The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-10-07

ca 10 his ne1ghBor across tne aisle. A big loss to this state!' Mot so big as if we didn't have Me Adoo," returned the other That's true. They're turning their guns on him already too. Revived that old nomination story. For my part don't believe it." .I do believe it, but I don't care. I'd have done the same under the circum- stances A lot of people will care. though. Funny about us Americans the occasional slip up of good man cuts a bigger figure with us than the continual crimes of really dishonest one. He'll be governor. though" The train started, and the man with the child lost the answer. He shrank back in his chair How can go back How can they let me? O God. keep my courage alive" When the train stopped he alighted. quaking inwardly. He took a cab, fearing the curious eyes of the street car passengers. He need not have feared. The people of that city had long since cast him out of their mem ories.
 They turned into a familiar. quiet street The prodigal's limbs were shaking so that he could hardly hold the child. His heart beat painfully. Wild thoughts of leaving the baby on the doorstep and fleeing rushed through his brain. The cab stopped. The passenger. shivering, got out
 He walked slowly up the gravel path leading to the porch. He could see into the brightly lighted library. He knew every little detail of that room He remembered that oAce in that room he had sworn to be true whatever might come.
 To the long French window came a woman, her figure silhouetted against the bright light of the lamps. He recognized Kathleen. She was looking out at him.
 She opened the door. gazing gravely at the bearded. sallow faced man who stared at her strangely.
 Do you wish to see Mir. McAdoo? He's out of the city just now"
 "Kathleenr' he cried in strange. croaking voice. Don't you know mew
 "Pauly' Doubt. amazement. joy, voiced themselves in the word. and welcome shone in her eyes as har- bor light to the storm driven seafarer.
 "I bring you responsibility. Kath- leen.'' He held out the child.
 we welcome responsibilities here." she answered happily. She held out her arms for the baby.
 'swait! She is my sisters child. Her Fathers name don't know. She has no right to be in the world. She is cursed from her birth. Will you take her?"
 "All the more for that reasnn!''
 She took the child from him. cud- Hing it close to her heart.
 ''Come in. Paul: Don't stand there; Don't you know you have come AomeY
 He followed her into the library. The warm. cozy room seemed to en- fold him, to welcome him. He sank into a chair. burying his face in his hands.
 Kathleen, I can't help it. don't 7 want to leave-to run away out into the loneliness again. Do you think he will let me stay?'
 Have you any doubt?" She faced him proudly. Then you don't know our Bobr'
 Tt wasn't easy, Kathleen-I was so ashamed-but it was very lonely"
 "But all that is ended, Paul."
 Sometimes life throws the prodigaI line. In Paul's case the line was his sister, another astray under the curse of inherited temperament. whom he had found dying and hugging to her heart child of passion. "She died. But made those last should count for sonething-do you think so. Kathleen?' :
 '"That should count, for a great deal, Paul."
 eff only I could be of some use to him! I'd like to be-" The humility sat strangely on Paul.
 "Ah. see you don't understand. He needs all the help all of us can give. For William Murchell is dying. and Bob must take his place."
 "He has risen high. I am glad" And she saw that he was sincere He sat up suddenly, with despairing cry:
 Kathleen. it's not possible!N l can't stay. l can't help him. can only hurt him. Don't you see. Pll be a re- hinder to him and to every one of what must be forgotten-that thing his shame?"
 But you don't understand" she cried. What others think doesn't count. He has never denied it, part iy. l think, because he wouldn't shame you before the people. As for him, it wasn't his shame. He wasn't guilty"
 "He-wasn't-guiltyw
 Then to the bewildered Paul she told the. story of the convention as she had had 1t from Haggin.
 It was long before he answered. His hands and face twitched continuously. Evidently his nerves were gone. It was not easy. the thing required of him.
 At last he opened his eyes. 'Tt's the only thing to do.''
 She guessed what was in his mind. "He would never ask it. Paul."
 Let us call Haggin and do it. Now --tonight-while my courage lasts"
 Carrying the baby, she left him