The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-05-19

II tried TO expect II at. Grsw Mrs
Spencer hurried on "but when I pu
up The stone really thought hs wai
dead, II had been 70 long. And
might have married and been q biz
amist" she Jared at the tramp, WIN
stood In q downcast silence. II Nigh,
have been married this minute. I could
have beon. What thsnf"
III you'd been married again. Hsr.
rIet-I didn't think you would, though
but II you had I'd never lot you know
l was alive. And don't mean to bug.
den you. There's lots Of work In me
yeti he quavered.
"You don't look H. and there was
never any too much at your best, bat
OF course you've got to stay. I guess
be can do errands and mind the boy,
Johnny"
John shook hands heartily with his
unfamiliar father. whom he could not
remember. introduced his wife and OF.
hibited the child named for his sup.
posed defunct grandfather
you've got 10 clean up and shave
and have that shag OF hair clipped.
There's some OF your old duds upstairs,
decent ones Mrs. Spencer laid down
the law. then turned TO John again. II
expect itll raise great racket, selling
the tombstone aud all. and | couldn't
have sold Il II hadn't recognized him
last night. Johnny. Dear knows what
folks'll say" She flashed scorn at tho
prodigal. who dropped ahnmefacedly,
but with twinkle In his eyes.
"I'yc got some things at the depot"
he explained meckly when she stopped.
Things! | didn't know tramps car.
ried baggage she Snortrd.
I'm not professional tramp: only
In the way Of running from Dan to
Bccrshebn That wns always my fail.
ing. you know. Harriet But I'm get
ting.
You're getting too old and worn out
10 stand II. else you likely wouldn't
have come home now" she interrupted
n little bitterly.
"You always had good heart. Har.
rict." he said gratefully. u would 10
that last time. but thought was In
for good thing In mining out there.
and when everything failed Yes. |
know, everything always seemed to
TAIL with me-" he interjected In answer
10 look on her face. when every
hing failed was ashamed even 10
write, and ! kept going from one thing
10 another. thinking I'd do better. TIL
he first knew was getting old and
sray and realized that I'd left you to
ug along and raise Johnny alone. I'd
lever come back only
"Only you couldn't do anything else"
he put in again. unable Immediately
o forgive the long desertion.
"And TO think OF your shaving and
'utting up tombstone for me and Civ.
ng the little shaver my namel I've
rcated you dog mean, Harriet his
'oice trailed. shakily. into silence
well. what's done's DONE" she said.
hlm more kindly. II don't
now as we can help the way were
made, and ! don't suppose It's always
'een easy for you any more than for
s Wen make the best OF II, won't
re. Johnny Your father can Job
bout enough for his keep"
"Yes, that's NO, father" John laid
In hand on the old mans shoulder.
Well soon be jogging along as II
ou'd never been away"
Bless your hearts. 30 you will take
the poor old good for nothing
amp" The bent shoulders straight
ned, he sprang nImbly up the steps.
sized Mrs. Spencer and kissed her
'undly In spite OF her shocked resist.
nee, then grasped Johns hand. You
Idn't let me finish about coming back,
arriet. | got over being a failure. |
ent up to the klondike and caught up
ith the luck I'd always been chasing
id-and Johnny, boy, you can buy out
e whole little town II YOU want to.
III Mrs. Spencer. ma'am, let's begin