Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1884-05-17
TOM BLINKER'S SECRET.

Tom Blinkcr was JoVlal, HSht-heaFtcu
commercial gent" who, after travelling
some years for London firm, had started
in business rs a commission agent in Bill
chester. Unfortunately he failcd-or ut
least he did not succeed, which is nearly
rs bad. and ut the date Of this story lie
was pretty heavily in debt. Blu: his cred
itors were disposed to deal leniently with
him, partly because he was known to be
in the main honest and partly because he
had intimated that when Lord Montar-
lington returned he would soon be III
position 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. lie had been absent from England
three years Oh foreign tour, and Tom
Blnkcr lad not come to Chichester TIL
shortly after his lordshlp had started on
his travels.
But his lordslip'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 lie had reached the end OF his
tether, and nothing short OF 4 miracle
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 immedl-
ately, Tom wendcd his way to the Blue
Boar one evening in Il very depressed
condition. On reaching the parlor Of
that ancient hosiery, where conyiylal
club Of which he was 4 prominent mem-
Der was wont to hold its weekly meetings,
he was surprised OH being greeted with
chorus ofcongratulations of and good wishes.
'It's all right, Tom. Cheer up, old
boy. Keep your courage up, Tom" - were
some of the reassuring eXclamations
which greeted him in cordial tones, for
Tom WAS pleasant, good-natured fellow,
and most people wished him well, though
few would lend him money.
"Nhy, what's up?" he naturally de-
mandcd.
"What's up! HLYen't you heard Lord
MontarlinSton has come back?" said Mr..
Beans, the grocer.
"You don't say so!" ejaculated Tom,
with Il start.
Ellis lordship'S solicitor has just ar
rived from London," remarked one of the
company. 81 heard him order dinner
and bedroom, and say lie would drive
oycr~to tia. castle in the morning"
There's Il companion for you, Tom,"
said Mr.. Beans, jocosely. you'll go
over to the castle first thing tomorrow,
of course? His lordship must be dying
to see you"
a very good suggestion," returned
Tom, rising from his seat with rather
desperate air cts 4 plaugey long drive
alone. Did you hear the name Of the
lawyer, Jakes?"
"Pennington, believe, was the an
swer, land he is in the blue parlor."
"l'll 80 and introduce myself, pals, if
you'll excuse me Il minute" said Tom,
who had completely recovered his equa-
nimity and easy affability Of manners.
"Meanwhile, Mr.. Chairman, if you will
order glasses round at my expense you
will do me proud"
After this Tom Blinker made very ef-
fectivc exit, having succeeded in turning
the tide of public sympathy in his favor.
Mr. Beans and others, who had somewhat
openly intimatcd their disbelief in his
bona iides n moment before, now looked
foolish in theif turn, while those who had
remained neutral began 10 sing his praises.
When Tom returned after short absence
lie was regarded by every one with in
creased respect.
cts all right" lie remarked confden-
TALLY, as he resumed his place. 81 intro
duced myself to the lawyer and we ar
ranged TO drive over together. lie is
most pleasant gentleman. | never met
him before"
Early next morning the neighbors, with
mingled admiration and envy, witnessed
the departure of Tom and the lawyer from
the door of the inn. Tom handled the
ribbons, having borrowed Mr.. Beams lit
tie mare and trap the preceding evening,
in order, as lie said, to do the thing in
style The grocer was proud of his turn
out, and was only too glad to oblige Tom,
now that his prospects had materially I'M
proved. Tom Blinkcr looked very spruce
indeed when lie drove 10 the inn to pick
up the lawyer. He was gOod-lOoking
man, with white teeth, 4 fiorid complex
ion and genial expression. Dressed in
his best, with flower in his button-hole,
lie presented quite an imposing appear
ance, and it WAS observed that Mr.. PEN
nington, the lawyer, treated him with
marked courtesy.
'rhis is really very civil attention,
SIR" remarked Mr.. Pennington, who was
al old-fashiUmetl, elderly gentleman OF Il
nervous disposition, as they bowled along
the hard country road toward their desti-
nation.
Don't mention it, sir; you're welcome,
I'm sure" said Tom Blinker, affably.
'I wouldn't abuse your good nature for
the world. You are sure | am not taking
you out of your way?" persisted the law
yer, glancing at his companion with mild