Graham guardian., 1921-01-14

.
you get the in n temper you'd better
look out, Reggie knows Tonnibels
got rich folks, but he don't know who
they are. You, spill the beans, by CD,
and the lake for yours"
The woman's gaze sought the sheet
of blue water.
She'll grow beard mile lorg be-
fore ! tell 'er" she said finally, bring.
Ing her eyes back TO his face. '"Tell
'er yourself, and see how you like 1t T.
There was ring of revolt In her
tones that brought an expression Of
surprise to the mans face, leaving II
aagrily, frowningly red. But the
sound of girls voice on the bill
brought him suddenly to his feet.
There she is, by Cd" he cried
abruptly. Now If you want any more
lovin's from me-more'n that, II you
want 10 stay where live, you got TO
do my WILL"
"Uriah, honey, darlin'," cried Edith,
don't say that I've always stuck BY
you"
Then keep a stickln'" growled De-
Won. "For Gods snke, II the brat amt
.lugged that pig clean up that pine
tree"
Above them O giant pine tree lifted
Its head far above It's fellows. Among
its branches the man and woman could
plalRly see the upper half of girls
figure settled in the crotch of an out.
spreading limb, and clasped In two
slender arms was the small guinea
pig. She bobbed hei head gravely,
held up the animal and shook II al
them.
Tony, herself, little knew why In
times OF strife she sought refuge
umcng these forest giants aud came
always TO happiness. They were AMI.
mated beings In her mean little world
aud because she had showered idola.
trOus love on them they, from their
prlmeva grandeur. sent an answering
spark of life to her starved little soul
The sight Of Tony further enraged
Urlah. He waved her In,
Nov tell her outright. and Set 1t
over, Ede," he said, sitting down again.
Reaching the canal boat. Tony stood
looking at her parents
"Sel down." growled Devon.
Shifting The pig a little, she dropped
down OF the deck. She always dn,ad.
ed these talks with her father ana
mother. II usnolly meant they ~ nj
move on, or perhaps thai n thrash
ing was coming her way From nntjtr
her long lashes she gllmpsed first De.
von with his frownIne brow, then nj
length let her gaze settle on The WON
an.
Il s'pose been doin something
helliSh," she ventured presently in
low tone. Have ], Edie?"
Nope not this time, Tony" thrus,
In DeyOn. But we've got 10 tell Sou
something. You're gettln' to be Won
an, Tonnibel, and you got to do some
ihing for your mother and me"
I'm always wantin' 10 do something
nice for YOU, Edie, darling" she said
looking at her mother. "Yap II oul
quick. sweet, and ri jump TO do i'll"
The woman began to cry softly.
Go on, Edie," said Uriah. ''Why
In HI are you hlubberIn over
thing YOU can't help?"
"But ! eau help IT," cried Edith.
"And what's more will. Run away.
baby, and III have 1t out with your
pop While you're gone"
Devon reached forward and 'ald
strong detaining hand on the girls
arm.
"It's this" he got out between his
teeth "You got to get married You
been livin' on me long enough"
The girl stared at him blankly.
"Get married." she repeated duily.
Who'd marry brat like met I'm
no,hin but u kid yet, and Tn goin' to
stay right here with my mother. Seel
fd0n't have to--do |, mummy darIlu'?"
"Ytur mas word ain't law on this
boat" answered Urlah In an ugly
tone. milne is, though. Fire ahead,
Edie, and tell the kid my WILL"
Mrs. Devon coughed spasmodicnlIy
and tOycd with the fabric Of her skirt,
A 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 yotiF fnnd.r
Her face settled sullenIy into little
lines that pursed up the lovely young
mouth and Uriah Devon moved his
feet nervousiy. Perhaps his task
wasn't going to, be so easy after nll.
Kid" he said husklly, "if you don't
do what you're told, I'll make you.
You amt too old to CAD yet, And
youll lie mlssln' one of the best lick
ms you ever got If you mind whut !
tell you"
The girl eyed him curiously, making
sidewise gesture with her head.
"Wbo'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.
Tonnlbel's mouth widened until two
rows of teeth cleaned through the rcd
nf her lips, She made wry face.
"Nmhin' like that for me-eh. Edie?'
Edith Devon was coming to resou'
lion that meantgrouble for herself and
for TOnnibel
~ amt fought Il all out with your
daddy, Rid" she snliTled weakly. You
get to the cabin and mend them old
clothes
Uriah Devon laid his pipe beside