Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1884-03-07
TOM BLINKER's SECRET.

Tom Blinker was jovial, light-heart-
ed, commercial gent" who after trav-
cling some years for London firm, had
started in business as commission
agent in Chichester. Unfortunately he
failed--or at least he did not succeed,
which is. .nearly as bad-and at the date
of this story, he was pretty heavily in
debt. But his creditors were disposed
to deal leniently with him, partly be-
cause he was known to be in the main
honest, and partly because he had init
mated that when Lord Montarlington
returned he would soon be in condi-
tion to discharge his liabilities. Lord
Montarlington had large estate in the
neighborhood, and was naturally very
much respected and looked up to in the
town. He had been absent from
England three years on foreign tour,
and Tom Blinker had not come to Bill
chester till shortly after his lordship
had started on his travels. TOMS an
nouncement, therefore, caused q great
deal of surprise and speculation, and
more especially as he always referred
to Lord Montarlington in very guard
ed terms, and never dropped the slight
est hint rs to the nature of his acquaint-
ance. This mysterious reticence had
much more effect upon the public mind
than if Tom had entered into details,
and if some persons were skeptical
enough to doubt whether Tom had ever
set eyes upon his Lordship in his life, it
was generally believed that for some
reason or other Lord Montarlington
would relieve him from his difficulties
But his lordship'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 tether, and nothing short
of miracle could avert bankruptcy and
ruin. Duly impressed with this un-
pleasant fact, and also bearing in mind
that two or three of his largest creditors
had threatened to take proceedings
against him Immediately, Tom wended
his way to the Blue Boar one evening in
n very depressed condition. On reach
ing the parlor of that ancient Fhostelry,
where a convivial club, of which he was
70 prominent member, was wont to hold
its weekly meetings, he was surprised
at being greeted with a chorus Of con-
gratulations and good wishes.
"It's all right, Toni "Cheer up,
old boyr' s.Keep your courage up,
Toni" were some of the reassuring ex-
clamations which greeted him in cor
dial tones, for Tom was pleasant,
good natured fellow, and most people
wished him well, though few would lend
him money.
"Why. what's upp" he naturally de-
manded.
"What's up! Haven't you heard
Lord Montarlington has come backp"
said Mr.. Beans, the grocer.
"You don't say sol" calculated Tom,
with a start.
"Yes, sure enough. He passed
through the town this afternoon. Won
der he didn't give you a call, Mr.. Blink
er, as you're such particular friend of
his" added Mr.. Beans, who was one of
the unbelieyers.
"Tom seems quite taken aback. One
wouldn't think he had heard good
news" remarked Mr.. Pestle, the chem
ist, rather slyly.
''His Lordship is agoin' TO set you to
rights, amt he. Tomp Make your
fortune, I've heard" chimed in an
other.
1t must be owned that Tom did not
appear elated at the news. He seemed
disconnected, and for moment looked
decidedly embarrassed. His confusion
did not escape the notice of the assem-
bled convives, who exchanged signifi-
cant glances. 1t was quite evident,
from their mods and winks, Tom had
been voted a humbug on the spot. and
that his story of his influence with Lord
Montarlington was believed to be all
CANNON.
Ellis Lordship's solicitor has just ar
rived here from London" remarked
one of the company. 81 heard him or
der dinner and bedroom, and say he
would drive over to the castle in the
morning"
There's companion foryou. Tom,"
said Mr. Beans. loosely. you'll go
over TO the castle first thing tomorrow,
Of courseP His Lordship must be dy-
ing TO see you"
IA very good suggestion returned
Tom. rising from his seat with rather a
desperate air. "IDs plaguey long
drive alone. Did you hear the name Of
the lawyer, Jakaapn