The Springdale news., 1909-06-01

fation alligator bag, which he now held in his hand.
 It looked small and mean to him AS the moment of presentation approach ed and he was glad that the saleswo- man in the little country store had suggested tre addition of ribbons and laces. which he now drew from the pocket of bis corduroys. He placed his red and blue treasures very care. fully in the bottom of the satchel and remembered with regret the strand of coral beads which he had so nearly bought to go with them.
 He opened the large property trunk by his side and took from It laundry box which held little tan coat that was to be Toby's contribution to the birthday surprise. He was big hearted enough to be glad that Toby's gift seemed fine and more useful than his
 It was only when the ''leap of death" act preceding Polly's turn WAS an nounced that the big fellow gave up feasting his eyes OH the satehel and coat and hid them away in the big property trunk. She would be out in u minute, and these wonders were not to be revealed to her until the close of the nights performance
 Jim put down the lid of the trunk and sat upon 1t, feeling like criminal because he was hiding something from Polly.
 Ills consciousness of guilt was in. creased as he recalled how often she had forbidden Toby and himself 10 rush into reckless extravaganees for her sake and how she had been more nearly angry than he had eyer seen her when they had put their months salaries together to buy her the span ged dress for her first appearance It had taken great many apologies and promises as to their future behavior to calm her, and now they had again disobeyed her. It would be q great re lief when tonight's ordeal was over
 Jim watched Polly uneasily as she came from the dressing tent and stop ped to gaze at the nearby church stee pie The incongruity of the slang that soon came from her delicately formed lips was lost upon him as she turned her eyes toward him.
 Say, Jim," she said, with western drawl. "them's a funny lot of guys what goes to them church places, ain't they"
 Most everybody has got some kind of bug" Jim assented. Il guess they don't dc much harm
 Member the time you took me into one of them places to get me euta the raln, the Sunday our wagon broke down? Well. that bunch We butted Into wouldn't "a give Sells Bros. no cause for worry with that show a theirn. would they, Jim" She looked at him with whitening disgust. Say, wasn't that the punkiest stunt that fellow in black was doin on the plat form? You said Joe was only ten min utes gettin' the tire on to our wheel: but, say, you take il from me. Jim, If I had to walt another ten minutes as long as that one I'd be too old to go on ardin'.'
 Jim flowed" some church shows might be better than that un, but Polly said he could have her ehd of the bet and summed up by declaring 1t no wonder that s.the yaps tn these towns is daffy about eifcuses 1T they don't have nothin better sau church shows to go to-"
 One Of the grooms was entering the lot with Polly's horse. She stopped 10 tighten ole of her sandals, and as She rose Jim saw her sway slightly and put oue hand to her head He looked Ut her sharply, remembering her faint ness in the parade that morning.
 You ain't feelin right" he said un- easily.
 You just bet 1 am," Polly answered. with all Independent toss of her head This Is the night were goih' To make them kubes in there sit up, amt it. Bingof" she added placing ole arm affectiundteiy about the neck Of the big white horse that stood waiting near the entrance
 You bin ridin' too reckless lately, said Jim sternly as he followed her. "I don't like It. There ain no need Of your putin in all them extra stunts. Your act Is good enough without en Nobody else ever done 'em an no. body d miss em 1T you left 'en out Polly turned with Il triumphant ring in her voice The music was swelling for her entrance
 You aint my mother, Jiins You re my 0fdHdmother,' she tannted and