Middletown transcript., 1922-04-15
CHAPTER XII.

| o'SA q WIEN 5lnCC Ilop-
kins had stood before his peers to be
judged Of crime the law would not
overlook. His lawyer, good one and
well paid by Robert Percival, had
fought strenuously for new trial;
but after much deliberation on the
part of the judge, the motion had been
denied; and this was the last day Of
Jeremiahs stay in the county jail.
| 1t was soon after luncheon time that
a high-pOwered motOrcar was carrying
Evelyn Robertson and Marcus Mac
KenZle TO the Bennett farmhouse. The
purchasing Of the farm had been set
tied, as far as Marcus was concerned,
although Ewes pleading and Oscars
stubbcrnness had made him offer
more for the place than it 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, Bennett?" asked
Marcus. going to the point at once.
"Yes, sure | have" growled Oscar.
II told you that t'other day but Polly
seems to be always holding off for
something. If she toes the mark. then
I'll sell my farm and take her West.
won't have that brat of Jerry,
though, but l suppose Polly'll make n
row when l tell her that"
"You won't be worried with the boy
Bennett. I'm going to have the Chill
dren's society take him. Hopkins will
serve long term. and if 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 like burr; she sticks tighter,
the more you pull !"
"That's the bargain. Mr.. Mackenzie.
sell the farm at the price we talked
If get Polly Hopkins. If don't get
'er, then I won't sell. can make n
good living here for me and my moth
er, and l don't intend to leave this
country without Pollyop."
The thought of his, staying arouno
Ithaca filed 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
dc us part" rang in her ears. filling
her with nauseating disgust.
II 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 if anxious to
start, she said coldly:
"I'll go to her then. as soon as
cam"
"When-today, naam?" asked Oscar
eagerly.
If she had to approach Polly Hop.
kns about this disagreeable matter
the sooner the better, Evelyn thought
Eyes, she consented languidly. 81
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. l tried to put the
quietus 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
haughtily as if he were really beneath
her consideration. Good afternoon =
The hours passed slowly by! II
seemed an eternity to Oscar while he
waited the call from Evelyn. When
he heard her voice over the telephone
he answered grufiiy.
"Now. don't be nasty, Oscar" or
dered Evelyn imperiously. "Fm doing
the best l can. I'm in booth talking
: and If you'll meet me at seven. wei
go together to Polly Hopkins. Does
/ that suit you all right?"
"YOu don't suit me very WELL" Oscal
2 grumbled into the receiver. "Td like
l to give you the licking of your life
5 my lady,"
Evelyn's laugh came ringing across
r the wire.