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Show H " .- "j'1 --" i i i- i, . i . - ,..'"" ' --- ,i i i ,.i i i mwhbmTOW) BMW "i" " 7 . Storm Country Polly by Grace Miller White Copyright by Little, Brown & Co. CHAPTER XII Continued. H 13 Polly combcir her hair and washed her foc and hands. Rllly-gont Hop- kins was In his place nt the wood-box I eating a handful nf oats Mm JimJ m gleaned for him along tho roadside. V Polly wished thnt she might tnko him, too. but ns long ax she could not. Billy should have n hotter feed than usual. Afler everything else was attended to. she unwrapped thp silken dress and put It on. Her bnro feet showed from under the hem, hut sho had dew H elded Rhc looked better without Iho boots, and ea she stood gazing nt her- dr up and down, she regretted thnt Hie had not asked Evelyn for u pair of rtteea too. Being careful not to soil fcer skirt. Mie knelt and allowed Jerry h climb on her shoulder The moment she stood outside the shanty In the rain, she-shivered. The stamp nlr nipped at? her uncovered arms and week. To travel! tho loon dls- taiiee to the station, so Illy covered, was otit of the question) nnd' the gown would he drenched through In a few mliiHte. She turned hack Into the attack nnd plnced Jerry on tho cot. "Jerry wants to see Daddy Hop. kins" the child whimpered. "Ain't wo o' Potlyop?" H "Yep. surel" snld Polly. "lint sla- lei's got to put on her boots, She WB'i sjo thin' way. l"C too cold and the wnlk to Ithaca's too long, honey." lltr brow puckered Into n frown ns efic drew on her father's heavy hoots and dipped Into his ragged ennt. Then site Inched the dress Into the top nf tho boots thai It might show ns llttlo m ttosslble and went nut again. M It was a- long climb to the boule- vard; and the hoy waa heavy. Ilut he van very quiet, and a sudden rush or j tears almost blinded her ns she turned J toward the city. How delighted both Jewx and' Daihly would be when they t'1 ench other! Gulping down her tears, she shut nut the thought that perhaps some one would catch her linking the law and eiap her In Jail H flrauny Hope and her toothless mnlfe fliisatil before the eyes of her fwtwet sul. H "Asfc and It shall ho given thee." Harmed to leap from tho vision of old "I did ask," Pollyop cried aloud, jl'itt Old Marc said I couldn't." B In Iho past months which had taken ftway three of her loves, many of the lemwns Mrs. Hope had taught her had ec effaced. '8116 had even given up rfco fctMt of nseorttng with utmost faith-? "Underneath are tho cverlnst-ing cverlnst-ing arms." J Kho was almost nvercomo with tcr-Jeer tcr-Jeer and fatlgua ns alio neared tho sta-on. sta-on. One thing seemed to clear her ii"' "C WiKSKKm -4& fnae Was Almoit Ovtrcome With Ter. V rer and Fatlouo at &ha Nred the U Station. H m-ow of wrinkles and lighten the load H M waa carrying. Not a soul was In j 4gM. Bcii the atatlon appeared to Hj c deserted. H At tho northern end" of tho Auburn Bnr, which was waiting, for the engine W1 ( 'I up, Pollyop halted. Hlic HBrnlked nround It atoalthlly.. and then Htlmbcd up tho ateps. A little cry or HT eped to her lips as tho door H-ucd un-er her touch. HH lltddlng her breatU, she- 'ahlfteii Herry to her arms and' crept (.lowly la. Kapldly she eznuiltied every corner; Hut all the placea- large enough to. Bld them botti were In plulu sight or Htyone wulklnj; through. At tho ex-reme ex-reme end she discovered ttt stnte-BoO',' stnte-BoO',' nod when siio went Into It, n Mnt;ful feelliKC swvpt over her. It H-na a M tnat emi ty cabin, with tts I Biiny dm 2 places, had been hullt : keie Just ttr them. Hera stio couhj' Kow Jerry away and bide hernelt out t IKafght. -flndur ono of tho- cross seat sho I Wj?nl Ih child, whispering a warn Kg -nt cm mutt be very quiet he- 1 . f n blc man- found them, ho i could not go to Baddy Hopkins. Then under the aide sent thnt ran length-l length-l wise, Polly crawled, and after she hnd