The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1907-04-25
CHAPTER VIII.
UGENE did not inform Canaan
- or any inhabitant Of bis ad-

|
Arp's adventure FIVE years passed into
the imperishable before the town heard
Of the wanderer again, and then 1t
heard at first hand. Mr.. APPS proph-
ecy fell true, and he took it back to his1
bosom again, claimed 1t as his own the
morning Of its fulfllment. Joe Louden
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 bis busi-
ness. During those few seconds Of un-
recognition Mr.. Louden was somewhat
favorably impressed with the stran-
gers appearance.
"You don't know me-" said Joe, smil'
Ing cheerfully. "Perhars 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 backT
Joe's hand fell.
Eyes, I've come back to Canaan"
Mr.. Louden plainly received this as
no pleasant surprise. what for?'' he
asked slowly.
ITO practice law, father"
"Whatw
"Yes," said the young man. There
ought to 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, 1 hand
on each knee, his brow deeply CORFU
gated +
"Who do you think in Canaan would {
put case in your hands" Z
"Oh, / 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
It and forgotten me too. SO, you see,rI
can make fresh start. That's what
came back for"
81 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 e1-S
pect It. Well, won't keep you from
your work. I suppose you're pretty
busy"
"Yes, / am" responded his father
promptly. But I'll see you again be-
fore you go. I want to give you some
advice"
'Tm not going" said Joe. mot go
ing to leave Canaan, I mean. Where
will find EugeneY'
"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 l said
to come to see me again before you
CO."
Joe came over to the older man and
held out his hand. shake hands, IA
ther," 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.
81 don't see any use in it." he an
swered. ut 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 to. You ran with the lows.
est people in town, and and all your
folks were ashamed Of you. 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 it was bright morning to
which he emerged from the outer doors
of the factory, and he made his way
toward Main street at a lively gait.
As he turned the corner opposite the
National House he walked into Mr..
Eskew Arp. The old man drew back
angrily.
Lord "a mercy~ cried Joe heartily.
"Irs Mr.. Arp! almost ran you
DOWN.! Then, as Mr.. Arp made no
response, but stood stock still in the
way. staring at him fercely: Don't
you know me, Mr.. Arp" the young
man asked. Pm Joe Louden."
Eskew abruptly thrust his face close
to the others. "No free seats!' he
hissed savagely and swept across to
the hotel to set his world aflre.
Joe looked after the irate receding
figure and watched 1t disappear into
the Main street door Of the National
House. AS the door closed he became
aware Of a mighty shadow upon the
L. -