Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1922-12-15
Ed Rents a Baby
for so Cents
BY FRANK II. WILLIAMS


20. 1929. by Mcclure Newspaper syndicate)
Just inside the door to the day
nursery Ed Carmichael glngerly placed
the squalling baby he was carrying on
a nearby chair. Then he looked
around guiltlly and mopped his per-
spring face.
What crazy undertaking 1t was
he had embarked onl And all for the
sake Of becoming acquainted with the
piquantly pretty young lady standing
at the receiving counter just behind
the little placard announcing her
name to be "Allce Trennam."
What would this young lady say IL
she knew Ed had rented the infant for
the day for fifty cents? What would
she think of young man who was so
backward with women as to be forced
to the adoption Of such a unique plan
as this for meeting a young lady2
Ed, having mopped his brow, went
forward to the desk. The girl, who
on nearer view seemed prettier than
ever, greeted him with friendly
emile.
what is the baby's name and age2"
she queried.
Ed gulped. For a moment he felt
panic-strlcken. Then he remembered
hearing the baby's big brother, from
whom he had rented the child, call 1t
Benny"
benjamin." gasped Ed. "Age-
oh ho hn ha1anda1
1--WE require all parents to sign the
cards." said Miss fireman., smiling up
ut him in an impersonal sort Of way.
"Please sign here"
She indicated a dotted line on the
card.
was a complication he hadn't looked
for. She thought him to be the baby's
fatherl
It was too late to retreat now.
Weakly he signed his name.
And the baby's mother is"
querled Miss Trennam.
"DeadW calculated Ed, turning and
hastily stalking from the place.
Outside the nursery Ed stood for a
moment. Whewl II had been an
ordeal But he'd met herl And now
he was more convinced than ever that
she was the only girl in the world for
him.
II only he could meet her and talk
with her every day
Why-here a thought came to him
he might rent the infant every day
from the youth who had II in charge
and in this way see and talk to The
beautiful Miss Trennam.
But 1t took some dickerlng with the
infants dimlnutlve guardian to put
the deal over.
"What you want with BennyT
asked the guardian suspiclOusly.
81 like children. I haven't any OF
my own. That's why want to rent
Benny" Ed explained, hoping that any
white Hes involved in this explanation
would not be held against him.
81 don't know" said the guardian
obviously "Maw was gone the other
day-all day. don't know what
she'd say. Mebbe-"
"Then you'll be here In the morn
ingf" demanded Ed eagerly.
Yves" hesltated the guardian.
The next day when Ed presented
Benny at the receiving counter Of the
nursery Miss Trennam was quite
friendly indeed.
Does he sleep well at night2" she
asked
yes, perfectly" said Ed.
"What good child ~ the girl cried
II seemed to Ed hat she gazed at him
rather curlously despite his prompt
answers
The next morning found Ed at the
usual place at the usual hour.
But where was the GUARDIAN Where
was BennyT
Ed stewed and fumed. What was
the cause Of the delay2 Wouldn't the
child ever bring the baby? The baby
was absolutely necessary now to
further his courtshp Of the fair Miss
Trennam He simply must have Benny
simply must.
When Ed tremendously upset, was
contemplating the wreck Of his
dreams, the guardian breathlessly
nIIora >, or,od ,ho ,o,,,h ,ra,,,o,, ,,o
infant into Ed,s ro,,,na arms ct had
o. na aar,a arronds c,n,n,o .ho ~
ao,ta aa,,o hum
"a A., ,,,.1at|1 ~ .o l..
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