completely accreted herself, she drew down the velvet hnlf-ctirtnln thnt hung from the sent. It seemed hours before sho heard 'n sound. She hissed a warning to Jerry, then waited In nervous nerv-ous tension. Prom the station platform voices seemed suddenly to rise Up from every quarter. Pollyop closed her eyes, too confused to think of anything to dls-slpntij dls-slpntij the agony of mind she wns tin-! tin-! dergolng. A few minutes before train time a high-powered motor car drew up to ' the platform. "We've got tho drawing-room, Marc," explained Ilobcrt Perclvnl, "mid while you thrco aro shopping, I'm going to dig around Auburn n hit." "I suppose you're going to call on your friend, Jeremiah." taunted Mac-Kcnxlo. Mac-Kcnxlo. "Jlob. I'll give yon a pointer. Drop that easel Therp'a no power on earth that can open the prison doors for Hopkins." To this Itohcrt did not reply. In deep reverie ho helped his nunt nnd cousin from- the automobile and followed fol-lowed Ihcm to the car. When Polly heard n number of .people, come Into tho stateroom, she ptlt one hand over her lips. 8ho strained her ears to hear If Jerry had nindo n move. Ilow she hoped the denr.bnhy had fallen asleep, and that ho would not wnko np until they were In Auburn I As unexpected as tho voice of one long dead, the sound of familiar tones came .to her ears. The words were: "Now, Mrs. Itohertson, yon sit there, nnd you too, Eve. Then you won't have to ride backward. Bob and I'll alt here." Tho squatter girl's heart nearly Jumped out of her mouth. Thene. within with-in touching distance, was her power-fol power-fol enemy. Her flesh tingled ns If bees had 'stung her. Ilobcrt Perclval. and Kvelyn too, were there. Pollyop shivered and wished that sho had waited until tomorrow, or perhaps tho day after. Hho tried to drive out tho fear of being discovered nnd think only of Jerry's happiness nnd Daddy's. To mnko her henrt bent less fast, she tried earnestly to think of some words that Jesus would hear and understand. under-stand. Ilut even that desire wns driven from her ns two heavy rodle. dropped upon the seat nbovo her. Plainly ano bow two pairs of men's boots near enough in touch her If sho moved an Inch forward. Bock against (he side of the car she pushed her head, noiselessly .drawing her thick curls over her shoulder to niako more room. How Intensely sho wished they were In Auburn I If tho train would only start ahead, sho was sure she would lose the Insane desire to open her mouth and scream. Then a whistle from tho engine, and as If the man nt tho throttlo had heard tho Inward cry of her frightened young soul, tho train began to move slowly. As It crossed tho nor thorn end of tho town, one o tho owners of the hoots near her faco grew exceedingly ex-ceedingly restless, and of a sudden he pushed Ida foot directly against her nose, Gently she shoved it away; and a low exclamation from above fol-. .bowed. Intnntly, Then a strong, large hand lifted the velvet hanplngs; and before Pollyop could atlr, a set of fingers took sharp hold of hr face. In her frightened slate she throw the hand off; and another an-other ejaculation camo to her ears. Then two hands came under ami groped for a grip. Sho fought strenuously, strenu-ously, to hold her place; but the per-aon per-aon pulled her out by main force. Polly Hopkins waa almost fainting when Ilobcrt Perclvnl plnced her on hef feet, The silk dress, partly tucked In Daddy's hoots and partly out, Avas Vovcrcd with dust. In silent embarrassment ho stooped and brushed It. Then she glanced up lm-plorlngly, lm-plorlngly, Itohcrt, wnx-whlte. waa staring at her ua If he could not believe his eyes; and MacKenxle. carried away by the rage within hlmt vlcbmsly clutched at her ana. Pollyo.i dragged herself away frow the strung ilncera. "Don't touch me. y " she snapped hoarsely at him. '.'I'm goln to Auburn to aeo my Daddy Hopkins." Her voice was high-pitched and