West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1909-04-22
Y NARGARET MAYO <

Toby had received. and he ut last
found voice to ask whether Polly was
badly hurt.
The doctor hasn't told us yet" said
Douglas kindly.
I'm her Uncle Toby--not her real
uncle" the old man explained. "but
that's what she calls me. I couldn't
come out right away because I'm on
In the concert. Could I see her now.
plcasef"
Here's the doctor" said Douglas as
Hartley came down the stairs, follow
ed by Jim. "wel, doctor. not bad. I
hoper
"Yes. rather bad" said the doctor,
adding quickly as he saw the suffering
Ia Toby's face. but don't be alarmed
She's going to get we'll"
How long will II be before we can
have her back-before she can ride
again." asked Jim grufiy as he stood
apart twisting his brown, worn hat
In his hands.
probably several months" said the
doctor. NO bones are broken, but the
llgaments OF one ankle are torn, and
she received bad blow on the head.
II will be some time before she recov-
ers consciousness"
What are we goIn' TO do, JimY
asked Toby helplessly.
"You needn't worry. Wen take
good care OF her here" said Douglas.
seeing desperation written on their
faces.
'HereT They looked at him In
credulously. And this was a parsonl
where are her parentsf" the doctor
asked. looking at Jim and Toby.
"She amt got no parents 'cept Toby
an me-" replied Jim. We've took
care OF her ever since she was n
baby"
"oh. ] sect" said the doctor .Vell.
one OF you'd better stay here until she
can be moved"
That's the trouble. We can't" said
Toby. hanging his head. "You see sir
circus folks Is like soldiers. No mat.
ter what happens. the show has to go
on. an we got to be In our places"
We'll well, she'll be safe enough
here" said the doctor. 'It Is n fortu-
nate thing that MFR Douglas can man
age this. Our town hospital burned
down few months ago. and we've
been rather puzzled as to what TO do
with such cases" lie took his leave.
with CHEEKY "Good night" and a
promise to look In upon the little pa
tent later. lin shufiied awkwardiy
toward the pastor.
IT'S mighty good OF you TO do this"
he mumbled. "bnt she amt goip' 10 be
no charity patient Me an Toby is
goin' to look after her keep"
"Her wants will be very few" Doug
las answered kindly. "You needn't
trouble much about that"
81 mean IT," said Jim savagely. He
met Douglas glance OF surprise with n
determined look. for he feared that his
chance of being useful to Polly might
bo slipping out OF his life.
you mustn't mind Jim" the clown
pleaded at the pastors elbow. "You
see. 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 II was thrown
open by Barker.
where IS sheT shouted the mana
ger. looking from one 70 the other.
"She can't come" said Jim In n low.
steady voice. for he knew the storm OF
opposition with which Barker would
meet the announcement.
"Can't comeT" shrieked Barker. "Of
course she'll come. can't get along
without her. She's got to come" He
looked at Jim. who remained silent
and firm. "Why amt she comln'Y" he
asked feeling himself already defeat-
ed.
"she's hurt bad" was JIm's laconlc
reply
''The devil she isw said Barker,
looking at Douglas for confirmation.
ais that right?"
'Shc won't be able to travel for some
time" said Douglas.
"Mr. Barker Is our manager" Toby
explained MS he edged bis way 10 the
pastors side.
"Some time" Barker looked at
Douglas as 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 n parson" Barker turned
away. He was not n bad hearted man,
but he was irritated and upset at los
ing the star feature OF bis bill.
"Ain't this my dOdgasted luckT" he
muttered 20 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 90
go on. Poll or no Pollw
lie turned with his hand on the
dOorknob and jerked out n grudging
thanks TO the pastor. "Its all fred
good OF you to take her in" he snid,
"but it's tough to lose her. Good
nightw He banged the door and cIat-
tered down the steps.
Jim waited. lie was trying TO find
words I'm which 10 tell bis gratitude.
None came. and he turned to go. with
n short "Goodby."
Good night. jim" said the pastor.
Tie crossed the room and took the big
fellows hand
"Much obliged" Jim answered gru6-
~. It was his only polite phrase, and
he bad taught Polly to say Il. Doug
las waited until Jim had passed down
the steps. then turned TO Toby. who
still fingered near the table.