Who Killed Joe's Baby?

by Charles Sheldon

The scene is laid in the cozy home of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Lane. Joe has returned from work.

"How is work today?" Nora asked, as big Joe sat down near the baby's crib.

"Fine, the new hotel is most done. We are finishing the wood works now."

"Is that all?"

"Well, Lambert talked to me about making some furniture for the hotel . . . if he puts in a bar. It's his own lookout. It is at least fifty dollars for us, and think of our growing family, Nora."

"Yes, but it is against the law." Sure, the new Mayor and the Council are against it too, but you know, when it comes to being against anything, I am off my reckoning as often as it does in. What difference does the law make to them?"

"Joe, remember we came here on purpose to get away from the thing."

"I do, Nora, but if he insists I cannot say no."

"Dear Joe, do you love me?"

"Oh, what a foolish question. Why of course. I don't love anyone else but you and the baby."

"Then, for your love of us, please promise me or the baby that you will never touch a drop of liquor as long as you live. Promise him and God."

"All right, darling, as you please. I promise you little baby that I will never touch a drop of liquor as long as I live."

"Say, so help me God."

"So help me God."

A week after Joe made his promise to the baby, the minister of their church entered and familiarly touched him on the shoulder.

"Good morning, Mr. Lane. Today, I have come on a very peculiar errand. You can never guess it, as I am telling you at once seeing you are busy. I want you to make a coffin." "Make a what? asked Joe in a tone of amazement.

"A coffin! A coffin, understand? You know, Judge Hollowell of my church, thinks he is dying; he thought of this several times before, but now he is so sure of it, he made me promise when I called on him last night, to order for him the best coffin you can ever make. You're to send the bill to the Judge as soon as it is finished. Goodbye, Mr. Lane."

Joe's shop was near the business part of the town and a favorite plae for many of his acquaintances. As he was leaving his shop one afternoon, just after finishing the coffin which the minister had ordered, a friend met him and said, "I have something for you, Joe." So they went back into the shop and a few minutes after, were ready to leave.

"Come down to Lambert and bind it." Joe drew back remembering his promise to his loved ones.

"No, I am sorry I'can't. I promise not to drink anymore."

Just a glass of beer, that's all I ever take. It won't hurt you. C'mon, I hear Lambert has new stocks too."

Hand in hand Joe and his friend went into the hotel and went straight to the bar. After greeting their friends, both of them ordered a class of beer each. After finishing it, Joe was about to leave when his friend pulled him to sit down again, and said, "What's the rush? C'mon, the treat's on the house, have another one."

From one bottle to another until he was soused in liquor and then they both stood up, and and struggled to the threshold and went home not being able to carry themselves.

Nora was sitting up when Joe came home that night. One look at him explained everything. He came in banging the door, rolling on the chairs, and with a drowsy voice said, "What's the looks? Where is the baby . . . the baby, I repeat."

"Hush now, Joe. Don't go near the baby, you will wake him up."

"Why, darling, I just want to see the baby and bid him good night." And without hesitating, he went to the crib and took the baby in his arms. He kissed him and jeered, "Ja, ja, ja, cute little darling. Papa loves you, yes of course he does." Then he started dancing with the baby in his arms. Nora knew the whole of the worst as she approached him imploring, "Give him back to me, Joe. You will hurt him. Please, Joe, give him back to me."

"Ah, Mama does not trust Papa. I assusre you, I won't hurt him. We are going to sleep together. Hmmmm, aren't we cutie?"

Nora hadn't been so horrified in her whole life until she saw Joe tightening his grip and suddenly rolled on the floor. Nora could not bear the sight any longer. She ran as fast as she could to the front gate and screamed hysterically.

"Help! Help my baby! My baby! Oh please help me!"

Neighbors came to the rescue. Nora could only point her finger to the house and saw Joe lying on the floor unconscious, still grasping the baby's neck.

The police station was only a few blocks from Joe's place, so it is easy for the neighbors to take get there with the baby. The next morning, Joe woke up late quite sober. A guard was pacing back and forth in front of his cell.

"Good morning, Sir, I suppose I shall get out very soon."

"People who kill other people will not get out soon."

"Kill other people?"

"Well, That is what I said."

"Did you say kill other people? What do you mean?'t I was pretty drunk last night and I can't fully remember what I did."

"You rolled over your baby and choked him to death."

"No, I did not! I cannot do that! You are lying!"

"You did, though."

"And Nora, my wife, Where is she? Quick, tell me please!"

"Your wife is in the hospital. Brain fever!"

"The drink crazed me! The drink made me do it! I was once happy before Lambert opened up. I had the best of wife and the sweetest, cutest little baby on earth. What have I done? Oh, Nora, Nora, baby! You know pretty well I am not guilty. God, I shall go mad!"

At noon they found Joe at the foot of his bed. The coffin Joe had made was used for him and the baby. It was a sight with the innocent child smiling calmly on his father's chest. But baby, baby, baby!

Who killed Joe's baby? I, a woman, cannot make an answer. Stand up you voters who during election do not analyze the character of the men that you elect. Stand up ye officials who promise to enforce the law only to be bribed, and not realizing the responsibilities upon your shoulders, and answer us women, we women who always suffer the most.

Yes, stand up Joe yourself and answer for your share in the death of the sweetest life you said you loved.

Well, stand up all of you, in church and out of it, and answer God Almighty, WHO KILLED JOE'S BABY?