Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1922-06-14

49, -
Polly's under lip dropped. II
seemed as IL a thousand hostile eyes
were glaring at her.
Its Evelyn's dress" went on the
lady. Take that coat of and let me
see."
Before Robert could interfere, Mac
Kenzie had grasped Pollyop by the
shoulders and had stripped OF the
heavy coat. And there she stood. her
bare young arms and sunburned neck
exposed. her scarlet face hidden by a
handful Of curls. She was so ever
whelmed with shame she could not
say a word.
Twice a thief" gritted Mackenzie.
II suppose you didn't give her this.
EveT"
With one long finger he pointed NJ
the dress, but his eyes. sparkling with
anger. were on Evelyn.
Never had Miss Robertson been In
such a dilemma. Never had she felt
so much like quietly fainting away.
did your" demanded Marc, once
more.
NO, no." denied the girl, trembling.
'No. OF course didn't give II TO her.
Why should II"
MacKenZie's sharp, "You1l land
where your father is, you huzzy."
brought Polly's flashing glance upon
him. Untaught TO deceive for her
.own advantage. she could not fathom
Evelyn's direct falsehoOd. To lie for
a daddy, 10 keep a squatter friend
from prison-yes. she would have
done that, but a dressi And Evelyn
had given Il to her. too! She turned
her burning eyes upon the other girl,
and there she read with sickening
certainty that 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
dash for liberty, hut she could not
leave the baby. Would no one help
herr Her eyes sought Roberts face.
and as II he were awaking from u
dream. he picked up the coat.
"Tu hand her over TO the conduc-
ear" Marcus proceeded. Hell know
what 10 do with her" and he put out
his hand 10 grasp her.
"NO you won't" snapped Robert.
moving In front Of Pollyop. "Tll look
after her myself. and II you folks want
10 stay friendly with me, Just don't
mention this" He held out the coat
10 Polly Hopkins "Put II on" he or
dered; and instantly she obeyed him.
What he was going 10 do with her,
Pollyop did not know. but this thing
she did realize: Jerry could not see
Daddy Hopkins that day. She longed
70 be back in the shanty. to get away
from MacKenzie's flashing eyes and
the naughty stare of Mrs. Robertson.
AS for Evelyn. she despised the quiv-
ering girl with all her straightforward
self.
browning, Robert stepped 10 the
door and called the conductor; and
when the official appeared. Polly shiv-
cred 10 her toes. The very sight OF
his uniform suggested trouble for her
and Jerry.
~ friend OF mine came down TO see
Ms of" said Robert distinctly. max
ing a gesture toward her. ''The train
started before she could get of. Just
let us stop at MacKenney's, will your"
He had a roll of bills in his fingers
which he thrust into the officers hand.
Smillngly 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 20 PollyOp.
Jerry Daddy Hopkins baby, went
through her mind. Wee Jerry asleep
under the cross seat!
"Walt a bit. mister" she faltered,
"walt till get the baby. were takin'
him up TO see his daddy. so he
wouldn't die" Her lip trembled as
she looked at Mrs. Robertson. Get
up. please. ma'am." she begged. Hes
under there, where you're sittin'"
Mrs. Robertson and Evelyn rose I'M
mediately; and Polly pulled the shawl.
bewrapped Jerry into full view. In
another instant Robert had snatched
IN the child and pushed Polly out OF
the door. He turned about and looked
hack M the other three, a dreadful
expression on his face.
IF you stick your finger In this,
Marc" he said huskily. you can say
eoodby to me for good" And he fol-
lowed Polly out OF the train as IL
came 20 n stop.
MacKenney's point was on the east
side Of the lake. about opposite the
Hopkins shanty. and when Robert had
helped Polly OF the train and had
seen 1t pull away north, he stood a
moment considering how best to get
her back home. He could not make
the girl tramp back TO Ithaca and then
across the head Of the lake TO the
Silent City.
stay nere with the child" he said
curtly. "rll be back In a minute.
Polly watched him duly as ne
..-oaa a-av When he returned. he