The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1909-04-20

CElSO.
Never mind, Mandy" said Douglas,
who was just behind her, carrying a
small water pitcher and searching for
a bottle Of brandy which had been
placed in the medicine chest for emer-
gencies.
you can take these upstairs" he
told her when he had filled the pitcher
with water and found the liquor. Man.
dy looked threatenlngly at Toby, then
reluctantly went on her way.
Douglas turned to the old man pleas
antly. His was the first greeting that
Toby had received, and he at last
found voice to ask whether Polly was
badly hurt.
1.-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. couldn't
come out right away because I'm on
in the concert. Could see her now,
please"
Here's the DOCTOR" said Douglas as
Hartley came down the stairs, follow
ed by Jim. well. doctor, not bad. |
hopper"
"Yes, rather bad" said the doctor,
adding quickly MS he saw the suffering
in Toby's face. but don't be alarmed.
She's going to get WE'LL"
"HOw long will 1t be before we can
have her back-before she can ride
again. asked Jim gruGly as he stood
apart twisting his brown, worn hat
In his hands.
Probably several months" said the
doctor. mo bones are broken, but the
Iigamcnts Of one ankle are torn, and
she received bad blow on the head.
1t will be some time before she recov.
ers consciousness"
What are we goin' to do, Jimy"
asked Toby hClp!eSSly.
You needn't worry. Wen take
good care Of her here" said Douglas.
seeing desperation written on their
faces
Hero" They looked at him in
crCdulously. And this was parson!
where nre her parcnts?" the doctor
asked. looking at Jim and Toby.
"She ain't got no parents 'cept Toby
an me-" replied Jim. We've took
care of her ever since she was n
baby"
. "0h. see" said the doctor. well,
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 90
m. an we got to be In cur places"
well. well. she'll be safe enough
here" said the doctor. at is a foru.
nate thing that Mr.. Douglas can man.
ngc this. Our town hospital burned
down a few months ago, and we've
trcn rather puzzled as to what to do
With such cases" He took his leave.
with CHEEKY Good night" and a
promise to look in upon the little m.
tICnt later. Jim shulled awkwardly
toward tho pastor.
ITS mighty good Of YOU to do this, -
BE- mumbICd, but she amt gOlu' to be
no charity patient. Me an' Toby b
goln' 10 look after her keep"
Her wants will be very few" Doug.
las answered kindly You needn't
trouble much about that"
Il mean it." said Jim savagcly. He
met Douglas glance Of surprise with q
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 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 ycarning III 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 WIS about to turn to-
ward the door when 1t was thrown
open by Barker.
"Where is she" shouted the mana.
ger. looking from one to the other.
"She can't come" said Jim in a low,
steady voice. for he knew the storm of
opposition with which Barker would
meet the announcement.
Cant conner 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'T' he
asked, feeling himself already defeat
ed.
"she's hurt bad" was Jim's larOnIc
reply.
~rhe devil she isr' said Barker,
looking at Douglas for confirmation.
"Is that right2r
"She won't be able to travel for some
time" said Douglas.