The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1909-05-13

Just plain bullheaded. Well, he'd bet
ter get over his stubbornness right
now. II he don't we'll get another min
lister; that's ALL"
Another minister? You don't mean
It was clear enough now. She recalled
Douglas troubled look Of an hour ago.
She remembered how he had asked if
she couldn't go away. 1t was this that
he meant when he promised not to
give her up, no matter what happened.
In an instant she was at the deacon's
side pleading and terrified. "You
wouldn't get another minister! Oh,
please. Deacon Strong, listen to me,
listen! You were right about Jim. He
did come to get me, and | am going
back to the circus-only you won't
send Mr.. Douglas away. you won't!
Say you WON'T" She was searching
his eyes for mercy ut wasn't his
fault that kept staying on. He didn't
know how to get rid of me. He did
try. He tried only today"
$50 he's comm round" sneered
Strong.
Eyes, yes, and you won't blame him
any more, will you? she hurried on
anxiously. You'll let him stay, no
matter what he does. If l promise to
60 away and never. never come back
again."
81 amt holdin' no grudge agin him."
Strong grumbled. 'He talks pretty
rough sometimes, but he's been a good
enough minister. I amt forgettin'
that"
"Oh, thank you, Mr.. Strong, thank
you. I'll get my things. 1t won't take
q minute" She was running up the
steps when sudden thought stopped
her. She returned quickly to Strong.
WED better not let him know just
yet You can tell him afterward. Tell
him that ran away. Tell him that
She was interrupted by Douglas, who
came from the house. Hello. Strong!
Back asain?' he asked. in some sur
prise. Polly remained with her eyes
fixed upon the deacon, searching for
some way of escape. The pastor ap-
preached. She burst into nervous
lduSutel w udl . Lue JUNE: DOuSIdS
asked
Its only a little surprise that the
deacon and are planning" She tried
to control the catch in her voice.
You'll know about it soon, won't he
deacon? Good afternoon. Mr.. Strongw
She few into the house, laughing hys-
terically.
Douglas followed her to the steps
with i puzzled frown. 1t was unlike
Polly to give way to her moods before
others. 'Have you gentlemen changed
your minds about the little girl stay
ing on?" he asked uneasily.
Its all right now" said Strong,
seating himself with complacent air.
"All right: How So? questioned
Douglas, more and more puzzled by
the deacon's evident satisfaction.
Because" said Strong. rising and
facing the pastor-"because your cir
Gus ridin' gal is goin' to leave you Of
her own accord"
"Have you been talking to that
grip" asked Douglas sternly.
Il have" said Strong, holding his
ground
"See here, deacon, If you've been
browbeating that child I may forget
that I'm minister" The knuckles on
Douglas large fists grew whittier.
"She's goin', tell you, and it amt
because Of what 1 said either. She's
goin' back to the circus"
Il don't believe you"
"You would "a believed me If you'd
seen the fellow that was just a-callin
on her and her a-huggin' and a-kissin
of him and a-promisin' that she'd be
a-waitin' for him here when he come
back"
you He" cried Douglas, taking a
step toward the retreating deacon.
There's the fellow now" cried
Strong as he pointed to the gate
Suppose you ask him afore you cal
me a liar"
Douglas turned quickly and saw jim
approaching. His face lighted up with
relief at the sight Of the big. lumber
ing fellow.
How are you, Mr.. Douglas?" said
Jim awkwardly.
You've seen Polly?" asked Douglas
shaking Jim cordially by the hand.
Yes, I've seen her."
1.-The deacon here has an idea tha
Polly is going back to the circus will
you" He nodded toward Strong, al
most laughing at the surprise in store
for him.
Back to the circus:" asked jim
Did she say anything to you abou
it?' He was worried by the bewider
ment in Jim's manner.
Before Jim could reply Polly. who
had reached the steps in time to catcl
the last few words. slipped quickly
between them. She wore her coat an(
hat and carried a small brown satchel
"Of course l did. didn't l. Jim:" silt
said. turning her back upon the pas
tor and motioning to Jim not to an
| swer. Douglas gazed at her in aston
, ishmcnt.
| What do you mean?" be asked in
! hoarse. strained voice. He glanced a
| the coat and hat Where are 20,
| going:" g.
Polly avoided his eyes and continue,
nervously to Jim:
What made you come back? VIII,
didn't you wait for me down TIL
! street: Now you've spoiled every
thing" She pretended to be ger,
vexed with him. The big fellow look
ed puzzled. He tried TO protest. bu
she put a warning finger to her lip
and pressed the little brown satche
into his hand. It's no use" she wen
| on hurriedly We might as well tel
them everything now" She turned t
Douglas and pretended to laugh. "Yo
have found US out"
The deacons were slightly uneasy
The frown on Douglas forehead wa
deepening.
"Oh. see how serious he looks" sh
teased. with toss Of her head towar
the grim visaged pastor.
''Is this some trick:' he demands
sternly.
1 Onon,f ha al, ho pyoc1o1