第27章

A BAD PENNY TURNS UP

Eugene did not inform Canaan, nor any inhabitant, of his adventure of "Straw-Cellar," nor did any hear of his meeting with his step-brother;and after Mr.Arp's adventure, five years passed into the imperishable before the town heard of the wanderer again, and then it heard at first hand; Mr.Arp's prophecy fell true, and he took it back to his bosom again, claimed it as his own the morning of its fulfilment.Joe Louden had come back to Canaan.

The elder Louden was the first to know of his prodigal's return.He was alone in the office of the wooden-butter-dish factory, of which he was the superintendent, when the young man came in unannounced.He was still pale and thin; his eyebrows had the same crook, one corner of his mouth the same droop; he was only an inch or so taller, not enough to be thought a tall man; and yet, for a few moments the father did not recognize his son, but stared at him, inquiring his business.

During those few seconds of unrecognition, Mr.

Louden was somewhat favorably impressed with the stranger's appearance.

"You don't know me," said Joe, smiling cheerfully."Perhaps I've changed in seven years."And he held out his hand.

Then Mr.Louden knew; he tilted back in his desk-chair, his mouth falling open."Good God!"he said, not noticing the out-stretched hand."Have YOU come back?"Joe's hand fell.

"Yes, I've come back to Canaan."

Mr.Louden looked at him a long time without replying; finally he remarked:

"I see you've still got a scar on your forehead.""Oh, I've forgotten all about that," said the other, twisting his hat in his hands."Seven years wipes out a good many grievances and wrongs.""You think so?" Mr Louden grunted."I suppose it might wipe out a good deal with some people.

How'd you happen to stop off at Canaan?

On your way somewhere, I suppose."

"No, I've come back to stay."

Mr.Louden plainly received this as no pleasant surprise."What for?" he asked, slowly.

"To practise law, father."

"What!"

"Yes," said the young man."There ought to be an opening here for me.I'm a graduate of as good a law-school as there is in the country--""You are!""Certainly," said Joe, quietly."I've put myself through, working in the summer--""Working!" Mr.Louden snorted."Side-shows?""Oh, worse than that, sometimes," returned his son, laughing."Anything I could get.But I've always wanted to come back home and work here."Mr.Louden leaned forward, a hand on each knee, his brow deeply corrugated."Do you think you'll get much practice in Canaan?""Why not? I've had a year in a good office in New York since I left the school, and I think Iought to get along all right.""Oh," said Mr.Louden, briefly."You do?""Yes.Don't you?""Who do you think in Canaan would put a case in your hands?""Oh, I don't expect to get anything important at the start.But after a while ""With your reputation?"The smile which had faded from Joe's lips returned to them."Oh, I know they thought Iwas a harum-scarum sort of boy," he answered lightly, "and that it was a foolish thing to run away for nothing; but you had said I mustn't come to you for help--""I meant it," said Mr.Louden.

"But that's seven years ago, and I suppose the town's forgotten all about it, and forgotten me, too.So, you see, I can make a fresh start.That's what I came back for.""You've made up your mind to stay here, then?""Yes.""I don't believe," said Mr.Louden, with marked uneasiness, "that Mrs.Louden would be willing to let you live with us.""No," said Joe, gently."I didn't expect it."He turned to the window and looked out, averting his face, yet scoring himself with the contempt he had learned to feel for those who pity themselves.

His father had not even asked him to sit down.There was a long silence, disturbed only by Mr.Louden's breathing, which could be heard, heavy and troubled.

At last Joe turned again, smiling as before.

"Well, I won't keep you from your work," he said.

"I suppose you're pretty busy--"

"Yes, I am," responded his father, promptly.

"But I'll see you again before you go.I want to give you some advice.""I'm not going," said Joe."Not going to leave Canaan, I mean.Where will I find Eugene?""At the Tocsin office; he's the assistant editor.

Judge Pike bought the Tocsin last year, and he thinks a good deal of Eugene.Don't forget I said to come to see me again before you go."Joe came over to the older man and held out his hand."Shake hands, father," he said.Mr.

Louden looked at him out of small implacable eyes, the steady hostility of which only his wife or the imperious Martin Pike, his employer, could quell.He shook his head.

"I don't see any use in it," he answered."It wouldn't mean anything.All my life I've been a hard-working man and an abiding man.Before you got in trouble you never did anything you ought to; you ran with the lowest people in town, and I and all your folks were ashamed of you.Idon't see that we've got a call to be any different now." He swung round to his desk emphatically, on the last word, and Joe turned away and went out quietly.

But it was a bright morning to which he emerged from the outer doors of the factory, and he made his way towards Main Street at a lively gait.As he turned the corner opposite the "National House,"he walked into Mr.Eskew Arp.The old man drew back angrily"Lord 'a' mercy!" cried Joe, heartily."It's Mr.Arp! I almost ran you down!" Then, as Mr.Arp made no response, but stood stock-still in the way, staring at him fiercely, "Don't you know me, Mr.Arp?" the young man asked."I'm Joe Louden."Eskew abruptly thrust his face close to the other's."NO FREE SEATS!" he hissed, savagely; and swept across to the hotel to set his world afire.

Joe looked after the irate, receding figure, and watched it disappear into the Main Street door of the "National House." As the door closed, he became aware of a mighty shadow upon the pavement, and turning, beheld a fat young man, wearing upon his forehead a scar similar to his own, waddling by with eyes fixed upon him.