Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1891-08-28
BOB GORMAN'S LETTERS

Mr.. Barlow was in reminiscent mood
that evening.
poor Bob Dormant" he said musingly.
~ 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.
dob 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
| 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 | 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 III the
mines and ranches west Of the Missouri.
Zone day he came TO me with let
ter.
"'Mr. Barlow he said, i'll half hest
fufi MI 10
me?'
"'Why, can't you read% exclaimed
in surprise without pausing to think a
second time.
"Gorman biushed painfully l would
have given almost anything to unsay the
words.
"'Y' see, | amt never had no
g. Il understand, Bob. Yes, I'll 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 MingersviIle, 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' hroncos. 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 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 Gorman's
face the moment he heard of his wife's
illness, and when finished the letter his
voice tremblel as he asked:
els that all, Mr.. Barlow? Don't it
say how she is, nor nothin' more bout
what ails herr
Ono / answered. with deep sym
pathy.
"'My God! wish't l lmewr
He remained in silent meditation for
| few moments.
81 wouldn't worry 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 faint like her.
I'll fix up my things here an go back,
quick as can, he said. and walked hur-
riedly away.
''In 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 l want it to be kinder lovin'. Tell
her FL 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 small place, an
want her to get that, sure
Il 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, 3obY
'Montanny,' he said, slapping his
sacheI brusquely. III be with Nance in
side O twenty.four hours. feel like .