5 ACORN you're always worrying" over some of old Bill's problems. You do all the thinking" and the working too, while the boss does nothing." "I was not thinking about work tonight, Guy. Sit down and I will tell you a story." Guy slouched down on a log about two feet away and was prepared to listen. Hawk stared silently into the distance a short time, choked down a lump in his throat and began his story. "In a little town lived a family of a mother, two boys and a girl. Riley was the name. The father died when the children were still small. The mother was a conscientious woman and worked hard for the betterment of her children. The oldest boy and the little girl were attending high school, but the other boy did not like school. The mother tried to persuade him to go but to no avail, however he was willing" to work to support the others by caring for their own farm, and getting a job incidentally whenever he could. He never fancied dancing, so he never learned, and dancing was about the only amusement in that little town, he felt somewhat estranged from them and did not mingle much with the 'crowd.' His sister always so thoughtfully considerate of him urged him to go with them, but his brother's casual remarks made about his 'ungainly form' irritated his sensitive nature and he shunned more than ever the young folks of his age. Naturally he sought companionship, so he began hanging around the stores and as a result mixed with the rough element which usually frequented such places. He began to smoke and take a drink occasionally. On two occasions he was taken home thoroughly intoxicated. The shock to his gentle mother hurt him and he determined not to do it again. "One night, during Thanksgiving holidays, a large party was given at the amuesment hall. This young man, now twenty years of age, was persuaded by his sister to accompany her to the hall. He meant to go in, but: his sensitiveness overcame him and he remained outside, promising his sister, however, that he would come in later. "It was soon decided by the boys that they go for a sleigh ride. During the ride the boys began to treat. It came to him. He hesitated a moment as thoughts of his sister came to him. "'Hurry up, and pass it on.' So hastily taking a few swallows, he passed it on. One drink was followed by another until he had reached a wild, intoxicated state of mind. Someone made a remark about him. Quick as a flash he had the man down. A sheriff was passing and heard the disturbance. "Well he separated them and took them to jail. The news was sent to his brother, but he only said, 'Well, so he's a drunk now, too. He always was a disgrace to the family anyway.' "Morning came. He had slept off his drunkenness and realized ACORN 6 where he was and his disgracefu lcondition. How could he face his dear mother? He knew he was breaking her heart. And the promise to his sister he had not kept it," At this point Hawk stopped, swallowed and went on. "That proud old family name. Yes, he was a disgrace to it, as his brother had said. 'I will go away and find a new name and companions,' he decided. "The sheriff came and dismissed him, telling him to go home and be a man, but he didn't take the road toward home, he took the one that led from the town. "It has been eight years since he left town that cold winter morning. He found a job on a ranch some time after his departure from home. Several times he had sent checks to his mother, but never sending his address; he had never heard from them. Sometimes he thought it was hard to bear, but it was all his fault." Here Hawk stopped, dropped his head in his hands. "It's a sad story, indeed, old man. Has he not outlived those habits?" "Yes, he has never taken a drink since that night." "Then why don't he go home? I am sure his mother would forgive him." "Oh, Guy, he can't! It's me, Guy; I'm that wanderer. I'm not worthy to claim them now after deserting them this long." That night the boys retired in somewhat different moods than was their custom, Hawk feeling better because he had found someone in whom he could confide, Guy wondering how he could aid his unhappy friend. In a little cottage in the village of Sunny Dale, sat Mrs. Riley, rocking to and fro, knitting rapidly. A large tear rolled down her cheek. Thoughts of her children were uppermost in her mind. Maude, the last one left, was now away taking teacher's examinations and she would go away in the fall and then the old mother would be alone. But she must not feel bad, they needed the money and Maude was such a good girl, she knew she could trust her. Then her thoughts wandered to Horace, and the tears fell faster. She had just returned from a visit to his beautiful home in the east. She had expected a cordial welcome from him she was so anxious to see his wife and little child, but she had been disappointed. She wished she had never gone. And then, where was her other boy tonight? He was never ashamed of his old mother. Oh, if she but knew where he was. If she could but clasp him in her arms once more. She recalled that morning, eight years ago, when she had arisen and found that her son