The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1908-07-04
When Carlin
Came Back


~.~.~~
The gray-haired stranger alighted
from the morning train and looked
about him. The stationmaster was
lounging near.
MY friend" said the stranger, Il
want to ask you question or two
about this place, If you can spare the
time"
go ahead" said the stationmaster,
as he leaned against a packing case
whats your line?"
"My line?" repeated the stranger
sWhat do you mean?'
"Show business? Drumming!
The stranger shook his head.
Nothing Of that Sort" he replied.
ave heard about this place. may
stay here for while"
''The Halsey House Is pretty good
hotel" said the stationmaster. III
you're lookin' for style, though, you'll
go to the Peabody
The stranger was about to ask
question, then he hesitated.
81 am looking up some old law mat
ters," he said "Who is the county pros
ecutor?'
County prosecutor? Why, it's young
Joe Carlin."
The stranger suddenly started.
"Carlin?" he repeated.
eyes Fine young fellow. We 1ected
him last spring. Old Squire Dedham
ran against him. Pretty close, too
Some folks thought Joe was too young
and some folks remembered that his
father wrecked bank here when Joe
was a kid, an skipped. But Of course
Joe amt to blame for that"
NO" said the stranger. "Where is
his office?"
straight up Main street. It's just
opposite the op'ry house. Court amt
settin' nOw.y
he moved away. The stationmaster
watched him cross the platform.
HE ought to see a doctor, stead of
q lawyer" he muttered. But mebby
he wants to make his will"
The stranger walked slowly, as If in
no hurry to transact the business that
had brought him to Arlington. He
leaned heavily on his stout cane and
stopped a little as he walked. AS he
passed along. his keen eyes looked from
right to left, and from time to time he
slowly shook his head.
He paused when he reached the
opera house and looked across the
street. There was the sign he sought
"Joseph Carlin, Attorney at Law"
He stared at it a moment and then
crossed to the other side Slowly he
assembled the stairs and sought the Of
flee door. 1t was a little ajar. He
pushed 1t open and entered the room.
A man was sitting at on office table
near the window. He was a man of 30,
dark haired and clear eyed. He looked
up as the stranger entered.
The latter hesitated.
"Are you Joseph Carlin?"
Eyes"
Prosecuting attorney of this coun-
W"
Eyes"
The stranger came a little nearer.
The light fell on his gray head and
his worn face.
Il have come here" he slowly said,
ITO give myself up"
The younger man stared at him.
what do you mean?"
There is an Indictment here against
the an old Indictment" His head
suddenly dropped. II am Ezra Car
a."
The younger man gave sudden gasp.
"My father"
He pushed his chair back and came
forward quickly and gave the stran-
gers hand hurried clasp. "Sit here, /"
he said, and drew him to q seat nv
the table. His face was pale, but his
voice was steady. He did not resume
his seat, but stood little at one side,
looking down at the older man.
Il know this Is an unwelcome shock
TO you, Joseph said the stranger, very
Slowly. 1T isn't often that a prodigal
father returns to a virtuous son-and
no prodigal father could deserve a vel
come less"
The younger man turned. and. going
to the door, locked 1t.
DO not forget that you are my IA
tner,' he said, as he turned back. "Why
nave you come here, and what can do
to help your"
The old man raised his head.
! nave not come to ask mercy" he
SAID You know the miserable story,
!. was the trusted banker Of the VII.
In moment Of recklesaness ]