Set in 1930-1932, “The Seeker” is about two brothers who join the hobos after their father kicks them off the farm and tells them to never come back. The brothers join the hobos, a common option in that day when one was destitute. They take on hobo monickers, ‘Farm Al’ and ‘Illinois Smarty.’
On the first day of starting their journey, the older one, Albert, (age 19) is captured by railroad police for illegally riding a train and sent to jail for a month. The younger one, Henry, (age 14) travels on with the villain of the story, Nebraska Nick.
Once out of jail, Albert devotes himself to finding Henry. He has a friend, Ike, his jail cellmate, who wants to help him look for Henry. Ike’s hobo monicker is ‘Missionary Ike.’ He believes God has called him to reach ‘Road Kids’ for Jesus. These are the young hobos, fifteen and under, who number in the thousands. Ike sees finding Heny an extension of his calling. When God seemingly has other plans for Ike, Albert continues his search alone.
Along the way, Albert realizes he is not only searching for Henry, but for God. It takes him a long time to understand he’s been looking in all the wrong places.
MISTAKES AND SECOND CHANCES
The second story starts in 1933 and goes to 1943. It is about Henry, the lost brother in Book One. It is also about Henry’s girlfriend, Caroline.
When the two of them are watching a general store for a day, they are robbed by two thieves. When Henry refuses to hand over the money, the older of the thieves shoots him in the left arm. News spreads like wildfire when it becomes apparent that Henry and Caroline were robbed by Bonnie and Clyde.
Henry’s arm gets infected. Gangrene sets in, and to save his life, a surgeon performs an amputation. Caroline stays by Henry’s side, encouraging him to use his right hand to pursue his desire to become a syndicated cartoonist.
Caroline has a lot on her plate. She has a beloved brother who is dying. Her family struggles to make ends meet. Yet, she seems quite capable of handling about anything except the death of her brother. She fears his death will tear her apart and she’ll never recover. She will need Henry more than ever. Later, when Henry leaves home to pursue his dream of syndication, Caroline again supports and encourages him. But, when Caroline needs Henry because her brother dies, he lets her down, refusing to come home for the funeral.
After that, their relationship falls apart. The hard knocks of life interrupt their dreams.
Will there be a way for them to be reconciled? Not without forgiveness on both their parts, and maybe a world war to mature and humble them.
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