The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1912-12-06

- = ''hlil u lNEu
in dread of his return, yet each indi-
Vloual was eager to have it over with.
NO man liked the new partner: every
one knew where his real interest Law.
Thomas Braddock cursed him in Sc
crrt for remaining away while the
show was lettering on its last legs.
Mrs. BraddOck never spoke of the man.
but it 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
3lOOfneSS. He held off resolutcly, with
almost Satanic cruelty. While Thomas
iiraddock 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 10 the abused gentlevoman whose
WilIfulneSS and folly had resulted In
her " appearance In the world. She
WlS no longer the gay, %sprightly crea-
ture he q known at first. Now she
lived Well within herself, a curb on
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 his dainty, b%ewitching
comrade Of those troublous, trying
days. The whole company saw and
was delighted. "Jacky," said Joey one
evening. ~ see how il is with YOU now;
but is it going to endure? Don't blush,
my lad, ana don't flare up. We all
know you're terrible took with 'er. It's
nothink to he ashamed Of. Wot I'm
going to say is this: She's a puffect
child Yet and You are still Il ~schoolboy.
Are YOU going to he man enough when
YOU gets older and more maturelike
to stick 10y this ere puppy love that
means So much 10 'er now: Are YOU
going to love 'er aIluS. just as ! dessay
you'll lind She will do by Nou:"
But but, Joey" S~tanlnercd David
in confusion-'she doesn't care for me
in that way
Joey closed one eye aud pulled thrice
at his pipe.
'Jacky. it's not to your credit as a
gentleman to be 50 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 90
50 far rs to marry err"
David flushed. Then his eyes flashed
with reSentment: See here. joey.
that's not the way to speak of her.
She'~ Il lady. She's not a. He
checked himself suddenly.
"Nirginiaus 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
~" announced David, somewhat pomp-
ou-iy.
Jocy chuckled softly. Don't get
'utfy. Jacky. Let's get back to the
fu~r subject. CIV is it going to be
with You two when you've really
groWed up You're a couple Of babes
III the woods lust now"
David was silent for a moment.
Then he faced the old clown proudly.
shes perfect. Joey; she's wonderful.
| expect to love her always. When
shes old enough | am going to ask
her to be my wife"
provided You escape the gallows,"
remarked Joey sententiously.
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 he worse than what she
has TO bear now; but, joey he con
Guided firmly, u am going to clear my
name aS sure as ! live"
The old clown nodded his head. eyed
his prote@e furtiyely and lovingly and
lapsed into silence. For a long time
neither spoke. IT 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.
lie loves her So much and so honest
u that he won't tell or about it."
81 feel very sorry for him.
80 do l.. Hes often told me that
he's mad in love with 'er. But he saws
She can't hat afford to ave anything
to do with a pickpocket. He SAYS it
Wouldn't be right. So he's just going
on loving 'er and saying nothing.
That's the way it'll be to the end