Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1907-05-21
BARREL A ] ef THE
BLESSED ISLES
By IRVING BACHELOR.
Author Of "Eben Holdsn.~
"D'ri and l." Etc.
COPYRIGHT, 1905, BIZ L.othrop Publfshfna Co.
CHAPTER xxXIII.

CHAPTER XXXIII.
~ROVE had come to HIllsborough
that very hour he passed the
Golden Spool. In him a touch
of dignity had sobered the
careless eye Of youth. He was indeed
a comedy young man, his attire fash
ionable, his form erect. Soon he was
on the familiar road to Robins Inn.
In the air was an odor of the narrowed
earth, and up in the hills shout of
greeting came out Of field or garden as
Trove went by. 1t was walk to re-
member, and when he had come near
the far side of Pleasant valley he
could see Polly waving her hand to
him at the edge of the maple grove.
Supper Is waiting" said she mer-
rily as she came to meet him. There's
tlueberrles and biscuit and lots of nice
things"
"I'm hungry" said he. "But first,
dear, let us enjoy love and Kisses"
Then by the lonely road he held her
close to him, and each could feel the
heartbeat Of the other, and for quite a
moment speech would have been most
idle and inadequate.
Now the promise. Polly" said he
soon. II so not another step until
have your promise to be my wife,"
"You do not think I'd let one treat
me that way unless expected to mar.
ry him, do you?" said Polly as she
fused with a ribbon bow, her face red
with bushes. you've mussed me all
up"
I'm to be teacher in the big
school, and If you were willing we
could be married soon.'
"Oh, dearw said she, signing and
looking UP at him with smile. "I'm
too happy to think" Then followed
another moment Of silence, in which
the little god, If he were near them
must have smiled
won't you name the day now?" he
insisted.
"Oh, let's keep that for the next
chapter" said she. Don't you know
supper is waiting?"
tits all like those tales to be contin
ued in our next" he answered, with
laugh.
Then they walked slowly up the long
hill arm in arm.
"How very grand you look!' said
she proudly. "Did you see the govern
OFT"
Eyes, but he can do nothing now
It's the only cloud In the sky"
Dear old mani" said Polly. "We'll
find way to help him."
"But he wouldn't thank us for help
there's the truth of It," said Trove
quickly. Hes happy and content
Here is letter that came today:
Dear sidney-Think of all have said
to thee, an. IL We remember well. boy, II
Will bear thee up. Were indeed, as we
believe, drinking the cup o. bitterness for
thy sake. know We not the law will make
1t sweet for mel After all have said tc
thee. are We not prepared? Is. my work
wasted? Is the seed fallen upon the
rocks? And. II we hold to thy view, con.
sider-would ye rob the dark world O. the
light o sacrifice? Nay We will answer
Then say, II ye would give me peace
go to thy work. boy, and cease to waste
thyself with worry and foolish wander.
Ing
Somehow 1t puts me to shame"
said Trove as he put the letter in his
pocket. ''Pm SO far beneath him. l
shall obey and go to work and pray
for the speedy coming Of Gods jus.
tice."
Its the only thing to do" said she.
Sidney, hope now have right to
ask if you know who is your father7"
II believe him to be dead"
"Dead!' There was note Of sur
prise in the word.
Il know not even his name"
ut is all very strange" said Polly.
In moment she added, 81 hope you
will forgive my mother II she seemed
to doubt you."
II forgive all" said the young man.
II know it was hard to believe me In
nocent."
"And Impossible to believe you
guilty. She was only waiting for more
light"
The widow and her two boys came
out to meet them.
"aIother. behold this big man! He is
to be my husband" The girl looked up
at him proudly.
"And my sonf" said Mrs. Vaughn.
with smile, us she kissed him. you've
lost no time"
"Oh, I didn't intend to give up SO
soon," said Polly, "but-but the supper
would have been ruined"
Its now on the table," said Mrs.
Vaughn.
"pye news for you" said Polly as
they were sitting down. "Tunk has re-
formed"
HE must have been busy said
Trove, "and he's ruined his epitaph."
Ills epitaph?'
Eyes; that one Darrell wrote for him:
Here lies Tunk. o grave, where Is thy
victoryY"
"Tunk has one merit. He never de-
ceived any one but himself" said the
widow.
Horses have run away with him"
Trove continued. "His character Is like
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