The herald., 1920-12-16

81 s'pose l been dom something
hellish." she ventured presently in a
low tone. Have l, Edie?"
"Nope, not this time, Tony" thrust
In Devon. But we've got TO tell you
something. You're gettin' to be a wom-
an. Tonnibel, and you got to DO some
thing for your mother and me"
I'm always wantin' to 90 something
nice for you, Edie, darling" She said,
looking at her mother. "Yap it out
quick, sweet, and I'll jump to do i'll"
The woman began 10 cry softly.
Go on, Ed!e," said Uriah. Why
In HI are you blubberin' over
thing you can't help?
/ But | can help IT," cried Edith
And what's more l will. Run away.
baby, and I'll have 1t out with your
pop while you're gone"
Devon reached forward and laid
strong OBTAINING hand on the girls
arm.
It's this" he got out between his
teeth. You got to get married. You
been Twin on me long enough"
The girl stared at him blankly.
Get married." she repeated duly.
who'd marry a brat like mel I'm
nothin' but q kid yet, and I'm gOIn' TO
stay right here with my mother. Sect
don't have to-dO |, mummy darlin'T
Your mas word amt law on this
boat" answered Uriah In an ugly
tone. mine is. though. Fire ahead.
Edie, and tell the kid my will"
Mrs. Devon cOughed systematically
and toyed with the fabric of her skirt.
slender brown hand went up and
closed over her twitching fingers.
II wouldn't marry any Of the NUTS
you know. daddy" the girl burst out
In desperation. $50 get that notion
clean out of your mind"
Her face settled sullenly into little
lines that pursed up the lovely young
mouth. and Uriah Devon moved his
feet nervously. Perhaps his task
wasn't going TO be so easy after all
Kid" he said huskily. IF you don't
do what you're told, I'll make you.
You amt too old to CAD yet. And
you'll be missin' one of the best lick.
ms you ever got If you mind what /
tell you"
The girl eyed him curiOusly. making
a sidewise gesture with her head.
who's the duffer you've chose out
for me?" she asked at length. you
might as well tell me-"
"My friend, Reggie" said Devon,
bending over and staring at her.
Tonnibel's mouth widened until two
rows Of teeth cleaned through the red
Of her lips. She made q wry face
"NOthin' like that for mech, Elder
Edith Devon was coming TO a resolu
ton that meant trouble for herself and
for Tonnibel.
81 amt fought II all out with YOU
daddy, kid" she SMILED weakly. "Yor
get to the cabin and mend them ole
, clothes"
Uriah Devon laid his pipe beside
him and uttered an oath.
you'll stay right here, brat" h'
. gritted, "and pay heed to me-"
"Uriah," screamed the woman. II
you 90 on with this, I'll tell 'er all
know. l swear l will. Tony. honey
| Tony, baby, II amt"
D With roar the man sprang fOrwart
| and In his effort to reach his wifi
knocked the girl fiat on the deck
: When Tonnibel rolled over and sat UP
her mother was stretched along tn
boat rail. and Devon was standing
over her. She lay so dreadfully still
, and limp that the girl scrambled t
. her feet
, It wasn't the same Tony who hat
: come fearfully to them but a shor
:. period before with the little pig in he
!, arms; nor the same girl who ha,
swung in the treetops making pla
' fellows Of the squirrels and answerin
the shr1ll calls Of the forest birds. Sh
: seemed suddenly to have grown taller
and as she flung herself on Devon, tn
very strength Of her little body sen
!, him sprawling against the side Of tn
!, cabin. "Now you killed her, d.
YOU she screamed. "f you kick e
!. -Tll-Tll-" She dropped at the sid
|. Of her mother. her threat broken
y two by the awful pallor on the won
= ans face. "Oh, God. mummy darlin
Il mummy darlin'," she ended in a BIZ
ter cry.
u Growing In rage, Devon turned o
her.
"Mebbe I have killed 'er," said h
q IF so, I'll make a good Job Of 1t an
finish you too"
l. The girl rose before him, her eye