The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1922-04-21
Copyright by Little, Brown 81 Co.

Polly was happier. She could not have
explained, II she had been asked, why
the agony of doubt had given place to
warmer glow about her heart when
she thought of Daddy Hopkins. Away
off up there In the gloom of the prison.
he had received a mothers benedlc-
ton; Polly believed this with all her
soul. Jerry and she too had come In
for their share; and this new conf
dence lifted the shadow from her eyes
little and lessened the stabblng hurt
In her side.
The thing that tormented her most
was Jerry's constant mourning for his
father. Day by day she had racked
her brains for ways to amuse him, but
as soon as the novelty Of the play had
worn off, the old-time cry would be-
gin:
"want to play horse VIII my Daddy
Hopkins Wee Jerry wants Daddy
Hopkinsl"
She was looking at him one morn
ing after one OF his spells of weeping,
and wistfully considering II there
| might be way to hurry him off to
Auburn for a day, when Evelyn Rob-
ertson suddenly appeared in the
shanty door.
For long time Evelyn's conscience
had made her uncomfortable. Even
though her days were exceedingly
busy, the remembrance of the squatter
girls pale, pleading face tormented
her, and she was fearful Pollyop
might not keep the promise she had
made, and Marcus Mackenzie would
be lost forever.
see the girl that she neglected to ask
her in. Overlooking this, Miss Rob
ertson stepped into the room in en-
barrassment.
''Pollyop," she began, catching her
breath, II just had to speak to you.
I'm going to be married to Mr.. McKen-
zie, and 1 came to talk to you about 1t
and-and to bring the baby some
candy"
Her expression grave with surprise,
Polly scrutinlzed her coldly.
"Jerry'd rather have his Daddy
Hopkins than candy" she retorted,
frowning.
Miss Robertson drew back a little,
shaking her head.
II couldn't manage that, I'm afraid"
she said soberly, but"
Pollyop shifted uneaslly.
"Mebbe you could get Old Marc to
say 1 could take Jerry to Auburn.
then?" she ventured. "Jerry1l die If
he don't see his daddy. He's gettin'
thinner an thinner every day. He's
been yelling like mad all mornin'."
Evelyn pondered on this an instant
Eyes, l could do that. I'm sure" she
answered, smiling broadly. 'Td love |
to do 1t, too"
The forlorn droop at the corners |
of Polly's mouth disappeared.
"Mebbe. If could get something to |
wear" she hesitated.
1t had never occurred to Miss Rob- |
ertson how Pollyop managed for CLOTH
ing. She had so much herself she was
blind to another's need; but, as she
had come to demand favor. then per-
haps she had better offer as much as
she could.
Polly" she CALCULATED. you've been
awfully good TO me, and you can have
any one Of my dresses you want, and
keep it too And I'll persuade Mr.
Mackenzie to get you a permit to go
to Auburn"
Polly felt her heart grow big. Then.
after ALL she could take Wee Jerry to
his daddy.
~ s'spose-I s'spose," she hesitated,
you couldn't tell your cous-
in" Her throat caught In a sob but
she cleared 1t, and went on, "Just tell
i'm Oscar wasn't my manf"
Evelyn Robertson had often lived
over the horror of the minutes when
the shameful secret OF her marriage
to Oscar Bennett was so nearly dis
closed to Robert Perclval. More than
once had she congratulated herself I
upon the cleverness with which she
mad avoided that danger. To be sure
her escape had been at the expense
IF Polly's reputation. She regretted
he necessity but reasoned that good
lame could not be much of loss to
/ squatter.
"Of course l couldn't do that" she |
eturned sharply. "Why-why should |
'ou want"
The squatter girls gaze lifted to
he speakers face, and tears welled J
ver the fringed lids. Then Evelyn /
cad the truth; and Der eyes ginted
nd narrowed.
"Merciful Heavens, you're In love d
nth my cousin7" she exclaimed. "Is U
hat what you mean?' s.
The brown head fell forward, and s.
fame-hot face was hidden In the "
nestnut curls. II
"And he loves you, too" cried Ev- al
lyn, In disdain. what a fool | was W
OF TO discover that before How per- ly
ectly awful That's what has been al
re matter with him for months" ID
She snatched Pollyop's arm and p
book her sc
Its absolutely mad of you to think W
my cousin In that way" she con- ca
nued. her voice hoarse with fear.