Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1884-03-07

ners; "meanwhile, Mr.. Chairman, IL
you will order glasses round at my ex-
penso you will do me proud"
After this, Tom Blinker made very
effective exit, having succeeded in turn
ing the tide of public sympathy in his
favor Mr., Beans, and others, who
had somewhat openly intimatcd their
disbelief in his bona fdcs moment be-
fore, now looked foolish in their turn,
while those who had remained neutral
began to sing his praises. When Tom
returned after short absence he was
regarded by every one with increased
respect
at is all right" he remarked con-
fidentially, as he resumed his place.
al introduced myself to the lawyer,
and we arranged to drive over to-mor-
row together He is a most pleasant
gentleman. | never met him before"
The last observation, uttered in q
careless tone, made distinct impress
ion upon the audience, for it seemed to
imply mild astonishment that person
so intimately associated with his Lord
ship as the family lawyer should up to
that time have been unknown to him.
He did not apparently seek to convey
any impression whatever, for he at once
changed the subject by volunteering a
song, and never referred to Lord Mont
arlington again throughout the even
ing. He appeared suddenly to have
recovered his spirits and abandoned
himself to social enjoyment. Whether
he really surpassed himself, or whether
his mysterious acquaintance with Lord
Montarlington made every one more in
clined to appreciate him, it is certain
the company laughed at his Jokes and
applauded his songs with more vigor
than usual, and when the meeting broke
up his health was proposed and drank
with great enthusiasm.
Early next morning the neighbors,
with mingled admiration and envy, wit
messed the departure of Tom and the
lawyer from the door of the inn. Tom
handled the ribbons, having borrowed
Mr.. Beans little mare and trap the pre-
ceding evening, in order, as he said, to
do the thing in style. The grocer was
proud of his turnout, and was only too
glad to oblige Tom, now that his pros
poets had materially improved. Tom
Blinker looked very spruce indeed,
when he drove to the inn to pick up the
lawyer. He was n good-looking man,
with white teeth, II 1lorid complexion
his best, with a flower in.his buttonhole.
he presented quite an imposing appear
ance, and it was observed that Mr.. Pen
nington, the lawyer, treated him with
marked courtesy.
This is really very civil attention,
SIR" remarked Mr.. Pennington, who
was an old-fashioned elderly gentleman
of nervous disposition, and they
bowled along the hard country road
| toward their destination.
"Don't mention it, sir; you're well
come, I'm sure" said Tom Blinker, af-
fably.
81 wouldn't abuse your good nature
for the world. You are sure l am not
taking you out of your wayP" persisted
the lawyer, glancing at his companion
with mild curiosity.
Certainly not, sir. As told you
yesterday, I had arranged to drive
over" replied Tom.
"They told me at the hotel when
happened to mention your name thai
you were well acquainted with his Lord
ship" said MIR. Pennington, who evi.
| uchbly ull lOb hHOW WIldL W luthc Ol
his obliging companion.
AS the lawyer spoke Tom gave the
mare rather an awkward flick with the
whip, which caused her to bound for
ward with unpleasant velocity. Mr..
Pennington then awoke to the fact thai
Tom Bliuker's skill at driving wa.
hardly equal to his politeness; indeed
it soon became evident that the mar,
had the trap and its occupants prett,
well at her mercy. Tom appeared
cheerfully Indifferent to the circum
stance, and took bitches, sign posts ant
milestones flying. The lawyer, how
ever, was far from comfortable, ant
soon forgot his curiosity in his persona
fears. He ceased to ask questions, ant
devoted himself to holding onto tn,
hand-rail, regardless of Toms conver
sation, which continued in lively vein
in spite of the most startling episodes
Great and unspeakable, indeed, was tn,
old gentleman S relief when the castle
at length came in sight, the little mare
having done the distance probably il
the shortest time on record.
"Herc we are," said Tom, pointin.
with his whip. 1.-The entrance lodge i
|
"Pray don't let me take you yart
out of your way, SIR" said the lawyer
preparing to alight; ~ can easily wall
the rest of the distance"
Don't mention it. As / am so neal
/ may rs well look in and pay my re
spects to his Lordship," said Tom, il
an off-hand manner. "The mare will
be glad of n rest; she has brought III
along in grand style"
A remark of mildly sarcastic natur,
came to the lawyers lips, but he die
not utter it, for fear of giving oflense t.
friend of so good client as his Lord
ship. A few minutes later Tom drove
up to the entrance of the Castle with al
imposing c!atter.
The lawyer was evidently expected
for they were Immediately ushered along
a corridor to his Lorship's study. Or
the threshold Toms modesty seemed
suddenly to assert itself, for he hung
back little, so that his companion led
the way into the room.
Lord Montarlington advanced to re.
ceive hisvisitors with hout-stretched hand.
He was handsome, gray-haired, elder
ly man, with frank, genial manners. In
appearance he looked like a sailor, and,
in fact, yachting was his favorite occu-
patton. He was II Yidower and child
less, and since the death of his wife he
had resided very little on his estates.
He greeted the lawyer with friendly
grasp. and also shook hands with Tom.
"Now I'm safe on terra tirma, my
Lord, do not mind confessing that Mr..
Blinker has made me pass Il mauUaiS
quart d'heure," said Mr.. Pennington,
with humorous smile.
''Pooh There was no danger, my
Lord. The little mare is as safe as nine
pence, only, like the rest of her sex, she
likes to take the bit in her teeth, " inter-
posed Tom, with his jovial laugh.
'Ha! ha! Pray be seated, gentle
men, laughed his Lordship, glancing
with good-humored surprise at Tom.
$50 long as no bones are broken there S
no harm done. Mr.. Pennington. it was
very good of you to come down from