Lakeland Evening Telegram Newspaper, September 20, 1913, Page 10

. ————————————— F CUXRXXXNXXXXX XXX O] IN THE OLD HOME By MARY ROBERTS RINEHART, | ——————————————§ The Prodigal sat downstairs in the dining room. The house was curious- ly quiet, though faint sounds came | from the kitchen, where the evening dishes were being washed—carefully, 80 as not to disturb the hush. After a while his sister came to him. Her eyes were red and her face was blotched and swollen. The Prodigal got up awkwardly and shook hands. “How are you, Selina?” he asked, re- turning her nervous clasp. “Pretty well,” she said formally. “We didn't know you were back till yesterday. were in Montana.” “I was there for a couple of years. I—I just heard this morning about fa- ther. How is he?” “Very low,” she answered in a hushed tone. And then she began to cry, noiselessly, without attempting to wipe away the tears that rolled down her pale cheeks. The Prodigal put out his hand, as if to comfort her; then he remembered and drew it back. He looked strangely out of place in the ugly respectability of the room. He knew it all so well; the built-in corner cupboard, with the glass doors, and his mother’s wedding-cups on hooks just inside; the red and green cover on the square table; the black marble clock on the mantel—it was all the same, except that just beside him there was a buffet, new and “showy, with a silver-plated tea set on The last we heard youl Only the night was his, then. After all the years only a few hours, and those because his father thought he was some one else. The old man stirred a little and wakened. His feeble hand was lifted , slowly until it rested on the Prodigal's . bowed head, . "You have been a great joy to me, . George,” he said gently—"a great joy. | I shall tell your mother. May God bless you!” He lay for a few mo- ments quite still, his eyes on the yel- low roses of the ceiling paper. The Prodigal groaned. Oh, to turn up the light, to stand forth in his true colors for what he was, to beg for giveness and a blessing for himself! “George,” the thin voice began again. “I have been thinking much about Harry.” The Prodigal drew in | his breath sharply. “I seem to see him —in the corners of the room—every- where.” If he could only say “I am here!” But the cowardice that had kept him away 8o long held him now. The old man slept again. The Prod: ! igal still knelt, but now he was cry- ing, sobbing noiselessly, his shabby | coat heaving. Outside, in a chair in | the dim hall his sisten slept, a shawl wrapped around her shoulders. The faint, bluish gray of the early spring dawn came through the open win- ! dow, and from some stable near came ' the stamping of horses. The Prodi- gal got up stifly and turned out the light. The slight motion roused the sleeper a little, “He was always a high-spirited lad, mother,” he said clearly. “His faults are of the head, not the heart. Don't cry, mother. He'll come back.” " The Prodigal gripped the foot of the bed with straining hands. The old man's eyes were open looking at him. the top. He divined that George had “I have come, father” he said “;f‘“ "‘- : She | Boarsely. But the feeble mind had 8 sister was not crying now. She | oppjereq The minister was in his was inspecting him — his shabby clothes, his frayed linen, the gray in his thinning hair. And then some- thing in his face caught her atten- tion; his chin was working convul- sively, and there were tears in his sunken eyes. The lines left by years ! of dissipation were obliterated for the , time, and there remained only grief and a great regret. “Would you like to go up?”’ she asked more kindly. All the small things—resentment, anger, bitterness —were swallowed up in this trouble that had come. Then, seeing his hesi- tation; “I don’t think he will know you,” she said. The Prodigal creaked up the stairs after her. Instinctively he avoided the second step from the top; there had always been a loose board there. “George isn't here,” his sister whis. pered, turning. ‘“He has been camp- ing for a week and he can't get back ! until morning. The elders from the church have been taking turns at sit- ting up. Wait until I see if he is sleeping.” The Prodigal stood on the little land- ing and waited. The house spread out on three sides of him, smaller than he had remembered it, but otherwise unchanged. The acor was open into the bare study. There were books everywhere—how