The Lamar register., 1922-04-12

some one sick in the shanty.'
| OF all the people she had expected
to see, he was the last. As she waited
| for him to approach, Pollyop's active
mind grasped the fact that now Robert
| would know what his cousin had done
| She saw no way to keep him in ig-
norance of Evelyn's relation to Oscar,
and she was too excited to think of an
excuse to keep him outside.
"Pollyop," commenced Robert, 81
had TO see you If only for few min
utes. Wait second before you go
in"
Confused and agitated, the girl did
not stir step until he was bending
over her. One arm went around her
shoulders one tender hand pressed her
head against his breast.
"Daddy's ~ she choked almost
inaudibly. They've took him to Au-
burn, huh?'
"Yes, dear child" answered Robert,
his own throat full with emotion.
But what | came to tell you is this,
dear. I've already set things moving
10 bring him back. ! couldn't sleep to-
night until l saw you"
A long shudder ran the length of
Polly's body; her legs grew so weak
she would have fallen but for the
strong arms holding her up.
Il want him awful bad" came up IN
a breath to the pale young man.
And | say. Polly dear, that he's
coming home" repeated Robert, "and
every day l want you to expect him
VIII you trust me. darlingT'
He had asked her that question
once. but that was before Old Marc
had railroaded Daddy Hopkins to Au'
burn.
"wnl you. Pollyop?' urged Robert
passionately, lifting her face and lay
ing his warm lips on hers.
With swift-coming breaths she fiuns
both arms around his neck.
"rll trust you every day an all
dayi" She hesitated and turned her
head. A sound In the hut had fright
ened her. She knew Robert had heard
1t, too. for he reached out his hand to
open the door.
wen go ln." said he, taking her
arm anu gathering uoth VI hei haho'
into his.
BY sudden movement. Polly
pushed him backward.
I'D rather you'd make off," she told
him. unsteadily. 'Mebbe l can lind =
squatter."
mo, my dear" returned Robert
when you need help. and I'm here,
you can't call any one else"
While he was speaking he had dis.
engaged his hands and had lifted the
latch.
Trembling from head to foot, Polly.
op followed him Into the hut.
When Robert caught sight OF his
pale cousin. he stopped short.
You're not i'll. Eve, dearf" he cried,
going to her quickly. Polly said some
one was sick here
lie glanced around the shanty. A
thrOb Of happiness made his pulses
beat faster. THE Greatest Mother In
the World" still held her place on the
wall. While he was contemplating the
wonder Of the picture, his thoughts
went back to the day he had given 1t
to his Littlest Mother In the World
Billy-goat Hopkins mousing In the
wood-box brought his thoughts back,
but not soon enough to catch the
meaning glance that Evelyn shot ut
the squutter girl, who was gazing
steadily ut her. With u ding OF con
teihpt Miss Robertson walked to him
and laid her hand on his arm.
NO, I'm not the least sick. Bob. but
but just now" she hesitated, then
continued hurriedly: There's II little
boy here; and | often bring him food
and candy. When got here" she
whirled around and flung her hand
toward the cot, this man was SO ter
ribly sick that l told Polly Hopkins
she ought to get u doctor. Naturally,
| consented to stay until some one else
came, but l never expected-you!
The explanation brought groan
from Pollyop.
Slowly Robert drew his gaze from
Oscars pallid countenance and turned
to her. He looked so shocked and
hurt that she impulsively moved to
ward him.