American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1922-06-01
Storm Country
Polly
CONTINUED

N0A AAeAhN AiAhl lNdNG iii ~.
ma'am," Polly went on. 81 got a right
to go to Auburn as wells any one
else"
An ~unfeeling laugh left MacKenzie's
lips; and a sharp exclamation fell
from Pereival.
You're a thief" Marcus thrust in
grimly. "a little thief. You're steal
ing a ride"
With all her fighting instinct
reused, Polly squared herself.
Sure, I'm stealth a ride" she re-
torted. Il couldn't ride honest You
wouldn't let me. Ny Daddy Hop
kins-"-
ut seems to me-" interrupted Mrs.
Robertson haughtily, that she's stolen
something else besides a ride. That
dress you have on, Miss where'd you
get it?"
Polly's under lip dropped. 1t
seemed as if a thousand hostile eyes
were glaring at her.
TITS Evelyn's Dress" went on the
lady. 'Take that coat off and let me
seen
Before Robert could interfere, Mac
Kenzie had grasped Pollyop by the
shoulders and had stripped off 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 ever
whelmed with shame she could not
say a word.
Twice a thief" gritted Mackenzie.
II suppose you didn't give her this,
Ever"
With one long finger he pointed at
the dress, but his eyes. sparkling with
anger. were on Evelyn.
y Never had Miss Robertson been in
such a dilemma. Never had she felt
so much like quietly fainting away.
did you?" demanded Marc, once
more.
mo, no." denied the girl, trembling.
mo, of course / didn't give it to her.
Why should ~
Ms4cKenzie's sharp, you'll land
where your father is, you huzzy,"
brought Polly's flashing glance upon
him. Untaught to deceive for her
own advantage, she could not fathom
Evelyn's direct %falsehood. To lie for
a daddy, to keep a squatter friend
from prison-yes, she would have
d~0f#@that. but a dress And Evelyn
had given it to her, tool She turned
her burning eyes upon the other girl,
and there she read with sickening
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
two women, Polly would have made
a dash for liberty, but she could not
leave the baby. Would no one help
her? Her eyes sought Roberts face.
aid as if he were awaking from u
dream, he picked up the coat.
'I1l 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.
mo you WON'T snapped Robert.
moving in front of PollyOp. "Ill look
after her myself, and if you folks want
to stay friendly with me, just don't
mention this" He held 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 eyes and
the naughty stare of Mrs. Robertson.
As for Evelyn, she desplsed the quiy-
ering girl with all her Straightforward
self.
browning, Robert stepped to the
door and called the conductor; and
when the oficlal appeared, Polly shiv-
cred to her toes. The very sight Of
his uniform suggested trouble for her
and Jerry.
"a friend of mine came down to see
us OF" said Robert distinctly, max
ing a gesture toward her. 1.-THE train
started before she could get off. Just
let MS stop at MacKenney's, will your"
he had a roll of bills in his fingers
which he thrust into the officers hand.
Smilingiy the man bowed and jerked
the cord over his e
"we're right there now. sir" said
he.
%Thanks," replied Robert. Thanks -
and Come" he said to- PolIyops
Jerryi Daddy Hopkins baby, went
through her mind. Wee Jerry asleep
under the cross seatl
swat a bit, mister" she faltered,
"wait till / get the baby. / were takip'
him up to see his daddy, SO he
wouldn't die" Her lip trembled as
she looked at Mrs. Robertson. sect
up, please, ma'am," she begged. Hes
under there, where you're sittin'I"
Mrs. Robertson and Evelyn rose i'm
mediately and Polly pulled the shawl.
bewrapped Jerry into full view. In
another instant Robert had snatched
up the child and pushed Polly out Of
the door. He turned about and looked
back at the other three, a dreadful
expression on his face.
-. &c., L. kksH