Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-04-08
'EV6Iyn De Smytne.
A hurried trip to the adjoining coun-

~11NO1yA OO O4oy tAOs
A hurried trip to the adjoining coun-
try town, and, with the documents sever
ing all previous matrimonial contracts
safely in their possession, the strangers
went their way. Little by little the
squalid little town drifted back into the
old ways. The wretched buildings grew
little more shabby and desolate. The
sheriff came and carried away the para
phernalia of The Weekly Ozone. The
editor followed. concealed among the
wheels Of the first freight train. Bill
wandered about in fever Of discomfort,
daily growing more morose and shabby.
The long savage winter was drawing
to close. and the gray April twilight
was settling over the shabby cluster Of
buildings, when one evening brisk
little man stepped from the train, and
with Disappearing look at the forlorn
aspect, stepped quickly over to Bills
office.
''I'm Mr.. Skinum of the prominent
legal firm of Holdom & Skinum,' he
said as he hustled in with an important
air. "Our clients, Messrs. Bond &
Chattels, the st. Louis real estate peo-
pie, have instructed us to take formal
possession of the property"
'tProperty?" said Bill, with bewil-
dered air. "What property"
"Why, the town site Of Sweet Home
this town." replied Mr.. Skinum.
''This town." repeated Bill blankly.
"Why, certainly. They purchased it
from the Rev. Mr.. Bellwether some
weeks ago. We have examined the title
and find it o. K. It is already recorded.
Here is the abstract - And the lawyer
drew legal document from his pocket.
Bill was in dream. He could not
understand.
'I'm rather inclined to believe that
the reverend gentleman is a shark, -
continued Mr.. Skinum. ''He has evil
IDENTIFY misrepresented this property.
It's the dashed est dismal looking out
look as an investment that ever saw. "
But on the strength of his statement,
backed up with his wife, who exhibited
the original survey map, our clients
were induced to buy the town site for
$50, 900 cash"
As the truth dawned upon him, Bill
opened his mouth to speak, but words
failed him.
II am instructed to pay fair price
for the improvements put up by bona
fide residents" continued the lawyer.
81 take it, this is your building; $40 is
an outside figure on its value, but on
account Of the short notice am willing
to pay it. Oblige me with receipt and
kindly vacate as quickly as possible -
He laid a bill upon the table and waited
while the unfortunate Bill mechanically
wrote receipt. He was like one hypno-
tized to save his life he could not col
1ect his senses-or find the means to stay
the food of misfortune that overwhelm
ed him. Fumbling his old slouch hat,
he passed out the door and walked up
the dusty trail leading over the divide.
Reaching the top, he halted. Casting
his eyes backward, he could discern the
few Pickering lights that marked the To-
cation of the little kingdom where an
hour before he had reigned supreme.
Tho situation slowly dawned upon him;
he was henceforth an Ishmaelite, a
homeless wanderer. A torrent Of wrath
rose up within him. Casting his old hat
violently to the ground, and ezpectorat-
ing the tobacco from his mouth, he sat
down on loose bowlder and gave vent
to the fierce hot anger that shook his
frame:
cpl be teetotally id William
Thompson Dantz in Philadelphia Times.