The Belding banner-news. (Belding, Mich.) 1918-1973, 1922-03-29


into chair. 3f#
"He had to go and meet someone
about those tiresome squatters," Eve
explained. "I'm sick of the sound of
their names. Marcus says IL he can't
get rid of them, he'll leave Ithaca"
A step In the hall closed the con-
versation for the time being. and a
moment later Robert Percival joined
them. In silence Mrs. Robertson
studied his face. She wondered what
had changed him so perceptibly in the
last little while. .He looked almost
haggard to her searching eyes. She
was about to question him as to his
health when the young man turned to
Evelyn.
Eve, dear" he began hesitatingly.
81 want something done very badly
and perhaps you can accomplish 1t
for me-"
A lazy smile stole to Evelyn's lips.
"And you know, Bob, I'll do II
II can" she responded. Tell me
what's on your mind. honey"
Certainly; why. yes, indeed" inter
jected Mrs. Robertson. "You know,
Bob, Eve and I will do anything we
can for you'll"
The expression OF anxiety, which his
face had worn since he had seen the
last of Polly Hopkins, lifted little.
That's fine!" he exclaimed heartily.
There's nothing like a fellows own
women folks, is there2 And you're
Just as good to me as II I belonged to
you"
Mrs. Robertson bridled consciously,
pleased with her nephew and pleased
with herself.
"Why, Robert. dear" she returned
you do belong to us. God bless You,
boy, you're my baby and Ewes little
brother. Now tell us what's bothering
you"
ITS Mares row with the squatters
| can't get the poor devils out Of my
mind. Eve, can't you get him to leave
the settlement people alone? PdSlet
them have some of my land, but II
doesn't touch the lake, and they
couldn't make living on it."
Evelyn arose add crossed the room
TO the table. She had not expected
this. Her promise to Mackenzie
flashed into her mind
~ don't like interfering with Mares
business, Bob" she demurred "Be-
sides, he wants to improve the prop
erty down there, and he can't while
the fishermen stay on the shore!"
ha ~
like younger brother to her, and she
loved him dearly, Evelyn explained
MacKenZie's plans and showed how
impossible IL was for her. under the
circumstances, to interfere with them.
Then she crossed 70 his side and bent
over HIM.
Robert, dear" she begged. Forget
about the squatters. They aren't any
thing special TO YOU" To head off an
objection that she saw In his eyes, she
hurried on: They're poor and unfor-
tunate. i know. I'm sorry for them.
We all are; but you can't deny they're
worthless and filthy. and worst of all,
they haven't any right TO be where
they are You won't let them come be-
tween you and Marc and me, will
you?"
Without giving the man chance TO
answer. Mrs. Robertson interrupted:
Mercy Eve, why of course he
won't! Marc will soon be one of the
family. People of our social standing
don't wranglc over such cattle as the
squatters." She turned smilingly to
the yong man and ended sweetly:
You feel that way. don't yor. Bob? ?"
Dlsregarding both the lady and her
question, Robert got up, his lips grim
and his fine brow corrugated with
lines. Evelyn and Marcus could do as
they pleased; he would take his stand
right there.
Evelyn" he said slowly, II should
be sorry to have anything come be-
tween us. You've always been like a
dear sister to me. l suppose it's nat
ural and right for you to see this the
way Marc does. You're engaged to
him, but you can tell him for me I'm
going to help the squatters any way
and every way can"
Too angry TO listen to any more ar
guments, he pushed his chair to one
side and left the room.
Mrs. Robertson looked daggers at
her daughter and as soon as she could
get her breath, broke out:
Now, Evelyn, see what a storm
you've stirred up! Why didn't you use
a little diplomacy? That was the least
you could have done. You get Marc
and Bob by the ears. and wherell you
bel"
"Oh! don't knowi don't know !"
moaned Evelyn. Don't talk to me
any more. I'm just about crazy. I'm
going to bed Good night"
(To BE CONTINUED