The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1908-07-22

II can't go back without hearing some
thing about them and her. Then b
looked doubtful. Perhaps Bill wouldn'
see me, after ALL"
He was startled from his perplexi
| ties by motor car dashing close t
the curb and stopping beside where b
was slowly passing.
/ A large, well built man sprang from
the machine and in doing so jolteC
against him accidentally.
Your pardon, SIR apologized tn,
man. The words were scarcely uttered
when his face went aghast
"Merciful Godv' he .breathed
The Bum, too surprised to move an(
his own face ashy pale, mum bled some
thing that sounded liNe .Billv'
The hearty clasp that inclosed the
trembling hand of the Bum dispelleC
all doubts as to how "BilP' would re
ceive him. The other hand he brought
| down on the BUNS shoulder with a
| glad thump.
"Jim," almost shouted the man;
"Jim, can it be possible this is your
And tears, manly, shameless tears,
were plainly visible In the blue eyes of
William Van Camp Higginson. He
linked an arm affectionately within
that of the dirty, unkempt bum
"Come inside" he said.
There was business of Importance
that morning for the banking house of
Higginson, Matthews & Pollock, and
when Mr.. Higginson's arrival was an
nounced partners and clerks hurried
to counsel with him, but Mr. Higgin-
son waved them off, He passed on
through the long hallway straight to
his private Offices
He pushed the Bum in gently ahead
Of him, closed the. door and locked it.
"Jim Pierson. where In the devil have
you been all these years. p then adding,
in voice not devoid of emotion, 1--WE
I've actually prayed that you'd come
back"
The Bum didn't notice the incongruity
of Higginson's language. He was strug-
Cling with his own emotions. He was
trying to venture that one question that
had been uppermost In his heart since
yankee Doodle" had sent the blood
coursing through his veins and dragged
him from his wretched abode into the
atmosphere of better things, into the
presence of representative men. Now,
powerless with fear. he could not so
much as mention their names-her
name.
He would go. He wouldn't remain
even though Higginson was most hos
pitable. Better tormenting uncertainty
than torturing truth. He rose.
II can't stay. Bill. You're too busy a
man to be bothered WITH
'Sit right down there" said Higgin-
son, forcing the Bum back in a quiet.
way. Then, with aquaver Of
tenderness in his voice, 'Jim, 1 know
what brought you back, and the soon
er you know the better
The BUNS heart came dangerously
near stopping. 1t was, then, as he fear
ed. Would Billy say married or-or
-"dead?' He wouldn't wait to hear
Again he rose for fight. Higginson
placed kindly restraining hands upon
him.
Beatrice Cuyier- is-not married.
She's still in love with you." said Hig-
ginson, looking at the Bum steadily,
Then he set his captive free, and the
Bum walked to window, where he
stood looking out for long time, but
he was not studying the beauties or
Of neighboring skyscrap-
ers. He was dwelling on what seemed
to him, as nearly as he could figure
things out, possible impossibilities. And
there was warm, happy feeling with
n him, the like of which he had long
since relinquished. He whistled cyan
zee Doodle softly, and Higginson won
aered as he slipped into an adjoining
room beyond the hearing of the Bum.
Bring complete outfit of my
he telephoned in a low voice;
yes, everything hat, necktie, shoes,
The whole business. What? No, moth
ng's happened to me. just want them
for Well, bring them along, and
light away. And, say, Thomas, don't
mention this to Mrs. Higginson."
The Bum turned as Higginson re-
entered the room.
"Tell me about the Others" he said.
For long time Higginson talked.
Things of vital interest had transpired
since that mad. wild day of the BUNS
His father had died leaving him a
small fortune If he were ever found.
His mother still lived. His sister Lau-
"a, as the Bum had already surmised,
lad married Higginson. and it was only
| year since the marriage had occurred.
Iigginson and Laura were living in the
I'D home with the Buns mother.
Every known means had been en-
,loyed and large sums of money spent
n the search for the Bum, and year
Lfter year the family had remained in
own late into the heat Of the summer
nd had returned early in autumn, hop
ng against hope that he might come
nd there would be some one to well |
ONE him.