The Springdale news., 1909-07-16

LII -LOOh> l@ ME TEAMED.
 "Have you been talking to that girl?' asked Douglas sternly.
 .I haye,' said Strong, holding his ground
 "See here, deacon. if you've been browheating that child may forget that I'm minister The knuekles on Douglas large fists grew whiter.
 "she.s soin, I tell you, and it aint because of what I said either. She's goin back to the circus.'
 - don't believe you"
 You would a believed me if you'd seen the fellow that was just a-callin' on her and her a-huggin' and a-kissin' of him and a-promisin that she'd be a-Waitin5 for him here when he come back
 You lie" cried Douglas, taking step toward the retreating deacon.
 "rhere,s the fellow new' cried Strong as he pointed to the gate. Suppose you ask him afore you eal me lar
 Douglas turned quickly and saw Jim approaching His face lighted uF with relief at fhe sight Of the hie. lumber ing fellow.
 How are you, Mr. Douglass" said Jim awkwardly.
 You've seen Polly?" asked Douglas. shaking Jim cordially by the hand
 "Yes. I've seen her
 'srhe deacon here has an idea that Polly k going back to the circus with you He nodded toward Strong, fl most laughing at the surprise in store for him.
 Pack to the eircus?s asked Jim.
 Did she say anything to you about itY' He was worried by the bewilder ment in Jim's manner
 Before Jim could reply Polly. who had reached the steps in time to catch the last few words, slipped quickly between them. She wore her coat and hat and carried a small brown satchel
 "Of course l did. didn't I, JimY she said turning her back upon the pas tor and motioning to Jim not to an- swer. Douglas gaZed at her in aston ishmcnt.
 What do you mean?' he asked in a hoarse, strained voice. He glanced at the coat and hat Where are you going?"
 Polly avoided his eyes and continued nervously to Jim:
 What made you come back? Why didn't you wait for me down the street? Now you've spoiled every thing She pretended to be very vexed with him. The big fellow look ed puzzled. He tried to protest but she put a warning finger to her lips and pressed the little brown satchel into his hand. Its no use" she went on hurriedIy. We might as well tel them everything now" She turned to Douglas and pretended to laugh. You have found us out
 The deacons were slightly uneasy The frown on Douglas forehead was deepening.
 "0h. see how serious he looks" she teased, with a toss of her head toward the grim visaged pastor
 "Is this some trick?'' he demanded sternly
 Don't be angry" she pleaded wish 
 me luck"
 She held out one small hand He did not take Ii. She wavered: then she felt the eyes of the deacons upon her. Courage returned, and she spoke In firm. clear voice, "I am going to run away"
 Douglas stepped before her and stud 1 fed her keenly
 Run away" he exclaimed incredu lously
 'Yes-to the circus with Jim''
 You couldn't do such a thing" he answered excitedly "Why. only mo ment ago you told me you would never leave me"
 "0h, but that was q moment ago. she cried in strained high voice That was before Jim came. You see. i I didn't know how felt until saw | Jim and heard all about my old i friends-how Barker is keeping my place for me and how they all want to see me. And want to see them and 10 hear the music and the laugh. ter and the clown songs Oh. the clown songsr' She waltzed about. bumming the snatch of melody that Mandy had heard the morning that