familiar was that confusion of books! —bu€the desk was strangely orderly. His sister did not come back to him at once, so he went in and sat down. Even the wallpaper was the same. Over in the corner, behind the book- cases, would be the pencil-marks which had registered for years his annual gain in inches, only—he could not look. And there was his moth- er's picture, in its black walnut frame, and under it Georgé himself, in queer plaid dresses and black shoes with white buttons. He had been taller than George in.those early days; it was a long time ago—a long time, His sister came to the doorway. “He won’t know you,” she said. “You ' can come in.” church again, looking down from the pulpit at the faces of his people. His voice was stronger and full, and the i son sank back into the shadow. “My friends, let us sing together this wonderful l!“m* ‘There were ninety and nine—'" | The voice tratled oft into silence. The old man lay very still. He scarcely breathed, and the pulse in his thin neck fluttered and al- most stopped. And out of the shadow at the foot of the bed a man came ‘and dropped on his knees. “Father, father,” he groaned, don't you know me? It's Henry, father— Henry. I've come back.” The old man was smiling a little, as if he already saw beyond the border land. But at the voice he roused. Ha i looked long and lingeringly into the i eyes of the man beside the bed; then he lifted his hand in benediction and ' placed it on the bent, shaking head. | “Henry,” he said softly—"Henry, my ; eldest son! May God bless you!” There was a great peace on his face. His voice was almost gone, but the Prodi- ! gal caught the whispered words that he uttered: “For this my son was dead and is alive again: was lost and is found.” The room was very still; the faint, irregular breath stopped. And on his knees beside the bed the Prodigal | watched and prayed. (Copyright, by the Frank A. Munsey Co.) Relics of an Unknown Race. Dr. George A. Reisner, professor of Egyptology at Harvard, who is con- ducting explorations and excavations in Egypt, has sent word that he has discovered evidences of a people and i a clvilization that existed in upper , Egypt 3,700 years ago and of which no record or evidence has heretofore existed. He made these discoveries at a point which marks one of the ioutposts to the south of ancient Egyptian civilization, near Kerma and not far from the Nile. According to Dr. Reisner the inhabi- tants were neither Egyptians nor ne- e ———————— Section 3—Powers of the Ccvimission exercise, performance, or fulfillment The dim light of the lamp was kept | 870€s, and their pottery is the finest from the sick man's eyes by a green |'and most beautiful made in the Nile shade on one side of the burner. The Prodigal stopped inside the doorway awkwardly, while his sister went over and smoothed the counterpane. » “He doesn’t toss around any,” she sald. “He just lles there! The Prodigal moved over slowly and looked down at the old minister's face. The thin white hair was spread a lit- tle over the pillow, like an aureole, ‘making the placid face, with its closed eyes, look frail, almost ethereal. As the son looked down the dying man opened his eyes. “George,” he saild weakly, and held out his thin white hand. The Prodi- gal was embarrassed; he glanced at his sister for assistance. “His eyes are bad,” she whispered. “If he thinks George is here he'll be happier.” The man stooped and put his hand over his father's. The thin fingers gripped his and held them. There was something in the touch that brought a lump into the man’s throat. After a moment when the fingers did not re- lax, he slipped to his knees beside the bed. The old man slept again. Except that he was breathing slowly, it might have been the sleep of a child. An hour passed, and still the Prod- igal knelt beside the bed. Once some one creaked up the stairs, and after | a consultation with Selina, creaked down again. 