The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1920-03-18
A FAR CRY
BY GEORGE E. COBB

has a natural genius for mmicry and
music"
Robert Fletcher did not reply to the
remark of his wife, and she looked dis
appointed,
Don't you believe in encouraging
talent?" she urged. and there was
trfe of petulance in her tones.
II do" answered Robert, but to be
plain with you. Marian, from closely
studying Waldron and having his real
welfare nj heart, / do not believe that
a penchant for ragtme and slang and
an ambition TO he n popular clog
dancer will help Waldron in bust
Leesville. Waldron needs discipline
and training. Why not fit him for the
serious duties of life instead of for
its folies?"
you are a kill joy, Robert! Time
enough for Waldron TO take on the
cares of life when he has had share
Of its enioyments," and Marian Fletch-
er Haunted from the room.
1t was not the first misunderstand-
ing of husband and wife, If ii could he
termed such. Robert Waldron held
his temper steadily, as he always
did. Waldron was ever the bone of
contention between them,
Marian De Lorme was Il widow when
Robert Fletcher had married her. and
he married her for love. Her son was
made welcome to his home by Robert
until patience ceased to be Il virtue.
The boy refused to attend school reg
ularly. he trained with an idle and
vicious group and he was insoent and
disobedient. Robert tried 10 gently
lead the fond mother into co-opera-
tiOn with himself to remove Waldron
from bad influences hut Mrs. Fletcher
jealousy stood up for the young
scapegrace. even to the point of pout.
ing and sullenness.
Al the end of two years Of indiffer-
ent welded experience there came
about the parting Of the ways. Wal
dron grew from bad to worse. Twice
his stepfather had detected him in
thefts. and several times the unruly
away from home. once with "a circus,
again with troupe of travelling min
strels.
"But he has such brilliant instincts"
boosted the mother, who had spoiled
him. "He sings like a lark and is
agile and clever as born athlete"
Finally Robert laid down the law.
He mapped out n reasonable. sensible
program of school and home discipline.
The mother sulked and differed with
him. The stepson resented all strict
censorship. One day both left home.
and n brief note Informed Robert that
they would hereafter take care of
themselves.
He traced them TO the city. hut all
efforts AT a reconciliation were re-
pulsed. Ii hurt him sorey to hear
that his wife had lost all regard for
him. He kept the home open for sew
eral months, had an attorney inter
view the truant wife, was told bluntly
by the lawyer that she was per-
verse, misguided woman. and then
Robert sold his home, loyalty sent half
the proceeds TO his wife and went TO
the far West TO lead a broken life.
His last instructions 10 his lawyer
were to the effect that he was ready
to renew his relations with his wife
and son at any time.
Robert settled i'm Il growing town in
Oregon and succeeded I'm business
which he conducted only half hearted
~. At the end of two years the law
yer wrote to him that Waldron had
gone on the vaudeville stage and had
met with Il fair reception. Later the
intelligence came that the hoy mad
become Il reckless gambler, had in
volved his mother in financial way,
had stolen her diamonds, and desert
ed her and had disappeared. No traces
of either mother or son were reported
for year after that. Then the law
yer wrote he had heard that Waldron
was in hospital in New orleans,
broken in health. As to the mother,
he stated that he had received a let
ter from her dated from a small New
England town asking for the address
of her husband
"Never mind the boy" came the
prompt reply from Robert. II know
where he is BY all means keep in
as close touch as possible with his
mother
one evening Robert Fletcher was
seated i'm the elegant home his indus
try had acquired when there was a
call on the phone. Long distance"
was the notification from the central
telephone Office and city over a
thousand miles distant was named. He
took up the receiver
at is Marian" came the tremulous
words that thrilled. MAY come
home?"
A far cry How his soul thrilled
A quivering longing reply: my dear,
YOU will be oh so welcome"
lie was in the private office two
DAYS later when a yelled woman was
shown In. She advanced timidly, to