The Dalles daily chronicle. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1890-1948, 1891-07-23
BOB GORMANS LETTERS.

mans estate without being able to read.
Il least fairly, and write well enough
for his everyday business or social re-
quirements. But my experience with
Bob Gorman slightly modified that opin,
TON.
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
Glightest knowledge from textbooks or
by oral instruction. and when saw him
some two years ago, he was strapping
fellow. warmhearted as a woman. but
aliterate to the last degree.
"He came here from Montana with "a
herd of bronco ponies to dispose of to
the settlers around Skytown. We were
-fhrswn together many times in bust
mess way, and l came to admire Bob
Gorman 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 a time about life in the
mines and ranches west of the Missouri.
"sOne day he came to me with let
ser.
""Mr. Barlow he said, in a half hesI-
fating way. will you please read this to
meT
"'Why, can't you read? exclaimed
in surprise without pausing TO think "A
second time.
.'Gorman blushed painfully. would
have given almost anything TO unsay the
words.
-.:Y' see. l amt never had no
chance
81 understand. Bob. Yes, I'll read it
fnr YOU
".It!s 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 50 can stay at home
with Nance an not have to go knockin
noun the country, sellin' broncoe. Please
read the letter, sir
1.-The writing was almost iilegible, anu
the third person was used all through
the letter. so it was evidently from an
,0ther's hand. 1t told how Nance was
.Eick of a feever, but was a-gettin' long
and sends her love to Bob, wishin' he'd
cum home soon as possibel.'
''The happiness faded out of Gorman's
face the moment he heard of his wife's
Illness, and when finished the letter his
voice trembled as he asked:
"'Is that all, Mr.. Barlowl Don't it
say how she ls. nor nothin' more bout
what ails herr
mo answered. with deep sym
pathy.
My Godl wish't knewr
He remained in silent meditation for
. few moments
~ wouldn't worry said; 1T can't
be very serious
He shook his head forebodingly
Shed never a let 'em write to me-
that way if it want. 'Tain't like her
ri fix up my things here an go back
quick as ! can he said. and walked hur-
riedly away.
I'm u short time he returned with a
postal card.
"'Just 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 as / can get
things fixed here. Send it to Nance
-Gorman, Mingersville. Dawson county,
Montanny. Be sure an put on the
county. cause it's small place, an !
want her to get that, sure.
~ complied with his request and he
left the store.
I'm 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. I'll be with Nance in
aide o. twenty-four hours. feel like a
boy, Mr.. Barlow = been away three
months, y know. only hope she's bet
ter. Ill 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.
"-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 Tead it tc
me now
Certainly answered, with smile.
Bis happiness was infectious.
81 opened the letter and glance al
its contents startled me. Here is the
way it read:
DEER BoB-i tax mi pen In han toe lett you
kno That nance ehe dide last mite hard luck
Ole chap don't feel toe Bad cum home soon
from CLAPPER-
".What does it say, Mr.. Barlow7
asked Bob anxiously. noting my chang
ing countenance.
'.How could tell himI 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.