The Adair County news., 1921-01-05
CHAPTER VIII.
The Fiaht.

taught her, and little by little Tony's
salvation boy preached his lessons of
Universal Love to her; and the eager
young mind drank in the knowledge as
a thirsty plant takes in water.
There were no signs of Uriah and
Edith returning, and Tonnibel grew
daily more hopeless when she thought
Of her mother. Perhaps she would
never see her again. She had strenu-
ously refused to speak of her people
to Paul Pendlehaven.
Doctor John noticed as the days
passed how much better his brother
was looking, and no wonder his own
heart warmed hourly to the curly
headed waif who had come among
them so mysteriously.
Unknown to either of the doctors,
Mrs. Curtis and her daughter had been
able to keep Tony Devon from meet
ing Philip MacCauley in the house. At
first John Pendlehaven had insisted
that Tony attend the family table, but
both Paul and the girl decided that
her meals should be served in the sick
room. Perhaps If Philip MacCauley
hadn't been interested In q certain lit
tie girl on canal boat, his curiosity
would have taken him to PauPs apart
ments to make the acquaintance of
the little companion John Pendlehaven
had casually spoken Of
"She's wonder, Phil" he said one
evening. "For the first time I've hopes
Of Paul's recovery"
"GoodI" replied Philip, and immedi-
ately fell into revery.
Tonnibel had reached the canal boat
and had changed to her old clothes
when suddenly she heard footsteps on
the path beside the Hoghole. Her
heart almost leapt out Of her mouth.
Perhaps her mother was coming home,
perhaps her father. Tremblingly she
reeped out through the aperture. She
rev back instantly. Reginald Brown
was approaching the canal boat. She
heard him cross the deck, and then the
footsteps ceased. She hoped with all
her might and main that he wouldn't
think of coming downstairs.
But that was exactly what he did
do. She crouched up against the
bunk, as the boy stepped into the cab
in. When he saw her slow grin
spread over his thin face.
$50 you're here" he got out thick
/ ly. Where have you been? I've WIS.,
tied this place three times in that
many weeks. Where have you been,
] say?"
go away" she said, half frightened
to death. you'd better get out of here
before my mother comes back. She'll
beat you with the broom"
I'm not afraid of your father or
mother" he said tauntingly. II know
where they are"
The words sent Tonnibel forward a
step.
"Honest?" she gasped. as it honest
what you say2"
Certainly" replied the young man,
"and they told me to come here and
get you"
Where are theyr She had come
very near him now, her eyes gazing at
him wistfully. "Please tell me where
my mummy is !"
Never mind just now," said he, his
eyes taking in her slight young figure
passionately. Here, I want to kiss
you"
He dragged her forward until her
slender, quivering body was pressed
against his. He had said he intended
to kiss her. All the rebellion of a
primitive uneducated nature sprang
into life within Tony Devon. The
curly head darted upward for a mo-
ment, and the gray eyes blazed into
the muddy blue ones, leering down
upon her. Then, knowing no other
way to protect herself from desecra-
ton, she set her sharp white teeth
into Reggie's hand, sinking them
deep beneath his skin. A cry Of hurt
rage escaped his lips. and he flung
her from him.
you little vixen," he got out, shak-
ing his hand In panic. you little
wicked bratl ThereI Now I'll teach
you to bite me again."
He sprang at her, and Tony
screamed twice with all her lung
power. Then something happened
Someone grasped hold Of the man
who had snatched her into his arms
and for what seemed an interminable
time two forms struggled together in
the small cabin. For a few seconds
Tony didn't realize who -Reggie's as
sailant was; then with a grip at hel
heart she recognized Philips white
face as with terrible strength he
dragged Reggie up the steps.
| Into her terrified eyes came one
strange flashing smile of welcome
Her salvation man had saved her. and
as every woman does In cases where
her need is great, she cried out hel
fhonkccfv fno IN his name that hest