The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1897-06-23

cropped 70 sleep again.
IT Is the medicine" DR.. Sanborn ex-
planned. He has had enough and now
you can watch him till return. am
going for help" he added. with mean
ing nod.
His horse neighed impatiently as he
stole out of the barn. How cold the
night air was! Drawing long breath
of relief. he wrapped his overcoat close
~ about him, uncovered the horse and
drove away.
In the darkness it would have been
easy to miss his destination. but he
kept sharp outlook. and at last de-
serted the Forrest house looming in
distinctly upon the right.
The night was still. but no one seemed
to be reused by his coming. He walked
up the gravel path to the front door,
and. drumming soundly on panel,
stepped away to watch the upper win
dows. Presently sash was raised
above his head.
"Who is there?" asked well-known
voice.
II am DR.. Sanborn. Mr.. Forrest,
have urgent business with you.''
The window was closed and faint
murmur of voices dropped out into the
hush. DR.. Sanborn fastened his horse
and went back to the doorstep. Know
ing Willis father as a stern and silent
man., he had already begun to doubt
the issue of his intercession.
A glimmering light shone through
the close shutters of the hall, and de-
scended the stairs. There was rattle
of bolts, the door was opened, and a tall.
clothed, but erect and dignified.
"You may enter" he said, gravely.
In austere silence he led the way into
the parlor and solemnly confronted his
visitor, as one who expects the worst.
In the chill of the early morning he
looked old and gray.
"Sir, are you messenger of good OF
of evil?" he asked.
Perhaps of both," the doctor replied
''Mr. Forrest, have you son %
The mans stern face softened lit
tie as his wife entered the room and
came quickly to his side. But he had
been deeply wounded by Wills deser.
ton.
II had a son." he answered, grimly..
"Don't say that, father" his wife
pleaded. He is always our son. O
doctor, have you any news of Willie?"
One could read mistaken love in her
appealing eyes. DIR. Sanborn's smile
was sufficient reply, and with a glad
and grateful look she hurried from the
room.
Her husbands lips were still set in
unrelenting lines. He was proud and
just man. and he waited for some token
of Wills repentance
"Mr. Forrest" said the doctor, i'm.
pressively. ''do you believe in the story
of the prodigal sop?''
1t was touch upon the quick, and the
father bowed his head. "Oh, if he would
only come back" he groaned.
HE has come back" said the doctor.
Tonight he lies sick in barn not fit
for your cattle. He has fallen by the
way, but he was coming home, if only
to look upon your face again."
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.
Doctor, I'm going to my boy!" 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, Your husband
will go with me-"
With quick, nervous stride Mr.. For
rest started for the carriage, while his
wife hurried to get the necessary wraps.
It was all one to her, SO long as she
could work for Will.
They drove in silence. The roll of
carriage wheels announced their COM
ing, and Dick was waiting outside the
door.
Where isSmy son ?" Mr.. Forrest asked,
hoarsely.
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 to
death this night"
II will! / will! Only let me see
him." But, even with the words upon
his lips, ne sprang into the bay, and, as
he knelt and caught Will into his arms,
the boy opened his eyes upon his IA
TIERS face.
will! my son!" The fathers voice
was chicken and broken. and Will sohbed
aloud.
"Fatherl didn't treat you right"
he faltered. I'm going to do better
now"
MY son!" 1t was all the old man
could utter, but he wrapped the blan-
kets about his boy, and, passing his
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