The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1922-05-04

low exclamation from above tot
lowed instantly
Then strong. large hand lifted the
velvet hangngs; and before Pollyop
could stir. a set Of fingers took sharp
hold of her face. la her frightened
state she threw the hand OF and an
other ejaculation came 10 her ears
Then two hands came under and
CROPPED for grip. She fought strenu.
ously 10 hold her Llace; hut the per.
son pulled her out by main force
Polly Hopkins was almost fainting
when Robert Perclyal placed her on
her feet. The silk dress. partly
tucked In Daddy's boots and partly
out. was covered with dust In silent
embarrassment she stopped and
brushed IL. Then she glanced up i'm
ploringly.
Robert, wax-white, was staring at
her as II he could not believe his eyes /;
and Mackenzie, carried away by the
rage within him, yiciously elutched at
her arm. Pollyop dragged herself
away frow the strong fingers.
Don't touch me, you" she snapped
hoarsely at him. 'Tm goin' TO Auburn
to see my Daddy Hopkins"
Her voice was high-pitched and
tensely toned Her gaze sought one
after another until IL rested on Eve
lyn Robertson, huddled back In the
corner Of the seat.
"You can make him leave me be.
ma'am," Polly went on. II got a right
to go TO Auburn as wells any one
else"
An unfeeling laugh left MacKenzie's
lips; and sharp exclamation fell
from PercivaL
you're a thief" Marcus .hrus; 81
grlmly. "A little thief. You're steal
ing a ride"
With all her fighting instinct
reused, Polly squared herself
Sure, I'm stealth ride" she re-
torted 81 couldn't ride honest; you
wouldn't let me My Daddy Hop
klns--"
ut seems 10 me" interrupted Mrs
Robertson haughtily, that she's stolen
something else besides ride. That
dress you have on. Miss; where'd you
get itf"
Polly's under lip dropped II
seemed as II a thousand hostile eyes
were glaring at her
"lt's 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 off the
heavy coat And there she stood. her
bare Young arms and sunburned neck
exposed, her scarlet face hidden by q
handful OF curls She was SO ever
whelmed with shame she could not
say a word
''Twice thief gritted Mackenzie.
Il suppose you didn't give her this,
Ever
With one long finger he pointed at
the dress. but his eyes. sparkling with
anger. were on Evelyn.
Never had Miss Robertson been In
such a dilemma. Never had she felt
50 much like quietly falnting away.
''Did your" demanded Marc. once /
more
mo. no." denied the girl. trembling.
-No, OF course ! didn't give II to her.
Why should II"
MacKenzie's sharp. you'll land .
where your father is. YOU huzzy." .
brought Polly's flashing glance upon
him. untaught to deceive for her
,wn advantage. she could not fathom
Eveltus direct falsehood. To lie for
daddy. to keep a squatter friend
r0ra prison-yes, she would have
ione that but a d-essi And Evelyn
lad given II % her. too She furned
ser burning eyes upon the other girl
nd there she rcad with sicsenine
'erfsinty that the gift of the robe
must he buried in the grave with Os
ar Bennett. II Jerry tad not been
ucked away back of the skirts of the
wo women Polly would have made
dash for liberty, but she could not
cave the baby Would no one help
ierf Her ewes sought Roberts face.
lnd rs if he were aNakine from 9
lream b. picked un the coat
"rn hand her over 70 the couduc-
.ar. Marcus proceeded Hell know
Fhai % d. with her and be- put out
- hand to gusp her
-No yoa won't snapped Robert.
noring 10 front u Poilyop ~fli look
.fter her myself. ard n yon folks want
. say friendly with re. Just don't
Mention this He held ont the coat
0 Poily Hopkins Put Il on he Or
lered and instantly she obeyed him
What ne was going 70 DO with her.