The Leavenworth weekly times. [volume] (Leavenworth, Kan.) 1870-1880, 1874-02-05
WAS HE MISTAKEN!
Toby or Not TOby---That'S the
Question.

About two years since, boy twelve years
of age, bearing the cognomen of Tobias Her.
derson, ran away from his fathe RS residence
near ST. Joseph, leaving a note stating that
on account of the ill-treatment received from
his step mother, he had concluded 10 leave
home and make his own way in the world
He was known TO have in his possession some
ten or fifteen dollars Of his own, and the IA
ther, supposing that as soon as the funds
we're exhausted, he would return home,
thought il useless TO make vigorous search.
However, week after week passing, and the
boy not returning, the father became thor
oughlysalarmed, and started in search OF the
youngster, visiting in succession St. Joseph.
Atchison, Leavenworth, Kansas City and sev-
er.l other cities. But all efforts TO obtain a
clue to the whereabouts of the young fuei-
tive proved unavailing, and after month
spent in fruitless search the father
returned home Respondent. Nothing was
heard from the lad for year, when one
morning note which had been pushed IN
der the door was discovered. 1t was from
the son, and stated that he was in good
health, doing we'll, and when he had made his
fortune would return to the ancestral roof.
This was making a mystery more mysteri-
ous, and a second search was made, result.
ing q the former. Since that time, nothing
had been heard from Tobias.
Last Monday evening, Mr.. Henderson
arrived in Kansas City on business trip,
and almost the first face that met his gaze
On descending from the car was that of what
he supposed to be his son. Delighted. he
advanced, seized the boys hand, e1claiming,
s'Tobe, my son, where have you been?'
The youth gave perceptible start, and then
easing fixedly in the eye of the gentleman
With look of establishment, told him he
ssgueseed he was mistaken in the boy" The
gentleman again scanned the boys features,
and was more firmly convinced that his son
stood before him. The youth, however,
stoutly maintained that there was mistake
that his name was Frank Smith, and that
he had been an orphan since five years
of age. Mr.. Henderson was completely
nonpiused, as neither persuasion nor threats
would move the lad. He finally gave up in
despair and returned to the hotel, with the
dissemination, however, to obtain the assist
ance of detective and learn who the boy
really was. Next morning he had scarsely
drseed when hearing tap at the door he
Opened it and beheld the boy whom he had
nj the previous evening, who Immediately
rushed into his arms, saying, "Father, for
give me!'
In explanation of his strange conduct. the
10y stated that he feared his father would
compel him to return home, but on think
ing the matter over, old recollections of HE
fheher's kindness overcame him, and he con-
Guided to make clean breast Of it. The
father was only too willing to forgive the
esring one, and receive him to his heart
sgain.
TIE son Il . clerk in a railroad Office in
Kaa@ City. receiving good salary, and
M. Hendenon consented to let him remain
a ccaditioa tLat he would return home with
hin for short visit, and the reunited rela-
tivo arrived in St. Joseph on Wednesday
night.