'She came over and leaned down “I told Mr. Simpson you would stay for a while,” she said. “Will you?” “I'll stay until—until morning.” What he wanted to say was “until the end,” but with those fingers clutching his, he could not frame the words. And without reason he re- sented her question. Would he stay for a while—he, the elder son, and bis father dying? “George will be here in the morn- valley. Many of the treasures in ivory, | stone, and pottery which Dr. Relsner has sent to the Boston Museum of ' Fine Arts were taken from the graves lof chiefs. ' Apparently six or seven subjects | were burled alive with the body of ' Pach chl(:s._ erab ALY Y £ Musical Chlcage, | Figures compiled by the Chicago As- soclation of Commerce show that: “The city has the largest factories for the production of the best musical in- struments in the world. There are in Chicago 100 firms engaged in th? piano business. Of these 25 have their own factories located here. The player plano has rapidly come into public favor and this type is found in thou- sands of Chicago homes. About $31, 640,000 is spent by Chicagoans annual- ly for music, instruction in music and musical instruments. The sheet music business in Chicago amounts to $1,500,- 000 a year.” It is estimated that more than $2,000,000 is paid each year to private music teachers by Chicagoans desirous of learning the art of playing some instrument. More than $1,000,000 is paid out annually for the resident Grand Opera company. A Sin and a Shame. Mrs. Diggs—At our club meeti | this afternoon, Mrs. Brayton read one of her unpublished poems. Mr. Diggs—And what did you do? Mrs. Diggs—Just to take her down a peg, I read one of my untried re cipes for Hungarian goulash!—Puck. A Rara Avis. Mrs. Hiram Offen—I'm afraid we'll never find the equal of that last cook | we had. She was indeed a rare bird. Her Husband—Yes, rare, and alas, mated of which, respectively, as des under laws ordinances as they now obtain for a named official or functicnary, shall be exer ised, per- formed, or fulfilled under this com- mission form in manner and form hereinafter directed, and such acts or ordinances shall be of effect as though the official of rmminn;xrv)' stil] obtained except that persons ¢i- rected or provided for shall fill the capacity or function. Section 4—Differentiation of Powers Powers of government heretofore vested in the variously named city officials or functionaries shall be in the commission and commissioners in scope following: There shall be five commissioners, or Tight Basque ll(d Full Skirt. Does the description of a taffeta dress, buttoning straight down the front, six inches below the belt, with darts over the bust and seams at the side and back, remind you of the dresses of long ago? Quaint and charming are these dresses, especial- ly as they are not snug fitting and worn as they are over the new cor- setless figure with the wired organdy collars. The tunics are invariably long; occasionally are they of the apron variety and usually worn over the tight, narrow skirt, which closely resembles pantalettes. NOTICE OF ELECTION fcne from each of the four wards of {the city and one at large The commissioner-at-larze shall be Whereas, a petitfon signed by a l!nown as “mayor,” shall pr number of the qualified electors of meectings of the commissioner 1l the city of Lakeland has been pre- vote on ail questions, but shall not sented to the City Council of the cxercise or have the rizhtof said city asking for the calling of an veto. electicn fer the purpose of submit- The commissioners ting to the qualified voters of the first meeting, elect a vi said city of Lakeland the question of . or maycr pro tempore. establishing a commission form of The commissioners shall exer-is sovernment for the city of Lake- the general governmental powers in shall, ce president land; 'them vested in manner deemed wisc, And, whereas, the City Council of having ever the power to determine the city of Lakeland did, by a two- upon anq employ a municipal man- thirds vote, pass favorably upon the ager, to create such municipal man- petiticn, | ager, to create such departments uj- Now, therefore, in *pursuance of'on their election, as are deemed ex- | the power vested in me as mayor pedient, to determine upon and em-| under the charter and ordinances of ploy persons for various duties and| the saiq city, functions of the said municipality. BE IT KNOWN that an election [ Provided ever that persons not will be held in the city of Lakeland |elected by the people shall le re- | on the 8th day of October, A. D. movab'le aroitrarity. 