The Idaho recorder. [volume] (Salmon City, Idaho) 1886-1927, 1921-09-02
LITTLE CHILD
BY JULIA A. ROBINSON.

was II nome 10 WHICH lie WIS gums
Could that bare room in the lodging
house be called home? Once he had
had home, coy and cheerful, with
little wife TO make him happy, but
they had quarrelied. He hardly re-
meinbered what Ii was about. In Bit
ter anger they had separated. He had
come 10 the city and had lived his
lonely life and had heard no word from
Sally since he left.
II came back 10 him In vivid recol-
lection as he walked the street, obliv-
ious of surroundings. Perhaps 1t was
because IL was just six years today
since he left her that he was thinking
of the past. He had kept the date.
Sally was pretty girl, with laugh
ing eyes, bright and witty-saucy some
times. changeabie and high-sniri,el;
yet loving and tender, always begging
for pardon after each outbreak. arms
ciinging about his neck.
Jack had loved this fiery young thing
whom he had won.
TO drown his sorrow Jack had
plunged into business. He had made
money. but II brought him no happi-
ness. Once he had gone back, remorse-
fully, longing for Sally. The old town
looked as it did the morning he went
away.
The great elm tree spread its friend
ly branches in front of the cottage,
as Of yore tSally loved that tree).
Lilacs were In bloom. The house had
see Sally open the door and come out
with her old bright smile.
The door did open. but 1t was not
Sally's face that met him. man,
young and vigorous. paused on the
step as he saw Jack confronting him.
Good day. my friend" he accosted.
What can | do for your"
Jack stared. rs - does - where's
Sally?" he jerked
"Sally?" laughed the man. who's
Sally?"
''Sally-she lived here" stammered
Jack.
Il don't know anyone by that name,"
returned the man. mo one by that
name lives here"
Jack stared. bewildered, but soon re-
covered himself. or course the man
would not know her by her first name:
Mrs. Mason" he explained. us she
at homer
"Oh. Mrs. Mason" the stranger an
swered. ''She left two years. ago. We
bought the house Of her. She needed
money. | believe; was In tight place
and had to give 1t up to raise funds"
Jack gasped. Gone! Where did she
go"
Sorry can't inform you" an
swered the man. "She left town."
Jack turned in daze and stumbled
into the street. All the sunshine had
gone out of life. Sally gone!
IL was a drizzling storm, but what
did It matter to the man dragging him
self to his lodgings? He reached the
crossing. Vehicles INSTRUCTED the pas
sage and he waited.
Many others waited, too. Among
them was II little child, who feared to
cross. She looked timidly at the heavy
teams and the slush In the street, then
carefully scanned the faces of those
about her. With look of relief and
smile ON her baby face, she crowded
her way to Jacks side, placing her
tiny hand In his.
Please. sir. take me across" she
iisped, her blue eyes looking into his
with child's confidence.
The touch of the little hand thrilled
MIN. lie answered took her in his
arms, and carried her across the street.
THANK you, sir" she beamed. as he
landed her on the sidewalk
Tell me where you live and | will
take you home" be said a new inter.
est awakening in his heart.
She led him down side street chat.
ting all the way.
Have you baby grip she asked.
My mammals got me, but she cries
ali the time. aud when say my pray
ers | pray for daddy to. come home"
She stopped before tenement
house
Here 1t is" she cried. as she sprang
into her mothers arms.
Roxy, it's SO late!" cried the WON.
an. Il was afraid you were lost"
She turned to thank the stranger for
bringing her child home. but started
with a cry.
Jack started. too. "Sallyr" he
gasped.
Jack" she cried. drawing away.
TO think that | should ana Won
thus. You have suffered"
Let that pass. Why have Won
THE baby brought me-this child
%ho Is she7''
shes ours, Jack-our baby. Sho
was horn six months after you went
away"
our baby. and | never knew ~
How could you? came 10 the citv
TO get work-Jack. I've missed Won
So"
Sally, I've wanted you more than
can tell want YOU now. Can't we