The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1909-06-10

fore because believed you needed me
: But now this girl needs me more. Sh,
needs me TO protect her from Just sucl
injustice as yours
YOU'D better be protectln yourself
That's my advice TO you"
II can do that without your advice.
"Maybe you can find another churcl
with that circus rldin' Girl a-hangin
round your neck"
"He's right" cried Polly. "Yor
couldn't" She clung TO the pastor II
terrified entreaty. You couldn't ge
another church. They'd never, never
forgive you, It's no use. You've got tc
let me got You've got tor
listen, Polly" lie drew her toward
him. God IL greater than any church
or creed There's work TO be done
everywhere work"
you'll soon find out about that"
thundered Strong.
$50 ! will, answered Douglas, with
his head thrown high. This child has
opened new world to me She has
shown me broader deeper humanity,
She and viii find the way together"
at won't be an easy one, I'll promise
you that" Strong turned TO go.
I'm not looking for the easy way"
Douglas called after him; then he turn
ed TO draw Polly's arm within his, but
Polly had slipped from his side 10 fol
low the deacon.
"Oh, please, Deacon Strong, peaser'
she pleaded. "You won't go away like
that He'll be all right II you'll only
walt I'm not coming back. I'm not
honestly. I'm going on with the show
tonight and I'm going this time for.
ever"
"You are going TO stay here with
pew cried Douglas.
mo, no, Mr. John! I've made up my
mind, and | won't be TO blame for your
nnhappiness." She faced him firmly
now. II don't belong to your world,
and don't want to try any more. I'm
what he called me-Im a circus riding
girl. ] was born In the circus, and III
never change. That's my work-ridlng
and It's yours 70 preach. You must
10 your work, and III do mine"
She started toward the ring Eloise
aud Barbarian were already waiting at
the entrance.
"EloIse!" She took one step toward
her, then stopped at the sound OF Bar
ker's voice.
Ladies and gentlemen" he called
although we are obliged 10 announce
that our star rider, Miss Polly, Will not
appear tonight, we offer you In her
place an able substitute, Mile. Elolse,
on her black, untamed horse Barba-
rian."
Eloise put her hands on the horses
back TO mount
"No, nor cried Polly.
The other girl turned In astonish.
ment at the agony in her voice.
"Pollyw
"Wait, Eloisel I'm going to rider
"You can't, not Barbarianl He don't
know your turn"
$50 much the beilerw She seized the
bride from the frightened girls hand
"Pollyp' shouted Douglas. He had
followed her TO the entrance.
II must! wlllv'
She few into the ring before he
could stop her. He took one step to
follow her.
You'd better let her alone and get
out Of here" said Strong. His voice
was like nrebrand to Douglas. He
turned upon him. white with rage,
"You drove her to this" His fists
were clInched. He drew back to strike.
Jim came from behind the wagons
just In time TO catch the uplifted arm.
Leave him TO me. This amt no par
sons Job" The pastor lowered his |
arm, but kept his threatening eyes on
the deacons face.
Where's PoIlf" asked Jim.
'In therer' Douglas pointed toward
the main tent without turning his |
head He was still glaring at the dea-
con and breathing hard.
"What!" cried Jim IN alarm lie |
faced about and saw Eloise. He guess
ed the truth A few quick strides
brought him to the entrance curtains.
He threw them back and looked into
the ring.
my Godi Why don't Barker stop
herr
"What is itT' called Douglas lie
forgot the deacon IN his terror at Jim's
behavior and Strong was able 20 slip
away unnoticed.
"She's goin' TO ride She's eoin' 10
ride Barbarian"
Douglas crossed TO bis side and
looked.
Polly was springing on 70 the back
II Barbarian. He was poorly trained
horse used by the other girl for more
snowy but less dangerous feats than
poily's.
"she's goin' through her regular turn
With him She's trying TO break her
ieck," said Jim. "she wants 10 do It.
It's your fault" be cried, turning upon
Douglas with bloodshot eyez He was
lalf insane. Tie cared little whom be
"Why cant we stop herr cried
Douglas. unable to endure the strain
lie took one step inside the entrance.
mo, no. not thar Jim dragged
lin back roughly. "lf she sees you
low {, viii be the end They watch.
d IN silence. 'she's ever the erst
art" Jim whispered at last
Douglas drew back. his muscles
ense, ns be watched the scene inside
be ring Eloise stood a. the pastors
ide horror stricken nj Polly's reckless
ehavior. she knew Barbarian. II
ras easy 10 guess the end
~she's comm 10 the hoops" Jim
Fbispered hosrseiy.
"Barbarian don't know that part ]
ever trained him." the other girl said
Polly made the Grst leap toward the
oops. The horse WAS not at fault; Il
'as Polly. She plunged Wildly. The