where, father" said the wife. "I will trust the Lord to do by them as we will do by these strangers."
John Ranger threw back his heavy coat and hat and stood before the pair erect and motionless.
•"Mother!" he exclaimed, after a moment's waiting, as he caught her in his arms, "don't you know your boy?"
"Why, bless my soul, it's our John,—my firstborn baby boy! "faltered the mother, as she resigned herself to his realistic "bear hug." "I thought you was in Oregon."
"So I was a few weeks ago; but I am here now! How are you, mother dear? And you, father? I am so glad to see you again! How goes the world with both of you?"
"All right, son, considering. That is, it's all right now you are here. We can bear poverty and hardship now. Eh, wife?"
"Yes, father. If the Lord sees fit to afflict us, we can now bear it without complaining. Blessed be His holy name! But how did it happen, John dear? I was thinking about you to-night as being far away on this, your forty-third birthday."
"We do things in a hurry on the Pacific coast, mother mine. This is an unexpected visit. But you are neglecting somebody."
"That is so," exclaimed the old man. "What might your name be, stranger?"
The tall man in the shadow took a faltering step forward and removed his hat.
Don't you know me, father?"
"Good God! Can it be possible that this is Joseph? Don't let him deceive us, John!" pleaded the mother.
"i^uii t yuu Kiiuw inc, iciincr r ^uuu vjruu I v^aii it uc possiuic mat mis is j uscpii r "
"I couldn't live and bear it!"
"Yes, mother dear, it is indeed your Joseph,—your
long-lost son," cried the prodigal. "Don't you recognize me now? ?"
