The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1922-05-12


seenued ss II thousand hostile eyes
were giaring Ell her.
tits Eyelyn's dress" went on the
lady. Take that coat of and let me
see.H
Before Robert could interfere, Mac
Kenzie had grasped Poliyop by the
shoulders and bad stripped Off the
heavy coat. And there she stood, her
bare young arms and sunburned neck
exposed, her scarlet face hidden by
handful Of curtis. She was 80 ever
wheliBed with shame she could not
say word
Twice thief grittef Mackenzie.
y suppose you didn't give her this.
Ever
With one long finger he pointed at
the dress, bnt his eyes. sparkling with
anger, were on Evelyn.
Never had Miss Robertson been I'd
such dilemma. Never had she felt
80 much like quietly fainting away.
did your demanded Marc, once
more.
mo, no" denied the girl, trembling.
NO. OF course didn't give II to her.
Why should E7s
hIacKenzie's sharp, "Youll land
where yonr father Ii, you huzzy,"
brought polly's flashing glance upon
him. Untaught 10 deceive for her
own advantage, she could not fathom
Eyelyn's direct falsehood. To lie for
a daddy, to keep squatter friend
from prlson--yes, she would have
done that. but dressi And Evelyn
had given IL to her, tool She turned
her burning eyes upon the other girl,
| and there she read with sickenInc
certainty TINT the gift Of the robe
must be buried In the grave with Os
car Bennett. II Jerry had not been
tucked away back of the skirts of the
two women, Polly would have made
a dash for liberty, but she could not
1 leave the bnby. Would no enc help
her7 Her eyes sought Roberts face
and MS II he were awalsing from d
dream, he picked up the coat.
"Fli hand her over to the conduc-
ear. Marcus proceeded ''He'll know
/ what 70 do With her. and he put out
his hnnd TO grasp her.
i .No you WON'T" snapped Robert.
moving In front OF Poilyop. "I'll look
after her myself, and II you folks want
10 stay friendly with me, just don't
mention this" He held ont the coat
to Polly Hopkins "Put II on" he or
dercd; and instantly she obeyed him.
What he was going to do with her.
pollyop did not know. but this thing
she did realize: Jerry could not see
Daddy Hopkins that day. She longed
TO be back In the shanty. TO get away
from MacKenzie's finishing eyes and
the naughty stare Of Mrs. Robertson.
As for Evelyn, she desplscd the duiv-
erlng girl with all her straightforward
self
FrownIng. Robert stepped to the
door mud called the conductor; and
when the official appeared, Polly shiv-
cred to her toes. The very sight OF
his uniform suggested trouble for her
and Jerry.
"A friend Of mine came down to see
us off, said Robert distinctly, max
Ing gesture toward her. 1.-THE train
started before she could get OFF. Just
let US stop at MacKenney's, will your
He Ind a rcll Of bills In his fingers
which he thrust into the officers hnnd.
Smilingly the man bowed and jerked
the cord over his head
"We're right there now, sir" said
he.
"Thanks.. replied Robert. "Thanks;"
and Come he said to Poilyop.
Jerry Daddy Hopkins baby. went
through her mind, Wee Jerry asleep
under the cross seati
"wuit "a bit. mister" she faltered.
.wait TIL get the baby. were talSln'
him up to see his daddy. so he
wouldn't die" Her lip trembled ns
she looked at Mrs, Robertson. sect
up. please. ma'am,. she begged. "Hes
under there, where you're slttin'r'
Mrs. Robertson and Evelyn rose I'm.
mediately; and Polly pulled the shawl.
bewrapped Jerry into full view. In
another instant Robert Ind snatched
up the child and pushed Polly ont ot
the door. He turned about and looked
hack at the other three, dreadful
expression on his face.
III You stick your hnger In this
Marc" he said huskily. "you can say
goodby to me for good" And he fol
lowed Polly out of the train rs il
came to stop.
MacKenney's point was on the eas
J side of the lake, about opposite thu
Hopkins shnnty. and when Robert hns
: helped Polly or the train and hat
aeen It pull away north, he stood I
woment considering how hest to ge
!. her back home. He could not mak'
! the slrl tramp back 10 ithaca and thei
e across the head Of the lake to TIN
Silent City.
\ "stay acre with the child he sal,
y CURLY. 'Tli be back in n minute"
Polly watched him duly as h
n strobe away. When he returned, h
! had In his hand large key wit