The Logan County banner. [volume] (Logan, W. Va.) 1889-1903, 1892-01-07

ings.
Yes, and remember exactly how
she looked when she whipped me, and
how she would come TO me ten minutes
afterwards crying and begging me
never to make her do IL again. Poor
mother with remorseful smile, s.she
didn't give it to me half hard enough. .
wonder how she leeks nov. y, The
thought came with sharp pang. It
had never before occurred to him to
wonder whether his mother had
changed in these years in which he had
not seen her. The line Of thought once
struck seemed to lead on without his
own volition. 1t must be that the an
guish OF his abrupt leave-taking. the
anxiety for his welfare and the long
ing for sight Of him during this weary
time had written deep lines upon the
patient face.
There's Caleb back James sprang
mp as # in glad escape from the heavy
thoughts as the distant beat Of hoofs
smote upon his ear. ssShe Is only his
stepmother, and yet he walks up to the
business like soldier, hating it as he
does. Caleb has the making of q soldier
in him, believe"
James was many years older before
he could fully recognize the fact that
there is nothing more heroic than the
persistent standing by the duties. small
opgreat, OF every day life. "
Hello Caleb" he cried, you've
made quick trip"
"Yes,' said Caleb, still with the
beaming face belonging with the fin
ished letter. ''Shag hasn't been at
work to-day, and he's as full of jump
as if--as if-tthe'd gotta letter off hiln-s
self. 1=sss
james could not help joining in the
boys gfeefnl laugh.
II wish felt as you do, Caleb" he
said.
''I'll tell you what" said Caleb,
with the air of one telling a great Sc
eret, 81 don't believe there's anything
makes you feel half SO good as doing
something you think you ought to do"
Not going to turn IMP" he asked, re-
turning from the stable, after giving
his little nag faithful care.
mo, I'm going to write letter"
'l'm glad 'tisn't me-" with an ex-
pressive shake of his head. 'I'm tired
enough to sleep for a weel.p
Mother was not watching at the gate
on the Tuesday on which letter might
be expected from James. Indeed, there
sometimes crept over father and Susan
a cold chill of fear that she might
never stand there or anywhere else
again.
For the feet which had taken so
many steps in loving ministering, which
had so patiently held TO the round OF
small duties laid out by Him who or
ders all our ways, were at last taking
rest. She had been suffering with
low fever, and the doctor shook his
head with discouraged face as day
! followed day, to be heightened into
week following week, and still the
pulse grew weaker and the faded eye
DINNER.
IF there was anything to rouse her."
| the old doctor had said, sorely per-
| picked at the utter lack of result to all
his applied remedies. There isn't SO
much the matter with her-only lack
of vitality. Nothing seems to touch it. :"
He sat with a helpless, baffled look.
During the latter weeks Susan hao
stolen out on Tuesday for little sea-
son of wistful watching for the longed-
| for letter which had never come. But
to-day she sat still, weighed down by
the burden of dread of what might be,
scarcely hearing. the slow rumble of
| the wagon as father drove along tbs
lane. A few moments later he ap
peared at the door and held up lette,
before Susan's eyes She forgot hei
caution in a glad spring towards him.
"a letteri A letter from Jamesv''
She controlled her voice to whis-
per, but mother had been stirred from
her half-stupor, and had opened her
eyes. The doctor was watching her.
"Read it," he said, motioning Susan
to the seat at her mothers side.
DEAR MOTHER: I've been thinking tonight
how long II is since lleft home. never thought
it would be so long. really didn't, when / got
into O pet and came on. And II I've won
dered once why I cid II I've wondered a
thousand times, for / haven't in all these
three years seen any place that was quite up to
home And II I was to stay three times three.
I'd never find anybody like you and father and
Susy.
There's another thing rvc been wondering.
and that's whether you want to see such
good for nothing as me there again"
A little sob came from mother, and
Susan paused in alarm.
go on" motioned the doctor.
but I'm most sure you do and I'm coming
home, mother. 1t won't be SO very long before
you see me. I've learned a lot OF lessons since
/ left and the one I've learned the best is that
any boy who goes around the world hunting for
q better place than home Is simpleton. So
I'm coming to be your boy again. And II you.
don't ind that can be a comfort to you and
father and Susy. why, oil you can do Is to send
me away again"
'sHer fever'll be up again, said Susys
bending over her mother in hutter of
Joy and anxiety.
But there was smile on mothers
face and light of hope and peace in
her eyes which had long been wanting
there.
..Thank God" she whispered. "My
boys coming home"
And when James very soon followed
his letter he held his breath at learn
ing how very near he had come to find
ing desoiate home, and thankfully re
ioiced in the blessed privilege of win
ming his mother back to health and
happiness.
There are many boys who put of the
home-letters and Homecoming until
too late. Sydney Dayre, In N. Y. OBJ
server.
Don't BE . Lobster.
A lobster when left high and dry
among the rocks has not sense and en-