Page:The Rejuvenation Of Miss Semaphore.pdf/177

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a horrible state of dirt and neglect somewhere at the East End."

"I thought it was a murder," said the medical woman, somewhat disappointed.

"Oh, this is just as bad! Do read it, please," cried Miss Belcher, Mrs. Whitley, and Mrs. Wilcox, who had just finished pouring out tea.

Major Jones rubbed his glasses with a silk handkerchief, holding The Star tightly under his arm the while. Then, having adjusted his spectacles, and taken up a position immediately under the gas, he read in a quick, monotonous voice:


"HORRIBLE BABY FARMING CASE!

REVOLTING DETAILS!!
FIFTEEN HELPLESS INFANTS CONSIGNED TO MISERY AND STARVATION!!!

SEARCH FOR UNNATURAL PARENTS.

"At the Arrow Street Police Court to-day, before Sir John Jenkins, Sarah Anne Brown, 50, residing at 42, Plummer's Cottages, Barker's Rents, E., and variously known as 'The Scorcher,' 'Soothing Syrup Sal,' 'Amelia Tompkins,' 'Mary Ann Martin,' 'Mrs. Ash,' 'Mrs. Fry,' &c., was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and assaulting the police. Police-constable Brady X 2001 deposed to being on duty in Pitt Street last night at 9.30. He saw the prisoner, who was the centre of a noisy crowd