Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1892-06-04
? II.

- 49, ~
dol Who would ever have thought of
meeting you here in Boston! Right
from Barre, eh2 How are all the folks
up in the old place2' And a iashily-
dressed man grasped a hand of the rural
visitor aud wrung it heartily.
'tEyerbody was tirst-rate when I left, :"
stammered Enoch, peering into the face
of the stranger. 'tBut, sir, you must
excuse me, l don't seem to recollect
you"
"Whatl Don't remember me Graciousi
Have l changed so much that my old
friend don't know me2 Don't you re-
member the Blaisdell boys7"
sob, yes, l recollect the Blaisdell
boys. Used to go to school with them.
You amt Tom, that left to come to work
in the city, are you2"
"Yes, that same Tom," was the I'M
hesitating reply.
"You don't look as I remember him
when We were boys together"
"Oh, five or six years in a busy city,
alters the appearance of a country lad 1
can assure you. But where are you going
W Stop, now you are ueTef
81 don't know. / thought of finding
some boarding house."
"Do nothing of the kind. You shall
be my guest while in Boston. l have a
suite of apartments only a short distance
from the depot here. Come with me. l
shall be only too happy to entertain an
old friend and neighbor.
Enoch felt pleased; nay more, flattered
at the cordial welcome extended to him
by the young man, and he accepted the
proffered hospitality without further hest
tation.
From the railway station the individual
who had called himself Tom Blaisdell,
led the way through the busy bustling
thoroughfares, which presented a novel
scene to the country youth, until he
paused before the entrance of a house on
Howard street.
During this short walk which did not
occupy more than ten minutes, the
strangers tongue ran on glibly.
He expatiated on the pleasure of thu
city, the case with which money was
made, and the refined society to be met
with.
"Why," he remarked, as he inserted
his latch key in the lock of the door,
"my business does not require more than
three hours a day of my time. while my
salary is a little better than $500 a year.
What do you think of that?'
81 should call it very fine," replied
Enoch thoughtGully. ''But what is your
occupation2'
ooh, I'll show you ere long. Come
up to my rooms, and take a little rest,
and a : glass of wine. You must be tired
after that tedious journey in the car"
Not pausing for a reply the city chap
hurried up 4 flight of richly carpeted
stairs, the padding of which was SO soft
aud thick that it gave out no sound to
the thread, and, or reaching the first
landing, Blaisdell unlocked a door to the
right, and ushered his guest into a gor-
geously appointed apartment.
In the middle of the room stood a
round table, the top of which was COW
cred WITH green cloth, not loosely laid
over the piece of furniture, but drawn
smoothly across the surface and glued
down, while a band. perhaps two inches
wide, OF polished mahogany, encircled
the edge, while about the apartment were
a number of comfortable looking chairs,
upholstered in green plush.
"This is my parlor or sitting-room,"
remarked the host, ''while here is where
l Sleep" and the man lifted a heavy
po%rtiere, disclosing a bed, covered with
a snow white Counterpart aud lace
trimmed pillow shams.
"Rather nice quarters don't you
think2" he asked c~omplacently.
81 should say they were," returned
Euoch, for he had never seen anything
approaching to it before.
~ I'm glad you ara pleased and what
is more, you must consider them at your
disposal during your stay in town. But
come, join me in a glass of wine" and
Bla'sdell stepped to a side-board on
which were several decanters containing
varied colored liquors.
Selecting one, the man poured out two
glasses full.
81 don't think, Thomas, that I'd bet
ter touch any OF that stuff. / never
tasted anything in the shape of liquor in
my life, and Pm afraid it won't agree
with me-
"Nonseuse, this is only sherry, and
isn't half as strong as some of that old
cider which l know you have got stored
away in the barn, on your farm at Barre |
Here, take it, it will do you good"
Enoch, like many another well mean
ing yet inexperienced youth before him,
allowed himself to be persuaded, and
taking the glass from his new found
friend (0 placed it to his lips and
drained its contents to the bottom.
"Not so bad, che" asked Blaisdell,
smiling patronizingly upon his com
panion.
at certainly tastes very NICE" ad-
mitted young Bunpua. ''But 1 don't
think shall want any more of it."
"WelI, you cln take it, or let it
a%lene, just as you please. That is a
privilege we all have. Come, sit down,
and tell me all the news from the cour-
try"
At this, the wolf and the lamb seated
themselves, one IN each side of the round
table, aud soon Enocl found himself
talking with great freedom; recounting
all the incidents which had happened in
his village for several years past.
The wine had loosened his tongue, &c
felt exhilarated, and he began to n
graduate himself upon the good fortune
of so unexpectedly encountering a genial
companion.
In the midst of the conversation, the
silvery tones of a little bell were heard.
and the host rising said:
Excuse me a moment, Enoch, l have
Il caller" and stepped to the door.
Opening it, he ushered in a brisk, bust.
ness-like gentleman, who, with hat in
hand, accepted the chair that was offered
him.
you'll pardon me, Mr.. BlaisdelI,"
began the newcomer, "for coming at
this time, but | have a large note to meet