The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1911-11-02
Edith's
limitation

tne Gays before EQltn nau accumu-
lated husband In the shape of Theo-
dore Rankin and son In the shape
of Theodore Rankin, Jr.
Edith had lost sight of the fact that
Tom so much as existed until she met
him on the street one day and laid
violent hands upon him with the in
tention of dragging him with her to
look at the baby. Tom, who by that
time had ceased to feel any pangs
on Edith's account, remembered with
sentimental tenderness the heart that
Edith had shattered So he held her
hand perhaps a moment longer than
custom demands when they first met.
but he broke into cold perspiration
and fed precipitately when the infant
was mentioned, pleading engagements
for the succeeding ten years.
Great Scott" he said to his mar
ried sister that night at home What
Is the matter with you girls anyway?
OF course you're interested in your
own kids, but who wants to look at
somebody else's yelling, red faced,
squirming, kicking youngster? What
In the name of common sense can a
fellow say about 'em, anyway"
Tom, what hopeless silly you
are" said his sister contemptuously.
All you have to do is to take the
baby up, or just poke 1t under the
chin, II you'd rather, and say, Why,
this is baby. isn't it?' Accent on the
is you understand. OF course you
must look as excited and interested as
you can. Edith1l do the rest"
When the unacceptable invitation
came from Edith Tom went, with
many misgivings. He discovered that
Edith had not entirely lost her charm
In spite of her plunge into matrimony.
He really enjoyed his little trip around
the tiny apartment with her on tour
of inspection. He was able to sim
ulate, if he did not actually feel, an in
terest In all the domestic appliances
which Edith pressed upon his atten-
ton. Further, the dinner was extreme
ly good, and 1t was not until Edith
was pouring the coffee that Tom sud-
denly remembered why he had been
asked to come.
Maybe they've put it to bed and
can't take it out again." he thought
to himself with shiver of relief
= But at that very moment there came
shrill squeal.
Edith looked up at her husband.
viii you 60 and get him, Theodore,
dear?" she asked
Theodore promptly rose from the
table and disappeared. When he re.
turned he held In his arms something
that seemed at first to have no par
ticular beginning or end, but 1t pres.
emily developed a small red face at
one end and two kicking feet at the
other.
Let Tom hold him." said Edith,
cordially. Il know you'll appreciate
the honor, Tom" she continued, turn
Ing to the unhappy guest, because
there are very few persons that al.
low to hold him. Remember, though.
nobody is allowed to kiss him. But |
know you'll be just as careful as
would be myself"
In other words, old boy, "grinned
Theodore, anybody could tell by look
ing at you that you are natural born
nursemaid. Now, avast there! He's
coming"
Tom half started from his chair and
then sat suddenly down again as Theo-
dore gave him playful push
He carefully arranged his small son
and heir on Toms knee; that is, he
arranged the infant as much as one
can arrange so squirming and dough.
like a person.
Here he said, put your hands
the way I've got mine That's the
trick. You do 1t as II you'd done 1t all
your life. Now, hold hard; I'm going
to let CO.
Tom placed a large bunch Of hand
on the babys little stomach. Then he
a handful of wearing apparel
In the rear. He gazed stonily at the
article on his knee, and It
thrust both little fists into It's mouth,
doubled itself ecstatically and gave a
gurgle. Tom sat like a craven image.
We'll, we'll prompted Theodore.
Haven't you got anything to say?
That's great work the way you've got
the strange hold on him, but now it's
time for the oratory. Edith's waiting
to hear what you think of him. Great
kid, isn't he?"
Come" continued Theodore, SAY
what you're thinking. Give us the
benefit of your impressions.
Tom rolled his eyes wildly at Edith,
who had eyes for no one but her son.
He made an effort to cast off the dead
weight that was upon his ideas. What
was it Molly had told him to say!
With final struggle he said: Why,
why, it's baby, isn't it,"
Theodore gave shout that nearly
raised the roof What in the name
of wonder did you think 1t was?" he
demanded "A hunk of cheese?" Then
he roared again.
Tom gripped his small charge front
and rear with added violence. AT
least it's not an Idiot. like It's father"
he retorted.
Then Tom began 20 recover his
wits. He carefully locsened one big
finger sufficiently to waggle 1t In front
of the baby's eyes. The baby seized
1t. and tried to swallow 1t. Tom
loosened another finger and waved 1t
at Edith.
you go on and pour your coffee"
he said. I'm going to hold this chap
while you do It kind OF like the