The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1922-04-14
CHAPTER XII.

Over a week had passed since Hop
kins had stood before his peers to be
judged Of a crime the law would not
overlook. His lawyer, a good one and
well paid by Robert Percival, had
fought strenuously for a new trial ;
but after much elaboration on the
paft Of the judge. the motion had been
denied; and this was the last day of
Jeremiah's stay in the county jail.
1t was soon after luncheon time that
a high-powered motorcar was carrying
Evelyn Robertson and Marcus Mac
Kenzle to the Bennett farmhouse. The
purchasing of the farm had been set
tied. as far as Marcus was concerned.
although Ewes pleading and Oscars
stubbcrnness had made him offer
more for the place than it was really
worth.
When the farmer walked up to the
automobile, as 1t stopped before his
door, Oscar paid no attention to Eve
Ign, sitting beside Mackenzie. save to
give her an awkward bow.
you've spoken TO this squatter girl
about what you want. Bennett?" asked
Marcus. going to the point at once.
Eyes. sure l have" growled Oscar.
II told you that t'other day: but Polly
seems to be always holding off for
something. If she toes the mark, then
I'll sell my farm and take her West.
I won't have that brat of a Jerry,
though, but | suppose Polly'll make a
row when I tell her that"
"You won't be worried with the boy,
Bennett. I'm going to have the Chill
dren's society take him. Hopkins will
serve long term, and If you marry
after a while. I'll be glad to be Ri
Of the whole Hopkins tribe. But tx,
girl is like a burr; she sticks tighter.
the more you pull"
That's the bargain, Mr.. Mackenzie
l sell the farm at the price we talked
If | get Polly Hopkins. If don't get
'er, then l won't sell. can make
good living here for me and my moth
er, and / don't intend to leave this
country without Pollyop."
The thought of his staying around
Ithaca filed Evelyn with dread. She
knew something Of the tenacity with
which he chung to any notion that
might take possession of him. How
could she have ever submitted to his |
caresses? And the words Until death |
do RI In
her with nauseating disgust.
II wish he were dead this minute"
she thought passionately.
She was waiting for Oscar to con-
tinue. but he evidently did not intend
to; so. settling back as If anxious to
start, she said coldly:
I'll go to her then, as soon as l
cam"
"When-today, maami" asked Oscar
eagerly.
II she had to approach Polly Hop
kins about this dIsagreeable matter.
the sooner the better. Evelyn thought.
''Yes." she consented languidly. 81
might go now, l suppose"
"But you won't find her home till
night, Eve" Marcus Informed her.
She's gone to see her father before
ne goes to Auburn. | tried to put the
luietus on that, but Bob cut up so
old the sheriff to let her in"
''Then I'll telephone you later, Mr..
Bennett" said Evelyn, lifting. her chin
,aughtily as If he were really beneath
Ter consideration. Good afternoon !"
The hours passed slowly BY 1t
seemed an eternity to Oscar while he
waited the call from Evelyn. When
le heard her voice over the telephone,
lie answered gruffiy.
"Now. don't be nasty Oscar" or
Tered Evelyn imperiously. "Tm doing
he best can. I'm in booth talking.
nd If you'll meet me at seven. wen
% together TO Polly Hopkins. Does
nat suit you all right?"
"You don't suit me very WE'LL" Oscar
rumbled into the receiver. 'Td like
o give you the licking of your life.
ny lady"
Evelyn's laugh came ringing across
he wire.
Don't put yourself out. my dear !
ian," she tainted "Now, don't start
ulying me over the phone, Oscar. for
won't stand 1t. Hold your temper III
GU can possibly do so. For once do /
s tell you'll VIII your"
ooh, suppose So" Bennett raped
ut. "Wherell / meet your"
'Weil, let me see. At seven on the
near the lane"
"All right p and Oscar slammed up
le receiver without waiting to hear
ny more, and proceeded about his |
lrm tasks. Thoughts of anger toward
We. now so overbearing and con-
were soon crowded out,
Dwever. by anticipation of the time +
hen Polly would belong to him-be 4