Blackfoot news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1891-1902, 1898-03-12

the first train which would carry me
towards the city where Horace wss
located as a physician. OF course. my
wife protested and was anxious about
me. but 20 would. and did.
when reached c. repaired az
once 10 the home OF my friend. conf
IDENTIFY expecting 10 see Grape on the
door. but that badge Of death being ap-
sent | felt greatly relieved.
Il was met in the drawing-room by
the housekeeper, who explained that
the doctor had been called away east
very suddenly. she had heard him
speak of sending telegram followed
by letter TO me at Denver. II was evil
dent Horace had not received my mes
sages telling him TO follow us TO Colo
RADIO Springs.
Il returned at once to Denver. where
/ found his letter awaiting me, and as
near as can remember 1t read as fol-
lows
Dear Old chum.-I intended to De
with you long ago. but was detained oy
severe sickness among my patients,
AID have now received news which
obliges me to go east al once, may
as well confess the one secret OF my lie
which | have kept even from you. my
trusted friend | loved Eleanor Nj.
the daughter of the old surgeon with
whom | spent several years; before |
was aware OF II my heart had gone out
to her beyond recall; then. and not I'M
Ill then, did learn she was betrothed
to her cousin; she married him, and
her life has been a hell on earth. for
he was disslpated scoundreL Her own
fortune was soon swallowed up, but
Eleanor fought bravely against adver-
sity and managed to care for herself
and children. | have not seen her for
ten years, but unknown 20 her have
been able to aid her In various ways.
Now comes news through my agent OF
the death OF her miserable husband In
an inebrlate asylum. and hasten 20
her assistance with hope rising phenix-
like In my heart: bid me God-speed.
my more than brother,
Ever yours.
HORACE
Il laid down the letter and mused.
The secret revealed therein did not
surprise me greatly; had suspicioned
something OF the kind long before.
Horace was just the man 20 keep on
loving q woman all his life. and ] was
rejoiced at the prospect OF his being
rewarded at last: but how In heaven
name could explain that phenomenon
on the mountain ?lt was 30 real that
trembled with superstitlous awe
when | recalled II. but Instead Of hav.
ing been a subject Of teIapathy. as
had firmly believed. here was positive
proof that no vision had appeared "a
me. The more TRIED to argue II out
with myself the more puzzled | be-
came. and finally decided II must hay,
been halluclnatlon causd BY the rari.
hed air acting upon my overtaxed
brain.
II should never have known to the
contrary had not Horace confessed ID
me the first time we met afterward,
that he was really on the summit oil
Pixies Peak In person that eventfu
afternoon. He found out his trip east
could be made as quickly via Denver
and longing to see me. followed on Il
the Springs. and took the next trnir
to ours up the mountain. A guide tulf
him where | was. and he quietly tool
seat beside me on the rocks. NOTING
my look OF establishment and remem.
bering my scorn OF things supernatural
he decided TO test me. so, wlthou,
speaking word. he rose slowly and
pointing upward. disappeared round i
point Of rocks as suddenly as he had
come. never dreaming but would
guess the ruse he had employed agains,
me when I should receive his letter
awaiting me at Denver.
You may be interested In knowIns
that Horace Ia now residing In Chicago
and married to the woman OF hl.
choice.
And now. gentlemen. with your psr.
mission we will drink bumper TO tbs
decline OF superstition and the triumph
OF common sense in this good land Il
ours"
All arose In response and drank ID
the toast. then Joined In giving thrs.
cheers in honor OF their esteemed host
Judge No. 10.