The Princeton union., 1891-06-04

manufacturer, and Joe met him
anxiously on his return.
eve arranged for the payment Of
your debt said Jared, quietly, 'sand
the manufacturer agrees to furnish
you fifty machines, on time, to start
again with. You are on your feet
once more"
"God bless father!" cried Joe tI'l1
write him a letter thanking him for
his goodness"
."No, Joe.'' said Jared, knitting his
eyebrows a little, Iwouldn't if I were
you. Let me report it to him.
Every well, Jared, but I'll 90 home
IN two weeks for a visit, and hope
we can meet then as a father and son
should meet"
Jared went home, and next day he
again trudged out to the sawmill.
Gray was rolling a log into place.
"John," Jared began, "Joe is on his
feet again.
.'He didn't deserve it, Jared" he re-
piled, glumly, picking a cluster OF lichen
from the log.
"And he is coming home to see you
in two weeks. y
pleasure, and his effort in making the
incredulous response. "Well see him
when he comes" .+
He showed no curiosity to know
how the matter had been adjusted,
and Jared left him.
The two weeks brought the evening
| OF Joe's arrival. Jared met him at
the little station, and walked with
him toward home. They heard the
rasping of the saw from Assistance, and
as they went nearer, Joe's eagerness
to clasp his fathers hand and enter
upon close relation impelled him to
start ahead.
Jared quickly caught him by the
arm, and said, "Joe. wouldn't-say
anything to him about the money.
A word might ruin my hopes. just
act as if there had been no trouble"
The father sat upon alog, and they
came quite near before he heard them.
He hastily arose. Joe sprang for
ward, extended his hand, and said:
"FaUher, I've come back to be a son
to you" a
1t had been two years since they
met, and Jared, anxiously watching
Gray now, saw the old hardness come
to his face. But as the father looked
upon his boy, he saw a manlier look
than he had seen before, and look
OF regret and hope as WELL %
The hardness was driven from
Gray's face, and clasping his sons
hands in his, he said, with tears start
ing, "Joe, Joe, Joe, you're welcome
home, and I'm your father''
Gray turned quickly and stopped
the saw. Then, hurrying, to the end
of the mill, he called loudly, "Mother!
mother!' T.
His wife soon appeared, hurrying,
as if she feared an accideut had taken
place. Joe was hiding behind Jared,
but the old father caught him by the
arm, and asked joyfully:
"Mother, who is this?"
""Joe!'' she cried: ttmy son!''
"And mine, mother; and all forgiven
and forgotten"
They walked toward their little
home, but Jared said good-by very
strangely, the three thought, and
turned away. =
He stopped after taking few steps,
and called Joe to him;
81 wouldn't say anything until to-
morrow, my boy" he said in low
tones. 'tIt might spoil it all. It's
glorious that this has been brought
about"
He turned away, and the three,
watching him, thought he had never
looked so sad and lonely since he had
lost Sallie.
Next day Joe and his father went to
town to see Jared. Their rap at his
cottage brought a stranger to the
door.
"Jared Harpwick?" he replied.
"Why, don't you know that he has
sold his place here, and left this morn.
ing on the early train? I thought
every one knew it here. But are you
John Gray? Harpwick left note
that he wanted me to give to you'
He brought it, and the old man
read:
"DEAR JoHN.-I have lost all my money,
except a very little, and am going far into
the West to begin life again. God bless you
and Joe. Always be kind to him. He is a
good boy at heart Goodby. JARED"
Father and son turned to each
other, knowing then how Jared had
performed his task.