The Lamar register., 1922-05-03

IT'S EVelynS Dress, went on the
lady. Take that coat off 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
handful OF curls. She was so ever
whelmed with shame she could not
say word.
''Twice a thief" gritted Mackenzie.
81 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.
Never had Miss Robertson been in
such dilemma. Never had she felt
so much like quietly fainting away.
Did your? demanded Marc, once
more.
mo, no." denied the girl, trembling.
mo, of course l didn't give 1t to her.
Why should II"
MacKenzie'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
n daddy, to keep squatter friend
from prison-yes, she would have
done that, but a dressl And Evelyn
had given 1t 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
herr Her eyes sought Roberts face,
and as II he were awaking from Il
dream, he picked up the coat.
"Tll hand her over to the conduc-
ear" Marcus proceeded. He'll 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. "I'll look
after her myself. and II you folks want
to stay friendly with me, just don't
mention this" He held out the coat
to Polly Hopkins "Put 1t 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 despised the quiv-
ering girl with all her straightforward
self.
Frownlng, Robert stepped to the
door and called the conductor: and
when the official appeared. Polly shiv-
cred to her to.s. The very sight of
his uniform suggested trouble for her
and Jerry.
"a friend of mine came down to see
us on" said Robert distinctly. max
ing gesture toward her. "The train
started before she could get on Just
let us stop at MacKenney's. will your"
He had roll OF bills In his fingers
which he thrust into the officers hand.
Smilingly the man bowed and jerked
the cord over his head.
Were right there now. SIR" said
he.
Thanks" replied Robert. Thanks"
and "Come," he said to Pollyop.
Jerryl Daddy Hopkins baby. went
through her mind. Wee Jerry asleep
under the cross seati
wait a bit, mister" she faltered,
"wait till get the baby. were takin'
him up to see his daddy, 90 he
wouldn't die" Her lip trembled ms
she looked at Mrs. Robertson. Get
up. please, ma'am." she begged. Hes
under there, where you're sittin'r
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.
"If you stick your finger In this.
Marc" he said huskily. "you can say
goodby to me for good" And he fol-
lowed Polly out of the train as 1t
came to stop.