The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1917-03-02
The Prodigal's
Return
But He Was
A Substitute
BY WILLARD BRAKEMAN :

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When Sam Bartlett at sixteen went
away from home without bidding his
parents or his little sister Ethel good
by, not communicating with them aft
erward, he wrecked the comfort of
the family. His mother died within a
few years. and her death left the old
man desolate indeed. His eyesight and
his hearing were both impaired. His
daughter Ethel. poor girl. had a hard
time with him. To read to him was
difficult, since she was obliged to shout,
and he could not see toNead himself.
Ethel loved her father, but it was
natural that she should wish for some
thing more inspiring than taking care
of broken down old man. She was
but eleven years old when her brother
went away and fourteen when her
mother died. When at times she would
nave temporary respite from the
care OF her father, like many another
girl, she would dream of the prince
who would come to marry her and give
her the comforts Of home that would
he her own-and his.
One morning\ there was a knock at
the door. Ethel was upstairs and did
not hear the summons. 1t sounded
again and this time loud enough for
Mr.. Bartlett to hear He went to the
door and opened it. There stood a
young man.
Il am looking for the home Of Mr..
Bartlett" said the stranger. Have 1
struck the right house?'
Speak louder" replied Bartlett, put
ting his hand to his ear. I'm hard Of
hearing
IL am trying to find Mr.. Bartlett.
and ! think you are he. ! judge by
the resemblance your SON.
MY SOM"
Yes, your son Sam"
"Sam?"
Yes"
"Oh, Sam. my boy. how could you
have left us as you did with never
word all these long years? You killed
your poor mother. and | have one foot
in the grave. How could you? How
could your
The father put his arms around the
neck and wept
The visitor was standing in this alb
surd position, not knowing whether to
mingle his tears with those Of the
weeping father or to laugh, when he
saw an attractive looking girl descend
ing the staircase.
But III not reproach you, SAM"
Mr.. Bartlett. II dare say
was severe with you. and a spirited
boy won't stand too much correction.
I'm glad you've come back and to stay
haven't you? Oh, stay with us!
Ethel and l are so lonely, and we need
your help. Your old father needs a
strong young arm and brain to sup
port him."
BY these words and the half amused,
half sympathetic look on the face Of
the stranger Ethel understood that her
father had made mistake. Dreading
TO have him suddenly disabused, fear
Ing reaction consequent upon disap-
pOintment. she gave the young man q
look and put finger on her
lips as signal for silence. Her ia
hers back was to her, so he did not
see her. and She. wishing TO release the
visitor from his embarrassing position.
aid her hand softly on the old mans
shoulder. He turned and saw her.
oh Ethel" he exclaimed joyfully.
who do you suppose this is? Your
ong lost brother Sam has returned"
He disengaged himself from his sup
POSED son that Ethel might embrace
he prodigal. But Ethel stood mute.
Forgive him, Ethel. as | have for
given him. Forget the past and what
he might have been to us during the
7ears that are gone. 1t was l who
lrove him away by my harshness.
Forgive him for my sake"
81 forgive him. father" said Ethel.
But there was no warmth in the
words, nor did Ethel greet her broth
n with a sisterly kiss. An expression
If infinite pain crossed the fathers
ACE. The stranger saw it and steppe1
II the breach.
Forgive me. Ethel" he said. 81
nave done very wrong"
He advanced to her with outstretch-
ID arms. Ethel drew back.
"Ethelw cried her father in an agony.
The stranger folded her in his arms
md kissed her. Had the old man bet
er eyesight he would have known by
he bushes that the kiss was not q
,rotherly and sisterly one. And had
lot the two whose sight was perfect
strongly approved of each others per-
'onal appearance, had not each seen
n the others expression that approval,
besides something akin to loves first
spark, probably the girl might not
nave blushed. The old man put one
lrm around his supposed son and the
,ther around his daughter, forcing
hem to prolong their embrace.
THANK heaven, my dear children,
or this reunionv'
Father" said Ethel, "let us hear
what Sam has to say In explanation,
,r, rather, l had better hear 1t first
Ind repeat 1t to you. You know you
have grown very deaf since he went
lway, and he would have trouble max
ng you hear"
NO" protested the old man. I'm