Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1896-08-18

Tom Bliss
"When we began 10 speak just now
l didn't think / knew anything, bu
since | have heard you find know
more than you do, u great deal more thai
| you do. 5"
"Then I hope you will be equal,
candid and tell me all about il, +" salt
Tom Bliss, who still believed that Bon
ton was joking him.
"See here. Tom Bliss, how old do
| look to bc?' Bouton Strengthened him
self up and turned his face to the law
yer.
About 50. / should say" reptile,
Tom Bliss after q judicial survey.
MANY thanks for the compliment e
my youthful appearance. II is the com
pensation for my moderate life. | m
| now in my thirty-ninth year, and, lik'
every man, l am Just as old rs / lool
and feel, and never felt better in N,
| life "
"But what has your age to do witt
this question:
More than You think, Tom. Eight
cen years ago was n grown man.
"Twcn,y years Of age'
"Yes. and for four years ! had bt<l
guiding parties from Council Bluff
west to the mountains.
'Indced
"Yes, indeed. And let me say. Tom
that / guided many curious parties
I've known men Ia leave Council Bluff
with one name and 10 have another
when they got 10 the mountains, ant
I've known men IN start out with higf
hopes and 10 die before they saw the
mountain"
Eyes
Eyes. Tom. just M sure as you n
sitting there beside me. Oh, I've hac
tots and lots Of experience with people
from the states, but never met such n
curious outii, rs the Weldons "
The Weldonsl' exclaimed Tom
Bliss.
"Ycs Valentine Weldon and his wife
and two sons. with signs II another
child. / didn't guide them to the noun
,ains. hut was with the man that
lid. "
"To what mountains:'
Il won't say. dare not say. But
ri tell you this: know where Nalcn-
tine Weldon and his family are. "
lyon do:"
"I do. "
"And have they changed their nameF'
ayes.
What name have they now"
"That can't tell. "
"Why no;:"
"B cause haven't got so-lOw ~ 20
violate an oath. l see you are surprised
at my knowledge. "
Il am amazed. "
Il could amaze you still more if
wanted to-" And Bouton threw back his
head and shook with dumb laughter.
but" said Tom Bliss, Valentine
Weldon il II murderer, and he dare not
make himself known--not if he was
heir To- "A kingdom. y
Perhaps not, but the sins uf tho Ia
thcr. if | know anything about II, are
no bar 10 the children. What's your
opiniuu:'
IL think YOU re right, stammcrcd
Tom Bliss And now his jaunty manner
had vanished. and there were dark rings
under has eyes.
"Oh. It's very funny how things do
happen in this world Ioften think that
fate is against me. and just ~ am
about 10 give up fortune gives her
wheel II whirl. and all is dazzling and
bright. She never gave IL such u whirl
Is this.
"No?"
Never. Tom, for l now see that
can possess that estate just Us easy n
You can-easicr indeed, for / have TN,
whole game III my own hands. "
Il don't understand you, gaspcd
Tom Bliss.
And don't intend that you shall.
Look at me. Tom, and tell me If you
think I'm IA cursed fool
Tom did look at him and said.
mo. Bouton You have lots of sense.
Eyes. Tom. lots and dead loads OF
horse sense, but / amt much on IN,
fancy kind. You could give me point'
and beat me ont and out on book learn
ing In city I'd need guide, just n
city men do i'll the mountains, but II
in the mountains now. I'm at home.
And I'm going 10 pan out this find just
SO long as there isa show Of color III the
gravel. | must have an equal share OF
the plunder. III let you have charge Of