Middletown transcript., 1909-10-09

lGu QOnDbIullyg DuG the look On
the iady's face restrained him.
The two sections were side by
side and the boy carefully placed
the sleeping child on one of the
seats. He did this so gently that
the lady's care worn face sud
denly relaxed in a faint smile.
This is better than The trucks,
he murmured to himself,
He turned to the lady. She was
trying to lay the babe on a pill.
lowed seat. but the little one fret
ted and walled.
Sne isn't very well, said the
lady.
Let me take her, ma'am, and
the boy put out his hands. I'm
used to handling lambs. And he
smiled as he said it, and the lady
smiled, too, and placed the child
Ia the. outstretched arms. The
babe looked up wonderingly and
the boy smiled down at her.
You certainly have a mesmeric
influence, said the lady softly,
and she sighed a sigh of relief.
/ haven't had her out Of my arms
for hours, she said as she took
the seat opposite the boy.
You looked tired, ma'am, said
the boy. Wouldn't you like to lie
down? I'll sit across there by
Eddie.
No, said the lady, am resting
very nicely. / said / would tell
you later why asked this favor
from you.
Favor, ma am?
Yes, I have been visiting my
sister in San Francisco and tele-
graphed my husband that I
would come home-onr home is
in Chicago-on this train. Just
as ] was stepping on the car my
maid was taken ill-too i'll to start
on the long journey-and | left
her in the care Of my sister and
started with the two children. 1
have never travelled alone, and l
am not yer strong, and the chill
dren have been rather hard to
manage. And so when I saw
you, when saw how Eddie clung
to you, the idea entered my head
that you might be willing to
help me with the children-and
let me pay you for your kindness
and your trouble.
The boy shook his head.
I'm getting more pay than I'm
worth, he said as he looked
around. / Ionly hope I can give
satisfaction. It lisa long way to
Chicago, and l wasn't particularly
delighted with the idea Of riding
on the trucks.
The lady turned suddenly.
The trucks she gasped.
Yes, ma'am, and they say it
isn'tso very dreadfulif you don't
mind the dust, and the train
hands don't catch you and your
grip is strong, and the train stays
on the track.
The trucks repeated the lady.
Why that's dreadful.
I've never wanted to steal any
thing before, laughed the boy. |
But certainly meant to steal a
ride-and I hoped The railroad |
wouldn't find it out.
The lady drew deep breath.
And why did you feel Obliged to take
this dreadful risk 2
And then be told her about the ranch.
man, and bis life among the sheep aud
The cattle, and the rough riding and the
meager fare. He told it well and the
lady listened with much interest.
Aud what is your names. be asked.
Joe-Joseph Rogers. The boys called
me Chicago Joe.
And you we're sheep herder?
I've herded sheep, ma'am, he said, but
I'd rather be called cowboy.
The lady laughed.
prefer to call you Joe, she said.
All right, said the boy, that's what E /.
lie calls me. You'll let me take care Of
Him, won't you2
Why, yes, said the mother; that viii
relieve me Of lively responsibility. Ed
lie is a very sefiFe child.
That's the only kind l like, said the
boy. Hnsh-hl /
Put her down here, said the mother as
he arranged the pillows, and the boy
With infinite care laid the child on the
eat. She has been quite fretful. said the
mother. I'm afraid she milk gotin the
lining car doesn't agree with her. She
. accustomed 70 the very freshest Ee can
any.
Is that the can? said the boy as be
,ointed to the floor.
Yes.
There was grinding noise from the
wheels and the long train slowed !
lown. They had reached another water L
sation, but this one had more evidences
4 civilization about it. Two or three
armhousss were near the station, aud the
,rsiFie was being transformed.
AS the train stopped, the boy snalcled
Ip the milk can.
Look out for Eddie, please, be said and