The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1909-04-29


gator satchel and the little coat and
hat on the study table. He was care.
ful not TO wrinkle the coat, for this
was Polly's birthday gift. Jim and he
had planned to have sandwiches and
soda pop on the top OF the big wagon
when they offered their treasures to-
night. But now the wagons would
soon be leaving, and where was Pol
lyi He turned TO ask this question ns
Mandy came down the stairs.
"well, II dar amt anuddcr onew she
cried.
Never mind, Mandy" said Douglas,
who was just behind her carrying a
small water pitcher and searching for
bottle OF brandy which had beei
placed In the medicine chest for emer-
gencies.
"Yon can take these upstairs" he
told her when he had filled the pitcher
with water and found the liquor. Man
dy looked threateningly 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 be at last
found voice to ask whether Polly was
badly hurt.
The doctor hasn't told us yet" said
Douglas kindly.
"Im her Uncle Toby-not her real
Ia hA al
that's what she calls me- couldn't
come out right away because I'm on
In the concert. Could | see her now.
pleaser
Here's the doctor" said Douglas as
Hartley came down the stairs, follow
ed by Jim. "Well doctor, not bad,
hopeT
"Yes, rather bad" said the doctor.
adding quickly as he saw the suffering
In Toby's face, "but don't be alarmed.
She's going to get we'll"
How long will II be before we can
have her back-before she can ride
again?' asked Jim grutiiy as he stood
apart, twisting his brown. worn hat
In his hands.
Probably several months" said the
doctor. "N0 bones are broken, but the
lIgaments Of one ankle are torn, and
she received bad blow on the head
II will be some time before she recov.
ers consciousness.
what are we goln' to do, JimT
asked Toby helplessly.
You needn't worry. Wen take
good care OF her here" said Douglas.
seeing desperation written on their
faces.
'Herer They looked at him in
credulously. And this was a parsonl
where are her parentsT the doctor
asked, looking at Jim and Toby
"She amt got no parents 'cept Toby |
an me-" replied Jim. We've took
care OF her ever since she was q
baby"
"Oh. seer' 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 IL like soldiers No mat.
ter what happens, the show has to 60
On, an we got to be In our places"
"Well. well. she'll be safe enough
here" said the doctor. III is a fortu.
nate thing that Mr.. Douglns can man
,ge this. Our town hospital burned
lown few months ago, and we've
been rather puzzled as TO what to do
With such cases" He took bis leave
with CHEEKY Good night" and a
promise TO look In upon the little pa.
lent later. Jim shufiied awkwardly
oward the pastor.
"It's mighty good Of you TO do this"
10 mumbled. "but she amt goiD' TO be
10 charity patient Ae an Toby is
toin' to look after her keep"
Her wants will be Icfg few" Doug
as answered kindly. You needn't
rouble much about that" Il
Il mean IT, said Jim savagely He
net Douglas glance Of surprise with 0
determined look, for be feared that his
hance OF being useful 10 Polly misht