Norwich bulletin., 1913-09-06
THE BABIES RoLL-CALL

mest of the community @ negro was a great curiosity, and that this family was likely to be a, center of attractioE to many of the neighbers. It was nCA long befeBe 1 was favored with a glimpse of the corners, for the woman, Mrs. Harris, came to the form for milk, and had her baby with her. They certainly bore out their reputa- ton for cleanliness, and the little one merited all the praise I had heard be- slowed upon her, Her plump little black face was surrounded by the i'm maculate ruffles of fir eshly laundered pink sunbonnet, from which her bright eyes and merry smile appeared in most WinSome fashion. She evidently was used to betting, and enjoyed it in true baby fashion. and quite as evil dently she was the pride and happiness of the young mother. While they rest ed before their return walk, the fol- lowing conversation took place in my hearing:
 Next Sunday is to be the Infant Rally down to the Hollow" said my hostess. are you going Mrs. Harris %
 Oh, l don't know" laughed that in dividual in her soft southern tone, T reckon my little girl will be out of place there amongst so many White kids. though her father tells me to take her"
 T would if I were you" was the re- ply, hasn't any one asked you to came?'
 Yes, pr. Campbell came to see me the other day. He is on the Committee you know. He said he wanted every one of his babies in the show and I reckon he claims most of them round here"
 She was right Dr. Campbell, Camel they called it, was the only medical practitioner for miles around, and was valued and respected in spite of his ec- centricities, which it must be admitted were many. AUtocratic to a degree his word was law in many a household All the children loved him, and ran to the roadside to hail him whenever they saw his team approaching, for they were sure of cheery word or a wave of the hand, if no more.
 Well, you had better go, for you are sure of a welcome. and they mean to give merit cards to the brightest and best behaved. Perhaps you will carry one home with you"
 No danger of that" was the response there won't be enough to go around to my little pickaninny."
 As she gathered up her charge for a start home. l asked her if l might come to her house. You can tell me much of the South that l should like to hear, l fancy"
 Perhaps, but I know little except of Richmond which was my home. My husband and l were born In freedom, and know very little of the old times, but Father Harris lives with us, and he can talk of days before the war;
 What do you call your baby?"
 "Clarabel, Amelia, Jane" was the re- ply, but every one about here calls her Clara Harris"
 Well, I certainly hope you will take her to church next Sunday. l am go- ing and shall look for her and her mother there."
 +n he h,-{r oIe day, and many mothers and their babies were in attendance at the Roll Call. Mrs. Harris and Clarabel were there. Both mother and child re- ceived much attention. and little Clara was certainly on her best behaviour She greeted everyone with a. beaming smile, and not a Whimper was hard from her even when some of the others cried. She only looked at them in wonder, evidently thinking they were losing a great deal of fun by sc doing. Needless to say. she carried home bright-colored merit-card which was proudly placed on the man. tel of their home.
 There saw it when I made the first of several visftations. for l quite enjoyed the many stories of times be- fore the war, which the old man was able to tell me He had been slave on more than one plantation, and ac- quired his family name by taking the one of his last and best-loved master To this man he was body-servant, and accompanied him to the war. where in the Confederate army he witnessed some bloody work He bore his be- loved master from the field and watch = ed at his bedside when all others had abandoned every hope of his recovery
 T nussed him up," claimed the ole i man and got him home alive, but he never get well. Old Missus died soor