1913, for the acceptance or rejec- i £ ing of a commission form of govern-| Section 6—Elections Gengra.lly, Qualification of Cqnmis- ment for the city of Lakeland and g for the election of five (5) commis- L) sioners; one to be elected from each| Commissioners shall respective ward and one from at|Councilmen do under large, the said commissioner from at jform of government. large shall be known as mayor; said | Time, Call, and Manner of Holding election to be held in accordance Elections shall be held at such with the revised ordinances of the [times as are required by laws or city of Lakeland. ordinances enacteq or ordained, or 0. M. EATON, Mayor. ordinances enacted or ordained, or] to be enacted or ordained; shall be A RESOLUTION TO ES- called by the commission, except in TABLISH A FORM OF COM- cases provided otherwise, when oc- MISSION GOVERNMENT | casion exists; shall be held in man- ner to be provided, or to be provided Be it resolved by the Council of |by the boarq of commissioners. the city of Lakeland, Florida, that| Section 6—Initiative, Referendum in manner and purport hereof a form and Recall of commission government is adopt- Initiation or reference of laws or ed: ordinances shall be preceded hy a Section 1—Status of Corporate petition signed by twenty-five (25) Powers per centum in number of the elec- tors who voted at the preceding election for commissioner-at-large, anq shall be determined by a major- ity vote of electors; thereafter law or nullity, respectively. (‘fommissioners shall be subject to recall upon affirmative majority vot of the qualified electors, preceded by ‘tition to the governor of the Stat of Florida, signed by twenty-five (2%) per centum in number of those who voted in the preceding elee- tion for commissioner-at-large. Up- on receipt of such petition the gov- ernor shall call such election with- in thinty days. Upon recall shall be filled qualify as the present The adoption of this form’of com- mission government shall in no sense be construed to increase or diminish the powers vested in the municipal corporation of Polk county, Florida, known as the city of Lakeland. Secticn 2—Transposition of ‘Powers All governmental, legislative, ex- ecutive and judicial powers of the said city are vested in the said com- mission, subject to such limitations as officials or functionaries labored under prior to the adoption of this form. Powers, duties, or capacities, the the term unexpired in manner provided (A 2 o o when you smoke STAG. And in their place you Fragrance — Freshness — hln and Eternal Contentment. could be." Thousands are saying it. Yo say it §-Cent Tin, the Full-Size 10-Cent Tin, the Pound an Tin Humidors and the Pound Glass Humidor P. Lorillard Co, Bite—Sting—Dryness—HMeaviness— Parched Throat—you escape them all Idness — “Better than | imagined tobacco Convenient Packages: The Handy Half-Size d Half-Pound : For Pipe and Cigarette ',. “EVER~LASTING- [ BB EAVAM ARB AR \ RRITNTRRA ANTNIRR INCREASE your egg_ production by y, substantial protection for your « Pittsburgh Perfect”” Fence prevents them from being o frightened by dogs, catile or other animals. It is made of b Hearth Wire—tough, strong, of the great durability of 0ld tip wire. The wires are joined by the Electric V’e}d, which reje fence panels from the useless, strength-destroying voight ties, knots, etc. THE WELD THAT Ky is the dependable joint ; it cannot be slip or rusted apart, but holds the fence emff‘](“_ firm through hardest wear and abuse. No the wires are at the bottom., EVERY ROD GUARANTEED PERr ARE BEST FOR ALL CROPS Write for Catalogue, INDEPENDENT FERTILIZER {1 JACKSONVILLE, FLA. ‘WE SELL SEED POTATOES eenerally for elections. The first twenty-five signers of petitions initiation, referendum sum of one hundred dolls H or recall, shall give, under oath, 'per annum, payable quarterly. their residence and vocation. | Section 9—Time of Incepfio Secton 7—All Laws and Ordinances| This form of government sh of the City Not Inconsistent lin force and effect on Janua Retained 1914, upon acceptance hy the Laws and ordinances not in('on-fl)le- sistent with the form of commission government herein adopted, remain in full force and effect, H. L. SWATTS, City, Clerk. Section 8—Term, Qualifications, and | Approveq by we this Gth da Compensation of Commissioners .|September, A, D. 1913, The commissioners shall be elect- 0. M. EATON, eq for two years, shall be qualified @ voters of the city of Lakeland, shall receive compensation in of MORRIS, G. MUNN, President City (oung find u will “No Bite, “No Sting, “No Bag, “No String.”’ LY coop™ Est. 1760 ing,” she whispered, and tiptoed away. ' migratory.—Boston Manuscript. i ittt