The Wahpeton times. [volume] (Wahpeton, Richland County, Dakota [N.D.]) 1879-1919, 1911-12-28
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last stone forming the low wall DOT
dering the grounds about his home.
There was lowering expression upon
his face. Now and then he beat his
heels viciously against the stones OF
the wall.
Around the corner swung Mrs. Don.
! nell. Billy and Mrs. Donnell were
chums, so she beamed and called
"Hello!" as a chum should. Billy
looked up from under his frowning
brows and made no answer.
"My goodness" exclaimed Mrs.
Donnell. pausing in surprise Whats
the matter with you this morning?
Where's your laugh? And your dim.
ple?"
Billy growled something and shifted
around: Then he spoke with great
effort They've got" He actually
choked over the word They've gone
and got "a baby at our house," He
jerked his head toward what had been
home to him. The expression OF his
face signified that his connection with
the place was now completely sew.
cred.
"O-o-oh! see." said Mrs Don.
nell. She flicked the top of the wall
with an absurd handkerchief and then
sat down beside Billy. Her serious
ness was very comforting. "No wonder
you are excited"
I'm not excited" contradicted Bill.
~. fatty. I'm mad. don't want 1t.
{c hoh 1,9 hut.
toned my shoes for me this morntng!"
"Horrible!" sympathized Mrs. Don.
nell. She pulled one fat leg up on her
lap and proceeded to remedy the de.
feet in Billy's toilet. well. you see.
the baby's new, and you must expect
them to be dreadfully interested in it.
People are that way. You've no idea
how foolish they can be over a red.
homely little new baby, Billy"
Theirs is awful red." Billy de.
clared scornfully. "And 1t yells. That
isn't the worst. thoughts girl!"
He shot out the words in explosive
contempt What goods a girl?"
"They certainly have piled 1t up on
you, haven't they?" cried Mrs. Don.
''rm thinkin'," announced Billy.
First thought I'd run away. 1t amt
going to be any fun at home any more.
All they do is look at the baby and
act silly over it. can wait an wait
for somebody to pour the cream on
my peaches. an there's nobody to do
1t. Mother she stays right with that
baby and father he stays with it, and
Mary she Just runs around from the
kitchen to upstairs and back again
and says The darlin'! Amt It sw.
w-w-e-et!"
well, isn't it," queried Mrs. Don.
nell in suspiciously shaky tones
Billy glared at her in reproach.
Sweet" he almost yelled. Its Just
ugly and red. and I hate it,"
BILLY"
II dol" repeated Billy. 1T can't do
thing! 1t doesn't know anything!
When father took me in to see 1t this
morning showed It my new knife
and 1t wouldn't even look at It! ft
would If 1t had been boy! Boys
have some sense! Father Just laughed.
And anyhow I didn't have any use for
baby"
II know" said Mrs. Donnell. I'LL
go and buy the baby and take 1t away
and that will rid you. Of It,"
.-,e Wild hope sprung into Billy's eyes.
Then 1t died out. "You don't want it,"
he said, disgustedly. After you take
Ia good look at 1t you wouldn't even let
'em give it to you!"
"Mercy!" said Mrs. Donnell. us It
Jas bad as that? Well, might take
1T anyway just to oblige an old friend
like you. Here comes your father
I'll see about it now!"
Good morning. Mr.. Baxter! I was
ijust talking business with your son.
He says there is superfluous baby
,up at the house that is in his way, and
he'd like to dispose Of 1t. II you'll
sell it I'll take it OF your hands.
What price do you ask"
"Um-m!" said Billy's father, frown.
ing thoughtfully. Nov. that's kind
of you. What shall we sell 1t for.
iBilly?"
"A quarter" Billy suggested tenta.
lively.
"oh, / think we ought to ask at
least 80 cents" said his father. but
wouldn't your mother object? think
she'd feel sorry II we sold it,"
"Would she?" asked Billy in sur.
prise.
eyes" said his father. TITS queer,
but she's Just crazy about 1t. You and
i have got to stand together and bear
It! We don't want to hurt mothers
feelings, do we?"
"No-o!" admitted Billy. irresoluteiy.
Have you seen what funny fingers
1T has? They curl around one Of
yours. Tight"
"Do they7" asked Billy. interestedly.
"That's what they d." said his
father. "Come with me and Ill show
YOU. You can have lots Of fun with
it Billy. Come on!"
IAN right" said Billy. sliding down
from the wall and Joining his father.
| ~ s,,ass 10 won't sell It." ho called