Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1884-03-13
TON sLIxkER,s SECRET.

Tom Einker was \ j0vial. iight-heart-
ed. commercial gent. who after trsv-
cling some years for a London firm. had
started in business as 4 commission
agent in Chichester. Unfortunately he
1ailed-or zt learf he did not succeed.
which is--nearly rs bad-aud at the date
Of this story. he was pretty heavily in
debt But his creditors were disposed
e deal leniently with him. partly he
ezI.se he was known to be in the main
honest, and parity because he had inii-
mated that when Lord Monfarlington
refurned he would s0oa be in q co1di-
ton 70 discharge his liabilities Lord
Monfariington had large estate in TIE
neighborhoOd. and was naturally very
much respected and looked up 10 in the
town he had been sbsert from
England three years on \ foreign tour.
and Tom Blinker had not come 70 Bill
chester ill shortly after his iordship
had started on his travels. Toms an
nOuncemcnf, therefore. cansed q great
deal Of surprise and speculation. and
more especially as he always referred
10 Lord MOnfarlingtou in very guard
ed terms. and never drOpped the slight
est hint rs 70 the nature Of his acqusinf-
ance- This mysterious reticence had
much more effect upon the public mind
than II Tom had entered into details.
End If some persons were skeptical
enough to doubt whether Tom had ever
set eyes upou his LOrdship in his life. il
was generally believed thzt for some
reason or other Lord MOntariington
would relieve him from his difficulties.
3ut his lorslship's return was so long
delayed that Toms creditors began 10
grow impatient. snd Tom himself
seemed 10 lose heart There was no
disguisi7g the fact that he had reached
the end Of his tefher. 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 tiIree of his largest creditors
had threatened TO take proceedings
AGAINST him immediately. Tom wended
his way 70 the Blue Boar one evening in
q very depressed condition. On reech-
ing he pars0r Of that ancient .hOstelrvs
where conTiTial club. of which he was
a prominent member. was wont to hold
ifs weekly meetings. he was surprised
n being greeted with chorus of con-
gratulafi0ns and good wishes.
-Ifssan right. Tom Cheer up. |
old boy.'' keep your courage up. /
Toms'' were some Of the neassuring ex-
which greeted him in cor
dial tones. for Tom was a pleasant. /
good natured fellow. and mos people /
wished him vel. though few would lend /
him money
why. what's up'' he naturally de-
unnded.
Whats up, Haven't YOU heard
Lord Moutarlington has come back"
said Mr.. Beans. the grocer
"You don't say so." ejaculated Tom.
-izh start
YES, sure enough He passed
through the town this afternoon Won
der he didn't give YOU 4 call. Mr. Bs.nk-
er. rs you're such particular friend Of
his added Mr.. Beans. who was one Of
Ihe unbelievers-
TON seems quite taken aback. One
wouldn't think be had heard good
news remarked Mr.. Pestle, the chem
ist. rather slyly-
BIS L0rdship is agoin' TO set YOU 70
rights, amt he. T0m2 Make your
Iortune, I've heard, - chImed in an
Dther.
Il must be owned that Tom did not
uppesr eIafed At the news. He seemed
iiscorcersed, anl for \ moment looked
ieeidedly embarrassed HIS confusion
lid not escape the notice Of the assem-
Dled conviEeS. who exchanged signii-
ant gianncs. Il was quite evident.
rom their nodE and winks, Tom had
1een voted humbug on the spOt. and
hat his story Of his influence with Lord
Nontzrlington Was believed TO be all
-zmm0n-
His Lordship's solicitor has Just ar
ived here from London" remarked
me OF the company =. heard aim or
Ter dinner and = bedroom. and say he
souid drive over to the castle in the
There's a companion forycu Tom"
aid Mr.. Bears. jocosely- you'll 90 !
Iver to the castle first thing tomorrow. /
4 courses His Lordship must be dy-
1g 20 see you-"
i" A very good suggestion" returned i
-om. rising from his seat with rather a
ospsrzte air. IFS q plaguey long !
rive alone. Did you hear the name of {
be lawyer, Jskess' IL