The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-01-09
ERRY'S FIND.
By Al. M, Davies ogden.

(Copyright, 1907, by c. H. Sutcliffe)
 The morning, brilliantly 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. and contemplating the thought of ar guments with angry cooks over the short allowance of milk that the weath- CT imposed. felt his spirits sinking even lower than the mercury. And ad- ding to his depression was the recoi- lection of Kathleen-blacked-ey pretty Kathleen--who' had chosen to attend the annual ball of the sham rock Society with fat Tim Donnelly. Brass buttons have always attracted the feminine eye and Tim as he strut ted along in his snug fitting blue uni form, twisting his billy. was fine figure of a man. Callahan admitted that, albeit grudingly. Yet, despite his good looks there was a something about the policeman which Jerry vaguely distrusted. And Norah had gone to the ball with him.
 Turning back to his wagon after heated discussion, during the course or which an irate maid had accused him of filling her bottles from loose milk can, a subdued whimper caught his at tenIlOn. Ou In6 curl hIA "hiSO ANN edged coat sadly dirty, her chubby face stained with tears, stood a baby, tiny girl baby of about three years, lost clearly, and 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 or careful inquiry could elicit more than the fact that herlname was Muriel and that she lived on Fifth Avenue. After a moments consideration, he swung her to the seat, wrapping ner well in an old blanket. The tot, re- l assured and happy, cuddled more close 1 ly under the friendly shelter and looked up with a trustful smile.
 "Muriefs hungry" she announced. When a 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 involve 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 suf- fer And he found himself watching the child with perplexed frown. There was something oddly familiar about the llILlo IdCC, Guc AAPPAAHo 9CANOA- Sure 'tis only that all babies do LOOK alike, then" was his masculine con- clusion. They've all yellow hair and blue eyes"
 Callahan's expectations were fulfilled. The last customers were very angry indeed when their full quota Of milk was not forthcoming and dire were the threats of complaint at, headquarters. Sure, 'tis my job that l may be after 1 losing" reflected Jerry with ruetul smile at the placid young person beside | him. But it can't be helped now, a true Irish philosopny coming to ms 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 q found her this morning early" ex- plained Jerry. 'I 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 be- fore?" wheeling angrily upon the star tied Callahan. Don't you know there's been the devil to pay about thts?" 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 a pity l hadn't lert her to be run over by team or an au- tomobile. I'd have been thanked then l suppose with fine sarcasm.
 NO talk, please" rapped out the sergeant curtly Send Donnelly here as soon as h. comes in," he added on the telephone. You wait" to Calla- han. It was a very excited Donnelly, that half an hour later rushed into the room Donnelly who swore fluently and fast Detailed specially on the case, for hours he had been securing the streets in search of 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!'
 Twas hard, I'll admit" agreed Jerry
 bIandly. Tt must be an unusual feel
 ing. And whose child Is 1t, 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 tc
 take the child from where she stil
 nestled in Jerry's strong arms.
 "Oh, sure. that could make no differ
 ence to you" he said. I'll not bt
 keeping you any longer. Good morn
 ing, MT. Callahan"
 Good morning." responded Jerry
 He had no desire to stop longer. Bu
 the baby now broad awake once more
 thought differently. She wanted he
 nice man, she must have her nice man
 And held by Donnelly. her disapproVa
 found vent in no gentle manner. II
 vain the sergeant. the matron sough
 to interfere. In vain Donnelly stroV
 to soothe, to propitiate, while Jerr!
 stood shifting from foot to foot. He
 nice man she wanted. her nice man sh
 would have.
 It was upon this scene that trim
 smart-looking nurse maid distractedl
 burst.
 "Muriel. oh. Muriel," she cried snatching the baby from Donrelly
 arms. ''Muriel, dear. Are you colt