Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1884-02-22
TOM BLIsKERS SECRET.
Funny Little story from Across the
Water.


rrom the London TRUTH
Tom Blinker was iovial, light-heart
ed, commercial gent, who, after travel
ing some years for London firm, had
started in business as q 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
bis creditors were disposed to deal leni.
emily with him, partly because lie was
known to be in the main honest. and
partly because had intimated that when
Lord Montarl1ngton returned he would
soon be in position to discharge his liza
blllties. Lord Montarlington had large
estate In the neighborhood, and was nat
urally 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 announce
ment, therefore, caused great deal of
surprise and speculation, the more es-
pecially as he always referred to Lord
Montarllngton in very guarded terms,
and never dropped the slightest hint as to
the nature of the acquaintance. This
mysterious reticence had much mora
effect upon the public mind than if Tom
had entered into details, and though some
persons were skeptical enough to doubt
whether Tom had ever set eyes on his
lordship in his life, it was generally be.
neved 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 inpatient, and Tom himself seemed
to lose heart. There was no Disgusting
the fact that he had reached the end of
his tcther, and nothing short of a mira.
Gle could avert bankruptcy and ruin
Duly impressed with this unpleasant
fact, and also bearing in mind that two
or three of his largest creditors had
threatened to take proceedings against
HIM Immediately, Tom wendell his way to
the Blue Boar one evening in verv de-
pressed condition. On reaching the mar.
lor of that ancient hostelry, where con
vlvlal club, of which he was prominent
member, was wont to hold its weekly
meetings, he was surprised at being greet.
ed with chorus of congratulations and
good wishes.
Its all right, Tom. Cheer ND. old
boy. Keep your courage up, Tom !"
were some of the reassuring ordinations
which greeted him in cordial tones for
Tom was pleasant, good-natured fellow
and most people wished him we'll, thourb
few would lend him money
why, what's up?" he naturally de-
handed W.
Whats up Haven't you heard Lord
Montarlington has come back ?" said Mr.
Beans, the grocer.
You don't say so !" calculated Tom
with start. l'
Eyes, sure enough. He passed through
the town this afternoon. Wonder he
didn't give you n call, Mr. Blinker rs
you're such particular friend of his
added Mr.. Beans, who was one of the nm.
believers. WIZ 'n'
tom seems quite taken aback Ono
wouldn't think he had heard good news y
remarked Mr.. Pestle, the chemist rather
slyly;: N'1''
"His lordship ie agoin to set Won to
rights, amt he, Tom? Make vo1r for
tune, I've heard" chimed in another
1t must be owned that Tom did not an
pear elated at the news. He seemed I' az IT,
concerted, and for moment looked de
cidedly embarrassed His confusion d;d
not escape the notice of the assem hIad
convives, who exchanged signifcani
glances. 1t was quite evident from tbnir
mods and winks, Tom had been voted .
humbug on the spot, and that his storH
OF his influence with Lord Montorlin 9,ta11
was believed to be all CANNON.
"His lordship's solicitor has mat or
rived from London, " remarked one of t H.
company, u heard him order dinner
over to the castle in the morninc 'i''e
Iheres companion, for you Tom.
to the castle first thing to.morSo w g.
See YOU" ''Ns "
"a very good suggestion. =" returrod
Tom, rising from his seat with 4 ratiian
desperate DIR. Its n plaguev lone III
alone. Did you hear the name Of S- he
lawyer, Jakes?" 'i''
., bennington, I believe" was the nm
s" .T;,, and ne is IN the blue parlor."
III go and introduce myself, pals if
you "a excuse me a minute" said Tom.
VINO mad completely recovered his eouan.
iIhity ana easy aiiability of manners
lheanwhile' Mr.. Chairman, if you will or.
C11t
do me proud" ~" "'''
After this, Tom Blinker made n very
effective exit, having succeeded in tnrn,
ing the tide of public sympathy in his
favor. Mr.. Beans, and others. who had
somewhat openly minated their dishn
lief IN his bona fdes moment beforo
now looked foolish in their turn wb,Ie
those who had remained neutral beoon 10
sing his praises. When Tom Returned
after short absence, he was regarded bv
everyone with increased respect
ut is all right" no remarked corsdo,
t.laiiy, as he resumed his place ~ in
PRODUCED myself to the lawyer and We
arranged to drive over Tomorrow togetb-
er. lie is most pleasant gentleman, ri
never met him before"
Inc last observation, uttered in q .aro-
loss tone, made distinct impression mon
the audience, for it seemed to imply Mia
astonishment that person so intimateIv
associated with his lordship as the family
lawyer, should up 10 that time have hear
unknown to him. He did not apparentIu
seek to convey any impression Thateusr
Ioi ne AZ once changed the subject by
vo!qoeering a song, and never referred
20 Iofd Montarlington again throughout
tae evening. He appeared suddenly 10
I recovered his spirits and Abandoned
seu 70 social enjoyment. Whether
ne really surpassed himself, or wbetber
nls mysterious acquaintance with Lord
Montarlington made every one more IN.
ol'ned TO appreciate him, Il is certain tbs
DOM any laughed M his 49, - e1o