The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1891-06-26
BOB GORMANS LETTERS.

Mr.. Barlow was in reminiscent mood
that evening
"Poor Bob Dormant" he said musingly.
81 have often said, Mr.. Whomso, that
in this day and age of the world there
was no excuse for person growing to
mans estate without being able to read.
at least fairly, and write well enough
for his everyday business or social re-
quirements. But my experience with
Bob German slightly modified that opin-
ion.
"Bob had been born and reared in the
very widest of the Montana mining and
grazing districts He absolutely had
never had the opportunity to acquire the
slightest knowledge from textbooks or
by oral instruction, and when l saw him,
some two years ago, he was strapping
fellow, warmhearted as woman, but
illiterate to the last degree.
"He came here from Montana with
herd of bronco ponies to dispose of to
the settlers around Skytown. We were
thrown together many times in bust
ness way, and l came to admire Bob
German for his manly qualities and
strict attention to the interests of his
employer He seemed to like me, also,
and would come to the store and talk
for hours at time about life in the
mines and ranches west of the Missouri.
zone day he came to me with let
ter.
"'Mr Barlow he said, in half hest
tating way, will you please read this to
meH
"'Why, can't you read% exclaimed
in surprise without pausing to think a
second time.
"Gorman blushed painfully. would
have given almost anything to nnsay the
words.
"'Y' see, l amt never had no
chance
81 understand, Bob. Yes, III read it
for you
"'Its from Nance-my wife, German
explained, and an expression of great
happiness beamed from his eyes.
Nance, she lives at Mingersville, an
she's the finest girl in Montanny, you
can bet on that. I'm goin' to own a
ranch of my own one o these days, an
then I'll be fixed SO l can stay at home
with Nance an not have to go knockin'
roun' the country, sellin' broncos. Please
read the letter, sir
''The writing was almost illegible, and
the third person was used all through
the letter, SO it was evidently from an
others hand. 1t told how Nance was
sick of feever, but was a-gettin' long
and sends her love to Bob, wishin' he'd
cum home soon as possibel.'
1.-The happiness faded out of Germans
face the moment he heard of his wife's
illness, and when finished the letter his
voice tremblel as he asked:
"'Is that all, Mr.. Barlow? Don't it
say how she is, nor nothin' more bout
what ails her?
"'No,' answered, with deep sym
pathy.
"'My God! wish't knew
HE remained in silent meditation for
few moments.
81 wouldn't worry l said; it can't
be very serious
HE shook his head forebodingly
She'd never a let 'em write to me
that way if it want. 'Tain't like her.
I'll fix up my things here an go back,
quick as | can,' he said, and walked hur-
riedly away.
"In a short time he returned with a
postal card.
"sJust say for me, Mr.. Barlow, that
I'm cummin' home. Begin it Dear
Nance-but you know how. She's sick,
an want it to be kinder lovin'. Tell
her I'll be there just as soon 80 | can get
things fixed here. Send it to Nance
German, Mingersville, Dawson county,
Montauny. Be sure an put on the
county, cause it's small place, an |
want her to get that, sure
81 complied with his request and he
left the store.
"In couple of days he came back to
me again. He had an old sachel in his
hand, and his face was fairly aglow with
pleasure.
"'Where are you bound for, BobT
'Montanny, he said slapping his
sachel brusquely III be with Nance in
side o twenty-four hours. l feel like a
/ boy, Mr.. Barlow = been away three
months, y know. only hope she's bet
ter. FL leave Ole Rumsey in charge o
the herd. Give him anythin' he wants
on credit-it's all right
''He fumbled in his pocket and finally
drew out letter.
s'Got letter here. Guess it's from
| Newt Tremble; he runs the Ten Strike
ranch-the one l work for, y know
Least think it's from him; it looks like
his handwrite If you'll just read it tc
i me now
"'Certainly,' answered, with smile
His happiness was infectious.
Il opened the letter and glance al
1 its contents startled me. Here is the
way it read:
DEER Boa-i tax mi pen In han toe lett you
4 kno That nance she dido last mite hard luck
/ Ole chap don't feel toe Bad cum home soon
FROM CLAPPER.
What does it say, AIR. Barlow?
asked Bob anxiously, noting my chang
ing couEtenauce.
How could | tell him? Here he was
all ready to start for home, anticipating
joyful meeting with his wife, and il
was reserved for me to dash his hopes
mayhap break his heart.
"'Bob, answered huskily, this isn't
from your employer
"sAin't it from Newt? Who is il
! from, them