The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1909-04-21
WHOLE NO. 1903

no charity patient Me an Toby is
goin' to look after her keep
''Her wants will be very few" Doug;
las answered kindly. You needn't
trouble much about that"
II mean it, said Jim savagely. He
met Douglas glance of surprise with
determined look, for he feared that his
chance of being useful to Polly might
be slipping out of his life.
"You mustn't mind jim" the clown
pleaded at the pastors elbow. you
see. pain gets some folks different
from others, an it always kinder
makes him savage"
"Oh. that's all right" Douglas an
swered quickly. His own life had
been so lonely that he could under
stand the selfish yearning in the big
mans heart You must do what you
think best about these things Mandy
and | will look after the rest"
Jim hung his head. feeling somehow
that the pastor had seen straight into
his heart and discovered his petty
weakness. He was about to turn to.
ward the door when II was thrown
open by Barker.
where Is shef" shouted the mana
ger, looking from one to the other.
'She can't come" said Jim in a low,
steady voice. for he knew the storm Of
opposition with which Barker weuld
meet the announcement.
Cant Gomez" shrieked Barker. "Of
course she'll come. can't get along
without her She's got to come" He
looked Mt Jim, who remained silent
and firm. "Why amt she comin'?' he
asked. feeling himself already defeat-
ed.
"She's hurt bad" was Jim's laeonic
reply
THE devil she isr' said Barker,
looking at Douglas for confirmation.
rs that rlght?"
''Shc won't be able to travel for some
time" said Douglas.
"Mr. Barker is our manager" Toby
explained as he edged his way TO the
pastors side.
"Some timer, Barker looked ut
Douglas as 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 like that" said Jim, facing the
manager. Hes darned square. even
II he is a parson" Barker turned
away. He was not Il bad hearted man,
but he was irritated and upset at los
Ing the star feature of his bill.
"Ain't this my dodgasted luck?" he
muttered to himself as his eye again
travelled to the boss canvasman. "You
get out Of here, JIM" he shouted. "an'
start them wagons. The shows got to
go on. Poll or no Poll'
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 to find
words In which to tell his gratitude
None came. and he turned to go, with
a short "Goodby."
Good night, JIM" said the pastor
He crossed the room and took the big
fellows hand.
much Obliged" Jim answered gruff
ly. Ii was his only polite phrase, and
he had taught Polly to say 1t. Doug
las waited until Jim had passed down
the steps. then turned to Toby. wht
still fingered near the table.
You'll tell her how it was me an
Jim had to leave her without sayin
goodby, won't you. sir? Toby pleaded
Eyes. indeed" Douglas promised.
an jes' put this little bit of money
into her satchel" He picked up the
little brown bag that was to have been
Polly's birthday gift. ME an Jim
Will be sendin' her more soon.''
You're going to miss her, I'm
afraid" Douglas said, feeling an ir-
resistible desire to gain the old mans
confidence.
Lord bless you. yes, sir." Toby an
1 swered, turning upon him eagerly.
ME an Jim has been father an moth