Cheyenne Wells record., 1922-07-06

get rid Of them. he'll leave Ithaca"
A step In the hall closed the con-
versatIon for the time being. and n
moment later Robert Percivnl 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" ne began hesitatingly.
~ 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 1t
II l can." she responded. 'Tell me
what's on your mind. honey"
Certainly; why. yes. indeed" inter
jected Mrs. Robertson. "You know.
Bob. Eve and l will do anything we
can for you!"
The expression OF anxiety. which his
face had worn since he had seen the
last 0f Polly Hopkins. lifted a little.
That's fine!" he exclaimed heartily.
'-There's nothing like a fellows own
women folks. is there? And you're
just as good to me ss II belonged to
you"
Mrs. Robertson hrtdled consciously.
pleased with her nephew and pleased
with herself.
"Why. Robert. dear" she returned.
"you do belong to us. God bless you.
hoy. you're my baby and Ewes little
| brother. Now tell US what's bOtherinS
you"
ITS Mares row with the squntters!
| I can't get the poor DEVILS out of my
mind. Eve. can't you get him to leave
the settlement people alone? I'd let
them have some of my land. but 1t
doesn't touch the lake. and they
comldn't make a living on It."
Evelyn arose and crossed the room
to the table. She Mad not expected
| this. Her promise to Mackenzie
flashed into her mind!
"I don't Ike interfering with Mares
business. Bob" she demurrcd. "Be-
sides. he wants to improve the prop
erty down there. and he can't while
the fishermen stay on the shore!"
| Gently. for Robert had always been
like u younger brother to her, and she
loved him dearly. Evelyn explained
MacKnnzle's plans anu showed how
Impossible It was for her. under the
circumstances. to interfere with them.
Then she crossed TO his side and bent
over hm.
"Rohcrt. dear" she begged. "FOrget
about the squatters. They aren't any,
thing special to you!" To head of m
objection that she saw In his eyes. she
hurried on "They're poor and unfor-
tunate. know. Tn 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 oe our social standing
don't wrangle over such cattle as the
squatters." She turned smllingly to
the young man and ended sweetly:
"You feel that way. don't you, Bob?"
| Dsregarding 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 u
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
| goiEg to help the squatters any way
| and every way can
Too ungry 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 Ms soon as she could
get her breath. broke out:
"NOw, Evelyn, Rec what storm
you've stirred up! Why didn't you use
n little diplomacy? That was the least
you could have dore. You get Marc
and Bob by the ears. and where'll you
be!"
"Oh! I don't know! don't know !"
moaned Evelyn. Don't talk to me
any more. I'm just about crazy. I'm
going to bed! Good night"