Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1922-06-07

norance Of Evelyn's relation to Oscar,
and she was too excited to think of an
excuse TO keep him outside
"Pollyop," commenced Robert, Il
had 10 see you If only for few min
ates. Wait a second before you go
tn
Confused and agitated. the girl did
not stir a step until he was bending
over her. One arm went around her
shoulders, one tender hand pressed her
head against his breast
''Daddy's goneI' she choked almost
inaudibIy They've took him to Au-
burn, huhG''
yes, dear child" answered Robert.
his own throat full with emotion
But what | came to tell you is this.
dear I've already set things moving
to bring him back. couldn't sleep to-
night until saw you"
A long shudder ran the length Of
Polly's body; her legs grew so weak
she would have fallen but for the
.trcng arms holding her up.
II want him awful bad" came up In
a breath to the pale young man
"And | say, Polly dear. that he's
coming home" repeated Robert, "and
every day l want you to expect him.
VIII you trust me, darling7"
He had asked her that question
once, but that was before Old Marc
had railroaded Daddy Hopkins to Au-
burn.
"Will you. Pollyop7" urged Robert
passionately, lifting her face and lay
ing his warm lips on hers.
With swift-coming breaths she flung
both arms around his neck.
I'm trust you every day an all
dayl" She hesitated and turned her
head. A sound In the hut had fright
ened her. She knew Robert had heard
it. too, for he reached out his hand to
open the door.
Wen go In said he, taking her
arm and gathering both of her hands
into his.
BY a sudden movement, Polly
pushed him backward
I'D rather you'd make off. " she told
him, unsteadily. "Mebbe can find a
squatter."
mo, my dear" returned Robert.
When you need help, and Pm here,
you can't call any one else"
While he was speaking, he had dis
engaged his hands and had lifted the
latch.
Trembling from head to foot. Polly
op followed him into the hut.
When Robert caught sight of his
pale cousin. he stopped short.
You're not III, Eve, dear7" he cried.
going to her quickly. Polly said some
one was sick here
He glanced around the shanty. A
throb of happiness made his pulses
beat faster. 'srhe Greatest Mother in
the World" still held her place on the
wall. While he was contemplating the
wonder of the picture, his thoughts
went back to the day he had given 1t
to his Littlest Mother in the World.
Billy-goat Hopkins housing In the
wood-box brought his thoughts back.
but not soon enough to catch the
meaning glance that Evelyn shot at
the squatter girl, who was gazing
steadily at her. With fling of con-
tempt Miss Robertson walked to him
and laid her hand on his arm.
mo. I'm not the least sick, Bob. but
k.,3 l.,- -. l.
continued hurriedly: There's little
boy here; and | often bring him food
and candy. When | got here" she
whirled around and flung her hand
toward the cot, ''this man was so ter
ribly sick that / told Polly Hopkins
she ought TO get doctor. Naturally.
consented to stay until some one else
came, but ! never expected-youp
The explanation brought q groan
from Pollyop.
Slowly Robert drew his gaze from
Oscars pallid countenaDce and turned
to her. He looked 90 shocked and
hurt that she impulsively moved to-
ward him.
How'd he come here?" Robert ex-
claimed, going to the bedside. "Why,
it's Bennett What's he doing here?'
So passionate were his tones, so full
Of that demanding quality that Evelyn,
fearing Pollyop would tell the truth.
again caught hold of him.
Hes In love with Polly Hopkins,
Bob" she offered, trying to speak
ooIp.Iv sand really ffsc mana nf o,tr
business. Is It'll But ] do think he
ought to have doctor"
Robert staggered back. flashing a
glance at the sduatter girl which
seemed to burn her through and
through.
"Are you married TO him7r he de-
manded of her.
Her pale lips framed the single
word, mo-"
"Then how In Gods name came he
here In your"
Two strides brought him so close
that Polly felt hts hot breath against
her cold face. She cried out In an
guish and started to speak; but Eve
Ign broke in upon her In frantic haste.
snow listen to me. Bob" she Insist
ed. "You are very unkindl What's
happened here is none OF your bust
ness nor mine Every squatter wom-
an has man, and you can't expect
Polly Hopkins to be an exception. Al
you can do Is TO get doctor
Robert passed his hand over bis