The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1891-07-02
BOB GORMAN'S LETTERS.

"I have often said, Mr.. Whomso, that
in this day and age of the world there
was no excuse for a 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 saw him,
some two years ago, he was strapping
fellow, warmhearted as a woman, but
lliterate 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 / 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 a 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
me?
"'Why, can't you read? 1 exclaimed
IN surprise without pausing to think o
second time.
"Gorman blushed painfully. would
have given almost anything to unsay the
words.
"'Y' see, 1 amt never had no
chance
81 understand, Bob. Yes, I'll read it
for 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 so / can stay at home
with Nance an not have to go knockin'
roun' the country, sellin' broncos, Please
read the letter, sir
1.-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 l finished the letter his 1
voice trembled as he asked:
"'Is that all, Mr.. Barlow? Don't it |
say how she Is, nor nothin' more bout |
what ais her?
ono answered, with deep sym
pathy.
My God! wish't knew
HE remained in silent meditation for
a few moments.
II wouldn't worry said; it can't
be very serious
''He shook his head forebodingly.
" Shed never let EN- write TO me
that way if it want. 'Tain't like her.
I'll fix up my things here an 20 back.
quick as can he said, and walked hur-
-iedly away.
"In short time he returned with a
postal card.
"Just say for me, Mr.. Barlow, that
I'm cummin' home. Begin it Dear
you know how. She's sick,
IN want it TO be kinder lovin'. Tell
Ter III be there Just as soon as l can get
hings fixed here. Send it 70 Nance
IorInan, Mingersville, Dawson county,
Iontanny. Be sure an put on the
county, cause it's small place, an
want her to get that, sure
Il complied with his request and no
eft the store.
In couple Of days be came back to
ne again. He had an old sachel in his
land, and his face was fairly aglow with
pleasure.
where are you bound for, BobT
'Montanny,' he said, Shaping his
achel brusquely. III be with Nance In
ide O twenty-f0ur hours. feel ike a
10Y, Mr. Barlow - been away three !
months, y know. / only hope she's bet
err III leave Ole Rumsey in charge O
be herd. Give him anythin' he wants
u credit--it's al right
Ale fumbled in his pocket and finally
rev ont letter. !
81 Got letter here. Guess it's from !
Jewt Trembie; he runs the Ten Strike
anch-the one / work for, y know.
least think It's from him; il looks ike {
is handwrite. Il you'll Just read il to
1e now
g Certainly answered, with a srais.
lis happiness was infectious.
Il opened the letter and a glance at
= contents startled me. Here Is tbs
-sy u read: =
DEEg BoB-i tax nj pen II han tos lett vou
10 That uanrs she Ode last rte bard lack 4
ls chap o9ai fee tos la cziB h9z.e ga =
On CL4FPEA
Sc What does it say, Mr.. Barlow? ,,
sked Bob anxiously. noting my chang
x countenance.
How could tel hinf Here he was,
] ready % start for home, anticipating !
joyful meeting with his w1!e. and Il
AZ reserved for ne 70 dash lis hoyes- e
.ayb2p break his heart b
g Bob. answered Easkily, this isn't 9
On your eEoolovar' -