Middletown transcript., 1922-05-13

sleep, he demanded to know IL she
were cognizant of the fact that Rob-
ert was trying to obtain pardon for
Hopkins. Several representative citi-
zens, among whom were two dlstin-
guished lawyers, had approached him
on the subject.
"And that isn't ALL" he fumed. II
started something else today, and he's
trying to block me-"
He jerked at his collar so violently
that the stiff linen tore with a whin-
ing sound.
"D-n that thing" he exploded and
threw the ruined neckwear on the
floor. II won't stand any more inter-
ference.
"1f you don't want to bring Bob to
terms" he went on, II will! That's
my word I've held my peace as long
as l can!-Good God, now, don't start
to cry!"
But in spite Of his imperious COM
mand, Evelyn had wept long after her
husbands heavy breathing told her
that he was asleep.
Next morning. walking into the din
ing room weurly. she found her cou-
sin. Robert. standing near the window.
his hands in his pockets. She went
straight to his side.
"Bob," she breathed.
caugh; the hand she laid on his arm.
you've got to help me now, Eve"
he began, without other response to
her greeting. Its all very well for
Mare to take high hand In some
matters, but this thing he's planning
is brutal"
Il can't do anything with him."
cried the girl. "He told me about 1t
last night; and talked and talked till
I'm hoarse. Bob. why don't you so
away sOmewhere?"
Robert shook his head dismally.
II can't Eve, can't" he returned
II know what Polly is, but she's young
and-and-"
He paused, brushed back his hair
and hurried on:
tinues in All, here he comes"
The door flung open, and MacKen.
zie strobe into the room. He came to
u halt at the sight of his young wife
and her cousin.
"What's up?" he exclaimed testify.
Bob wants to talk to you, dear.
explained Evelyn, in a conciliatory
tone. She had learned In the past
months that suppressing her own tenn
per was to travel along the lines OF
least resistance.
swell, have some breakfast" was
the ungracious reply. "Sit down, botl
of you"
"Pve had my breakfast" answered
Robert. Il waited to have wore
with you, Marc. before you went into
town. ! want to buy Of you at your
own price all the land the squatters
are on. That would relieve"
"Squatters again, eh?" came ir
quick interruption. "My dear Robert.
Mackenzie placed his fingers on the
back of his chair and watching his
|
abrupt in my own family and In youl
house, but you know there Is such Il
thing as man minding his own bust
ness"
A deep flush rose to Perclval's
brow
II am mindIng my own business,
he shot back. III it's your will to per
secute n girl who's almost dead with
grief, It's mine to help her If l can
This last thing you're trying to put
over is abOminabler'
In rough impatience Marcus sa,
down, Evelyn dropping into her place
opposite him.
From your interest one would think
you had more intimate reason thar
just humanity, Robert" he sneeret
broadly. rs that it?"
Into Evelyn's pale face rushed {
mass of color, and she shrank back n.
If she had received blow. AS quick
ly the flush receded, leaving her whittier
than before.
Robert came forward to the table.
you're perfectly right. Mare" h,
confessed almost inaudibly. ~ do love
Polly HOpkins-I-I-"
Mackenzie interrupted him by ris
ing to his feet, his handsome face suf
fused with anger.
"Then it's time I cleared her out, =
he answered. "a squatter In the fam
ily--a thief-a liar"
Mrs. Mackenzie struggled to hel
feet and began to cry.
~ can't stand any more" she whlm
pered, II simply can't, Marc. The wa,
you both quarrel over those peopl,
gets on my nerves. You promised me
Marcus, you wouldn't ever do 4
again."
All the concentrated rage he hat
gathered in the past few weeks burs
forth in a vicious snap.
"Then tell your precious cousin t.
keep his nose out of my affairs, m,
dear I'm perfectly capable of attend
ing to them. i don't wish to sell tha
land. but do intend to get rid of tina
tribe; and both Of you might just IL.
well understand it now as later"
He said 1t with such forceful deter
mination that Evelyn threw an en-