Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1922-07-05

tTt Was Trying To tbldin a luTupn Tor
Hopkins. Several representative citi-
zens among whom were two distin-
guished lawyers, had approached him
on the subject.
'And that isn't all" he fumed II
started something else today, and he's
trying to block me-"
He jerked at his collar so violently
that the stiff linen tore with a whin-
ing sound
"D-n that thing" he exploded and
threw the ruined neekwear on the
floor. Il won't stand any more inter-
ference.
IF you don't want TO bring Bob to
terms" he went on, 81 viii That's
my word I've held my peace as long
as l canl--Good God, now, don't start
to cry :"
But in spite of his imperious com
mand, Evelyn had wept long after her
husbands heavy breathing told her
that he was asleep.
Next morning, walking into the din
ing room YEARLY, she found her cou-
sin, Robert, standing near the window
his hands in his pockets. She went
straight TO his side.
Bob" she breathed.
The young man turned upon her and
caught the hand she laid on his arm.
you've got to help me now, Eve"
he began. without other response to
her greeting. 'It's all very well for
Marc to take a high hand m some
matters, but this thing he's plSnning
is brutal"
81 can't do anything With him."
cried the girl "He told me about il
last night and / talked and talked till
I'm hoarse. Bob, why don't you go
away somewhereT
Robert shook his head dismally.
II can't Eve, / can't" he returned.
II know what Polly is, but she's young
and-and-"
He paused, brushed back his hair
and hurried on:
81 love her, that's all If Marc con-
tinues in All, here he comes"
The door flung open, and MacKen-
zie strobe into the room He came to
halt at the sight of his young wife
and her cousin
"What's up?" he exclaimed testify.
Bob wants to talk to you, dear"
explained Evelyn, in conciliatory
tone. She had learned in the past
months that suppressing her own tenn
per was TO travel along the lines of
least resistance
"Wel, have some breakfast" was
the ungracious reply. "Sit down, both
of you"
1--WE had my breakfast" answered
Robert. 81 waited to. have a word
With you, Marc, before you went into
town. want TO buy Of you at your
own price all the land the sqnatters
are on. That would relieve"
'Squatters again, ehT' came in
quick interruption. my dear Robert"
Mackenzie placed his fingers on the
back of his chair and watching his
wife, proceeded, II really dislike to be
abrupt In my own family aud in your
house, but you know there is such
thing as a man minding his own bust
ness"
A deep flush rose to Perciyal's
brow.
81 am minding my own business"
he shot back. IF it's your will to per-
secute q girl who's almost dead with
grief, it's mine to help her If ! can.
This last thing you're trying to put
over is abominable
In rough impatence Marcus sat
down, Evelyn dropping into her place
opposite him.
"From your interest one would think
you had more intimate reason than
just humanity, Robert" he sneered
broadly. us that til"
Into Evelyn's pale face rushed
mass Of color, and she shrank back as
If she had received a blow AS quick
ly the flush receded, leaving her whittier
than before.
Robert came forward to the table.
You're perfectly right, Marc" he
confessed almost inaudibly. 81 do love
Polly HopkIns-I-I-"
Mackenzie interrupted him by ris-
ing to his feet, his handsome face suf-
fused with anger.
''Then it's time cleared her out"
he answered. "a squatter In the fam
ily-a THETA liar"
Mrs. Mackenzie struggled TO her
feet and began to cry.
Il can't stand any more" she whim-
pered, Il simply can't, Marc. The way
you both quarrel over those people
gets on my nerves. You promised me,
Marcus. you wouldn't ever do II
again"
All the concentrated rage he had
gathered in the past few weeks burst
forth In vicious snap.
''Then tell your precious cousin to
keep his nose out Of my affairs, my
deari Tn perfectly capable Of attend
ing to them. / don't wish to sell that
land, but do intend to get rid Of that
tribe; and both Of you might Just as
well understand 1t now as later"
He said 1t with such forceful deter
mination that Evelyn threw an en-
treating glance at Robert. Uttering a
sharp exclamation. he turned swiftly