The Washburn leader., 1910-07-15

One Who
Came
Fl Memorial Day Story
BY CLARSSA MACKIE.
Copyright. 1910, by American Press
Association.
BY CLARSSA MACKIE.
Copyright. 1910, by American Press
Association.

She had been looking for him all
through the warm spring, and now,
late in May. she felt that he must
come. Another week would bring the
3Oth of the month, and Memorial day,
with its tender observance of all the
beloved dead. would come to crush
down her cherished hope of Roberts
return.
Esther looked wistfully across the
pasture, and tears filled her blue eyes
until hillside and pointed cedars were
a dark blur.
When she had wiped them away
some one was coming wearily down
the narrow path-some one tall and
thin, dressed in dark clothing, with q
gray felt hat on his dropping head.
The man did not lift his eyes from
the ground. but tramped steadily on.
with his gaze fixed on the winding
path under his feet. When the path
ceased at the fence he looked up and
saw Esther gazing at him longingly.
lovingly. but there was no recollection
in his glance. merely undisguised won
derment.
Esther's radiant smile faded as she
searched the handsome face for some
sign of recognition. 1t was Robert
Webb. paler. thinner and curiously
changed in expression. and yet it was
Robert. A sudden terror filled her
soul.
Robert" she cried softly, don't you
know me?"
He stared curiously at her while n
slow red burned into his thin cheeks.
He lifted the gray hat and showed
dark hair streaked plentifully with
white.
Il am afraid you have made mis-
take" he said in deep. musical voice
that was like Roberts own tones. My
name is Robert, but am sure would
before l came to see Mr.. Lane.
was directed to take the short cut
across the lots from the station Is
this his farm?"
Esther shrank back.
"Yes, this is Mr.. Lanes farm. You
Take the path through the orchard
With murmured word of thanks
sthe man replaced his hat. leaped the
fence and disappeared In the gather
ling twilight of the orchard.
When Esther went into the house
her fair hair was wet with dew, but
her eyes were very bright and shining.
In the sitting room they were all
gathered about the evening lamp. The
aight fell on the red table cover and
was reflected in the comfortable fur
nishings of the room. Mr.. Lane w;,s
reading the almanac with an inter"S!
quite unabated by a long winters
persual of it's closely printed pages
Helen and Agatha were embrofderin%
They all glanced up us Esther Ell
tered the room. blinking at the light.
you'll catch your death out in the
dampness. child" demonstrated her
mother as Esther sat down in low
rocker beside her. We've been wish
ing you'd come in and give us little
music"
"You promised to practice that duet
with me. Esther" complained Helen.
-'I don't see why you want to run
away every night after supper. You
can't guess what's happened since
you've been gone." she added teasing
ly.
The color leaped into Esther's pale
cheeks. She struggled for q moment
..,SkI, I,ow ,n;oI,ou;nr hroo th hof0ro hor
words found utterance. what has
happened. Nell?' she asked. with as
sumed carelessness.
Nothing at ALL" interposed Mrs.
Lane. smiling. Except that fathers
tickIed to death because he's got some
one to help him all summer"
"Who is it?" asked Esther.
"A man who came here tonight.
The station master sent him, knowing
your father was put to 1t for help on
the farm. He's young and willing.
though he's little out Of health. He's
been soldier. and he wants to have q
summer farming it to get back his
health again."
"And likewise ill his pocketbook," !"
yawned Farmer Lane. stretching him
self luxuriously. II guess we'll get
along as well as may be. He's fine.
pleasant spoken young chap. but he's
seen sight Of trouble, I take 1t. His
hairs as white as my own. He's COM
ing tomorrow"
"What is his nameT asked Esther
In q nnnfflof1 voico
Robert MunsOn Looks like some
one I've seen before. Can't think who
It is to save my life,.' said her father.
rising and filling his pipe at the man.
telshelf.-
With quick movement Esther arose
and was gone from the room.
-Fnther I.ane." exclaimed Agatha In
q stage whisper. Its just come to me
who this man looks like: He looks
enough like Robert Webb to be his
own brother!'
They cast startled giances at one an
other. II declare IL he doesn't" gasp
ed Mrs. Lane at last. II hope Esther
-v~,,t cotson II II xuorId ,,naof hov