The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1915-09-18

front door, and drumming soundly on
panel, stepped away to watch the
upper windows. Presently sash was
raised above his head.
who is there?" asked a we'll
known voice.
81 am Doctor Sanborn, Mr.. Forrest;
have urgent business with YOU
The window was closed and faint
murmur of voices dropped out into
the hush. Doctor Sanborn fastened
his horse and went back to the door,
step. Knowing Willis father as stern
and silent man, he had already begun
to doubt the issue of his intercession.
A glimmering light shot through the
close shutters of the hall and descend
ed the stairs. There was a rattle of
bolts, the door was opened and tall,
spare man came forward, hastily
clothed, but erect and dignifed.
"You may enter" he said gravely.
In austere silence he led the way to
the parlor and solemnly confronted
his visitor as one who expects the
| worst. In the chill of the early morn
| ing he looked old and gray.
"Sir, are you messenger of good
or of evil?" he asked.
''Perhaps of BOTH" the doctor re-
lplied. "Mr. Forrest, have you son?"
The mans stern face softened a lit
tie as his wife entered the room and
came quickly to his side. But he had.
been deeply wounded by Willie's de-
sertion.
Il had son." he answered grimly.
Don't say that, father" his wife
pleaded. "He is always our son. Oh,
doctor, have you any news of Willie?'
One could read mistaken love in her
appealing eyes. Doctor Sanborn's
smile was sufficient reply, and with a
glad and grateful look she hurried
| from the room.
Her husbands lips we're set in I'M
relenting lines. He was q proud and
| just man and he waited for some tOk-
en- of Willis repentance.
"Mr. Forrest" said the doctor inn
pressively, do you believe in the story
of the prodigal SOM"
1t was a touch upon the quick and
the father bowed his head. ooh, if he
would only come back!" he groaned.
"He has come back" said the doc
tor. Tonight he lies sick in barn
not fit for your cattle. He has fallen
by the way, but he was coming home
IL only to look upon your face again. :
i The old man raised his hand; he
Il could bear no more. Soon light
touch chung upon the Doctors arm and
Mrs. Forrest stood beside him hastily
dressed for the night air. Her worn
face was fairly aglow with joy.
Doctor, I'm going to my boy!'
There was deep thrill in her voice
which strongly moved the young man.
Where is he? What shall | take to
him?"
"Some one must stay here and pre-
pare for him." was the gentle reply.
ssYou can do that best. Your hus-
band will go with me"
With a quick, nervous stride Mr..
Forrest started for the carriage, while
his wife hurried to get the necessary
wraps. It was all one to her so that
she could work for Will.
They drove in silence. The roll of
carriage wheels announced their com
ling and Dick was waiting outside the
door.
where is my son?s Mr.. Forrest
asked hoarsely.
'sAt the further end. resting quietly,
i sir. He's been talking about the old
folks, doctor. I'm glad you have come.
AS they entered the barn. Doctor
lSanborn laid a warning hand on the
old mans arm Remember to con-
ltroI yourself. He has been very near
Il to death this night"
i Il will! / will! Only let me see
him. But, even with the words upon
his lips, he sprang into the hay. and,
as he knelt and caught VIII into his
arms. the boy opened his eyes upon
Ibis fathers face.