Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-05
LOST

the humping OF the carriage over tbs
cobblestones. the flashing lights, and
|then-she must have fallen asleep
again to wake no more until morning
! She scrambled out of bed and flew
to the window; and what do you sup
pose she expected to see? Why, the
ocean, to be sure. Mintie knew her
geography But there was only row
of tall brick houses with strip of
blue sand over them. What a disap-
! pointment.
| "Oh, well!' said Mintie. Its over
| behind the houses, somewhere"
, Mother she said after breakfast,
"mayn't we go out now and hunt the
ocean? We cannot see it here!"
mot this morning." said mother.
81 shall be busy unpacking, and you
! children would get lost if you went
alone. But, if you will promise not to
60 off the pavement nor off the street,
you may 60 downstairs little while. "
"Oh, yes'm! Well not" cried Min
tie and the boys, with one. voice.
The street was quiet one. between
two busy avenues; but to the small
country children it seemed wildly ex-
citing. Poppy counted twenty teams
pass in no time, and presently they
heard burst of music.
There's band comm" cried Min
tie.
Lets go see it," said Poppy, bold
fy, running down the pavement
"Oh, don't rum" said Mintie, in a
Mortified voice. "This is the city,"
So with a very dignified air they
cd ~ ho hrt 70
was no band in sight. There was on
ly a wonderful hand organ on wheels,
with two dark, jolly faced men to
push it along and turn the crank. The
children followed the organ to the
avenue, and stood there, watching
and listening until it was out of sight.
Then they turned and strolled slowly
back.
(Which is our house," said Mintie.
"Ho! l can pick it out in minute >
said Poppy. There were lions on the
steps,"
But dear me, there were six houses
that had lions on the steps. The chill
dren looked at each other, with grow.
ing terror.
II wants my mother" said Peepy
with quivering lips.
"Peepy Dean," said Mintie, sternly.
although her own voice trembled
don't you dare to cry What would
the city people think? And don't you
for minute let on that we're lost.
right in front of our own house. I'd
be ashamed to death! Well walk up
and down, and mother will come to
look for US after a while
The three forlorn but proud little
souls marched drearily up and down
the wide pavement. The street that
had seemed so gay was full Of hidden
terrors, now, and presently Mintie
saw a sight that shook even her brave
heart
There comes policeman" she
whispered.
She had never seen a policeman
but she had seen many pictures OF
them, and knew that they always
wore blue uniforms.
IF he finds we're lost. he'll take
Us to he police station. That's what
they always do with lost Children
she said.
Hello children!" said the police.
man. "Where did you come FROM"
Too terrified to speak, Mintie point
ed upward with a small, uncertain
aye don't say" said the policeman,
looking up at the sky with grin
Come all the way down last night?
Must have got some wet. guess.
There was constable shower bout
four o'clock"
At that Mintie found her voice.
''1 meant up at the top Of the
house, she said with dignity.
ooh I see.' laughed the officer.
Which house,"
That was terrible question The
looked at each other, then
Mintie looked up and down the row Of
houses. then she looked at the police
man again. There was something in
lis face that won her confidence.
Eve don't know she said frankly. |
The policeman threw back his head |
and rcared with laughter.
"Neeer mind, dear he said kindly. |
rs Mintie's face grew scarlet. There's
bigger and older folks than you gets
mixed up over these houses that looks
III alike. Your names Dean, isn't it?"
Mintie nodded.
II thought so. I happened to hear
he grocer on the corner say that a
amilv named Dean was goin' to move
nto the top of fiat No. 315: and it's
est three doors from here Remem-
YER the number and We won't git lost
gain"
Hes lust like other folks" said
Iintie admiringly
Dust like other folks" murmured
'eany.
Poppy stood silent and motionless.
'azine until the blue coated figure
rrned the corner. Then he sighed
eenly. and with the air of one who
fter long thought has made IN his
mind forever. he announced. when
am q man 7 shall be p policeman"
me too" echoed Peepv taking
inv strides up and down the pave
1ent, and swinging an imaginary
Tub.
Ellen Shnndel Has Moved