American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1922-04-21


finished: But IN see that it's mighty
soon"
Mrs. Robertson's daughter was In
a brown study before the fire when
that lady came into the room, a few
minutes later.
"Marc went early tonight, didn't he,
Ever" she questioned, as she dropped
into a chair.
"He had to go and meet omeo
about those tiresOme squatters." Eve
explained. I'm sick of the sound OF
their names. Marcus says if he can't
get rid of them. he'll leave Ithaca" j
A step in the haEl closed the on
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.
II want something done very badly.
and perhaps you can accomplish it
for me-"
A lazy smile stole to Evelyn's lips.
And you know, Bob, I'll do it
if I can," she responded. "Tell me
what's or your mind, honey"
Certainly; why, yes, indeed" inter-
jected Mrs. Robertson. you know,
Bob, Eve and 1 will do anything we
can for you !"
The expression OF anxiety, which his
face had worn since he had seer the
last of Polly Hopkins, lifted a little.
THAT'S finer 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 bridled 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 us what's bothering
you"
= 81 . AO" ~ AAAC o4uaAANAo :
1 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 II
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!
~ 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 shore"
Gently, for Robert had always been
like a younger brother to her, and she
loved him dearly, Evelyn explained
MacKenzie's plans and showed how
impossible it 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 :" To head on an
objection that she saw in his eyes, she
hurried on: They're poor and unfOr-
tunate, I know. I'm sorry for them.
We all are; but you can't deny they're
worthless and filthy, and worst Of all,
they haven't any right to be whers
they are. You won't let them come be-
tween you and Marc and me, will
your
Without giving the man a chance to
answer, Mrs. Robertson interrupted
mercy, Eve, why of course he
won't! Mare will soon be one Of the
family. People of our social standing
don't wrangle over such cattle as the
squatters." She turned smilingly to
the young man and ended sweetly
you feel that way, don't you, Bob7'
D~isregarding both the lady and he
question, Robert got up, his lips grim
and his fine brow corrugated with
lines. Evelyn and Marcus could do al
they pleased; he would take his stand
right there.
Evelyn" he said slowly, II should
be sorry to have anything come be
tween us. You've always been like &
dear sister to me. l suppose les nat
ural and right for you to see this the
way Mare does. You're engaged t.
him, but you can tell him for me In
going to help the squatters any way
and every way l IAN"
Too angry to listen to any more ar
guments, he pushed his chair to on,
side and left the room.
Mrs, Robertson looked daggers a
get her breath, broke out:
"NOw, Evelyn, see what a storm
: you've stirred up! Why didn't you us,
, a little diplomacy? That was the leas
! you could have done. You get Mar
and Bob by the ears, and whereIl 20
| bel'
; "Oh! don't know! l don't know /!
/ moaned Evelyn. Don't talk to m