American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1922-05-05

theh Marcus Mackenzie laughed again.
Lower and lower fell the curly head.
for the sarcastic sound told her more
plainly than any words could have
done that she would get no sia from
him.
Robert stopped and lifted her mn
"D0n you, Marel Stop it!r he de
handed. IT'S wicked, downright
wickedP And to her he murmured.
poor little grit Poor little Polly"
He tried to lead her away; but how
couid she go without making another
effort7 She turned to Evelyn.
You do something, ma'amr she
implored. "Please do 1t quick. an.
an" A light leapt into her eyes and
h burst out "AIebbe some day you'll
be askin' me a big favor, an here's my
word before God, 1 do it,"
For a short space Of time the two
girls stared into each others ewes. but
Evelyn's fell first. She sank back
Imply.
Take her away, Roberti" she
groaned. ITS too dreadful"
After PollyOp and Robert had gone,
she turned swiftly on Marcus.
." wish they were all dead, those
wretched squatters," she said fret
fully, and frowning, Mackenzie con-
tinued his breakfast in silence.
Miserable days passed for the en-
tire squatter settlement. That the
right arm Of the Silent City had been
Topped off when Hopkins was impris-
oned showed plainly in the affection
Of its inhabitants. Every c~ountenance
was wrinkled with anxiety and still
the strange men lowered about the
lakeside.
Ugly rumOrs circulated through the
Silent City. 1t was said that to fix a
felony on Hopkins, the officers claimed
that in searching him, before shutting
him up, they had found a revolver In
his pocket. Every one that knew him
secuted the idea, but Jeremiah Hop
kins was promptly indicted for carry
ing concealed weapons.
The only concession Robert had been
able to obtain was permission for
Polly to visit her father, and day after
day she carried Jerry to see him.
The day Of Hopkins trial Polly had
to stay at home to care for Granny
Hope and the baby.
Late in the afternoon, while she
was rocking Wee Jerry, for there was
40 other way to keep him quiet, there
came a rap on the door. Placing him
on the cot, she called a soft: Come
H."
The entrance Of Robert Percival
filed her with apprehension, he looked
so serious, so drawn and pale.
TITS about daddy" she exclaimed,
forgetting for the moment how embar.
rassed she was.
Robert nodded.
"Sit down, Polly" he said gravely,
land I'll tell you"
Mutely she stood staring at him.
"Sit down, DEAR" he insisted.
II don't want to sit down." she
mOaned. "Tell me about daddy.
What's happened?-He's goin' to Au-
burn, huh?"
Had he been able, Robert would
have contradlcted her. Gladly would
he have chased away the yelling tears
that came slowly into the dear eyes.
rs 1t Auburn PRISON." she whis-
pered. did the jury say he was
guiltyT
Eyes, Polly, but I've still hopes l can
get him another trial." answered Rob-
ert. "Oh, little Polly, please don't cry,
please don't"
Unmindful that he was holding out
hands to her, she sobbed hysterical-
ly, utterl~ deprived of s%elf-control.
The more Robert pleaded with her to
cease, theNmore she kept up the inces-
SAINT wall.
AT the sound of her anguish, Jerry
awoke and set up a loud screaming,
and, ever true to her mother instinct
him and all others in her wild
world, Pollyop took him up and seat
herself, hushing and caressing him.
1.-THE littlest mother in the world"
Dreathed Robert tenderly, bending
her. "And a brave girl you are,
100, Polly Hopkins"
81 can't be brave ever n more, l
need my daddy so, l do. I'm
.hinkin' my heart just busted when
hey took him away"
He understood, and Roberts very
soul melted in sympathy. Indeed, never
he worked so hard on any one
hing as he had done to defend the
1t had been only after Mac
had outwitted him that he had
to the Silent City to break the
'ad news to Polly Hopkins.
"~Pollyop," he began. much moved,
you do need your father; every girl
loes. But while he's gone, If he really
las to go, ! can make living without
Tim much easier for you. You must
AXE some of the money you have for
'ourself," he FASTENED on. mo one
leeds 1t more than YOU do. No. now
Ion't shake your head, dear. Some
ne must help you-don't you seer"
a. ~