Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1922-04-14
CHAPTER xl.

Over a week had passed since Hop
kins had stood before his peers to be
judged Of a crime the law would not
overlook. His lawyer, a good n and
well paid by Robert Percival, had
fought strenuously for a new trial;
but after much elaboration on the
part Of the judge, the motion had been
denied; and this was the last day Of
Jeremiah's stay in the county jail.
1t was soon after luncheon time that
a high-powered motorcar was carrying
| Evelyn Robertson and Marcus Mac
Kenzie to the Bennett farmhouse. The
purchasing Of the farm had been set
tied, as far as Marcus was concerned,
although Ewes pleading and Oscars
stubbornness had made him offer
more for the place than 1t was really
worth.
When the farmer walked up to the
automobile, as 1t stopped before his
door, Oscar paid no attention to Eve
Ign, sitting beside Mackenzie, save to
give her an awkward bow.
"You've spoken to this squatter girl
about what you want BennettT asked
Marcus. going to the point at once.
Eyes, sure I have" growled Oscar.
II told you that t'other day; but Polly
seems to be always holding Off for
something. If she toes the mark, then
I'll sell my farm and take her West.
l won't have that brat Of a Jerry,
though, but 1 suppose PollyM make a
row when I tell her that"
"You won't be worried with the boy,
Bennett. I'm going to have the Chill.
dren's society take him. Hopkins will
serve a long term, and If you marry
Polly, the rest Of the pests will scatter
after q while. I'll be glad to be rid
Of the whole Hopkins tribe. But that
girl Is like a burr; she sticks tighter
the more you pullw
That's the bargain, Mr.. Mackenzie
I sell the farm at the price We talked
II I get Polly Hopkins. II ! don't gel
'er, then I won't sell. I can make 9
good living here for me and my moth
er, and I don't intend to leave this
country without Pollyop."
The thought Of his staying around
Ithaca filed Evelyn with dread. Sht
knew something Of the tenacity will
which he chung to any notion tina
might take possession Of him. How
could she have ever submitted to hi
~caresses? And the words, Until dealt
do us part" rang In her ears, filling
her with nauseating disgust.
II wish he were dead this minute.
she thought p~assionately.
She was waiting for Oscar to con
tinue, but he evidently did not inten'
to; so, settling back as II anxious t.
start, she said coldly:
"Tll go to her then, as o as
can"
"When-today, ma'am?" asked Osca
eagerly.
If she had to approach Polly Hop
kins about this disagreeable matter
the sooner the better, Evelyn thought
EYES," she consented languidly. "
might go now, I suppose"
"But you won't find her home I'll
night, Eve" Marcus informed hel
"She's gone to see her father befor
he goes to Auburn. l tried to put tn
Quietus on that, but Bob cut up so
told the sheriff to let her In"
"Then I'll telephone you later, Nj
I Bennett" said Evelyn, lifting her chi
haughtily as If he were really beneat
her consideration. "Good afternoon
The hours passed slowly byl
seemed an eternity to Oscar while h
1 waited the call from Evelyn. Whe
1 he heard her voice over the telephon'
| he answered grufhy.
snow, don't be nasty, Oscar" O.
| dered Evelyn imperiously. I'm doin
\ the best l can. I'm In a booth talkinI
! and If you'll meet me at seven, we
go together to Polly Hopkins. Doe
that suit you all right"
"You don't suit me very we'll" Osc'
grumbled into the receiver. I'D Ill
to give you the licking of your lif
my lady"
. Evelyn's laugh came ringing aero
, the wire.
\. Don't put yourself out, my de
man." she tainted. Nov, don't sta
bullying me over the phone, Oscar, +
is l won't stand 1t. Hold your temper
you can possibly do so. For once
as I tell you! win your"
be "Oh, I suppose so" Bennett rapp'
out. "Where1l I meet your"
SWELL, let me see. At seven on I
ed boulevard, near the lane"
lis "All right |" and Oscar slammed
nd the receiver without waiting to he
any more. and proceeded about ]
he farm tasks. Thoughts Of anger iowa
Eve, now so overbearing and C
on temptuous, were soon crowded o.
mr. however. by anticipation of the til