American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1922-05-12
some one sick in the shanty.n

uhlnu BrdSpeu the fact that now R0Dert
would know what his cousin had done.
She saw no way to keep him in ig-
norance of Evelyn's relation to Oscar,
and she was too excited to think Of an
excuse to keep him outside.
"Pollyop," commenced Robert, 81
had to see you if only for a few min
utes. Wait a second before you go
in"
Confused and agitated, the girl did
not stir a step until he was bending
over her. One arm went around her
shoulders, one tender hand pressed her
head against his breast.
"Daddy's gomez she choked almost
inaudibly. They've took him to Au-
burn, huh2"
Eyes, dear child" answered Robert,
But what l came to tell you is this,
dear. I've already set things moving
to bring him back. l couldn't sleep to-
night until l saw you"
A long shudder ran the length Of
Polly's body; her legs grew so weak
she would have fallen but for the
strong arms holding her up.
y want him awful bad" came up in
a breath to the pale young man.
And 1 say, Polly dear, that he's
coming home" repeated Robert, "and
every day 1 wan you to expect him.
VIII you trust me, darlingT"
He had asked her that question
once, but that was before Old Marc
had railroaded Daddy Hopkins to Au-
burn.
win you, Pollyopr urged Robert
p~assionately, lifting her face and lay
ing his warm lips on hers.
With s~wift-coming breaths she flung
both arms around his neck.
I'll trust you every day an all
day." She hesitated and turned her
head. A sound in the hut had fright
ened her. She knew Robert had heard
1t, too, for he reached out his hand to
open the door.
Wei go In" said he, taking her
arm and gathering both of her hands
into his.
BY a sudden movement, Polly
pushed him backward.
I'D rather you'd make off" she told
him, ~unsteadily. "Mebbe / can find a
squatter."
mo, my DEAR" returned Robert.
when you need help, and I'm here,
you can't call any one else.'
While he was speaking, he had dis
engaged his hands and had lifted the
latch.
Trembling from head to foot, Polly
op followed him into the hut.
When Robert caught sight of his
pale cousin, he stopped short.
you're not i'll, Eve, dear?" he cried,
going to her quickly. "Polly said some
N was sick here"
He glanced around the shanty. A
throb of happiness made his pulses
beat faster. 1.-The Greatest Mother in
the World" still held her place on the
wall. While he was contemplating the
wonder Of the picture, his thoughts
vent back to the day he had given it
to his Littlest Mother In the World.
Bily-goat Hopkins housing in the
wood-box brought his thoughts back,
but not soon enough to catch the
meaning glance that Evelyn shot at
the squatter girl, who was gazing
steadily at her. With a fling of con-
tempt Miss Robertson walked to him
and laid her hand on mis- arm.
mo, I'm not the least sick, Bob, but
but just now" she hesitated, then
continued hurriedly: "There's a little
boy here; and l often bring him food
and candy. When 1 got here" she
whirled around and flung her hand
toward the cot, this man was so ter
ribly sick that l told Polly Hopkins
h ought to get a doctor. Naturally,
l consented to stay until some one else
came, but l never expected-your'
The explanation brought a groan
from Pollyop.
Slowly Robert drew his gaze from
Oscars pallid c%ountenance and turned
to her. He looked so shocked and
hurt that she impulsively moved to-
ward him.
How'd he come here2" Robert ex-
claimed, going to the bedside, why,
it's Bennett! What's he doing here?"
So passionate were his tones, so full
of that demanding quality that Evelyn,
fearing POllyop would tell the truth,
again caught hold of him.
He's in love with Polly Hopkins,
Bob" she offered, trying to speak
calmly, land really it's none Of our
business. Is it2 But / do think he
ought to have O. doctor"
Robert staggered back, flashing a
glance at the squatter girl which
seemed to burn her through and
through.
"Are you married to him?" he de-
manded of her.
Her pale lips framed the single
word, mo"
'Then how in Gods name came he
here in your"
Two strides brought him so close
that Polly felt his hot breath against