Evening star., 1932-07-24

not preparation to handle personal affairs while
travelling, according to Johnathan. He reckoned
without Batola's memory and independence
Ncr could he know that Ben Hugh had sug
gested going by bus from Denver.
When his kilograms to the train were all re-
turned, Party not aboard" he was torn between
a frantic desire to send the Federal reserves
after Batola and bring her back in chains
to wash his hands Of her entirely, hoping she
would not bring disgrace on the name Of WintOn.
The tearing OF his conventional soul was still in
progress when he received his first night letter
from Philip Michael Cunningham
Batola Travelled gayly west in easy stages; free
from Hilltops repressed dignity; hugging to her
soul the glorious dream Ct finding her Far
Away Hickory Tree" in California Immediately
on arrival.
Uncle Josiah winton had started something
when he died and his will was read. Batola now
had to finish that something and she wasn't
exactly sure how it should be done She could
hear that angular lawyer drone:
and to my niece, Batola Stuart Winton,
solely on condition that she marry home -tSwn
man and settle down. $50 900; otherwise :"
Batola ceased to listen Hilltop. the seat Of
that frigid aristocracy in which Batola lived,
was to her slowly burning fuse. She knew
that much of this aristocracy was of as recent
birth as the coming of her father. Most Of it
of somewhat humble origin.
Some inherent part Of her fathers austere
bearing gave her in addition to the Irish train
ing of her sun-loving mother. a very sensible
outlook on the business Of living. AL of which
included In no manner the marrying Of any
hometown man. Those words reaching from
the dead, wrought great anger in Batola. In
its heat she fed.
No one paid any attention to her undignifed
flight. They had been possessed of that re-
pressed bredness for always. Only Johnathan.
feeling responsible, promised himself to severely
reprimand her when she reached home. God
made Johnathan Batoas brother. Johnathan
thought he could improve on Gods work, 50 he
constituted himself her entire retinue
family guardian, confessor and all.
Batola's life had been a continuation Of her
mother's-one long, frustrated effort to emerge
from the chrysalis of the Wntons. Batola
could not exactly see daylight: but, as she
journeyed Westward in her far far East it was
breaking dawn.
Into her seething mind came the tones Of her
loved mothers voice: There Is always one
thing you can do darling. 1 should have done
it. But you came and after that I did not care.
much.'
4 AOTHER came from the West to school in
wi the city on which Hilltop looked superiory
down, intolerant A Westerner, of Irish parents,
never quite belonged in Hilltop. Batola's relatives
were wont to consider her fathers marriage the
mistake Of a weak moment
Don't ever tfy to fight the Wintons" wee
mother had said. Just run There's money
in the bank. The money you signed for the last
time We were down. There's enough to carry
you far and long if the need arises. If they
crowd you, run Ben Hugh will take care of
everything for you
At 10 years Batola, whirlwind Of flashing
eyes, happy activity, pounced in where Uncle
Josiah was calling: "Ba- toll-ah Ba-toll-ah!"
You sound just like church bell, Uncle
Josiah. Why don't you call me Bat?"
At 16, frebrand Of opinions and decisions
that got her nowhere with the family Batola
announced at dinner, apropos Uncle Josiah's
announcement that no Wnton should marry
other than a hometown person: I'll never
marry Hilltop man, never"
Now five years later, came this will thing.
Reaching from the grave, Uncle Josiah still tried
to mold those around him to his way of
thinking.
Il won't" she cried, II won't" Be forced by
dead and gone Wnton to marry some man in
Hilltop, Just for some money? Batola's short,
cloudy hair shivered with her vigorous head
shake.
Two hours and II decisions later, Johnathan
Hawk Winton entered the Wnton home.
1t was home that smacked of many ances-
tors, great dignity and faultless traditions
Johnathan, the Third, fitted to perfection.
There had once been many Wintons. Their
portraits hung in the Winton drawing room.
The living line had died out There were only
Johnathan and Aunt Hisparia Winton. Batoa
did not count.
The heavy black Of Johnathan's suit was a
somber note in the coldly formal hall. To
Johnathans big ears came Batola's voice. sing
ing. Singing! His bushy brows contracted.
There's always Far Away Hickory Tree"
sang Batola in hushed, light voice.
1T is not suitable admonished Johnathan
from the doorway, that you should sing -. :"
Thank you, Johnathan," Batola smiled
That's the first time you have ever dignified my
efforts by calling them singing"
And that Dress he pointed disapprovng
finger at her pink flannel; ut isn't ...."
Before you say anything more" she inter-
rupted Il want to tell you I'm going away"
Going away?" He looked on her flashing