Los Angeles herald., 1908-03-08
CHAPTER xxx.
HOME ONCE MORE

| lie obtained leave of absence, and Rocky de-
tterrn;ned to accompany him.
Il want to see the hills of Maine agaA"
said Rocky, before l return West, for my
mother made me promise not to stay long.
You must come back soon," the managing
editor said as he shook Robs hand at part
ing. You must not stay down in the viii
derness.Y
Rocky and Rob took the cars at the East
ern depot one evening just as September
merged into October. They did not stop in
Bangor, but went directly on to Houlton.
for now that they were under way. Rob's
anxiety to reach home was almost unbear-
able.
They went to the hostelry of Mr.. Brown,
and Rocky mentioned the fact of his taking
the avern-keepers jacket when he was there
before lore and offered to pay for it, adding;
in the jaeket-pocket."
Mr.. Brown turned red WIN confusion.
Yes, he said. at length. u made Tom
Fitch give that money UP, and then forgot to
return It. | wonder where the young scamp
is now!"
Hes dead" said Rob, s,berly "He was
drowned not long ago."
You needn't pay anything for the jacket
said the landlord But | wouldn't knowed
either of you-you'ye improved So"
From here they took the stage-coach to the
westward.
The ride over the billy country was very
pleasant The clear Aroostook air was ex-
hiarating, and Roeky's exuberant spirits bub-
bed forth IN songs, much to the delight OF
his travelling companions.
1t was noon when the stage reached the vii
lagc where Rob had hired with Mr.. Stoddard
nearly a year before, and here it turned TO the
north. They had dinner, and then Rocky pro-
posed that they go the remaining distance on
foot.
"It's only seven miles, believe, and we're
both good pedestrians, he said, as they started
out.
L. IL, o.,I L.. -, IL.
they trudged along, and man jubilant and
Apply, the boy somewhat depressed in spirits
He was wondering how he would find his par.
ents situated.
They came to Mr.. Stoddard's place and saw
its rough owner leaning against the bars.
"How are you, MIR. Stoddard?" said Rocky,
advancing, and holding out his hand.
We'll" calculated Mr.. stoddard, gazing
at Rob as though he was a creature from
another world I aBe you Rob Archer?s '
Rob did not, reply. and they left the man
They passed the place where Rob had been
attacked by wolves, the last time he had ira
versed this road, and soon they came in sight
of the clearing and little log house, from the
window of which he had looked SO despondent-
ly less than year ago.
"Now, you go on ahead" said Rocky. an
rest here by the foot of this birch tree for
half an hour or so; then I'll come. Go
ahead"
With a trembling heart Rob approached his
former home The early frosts had Hinged
the leaves of the, surrounding forest, and the
air. laden with the incense OF spruce and fir,
was pure and sweet.
A stout boy was chopping wood in the
dooryard. The sturdy little fellow was swing
ing the ak vigorously; chip after chip few
from the solid, rock-maple log, and he did
not hear the approaching footsteps of Rob.
Henry" said Rob. how are father and
mother~
The voice did not sound at all like Rob
Archer's, and Henry looked up, his round
checks flushed by the, exercise. He gased
earnestly moment; then the ak dropped
to the ground; he sprang toward the house,
burst open the door, crying. as he did so:
ooh, motherl motherl Rob's come homel"
A pale-faced woman came hurriedly TO the
door, and Rob fastened forward to meet her.
Her arms were clasped about his neck, her
tear-wet face pressed to his.
my boy! my boy'' was all she could say.
Then she stepped back, holding him at arms
length, and looked at him from head to foot.
had changed greatly, 'Your father viii be
proud of you, Robbie"
Rob's heart thrilled at these words
"How is father?" he asked
"He is not WELL" said the woman sadly.
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