Gilpin observer., 1915-08-19
II. Jacob carried a lamp and

l
The carriage was empty" repeat.
ed Rosa, bending over 1t. Jacob, it
is baby-poor, forgotten one!" Her
arms plunged into the carriage and
brought from under the hood a 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 he smiles at you'll"
Il see nothing but bad luck"
shrugged Jacob peevishly. Where is
my umbrella and my galoshes, Rosa ?''
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 a mother should pawn her babe
for dollar" she crooned softly.
Jacob stamped back to his desk and
looked up his records.
Ticket 1892" he mumbled. did
you know the woman, Rosa?"
No. 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 baby's cry ending in a 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 from 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.
II came for IT," she said briefly.
Jacob studied the ticket and nodded.
He went to the corner and pulled out
the baby carriage. Here 1t is" he
said.
The woman hesitated. She was old
and wrinkled and her hair was griz-
zled. Il want the baby, too," she said
sharply.
The ticket calls for baby carriage
no more" said Jacob sternly.
Il want the baby. I hear him cry.
;. ing now" She started toward the
back Of the shop. but Jacob and the
carriage blocked her path.
mo lady would pawn her baby. You
are crazy" he said.
Il tell you l hear it,
What you hear it our own baby
must l call police?" he asked politely
Il will go and bring police myself,
old mani" she cried shrilly, and clat.
tered up the steps.
Rosa came into the shop, carrying
the baby in her arms.
Jacob poked a crooked finger un
der the baby's dimpled chin. Such
little rascal babee!" he chuckled.
The shop door flew open and two
people flung inside-a girl whose face
was sharpened by illness and priva-
tion young man gaunt and hollow.
eyed. ghost of dashing Joey Hornitz
Il want my baby" said the girl
tensely, holding out eager arms.
Give her the baby, mother" said
Joey gently. She has pined for It,"
Silently Rosa dropped the baby in
Rays arms. She and Jacob stared at
Joey with unbelieving eye. They
scarcely listened to his tale of poverty
and illness and how an avaricious and
merciless landlady had caused baby
and carriage to vanish one stormy
night. They had just gained her con
fession that she had pawned the car
rage and relieved her house OF the
nuisance OF baby guest
II am sorry for the trouble. papa.
said joey, but we will go now. Come.
Ray. Good-by, mamma
Jacob scurried down to the door and
locked 1t. You couldn't take away
our baby" he defied them. IT'S got
to stay here-and you, Joey-and Ray.
your wife-we want you all. Eh
mamma?"
Rosa's eyes were full of tears.
Joey's arm was around her and ia.
cob was awkwardly hugging Ray and
the baby.
"Of course all our children must
stay here by ua." she said decidedly.
Joey. you help papa. Ray. baby's
milk is warm-we must feed him
now"