Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1921-01-21
SYNOPSIS.

CHAPTER I.-Lonely and almost friend
less, Tonnibel Devon, living on canal
boat, child Of brutal father and Il worm
OUT, discouraged mother, wanders into a
Salvation army hall at Ithaca. n. Y.
There she meets younG Salvation army
captain, Philip MacCauley.
CHAPTER II.-Urtah Devon Tonys ia
Their returns to the boat from a pro-
tracted spree" and announces he has
arranged for Tony to marry worthless
companion of his, Reginald Brown. Mrs.
Devon objects and Uriah beats her She
intimates there is a secret connected
with Tonnibel.
Above them Il giant pine tree lifted
its head far above its fellows. Among
its branches The man and woman could
plainly see the upper half of girls
figure settled in the crotch of an out
spreading limb, and claSpcd III two
slender arms was the small guinea
pig. She hobhed her head gravely
held up the animal and shook ii AT
them.
Tony, herself little knew why in
times Of strife she sought refuge
among these forest giants and came
always 10 happiness, They were ami
mated beings in her mean little world
and because she had shOWercd id0la-
trOuS love on them they, from their
primeval grandeur, sent an answering
spark Of life to her starved little soul.
Tie sight of Tony further enraged
Uriah He waved her in.
Nov tell her outright, and get il
over Ede." lie said, sitting down again.
Reaching the canal boat, Tony stood
looking at her parents.
Set down" groWled Devon.
Shifting the pig little, She dropped
down on the deck. She always dread
ed these talks with her father ana
mother 1t usually meant they must
move on, Or perhaps that thrash
ing was coming her way. From under
her long lashes she gimpsed first De-
Won with his frowning brow, then at
length let her gaze settle on lhe wom-
an.
Il s'poSe | been dom something
helliSls," She ventured presently in a
low tone Have |, 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 do something
nice for you, Edie, darling" She said,
looking at her mother. zap it out
quick. sweet, ana I'll jump to do it,"
The woman began to cry softly
''Go on, Edie," said Uriah. why
in HI are YOU blubberin' over a
thing YOU can't hclp:"
But | can help it," cried Edith.
And what's more | will. Run away,
baby, and I'll have it out With your
pop While you're gone
Devon reached forward and laid a
strong OBTAINING hand on the girls
arm.
It's this" he got out between his
teeth. you got TO get married. You
been Twin OH me long enough"
The girl stared at him blankly.
Get married." She repeated duly.
Who'd marry 4 brat like me? I'm
nothin' but Il kid yet, and I'm goin to
stay right here with my mother See?
| don't have to-do |, mummy darlin,?'
"NCur mas word amt law III this
boat" answered Uriah in an ugly
tone Mine is though Fire ahead,
Edie, and tell the kid my will"
Mrs. Devon cOughed SpasmodicaIly
and tOyed with the fabric of her skirt.
a slender brown hand went up and
closed over her twitchng fingers.
Il 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 sulleiIiy into little
lines that pursed up the lovely young
mouth and Uriah Devon moved his
feet nervousy. Perhaps his task
wasn't going to be 50 easy after az.
kid" lie said huskily, ''if you don't
do what you're told, III make you.
You amt too old to CAD yet. And
YOU II ne lIlISSlu one OIL me DcSl iItk-
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 we'll tell me-"
MY friend, Reggie" said Devon,
bending over ana staring at her.
Tonnibel's mouth widened until two
rows Of teeth cleaned through the red
of her lips She made wry face
"NOthin' like that for mech, Edie%
Edith Devon was coming TO a resolu.
ton that meant trouble for herself and
for TOnnibel.
Il amt fought it all out with your
daddy, kid" she SMILED weakly. You
get to the cabin and mend them old
clothes"
Uriah Devon laid his pipe beside
him and uttered an oath.
you'll stay right here, brat" he
gritted, "and pay heed to me-
"Uriah,' screamed the woman, ''it
you go on with this. I'll tell 'er all