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' * t THE PEOPLE. BARNWELL. 8. C. ■j Storm Country Polly Grace Miller White Copyright by Little, Brown & Co. “I JUST COULD NT 1 * V' V • *% . SYNOPSIS^—Occupying a dllapl- cjated shat'k tn the Silent City, a squatter settlement near Ithaca, New York, Polly Hopkins lives with her father, small Jerry, and an old woman, Granrty Hope. On an adjacent farm, Oscar Bennett, prosperous farmer, Is a neighbor. He Is secretly ijiarrled to Evelyn Robertson, supposedly wealthy girl of the neighborhood. Marcus Mac- Kenzie, who owns the ground the squatters occupy, is their deter mined enemy. Polly overhears a conversation between MacKenzie and a stranger, in which the former avows his Intention of driving the squatters from his land. The stran ger sympathizes with the squatters, and earns Polly's gratitude. Evelyn Robertson discovers from her moth er that they are not rich, but prac tically living on the bounty of Robert Percival, Evelyn’s cousin 'Polly learns from Evelyn that the sympathetic stranger Is Robert percival. Evelyn charges Polly with a message to Bennett, telling him she can give him no more mon.'y. She already bitterly regrets her marriage to the Ignorant farm- e.r. Polly conveys her message and Oscar makes threats. He Insists Evelyn meet him that night. Polly has her father and iJtrry Bishop, a squatter, take an oath to do Mac Kenzie no Injury. Evelyn unsuc cessfully tries to get money from her mother with which to huy off Bennett and Induce him to leave ths country, giving her her freedom She and MacKenzie avow their love. At the arranged meeting that night Bennett threatens Kvelyn with exposure unless she gives him money. Polly meets Robert Per- rhrat. and they are mutually at tracted. Polly's feeling being adora- Mnn Oscar kills Polly'a lamb and perrtval thrashes Oscar Mac Ken- ■le .orders the squatters to leave. Evelyn plane to marry MarKonste CHAPTER VIII—Continuod # S—- f “Ihirllng.'* ho bmlto f«*rth. Tm Ju«t so happy. I can't have a n»w with Hub Why don't you talk to him about the squatters? lie'll listen to you. Kve! Hat. darling, that's a detail." He took our of her hands am) kissed the tip* of her slender lingers. "The most Ini' purtanl thing to tie eonshlered now Is when are you going to marry we? I «sn't. I simply cant wait much longer! oh, K«e. K'e. I want you!** Fiercely he drew her head against him i and the stlewe that followed was fraught with rwpture for them twith oh * She wanted |o !«• his wife, to forget the |wst two wretched years. It Oscar did not stand in her wajr. bow quickly site arotlld give this mnn the happiiiess tie craved and drink ileep of It herself. “When, my toveT" breathed Harms thickly, caressing her. "When, dear?" tiraiety she lifted her head and looked Into his eyes for a fear seconds "When you buy the Itennett farm.** •he venturi'll. "If —ill—" "Ami get rid of the squstiers too. their names. Marcus says if he can’t get rid of them, he’ll, leave Ithacp.” A step in the hall closed the con versation for the time being, and a moment later Robert Percival 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,” he began hesitatingly, "I want something done very badly and perhaps you can accomplish .Tt for rtie.” A lazy smile stole to Evelyn’s lips. .“And you know. Boh, I’ll do It If I can." she responded. “Tell me what’s on your mind, honey.” "Certfftrrly; why, yes. Indeed." Inter jected Mrs. Robertson. “You know. Boh. Eve and I will do anything we can for you!” The expression cl anxiety, which his face had worn since he had seen the last of Polly Hopkins, lifted a little. “That’s fine!" he exclaimed heartily. “There's nothlpg like a fellow’s own women folks. Is there? And yoii'n* lust as good to me as ft I belonged to ‘you." Mrs. Robertson bridled consciously, pleased with her nephetfc^aud pleased with herself. “Why. Robert, dear." she returned, “you do belong to us. Ood bless yon. hoy, you’re my baby and Eve’s little i brother. Now tell us what’s bothering i you." "It’s Marc’s row with the sqnattem! ' I can’t get the p«*or devils out of my mind. Kve. can’t you get him to leave ! the settlement people alone? I’d let them have some of my land, hut It j 1 doesn’t touch the take, and they j couldn't make a living on It." Evelyn arose and crossed the room j to the table. She had not expected | this Her print!!