Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-02-29
TOM BLINKERS SECRET.

Tom Blinker was a jovial, light hearted,
commercial gent" who, after travelling
some years for London firm, had started
in business as a commission agent in Bitches
ter. 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 heavi-
ly in debt. But his creditors were disposed
to deal leniently with him, partly because he
was known in the main to be honest, and
partly because he had intmattd that when
Lord MontaTlington returned be would soon
be in position to discharge his liabilities.
Lord Moutarlington bad large estate in the
neighborhood, and was naturally very much
respected and looked up to in the towr. He
had been absent from Engsnd three years on
foreign tour. and Tom Blnker had not
come to Chichester till shortly after his lord
ship had started on his travels.
Toms announcement, therefore, caused q
great deal of surprise and speculation, the
more especially as he always referred to Lord
Mortarlington in very guarded terms, and
never dropped the slightest hint as to the ma
ture Of their acquaintance. This mysterious
reticence had mucn moro eject upon the pub
lie mind than if Tom had entered into details,
and though some persons were skeptcal
enough TO doubt whether Tom had ever set
ewes on his lordship in his life, it was gener-
ally believed that for some reason or other
Lord Montarington would relieve him from
his difficulties.
But his lordship's return was so long de
layed that Toms creditors began to grow i'm
patient, and Tom himself seemed to lose
heart There was no Disgusting the fact that
he had reached the end OF his tetber and
nothing short of q miracle could avert bank
ruptcy and ruin. Duly impressed with this
unpleasant fact, and also bearing in mind
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 very depressed
condition. On reaching the psrlor of that
ancient hostelry, where convivial club, of
which he was prominent member, was wont
to hold its weekly meetings, he was surprised
at being greeted with chorus of congratula-
tions and good wishes.
'Ifs all right, TOM" "Cheer up, old
boy" keep your courage up, Tom !" were
some of the reassuring exclamntions which
greeted him in cordial tones for Tom was q
pleasant, good natured fellow, and most peo.
Pile wished him well, though few would lend
him money.
"why, what's up? be naturally demand
ed.
"What's up" Haven't you heard that
Lord Montarlington has come back ?" asked
MI Beans, the grocer.
''You don't say so :" calculated Tom with
start
ayes, sure enough. He passed through
the town this afternoon. Wonder he didn
give you a call Mr.. Blinker, as you're such 9
particular friend Of his, added Mr.. Beans
who was one of the unbeievers.
"Tom seems quite taken abaok. One
wouldn't think that be had heard good news,
remarked Mr.. p, ,ste, the chemist, rather sly
| ly.
"His lordship is goin to set you to rights
amt he, Tom ? Make your fortune, ",
heard" chimed in another
1t must be owned that Tom did not appear
elated at the news. He seemed disconnected
and for moment looked decidedly embar
rassed. His confusion did not escape the no
| tiee of The assembled eonviYes, who exchang
ed significant Rlanoes. 1t was quite eviden
from their mods and winks, Tom had beei
voted humbug on the spot, and that hi
story of his influence with Lord Montarling
ton was believed to be all CANNON.
His lordship's solicitor has just arrives
here from London" remarked one of tn
company. 81 heard him order q dinner anC
bedroom, and say he would drive over Il
the castle in the morning"
"There's companion for you, Tom," sal
Mr.. Beans very jocosely. you'll go owe
to the castle the first thing tomorrow, O
course? His lordship must be dying to Sc
you"
"a very good suggestion" returned Tom
rising from his seat with rather a desperat
air. Its very long drive alone. Did 20
hear the name of the lawyer, Jakss ?"
bennington, believe" was tho answer
land he is in the blue parlor."
"Il go and introduce myself, pals, il you
excuse me a minute" said Tom, who ha
completely recovered his equanimity and eas
afTability of manners; meanwhile Nj
Chairman, if you will order glasses round Q
my expense you will do me proud"
After this, Tom Blinker made a very O.
feetive exit, having succeeded in turning th
tide of public sympathy in his favor. M
Beans, and others, who had somewhat opel
ly intimated their disbelief in his bona fd
a moment before, now looked foolish in tho
turn, while those who bad remained neutr
began to sing his praises. When Tom r
, turned after short absence, he was regar
, sd by every one of them with increased r
| speot.