Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1922-05-18
CHAPTER XII.

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 one and
well paid by Robert Percival, had
fought strenuously for a new trial !;
but after much deliberation 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.
It 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 It stopped before his
door, Oscar paid no attention to Eve
Ign, sitting beside MacKensie, save to
give her an awkward bow.
you've spoken to this sQuatter girl
about what you want, BennettH" 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 of for
something. II she toes the mark, then
I'll sell my farm and take her West.
I won't have that brat Of a Jerry,
though, but suppose POlly'll make a
row when I tell her that"
"You won't be worried with the boy,
Bennett. Tn going to have the Chill
dren's society take him. Hopkins will
serve long term, and If you marry
Polly, the rest Of the pests will scatter
after while. I'll be glad to be rid
Of the whole hopkins tribe. But that
girl is like burr; she sticks tighter,
the more you puIl!"
''That's the bargain. Mr.. Mackenzie.
sell the farm at the price we talked
If get Polly Hopkins. II don't get
'er, then / won't sell. / can make a
good living here for me and my moth
er, and don't intend to leave this
country without POllyOp."
The thought Of his staying around
ithaca filled Evelyn with dread. She
knew something Of the tenacity with
which he chung to any notion that
might take possession Of him. How
conld she have ever submitted to his
caressesH And the words, "Until death
do rs part" rang In her ears, filling
her with nauseating disgust.
II wish he were dead this minute"
she thought paSsiOnately.
She was waiting for Oscar to con-
tinue, but he evidently did not intend
to; so, settling back az II anxious to
start, she said cOldly:
"rEl 60 to her then, as soon as l
can"
"when-tOday, ma'amr asked Oscar
eagerly.
II she had to approach Polly Hop
kins about this disagTeeable matter,
the sooner the better, Evelyn thought.
Eyes," she consented languidly. II
might 20 now, suppose"
"But you won't fnd her home till
night Eve" Marcus informed her.
"She's gone to see her father before
he goes to Auburn. ] tried to put the
Quietus on that, but Bob cut up so !
told the sheriff to let her In"
"Then I'll telephone you later. Mr..
Bennett" said Evelyn, lifting her chin
haughtily as II he were really beneath
her consideration. ''1oOd afternoon !"
The hours passed slowly BY 1t
seemed an eternity TO Oscar while he
waited the call from Evelyn. When
he heard her voice over the telephone,
he answered grufEly.
"NOw, don't be nasty, Oscar" or
dered Evelyn imperlously. I'm doing
the best l can. I'm In q booth talking,
and II you'll meet me at seven, wen
60 together to Polly Hopkins. Does
that suit you all right1"
"You don't suit me very we'll" Oscar
grumbled into the receiver. "Td like
to give you the licking Of your life,
my lady"
Evelyn's laugh came ringing across
the wire.
Don't put yourself out, my dear
man." she tainted. SNOW, don't start
bullying me over the phone, Oscar. for
won't stand It Hold your temper Il
You can possibly do 90. For once do
rs 1 tell you'll WIN yOuT"
"Oh. suppose 90" Bennett raped
out. "Where'n I meet your
"Well, let me zee. At seven on the
boulevard. near the lane"
"An FIght!" and Oscar slammed up
the receiver without waiting to hear
any more. and proceeded about his
farm tasks. Thoughts Ofsanger toward
I'VE, now 20 OverbeaEing and con-
tsmptuOus. were soon crowded out
hoVgevoP. hy nntfclnatiOn Of the time