Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1909-05-22

her laughter. her tears. 1T was you
who drove that child back to this" He
glanced at Polly. The narrow shout
ders were bent forward. The nervous
little fingers were clasping and unclasp-
ing each other. Never before had she
seemed so small and helpless
"Oh. please, Mr.. John. please don't
make him any worser'
Why didn't you tell me?'' be de-
manded.
1T would have done no good" she
sObbed. "Oh. why-why won't you
leave me alone?"
1T would have done all the good in
the world. What right had he TO send
you back 20 thisG'
Il had every right" said Strong
stubbornly.
"Whatf" cried Douglas.
at was my duty"
your duty? Your narrow minded
bigotryr'
Il don't allow no man 20 talk 20 me
Ike that not even my pars6n."
Pm not your parson any longer"
declared Douglas. He faced Strong
squarely. lie was master OF his own
affairs at last Polly clung 10 him.
begging and beseeching.
"Oh. Mr. John. Mr.. Johnw
What DO you mean by that7H shout
ed Strong.
Il mean that I stayed with YOU and
your narrow minded congregation be
fore because ! believed you needed me.
But now this girl. needs me more She
l.
injustice as yours"
You'd better be protectin' yourself
That's my advice 20 YOU"
Il can do that without your advice. -
Maybe you can find another church
with that circus ridin' girl a-hanein'
round your neck"
Hes right" cried Polly. you
couldn't" She chung 10 the pastor In
terrified entreaty. You couldn't get
another church. They'd never. never
forgive You. It's no use. You've got 20
let me goi You've got tor
Listen. Polly" He drew her toward
him. God Is greater than any church
or creed. There's work 10 bo done
| everywhere work"
'YouIl soon find out about that"
Numbered Strong.
$50 I VIII" answered Douglas. with
his head thrown high This child hns
opened a new world to me She has
shown me a broader. deeper humanity.
She and viii find the way together"
1T won't be an easy one. I'll promise
you that" Strong turned 20 go.
I'm not looking for the easy way"
Douglas called after him. then he turn
ed TO draw Polly's arm within his. but
| Polly had slipped from his side 70 fol
low the deacon.
ooh. please. Deacon Strong. pleOsew
she pleaded You won't 20 away Ike
that Hen be an right II youu only
wait I'm not coming back. I'm not
honestly. I'm going on with the show
tonight. and I'm going this time for
ever"
"You are going 10 stay here with
me-" cried Douglas.
"No. no. Mr.. John. I've made up my
mind and won't be TO blame for your
=nhapplness." She faced him firmly
now. Il don't belong TO your world
and don't want TO try any more. I'm
what ne called me-Im a circus riding
girl was born IN the circus and IN
never change. That's my work-ridinP
and it's yours TO preach. You must
DO your work. and I'll do mine"
She started toward the ring. Eloise
and Barbarian were already waiting at
the entrance.
"Eloiser' she took one step toward
her, then stopped at the sound OF Bar
ker's voice.
ladies and gentlemen" he called.
although we are obliged to announce
that our star rider, Miss Polly, Will not
I appear tonight, we offer you in her
, place an able substitute. Mile. Eloise,
on her black, untamed horse Barba-
rian."
Eloise put her hands on the horses
back to mount
''No, nor cried Polly.
The other girl turned in astonisb-
ment at the agony in her voice.
''Pollyr'
wait, Eloisel I'm going TO rider
you can't. not Barbariani He don't
know your turn"
$50 much the betterw She seized the
bride from the frightened girls hand.
LOlAy. SuOuleO DOuBldh- 1te na0
followed her TO the entrance.
81 mustl / wiIlF'
She few into the ring before he
could stop her. He took one step 10
| follow her.
You'd better let her alone and get
out or here" snid Strong. His voice
was like a flrebrand to Douglas. He
turned upon him. white with rage.
you drove her to this" His fists
, were clinched. He drew back to strike
Jim came from behind the wagons
( just in time TO catch the uplifted arm.
leave him to me. This amt no par
sons job" The pastor lowered his
arm, but kept his threatening eyes on
the deacon's face.
/ Where's Poll7" asked Jim.
ain therer' Douglas pointed toward
, the main tent without turning his
head. He was still glaring at the dea-
con and breathing hard.
"WhatT' cried Jim in alarm. He
faced about and saw Eloise. He guess
ed the truth. A few quick strides
brought him to the entrance curtains
II