Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1884-05-17

teruay, uau aIIduSeu W u'''S WV
said Tom.
"They told me at the hotel, when
happened to mention your name, that you
were well acquainted with his lordship,"
said Mr.. Pennington, who evidently did
not quite know what 10 make of his oblig-
ing companion.
As the lawyer spoke Tom gave the mare
rather an awkward flick with the whip,
which caused her to bound forward with
unpleasant velocity. Mr.. Pennington
chen awoke to the fact that Tom Blinker's
skill at driving was hardly equal to his
politeness; indeed, it soon became evil
dent that the MAZE had the trap and its
occupants pretty well 1t her mercy. Tom
appeared cheerfully Indifferent TO the cir
cumstsnces, and took bitches and sign
posts and mile stones dying. The lawyer,
however, was far from comfortable, and
soon forgot his curiosity in his personal
fears. lie ceased to ask questions and de-
voted himself to holding on to the hand
rail, regardless of Toms conversation,
which continued in lively vein, in spite
of the startling episodes. Great and I'M
speakable, indeed, was the old gentleman's 5
relief when the castle at length came in
sight, the mare having done the distance
probably in the shortest time on record.
"Here VIC are" said Tom, pointing with
his whip. "The entrance lodge is down
the road TO the right"
''Pray don't let me take you yard OUT
of your way, sir" said the lawyer, pre-
pairing to alight; 81 can easily walk the
rest Of the distance"
"Don't mention it. As am so near
may as we'll look in and pay my respects
to his lordship," said Tom, in an oti-hand
manner. "The mare will be glad of Il
rest; she has brought us along in grand
style"
A remark OF mildly sarcastic nature
came to the lawyers lips, but he did not
utter it, for fear of giving offense to a
friend of so good client as his lordshlp'
A few minutes later Tom drove up to the
grand entrance Of the castle with an I'M
posing clatter.
The lawyer was evidently expected, for
they were Immediately ushered along
corridor to his lordship's study. On the
threshold Toms modesty seemed suddenly
To assert itself. for lie hung back little,
so that his companion led the way into
the room.
Lord Montarlington advanced to receive
his visitors with outstretched hand. lie
was handsome, gray-haired elderly man,
with frank, genial manners. III appear
ance he looked like sailor, and, III fact,
Yachting was his fayorite occupation. lie
WAS widower and childless, and since the
death of his wife he had resided very little
on his estates. lie greeted the lawyer
with friendly grasp and also shook hands
with Tom.
"Now Pm safe OH terra firma, my lord,
I do not mind confessing that Mr.. Blinker
has made ME pass bad half hour" said
Mr.. Pennington, with humorous smile.
"Pooh There was no danger, my lord.
The little mare is as safe rs ninc-pence,
only, like tho rest OF her sex, she likes to
take the bit in her tccth," interrupted
Tom, with his jovial laugh.
"IIa! la. Pray be seated, gentlemen,
laughed his lordship, glancing with good
natured surprise at Tom. $50 long as no
bones are broken, there's no harm done.
Mr.. Pennington, it was very good of you
to come down from town. ought to have
called on you, but tomorrow | am going
North, and"
"And goodness knows where beside. :"
interposed Mr.. Pennington, producing Il
bundle OF papers from liis side pocket like
a conjuror. 81 have something important
to say, so thought would take this op-
portunity, my lord"
az don't wish to intrude," said Tom,
rising discrectly.
"My dear sir, pray don't move, " replied
his lordship. "Mr. Pennington and are
not going TO talk secrets. Besides, hope
YOU will both stay to lunch"
"Delighted, Pm sure" said Tom, read
ily. "That is, if your lordship will allow
me to send messenger, with note or
two to Chichester. had some appoint
ments which | can easily put off,"
"By all means. There are writing ma
terial by your side," said his lordship.
Lord Montarlington and his lawyer soon
became immersed in business, while Tom
wrote half dozen short notes on paper
bearing the earl's coronet and crest, with
the address OF the castle. The tenor OF
each Of these epistles was precisely the
same, so that single specimen will suf-
flee to satisfy the readers curiosity:
DEAR McVITrIE-I quite intended 10 call and
see you about those two ponies owe you. but
his lordShlp won't hear OF my leaving. Please
let the matter stand over n bit. and spare your
self the trouble OF issuing u writ. Yours ever.
T. BLISKBR.
While engaged Oh those important COM
positions Tom could not resist giving an
ear to the conversation which was going
OH on the other side Of the fireplace. lie
gathered that the principal object Of the
lawyers visit was TO consult his lordship
about appointing new steward. The post
was at present vacant, the late occupant
having resigned in hun, and Mr. Pen
ningtoD was in favor OF giving it TO a prac-
tical, business-like man, who would not
be above his work. His lordship cordially
acquiesced in his view, and left tic matter
in the lawyers hand, and, having affixed
his signature to few documents, the con-
ference ended.