Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1921-08-26
A LITTLE CHILD
BY JULIA A. ROBINSON.
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OoNeu neau ana knitted brow. Home
Was 1t home TO which he was going?
Could that bare room in the lodging
house be called home? once he had
hud home, coy and cheerful with
little wife to make him happy, but
they had quarrelled. lie hardly re-
membered what it was about. In bill
ter anger they had separated lie had
come to the city and had lived his
lonely life and had heard no word from
Sally since he left.
1t came back to him IN vivid reco-
lection as he walked the street, obliy-
lous of surroundings Perhaps II was
because it was just six years today
since he left her that he was thinking
OF the past He had kept the date.
Sally was a pretty girl, with laugh
ing eyes, bright and witty--saucy some
times, changeahle and high-spirited
yet loving and tender, always begging
for pardon after each outbreak. arms
clinging 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 it brought him no happi.
ness. once he had gone back, renorse-
fully, longing for Sally. The old town
looked as it did the morning he went
away.
The great elm tree spread its friend
~ branches in front of the cottage,
as of yore (Sally loved that tree).
Lilacs were in bloom. The house had
u friendly air. He almost expected to
see Sally open the door and come out
with her old bright smile
The door did open, but it 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 you?"
Jack stared. is - does $500 where's
SalIy?' he ierked.
SALLY laughed the man. who's
Sally
"SaIly-she lived here" stammered
Jack
''il hl1ON any pllC ~ tlidl Dtllt,
returned the man. mo one by that
name lives here"
Jack stared bewildered but soon re-
covered himself. OF course the man
would not know her by her first name:
Mrs. Mason" he explained rs she
at home?"
"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 it up to raise funds"
Jack gaSped. Gone! Where did she
COZ"
Sorry can't inform YOU" an
sWered the man. "She left town."
Jack turned in a daze and stumbled
into the street. All the sunshine had
gone out of life. Sally gone
1t was a DRILLING 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
cross. She looked timidly at the heavy
teams and the sluSh in the street, then
carefully scanned the faces of those
about her. With a look of relief and
a smile on her baby face, she crowded
her way to Jacks side, placing her
tiny hand in his.
please, sir, take me across" she
isped her blue eyes looking into his
with ii child's confidence.
The touch of the little hand thrilled
him. He answered, took her in his
arms, and carried her across the street.
THANK you, sir" she beamed, as he
landed her on the sidewalk.
TEL me where you live and | will
take you home" he said, new inter-
est awakening in his heart.
She led him down a side street, chat
ting all the way.
Have you a baby girl?" she asked.
My mammals got me, but she cries
all the time, and when l say my pray
ers pray for daddy to come home"
She stopped before tenement
house
Here IL is" she cried, as she sprang
into her mothers arms.
roxy, It's SO late!" cried the wom-
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. "Sallyl" he
gasped.
Jack !" she cried, drawing away.
ITO think that | should find you
thus. You have suffered"
Let that pass. Why have you
Gomez
1.-THE baby brought me-this child
who is she?"
shes ours, Jack-our baby. She
was born six months after you went
away"
"Our baby, and | never knew
How could you? | came to the city
to get work-Jack. I've missed you
sol"
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