The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1922-05-04


the naughty stare Of Mrs Robertson
As Tor Evelyn. she despised the quiz
ering girl with all her Straightforward
self.
Frownlng. Robert stepped 10 the
door and called the conductor: and
when the official appeared, Polly shlv
cred 20 her toes. The very sight Of
his uniform suggested trouble for her
and Jerry
"A friend Of mine came down 20 see
US on. said Robert distinctly, max.
ing a gesture toward her. "The train
started before she could get on. Just
let us stop at Mackenney's. will your
He had a roll Of bills In his fingers
which be thrust into the officers hand
smilIngIy the man bowed and jerked
the cord over his head.
"we're right there now. sir" said
he
Thanks" replied Robert Thanks !"
and Come" he said TO Pollyop
Jerry Daddy Hopkins baby. went
through her mind Wee Jerry asleep
under the cross seat
"wait a bit. mister" she faltered.
wait till get the baby. were takin'
him up to see his daddy. so he
! wouldn't die" Her lip trembled as
she looked at Mrs. Robertson Get
up. please, ma'am," she begged He's
under there. where you're sittin'm
Mrs. Robertson and Evelyn rose i'm.
medlately and Polly pulled the shawl
bewrapped Jerry into full view. In
another instant Robert had snatched
up the child and pushed Polly out Of
back at the other three, dreadful
expression on his face.
III 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 n
came to stop.
MacKenney's point was on the east
side Of the lake, about opposite the
Hopkins shanty, and when Robert had
helped Polly of the train and had
seen II pull away north, he stood
moment considering how best TO get
her back home. He could not make
the girl tramp back to Ithaca and then
across the head Of the lake to the
Silent City.
'Stay here with the child" he said
eurtly "Ill be back in minute"
Polly watched him duly as he
strode away. When he returned, he
had In his hand a large key with
which he unfastened a boathouse on
the shore. Almost before Pollyop
sensed what was happening, she was
IN the stern OF boat with Jerry
crOuched down beside her. and Rob
.rts strong arms were sending the
craft swiftly across the lake. Not
word had been said between them un-
I'll they drew up under the willow
trees near Jeremiah's shack.
Get out" exclaimed Robert, holding
the boat that II might not Tip.
Polyop scrambled 10 the bow. bring
ing Jerry with her, the beautiful dress
now hanging in limp folds around her
feet. Very pale, Robert lifted her,
almost fainting. from the boat. and |
picking Jerry up in his arms. walked |
ahead to the shanty.
In the terrible moment that Polly |
bent under his dark gaze, she felt she
must tell him the truth. How could |
she let him go away thinking her
twice thief. besides believing oscar
Bennett had been her man?
She dared a timid glance at him.
What In hcaye.s name can ] do
for your he demanded hoarsely. "You
don't seem to have any honor at all
Can't | say something that would
make you better girl7"
Polly swayed and pushed back her
,urls. Her tired head fell forward on
her chest. and she bit her tongue 20
keep back the rush OF words
Get Wee Jerry back his Daddy
Hopkins" she gulped presently. "an'-
IN I'll swear 10 be he goodest squat
.er's brat In the Silent City"
No smile answered her emphatic
nomise. Roberts face was white and
severe. and he was studying her in
silence.
'It does seem" he managed 10 say,
the more plan and work, the worse
hings 90"
He wanted to kiss the pale lovely
ace. 70 take her away from the set
lement. He wanted 10 Danish the
lst few months that. every time he
hought Of them. sent him dizzy with
ain
I've tried ny best 10 have your "a
her released" 10 continued in low
anes. @and I've tried not 10 love you
Z an. But 60 wet you % De good
mean ss Ea5 as you can"
Up went tse eurir head and straight
lto his eyes she sert a piercing glance
me slender hand aung out toward
im.
Couldn't yuu trust me. sirY sh-
reafhed -CouldnI you Iusf forget
She advanced arard hiu. baF hand-