Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1922-05-10

size Can, an He viii, Poor Rrats,"
Answered Mrs, Hope.
with thready locks of gray; and then
two quivering wizened lips fell upon a
trembling rosy mouth.
"Say something more, little Granny"
whispered Pollyop. "oh, God'll do
what you say He will--mebbe, huh7"
Weary with unusual emotion. the
woman's head bobbed forward.
with God, Pollyop," she whispered
family, there amt no mebbe, When
you get swat from hand like Old
Mares. then angel from Heaven"
Instantly Polly Hopkins was on her
feet. An angel from Heaveni A
blessed angel would help Daddy Hop
kins
"Darlin'," she murmured, bending
over Mrs. Hope, 'get on my bed an
take Wee Jerry. I'm goin' OUT
Polly Hopkins was in the Robertson
grape arbor before she fully realized
the task which she had undertaken.
To thrust herself into the presence Of
Robert Percival was not so easy as
she had anticipated.
'.Just let Pollyop find I'm alone,
Jesus DEAR" she prayed. and then
stepped out from among the vines.
1t was a coy scene that met her
eyes when she yentured into the house.
The family were at breakfast; and
Marcus Mackenzie In his riding suit
was drinking coffee. At the sight Of
her he put down the cup and rose to
his feet; and instantly Percival got up
too. Evelyn went white: and an
ejaculation fell from Mrs. Robertson's
lips
Throwing q questioning glance from
one TO the other, the girls eyes set
tied at last on Roberts face.
They've took my Daddy Hopkins to
JAIL" she faltered. IAN I've come to
get Inn back"
The loud laugh that burst from
MacKenzie's lips brought glare from
Robert.
"rhenk God, we've got him at last"
Marcus exulted.
The expression Of woe died In the
squatter girls eyes as Robert Percival
came toward her.
What" he CALCULATED. and then rs
though conscious Of the hate that was
directed at the newcomer by Marcus
Mackenzie, he added In lower tone
Poor little girl Come into my study.
Polly, and tell me about it,"
Nonsense. Bob" interrupted Mac
Kenzie rudely. -Let her tell her lies
here. I'd like to hear what she has to
say"
A flush mounted to Roberts face as
he turned angrily on the speaker.
During the moment he was struggling
for composnre, Mrs. Robertson and her
daughter hung on the scene with bated
breaths.
Must I remind You whose house
this is, MacKenzie77 demanded PERCH
val finally; and Marcus sank down
into his chair with muttered apology.
II didn't come TO tell lies, Mr.. Mac
KeDzie," Polly broke out impetuousiy.
"Tve come TO tell Gods TRUTH Then
the recollection of her fathers des-
perate need overwhelmed her, and she
walled: "Your men planted a squirrel
on i'm, sir; Daddy said so. an Jerry
saw EN-"
To Percival. watching the man and
girl, came the conviction that she had
told the truth. and that Mackenzie
knew she had. Before he could break
In, Polly spoke again.
please. sir" she begged please,
Mr.. Mackenzie. give i'm back to me.
You can. Do 1t. an. an. oh, God, I'll
die for you"
She fell forward on her knees: and
then Marcus Mackenzie laughed again.
Lower and lower fell the curly head.
for the sarcastic sound told her more
plainly than any words could have
done that she would get no aid from
him.
Robert stopped and lifted her up.
'D--n yon, Marcl Stop a." he de-
manded. "Its wicked, downright
wicked" And to her he murmursd:
Poor little girl Poor little Polly"
He tried TO lead her Away; but how
could she 60 without making another
efforti She turned to Evelyn.
"You do something. ma'aml" she
implored. please do 1t quick, an,
an" A iight leapt into her eyes and
she burst out: "Mebbe some day you'll
be askin' me big favor. an here's my
word before God. do It"