking In the situation, utter
ed A smothered gasp. So this was old
stockton's orphan grand-child, the lit
tie heiress to his millions and Kath-
leen's charge. No wonder Donnelly
had been so anxious to get him away.
"She ran downstairs from me this