** to MacKenate | Hashed Into her mind! "1 don't like Interfering with Mare's business. Hoh." she demurred. “Be- ! «td«*s. he wants to Improve the prop erl jr down there, and' he mn*f while | the fl«hermen stay on the shore!" tlently. for Robert had always been like a younger brother to her. and she I loved him deoriy. Evelyn extdained ‘a piano and showed how If was for her. under the son came In.. Embarrassed and In ai- lent'e, Polly oft arose and offered her a chair. “You ain’t feeling well, I bet,” she burst out, wiping the dust front the rope seat of fhe rocker with her skirt.' “You look white like the moon does before a min. (Jo on, an’ sit down!" Sinking hack. Evelyn looked stead ily up at her. Then she caught at the hand resting on her shoulder. “Pollyop, Eve come to you because you’re the only friend I haVe,” she ex claimed, tears misting her eyes. “I’m awful glad you come to me,” ''■Polly breathed softly. “You want me to run to Oscar again? I can’t stand the sight of that duffer, but I’ll go just the same. Have you got a letter?" Wiping her eyes, Evelyn shook her head. -^"No/hut Oscar wants to see you." she replied. She paused and at wiled the girl. “Polly,” she continued, “don’t you want to do something for— for your people? There’s a way, Pol lyop, that you ran—” Impulsively Polly could not wait. “I>o you mean help Daddy Hopkins an’ the rest of ’em?" she interrupted. Evelyn nodded. “Yew. every one In the settlement." A brilliant smile lit up Pollyop's countenance. A thoughtful mwment or two passed, while Polly Hopkins gazed at her hands looked together In her lap. “You can’t tell me nothin' about Os car,” she remarked at length. "I know the dirty duffer, atti I. duoT know nothin’ good about him,r you can bet your hoots on that." She paused while through the open doorway her eyes were fixed upon a fleecy cloud, high up in the deep blue sky. “But that don’t make no difference," she contin ued. “If I linked up with Oscar, would that pup. Old Marc, let the squatter#* stay in the Silent-City?" ‘Why, Polly, dear, of coursa he will! I talked with Oscar last night, and I’ll speak to Mr. MacKenzie just as soon as you promise to do what Oscar wants.” Again the smiling face of Robert Percival cut across Polly Hopkins' mental vision, and through the silence of the shanty she head his voice—^deep, low and like music. ‘ Then the evil face of Bennett wormed Itself Into her mind. Her lids dr<N>|>ed, and she shud dered. “I couldn’t do it. ma’am.” she wailed. "I just c<>u|dn*t do that!" Evelyn arose and stood over her. “You must. Polly," she asserted again. “(JimmI heavens. It's the chance of your life! Of course you’ll do it. A SK your load dealer to rec ommend a practical dec orator. If you ire unable to secure one you can do the work yourself, tinting and stenciling your walls to give beautiful results. Akbastine Instead of Kalsomint or W t all Paper Alabastine is a dry powder; mixes with cold water; directions on each package. Used 04 plaster, wall board and all wall surfaces. White and artistic, durable tints. Cross and circle printed in red on each package. SPECIAL STENCIL OFFER We will supply cut itencil* to any user of Alabastine—one stencil for each room requiring not less than two packages, if you will send the large words ALABASTINE cut from the face of the packages over the cross and circle, accompanied by 1 Sc in sumps or silver for each stencil desired, covering postage and packing. Write for free booklet, "Nnturwe B—uttfiil Tint*." THE ALABASTINE COMPANY IMS CrsscMU* Arsons Grand lUoU W' iMvttklard lor over 75 wa ’Til glyv Inchi** out of my hhlw tm Polly Ilopkin*. Take n little time ft* •lo that.” «li«> declared. "Ho an. an yap It to me." “Then alt down, dear.” entreated | Kvelyn. “and don’t *tare at me so!" To have saved her life. Pollyop could not drag her eye* away, hut obediently she sat uown on the floor. Evelyn fid geted under the aearchlng. houeat gate. “You know. Polljr." ahe stammered. eirrumstanee*. to Ini Then she rrusaed to over him. "Robert, deor ~ «hi about the •quOtter*. thing *|ieclal to you •■Itje.