Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1907-08-14

/ know or his prodigaPs return. He wa
{ alone In the Office Of the wooden but
, ter dish factory, Of which he was th,
, superintendent, when the young maj
came In unannounced. He was still
pale and thin. His eyebrows had tn,
} same crook, one corner of bis moutl
the same droop. He was only an incl
or so taller not enough to be thought
a tall man, and yet for few moments
the father did not recognize his son
but stared at him, inquiring his bust
ness. During those few seconds of un
recognition Mr.. J0uden was somewhat
favorably impressed with the stran
gers appearance.
You don't know me-" said Joe, smil
ing cheerfully. perhaps I've changed
In seven years" And he held out bis
hand.
Then Mr.. Louden knew. He tilted
back In his desk chair, his mouth fall.
ing open. Good Godw he said, not
noticing the outstretched hand. "Have
you come backr'
Joe's hand fell.
"Yes, I've come back 20 Canaan"
Mr.. Louden plainly received this as
no pleasant surprise. "what forr' he
asked slowly.
ITO practice law. father"
"whatT"
"Yes," said the young man. There
ought 20 be an opening here for me.
I'm graduate OF as good law school
as there Is In the country"
Mr.. Louden leaned forward, a hand
on each knee, his brow deeply CORFU
gated
"Who do you think In Canaan would
put case In your handsT'
"Oh. don't expect 20 get anything
important ut the start but after
awhile
with your reputationT
"But that's seven years ago, and
suppose the towns forgotten oil about
II and forgotten me too. SO, you see. I
can make fresh start That's what
came back for"
'I don't believe" said Mr.. Louden,
Louden would be willing 70 let you
live with u.s."
"No." said Joe gently. II didn't ex.
pect II. Well, won't keep you from
your work. / suppose you're pretty |
busy"
"Yes. l am" responded his father
promptly. "But I'll see you again be-
fore you 90. want TO give you some
advice"
I'm not going" said Joe. "Not go |
ing 20 leave Canaan, l mean. Where
will find EugeneY'
AT the Tocsln office; he's the as.
sistant editor. Judge Pike bought the
Tocsin last year. and he thinks a good
deal OF Eugene. Don't forget | said
10 come 20 see me again before you
GO"
Joe came over 10 the older man and
held out his hand. "Shake hands, IA.
thcr." he said. MIR. Louden looked nj
him out OF small implacable eyes. the
steady hostility OF which only his wife
or the imperious Martin Pike. his EN-.
ployer, could Quell. lie shook his
head.
II don't see any use In IT," he an
swered. "lt wouldn't mean anything.
All my life I've been hard working
man and an abiding man. Before you
got In trouble you never did anything
you ought 20, You ran with the low.
est people In town. and and all your
folks Were ashamed OF you. don't
SEQ that we've got call to bee anyi
different now" lie swung round 20
his desk emphatically on the last
word. and Joe turned away and went
,ut quietly
But IL was bright morning 20
which he emerged from the outer doors
n the factory, aud he made his way
toward Main street at lively gait
As he turned the corner opposite the
National House he walked into Mr.
Eskew Arp, The old man drew back
lngrily,
Lord "a mercyw cried Joe heartily
It's Mr.. Arpl almost ran you
ownI" Then. as Mr. Arp made no
esponse. but stood stock still in the
'ay, staring nc him dereely: Don't
ou know me, Mr., Arpr the young I
IAN asked. I'm Joe Louden"
Eskew abruptly thrust his face close /
the others. "No free seatsg' he I
lssed sayagely and swept across TO I
10 hotel 20 set his world afire. {
Joe looked after the irate receding ,
gure and watched Il disappear into 1
le Main street door OF the National
Iouse, AS the door closed he became I
ware of mighty shadow upon the q
avement and. turning. beheld a fat 4
oung man wearing upon his forehead
scar similar 60 his own wsddling by, n
lth eyes hxed upon him.
How are you. Norberty' Joe began. \
Don't you remember meS r. He \
me 60 tua stop as the fat one.
Lrnailng out an under LIN na his only | =