Mexico weekly ledger., 1922-08-17

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her feet. Tbe silk dress, partly
tucked In Daddy's boots and paffb
out WA covered &iff aust. In silent
embarrassment she stopped and
brushed II. Then she glanced up Inn
p~loringly.
Robert, wax-white, was staring nj
her as II he could not believe his eyes
and Mackenzie. carried away by the
rage within him, viciously elutched at
her arm. Pollyop dragged herself
away frOw the strong fingers.
Don't touch me, you" she snapped
h~oarsely at him. I'm goin' to Auburn
to see my Daddy HopkIns.r
Her voice was high-pitched and
tensely toned. Her gaze sought one
after another until 1t rested on Eve
lyn Robertson, huddled back In the
corner Of the seat.
you can make him leave me be.
ma'am," Polly went on. II got q right
to 90 to Auburn as wells any one
else.
An unfeeling laugh left MacKenzie's
lips; and A. sharp exclamation fell
from Percival.
you're a thief" Marcus thrust in
grimly. "A little thief. You're steal
ting a ride"
With all her fighting instinct
reused, Polly squared herself.
Sure. I'm stealth a ride" she re-
torted. II couldn't ride honest; you
wouldn't let me. My Daddy Hop
kins-"
1T seems to me-" Interrupted Mrs.
Robertson haughtily, shat she's stolen
something else besides a ride. That
dress you have on, Miss; where'd you
get it7"
Polly's under lip dropped. 1t
seemed as II a thousand hostile eyes
were glaring at her.
TITS Evelyn's Dress" went on the
lady. Take that coat of and let me
see."
Before Robert could interfere, Mac
Kenzie had grasped Pollyop by the
shoulders and had stripped OF the
heavy coat. And there she stood, her
bare young arms and sunburned neck,
exposed, her scarlet face hidden by a
handful of curls. She was SO v
whelmed with shame she could not
say a word.
'Twice a thief" gritted Mackenzie.
y suppose 9 didn't give her this,
Ever"
With one long finger he pointed at
the dress, but his eyes, sparkling with
anger. were on Evelyn.
Never had Miss Robertson been In
such O dilemma. Never had she felt
so much like quietly fainting away.
ibid you" demanded Marc. once
more.
mo, no." denied the girl, trembling.
mo, OF course I didn't give it to her.
Why should II"
MacKenzie's sharp, "Yourn land
where your father 10, you huzzy,n
brought Polly's flashing glance upon
him. Untaught to deceive for her
own advantage, she could not ,fathom
Evelyn's direct falseheod. To lie for
q daddy, to keep a sQuatter friend
from prison-yes, she would have
done that, but a dressi And Evelyn
had given 1t to her, too! She turned
her burning eyes upon the other girl,
and there she read with sickenine
certainty that the GIFT Of the robe
must be buried in the grave with Os-
car Bennett, If Jerry had not been
tucked away back Of the skirts Of the
women, Polly would have made
a dash for liberty. but she could not
leave the baby. Would no n help
her? Her eyes sought Roberts face,
and as II he were awaking from d
dream. he picked up the coat. g.q ,e
"Tlls hand her over to the conduc-
ear" Marcus proceeded. Hell know
what to do with her" and he put out
his hand to grasp her.
"No you WON'T" snapped Robert.
moving in front OF Pollyop. "In look
after her myself, and IL you folks want
to stay friendly with me, Just don't
mention this Hegheld out the coat
to Polly Hopkins. put It on" he or
dered; and instantly she obeyed him,
What he was going to do with her.
Pollyop did not know, but this thing
she did realize: Jerry could not see
Daddy Hopkins that day. She longed
to be back In the shAnty, to get away
from MacKenzie's flashing Y e and
the naughty stare OF Mrs. Robertson,
As for Evelyn, she despised the quiz
ering girl with all her straightforward
self.
Browning, Robert stepped to the
door and called the conductor: and
when the official appeared, Polly shiv.
cred to her toes. The very sight of
his uniform suggested trouble for her
and Terry.
"A friend Of mine came down to see
us on" said Robert distinctly, max
ing . gesture toward her. tThe train
started before she could get of. Just
let us stop at MacKenney's, viii your"
he had q roll OF bills Ia HIS fingers
which he thrust into the officers hand.
'Emilingly the man bowed and jerked
the cord over his head.
Were right there now, SIR" said
he.
Thanks replied Robert. Thanks I"
and Come" he said to PolIyop.
Jerry Daddy Hopkins' baby. went
through her mind. Wee Jerry asleep
under the cross seati
wait q BIT. mister she faitered,
"wait till I get the baby. / were takin'
hev,. sNn ~ ~oa Asa daXA@x M MI