Cheyenne Wells record., 1922-07-20
CHAPTER xI.

Over a week had passed since Hop
kins had stood before his peers to be
judged Of crime the law would not
overlook. His lawyer. good one and
well paid by Robert Percival. had
fought strenuOusly for 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.
1t was soon after luncheon time that
high powered motorcar was carrying
Evelyn Robertson and Marcus Mac
Kenzle to the Bennett farmhouse. The
purchasing Of the farm had been set
tied, as far us Marcus was concerned.
although Ewes pleading and Oscars
| stubbcrnness had made him offer
more for the place than 1t was really
worth.
When the farmer walked up to the
automobile, us 1t stopped before his
door, Oscar paid no attention to Eve
lyn, sitting beside Mackenzie, save to
give her an awkward bow.
"YOu've spoken to this squntter girl
about what you want. Bennett?" asked
Marcus. going to the point at once.
| "Yes. sure l have" growled Oscar.
II told you that t'other day; but Polly
seems to he always holding OF for
something. II she toes the mark, then
I'll sell my farm and take her West.
| won't have that brat Of Jerry,
though, but I suppose Polly'll make n
row when 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 long term. and II 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 pull!'
That's the bargain, Mr.. Mackenzie.
I sell the farm at the price we talked
II 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 l don't intend to leave this
country without Pollyop."
Ithaca filled Evelyn with dread. She
knew something of the tenacity with
which he clung to any notion that
| might take possession Of him. How
could she have ever submitted to his
cnresses? And the words. "UntIl death
do us part" rang in her ears, filling
her with nauseating disgust.
.ICk ha
she thought passionntely.
She was waiting for Oscar to con-
tinue. but he evidently did not intend
to-; so, settling back us II anxious to
start, she said coldly:
"I'll go to her then, as soon as
can."
"When-today. ma'am" asked Oscar
eagerly.
If she had to approach Polly Hop
kins about this disagreeable matter,
the sooner the better. Evelyn thought.
"Yes," she consented languidly. II
might go now, ! suppose"
But you won't find 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
hnughtily as IL he were really beneath
her consideration. "GoOd afternoon 7"
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 gruffly.
"Now. don't be nasty. Oscar" or
dered Evelyn imperiously. "Tm doing
the best l can. I'm In booth talking
and IL you'll meet me at seven, we'll
go together to Polly Hopkins. Does
that suit you all right?"
"You don't suit me very WE'LL" Oscar
grumbled into the receiver. I'D 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
bullying me over the phone. Oscar. for
l won't stand II. Hold your temper 4
you can possibly do so. For once do
as tell you! VIII you7"
"Oh, suppose So" Bennett raped
out. "Where'll I meet your"
swell, let me see. At seven oD the
boulevard, near the lane"
"All right" and Oscar slammed up
the receiver without waiting to hear
any more. and proceeded about his
farm tasks. Thoughts Of anger toward
Eve, now 80 overbearing and con-
temptuous, were soon crowded out,
however, by anticipation Of the time
,rhan Pollu Srould holona IA hiu.-ha