Putnam patriot., 1909-05-28

no charity patient. Me an Toby is gein' to lock after her keep
 Her wants will be very few" Doug las answered kindly You needn't trouble mu about that
 T mean it.. ~gid 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 cut of his life.
 You mustn't mind Jim" the clown pleaded at the pastors elbow. You see. pain gets some folks diferen, makes him savage.
 "Oh. that's all right" Douglas an- swered quickly His own life had been so lonely that be could under stand the selfish yearning in the big mans heart. You must do what you think best about these things Mandy and l 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 1t was thrown open by Barker
 "Where is shers shouted the mana ger. looking from one to the other
 'sShe can't come" said Jim Tn a low. steady voice. for he knew the storm of opposition with which Barker would meet the announcement.
 Cant come?" shrieked Barker. "Of course she'll come. l can't get along without her Shes got to come" He looked at Jim. who remained silent and firm Why ain't she comin'1s he asked. feeling himself already defeat ed
 She's hurt bad" was Jim's iaeonic reply.
 .The devil she isr' said Barker, looking at Douglas for confirmation. "Is that right?"
 .She won't be able to travel for some time" said Douglas.
 MT. Barker is our manager" Toby explained as he edged his way to the pastors side.
 "Some timew Barker looked at Douglas as though he were to blame for their misfortune Well. you just bet she will. he declared menaeingly.
 See here, Barker. don't you talk to him like that" said Jim. facing the manager. Hes darned square. even if he Is a parson." Barker turned away. He was not a bad hearted man. but he was irritated and upset at los 1E
 "Ain't this my dodsasted Iuek?" 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 grudgng thanks to the pastor. Its all fired good of you to take her in" he said. but it's tough to lose her. Good nightr He banged the door and clat- tered down the steps.
 Jim waited. He was trying to find words fin which to tell his gratitude. a short "Goodby."
 Good night. Jtm, said me pastor- He crossed the room and took the big fellows hand.
 Much obliged" Jim answered grun- ly. It was his only polite phrase, and he had taught Polly to say it. Doug las waited until Jim had passed down the steps. then turned to Toby. who still fingered near the table.
 You'll tell her how 1t was me an Jim had to leave her without sayin goodby. went you. sir?" Toby pleaded
 "Yes. indeed" Douglas promised
 "I1l fes put this little bit of money into her satchel" He picked np 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 man $ confidence.
 Lord bless you. yes. sir.' Toby an= swered. turning upon him eagerly .Ne an. Jim has been father an moth