The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1920-03-25

"Oad!" He Called.
from the car. "Dadi" he called. "It
is bryce. I've come home to you
at last"
The slightly bent figure of John
Cardigan Strengthened with jerk; he
held out his arms trembling with
eagerness, and as the car continued
on to the Pennington house Shirley
looked back and saw Bryce folded in
his fathers embrace. She did not
however. hear the heart-cry with
which the beaten old man welcomed
his boy.
Sonny, sonny-oh I'm so glad
you're back. I've missed you. Bryce,
I'm whipped-Ive lost your heritage
Oh. son! I'm old can't fight any
more I'm blind can't see my enc
mics. I've lost your redwood trees
even your mothers Valley of the
Giants"
And he commenced to weep for the
third time in fifty years And when
the aged and helpless weep. nothing
is more terrible. Bryce Cardigan said
no word. but held his father close
TO his great heart and laid his cheek
gently against the old mans tenderly
as woman might. And presently
from that silent communion of spirit
each drew strength and comfort AS
the shadows fell in John Cardigan'S
town. they went home to the house Oh
the hill.
Shirley Summers eyes were moist
when George Sea Otter, in obedience
to the instructions of his youthful
master, set her. the French maid. and
their hand-baggase down on the side
walk in front of Colonel Seth Pen
nington's house. The half-br hest
tated moment, undecided whether he
would carry the hand-baggage up to
the door or leave that task for a
Pennington retainer; then ne noted
the tearStains on the cheeks of his
fair passenger. Instantly he took up
the hand-baggage, kicked open the
iron gate, and preceded Shirley up the
cement walk to the door.
Just wait a moment, if you please,
George" Shirley said as he set the
baggage down and started back for
the car. He turned and beheld her
extracting a five-dolar bin from her
purse. 'For you, George" she con-
tinued. "Thank you 50 much"
In all his life George Sea Otter had
never had such an experience-he,
happily, having been raised in a coun-
try where, with the exception of
walters, only pronounced vagrant
expects or accepts a gratuity from a
woman. He took the bill and fingered
it curiously; then his white blood as
serted itself and he handed the bill
back to Shirley.
''Thank you," he said respectfully.
"lf you were a man-all right. But
from a lady-no. | am like my boss.
l work for you for nothing
Shirley did not understand his re-
her not to insist. She returned the
bill to her purse, thanked him again,
and turned quickly to hide the slight
flush of annoyance. George Sea Otter
noted it. -
Lazy" he said with great dignity,
"at first did not want to carry your
baggage. | aid not want to walk on
this land" And with sweeping ges-
ture he indicated the Pennington
grounds. Then you cry little be
cause my boss is feeling bad about his
old man. SO like you better. The
old maxwell, he has been like father
to me and my mother-and we are
Indians. My brothers, too-they work
for him. So if you like my boss and
his old man. George Sea Otter would
go to hell for you pretty damn quick.
You bet your life!"
You're a very good boy, George"
she replied, with difficulty depressing
a smile at his blunt but earnest
avowal 81 am glad the Cardigans
have such an honest. loyal servant"
George Sea Offers dark face lighted
with a quick smile. "NoW you pay
me-" he replied and returned to the
car.
The door opened, and a Swedish
maid stood in the entrance regarding
her stolidly I'm Miss Sumner"
Shirley told her. This is my maid
MarceIe Help her in with the hand
baggage" She stepped into the hall
and called: "Ooh-hooh! Nunky-
dunk ,''
Continued on page seven.)