The Raymer enterprise., 1922-07-13
CHAPTER xl.

over week had passed since Hop
kins had stood before his peers to be
judged Of crime the law would not
overlook. His lawyer. a good one and
well paid by Robert Perciyal, had
fought strenuously for new tria,;
but after much dellberatlon on the
part Of the Judge, the motion had BEEN
denied: and this was the last day Of
Jeremlah's stay In the county jail.
II was soon after luncheon time that
a high-powered motorcar was carrying
Evelyn Robertson and Marcus Msc-
Kenzle to the Bennett farmhouse. The
purchasing OF the farm had been set-
tied, as far rs Marcus was concerned.
although Ewes pleading and Oscars
stubbcrnness had made him Offer
more for the place than 1t was really
worth.
When the farmer walked up to the
automobile. as 1t stopped before his
door Oscar paid no attention to Eve
lyn, sitting beside Mackenzie, save to
give her an awkward bow.
you've spoken to this squatter girl
about what you want, BennettT asked
Marcus. going TO the point at once.
"Yes, sure | have" growled Oscar.
81 told you that t'othcr day: but Polly
seems TO be always holding of for
something. II she toes the mark, then
I'll sell my farm and take her West.
| wont have that brat Of a Jerry.
though. but ] suppose Polly'll make
row when tell her that"
"fOu won't be worried with the boy,
Rennett. I'm going to have the Chill
drens society take him. Hopkins will
serve long term, and II you marry
Polly, the rest of the pests will scatter
after while. I'll be glad to be rid
Of the whole Hopkins tribe. But that
girl is Ike burr; she sticks tighter.
the more you pull
That's the bargain, Mr.. Mackenzie.
| sell the farm at the price We talked
II ! get Polly Hopkins. II don't get
'er, then | won't sell. l can make
good living here for me and my moth.
er, and | don't intend to leave this
country without POllyop."
1he thought of his staying around
Ithaca filled Evelyn with dread. She
knew something Of the tenacity with
which he clung to any notion that
might take possession Of him. How
could she have ever submitted to his
caresses? And the words, Until death
do us part" rang In her ears, filling
her with nauseaiing disgust.
Il 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 II anxious to
start, she said cOldly:
I'll 90 to her then, as soon as l
can"
"When-today, ma'am" asked Oscar
eagerly.
If she had to approach Polly Hop
kins about this dlsagreeable matter,
the sooner the better, Evelyn thought.
YES" she consented languidly. II
might go now. suppose"
But you won't find her home till
night. Eve" Marcus informed her.
She's gone to see her father before
he goes to Auburn. tried to put the
quletus on that, but Bob cut up so !
told the sheriff to let her in"
Then I'll telephone you later, Mr..
Bennett" said Evelyn, lifting her chin
as II he were really beneath
her consideration. Good afternoon I"
The hours passed slowly by! 1t
seemed an eternity'to Oscar while he
waited the call from Evelyn. When
he heard her voice over the telephone,
he answered gruflly.
"Now. don't be nasty, Oscar" or
dered Evelyn imperiously. 'Tm doing
the best l can. I'm In a booth talking,
and If you'll meet me at seven. we'll
go together to Polly Hopkins. Does
that suit you all rightT
"You don't suit me very WELL" Oscar
grumbled into the receiver. "I'd like
to give you the licking Of your life,
my LADY"
Evelyn's laugh came ringing across
the wire.
Don't put yourself out. my dear
man." she taunted. "Now, don't start
bullying me over the phone, Oscar, for
won't stand 1t. Hold your temper II
you can possibly do so. For once do
as tell you! WIN your"
"Oh, l suppose So" Bennett raped
out. "Where'll I meet your"
"Well, let me see. At seven Oh the
near the lane"
"All right" and Oscar slammed up
the receiver without waiting to hear
any more, and proceeded about his
farm tasks. Thoughts Of anger toward
Eve, now 70 overbearing and con-
temptuous, were soon crowded out,
however. By anticipation Of the time