The Hazlehurst signal., 1884-03-13
TON BLISKER's SECRET.

Tom Blinkor was n iovial, light-heart-
ed, commercial gent who after trav-
eling some years for London hrm, had
started in business ~ commission
agrn, in Chichester. Unfortunately he
failed or at least he did not succeed.
which is.ncarly ~ bad-and at the date
of this story. hewaS pretty heavily in
debt. But his creditors were disposed
10 deal leniently with him, partly be-
cause he was known to be in the main
honest, and partly because he had in,i-
mated that when Lord MOntarlington
returned he would soon be- in condi-
tion Ia discharge his liabilities. Lord
MOntarlington had n large estate in the
neighborhood. and was naturally very
much respected and looked up to in the
town. lie had been absent from
England three years on a foreign tour.
and Tom Blinkcr had not come to Bll-
chester till shortly after his lordship
had started on his travels. Toms an-
nouncemcnt. therefore, caused great
deal of surprise and speculation. aud
more especially rs he always referred
TO Lord Montarlington in very guard
ed terms. and never dropped the slight
est hint ~ to the nature of his ac1uaint-
ancc. This mysterious rcticencc had
much more effect upon the public mind
than II Tom had entered into details.
and il some persons were skeptical
enough 10 doubt whether Tom had ever
set ewes upon his Lordship in his life. IL
was generally believed tat for some
reason or other Lord Montarlington
- Is.,. l. Al
But his lor,lship's return was so long
DELAYED that Toms creditors began To
grow impatient. and Tom himself
seemed TO lose heart. There was no
Disgusting the fact that he had reached
the end of his tcthcr. and nothing short
of n miracle could avert bankruptcy and
ruin. Duly impressed with this I'M
pleasant fact. and also bearing in mind
that two or three Of his largest creditors
had threatened TO take proceedings
AGAINST him Immediately, Tom wendell
MS way 10 the Blue Boar one evening in
n very depressed condition. On reach
inc the psrlor of that ancient 'hostelry.
where a couyivial club. of which he was
n prominent member, was wont to hold
it, weekly meetings, he was surprised
a, being greeted with a chorus OF con-
CALCULATIONS and good wishes
"Its all right, Toni" "Cheer up,
old boyw .Keep your courage up,
Toni" were some Of the rcassuring eS-
CARNATIONS which greeted him in cor
dial tones, for Tom was n pleasant,
good. natured fellow, and most people
wished him well. though few would lend
him money.
"Why. what's up'' he naturally de-
manded. :,
"whats up! Haven't you heard
Lord Montarlington has come back'"
said Mr.. Beans. the grocer.
"You don't say So" calculated Tom.
with start.
Eyes. sure enough. He passed
through the town this afternoon. Won
der he didn't give you call. Mr.. Blink
or. rs you're such u particular friend of
his" added Mr.. Beans, who was one OF
the unbelievers.
"Tom seems quite taken aback. One
wouldn't think he had heard good
news" remarked Mr.. Pcstle. the chem
ist, rather slyly.
Ellis Lordship Is agoin' to set you 10
rights. amt he. Tom? Make your
fortune, I've heard" chimed in al
other.
II must DO owned that Tom did not
appear claied ut the news. He seemed
Disconnected, and for moment looked
decidedly embarrassed. His confusion
did not escape the notice OF the assem-
bled convivcs. who exchanged signiii-
cant planccs. 1t was quite evident,
from their mods and winks, Tom had
been voted humbug on the spot. and
that his story OF his influence with Lord
Montarlingtoa was believed to be all
ellis Lordship's solicitor has just ar.
rived here from London" remarked
one OF the company. - heard him or
der dinner and bedroom, and say he
would drive over to the castle In the
morning" =,
There companion foryou Tom."
said Mr.. Beans. loosely. you'll 60
over TO the castle first thing tomorrow.
Of course? His Lordship must be dy-
Ing TO see you."
"A very good suggestion" returned
Tom. rising from his seat with rather
desperate air. "It's plagucy long
drive alone. Did you hear the name OF
the lawyer. Jakes?'