The Sunday morning news. [volume] (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1886-1891, 1891-06-28
BOB G0RMAN'S LETTERS..
Castles IN the ait Iliss paled BY i
Few Iii Spelled Lines.

81 have often said, Mr. Whomso. that
in this day and age Of the world there
was no excuse for q 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 a strappi1lg
fellow, warmhearted as a woman, but
iiliterate to the last degree
llc 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
hess 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 q time about life in the
mines and ranches west Of the Missouri.
.Onc day he came to me with let
ter.
Mr.. Barlow, he said, In d half hesi-
tating way, will you please read this to
me?
Why, can't you ready exclaimed
IN surprise without pausipg to think a
second time.
German blushed painfully. would
have given almost anything to unsay the
words.
~ see, amt never had no
i understand, Bob. Yes, I'll read it
for you
8 Its from Nance my wife, German
explained. and en- expression of great
happiness beamed from his ewes.
'Naace, she lives ut MingersYille, an
she's the finest girl in Montanny, you
can bet on that. Tn 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' broncoa. Please
read the letter, sir
1.-THE writing was almost illegible, and
tho third person was used all through
the letter, SO it was evidently from an
others hand. It told how Nance was
sick of a fewer, but was a=gettin' long
and sends her love to Bob, wishin' he'd
cum home soon as possibel.'
''The happiness faded out of Germans
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 her?
mo / answered. with deep sym
pathy.
{. Ny Godi wish't I knew
He remained in silent meditation for
few moments.
sI wouldn't worry / said; it can't
be very serious
'sHe shook his head forebodingly.
q shed never let 'em write to me
that way if it want. 'Tain't like her.
Tin fix up my things here an go back,
quick as can he said. and walked hnr-
riedly away.
In short time he returned with a
postal card.
;. Just say for me, Mr.. Barlow, that
I'm cumnin' 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,
German, Mingersville, Dawson county,
Montanny. Be sure an put on the
county, cause it's q small place, an /
want her to get that, sure.
Il complied with his request and he
left the store.
s.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.
"sWhere are you bound for, Bob?
e sMontanny,' he said, slapping his
sachel brusquely. III be with Nance in
side O twenty-four hours. feel like
boy, Mr.. Barlow - been away three
months, y know. Ionly 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
she 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 | work for, y know.
Least I think it's from him; it looks like
his handwrite. If you'll just read it to
me now
Certainly, answered, with a smile.
His happiness was infectious.
II opened the letter and glance at
its contents startled me. Here is the
way it read:
DEER BoB-i 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 Cf-ApPER.
"'what does it say, Mr. Barlow
asked Bob anxiously, noting my chang
ing countenance.
'sHow could tell hirnf Here he was,
III ready to start for home, anticipating
joyful meeting with his wife, and it
Was reserved for me to dash his hopes
nayhap break his heart.
Bob, / answered huskily, this isn't
rom your employer.
".Aint it from NEWT Who is it
rom. them
lido you know any one by the name
r ri