The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1914-02-17

me, Esther, that he's afraid to meet
me face to face" He sighed heavily.
IF he only knew, Mr.. Slocum. / am
sure he would come
I'VE can't find him, Esther. can't
remember the name of that Kansas
town and there came a wedding pres
ent for Emmy-a beautiful set of
knives and forks. There was no name
attached and the postmark on the box
was blurred. We could only guess it
was from Eddie"
1t was after that that Esther Trent
took upon herself mighty task. She
bought postal cards by the dozen and
on each one wrote an appeal to Ed
ward Slocum to return to his aged
father, who needed him. These she
sent to many towns and cities in the
state of Kansas, in the hope that she
might by chance strike upon the place
where Ed Slocum made his home.
These postal cards she carried to the
postoff1ce in the next village.
Weeks passed and there came no re-
Spouse to Esther's anonymous appeal
There had been one town which bore
her own name, Esther" and she had
cherished f1uttering hope that Fate
might decree that there was magic In
the name Of his old sweetheart.
No news came from her dear prodi-
gal, and at last Esther gave up hope
and turned her attention to making
James Slocum as comfortable as he
would permit her. There was not
much to do, for the old man was
proud; he had plenty of money to keep
him in comfort.
One bitter night when James Slo-
cum, almost helpless from an attack
of rheumatism. had been compelled to
accept Esther's aid, the Slocum kitch-
en- was aglow with warm light from
the stove. Esther was moving around
bent on household tasks, and Mr.. Slo-
cum, his helpless foot propped on q
chair. was reading by the light of q
green shaded lamp.
The supper dishes were washed,
and Esther had prepared the old mans
bed in the little room off the kitchen
She united her apron and reached up
to the hook for her knitted shawl when
there came knock at the door.
Esther answered it to admit a slen.
der, erect man, whose sparkling black
eyes searched her face eagerly and
then darted to the wrinkled face Of
the old man.
Father" cried the man, and he
went past his old sweetheart and knelt
beside James Slocum
1t was several moments before the
speak.
Son." he said, 1T was Esther Trent
who brought you back"
81 know 1t, father" said Ed humbly.
But when they looked around Esther
had disappeared
Never mind, I'll go around after her
In little WHILE" said Ed. There are
a few things that must be discussed
f1rst-and l want your blessing, faith
err"
Esther was putting out the light
when there came ring at her door
bell. Trembling in every limb she
turned up the wick of the parlor lamp
and went to the front door.
Ed Slocum stood there, his keen,
eager face upturned to hers. May
come in, Esther?" he asked.
Esther smiled tremulously. What
could she say to him after all these
years of waiting?
Within the little parlor, familiar be-
cause it held so many well remem-
bered things, Ed Slocum's face worked
strangely. At last he held out his
hands to Esther.
Esther, I've meant to come back all
these years; I've kept myself straight
for you and mother. Il went to a
place in Kansas picked it out be-
cause its name was the same as yours,
and your postal card reached me at
last. l thought they didn't want me
here, and stayed away, but when the
card came, knew disposed Of my
business. l am here. Are you going
to welcome the prodigal SOM" He
smiled down wistfully at her
Il knew you would come back some
day." whispered Esther. her head on
his shoulder.
Copyright. 1913, by the Mcclure News
paper Syndicate.)