Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1884-03-13
TOM BLINKER'S SECRET.

Tom Blinker was a jovial, light-heart-
ed, commercial gent who after tray
cling some years for London firm, had
started in business as a commission
agent in Bilchester. Unfortunately he
failed-or at least he did not succeed,
which iS..nearlv 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 a condi-
ton to discharge his liabilities. Lord
Montarlington had a 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
nouncemcnt, therefore, caused great
deal of surprise and speculation, and
more especially rs he always referred
to Lord Montarlington in very guard
ed terms, and never dropped the slight
est hint as to the nature of his acquaint-
ance This mysterious rcticence 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 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 wended
his way to the Blue Boar one evening in
a very depressed condition. On reach
ing the parlor of that ancient hostelry,
where convivial club, of which he was
a prominent member, was wont to hold
its weekly meetings, he was surprised
at being greeted with a chorus of con-
CALCULATIONS and good wishes.
Its all right, Tom!'' "Cheer up,
old boy"' keep your courage up,
Toni" were some of the reassuring ex-
CARNATIONS which greeted him in cor
dial tones, for Tom was a pleasant,
good. 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 backp'
said Mr. Beans, the grocer.
"You don't say so!'' calculated Tom
with start.
"Yes, sure enough. He passed
through the town this afternoon. Won
der he didn't give you call, Mr.. Blink
er, as you're such particular friend o.
the unbelievers.
tom seems quite taken aback. Ont
wouldn't think he had heard goot
- news" remarked Mr.. Pestle. the chem
list, rather slyly.
His Lordship is agoin' to set you tx
rights, amt he. Tom? Make you
fortune, I've heard" chimed in an
other.
It must be owned that Tom did no
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 chances. 1t was quite evident
from their mods and winks, Tom hat
been voted bupbug on the spot ant
th6t bic stoey oe III hlllnepce with Lon