Los Angeles herald., 1891-08-11
BOB GORMAN'S LETTERS.

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 Gorman 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 a strapping
fellow, warmhearted as woman, but
illiterate 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
thrown together many times in bust
ness 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 time about life in the
mines and ranches west of the Missouri
''One day he came to me with a let
ter.
"sMr. Barlow he said, in half hest
tating way, will you please read this to
meY
"'Why, can't you read? l exclaimed
in surprise without pausing to think a
second time.
"Gorman blushed painfully. would
have given almost anything to unsay the
words
"'Y' see, I amt never had no
chance
"1 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
'sThe 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.'
''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.. Barlow? Don't it
say how she is, nor nothin' more bout
what ails herp
"'No,' I answered, with deep sym
pathy.
"'My Godl wisht I knew!'
"He remained in silent meditation for
a few moments.
",I wouldn't worry I said; it can't
be very serious
"He shook his head forebodingly.
She'd never 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.
"'Just say for me, Mr.. Barlow, that
Pm 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 I can get
things fixed here. Send it to Nance
German, Mingersville, Dawson county,
Montamy. Be sure an put on the
county, cause it's small place, an
want her to get that, sure.
"I 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, Bob?
'Montanny,' he said, slapping his
sachel brnsquely. 'Tll be with Nance in
side O twenty-four hours. feel like a
boy, Mr.. Barlow = been away three
months, y know. only hope she's bet
ter. I'll 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 read it to
me now
Certainly answered, with smile.
His happiness was infectious.
II opened the letter and glance at
its contents startled me. Here is the
way.it read:
DEER >BoBI tax mi pen In han toe lett you
kno That nance she dide last mite hard luck
Ole chap don't feel toe Bad cum home soon
from CLAPPER
"'What does it say, Mr.. Barlow?
asked Bob anxiously, noting my chang
ing countenance.
"How could tell him? Here he was,
all ready to start for home, anticipating
Joyful meeting with his wife, and it
was reserved for me to dash his hopes
mayhap break his heart.
"sBob,' l answered hushly, this isn't
from your employer
"sAin't it from Newt? Who is it
from, thenY
~4Do you know any one by the name
of ClapperY