The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1908-05-06

deeply on how he might eluds the viz
liant doorkeeper.
4 u must set In there he mustsfsd
Il can't 80 back without hearing some
thing about them and herr Then hs
looked doubtful. Perhaps BilI wouldn'i
SEQ me, after ali."
He was startled from bis perplexi.
ties by motor ear dashing close to
the curb and stopping beside where he
was slowly passing.
/ A large, well built man sprang from
the machine and In doing no joltcd
against him accidentally.
Your pardon, SIR" apologlzed the
man. The words were scarcely uttered
when hla face went aghast.
"Merclful Godv' be breathed.
The Bum, too surprised to move and
his own face ashy pale, mumbled some.
thing that sounded like "Billw
| The hearty clasp that inclosed the
trembling hand OF the Bum dispelled
all doubts as to how "Bill" would re-
ceive him. The other hand he brought
down on the BUNS shoulder with d
glad thump.
"Jim," almost shouted the man;
"Jim, can II be possible this Is your
And tears. manly, shameless tears,
we're 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, ana
when Mr. Hjgginson's arrival was an
nounced partners and clerks hurried
to counsel with him, but Mr. Higgin-
son waved them Of. He passed on
through the long hallway straight to
bis private Offices.
He pushed the Bum In gently ahead
OF him, closed the door and locked It.
"Jim Plerson, where In the devil have
you been oil these yearsY' then adding.
in voice not devoid OF emotion, ave
I've actually prayed that you'd come
back
The Bum didn't notice the incongruity
Of Hlgginson'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 10
much as mention their names-her
name.
He would 80. He wouldn't remain
even though Higginson was most hos.
pitable. Better tormenting uncertainty
than torturing truth. He rose.
\ can't stay. Bill. You're too busy
man to be bothered With
"Sit right down there" said Hlggin.
son, forcing the Bum back In a quiet,
way. Then. with quayer Of
tenderness In his voice, "Jim. know
what brought you back, and the soon
or you know the better"
The BUNS heart came dangerously
near stopping. II was, then, as he fear
I'd. Would Rilly say married" or-or
-"deadT' He wouldn't wait to hear.
Again he rose for flight. Higginson
placed kindly restraining hands upon
aim.
Beatrice Cuyler--is--not married.
She's stlll In love with you." said Hig.
yinson, looking at the Bum steadily,
Then he set his captive free, and the
Sum walked TO a window, where he
TODD looking ont for long time. but
10 was not studying the beauties or
nonstrosities of neighboring skyscrap-
~. He was dwelling ON what seemed
o him, as nearly as he could figure
hings out. possible impossibllities. And
here was a warm, happy feeling with.
y him, the like of which he had long
ince relinqulshed. He whistled "Yan.
zee Doodle" softly. and Higginson won.
cred as he slipped into an adjoining
oom beyond the hearing OF the Bum.
"Bring complete outfit of my
lothes," he telephoned In low voice:
yes, everything hat, necktie, shoes,
he whole business. What2 No, moth
lg's happened to me. just want them
or Well bring them along, and
lght away. And, say, Thomas, don't ,
lention this to Mrs. Higglnson."
The Bum turned as Higginson re-
ntered the room. ,
"Tell me about the others,n he said.
For a long time Higginson talked.
hings Of vital interest had transpired
Ince that mad, wild day Of the Buns
,
His father had died leaving him a
mall fortune II he were ever found.
Ills mother still lived. His sister Lau-
!, as the Bum had already surmised.
nd married Higginson, and it was only
year since the marriage had occurred.
Iigginson and Laura were living In the !
ID home with the BUNS mother.
Every known means had been en-
Ioyed and large sums Of money spent !
! the search for the Bum, and year !
tier year the family had remained in
'wn late into the heat OF the summer !