Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1909-04-28
CONTINUED FROM PAGE THREE
No. heart thief" blurted Slim.

"Well, just the same, I'm goin' to
issue writ of replevin an try fer to
git mine back" laughed Slim. He was
about to slip his arm about her waist
when she turned and faced him. The
action so Disconnected him that he
jumped backward as if the girl was
about to attack him.
where is it?" asked Polly.
Slim, deeply in earnest. replied:
"You know where it's hid. You know
just as well as kin tell you"
Polly became remorseful. She real
1zed how much Slim was suffering,
and she was sorry that her answer to
him would be disappointment.
please don't say any more, SLIM"
she said as she stepped away. Slim
followed her up and. speaking over
her shoulder, said: 81 can't help it.
You've got my feelin's stampeded now.
an they sure has to run. I've had an
ltchin' in my heart fer you ever since
1 first knowed you. You come from
Kentucky. Well, 1 was kinder borned
up that way myself in Boone county,
an that sorter makes-well, If it did,
what want to know is
Slim hesitated and neryously hauled
at his chaps.
Twill you he my
Frightened at his holiness, he clap
ped his hand over his mouth.
"Can be your he began again.
Angry at himself, he said under his
breath, ''Tll never get this thing out
of my system" In his earnestness he
doubled up his fist and shook it behind
the girls back. Suddenly she turned
and found his clinched hand directly
under her nose. She started back in
dismay.
Excuse me-" humbly apologized
Slim. II didn't mean fer to do that,
ma'am-'deedy, 1 didn't. l was only
that's-well, reckon I'm a little Bit
Slim looked directly at the girl for
the first time. She was trying to re-
strain her hearty laughter. Sims
face broadened in a grin. you're a
mighty fine piece of work, you are, an
your family"
Polly was greatly moved by Sims
sincerity. Don't, please don't" she
pleaded "Why, I've known all along
that you love me, but
"But what?" he asked when she
hesitated.
"Tve always liked you real well,
an I've been glad that you liked me-
l don't want to lose your friendship,
though-an', oh, please forgive me-
please do" Polly was very repentant
showing it by the tones of her voice
and in her eyes.
Slim was puzzled at first Then it
stcame to him that the girl had refused
ITO marry him. "Oh, low you-all amt
a-goin' to say you love me. them
II don't believe 1 am" Polly smiled
through her tears
Slim paused, as if steadying himself
to meet the full force of the blow.
"Mebbe it's along of my red hair|i
'It is red, isn't it?" Polly smiled
kindly.
Slim ran his fingers through his
locks and then looked at his fingers
as if expecting the color would come
said.
Another thought came to him
"Freckles?" he asked laconically.
Polly only shook her head.
'There's only one cure for freckles
-sandpaper," grinned Slim.
"But it isn't freckles," replied thu
girl.
Slim looked at his hands and feet
Maybe it's fat" he hazarded. "Oh.
know I'm too fat! 1t beats all how
do keep fat"
Slim looked into his hat and sighed
"Well, suppose we don't get married
this year, do WEI?
mo, SLIM" said Polly gently.
Nor any other year to Gomez" Slin
was still hopeful.
That's the way it looks now"
Slim put on his hat and tried to wall
jauntily to the fire, whistling bit of
tune. The effort was sad failure
Here's where l get off. Pm in sur
bad luck. Somebody must have put
copper on me when l was born. / 10y
/ gotter be movin"
you won't hate me, will you, Slim
The sheriff took the girls hands
his and kissed them. Hate you?" b
almost shouted. "Why, 1 couldn'
learn to do that-no, siree-not in
thousand years.
Polly slapped Slim on the bacl
''Im clad of that" she cried. 'Brat
up. You'll get a good wife some da
There's lot Of good fish in the sea-
Slim glanced at her ruefully.
don't feel much like goin' fishin' je
now. Would you mind tellin' me if
lose out on this deal along Of som
body else a-holdin' all the cards
Slim waited for Pollys answer.
'Why, don't you knowY'
NO." he said simply.
HRut no fold MOI