West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1909-05-27

hitlliE duBel, even unto the 1OrDi0Qen
portals OF the big top.
He was peeping through the curtains
which had fallen behind her and was
getting his first glimpse of the great
sawdust world beyond when one OF
the clowns dashed from the dressing
tent on his way TO the ring.
The clown was late. He saw the
limp coattails OF the deacon, who wns
three-quarters In the tent Here was
chance TO make funny entrance.
He grabbed the unsuspecting little man
from the rear. The terrified deacon
struck out blindly In all directions, his
black arms and legs moving like n CEN
tiped's. but the clown held him firmly
by the back and thrust him headfore-
most into the tent.
Strong returned almost Immediately
from his unsuccessful search for the
pastor He looked about the lot for
Elverson.
Hey, there, ElversonP' he called
Justify. There was no response.
Now. where's he got tor" grumbled
Strong He disappeared quickly around
the corner Of the dressing tent, re-
solved to keep n sharp lookout for
Douglas.
Elverson was thrust from the tent
soon after. splitting sawdust and much
discounted, by the laughing perform
ers who followed him. His knees al
most gave way beneath him when Bar
ker came out Of the ring, swapping his
long black whip.
Get out OF here. you blokew roared
Barker. and Elverson got"
No one had remembered TO tell the
groom that Polly was not TO ride to.
night. so Blngo was brought out rs
usual when their turn" approached.
Take him back, Tom," Polly called
from the entrance when she learned
5ingo was waiting, "and bring Barba-
rian. "Pm not going on tonight. EIoise
Is going to ride In my place"
This was the second time today that
6ingo had been led away without go
ing into the ring. Something In his
big. wondering eyes made Polly follow
aim and apologize. lie was very
proud. was Bingo. and very conscIen.
tious. He felt uneasy when he saw
the other horses going to their work
without him.
Never mind, Bingo," she said, pat
ting his great, arched neck; wen
show 'em tomorrow" He rubbed hls
satlny nose against her cheek. Wen
make them sit up again. Barker says
our acts no good-that I've let down.
But It's not your fault. Bingo. I've
not been fair to you. I'll give you a
chance tomorrow. You wait. He'll
never say II again. BingO. never
sgainF'
Polly had nothing more to do to-
night except TO get into her street
clothes. The wagons would soon be
moving away. For n moment she
glanced at the dark church steeple:
then she turned TO go inside the tent
a deep, familiar voice stopped her.
"Pollyw
She turned quickly. She could not
answer Douglas came toward her
lie gazed at her I'm amazement. She
drew her cape about her slightly clad
| figure. She seemed older TO him, more
unapproachable with her hair heaped
/ bigh and sparkling with jewels.
She found strength at last TO open
her lips. but still no sound came from
them She and the pastor looked at
each other strangely, like spirits new
ly met from far apart worlds. She,
| too. thought her companion changed.
| lie was older; the circles beneath his
| eyes were deeper, the look I'm their
depths more grave.
I'VE were such close Deigbbors to-
/ day IL rather thought you'd call" !"
| he stammered. He was uncertain
what he was saying. IL did not matter
he was there with her
when you're IN a circus there isn't
much time for calling"
That's why I've come 10 call on
you" They might have been shep-
herd and shepherdoss on a May day
woOlng FOR the halting way IN which
their words came
You're all rightY" he went on.
You're happyT
Yes, very" she said Her eyes
were downcast.
! lie did not believe her. The EFFORT In
her voice, her drawn, white face, belled
her words. How could ne get the
| truth from herr
Jim said you might not want to sec
me-"
| She started.
Has Jim been talking to your"
Yes, but didn't let him stop me,
FOR you told me the day you left that
l you'd never change toward me. Have
you, PollyT lie studied her anxlously
why, no, Of course not" she said
evaslvely.
And you'll be quite frank when /
ask you somethingT'
Yes, Of course" She was growing
more and more uneasy. She glanced
about for n way Of escape
4! Why did you leave me rs you didT'