Page:Arthur Stringer-The Loom of Destiny.djvu/87

Life's Loaded Die Baby hidden under his coat, that he came face to face with Maggie Reilly. That young lady, who for months past had made seductive but ineffectual eyes at the Shanghai Sharkey, was almost bursting with importance, for she had just come from the hospital and was the bearer of great news.

"She ain't a-goin' to die!" said Maggie, gazing at the boy with a yearning that would have melted a heart less adamantine. That was all she said, but Timmie understood. Maggie half regretted this less tragic turn of events, for she had hoped a death in the family might humble the pride of the Shanghai Sharkey and turn his mind to tender thoughts.

Two days later Mrs. Reilly herself called on the abashed Timmie, who was almost caught in the very act of feeding the Baby from a bottle.

"Egschuse me, Mister Sharkey," she said in a tone that cut the boy to the bone, so withering was its sarcasm, carefully holding up her ancient skirts while she spoke, "but Oi've jist seen yure muther, and she's sint down worrud be me fur yez to bring up the 75