Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1898-07-28

the basis of the faculty's brilliant
prophecies regarding him made the Ga
zette a really valuable publication. But
scarcely a dozen of Bird City's scanty
population recognized that fact.
He threw aside the paper at last and
rose. At the farther end of the street
was a man-one of The few merchants
remaining in the town-who owed him
a bill. lie would try to collect it, and,
If successful, could pay Sawyer and per-
haps have a bit left. But he hesitated
as a sudden puff of wind shook the
loosened windows and swept in beneath
the door; he shrank from facing the
blast.
But the trip was necessary. The man
would never come to him, aud it was
urgent that he should have the money.
He folded up several exchanges and
placed them across his chest, buttoning
his coat tightly over them. One never
realizes how much protection from the
cold q newspaper Is until he has tried
this.
But while he stu hesitated the door
suddenly swung open and visitor en-
tered. At glance Judson saw that he
was not resident of Bird City. He
sat down, slipped the papers from I'M
der his coat and assumed his most bust
ness-lille air.
"The wind is actually fierce to-day"
said the stranger, smiling. He drew of
his gloves and took the remaining chair
in the little office. Does 1t always blow
this way in these parts?"
It's apt to at this season, What can
I DO for you?' inquired Judson.
"This is the Office of the Gazette, isn't
it?"
yes"
you're the only paper in town."
eve certainly have ahat distinction"
The visitor glanced over the room.
81 guess you're no better off than most
country papers, eh?" he suggested,
frankly.
"Well." admitted Judson, eve are not
exactly rich"
eve been through your town." said
the other. Its like graveyard, isn't
it?"
"7Hell, at this time of year"
Eyes, yes, know. These boom towns
always do slump, By the way,"-he
leaned over and tapped the society pin
on the lapel of Judson's shabby coat
"by the way, we should know each
other" He displayed the same insignia
upon his own waistcoat; and they shook
hands. The visitor offered Judson q
cigar, and nothing further was said till
they had Smoked up"
What college?" inquired the visitor,
behind his blue cloud.
"Williams."
"A' don'tmean I'll So'mI."
They shook hands again. Judson
smiled and pulled al the cigar luXuri-
ously. 81 was in 80" he said.
"That SOP l followed you out the
next year. Must have known of you.
They didn't tell me your name uptown
when l inquired for the office of the
paper"
dts Judson," said the proprietor of
the Gazette.
"Judsonl Not Mortimer Judson9"v
cried the other.
THE very same"
by George! I'd never have known
you. You must remember me. 1 was
Stebbins, of go"
Little Stcbblns, I declare! should
not have known you. You must come
up to the house with me and meet my
wife. Dear! dear! I'd never have
thought of seeing one of the old boys
out here. Why, I used TO pony you in
your Greek comps"
Sure. And, thank heaven, I've for
gotten every line Of Greek 1 learned,
ard have felt much easier ever since"
They both laughed, and Stebblns add
ed Tut l should never have thought
to find You In this country. How is it?
Why, the place is absolutely dead!"
Judson hesitated and little flush
dyed his cheek. Things are not very
promising here just now, I grant you"
ne said, slowly. But think-that is,
l hope--that better times will come.
Bird City has an excellent site. When
the ?. w. & y. NJ throws out Its branch
line TO the southwest"
"By the way" interrupted Stebhins,
I'm connected with the p. W. & N. NJ"
you don't aayl"
My governors president. I'm sort
an advance agent myself"
hudson stopped smoking. lie looked
ross at the younger mani there was
{ nothing in his eyes Stebbins did not
( sderstqnd. lie plainly saw evidence
"hard times" in the little Office; but
w hard these times were only the man
10 hung on knew.
You see," said Stebbins, "the 2. W.
h. NJ has finally decided 10 extend its
,nch. We've been quietly at work for
ne time, and ground is already
plien between here and Racine. The
bite proposed before the boom has
en abandoned. Folks wanted too
lch for their land. Now we've bought
the land quietly and will have trains
Inning next summer. It's a good
ng you hung on, Judson. This is
II lot back here, take ft?" he add
glancing out of the window. We'll,
face the station. What looked the
per up for is to advertise some titles.
eyre too late for this week, sup
se2"
We're running off The edition now"
Judson, weakly.
Well, no hurry. There'll be q good
ii of this sort of stuff come your
y. You treat us white and you'll
nothing by it,"
hudson sat up and breathed again.
r. his is big news for Bird City," he
/. cit Will be the making OF IT,"
It'll be the making of your paper"
Stebbins, cheerfully. 81 expected
but our work cut mostly In Racine;
~, of course, an old college friend and
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