The Lamar register., 1922-05-10

sleep. he demanded TO know If she
were cognizant OF the fact that Rob
ert was trying 10 obtain a pardon for
Hopkins. Several representative citi-
zens. among whom We're two distin-
guished lawyers, had approached him
on the subject.
And that isn't ALL" he fumed. 81
started something else today, and he's
trying to block me"
He jerked at his collar so violently
that the stiff linen tore with a whin'
ing sound.
"D-n that thing" he exploded and
threw the ruined neckwear on the
floor. II won't stand any more inter
ference.
"If you don't want to bring Bob to
terms he went on, II will That's
my word! I've held my peace as long
as an,-Good God, now, don't start
to cry!"
But in spite of his imperious com
mand. Evelyn had wept long after her
husbands heavy breathing told her
that he was asleep.
Next morning. walking into the din
ing room YEARLY. she found her cou.
sin. Robert. standing near the window
his hands in his pockets. She went
straight to his side
Bob" she breathed
The young man turned upon her and
caught the hand she laid on his arm.
you've got to help me now, Eve
he began. without other response to
her greeting. Its all very well for
Marc to take high hand In some
matters. but this thing he's planning
is brutal"
81 can't do anything with him."
cried the girl. "He told me about II
last night and ! talked and talked till
I'm hoarse. Bob, why don't you &C
away somewheref"
Robert shook his head dismally.
81 can't Eve, l can't" he returned
81 know what Polly is, but she's young
and-and-"
He paused. brushed back his haii
and hurried on:
81 love her. that's all II Marc con
tinues in All, here he comes"
The door flung open. and MacKen-
zie strobe into the room. He came to
a halt at the sight of his young wife
and her cousin.
whats upl" he exclaimed testify.
Bob wants to talk to you, dear"
explained Evelyn, in a conciliatory
tone She had learned In the past
months that suppressing her own tenn
per was to travel along the lines Of
least resistance
"Well. have some breakfast" was
the ungracious reply. "Sit down, both
of you"
"rve had my breakfast" answered
Robert. 81 waited to have a word
with you. Marc. before you went int
town. l want 10 Duy OF you at your
own price all the land the squatters
are on. That would relieve"
"Squatters again. chr" came in
quick interruption. MY dear Robert"
Mackenzie placed his fingers on the
back of his chair and watching his
wife, proceeded, Il really dislike TO be
abrupt in my own family and in your
house. but you know there Is such a
thing as q man minding his own busi-
ness"
A deep flush rose to Percivars
brow.
81 am mindlng my own business"
he shot back. "If it's your will to per-
secute a girl who's almost dead with
grief, it's mine to help her II 1 can.
This last thing you're trying to put
over is abominable
| In rough impatience Marcus sat
down. Evelyn dropping into her place
opposite him.
From your interest one would think
you had a more intimate reason than
just humanity, Robert" he sneered
broadly. "Is that itY"
Into Evelyn's pale face rushed q
mass OF color, and she shrank back as
If she had received blow. As quick
ly the flush receded, leaving her whittier
than before.
Robert came forward to the table.
You're perfectly right, Marc" he
| confessed almost inaudibly. ~ do love
| Polly Hopkins-I-I-"
| Mackenzie interrupted him by ris-
! ing to his feet, his handsome face suf-
fused with anger.
"Then it's time I cleared her out. "