The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1922-04-07
Storm Country Polly
BY Grace Miller White

Copyright by Little, Brown & Co.

/ their names. Marcus says If he can't
| get rid of them. he'll leave Ithaca"
A step In the hall closed the con-
versation for the time being. and a
moment later Robert Percival joined
them. In silence Mrs. Robertson
studied his face. She wondered what
had changed him so perceptibly in the
last little while. He looked almost
haggard to her searching eyes. She
was about to question him as to his
health when the young man turned to
Evelyn.
'Eve, dear" he began hesitatingly,
81 want something done very badly
and perhaps you can accomplish 1t
for me-
A lazy smile stole to Evelyn's lips.
"And you know, Bob, I'll do It
If can" she responded. Tell me
what's on your mind, honey"
Certainly; why. yes. indeed inter-
jocted Mrs. Robertson. you know,
Bob Eve and / will do anything we
] can for you'll"
The expression OF anxiety, which his
face had worn since he had seen the
last of Polly Hopkins. lifted little.
THAT'S finei" he exclaimed heartily.
There's nothing like a fellows own
women folks is there? And you're
! Just as good to me as If belonged to
you"
Mrs. Robertson brided consciously.
pleased with her nephew and pleased
with herself.
! "Why. Robert. dear" she returned.
you do belong to us. God bless you.
boy. you're my baby and Ewes little
brother. Now tell NC what's bothering
you"
ITS Mares row with the squatters!
| can't get the poor devils out of my
mind. Eve. can't you get him to leave
the settlement people alone? I'd let |
them have some of my land. but It |
doesn't touch the lake. and they
couldn't make a living on It."
Evelyn arose and crossed the room
to the table. She had not expected |
this. Her promise to Mackenzie
flashed into her mind
81 don't like interfering with Mares
business, Bob" she demurred. "Be-
sides, he wants to improve the prop
erty down there, and he can't while
the fishermen stay on the shorel"
Gently, for Robert had always been
like younger brother to her, and she
loved him dearly. Evelyn explained
MacKenzies plans and showed how
impossible 1t was for her, under the
circumstances, to interfere with them.
Then she crossed to his side and bent
over HIM.
Robert, dear" she begged. Forget
about the squatters. They aren't any
thing special to you 7" To head off an
objection that she saw in his eyes, she
hurried on They're poor and unfor-
tunate. l know. Tin sorry for them.
We all are; but you can't deny they're
and filthy, and worst of all,
they haven't any right to be where
they are. You won't let them come be-
tween you and Marc and me, will
your"
Without giving the man chance to
answer, Mrs. Robertson interrupted:
mercy, Eve, why of course he
von'tl Marc VII, soon be one of the
'amily. People of our social standing
ion't wrangle over such cattle as the a
;quatters" She turned smilingiy to +
he young man and ended sweetly: S
You feel that way. don't you, Bob~ |
Disregardlng both the lady and her
question, Robert got up. his lips grim h
md his fine brow corrugated with I
ines. Evelyn and Marcus could do as b
hey pleased he would take his stand
light there. a
Evelyn" he said slowly, 81 should Y
e sorry to have anything come be- \
ween us. You've always been like
ear sister TO me. | suppose it's nat p
raj and right for you to see this the
lay Marc does. You're engaged TO o
i'm, but you can tell him for me I'm v
ding to help the squatters any way o
nd every way l cam :,
Too angry to listen to any more ar m
uments, he pushed his chair to one
de and left the room. p
Mrs. Robertson looked daggers at W
er daughter and as soon as she could T.
ct her breath, broke out: 50
snow, Evelyn, see what a storm MI
Du've stirred upl Why didn't you use
little diplomacy? That was the least as
Du could have done. You get Marc o,
nd Bob by the ears. and wherell you al
sw he
"Ohl | don't knowl l don't know ~
oaned Evelyn. Don't talk TO me eli
ny more. I'm just about crazy. I'm
ling to bed Good night" f.
So
NuhDTED ~ or