THE RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL

Observer, Volume XXXV, Issue 50, 21 August 1915, Page 18

THE RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL

I rode into Pinch er River on an . August afternoon, The Pinto's hoofs on the prairie drumming a drowsy tune, By the shacks and the Chinks' truck gardens to the Alhabasca saloon.. And a.bunch of the boys was standing around by the old Scotch store, Standing and spitting and swearing by old Macallister's door— And the name on their lips Avas England—the word! tbey spoke was "War." War! ... Do you think I waited to talk about wrong or right, When. I knew my oldl country was up to the neck in a fight? I said, "So long!—and I beat it—l'm hitting the trail to-night. I Avasn't long at my packing; I hadn't much time to dress, And the cash I had at my disposal Avas a ten spot—more or less: So I didn't Avait for my ticket—l booked by the Hobo's express. I rode the bumbers at night-time; I beat the ties in the day: _ Stealing a ride and bumming a ndte all of the blooming way, Aiwk—l left the First Contingent drilling at Valcartier. I didn't cross in a liner (I hadn't my passage by me): I spotted a Liverpool cargo tramy, smelly and greasy and grimy, And they wanted hands for the voyage, and the old man guessed he'd try me. She kicked like a ballet dancer or a range bred broncho mare; She rolled till her engines rattled ; she wallowed, but what did I care? It was, "Go it, my bucking beauty, if only you'll take me there!" Then came an autumn morning, grey blue, Avindy and clear, And the fields—the little Avhito houses—green and peaceful ami dear, And the heart inside of me saying, "Take me, Mother, I'm here!" Here! for I thought you'd Avant me; I've brought you all that I oavii, A loan, long lump of a carcase that's mostly muscle and bone, Six foot tivo in my stockings—Aveigh in at fourteen stone. Here! Audi I hope you'll havo me; take me for Avhat I'm Avorth— A chap that's a bit of a rotter, come from the ends of the, earth To fight Avith the best that's in him for the dear old land of his birth.