tensely toned. Her gitze sought one after another until It rested on Evelyn Eve-lyn Itohertson. huddled buck In the corner of the seal. "You tan make him leave me be. ma'am," Polly went on. l Bot a right to go to Auburn as well's any ono else." An unreeling laugh left MqcKenzle'a lips; and n shurji exclamation fell from Pcrdvnl. "Yoa'rs. a thief." Marcus thrust In grimly. "A little thler. You're rtenl- Ilng a ride." With nil her lighting Instinct roused. Polly squared herself. Sure. I'm stealln' a ride," she retted. re-tted. "I couldn't ride honest; ou wouldn't let me. My Daddy Hoiv klnJ-" "It seems to me," Interrupted Mrs. Itohertson haughtily, "that she's stolen i sorautflfnj? tta besides a ride, That , i ii i m dress you hnvo on. Miss whero'd you get It?" I'ollyV .under lip dropped. It seemed ns If n thousand hostile -eyes wero glnrlng nt her. "It's Evelyn's dress," went on the Indy. "Take that coot off and let me see." . Before Itohcrt could Interfere, Mno Kcnzle had grlisped Pollyop hy the shoulders nnd Juid .stripped off tho henvy cflut. And there she stood, her bnro young nrms nnd Hunburncd neck exposed, her scarlet face hidden by n handful of curls. She wns so ever-wbelmed ever-wbelmed with shnmo she could not say a worth "Twlco a thief," gritted MacICenr.le. "I suppose you didn't give her this. Eve?" With one long linger ho pointed at the dress, but his eyes, spnrkllng with anger, wero on Evelyn. Never hnd Miss Ilobertson been In such u dilemma. Never had she felt so much like quietly fainting away. "Did you?" demanded Marc, once more. "No, no," denied tho girl, trembling. "No, of course I didn't glvo It to her. Why should I?" MacKcnzlo's sharp. "You'll land whero your rather Is, you huzsy," brought Polly's Hashing' glance upon mm. Untaught to decclvo for her own advantage, she could not fathom Evelyn's direct falsehood. To lie for a daddy, to keep a Hquatter friend (rom prison yes, aho would have dono thnt, but n drens! And Evelyn bad given It to her, tool She turned her burning eyes upon the other glrh nnd there she read with sickening certainty that tho gift of tho robe must bo burled In tho grave with Os-car Os-car Bennett. If Jerry hnd not been tucked away bock of the skirts of tho two women, Polly would hnvo mnde a dash for liberty, but sho could not leave the bnby. Would no one help her? Her eyes sought nohcrt's face, rind ns If ho wero awaking from a dream, ho picked up tho coat. "I'll hand her over to the conduces conduc-es r," Marcus proceeded. "He'll know mint 10 no wnn ner," nnn ne put out his hnnd to grasp her. "No you won't." snapped Robert, moving In front of Pollyop. "I'll look after her myself, and If you folka want to. stay friendly with me. Just don't mention this." Ho held out the coat to Polly Hopkins. "Put It on." ho ordered or-dered ; nnd 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 seo Daddy Hopkins that day. Sho longed to bo buck lu tho shanty, to get away from MncKcnzle's, flashing eyes and tho haughty stare of Mrs. Robertson, As for Evelyn, sho despised the qulv-orlng qulv-orlng girl with all her straightforward self. Frowning, Robert stepped to the door nnd cnllcd tho conductor: and when tho oulclnl appeared, Polly ahlv-cred ahlv-cred to her toes, Tho very sight ot his uniform suggested trouhlo for her and Jerry. "A friend of mine came down to see us off," said Itohcrt distinctly, mnk-Ing mnk-Ing a gesture toward her. 