*! Inn that she «* hurried osi: "Tbey'r lunate. | know. Pti We all are; hit) you worthies* and filthy, thev haven't any r •rferv «i hi* wit Thev aren’t any- To head off an vr |n hi* eye*, ahe » |>oor and unfor- i sorry for them, ran'l deny they’re and worst of all. ght to he where they are. Yon w«*n’t let them come be tween you and Manr and me. will la 1 •l 1 * me*. he laughingly liiierrupte*! your w k lul gff rR] l_ of the M|tl niters too." With* Mil el U^g the man a ch< me n«» led K\¥ lyii Thou she ki»»ed him answer. Mrs. Ihd>ertson Interrup' y «im| hispercil, * ‘My sweet- "Men ry. 1 vve. why of • nnti -se hci Itf t ’" I Won’t ; Mar e hill MM>n In i* one of \ OH ■pM it 1 atcr she IIK i>««h| to re- ! family. Pe.. pie Of Olir S4N ■inl si am hM l wa r hi f; i itul w 1th Mim ther kiss he don’t w rangl le over sticji « tittle a* tri 1 lier • ia* T hen he siui teil wliinisi- , -■•Jliatle p* ** She lnrne*l smijii igl> think It over. I'll bring Oscar to .see you some day when Mr. MacKenzie and my cousin Robert are away." At the'aound of that lieloved name, Polly** head fell forward. "Si’oot now." she said, her cttri* hld- Jng her face. "pH think about It." After kNelyn had gohe. Polly me chanically resumed her sewing. It seemed that her heart’a joy had wholly died within her. ("atlentljr she tried to tom her attention to the work In her hand*, hut again and again *ho •'aught herself sitting with Idle finger*. Finally, worried hy the conflicting emotion* that were crowding. In u|sm tier. Polly flung herself Into the open and ran swiftly along the ragged rocks No work that you farmers do is too rough for clothos made out of Stifel't Indigo All Orendn, Jumpers and Work Clothes made of this cloth lest loafer, wash bet ter and keep their “looks. Saw that yow gwt it. Lawk far this h*at akapeg trad* wvark Mama ad an tha hack *f tha slack. IF* art maktn at tkr doth oa/g J. L STIFEL 4 SONS ladiga Dyara and Printa»» *. Va Yack. N Y. to a little glen w here m any a time had Imh *tl before Here wa •led thro Ugh the hnw tk an d •Ml VI k iW tan lie- •hi* It. Mltot p Irftirr i after m ind lilC. lure 1 aaed he fttre 1. pf u Ml ie i •a vr Dad dy | Ihiftklna hnp| if ih J erry in the aha nty, n* lone* f aid tn fl-h and bur it. Then i ahe r ned the Ml- lent ITt y. aafe i •t hr ■9. d •« ived bf her. Hi er head sank lilt her ban da; and anb a racked her mU MUV T hr •dy. Hi it 11 t W us Itll ■I brti iS ore •he •at up and t*MMe«t Imel i hr*f rtl _a — r ■ • It ■*•*« i»e»| a* If s|i ie ha •1 llaMI rd i 1 v« dee. Kltr tur ned her head • ||l»* ly: ami In. Rotten I*e nival WAN if MIS ding a«*i r«xsa # Visitor shift lew*. Ambitiaus Man. Darius JoliniMtn la very aw. Isn't he? * iho No. suh. I hit man am dr * mbit Ion* wnt 1*. tor Ambitious? itws—-Y ewtih. ||e *ay* he won’t tsfied until hi* wife am doin’ all In t« ii -Wnw* Writing*. the creek, smiling at her. “I fallowed y**u. IVdly Hopkins " he celled, and springing arrow* the water, he added; "You ran so fast I lost yrtu at the comer of the ragged mrka. and •Pm (•ally. "Now It’s settled, dejireri.*’ he.said, rising.- "I won’t give ydn a minute’s l>euee until you begin on your pretties, though the way you've set the day T linii to the young man and ended sweetly; ”Y«hi f<*el that way. don’t you. Bob?" Disregarding Imth the Indy und her question, Robert got up. his lips grim and hip fine brow corrugated with dues. Evelyn and Marcus could do as pleased; he would take his stand right there. ’’KvelyYi*" he said slowly. "I should he sorry to have anything come be tween us. You've always been likas^ dear sister to me. I suppose it s nut- unil and right for you to^ee this the way Mane dues.