The Eureka sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1902-current, 1912-12-07

In dread of his return. yet each indi-
vidual was eager to have ii over with.
No man liked the new partner: every
one knew where his real interest lay.
Thomas Braddock cursed him In Sc
cret for remaining away while the
show was lettering on its last legs.
Mrs. Braddock never spoke of the man.
but IL was not difficult to interpret the
anxious. haunted expression In her
eyes as day after day she appeared at
the tent. nor was the temporary CLEAN
Of relief less plain when she convinced
herself that he was not on the grounds.
There was method in Colonel Grand's
aloofness. He held of r~esolutely. with
almost Satanic cruelty. while Thomas
Braddock and the weather brought the
show TO the last stages Of desperation.
At the psychological moment he would
present himself and exact his pound Of
flesh.
Christine's attitude toward her father
changed forever on the night of David's
luckless appeal. She had the whole
story of her mothers life before she
went to. bed that night. From that I'M
happy hour of truth she gave all of her
love TO the abused gentlewoman whose
willfulness and folly had resulted in
her W appearance in the world. She
was no longer the gay. sprightly crea-
ture he had known at first. Now she
lived well within herself. a curb OF
her spirits that seldom relaxed except
when she was happily alone with her
mother and David.
There was no installing David's at
titude toward this dainty, bewitching
comrade of those troublous, trying
days. The whole company saw and
was delighted. "Jacky," said Joey N
evening. Il see how 1t is with you now:
but is it going to endure? Don't blush.
my lad. and don't Hare up. We all
know you're terrible took with 'er. It's
nothink to be ashamed of. Wot In
going to say is this: She's a puffect
child yet and you are still a schoolboy.
Are you going to be man enough when
you gets older and more mature-like
to stick by this ere puppy love that
means so much to 'er now? Are you
going TO love 'er ailus. just as ! dessay
you u ulQ SHt VIII bO w .Ous
"But-but, Joey" stammered David
in confusion-"she doesn't care for me
in that way"
Joey closed one eye and pulled thrice
at his pipe.
"Jacky, it's not to your credit as a
gentleman to be SO blooming stupid"
She's so very young" murmured
David.
We'll, love grows up my lad. just
the same as folks does,'' said the old
clown wisely.
Tiff | thought she'd love me when
she's old enough to-
You mean by that that you'd go
so far as to marry err
David flushed. Then his eyes flashed
with resentment: "See here, Joey.
that's not the way to speak of her.
She's a lady. She's not a. He
checked himself suddenly.
"Virginians are very Ugh and mighty
pussons, I've been told,'' said Joey.
leading him on with considerable
adroitness.
Perhaps you have also been told
that we require no lessons in chival-
ry," announced David. somewhat pomp-
ously.
Joey chuckled softly. Don't get
'uffy, Jacky. Let's get back to the
fust subject. 'Ow is it going to be
with you two when you've really
growed up? You're a couple Of babes
in the woods just now
David was silent for "a moment.
Then he faced the old clown proudly.
"She's perfect, Joey; she's wonderful.
| expect to love her always. When
she's old enough | am going to ask
her to be my wife"
provided You escape the gallows."
remarked Joey se~ntentiously.
Yes" said the boy, setting his jaw,
but turning very white. But she
knows ! am innocent. Even though /
should always live under this shadow
and under another name | would not
feel that | was doing her a wrong in
asking her to share my lot with me.
Nothing could be worse thar what she
has to bear now; but, Joey" he o n
Guided firmly, Il am going to clear my
name as sure as l live.
The old clown nodded his head, eyed
his protege furtively and lovingly and
lapsed into silence. For a long time
neither spoke. 1t was David who
broke the strain.
"Joey. | wonder If you know how
much Dick Cronk loves Ruby?' He
put the question tentatively.
II do" responded joey promptly.
"He loves her so much and so honest
ly that he won't tell 'er about it,
Il feel very sorry for him"
$50 do /. He's often told Inc that
he's mad In love with 'er. But he says
she can't haf-afford to ave anything
to do with a pickpoeket. He says it
wouldn't be right. So he's just going
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