“If you ever DARE to speak to him—about me, you'll never see me again.”
Jim was perplexed.
“I mean it, Jim. I've made my choice, and I've come back to you. If you ever try to fix up things between him and me, I'll run away—really and truly away—and you'll never, never get me back.”
He shuffled awkwardly to her side and reached apologetically for the little, clenched fist. He held it in his big, rough hand, toying nervously with the tiny fingers.
“I wouldn't do nothin' that you wasn't a-wantin', Poll. I was just a tryin' to help yer, only I—I never seem to know how.”
She turned to him with tear-dimmed eyes, and rested her hands on his great, broad shoulders, and he saw the place where he dwelt in her heart.
Chapter XIV
THE “Leap of Death” implements were being carried from the ring, and Jim turned away to superintend their loading.
Performers again rushed by each other on their way to and from the main tent.