— Y in'ee engaged to Awful Glad You Coma to Polly Braathad Softly. Me." eeli Mr. MaeRi iizie and can make luiu do anything I If I were fne from itscar him, hut .voir can tell him for’nurTTTT going to help the squatters any wqy and every* way* I can." Too angry to listen fo any more ar guments, he pushed his chair to one j side and left the room. Mrs. Robertson looked daggers at her daughter and as soon as she could get her breath, broke out; , "Now, Evelyn, see what a ,storm you’ve stirreliTlipT Why didn't you use a little diplomacy? That was the least you (4>uhl have (1 one! You get Marc and BobJjy—tiie ears, and where'll vou be!” ' “Oh! 1 don’t know! I don’t know!” moaned Evelyn. “Don’t talk to me any more. I’m jitat about crazy. I’m going to bed! Rood night!” “ ? “Oh, Eve, Eve, 1 Want You!” mak&s jt rather Indefinite." He waved his arm In a wide-open gesture, and finished: “But YU see that it’s mighty soon.” \ - Mkl. . itoligrtsuuj* -daughter. ..n aa. -In- a brown study before the lire when that lady came Into the room, a few minute* later. "Marc went early tonight, didn't he. Eve?" she quesfiomsl. as *be drop|»ed into a < hair. "He had to go and meet s^uneone sImhiI fh<&*e tiresome aquatterw. Eve cxpUiued. "I'm aidk of ibv aound of CHAPTER IX. In spite of the weight of apprehen sion that pressed upon the Silent City. Polly’s soul insisted on singing with gladness. She found opportunity, even in the midst of her busy hours, to live over and over the adventures of that evening in-the Robertson house. When she remembered how Robert had lield her in his arms, her happiness made her* aijilpst faint. ^ - - -Sihe-oUou**] .lerry s-giugham -hlwtse to fall neglected in her lap. a* In Imag ination she dwelt on every IflSfldent oT | lier .visit; She rwalleil the thrllliug leuriem»*s»i In Rol>ert , s w ords* and her “Oh. "how It la li Die. 1 say. < ih Bennett !’* "Then you could marry old Marc, huh?" Polly Interposed with* a holt of the chestnut curls. *'uir boss him. I bet" “Something like that. Polly,” Evelyn admitted. “That's why I've come to you. When I'm free. I can make Mr. MacKenzie let up on your people." Anxiously- weighing every word. Polly's quick mind ran on ahead. “An’ to do that." she threw-in, “you It’s taken nte all tl ill* 1 ttm e tn find ymt." i He Mat down Ite* il«!•* he r ami t«Mtk her bar ids; hut Polly Cl* Ul«l 1 not lortk up at him. Emltarn •d ttoy••n<l tlttef- I am •e. she wlthdrei m h er fingers, letting the m fall listless! ly. * It olten laughe«t, I He r lovely face, tl kr*f wl liite then s4*nr- I let. only told hhi i that she was glad to <M*e lifiu. and s |Mtk e of girlish Innu- r cell **e, dear tu all me II. •• You went awi ii y Stll suddenly the ' orb er liigiit," he m in on. “I didn’t have ‘ U ( ■hatice to say 1 Iialf I wanted to. I ! hm 1 something for %y on. ton, hut 1 i*ouldn’t get away until today to bring ! It • low n.” He pulled a little roll of paper from his |HN*ket and handed It to her. Won- derlngly she opened it. and then* was an exact reproduction of "The (Jreat- est Mother in the World.” . Polly was so overcome she contin ued silent. “Don’t you like it, little Pollyop?” got to get shut of Oscar!* don t blame j queried Robert, putting his fingers un- If You Moil i Modicioo You Shoold Hon ttio Bust Hav* you aver stopped to re*son why it ia that so many products that art «i- Uasivrly advertised, ail at oace drop out of Mght aad art sooo foruottoa? The re**oo w phua—the srticU did not fulfill the promises of the manufacturer. This applies more particularly to a medicine A medicinal preparation that has real curative value almost sella itself, as like an endless chain system the remedy >e recommended by thoae who have been benetited. to thoae who are in need of it. A prominent druggist says “Take for example Dr. Kilmer's SwsmpRoot, a preparation I have aold for many years and never heaitate to recommend, for in almost every case .it shows excellent re sults. as many of my customers testify. No other kidney remedy has so larte a sale.” According to sworn statements and verified testimony of thousands who have used the preparation, the success of Dr. Kilmer’s Swamp-Root