Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1909-05-21

40 charity patient. Me an Toby Is
goin' to look after her keep"
"Her wants will he very few" Doug
/ las answered kindly. You needn't
trouble much about that"
Il mean It," said Jim savagely. lie
met Douglas glance OF surprise with n
determined look. for he feared that his
chance OF being useful to Polly might
DO slipping out Of his life.
you mustn't mind jim" the clown
pleaded ut the pastors elbow. You
sec. pain gets some folks different
from others. an 1t always kinder
makes him savage"
"Oh. that's all right" Douglas an
swered quickly. His own life had
been so lonely that he could under
stand the selfish yearning In the big
mans heart. you must do what you
think best about these things. Mandy
and will look after the rest"
Jim hung his head. feeling somehow
that the pastor had seen straight into
his heart and discovered his petty
weakness. He was about to turn to-
ward the door when 1t was thrown
open by Barker
"Where Is she:" shouted the mana
ger. looking from ore to the other.
"She can't come" said Jim in low.
steady voice. for he knew the storm of
opposition with which Barker would
meet the announcement.
Cant Gomez" shrieked Barker "Of
course she'll come. | can't get along
without her. She's got to come" He
looked Mt Jim. who remained silent
and firm. "Why amt she coming" he
asked. feeling himself already defeat
cd.
shes hurt bad" was Jim's laconIc
reply.
The devil she ISL said Barker,
looking at Douglas for confirmation.
as that right?"
'She won't be able to travel for some
time" said Douglas.
MIR. Barker Is our manager" Toby
explained as he edged his way to the
pastors side
"SOme time" Barker looked at
Douglas rs though he were to blame
for their misfortune. "Well. you just
bet she WILL" he declared menacingly.
"See here. Barker. don't you talk to
him like that" said Jim. facing the
manager. Hes darned square, even
II he is parson." Barker turned
away. He was not bad hearted man.
but he was irritated and upset at los
ing the star feature Of his bill
"Ain't this my dodgasted luck?" he
muttered to himself as his eye again
Travelled to the boss canvasman "You
get out Of here, JIM" he shouted. IAN
start them wagons. The shows got to
60 on, Poll or no POll"'
He turned with his hand on the
doorknob and jerked out a grudging
thanks to the pastor Its all fired
good Of you to take her In" he said,
but It's tough to lose her. Good
night" He banged the door and clat-
tered down the steps.
Jim waited. He was trying to find
words In which to tell his gratitude.
None came. and he turned to go, with
a short "Goodby."
Good night, JIM" said the pastor.
lie crossed the room and took the big
fellows hand
much Obliged" Jim answered grufr-
~. 1t was his only polite phrase, and
he had taught Polly to say 1t. Doug
las waited until Jim had passed down
the steps, then turned to Toby, who
still fingered near the table.
you'll tell her how 1t was me an
Jim had to leave her without sayin'
goodby. won't you. sir?" Toby pleaded.
"Yes. indeed" Douglas promised
"Ill jes' put this little bit Of money
into her satchel." He picked up the
little brown bag that was to have been
POlly's birthday gift. ME an Jim
will be sendin' her more soon."
You're going to miss her, I'm
afraid" Douglas said. feeling an ir.
resistible desire to gain the old mans
confidence.
Lord bless you, yes. sirw Toby an.
swered. turning upon him eagerly.
me an Jim has been father an moth.