The Springdale news., 1909-08-13
POLLY
 Of the
 CIRCUS
[ooyTINuED.l
By MARGARET MAYO
Copyright. 1908. by Dodd. Mead and
 Company

EtNefSQD.
 Hey. there, Elverson" he called lustily. There was no response
 Now. where's he got to%' grumbled Strong He disappeared quickly around the corner of the dressing tent re solved to keep sharp lookout for Douglas.
 Elverson was thrust from the tent soon after, splitting sawdust and much discomfted ny the laughing perform CTS who followed him. His knees al most gave way beneath him when Bar ker came cut of the ring. snapping his long black whip.
 Get out of here you bloke" reared Barker. and Eiverson got
 Nc one had remembered to tell the groom that Polly was not to ride to= night. so Bingo was brought out 3s usual when their turn" approached Take him back. Tom." Polly called from the entrance when she learned Bingo was waiting, and bring Barba- rian. I'm not going on tonight Eloise is going to ride in my place"
 This was the second time today that
  ing into the ring. Something in his big, wondering eyes made Polly follow him and apologize. He 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 Il show 'em tomorrow" He rubbed his satiny nose against her cheek Well 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 q chance tomorrow You wait. Hell never say 1t again. Bingo. never again.
 Polly had nothing more to do to- night except to get into her street clothes. The wagons would soon be moving away For moment she glanced at the dark church steeple, then she turned to go inside the tent. A deep, familiar voice stopped her. "Poily!e
 She turned quickly. She could not answer Douglas came toward her. He gazed at her in amazement. She drew her cape about her slightly clad figure She seemed older to him. more unapproaehable with her hair heaped high and sparkling with jewels.
 She found strength at last to open her lips, but still no sound came from them. She and rhe pastor looked at each other strangely, like spirits new ly met from far apart worlds. She, too, thought her companion changed, He was older, the circles beneath his eyes were deeper, the look i'll their depths more grave.
 We were such close neighbors to- day I-I rather thought you'd call, :" he stammered He was uncertain what he was saying. It did not matter he was there with her.
 When you re in circus there isn't much time for calling"
 That's why I've come to call on you" They might have been shep- herd and shepherdess on a May day wooing for the haltiug way in which their words came
 You're all right" he went on. You're happy :"
 Yes, very she said Her eyes were downcast.
 He did not believe her The effort in her voice. her drawn. white face, belied her words. How could he get the truth from her
 Jim ssid yon might not want to see me
 She started
 Has Jim been talking to you?''
 Yes, but didn't let him stop me for you told me the day you left that you'd never change toward me Have you, PollyY He studied her anxiously ' Why. no, of course not. she said evasively.
 And you'll be quite frank when l ask you somethingF'
 Yes, of course" She was growing more and more uneasy. She glanced about for a way Of escape.
 Why did you leave me as you did - T told you then" She tried to cross toward the dressing tent
 He seized her small wrists and forced her to look at him
 And l am not happy without you. and l never, never can be. The flood gates were open. His eyes were aglow He bent toward her eagerly,
 Oh. you mustn't" she begged
 " ou'ye grown so close. he cried "So cI0se'@ She struggled tO he free He did not heed her "Nou know. you must know. what I mean He drew her toward him and forced her into his arms You're more precious te me than all else on this earth"
 For the first time he SAW the ex treme pallor on her face He felt her growing limp and lifeless in his arms doubt crossed his mind If l an wrong in thinking you feel as l do If you honestly care for all this" he glanced about at the tents, more than for any life that l can give you, shant interfere. You'll be going or your way in an hour. I'll say good