is due t& the fact, so mqry people clarm, that it fulfills al- » most every wish in overcoming kidney, liver and bladder ailments; corrects uri nary troubles and neutralizes the uric acid which causes rheumatism. You may receive a sample bottle of I Swamp-Root by Parcels Post. Address. Dr. Kilmer A Co., Binghamton, N. Y. t i and enclose ten cents; al« mention this paper. I^rge and medium size bottles for sale at all drug stores.Advertisement Mothers!! Write for 32- Page Booklet 'Mother* of the World" Loom Product! Use This Coupon Ths tlseS M ' m j5Zx^ trim ^hlLf<xa PIN PLUG TOBACCO Known as - ‘that good kind" c Tnf it—and you will know why you for. wantin' to,, but how be you goin’ to work It. Miss Eve? I can’t 'Kce no help for the squatters If your inari-ylh' Old Mare’s part of R.” “ThaVs what I’m trying to tell yon. Polly.” waSv tlw* quirk retort, “but l want your promise. You help me. and I’ll help you ami jjour people. Oscar says he'll free me if-Hf—you’ll marry him." X. • For an Instant Polly's heaiKwhlrled as if It had been suddenly struck and over het came a weight almost un beats able. Then slow ly she shook her curly head. "I couldn't do that, ma’am,” she choked. “I just couldn't.” "But you said you would.” retorted Evelyn sliarpi.Y. . “You must. I can save tho squatters, and I ‘will; but only on fomdttlon tlidf yoit h(dp nte get rid of Oscar Bennett. Mr. MacKenzie is going to huy the Bennett firrm, and—” . ’ “An’ Oscar’ll he goin' away some- wheres else?” ptit in Polly. “Is that it? He’d take me away front Daddy Hopkins an' from—’’ She ealight herseff just InVtlme. She had it on the tip of her tongue to add the name of Robert Percival, but of f couivtp she did not. ~ "f -eeuldn't ever <hi. thaf;” she ehd^d. “Never, never!” The blue eyes lookevTinto the brow:n eyes >»*riously: . ye*, you can.” insisted Ml*s der her chin and raising her face to his. ~’‘Yepif’ she whispered, blushing. "Sure, sure I «Wi. I love it.” - “Then why don’t you smile?" he de manded ; and as she shyly complied with his request, he ran on; "I’ve talked with MacKenzie, and he's so set— Confound it! He makes me so hot I can scarcely listen to him. But, Polly dear, I’ll do everything I can. I’ve got money and friends, as w-eil as he has. and I’ll use ’em too. Will you hajst me. sweet?” She bowed .her head in grateful as sent. How she thrilled at the touch of the vvartp. white hand! » -i’Look pt ine. dearie." he begged, and, when she^tUtl flash him ft rosy .glfthee, he caught hebTQ him. “I love you, little girl,” he whispered. “An’ love's the greatest tlYtRg hi Ithaca, ain’t It?” s|te murmured tn Trembling confusion, ak . “Y’es, ^y.f*s," lie l>fwrttqd. < “Little girl—oh. my Httlest dear—’’ » - Hbi voice trailed away, and his pns- sionatiNdsses made Polly flopkins for get everything hut him. Primeval pas sion rose within lier. She had f'Uiiid her man, and nothing should take him from her. \ - - fa«e grew soft in delljrhtfo! revery. I RohertriiM^^SlfllPV wot the woeat In A *»und at the d»sir brought her I the' world, and hell have a lot of rhonghta Lack and she glare-ed up. j money when he leaves Ithaca. H** startled. I’nnoth'ed. « the Mouse loves yon. PoHjrop. and he’d maka life [•InippeG t# the Boor ax E r yu Robert* 1 eaaj aad ptewaant fur yutt.** "I’ll keep the bahv aa* tha •hanty'"till you get back. Dad dy darlia’." One Man Not Hanpecked. “Does your liushund ever take your advice?” “Only as a joke.” — Marriage may he a failure in some cases, hut with the advent of twins It becomes a hovdljlfe success. • It’s high flnan(‘e If you win, but R Is highway robbery* If the other fel low wins. ikVTINL'EL* » L^ltutcl* children are [acU> the aaote atyla t dreased in ex-' S their purelUA, From a Bride: “A* a young housewife of only two and one-half years’ ex perience I am glad to find that even we amateurs can cook successfully if we use Royal Baking Powder.” Mrs. J. L. M. ROYAL BAKING POWDER Contains No Alum Leaves No Bitter Taste Sand for New "Royal Cook Book—If* FREE Royal Baking Powder Co., 130 Wifiiam SL, New York m ar , si—a>m a