The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-08-17
corner Jacob carried a lamp and


The carriage was empty repeat
ed Rosa, bending over it. Jacob, 1t
is baby-poor, forgotten ONE" Her
arms plunged into the carriage and
brought from under the hood bundle
wrapped in an old shawl. The bundle
wriggled and walled Justify.
You will take it to the police,
commanded Jacob sourly. What for
should anyone wish us bad luck like
this?"
The baby suddenly stopped crying
and, Graded in Rosa's hungry, mother
ly arms, stared up at her with round.
black eyes.
He should maybe two months DID,
remarked Rosa. Such beautiful boy
see, Jacob be smiles at you."
Il see nothing but bad luck.
shrugged Jacob peevishly. Where is
my umbrella and my galoshes, Rosag
What for, papa?"
Il go to the police"
In the morning, Jacob-husband!
Let me keep him tonight will take
him tomorrow myself-poor little one
that mother should pawn her babe
for a dollar" she crooned softly.
Jacob stamped back to his desk and
looked up his records.
Ticket 1882" he mumbled. Did
you know the woman, Rosa"
mo. She looked like that vetta
Vogel what keeps boarders down by
Hester street." Rosa threw this in
formation over her fat shoulder. Il
go to give baby some milk, papa" The
door into the living room slammed
Jacob sat and stared at the closed
door. He could hear Rosa's tender
voice as she moved to and fro and
again the babys cry ending in CUR
gle of satisfaction.
But for the heavy years-it could
be little Joey again. he sighed He
was good son-it was his only dis
obedience He bowed his head upon
his greasy ledger.
He did not hear Rosa when she
came into the shop and dragged Joey's
cradle fror dusty corner, nor the
heavy vibration OF her tireless feet
as she waited upon the waif. He was
thinking of Joey in all his delightful
phases from infancy to upright young
manhood.
A week later Jacob HOrnitz faced
a shawl-wrapped woman She pushed
some money and pawn ticket across
the counter.
Il came for it" she said briefly.
Jacob studied the ticket and nodded.
He went to the corner and pulled out
the baby carriage. Here it is he
said.
The woman hesitated. She was old
and wrinkled and her hair was griz-
lied. Il want the baby, too" she said
sharply.
The ticket calls for baby carriage
no more" said Jacob sternly.
i want the baby. l hear him cry
ng now" She started toward the
back Of the shop, but Jacob and the
carriage blocked her path.
No lady would pawn her baby. You
ire crazy" he said.
4 tell you I hear it,"
What you hear it our own baby
me l shall adopt. Will you 70 or
must call police?" he asked politely. ,
Il with 60 and bring police myself. !
I'D man" she cried shrilly, and clat. |
cred up the steps.
Rosa came into the shop. carving
he baby in her arms.
Jacob poked crooked finger un.
Ter the baby's dimpled chin. Such
little rascal babee!' he chuckled.
The shop door flew open and two |
'eople flung inside-a girl whose face
vas sharpened by illness and privs.
lon q young man gaunt and hollow.
yed, ghost Of dashing Joey Hornitz.
i want my baby" said the girl
ensely, holding out eager arms.
Give her the baby, mother" said i
oey gently. She has pined for it."
Silently Rosa dropped the baby in
lays arms. She and Jacob stared at
oey with unbelieving eye. They
carcely listened to his tale of poverty
nd illness and how an avaricious and
ierciless landlady had caused baby
nd carriage to vanish one stormy
light They had just gained her con.
sssion that she had pawned the car.
age and relieved her house Of the
uisance of baby guest.
Il am sorry for the trouble. mana /"
aid Joey. but we will 60 now. Come
ay. Good-by, mamma"
Jacob scurried down to the door and
'cked it. You couldn't take awav
lr baby he defied them. IT'S got
stay here-and you, Joey-and Raw
our wife-we want you all. Eli.
amman"
kosa's eyes were full Of tear.
'ey's arm was around her and Ia.
10 was awkwardly hugging Raw and
e baby.
'Of course all our children mus,
ay here by u.s. she said decidedly
oey, you help papa. Raw. bahv',
INK Is warm-we must feed him
w." niiu
opyright. 1916. by the McCmr. Nou
per Syndicate)
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