Middletown transcript., 1922-03-11
CHAPTER V-Continued.

morning, Poll" Oscar ran on. "It's
funny thing, but I reckon I care
more for your little finger than for
EYES whole body. Maybe some day
after l get all her cash -"
Polly coughed down lump that
persisted in coming up in her throat.
"You needn't spiel lovin's to me. Os-
car" she gulped, "an' 1 believe in be-
In honest. So, before your woman
comes, | might as we'll give you bit
of my mind. If owned you from your
cap to your boots, l wouldn't use YOU
for a doormat in front of Daddy's
shanty"
He shot look of amazement. The
confident smile faded from his face,
and his lips sagged at the corners.
Then he arose to his feet
II been thinking about you all day."
he broke forth. "You've got every
thing-looks, action and brains. I
want you, Pollyop and I'm going to
kiss you this time, so help me God!"
He took step toward her and Polly
scrambled up. Just at that moment
Evelyn Robertson entered. Oscar Ben
nett turned swiftly, and Polly, very
pale, placed herself at Ewes side. And
as the wind foamed the lake to fury
and shook Granny Hopes forsaken lit
tie hut, the man and two girls stood
silent long, tense minute.
Then Oscar smiled at Evelyn, q tri-
umphant, insulting smile.
$50 you thought it best to mind me
my lady," he laughed. II guess after
a while you'll come to know 1 mean
what l say"
Eve tried to speak but could not
Polly squeezed her arm encouraglngly.
you're mean duffer, Oscar" she
thrust in. "Your woman's scared of
you. that's all. Try bein' better, an
see how she likes it."
"She's got good right to be id
scared" grunted Bennett. "Now out
with 1t. Eve. What's the rumpus? You
haven't sent me cent for month"
With shaking fingers Evelyn pushed
back her wind-blown hair.
Il couldn't get any money, Oscar"
she walled. "My allowance is all gone.
gave every cent of it to you. You
know very well mother won't give me
any more"
She had one card left to play, and
she hoped it would take the trick.
II might as well tell you," she con-
tinued, the steel in her eyes wiping
away the blue. Mother hasn't any
money. All I thought we had belongs
to Cousin Bob"
She ceased speaking and waited an
instant to note how her news struck
her husband. He flung up a clenched
fist.
"The devil take you, Eve I" he cried.
"Don't try to put anything over on me
like that. You're the biggest liar In
Tompkins county,"
That he partly believed her showed
I'm his manner.
"Td never "a married you If I'd a
known that two years ago." Oscar as
serted hoarsely. "You can be dead
certain of that, my lady. You were
pretty careful to keep your money
troubles to yourself. Sit down, both of
you! You're shivering like two CATS"
Impulsively Evelyn went toward him.
"Oh, Oscar, listen, listen to me-" she
said, trying to steady her voice. 81
want to be free. can't, / can't live
this way any longer"
A. coarse oath fell from Benefits
lips.
"You don't need to-" he shouted
"You got home to come to-my
home. You can do the work nv old
mothers doing. It's your job, not hers.
You're my wife, by ginger, and as l
said to Pollyop here, you live with me.
or you pay up. don't give tinker's
d-n which you do"
His voice grew deep as he finished,
and an evil. taunting smile drew up
his lips. Evelyn shuddered and swayed.
and Polly slipped one arm around her
waist.
"You want to be free from me, eh ?
That's 1t, is it?" he sneered. "Some
other guy looming up to love, s'pose.
Well, don't mind who gets my leav-
ings If you make it worth my while.
But IL not"
Evelyn's pale, beseeching face lifted
to his. She could not quit him with
out his promise that she should have
her freedom. Neither must he think
that she could get him large sum
OF money.
Il can't get another dollar" she re-