The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-11-18
CHAPTER VIII.


Bad Penny Turns Up. =
EUGENE did not inform Canaan. nor
- any inhabitant. of his adventure OF
the Straw Cellar nor did any
hear OF his meeting with his step
brother: and after Mr.. Apps adventure
five years had passed into the imper-
fshable before the town heard Of the
wanderer again, and then II heard at
first hand; Mr.. APPS prophecy fell true
and he took 1t back to his bosom again
claimed it as his own the morning of
its fulfillment- Joe Louden had come
back to Canaan.
The elder Louden was the first to
know OF his prodigals return. He was
alone in the office Of the wooden butter
dlsh factory, of which he was the SUI
perintendent, when the young man
came in unannounced. He was still
pale and thin; his eyebrows had the
same crook, one corner OF his mouth
the same droop; he was only an inch
or so taller, not enough to be thought
tail man; and yet for a few mo-
ments the father did not recognize
his son. but stared at him. inquiring
his business. During those few Sec
onds of unrecognition Mr.. Louden was
somewhat favorably impressed with
the strangers appearance.
You don't know me-" said Joe. smiI-
ing cheerfully. Perhaps I'VE changed
in seven years" And he held out his
hand.
Then Mr. Louden knew; he tilted
back in his desk chair. his mouth fall
ing open. Good Godr he said, not
noticing the outstretched hand. Have
you come ~back?''
Joe's hand fell
Yes, I've come back to Canaan"
Mr.. Louden looked at him a long
time without replying; finally he re-
Market:
Il see you've still got scar on your
forehead"
oh. I've forgotten all about that"
said the other, twisting his hat in his
hands Seven years wipe out a good
many grievances and wrongs"
You think SOP" Mr.. Louden grunted.
I suppose it might wipe out a good
deal with some people. How'd YOU
happen to stop OF at Canaan? On
your way somewhere. suppose"
NO. I've come back to stay"
Mr.. Louden plainly received this as
no pleasant surprise. What for?" he
asked, slowly.
ITO practice law. father"
Yes" said the young man. There
ought to be an opening here for me.
I'm graduate of as good a law
school as there is in the country"
You arer
certainly, SAID Joe, quietly. I've
put myself through working in the
summer"
Working Mr.. Louden snorted.
"Sideshows?"
''Oh. worse than that. sometimes" re-
turned his son. laughing. Anything
I could get. But I've always wanted to
come back home and work here
Mr.. Louden leaned forward. a hand
on each knee, his brow deeply CORFU
gated. DO you think you'll get much
practice in Canaan"
Why not? I've had a year in good
Office in New York since I left the
school, and I think I ought to get
oh. said Mr.. Louden. briefly.
You do?n
Yes. Don't your
Who do you think in Canaan would
put case in your hands?"
"Oh. don't expect to get anything
important at the start. But after
while
With your reputation."
The smile which had faded from
Joe's lips returned to them "Oh,
| know they thought 1 was
harum -scarum sort of boy" he
answered. lightly. and that it
was foolish thing to run
away for nothing. but you had said
mustn't come to you for help"
II meant it, said Mr. Louden.
But that's seven years ago. and I
suppose the towns forgotten all about
it and forgotten me. too SO. you see. I
can make fresh start That's what
You've made up your mind to stay
here. them"
Yes"
Il don't believe" said Mr.. Louden
with marked uneasiness. that. Mrs.
Louden would be willing to let you
live with u.s."
No said Joe gently. II didn't ex-
pect 1t" He turned to the window and
looked out, averting his face. yet scor-
ing himself with the contempt he had
learned to feel for those who pity
themselves. His father had not even
asked him to sit down. There was a
long silence, disturbed only by Mr.
Loudens breathing. which could be
heard, heavy and troubled.
At last Joe turned again. smiling as
before. We'll. l won't keep you from
your work" he said. Il suppose you're
pretty busy
Yes, I am, responded his father
promptly But Ill see you again be-
fore You 60 I want to give you some
advice"
I'm not going. said Joe. mot going
to leave Canaan, I mean Where will
I find Eugene?"
AT the Tocsin office: he's the assist
ant editor. Judge Pike bought the
Tocsin last year, and he thinks a good
deal of Eugene. Don't forget I said to
come and see me again before you GO
Joe came over to the older man and
held out his hand. Shake hands. faith
err" he said. Mr.. Louden looked at him
out of small. irnplacable eyes. the
steady hostility of which only his wife
or the imperious Martin Pike his en-
ployer. could quell- He shook his head
Il don't see any use in It," he an
swered. 1T wouldn't mean anything
All my life I've been a hard working
and an abiding man. Before you got
in trouble you never did anything you