Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-04-08


marry the other feller. Don't let the
wimmin faze you. They're all right. :"
The prospect of development in this
new industry had an immediate effect
on the real estate market. Prices stiff
ened with an upward tendency, negotia-
tions were at once opened up with Mrs.
O'Reagan, proprietress Of the Palace
hotel, upon which, for the consideration
Of seven lots in Sweets second addi-
tion, she agreed to furnish three rooms
in her hostelry.
The excited, expectant residents were
not disappointed. The train from the
east one evening brought stranger into
town. Identification was unnecessary.
Everybody knew the meek looking,
SNUG faced gentleman neatly dressed in
black and wearing an air of becoming
modesty was the expected divine. The
Hon. Mr.. Sweet, who had invested in a
"biled shirt" and shave, did the honors
as became the mayor. Rev. Mr.. Bell
wether responded in a few words, in
which suspicious Of past domestic misery
were happily blended with anticipation
of future felicity in the companionship
Of his new found friends. Overcome
with the dignified elegance of the stran-
ger, Three Fingered Jack insisted on in
viting him to drink, but was prevented
by cooler heads.
Gratifying as was the first reception
in this incipient divorce colony, it paled
into ;rC;UDi foovoo xpbov, ~, tho f<,1Joxr,
ing evening, amid the obsequious atten-
tions of officials and the thunder Of
banging trunks, lady daintily stepped
from the Pullman, followed by maid
carrying two dogs and leading third.
This vision of stylish elegance COM
pletely unnerved Mr.. Sweet. All his
priming flashed in the pan, and he felt,
as he afterward expressed, "like locoed
steer" The big hazel eyes of the fair
stranger looked roguishly on at his awk-
ward attempts at introduction. Sudden
ly stepping forward, she held out the
most beautiful hand the mayor had ever
seen.
''It's Mr.. Sweet, I know" she sweetly
said. Charmed to meet you. And this
is Sweet Home; what funny little
place! shall be happy here, know"
The big eyes rested a moment on his
flushed face; then, turning to the motley
group assembled, she said:
81 suppose you gentlemen are my fu-
ture fellow citizens. Please don't take
me for an intruder. am only poor,
weak woman with no one to care for
me.''
That settled it. From that hour each
and all were her devoted admirers. She
followed the mayor over to the Palace
hotel, while the Rev. Mr.. Bellwether
looked on with an expression of placid
benevolence ON his SNUG face.
Following the new arrivals, an era Of
social gayety such as had never been
dreamed of came to the forlorn little
town. In her fascinating, impetuous
manner Mrs. De Smythe, as she pre-
ferred being called. took a marked in
terest in their daily lives. She discussed
real estate with Mr.. Sweet, rode with
Three Fingered Jack, and talked regen-
Grafton of souls with Mr.. Bellwether.
Her dainty personality was as a ray Of
sunshine in the dull. cramped lives of
her admirers A marked improvement in
manners, dress and speech was soon
manifested. The Blue Goose languished.
The consumption of barbed wire whisky
at two bits the drink was supplanted by
the cultivation of the finer instincts.
Nor was the Rev. Melchisedec Bell
wether backward in suggesting the
means of fnrthering the general pros
perity. In his mild, benevolent manner
he explained to the mayor that the city
was suffering from lack Of circulate
ing medium. In his humble way he had
some knowledge of financial methods,
and suggested plan to relieve the
stringency. In the business world, the
transfer Of goods and properties were
not always accomplished with the ac-
tual cash. Notes of hand or promissory
notes figured largely and facilitated
business. In fact, he had used them oc-
casionally himself with gratifying re-
suits.
This remarkably simple plan was at
once adopted, and its success was such
as the most sanguine enthusiast could
not have dreamed of. Town lots were
bought and sold with incredible rapid
ity. Lots, blocks, additions, changed
hands with the agility of shuttlecocks.
Windy Bill was buried under the shower
of promissory notes that daily rained
upon him. The Ozone published column
after column of transfers, the sum total
of which made the neighboring towns
Of Pigs Eye and Yellow Dog turn green
with envy-a state Of mind further ag-
gravated when the same enterprislng
journal boastingly published society
column, with mysterious hints OF
Four Hundred.
The necessary six months drew only
too suddenly to a close. Poor Bill; his
wealth and prosperity had evidently
come at last, but did not bring the hap
piness he haA anticipated. The beautiful
eyes of Mrs. De Smythe haunted his
sleepless nights and gazed from behind
his sheaves of promissory notes. The
regret and sorrow over her departure
were general, and the lady herself was
desolate. Nothing but important family
affairs could induce her to go, and Bill
was cheered at the delicate hint OF an
early return.
She only requested one favor: Would
Mr.. Sweet lend her that beautiful map!
She wanted a copy made, as a souvenir
Of the happy days. It is needless to say
that it was immediately placed in her
hand.
The Rev. Mr.. Bellwether called him
to one side and still further expounded
the mysteries Of finance. He suggested
that now, as values were fixed. it would
be we'll to place the lots on the outside
market. Capitalists would eagerly grasp
at property that proved itself subject to
such rapid and violent advances. Ii Mr.
Sweet would in;rust to his care the deco
of the town site, as evidence OF secure
title, he would call the attention OF his
wealthy friends to the same.
Bill was overwhelmed with this KIND
offer. The decd of the 100 acres secured
from drunken old soldier (and never
paid for) was quickly transferred to the
ministerial grip. Visions of increased
wealth and power danced before the
founders eyes-visions in which the
~ L. <,Ey1 a.