Polk County news. [volume] (Benton, Tenn.) 191?-1983, 1920-11-25
CHAPTER III-Continued.

straight ter HI, 1 hope" the Buff
falO Gap J. p. burst out, forgetting
his clerical role in a sudden express
sion of feeling. "Whataver caused the
fool to butt in?"
"Oh, he didn't intend nuthin'. Tom
amt that kind. He just drifted long
ter see the fun. Yer can't blame him
cause the CURL took shine his way
The two disappeared, their voices
still grumbling, and Shelby got to his
feet and moved along the edge of the
tent to where he could view the shack
better. Through the window on that
side an unobstructed blaze of light
poured forth. but even as he stood
staring at it the girl appeared fully
revealed In the glare and drew down
the curtain. He saw her clearly, like
a picture in a frame, one round arm
uplifted to grasp the shade. He drew
a quick breath, almost of astonish-
ment, conscious of the rapid beating
of his heart. BY heaven, she was
actually pretty! He had never thought
that before; but then, in that rudy
light. the strange impression took pos
session as something entirely new.
And it served to strengthen his pur-
pose. He would not play the part OF
a coward; he would go in and ex-
Dlain: he would make her understand
exactly how matters were with MIN
and why he acted as he had.
Yet this was accomplished hesitat-
ingly and in doubt. He was at the
door twice before he found sufficient
courage to knock lightly. There was
no response and he used his knuckles
a trifle louder, intensely conscious OF
a desire to turn and run away But
there was no opportunity. The latch
clicked sharply and the light streamed
directly into his face, fairly binding
him.
"Oh. so it is you back againT she
asked coldly. what did you wantT
"Just-just to have word with
you-privately," he explained iamelv'
blinking his eyes. Il thought may
be / could explain"
Explain what z
"Why-why how this thing happen
ed. Miss" His confusion rendered MIN
almost incoherent. "You see, Il
don't want you to think I'm that sort"
"Oh, you don't? Well, I'm not that
sort. either. Come along in, II you
want to; I'll hear what you nave 10
say"
Shelby never felt quite so awkward
and impotent before in all his life, as
he did standing there, Kidding WIN
the hat in his hand, while the girl
carefully closed the door behind MIN.
Her own appearance of ease even Oh
enjoyment, only added to his deep EN-
barrassment.
For the first time he really took
notice of the room, how plainly 1t was
furnished; a deal table, two chalrs'
the stove, q few books on shelf, with
q small clock between. Everything
looked cheap, but Immediately cieah'
and as his eyes wandered back to the
girl, that was what Impressed MIN
most about her-cleanliness. 1t was
evidenced in face and hands, In the
dark skirt and white waist, In the
smooth strands of hair.
"Well," she said pleasantly. Il reckon
you might as we'll sit down, as long
as you are here"
He found chair and dropped into
t. and she took the only other one,
her hands clasped in her lap and her
serious eyes watching him with UNI
disguised curiosity.
! IT didn't expect to see you again.
she broke the silence which was be-
coming awkward. "What was 1t that
brought you back2"
! "Fact is l don't know" he explained,
startled at the sound of his own voice.
"You see IL sorter got an idea you
might be lonesome and-and bit
mad at me, an so l thought maybe
Il better drop in an tell you how 1t
all happened. But 1t don't look Ike
you was mad"
mo, Tn not mad. I flared up for
n minute, but that's all over with. l
amt botherin' none about that outfit"
$50 see." somewhat more at ease
md crossing his legs. Il reckon that's
about the right way to look at 1t.
whatever made you pick me?'
"why, naturally, l took the best
Iookin gone saw, Mister-Mister-"
"Shelby, Tom Shelby; so you didn't
even know my nameT"
mo idea of what 1t was; l picked
you out because you didn't live here