Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-04-18
CHAPTER VII

CHAPTER VIII.
CGENE did not inform Canaan
! or any inhabitant Of his ad-
| venture OF the STRAW Cellar"
A. nor did any hear of his meeting
with his stepbrother, and after Mr..
/ APPS adventure five years passed Into
| the iinperishable before the town heard
/ OF the wanderer again, and then II
beard at first hand. Mr. Apps proph-
ecy fell true, and he took Il back to his
bosom again, claimed It as his own the
morning of It's fulfllment. Joe Leuden
had come back TO Canaan.
The elder Louden was the first to
know of his prodigal's return. He was
alone in the office Of the wooden but
/ ter dish factory, OF which he was the
superintendent 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
a tall man, and yet for few moments
the father did not recognize his son,
but stared at him, inquiring his busi-
ness. During those few seconds of I'M
recognition Mr.. Louden was somewhat
favorably impressed with the stran-
gers appearance.
you don't know me-" said Joe. smil-
ing cheerfuliy. perhaps I've changed
in seven yearg." And he held out his
hand.
Then MI Louden knew He tilted
back in his desk chair, his mouth fall.
ing open. Good Cod he said, not
noticing the outstretched hand. Have
you come backT'
Joe's hand fell.
Yes I've come back to Canaan"
Mr.. Louden plainly received this as
no pleasant surprise. What for?" he
asked slowly.
ITO practice law, father"
"Whatf'
Yes" said the young man. There
ought to be an opening here for NE.
I'm a graduate OF rs 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 hands,
oh, l don't expect TO get anything
important at the start, but after
awhile
with your reputation!"
But that's seven years ago. and
suppose the towns forgotten all about
| n
can make fresh start. That's what
| came back for
II 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-
poet it. Well l won't keep you from
your work. l suppose you're pretty
busy"
Eyes. I am responded his father
promptly. But I'll see you again be-
fore you 40. l want to give you some
advice
I'm not going" said Joe. Not go.
ing TO leave Canaan, l mean. Where
will find EugeneT'
AT the Tocsin 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
TO come to see me again before you
go"
Joe came over to the older man and
held out his hand, shake hands, ia
Their" he said. Mr.. Louden looked at
him out of small implacable 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 Ia It," he an
swered. at wouldn't mean anything
All my life I've been a hard working
man and an abiding man. Before you
got In trouble you never did anything
you ought to. You ran with the low
est people in town, and l and all your
folks Were ashamed Of you. l don't
see that we've got call to be any
different now" He swung round to
his desk emphatically on the last
word, and Joe turned away and went
out quietly.
But 1t WAS bright morning to
which he emerged from the outer doors
Of the factory, and 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
angriy.
Lord a mercy" cried Joe heartily.
"Its Mr.. Arpl almost ran you
down." Then, rs Mr.. Arp made no
response, but stood stock still In the
way. staring Mt him fercely: Don't
you know me, Mr.. Arp?" the young
man asked. I'm Joe Louden."
Eskew abruptly thrust his face close