'The train atartod before alio could get off. Jut let us stop at MacKcnney's, will you?" He had a roll of bills In his fingers which he thrust Into the ofllcnr's bund. Smilingly the Wn bowed nnd Jerked 'the cord over his head!. "We're right thero now, sir." said he. "Thnnks," replied Robert. "Thnnka;" and "Come," he snld to Pollyop. Jerry I Daddy Hopkins' bnby. went through her mind. Weo Jerry asleep tinder the cross sent I "Walt a bit. mister." she faltered, "wait till I get the baby. I were takln' him up to seo his daddy, so ho wouldn't dlo," Hor Up trembled ns she looked at Mrs. Robertson, "Get i up, please, mn'nm." she begged. "He'a under there, where you're slttlnT Mrs. Hobertson nnd Evelyn rose Immediately; Im-mediately; and Polly pulled the shawl- i bewrapped Jerry Into full view, in i another Instant Robert had snatched i up the child atjd pushed Polly nut of . the dnnr, He turned ubout ami looked back at the other three, a dreadful e.iprt'SKlon on his face. "If you stick your linger In this. ..... i . i., . .... .. iuurv. in- "am uusKiiy, -you can say goodby to me for good." And he fob lowell Polly out of the train as It caihe to a stop. MacKcnncy'M point was on th"Vast aldo of the lake, about opposite the Hopkins shanty, and when Robert had helpNj Polly off. the train and hnd 'een It pull ans.v north, lie stood n women! considering how best .to get her hack home. He could not make tno k!rl tramp back to Jthncn tint! then ncmsi. tho head of the lake to the Silent City. "Stay nero with tho child." he snld curtly. 'Til be back In n minute." I'olly watched him dully as he strode nway. When he returned, he bad In his, hnnd a largo key with which he unfastened u bontho'nso on the shore. Almost before I'ollyop sensed what was happening, she was In the stert or a boat with Jerry crouched down beside her, nnd. Rob-ert's Rob-ert's strong nrms were sending the Tart swiftly across the nke. Not i "ord had been said between them mi-l mi-l ihe drew up under the willow "es nunr Jeremiah's shack. "Get uul." exclaimed Robert, holding the bunt that It might not tip. Pollyop scrambled in the bow. l-rlnff-Ing Jtrrv with her. the beautiful drem now hiinxln,t In limp MM around her feet. Very pule, Robert lifted her, nlnwr fainting, from the bout and pick' ,ij Je.ry "P ' ,,M imn wn,bw' ahead to the slmnty. In the terrible moment that Polly bent under his dark gar.e. she felt sho .mfst tell hlr.i the truth. How could she let I I'm bo auuy thinking her twice a thief, besides believing Oscar Bennett hud been her mini? Sho dared a timid glance nt him. "VVhut In heaven's name can I do for you?" he demanded hoarsely. "You don't seem to have any honor at all' Can't I say something that wouM 'make you a better girl?" Polly swayed and pushed back her curlu. ner tired head fell forward ou her chest, nnd she bit her tongue to keep back the rush of words. "Get Wee Jerry back his Daddy Hopkins," she gulped presently, "an "Stay 'Here With the Child," Ho Said Curtly. "I'll Be Oack In a Minute." nn' I'll swear to he tho goodest squatter's squat-ter's brat In the Silent City." No snille answered her emphatic promise. Robert's faco was whlto and severe, nnd ho was Studying her In silence. "It does seem," he managed to Ray. "the more I plan and work, the worse things go." He wanted to kiss the pale lovely face, to take her away from tho settlement. set-tlement. He wanted to banish the Inst few months that, every time ho thought of them, sent him dizzy with pain. "I've tried my best to have your ta ther released." he continued In low tones, "nnd I've tried not to love yon nt all. But I do want you to be good I mean as good as you con." Up went the curly head, and straight Into his eyes she sent a piercing glance. One slender hand flung nut toward him. "Couldn't you trust me. sir?" she breathed. "Couldn't you Just rorcct about about " She advanced toward him, her hands extended and her race twitching ncrv-ously. ncrv-ously. "Or courso taking the dress doesn't matter to me." he choked. "Mr. Mae-Kenzle Mae-Kenzle la a very wicked man. and helms he-lms treated you abominably. Rut, ,ut what hurts me so Is the thought or the man wlm died In your your home Ills voice broke and. turning swirtly he walked nway. ' Polly tried to call his name, hut her throat made no sound. When he disappeared disap-peared up the Inne she picked Jerry up and, shivering, went Into the "banty. TO UK rONTINUrcn.) |