The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1897-06-24

sths close shsit ~ 81 The hail. sallld de.
Sscended the Stair Is There Was asrattle
~ bolts. the door was opened. md u tall,
spare man came Tor ward hastily
clothed, but erect and flied.
Oh ma Sent y he said !, grayely.
3 sss5 IN austerefs Hence he led the way into
the parlor and sole mnly cont ronted hia
visitor. as one who expects the worst.
In the chill Of the early morning hs
looked old and gray.
ssirS are you q messeng ger Of good q
of evil 2" he asked. II
Perhaps Of both 8 he doctor replied.
Mr.. Forrest. have you son re RI E
The mans stern face softened 1 lit
tie as his wife entered the room and
came quickly to his side. But he had
been deeply wound ed by Willis deser-
ton. IS.
= had . son. he answered, grimly. M
Don't say that. fail her. his wife
pleaded. He is always our son. d
doctor, have you any news Of Willie r. q
One could read mistaken love In her
appealing eyes. DR.. Sanborn,s smile
was sufficient reply. and with q glad
and grateful look she hurried from the
room. ss II u 5ss 81 #;S
Her husbands lips were still set IN
unrelenting lines. He was proud and
just man, and heEwaited for some token
of Wills repentance. ~ 5fl,
"Mr. Forrest said the doctor, i'm.
pressively, ''do|you believe in the story
of the prodigal son? q q IS /.
It was a touch upon the quick, and the
father bowed his head. oh, If he would
only come back! he groaned. .s n s3. "a
He has come bach, said the doctor,
Tonight he lies sick in a barn not III
for your cattle. He has fallen by the
way, but he was: coming home, il. only
to look upon your face again IL 5
The old man raised his hand; he could
bear no more. Soon light touch chung
upon the doctors arm and Mrs. For
rest stood beside him, hastily dressed
for the night air. Her worn face was
fairly aglow with joy. ...5 b .55z.1 &
Doctor, I'm going to my boyi" There
was deep thrill in her voice which
strongly moved the young man. Where
is he? What shall take to him?' + :
''Some one must stay here and pre-
pare for him. was the gentle reply.
you can do that best. Yaur husband
will go with me- ~ j. ,.35%:>, ,sf #t'z:
With a quick, nervous stride Mr.. For.
rest started for the carriage, while his
wife hurried to get the necessary wraps.
1t was all one to her, so long as she
could work for Will. r. 55. 2. =. .
They drove in silence. J. The roll OF
carriage wheels announced their COM
ing, and Dick was waiting outside the
door. ..<~-=@ - Il ts.si -
''Where is my son p Mr.. Forrest asked,
hoarsely. - -. +E ~ ~, II; ~
AT the farther end, resting quietly,
sir. He's been talking about the Old
folks, doctor. I'm glad you have come"
AS they entered the barn, DR.. San,
born laid warning hand on the old
mans arm. Remember to control
yourself. He has been very near ia
death this night" T.. -: =. ,...' n"
Il will! Il will! Only let me see
him." But, even with the words upon
his lips, he sprang into the bay. and, as
he knelt and caught Will into his arms,
the boy opened his eyes upon his ia
theirs face. 7-s. , y :. =
Twill! my son!" The fathers voice
was chicken and broken, and Will sobbed
aloud. ..g> = K ~ ~ ~ ~, ~.
Father! I didn't treat you right =
he faltered. I'm going to do better
now Az /. z ;25 T..
my son!" 1t was all the old man
could utter, but he wrapped the blan.
kets about his boy, and: passing his
strong arms underneath, smiled down
upon him tenderly. 49,. - II. I; ~.
Come, Will" he said. "Mother is
waiting for YOU youths Companion,