THE MAN WHO CAME BACK.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 January 1920, Page 3

THE MAN WHO CAME BACK.

TRLAGIC DENOUNCEMENT. SYDNEY, December 31. The story of Francis .Joseph Ruthford is one of life’s dramas. Born at-Goulbum (N.S.W.), 67 years agu, and a butcher by occupation, he left home in 1882, and went to South Africa, leaving hero a wife and young

family. Then came news that he was in the firing line with the British Army in the Boer war. Upon receipt of a message that lie had been killed in" action, In's wife and family‘went into

mourning. But the great silence that had engulfed the man was broken on Christmas Day. His wife, who has been living as a widow since his supposed death, and his now grown up family had just finished their Christmas dinner when a figure appeared at the door. It was ■Fralicjis Joseph .Rutherford'. He stood in front of the bewildered family but: they did not recognise him. Time evidently had brought its changes. He spoke to them, hut they regarded him as a stranger, and there was no familiarity in the talk that passed. Turning abrupty, Rutherford walked out %f the house.

A few minutes later a stranger pasing by found him on the pavement in front of the gate. Alongside him was a bottle which had contained poison. He was admitted in a dying conditioin to -tlie Royal Alfred Hospital. His wife, finally recognising him, followed him to the hospital and sat by him until he died.

Thus, Frances. Joseph Rutherford passed out of what must have been a strange world to him.