Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1922-05-05
Copyright by Little, Brown & Co.

~ '''A'A'A Al'AF'iAH Wv "
down the velvet half-curtain that hung
from the seat. II seemed hours before
she heard a sound. She Kissed a
warning to Jerry, then waited in nery-
Gus tension.
From the station platform voices
seemed suddenly to rise up from every
quarter. pollyop closed her eyes, too
confused to think Of anything to dis
slpate the agony OF mind she was IN
dergoing.
A few minutes before train time a
high.powcred motor car drew up to
the platform.
"We'ye got the d~rawlng-room,
Marc" explained Robert Percival,
and while you three are shopping,
I'm going to dig around Auburn a
bit"
II suppose you're going to call on
your friend, jeremiah" tainted Mae
Kenzic, Bob, I'll give you Il pointer.
Drop that case! There's no power on
earth that can open the prison doors
for Hopkins"
To this Robert did not reply. In
deep reverIe he helped his aunt and
cousin from the automobile and fol-
lowed them to the car.
When Polly heard n number OF
people come into the stateroom, she
put one hand over her lips. She
strained her ears TO hear II Jerry had
made Il move. How she hoped the
dear baby had fallen asleep, and that
he would not wake up until they
we're In Auburn! AS unexpected ms
the voice Of one long dead, the sound
Of familiar tones came to her ears.
The words were:
Nov, Mrs. Robertson, you sit there,
and you too, Eve. Then you won't
have to ride backward. Bob and I'll
sit here"
The squatter girls heart nearly
jumped out of her mouth. There, with
In touching distance, was her power
ful enemy. Her flesh tingled as II
bees had stung her. Robert Percival,
and Evelyn too, were there. Pollyop
shivered and wished that she had
waited until tomorrow, or perhaps the
day after.
She tried to drive out the fear OF
being discovered and think only of
Jerry's happiness and Daddy's. To
make her heart beat less fast, she
tried earnestly to think Of some words
that Jesus would hear and under
stand. But even that desire was
driven from her as two heavy bodies
dropped upon thu seat above her.
Plainly sne saw two pairs Of mems
boots near enough to touch her II she
moved Nj inch forward.
Back against the side Of the car she
pushed her head, noiselessly drawing
her thick curls over her shoulder to
make more room. How intensely she
wished they were in Auburn! II the
train would only start ahead, she was
sure she would lose the insane desire
to open her mouth and scream.
Then n whistle from the engine, and
ms II the man at the throttle had heard
the inward cry Of her frightened
young soul, the train began to move
slowly. As II crossed the northern
end Of the town, one Of the owners
OF the boots near her face grew ex-
ceedlngly restless, and of a sudden he
pushed his foot directly against her
nose. Gently she showed II away and
n low exclamation from above fol-
lowed instantly.
Then a strong, large hand lifted the
velvet hangings; and before Pollyop
could stir, Il set Of fingers took sharp
hold Of her face, In her frightened
state she threw the hand Off: and an
other ejaculation came to her ears.
Then two hands came under and
CROPPED for Il grip. She fought strenu-
ouSly to hold her place; but the per-
son pulled her out by main force.
Polly Hopkins was almost faintlng
when Robert Percival placed her on
her feet. The silk dress, partly
tucked In Daddy's boots and partly
ont, was covered with dust. In silent
embarrassment she stopped and
brushed it, Then she glanced up inn
p%loringly.
Robert, waN-white, was staring ut
her rs il he could not believe his eyes;
and Mackenzie, carried away ny the
rage within him, %viciouSly clutched at
her arm, Pollyop dragged herself
away frow the strong fingers.
Don't touch me, you" she snapped
hoarSely AT him I'm goin' to Auburn
to see my Daddy Hopkins"
Her voice was high-pitched and
tensely toned. Her axe sought one
after another until 1t rested on Eve.
lyn Robertson, huddled back in the
corner Of the seat.
You car make him leave me he
ma'am," Polly ven on. ~ got a right
to SO to Auburn rs wells any one
else"
An unfeellng laugh left Mackenzie,
lips; and a sharp exclamation fell
from Percival.
You're a thief" Marcus thrust II
grimly, "A little thief. You're steal
ing a ride"
With all her fighting instinc
reused, Polly squared herself.