Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1884-03-13


rived here from London" remarked
one of the company. IL heard him or
der dinner and a bedroom, and say he
would drive over to the castle in the
morning" II
There's companion for yon. Tom.
said Mr.. Beans. loosely. You IL 60
over to the castle first thing tomorrow,
of course9 His Lordship must be dy-
ing to see you" :,
"A very good suggestion, returned
Tom. rising from his seat with rather a
desperate air. Its plaguey long
drive alone. Did you hear the name of
the lawyer. Jakes?'
bennington, l believe" was the an
swer. land he is in the blue parlor."
"Fll GO and introduce myself, pals,
if you'll excuse me a minute, said
Tom, who had completely recovered his
equanim;ty and easy atlabillty OF man.
ners: meanwhile, Mr.. Chairman, if
YOU will order glassc, round at my eX-
pense 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
favo-. Mr. Beans, and others, who
had somewhat openly minated their
disbelief in his bona tides a moment be-
fore, now lookel foolish in their turn.
while those who had remained neutral
began to sing his praises. When Tom
return.I after short absence he was
regarded by every one with increased
respect.
1T is all right he remarked con-
fidentially, as he resumed his place.
Il introduced myself to the lawyer.
! and we arranged to drive over tO-mor-
| row together He is mot pleasant
gentleman. never met him before.
The last observation, uttered in
careless tone, made distinct impress
| ion upon the audience. tor it seemed to
imply mild establishment that a person
so Intimately assoc atel 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 ut once
changed the subject by volunteering
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 en- o, ment. Whether
he really surpassed himself, or whether
his mysterious acquaintance with Lord
Montarlington MAIZE 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
MIR 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 good-looking man,
with white teeth, Il tlorid complexion
and genial expression. Dressed in
his best with flower in:his buttonhole.
he presented quite an imposing appear
ance, and it was observed that MIR. Pen
nington, the lawyer, treated him with
marked courtesy.
This is really very civil attei,tion,
sir,'' remarked Mr.. Pennington, who
was an old-fashioned elderly gentleman
of a nervous disposition, and they
bowled along the hard country road
toward their destination.
don't mention it, sir; you're wei
, 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 way?" persisted
the lawyer, glancing at his companion
with mild curiosity.
Certainly not, sir. AS told you,
!. yesterday, 1 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 evil
IDENTIFY did not know what to make Of
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..
Tom Blinker's skill at driving wa:
| hardly equal to his pol.teness; indeed
1 it soon became evident that the mar,
had the trap and its occupants prett,
/ well at her mercy. Tom appeared
r cheerfully indifferent to the circum
+ stance, and took bitches, sign posts ant
q milestones flying. The lawyer, how
n ever. was far from comfortable, ant
:; soon forgot his curiosity in his persona
y fears. He ceased to ask questions, an,
2 devoted himself to holding onto tn
Il hand-rail, regardless of Toms CONVEX
o sation, which continued in lively vein
4 in spite of the most startling episodes
+ Great and unspeakable, indeed, was tn
4 old gentleman S relief when the castle
: at length came in sight, the little mar,
d having done the distance probably il
5 the shortest time on record.
d with his whip. 1.-The entrance lodge
n down the road to the right
l. pray don't let me take you a var
=, out of your way, sir" said the lawyer
Is preparing to alight; Il can easily wal
d the rest of the distance"
ID Don't mention it. AS | an so nea
l. l may as well look in and pay my re
spects to his Lordship," said Tom, i
}. an off-hand manner. sThe mare wi
}, be glad of rest; she has brought u
& along in grand STYLE
r A remark of mildly sarcastic natur
t, came to the lawyers lips, but he di
lie not utter it, for fear of giving otiense
d friend of so good client as his LORD
chin A fa,v miputeS later Tom drnv
E. up to the entrance of the Castle with a