The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1907-06-14

or any inhahitan1 Of his ad
venture Of the Straw Cellar
- nor did any hear OF his meeting
with his stepbrother, and after Mr
Arp's adventure fiye years passed int
the imperisbable before the town heard
Of the wanderer again, and then il
heard at first hand Mr. ArTJ's pr0ph
ecy fell true and ne took It back 20 MS
bosom again. claimed II as his own the
morning Of it's fulfllment. Joe I.0uden
had come back TO Canaan
The elder Louden was r1e first 20
know Of his prodigal's return He was
alone IN the Office Of the wooden tut
Ter dish factory. of winch ne was rne
superintendent when the young man
came In unann0uneed He was stiIl
pale and thin His eyebrows had the
same crook one corner Of his mouth
or so taller, not enough 70 he thought
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. Isouden was somewhat
favorabiy impressed with the stran-
gers appearance.
You don't know nae" said Joe. smil-
ing cheerfulIy Perhaps I've changed
in seven years" And he held out mis-
hand
Then Mr.. Louden knew He tilted
back in bis desk chair his mouth fall
ing open. Good God he said, not
noticing the outsfrefched hand Have
you come backr
Joe's hand fell
yes I've come back 10 Canaan"
Mr. Isoulen plainly received this rs
no pleasant surprise. What forg'' he
asked slowly.
ITO practice law, father"
"what7"
Yes" said the young man. There
ought 70 be an opening here for me
I'm a 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 handsY"
"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 eli about
it and forgotten me too. So, y0u see, /
can make fresh start That's what |
| came back for"
Il don't believe said Mr. Louden, |
with marked uneasiness, that Mrs.
Louden would be willing TO LET you
live with us
mo, said Joe gently. Il didn't OK
pect If. Well, won't keep you from
-FOUR work ! suppose you're pretty
BUSY"
Yes. / am" responded his father
But III see you again be
ore you go want to give you some
ldvice
"Im not going said Joe. Not go
NJ TO leave Canaan, | mean. Where
will / find Eugene"
AT the Tocsin Office: he's the as
istant editor. Judge Pike bought the
Tocsin hast year. and he thinks good
leal OF Eugene Don't forget ! said
0 come TO see me again before you |
o.
Joe came over TO the older man and |
eId out his hand Shake hands, ia
her. he said. Mr.. Louden looked at
i'm out of small implacable eyes. ths
teady hostility of which only his wife
r the Imperi0us Martin Pike, his EN-
loyer. could quell. He shook inns
cad
81 don't see any use In H." ne an .
weredy ~dt wouldn't mean anything.
II my life I've been a hard working !
ian and an abiding man. Before you q
Of in trouble you never did anything r
on ought to You ran with the low
It people In town and ! and all your >
,lks were ashamed of you. ! don't :
g that we've got call to be any
fferent now" He swung round 10
Is desk emphaticaliy Oh the last r,
ord. and Joe turned away and went Il
II quietly. ~
But Il was bright morning 70 E.
hch he emerged from the outer doors n
the factory and he made his way y
ward Main street al lively gait. a
8 he turned tho corner opposite the q,
1tional House he walked into Mr..
skew Arp The old man drew back
Igrily. Fl,
lord a mercyr' cried Joe heartily y
~ Mr.. Arp! almost ran you