The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1922-05-05

food for the fisnes. I'm glad you
man1l live. though. Lordy, how
laughed when he busted into tn
shanty. And there was you right be
side mel Huh? Wasn't 1t goo'
Joke on Old MarcY
The speaker held Evelyn's stare. th'
chestnut eyes glittering as the ques
ton was fairly spat out
II can't die, Pollyop" groaned Eve
Ign, her head dropping against thu
cot. "Oh. Polly dear, listen-please-'
Polly reached out for the ak.
Don't you dare Polly dear me.
she gritted convulsively, cor III hi
you with this !"
God Jesus !" came from between
Evelyn's chattering teeth. mo, don't
pick it up Don'tl Oh, want to tell
you something. Polly Hopkins"
"Then fire ahead" Polly grumbled
sulIenly.
She withdrew her fingers from the
ax-handle and leaned her chin In the
palm of her hand.
Evelyn Strengthened up and bent
iOi Ndiu, hci cSCo oWiihihiuS Win
tears.
Polly" she gasped, "Pollyop, In the
summer Gods going TO send me lit
tie baby Oh. Polly"
The squatter girl scrambled up as
the speaker dropped back, terrified at
the exultant fire in the brown eyes and
the awful smile that crept across Pol
iy's face.
"Glory be to God In the skyl" she
cried. 1.-TWO of you belongin' to Old
Marc goin' with one swipe of the ak"
She wheeled around and paced the
length of the shanty. Old Mares baby
Old Mares womanl Both to go out
of his life forever And by her hands
hers, Polly Hopkins hands
She lifted them up. those slender,
brown fingers, and looked at them
against the candlellght. But few
months ago they had been the most
willing fingers In all the county, But
tonlght-Marc's baby Evelyn's baby.
Like a hive of bees. the Joy of dis
sipating the home of Marcus Mac
Kenzie buzzed through her brain. No
sound came from the girl on the floor,
for Evelyn Mackenzie had given up
all hope. The squatter girl was crazy.
No human being could entertain such
a CHASTITY purpose and be In his right
mind
Presently she called Polly's name
family, and then again; because Polly
gave her no heed. she cried louder:
"Pollyop, my feet hurt sol l can't
bear iti'
Polly paused. leaned against the
wall and glared at her.
I'm glad they do that" she NUT
tered. "You can't hurt anywhere too
much to suit meI''
Then something gave way behind
her and wheeling around, she found |
herself staring into the face of "The
Greatest Mother In the World" |
Oaddy's dust-covered coat which had /
hidden the picture all the past weeks
ay at her feet.
AS she looked, the glare left Polly's
yes. The serious face that had once
miled at her. the smile that had been
benedlctlon for herself and Daddy
hopkins. was there no longer. Rather
vas there an expression OF sorrow.
,eath rested In the nurses arms. but
rom her whole reverent attitude the
ense of protection swept out at Polly
hopkins.
Then suddenly she heard a mans
dice. II seemed to drift into the hut
trough every crevice and crack.
"And you're the Littlest Mother In
he World" came plainly TO her.
Like one struck. she stood rooted
} the spot Evelyn Mackenzie over
lere against the bed faded from her
ind. Old Mares imaged face went
way as II 1t had never seered her
sion. over and over the delightful
ords Robert had spoken to her
lshed into her ears and stamped
iemselves In golden fire ON her mem
y.
al love you. Polly" touched her
re a caress. md, you're my little
H." fell upon her like the tender
md or Granny Hopes God.
1.-The Greatest Mother I'm the World"
hispered PollyoD; and then some
ling hard and hateful within her
.oke. and the fiood-tides Of love came ;
,uring In. AS when a dam bursts.
e pent-up waters sweep away all the s
,cumulated rubbish In the old. I'M |
sed channels, so was the squatter 9
rl's heart cleansed OF every unlovely Q
notion. To her uplifted vision "The !
reatest Mother in the World" smiled '
,ain In benedlctlon; and beyond her. 5
m In the background, appeared $
toothless smile, and Polly
'ard Granny Hopes withered lips c
ying: c
Loves the hull thing, brat. Just u
We. an love, an keep on lovin'."
Full OF the tenderest compassion |
'llyop turned swiftly, aud at the
sht of her flashing. radiant face >