Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1922-03-29

Win IT, I've Will TIE TufufuSs lou
haven't sent me cent for a month"
With shaking fingers Evelyn pushed
back her wind-blcwn hair.
Il couldn't get any money, Oscar"
she walled. my allowance is all gone.
gave every cent of 1t to you You
know very well mother won't give me
any more
She had one card left to play. and
she hoped it would take the trick.
Il might as wen tell you," she con-
tinued. the steel in her eyes wiping
away the blue. Mother hasn't any
money. All thought we had belongs
to Cousin Bob"
She ceased speaking and waited an
instant 10 note how her news struck
her husband. He flung up clenched
fist.
The devil take you, Eve" he cried.
Don't try to put anything over on me
like that. You're the biggest liar in
Tompkins county"
That he partly believed her showed
In his manner.
known that two years ago" Oscar as.
serted hoarsely. "You can be dead
certain of that, my lady You were
pretty careful to keep your money
troubles to yourself Sit down. both Of
you You're shiyering like two cats"
Impulsiyely Evelyn went toward him.
ooh, Oscar. listen. listen to me, she
said, trying to steady her voice. Il
want to be free. ! can't. cant live
this way any longer"
A coarse oath fell from Benefits
lips.
"You don't need TO. he shouted
You got a home to come tony
home. You can do the work my old
mothers doing. It's your job. not hers
You're my wife. by ginger, and rs l
said TO Pollyop here, YOU live with me
or you pay up. I don't give tinker's
d-n which you no."
His voice grew deep as he finished
and an evil, haunting smile drew up
his lips. Evelyn shuddered and swayed
and Polly slipped one arm around her
waist.
You want to be free from me. ehi
That's 1t. is it," he sneered. Some
other guy looming up to love. | s'pose.
Well, / don't mind who gets my leav-
ings II you make 1t worth my while.
But II not"
Evelyn's pale, beseeching face lifted
TO his. she could not quit him with
out his promise that she should have
her freedom. Neither must he think
that she could get him large sum
Of money
~ can't get another dollar" she re-
peated hoarsely. Il simply can't. And
and must be free"
A frown drew the mans heavy
brows together until they touched, and
he lifted his fist TO strike; but Polly
Hopkins, by one swift movement,
thrust Evelyn from under the mans
appraised arm and crowded in between
them. Because Evelyn was his wife,
he had the right TO beat her il he
pleased, Polly thought, but he would
not dare to strike Polly.
"If you've got to swat some one, os-
carr she gritted between her teeth,
swat me r.
The beautiful white face came close
TO Benefits, and the challenge in the
squatter girls flashing eyes stirred a
feeling within him that he never had
had for Evelyn Robertson. Oscar Had
always believed that woman must
fear man to respect him, and that to
respect him meant to love him. He
did not want Evelyn Robertson In the
farmhouse. but he did want money and
Polly Hopkins. If he could master
her as he had Eve, she would come to
Tim willingly when he was ready for
her.
Working on that principle, he struck
out. AS the huge fist came in contact
with pollyop's shoulder, she staggered
backward. Her low cry was followed
by Eyelyns scream The squatter girl
sank to the floor Imply. No one had
ever struck her before.
you've killed her." cried Evelyn ;
and Oscar Bennett. fearful that the
girls clamor would summon some in
quisitive squatter. turned swiftly to
go.
Both Of you keep mum about this,
my lady, he ordered. I'm off Seer
With that he tore open the shanty
door; and Evelyn stood papting witi.
her hand on her heart until the sound
Of his running footsteps was lost In
the windstorm.
Then Evelyn led Polly Hopkins
home. One arm hung at the squatter
girls side; and the pain in her shou,
der, where Oscars fist had landed, was
terrific. On nearing the shack, Polly
whispered:
"Mebbe he'll be quiet while now.
You'd best scoot home. huhfs
A small box passed from Evelyn's
handbag to the squatter girls pocket.
Il brought them for gerry" said
Evelyn softly. @and Oh. Ponz. what
ever can i do for you to esan NJ
thingsf Perhaps
@scoot home" interrupted Polly.
sTm goin' In
Pollyop stole into the shanty IN the
greatest torment she had ever known.
Granny Hope and Daddy Hopkins had
gone to bed, and she could hear her
fathers loud breathing from the back
room. She was glad Of that, for II be
were to learn how she had been hurt,
a