The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1922-06-09

ptAteu nef ior tAS space or twenty
seconds, perhaps.
You're afraid of the fishermen, aIn't
you, Miss?" she asked. -well, you've
got right to be! Larry's different
from the rest. though he was as will
in, up to this night, to chop Off your
head. as me. But Larry's hearts soft
and kind, Larry's is.'
"rm afraid Of everybody" gaspec
Evelyn. Everybody but you, Polly.
Please, take me with you, or--or--
let me stay till morning.
A slight shake OF PoIIyop's head
brought Evelyn to sitting position.
but paIn-racked bones and nerves laid
her back again.
There" interjected the other girl.
"You can see how hard It'd be TO get
you through the snow to your mas
house. You'd die BEFORE you got there.
I'm blest II you wouldn't. No, got to
go alone, Miss"
Noting the fear in Mrs. Mackenzle's
eyes, she bent over tie cot.
'.syilI you believe something I'm GO
In to tell you, Ever she said In
wheedIing tone.
surely i will, Polly answered
Evelyn. wlping her eyes, shut I'm so
afraid, so awfully afraid"
THAT'S no lie." replied PolIyop Inn
petuously. @an' as said, you got
right to be scared of the squatters.
Why, only this afternoon / hated you
an Old Marc as hard as the rest of
the Silent City folks-more mebbei
But-but what was really goin' to
tell you Is this. II lug you along
with me, you won't have no baby In
the summer. That's Gods truth I'm
teliin' you. too"
Evelyn lowered her lids, and pain
full flush mounted to her hair.
You're wantin' the little thing,
amt your demanded Polly, her voice
vibrant with emotion. .Now, be big
woman, an stay while I'm gone, will
you7 I'll promise to hustle for all
I'm worth"
Mrs. Mackenzie's timid glance ran
around the room.
II suppose So" she wnimpered, ''but
what IL some of your people came
heref" She shuddered and went on
hurriedly: "Polly. whAfre you going
to say to Marcus?"
II don't know yet" mumbled Polly
OPP, but I'll bring him back. oh,
got IT. Say. III stick you away In
Granny Hopes coop-hole. No squat
ter'd think to go In there. even If he
comes In. Here I'll help you
Tenderly she coaxed and begged,
but without avail, and patiently Polly
sat down on the side of the cot.
Miss Eve" she took up in low
tones, ''Fm goin' to tell you some
thing Granny Hope told me. Now, you
want to get home to your man, don't
you?"
Yes, yes, OH, so bad, Pollyop," cried
Evelyn, "but can't stay here alone |!
can't l can'ti'
She did not think then of the many
days and nights the other girl had
passed by herself In the same little
shack.
"Mebbe 1t does seem so, Eve" said
Polly Hopkins. ''But, honey, when
I'm done you'll be thinkin' different.
Now, listen: don't you know way down
In your insides that your mans near
| " sufferln his life away?"
| Evelyn burst forth into weeping
afresh.
"of course know IT. Polly" she
sobbed, but
"An' you want him to be walling all
night till das5reak, not KNOWN wheth-
er you're in the land of the Twin or
not. huh?"
This was a solemn question asked
by a very solemn-eyed girl.
i Another thing" continued Polly.
"When it comes daybreak. there1l be
a lot Of sqnatters about. they come
every day TO this hut. I'd have to
leave you then, wouldn't II Tonight
it's stornin', an most of 'em are in
bed. could run as fast as rabbit
an be back In jiffy Can't You
screw up your courage an let me gofr
This long statement Evelyn thought
over for few moments. Then:
Perhaps could, if"
Il know you can" interrupted Pol.
lyop. 'Now, listen; Granny Hope said
anything you want you can have out
Of loves own heart for the askin'."
"Bur I'm such wicked girl
moaned Evelyn dismally.
so be L. returned Poiiyop prompt,
". Were both rotten bad, God
knows but never mind all that now
| got to get Old Marc; an the only
way you can help Is to stay quiet
while I'm out for him. Now. lean on
me an I'll stow YOU away in the rub.
hIsh room till get back"
Ashamed TO make further appeals
. 70 the girl who was showing more
spirit than she had ever thought pos
, sibie for any girl to show, Evelyn al
bowed PolIyop to pick her up anC
! stand her on the floor.