Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1909-06-04

Gus rldin' gal is goin' to leave you of
her own accord"
'Have you been talking to that
girl?" asked Douglas sternly.
81 have" said Strong. holding his
ground
"see here. deacon. If you've beer
browbeating that child may forget
that I'm minister" The knuckles on
Douglas large fists grew whittier.
"She's goin', tell you. and it amt
because of what l. said either. She's
goin' back to the circus"
81 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-wnitin' for him here when he come
back"
"You lie!" cried Douglas. taking
step toward the retreating deacon.
There's the fellow now!" cried
Strong as he pointed to the gate
Suppose you ask him afore you call
me liar"
Douglas turned quickly and saw Jim
approaching. His face lighted up with
relief Mt the sight of the big. lumber.
ing fellow.
How are you, Mr.. DouglasY said
Jim awkwardly.
you've seen Polly?" asked Douglas,
shaking Jim cordially by the hand.
Yes. I've seen her."
'.The deacon here has an idea that
Polly is going back to the circus with
YOU" He nodded toward Strong, al
most laughing at the surprise in store
for him.
Back to the circus?" asked Jim.
did she say anything to you about
it?" 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 l, Jim?" 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
and pressed the little brown satchel
into his hand Its no use." she went
on hurriedly. I'VE might as well tell
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
"Oh. see how serious he looks!" she
teased, with toss of her head toward
the grim visaged pastor
SIS this some trick?" he demanded
sternly.
Don't be angry" she pleaded "wisl
me luck"
She held out one small hand. He die
not take it. She wavered: then SHE
felt the eyes of the deacons upon her
Courage returned, and she spoke in 9
firm. clear voice. II am going to rur
away"
Douglas stepped before her and stud
led her keenly.
run away?" he exclaimed incredu
lousy.
''Yes-to the circus with jim"
you couldn't do such thing" hi
answered excitedly. "Why, only mo
ment ago you told nue. you would never
leave me-"
"Oh, but that was moment ago.
she cried In strained high voice
'That was before Jim came You see
didn't know how felt until saw
Jim and heard all about my oil
friends-how Barker is keeping m.
place for me and how they all wan
to see me. And want to see then
and to hear the music and the laugh
ter and the clown songs oh. tn
clown songs!' She waltzed abou
/ humming the snatch Of melody tn,
/ Mandy had heard the morning tn,
Polly first woke In the parsonage:
, Ting. ling
, That's how the bells ring.
Ting, ling, pretty young thing.
She paused, her hands clasped b
hind her head, and gazed at them wit
brave little smile. "Oh. it's going
be fne-fne!'
"You don't know what you're doing
said Douglas. He seized her rough
by the arm. Pain was making hi
! brutal. II won't let you go! Do ye
hear me? I won't-not until you,
. thought it over"
!; II have thought it over" Polly a
swered. meeting his eyes and trying
speak lightly. Her lips trembled. 81
could not bear for him to think her
= ungrateful. She remembered his gre
: kindness, the many thoughtful &c
that had made the past year so pr
cious to her.
you've been awfully good to N
Mr.. John" She tried to choke back
sob. IN never forget it-never!
always feel the same toward you. B
you mustn't ask me to stay. want
get back to them that knew me first
to my own. Circus folks aren't cut Q
for parsons homes. and l was born
the circus love It'll love it?' s