The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1922-04-15

lie spoke moody. conscious that lie
had treated his wife harshly, yet un-
willing. to admit It
Mrs. Robertson. touched with the
same feeling sat up. wiping her race
and brushing back her hair. She. too
remembered now all the bitter words
she had hung at her daughter.
Marcus" she said. "If-we-Ect Eve
back again"
III We get her" he interjected, his
face going snow-white. "Of course we'll
get her. Why say such ridiculous
things" He turned away TO hide the
emotion her trcmulous question had
filled him with. 1T will be my death II
We don't" he ended.
Mrs. Robertson raised on her elbow.
But Marcus" she exclaimed, there's
been something on my mind ever since
since Oh, you don't think the squat
tcrs have her. do YOU"
II don't know" moaned Marcus and
he sat down quickly as il his legs would
no longer bear the weight OF his body
And they were sitting thus, each busy
with his own unspcakablc unhappiness
when tho servant entered.
There's girl here, sir" she began
and Marcus sprans UP.
Bring her in" he cried. FIRING her
in Instantly"
The maid hcsitatcd.
She's queer looking. sir" she said
t;midly. land she's wet through. She S
one OF them squattcrs."
Bring her in. said ordered Mar
Gus once more and the girl vept out.
closing the door softly.
rollyop crert into the warm room. her
teeth chatterins. her legs unsteady. Her
first glance fell upon Mrs. Robertson
who. when she saw her, made husky
throat sound Then the brown, fearful
eyes travelled to the tall man. no longer
an enemy to be hated. merely a wounded
human creature. like her dear ones in
the silent City TO be loved and comfort
cd
II got your woman in my shack" said
Pollyop, straight to him. swallowing.
God be thanked" screamed Mrs.
Robertson.
Something snapped In MacKenzie's
head. and for moment he feared he
was losing his mind. Polly thought by
tho blank expression Of his face that
his wits had gone completely. Ignoring
the woman whom she detested. she went
raridly to Mackenzie side.
IT had her ropcd up in the he'd when
YOU was there tonight mister she told
him. the words tumbling over each ether
In tho haste OF confession. II were
soin' TO chop her head of to get even
with you. But-but.-my dead Granny
Hope, an the Biggest Nanny in All the
World wouldn't let me-
It seemed an eternity to the quak-
ing young speaker before Marcus threw
up his head and took a long breath.
"She-she's alive" he demanded
hoarscly. You're very sure she isn't
dead: Girl" he bounded up and grasp
cd Pollyops arm. "if YOU lie to me"
"I amt lynn 10 you. mister" inter
ruptcd Polly DULY. You don't need to
be scared for Miss Eve. hut now youd
hest come along 10 my hut an get her.
She's mournin' for you in Granny Hope S
cocp-holc. covered up with blankets"
Something like huge fist struck Mac
Kcnzie. Tho conviction that the squat
ter girls words were true lifted him
Immediately from the bottom depths OF
hopclessness The sudden thrush OF
Joyous relief brought with 1t mental
illumination. and he saw himself as
others had seen him. The terrible,
blirhting uncertainty he had borne for
few maddeninE hours the girl he
fore him had known for months. II she
were 10 blame for his suffering. what
was the measure OF his own rcspon-
sihility:
He turned swiftly to his mother in
law and said huskily:
Call some onc to set this child some
dry clothes. Take anything Of Ewes you
car find that will keep her warm. and
for Gods sake. take those ragged boot,
of her feet" ITc sprang to the bell!
"Ill order tho team"
When he had given his orders 70 the
servant who appeared at The door. hr
sank back into a chair. and Mrs. Rob
ertson went swiftly out.
Utterly ohlivious Of tho sQuattcr grill
presence. Marcus Mackenzie buried his
face in his hands. The new Follyon
the Folly OF the Sun, crcrt forward and
touched him.
Your womans all right she said
huskily. Don't cry: She told me about
about the little Kid a-comin' in the
summer. an she howlcd like mad Il
come along with me-. But I says 10 her
she couldn't walk all this way TO you
without dyin.'