The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1909-04-29
CASH FEED STORE
|. II, Dsnch, Manager.
Telephone, 7-l2.
Manchester Depot. VI.

bc slipping cut of his life,
You mustn't mind Jim" the clown
pleaded az the pastors elbow. "You
see pain gets some folks different
from others. an Il always kinder
makes him savage"
"oh, that's all right" Douglas an.
swered quickly, His own life had
been so lonely that be could under
stand the selfish ycarninr In the big
mans heart. "You must do what you
think best about these things, Mandy
and | VIII look after the rest"
Jim hung his head, feeling somehow
that the pastor had seen straight Into
bis heart and discovered his petty
weakness He was about TO turn 10.
ward the door when II was thrown
open by Barker.
where Is sher shouted the mana
ger. looking from one TO the other,
"Shc can't come" said Jim In low.
steady voice, for he knew the storm OF
opposition with which Barker would
meet the announcement.
"Can't comef" shrleked Barker. "Of
course she'll come. cant get along
without her. She's got to come" He
looked at Jim. who remained silent
and firm. "Why amt she eomln'r' he
asked, feeling himself already defeat.
ed
"She's hurt bad" was Jlm's laconie
reply.
"The devil she isr said Barker,
looking at Douglas for confirmation.
"ls that right2'
"She won't be able TO travel for some
time" said Douglas.
"Mr. Barker is our manager" Toby
explained as be edged his way to the
pastors side
"some timer Barker looked at
Douglas M though he were to blame
for their misfortune. "Well, you Just
bet she will" he declared menacingly.
"See here. Barker, don't you talk to
him Ike that" said jim, facing the
manager. Hes darned square. even
II he ls a parson." Barker turned
away. He was not bad hearted man.
but be was lrritated and upset at los
ing the star feature OF his bill,
"Aln't this my dodgasted luckr he
muttered TO himself ms his eye again
Travelled 10 the boss canvasman. "You
get out OF here, Jlm," he shouted. AN
start them wagons. The shows got to
go on, Poll or no Polll'
He turned with his hand on the
doorknob and jerked out a grudging
thanks TO the pastor, ITS all fired
good OF you TO take her in," he said.
"but It's tough to lose her Good
night" He banged the door and clat-
tered down the steps.
Jim waited. He was trying 10 find
words In which to tell his gratitude
None came. and be turned to go. with
a short "Goodby."
Good night, jim" said the pastor.
lie crossed the room and took the big
fellows hand.
"Much Obliged" Jim answered gruff'
ly. II was his only polite phrase, ana
be had taught Polly to say II. Doug.
las waited until Jim had passed down
the steps. then turned to Toby, who
still fingered near the table.
you'll tell her how II was me an
lin had TO leave her without sayin'
yoodby, won't you, sirT' Toby pleaded.
"Yes, indeed" Douglas promised.
an jes' put this little bit OF money
.t. In al nm TIM
little brown bag that was to have been
polly's birthday gift. ME an Jim
viii be sendln' her more soon"
you're going TO miss her, I'm
lfraid," Douglas said, feeling an ir-
desire to gain the old mans
confidence.
lord bless you. yes. sir" Toby an
wered. turning upon him eagerly.
Me an Jim has been father an moth
r an ies' about everything TO that
title one. She wasn't much bigger'n
handful Of peanuts when we begun
-worryin' about her"
"Wel, Mandy will do the worrying
ow." Douglas laughed. shes been
ying for chance TO mother some.
ody all along Why, she even tried
! on me"
II noticed as how some OF those
hurch people seemed 10 look kinder
ueer ~ me- said Toby. "an' | been
.wonderin' II mebbe they might feel
he same about her"
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