The Knoxville independent. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1918-01-26
THE RETURN
by ALICE H. BOYD.

arose to her feet with precipitancy and
Haunted through the open door with
the words spoken almost virulently:
"The bad penny has returned; that
man cannot come into my house"
The person she referred to had lost
one arm. The clothes he wore were
faded, ragged and of coarse fabric.
He was unshaven.
"Well, my beloved and respectable
brother" he hailed Joe Wharton, I'm
back. Missed me? Thanks, 1 won't
come in, as CHANGED to overhear the
kind and loving suggestion Of your
high and mighty helpmeet."
Thus came Jim Wharton, and he
smiled satirically as the other grasped
his hand Imply.
swell, Jim, 1 don't want to appear
too blunt, but 1 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 a system. / 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:
sand l guess you'd be glad, too.
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 it down
near the open front door and peered
beyond 1t. Seated in room into which
he could look Jim noticed that chair
was occupied by a woman, who sat
rocking softly to and fro as though
thinking or resting.
ats make or break" he muttered
deep down in his throat. "Mary!"
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, at 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,
furrowed, mournful, but infinitely
sweet and gentle in its every lineament.
"My dream-always of himw she
murmured, and brushed her dazed eyes
with her hand, fancying this real pres
ence the shadow of vision.
"Mary!" he repeated, and his voice
was husky and tremulous.
Then arose In those faded eyes, long
wearied with ceaseless waiting and
watching, 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 p 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
AOL lCkCuSC uAA thV DtLOAA6 AhuI
was not ashamed to mingle his tears
with her own.
"a bad penny come back, brother
Joe'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. "What do you say, Mary?"
ut shall be the prodigal returned,
and welcome and cherished" she said
feelingly, and when she went out into
the kitchen to prepare the evening
meal he followed her, as in the old
days, a glow Of peace and comfort
coming into his rugged face.
II suppose Chester is quite man.
and Nellie"-his face fell. '"They
must think of me as poor specimen
of father" he added in q depressed
| tone.
"Such a thought has never been ex.
pressed by them," spoke Mrs. Wharton
" hear someone at the gate, Jim. II
Is the children. Let me prepare them
for the greatest surprise of their
lives"
The strong man stood shaken as q
reed by the wind. Then he heard a
glad cry, and rushing feet toward the
kitchen.
Father" shouted his son, graspine
his hand, and his bright face was
afiame with affection and delight.
"Oh, papa don't you know your own
own NellieY and his beautiful daugh
ter had her arms about his neck and
hung there, raining kisses on his
bronzed face.
"It--it IS too much" uttered jim
! Wharton brokenly. II thought you
had all forgotten me, but if Chester
will carry my suitcase to room,
have few toys In it that will improve
my appearance somewhat"
The three Of them stared in marvel
ing wonder as Jim put in new ap
pearance just as supper was ready
He was shayen, he wore neat, almost
elegant suit, heavy gold watch chair
crossed his vest. II want to show you
folks a little reminder of my mining
experience in the West. have only g
few specimens Of real money" OBJ
served Jim, scattering a handful Of
gold nuggets on the table, "but here
and he exhibited a bundle Of drafts