The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1875-06-03
MISCELLANY.
PHIL BLAKE'S EXPLOIT.

x
cited. It's three stores, five saloons and
a dozen or more of scattered residences"
fairly glowed-not under the broad
beams Of the August sun. SO much as UNI
der the inspiration of the moment. For
to-day the last tie was firmly laid. the
last nail driven into the grain depot. ex-
tending downward from the bridge that
spanned the somewhat narrow and rather
muddy current Of the Wildcat; and to-
morrow the happy citizens would be
blessed with the sight of the furious To-
connective turning the curve Of the hills,
full in sight of the town, and steaming
past the stubble.ields, thanking both
sides of the track-rushing, as it were,
full into their welcoming arms. 10 this
effect were the enthusiastic speeches de-
.livered to the thirsty crowd assembled on
the following day to swelter in the heat
and await the oncoming passenger train;
speeches given by DR.. Burns, the big man
! of the place, whose little white cottage,
nearly hidden by its orchard. on the slope
of the hill facing the river, and its we'll
kept grounds, to say nothing Of the
owner prosperous air and Miss Susie's
fine piano, the boosted ornament of Gran.
iopolis, seemed to give credencc to the re-
port that sheep ranches were more lucra-
tive to their fortunate posessessor than
the practice of his noble profession.
Given, also, by Philip Blake, one of that
tide of goodfor-nothings whose hands
turn naturally to anything. especially to
raking up the ashes and reinvigoTating
county paper. well nigh dead Of
hamilton. This handsome specimen
Of such class, swept on
ward with the progress of the
railrord, first an overseer, then book
keeper, had undertaken such task at
Granopolis, and had, to his own surprise,
found himself unusually willing to pur-
sue it in the dull town. finding his only
CLEAN of brighter atmosphere in Susie
Burns eyes. Speeches are given, also,
BY the most prominent tradesmen and
acknowledgements who have found
their business wonderfully increased by
the inhabitants Of yonder canvas DWELL
ings, which have sprung up like mush-
rooms along the line Of the road, and who
trust to find q still further profit in the
business always thronging to the ''termi-
minus. dignified title: evidenced al
ready, they proudly assert. in yonder
imposing structures---the redwood depot
and the frame Of the ten.roomed hotel---
which sco1 Oh the eyes Of all beholders.
Now. men look at their watches con-
stautly; hum of expectation runs
through the crowd; a bell is heard. a
sharp whistle---hurrah! here it comes,
rounding the curve in grand style, and
With flags flying, amid cheers and wavings
of hat and handkerchief---fo the softer
sex have turned out to woman---here il
comes, painting and snorting, and stops
short, amid the crowd edging of on each
side, like some proud, impatient yet tract
able thing, its work completed. awaiting
the praises Of its master,
A party.--A wonderful thing in thai
work day town---was to be given on thai
night at the Burns residence. To it wefs
hidden the Young farmers Of the neigh
borhood, their wives, sisters and sweet
hearts; Philip Blake, who rs editor &C
cupied higher position than ever before
some employees Of the railroad. the few
clerks Of the stores in town, and few
old cronies Of the doctor and his lonl
dead wife. The house was decorated Il
the utmost extent Of Susie's know
ledge; all the rooms were thrown opel
to the guest. and in the long. cool kitch
en- were spread tables covered with coun
try dainties. DR.. Burns Was thorouzhl,
hospitable when hospitality did not in
terfere with his comfort. and to-nigh
was in his most genial mood, happy i
the prosperity Of the little town wher
Fate had cast his lot, and in near pros
pect Of incorporation. which would pre-
baby add to his emolaments the honor
able Office Of mayor. Susie, with he
sweet, innocent face, brilliant compiler
ion, and great liquid eyes. made charm
ing hostess in her utter forgetfulness :
self ard anxiety that every guest shoai
find each moment full of pleasure. S
1t least thought Philip. as he lounge
over . photograph album. seemingl
oblivious Of the fact that every g'ri
the room stole locks at him N Il