The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1918-02-09
The RETURN
lCopyrisAt. 1917. western NsWspaper Union
BY ALICE n. BOYD.

great start and uttered n sharp gasp. |
The woman by his side stared. scowlcd, !
arose to her feet with precipitancy and |
Haunted through the open door with !
tho words spoken almost vlrulently:
"The bad penny Inns returned; that
man cannot come into my housed"
The person she referred to had lost
one arm. The clothes he wore were
faded, ragged and Of coarse fabric. ,
He was 5unshaven.
swell, MY beloved and respectable
brother" he haiIsd Joe Wharton, I'm
back. Missed meP Thanks, l won't
come In. as Glanced to overhear the
kind and loving suggestion Of your
high and mighty heibmeet."
Thus came Jim Wharton, and he
smiled satirically rs the other grasped
his hand Imply.
swell. Jim. I don't want to appear
too blunt, but l don't fancy your fam.
lily would care much to have you hang.
ing around. They are all working
hard; circumstances have forced them
down to system. I reckon they've
pretty nigh forgotten YOU"
Jim Wharton looked grave at this
and his lips twitched. A certain stern.
ness came into his face as he said:
"And guess you'd be glad, too. I
won't trouble you again."
Two hours later Jim Wharton stood
at the gate Of the home that he had
deserted. He carried his battered old
suitcase up to the porch, Set II down
nsar the open front door and psered
beyond It. Seated In room into which
he could look Jim noticed that chair
was occupied by a woman, who sat
rocking softly tO and fro ~ though
thinking or resting. $50 -.
"It's make or break" he muttered
deep down In his throat. "Maryw
He had crossed the hall and entered
the apartment beyond nOiselessly. He
stood directly before the woman whose
name he had spoken. Inwardly every
pulse was throbbing; his face was elo-
Quent with hope. with doubt, ut that
vast critical moment of his life.
Mary Wharton opened her eyes. She
did not start or cry out. A strangely
sad and weird smile crossed her face,
firrowed, mournful, but infinitely
sweet and gentle In Its every lineament.
MY dream--always Of hint" she
murmurcd. and brushed her dazed eyes
with her hand. fancying this real pres.
ence the shadow of a vision.
"Mary!" he repeated, and his voice
was husky and tremulOus.
| Then arose In those faded eyes, long
wenried with ceaseless waiting and
watching, u glow that sent thrill
through the frame Of Jim Wharton.
She realized his presence now. She
arose to her feet. She noted his arm.
less sleeve, his poor attire, and the
eager soul expressing itself In glance
and features.
| "Oh. my poor. dear Jim !" she uttered
waverIngly. and then her arms were
about his neck and his bronzed cheek
covered with warm, welcome kisses.
She was crying with Joy, she would
not release him, and the strong mgn
was not ashamed to mingle his tears
with her own.
"a bad penny come back, brother
JOc's wife puts It," observed Jim, as
the excitement of the welcome some
what subdued, the old vein of humor
and raillery In his nature came to the
surface. "W'hat do you say, Maryf"
ut shall be the prOdigal returned,
and welcome and cherished" she said
| feelingly, aud when she went out into
the kitchen to prepare the evening
meal he followed her. us In the old
days. q glow Of peace and comfort
coming into his rugged face.
II suppose Chester is quite q man,
and Nellie"-his face fell. '"They
must think Of me us poor specimen
Of a father" he added In u depressed
tone.
"Such q thought has never been ex.
pressed by them" spoke Mrs. Wharton
II hear someone ut the gate, Jim. II
IL the children. Let me prepare them
for the greatest surprise OF their
lives"
The strong man stood shaken rs q
reed by the wind. Then he heard q
glad cry, and rushing feet toward the
Kitchen.
"Fathcr!" shouted his son, graspinp
his hand, and his bright face was
Afinme with affection and delight.
"Oh. papa don't YOU know your own
own Nellie?" and his beautiful dnugh
ter had her arms about his neck and
hung there. raining kisses on his
bronZed fuce.
"l.--it Is too much" uttered jim
Wharton brOkenly. II thought you
lad all forgotten me, but II Chester
viii carry my suitcase to u room,
have few toys In i, that will improv,
J my appearance somewhat"
The three Of them stared In marvel
Ing wonder us jim put In new ap
penrance just as supper was ready
He was shaver. he wore u neat. allnOs
elegant suit, "a heavy gold watch chaii
crossed his vest. Il want TO show YOU
folks little reminder OF my mininl
l Al. 4