Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1909-05-21
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BY p|ARGARtT NAYO x


The women CaZcd ut each other with
lips closed tightly. ElvcrSon'S be
hayior was beyond their power OF ex-
preston. Miss Perkins turned to the
pastor as though he were somehow to
blame for the dcacon's backsllding
but before she could find words to ar
que the point the timid little deacon
appeared IN the doorway. utterly I'M
conscious Of the hostile reception that
TASTY had prepared for him. He
glanced nervously from one set face
to the other then coughed behind his
hat.
We're all very much interested in
the circus" said Douglas. Cant you
tell us about it:'
Il just went into the lot to look for
my son." stammered the deacon. Il
feared Peter had strayed."
why. deacon" said Mrs. Willough-
by. Il just stopped by your house
and saw Mrs. Elverson putting Peter
to bed"
The deacon was saved from further
embarrassment by an exclamation
from Julia. who had stayed at the
window. "Oh, look; something has
happened" she cried There's a
crowd. They are coming this way"
Douglas crossed quickly to Julla's
side and saw an excited mob collect
ing before the entrance to the main
l., h,I
more before Mandy burst in ut the
door. painting with excitement and roll
ing her large. white trimmed eyeballs.
| MARS John. Il little circus girl done
fall off her hossw she cried. "Dr.
Hartley say can dcy bring her in
heah:"
| "Of course" said Douglas, hurrying
outside.
There were Mortified ordinations
from the women. who were aghast at
the Idea OF a circus rider In the par
sonage. In their helpless Indignation
they turned upon the little deacon. feel
ing intuitIvely that he was enjoying
the drama. Elverson was retreatiny
toward the door when he was sudden
~ thrust aside by Douglas
| In the young pastors arms was n
white. spangl,d burden Of humanity,
her slender arm hung lifelcss over his
shoulder. The silk stocking was torn
from one bruised ankle: her hair fell
across her face. yelling it from the I'M
friendly Glanlcs Of the women. Doug
las passed out Of sight UP the stair
way without looking 10 the right or
left. followed hy the doctor
| Mandy reached the front door in
time to push lack Il crowd Of intrud.
ers. She had barely closed the door
when 1t was thrust open by Jim.
"Where Is shc?" he demanded.
| "GO way fun here" cried Mandy
as her eyes unconsciously sought the
stairs.
| Jim followed the direction Of her
glance and cleared the steps at n
bound. Mandy pursued him. muttering
angrily. Deacon Elverson. too. was
about to follow when Il grim reminder
from Miss Perkins brought him around,
and he made for the door instead. lie
started back on opening II. for stand
ing on the threshold was clown In
his grOtesque makeup His white
clothes were partially concealed by n
large travelling ulster held together by
one button. In one hand he carried n
small leather satchcl. in the other a
girls sailor hat. 4 little tan coat was
thrown across his arm. The gk,gles of
the boy hiding behind his mothers
skirt were the only greetings received
by the trembling old man In the door.
way.
lie glanced uncertainty from one I'M
friendly face to the other, waiting for
q word Of invitation t. enter, but none
came
Excuse me-" he said. IL Just
brought some of her little things Shed
better put on her coat when she goes
out. It's gettin' kinder chilly"
He looked again into the blank
faces. Still no one spoke. He stepped
forward. trembling with anxiety. A
sudden fear clutched at his heart, the
muscles Of his face worked pitifully,
the red painted lips began to CULVER
1T ain't-it amt that, is it?" he faI-
tered, unable to utter the word that
filled him with horror.
Even Miss Perkins was momentarily
touched by the anguish In the old
mans voice. Il guess you will find
the person you are looking for up.