Graham guardian., 1921-01-21

Her fingers let 60 their hold on the
picture, and II fell to the floor. And
there before the startled mans eyes,
she dropped down and began to sob,
long bitter sobs such as John Psndle-
haven had never heard from any Of
his own women kind.
II want some one to help nay mummy
so bad" came to him frsm smone the
curis.
Then no shook himself. dses sym
pathy striking at him.
Listen to me, my dear; you've done
my brother the greatest favor In the
world by bringing back this picture"
He stopped and picked II mp. HE
loved II dearly; no money could have
bought IT,"
Tonnibers eyes, Hlled with tears,
gazed up at him, and the red lips
trembled.
81 don't want money" she faltered.
But my poor little mummy's sick. So
I said to myself II the picture was
worth cash, then mebbe | could get
some medicine as a change off,"
"We1l go to her Instantly" said
Pendlehaven. "Wait until get my
hat and coat, and I'll tell my brother
you brought this TO him."
In few minutes he was back, find
ing her standing where he had left her,
Without a word they walked out in
to the night
As they passed the Salvation army
quarters the girl turned her head and
looked at II. But she made no remark.
and so rapid did she walk that Pendle-
haven found himself taking long
strides TO keep up with her.
To say he was surprised when they
turned from, the boulevard road to q
path leading to the west shore Of the
lake would be putting It lightly. But
he didn't ask where they were going |;
somehow II made no difference to him.
His strong, warm hand held the small
brown one, and something In the touch
Of the girls fingers made him thrill
with pleasure. He found himself vow.
ing that anything this strange child
should ask Of him. he'd do. no matter
what II might be.
They passed over a culvert through
which water, In tumbling roars. took
it's way down the hill. Just on the
north side the girl stopped.
"Here we are to the ragged rocks, :"
she sald. There's the boat where my
mummy is See that little light7 Stand
here minute till come back and get
you"
II had suddenly occurred to Tonni.
bel that perhaps her father might
have ventured home. II So then she
must prepare him for the doctors COM
ing.
She went Immediately to her mother
and looked down upon her. The
swollen lids we're still closed and the
wan white face brought rush Of
tears to the girls eyes.
ave brung some one to help you.
dsrlin'," she whispered. but the WON.
an made no move, II by chance she
heard.
Clambering up the steps, Tonnibel
was back at the doctors side before
he scarcely realized II.
"Mummy's alone" she said. "Come
on"
Pendlehavcn stopped over Edith De-
Won, gently taking her wrist In his
fingers. For some time he sat beside
her, then mixing a draught, succeeded
In pouring II down her throat. The
weary lids didn't lift, but one thin arm
came rigidly upward, then fell back
Imply.
"Some one struck her. ehi" asked
the doctor.
Yep" replied the girl, and that was
oil.
Pendlehaven didn't ask anything
more. In accepting the picture he had
| tacitly promised not to question her.
What did 1t matter to him how the
woman had come into her present con-
dltIon2 He would do his utmost, his
very best for the sake Of the trembling
child who had brought back the babys S
picture which might bring a new de-
sire to live In his Drother, Paul.
"Come outside" he said at length,
rising. u want to talk to you. She'll
sleep long time, perhaps until morn,
ing"
"She'l get well, huhf' demanded
Tonnibel, In whisper.
"Surcly," he responded. "of course
The thought of her father coming
home drunk flashed across the glrPs
mind. 81 don't want you to stay II
she's oil right" she said with back
ward bend Of her head. you said
she'd get well, didn't your At the
doctors affirmative nod she went on
"Then I'll take you back up the hill
so you'll be SAFE"
"No," said Pendlehaven, firmly
mo, won't let you. can find my
way all right, but | can't leave you
like this"
Tonnibel extended her hand, II said
was going with you" she answered
crisply. "Come on, it'll be all hour:
before you get home now. ! amt say
in I would love to have you In the
Dirty Mary with mummy and me, bu
you might get killed II you stay"
"And what about your" demanded
Pendlehaven.
"Oh. I'm used to IT," she responded
Somebody might give me A swat ol
two on my bean, but that won't coun
for nothin'"
When they reached the boulevard
he dropped her hand.
"Now go back" he said gently, :"