The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-04-25
THE BLESSING
OF jim ROBBINS

Yes, yes. Jim is one of our leading
citizens. Has nice home up on the
West Hill. He's a great hustler, Jim
is Going to send him to the state sem
ate next fall. Friend of yours?"
Yes" said Spencer, IAN old friend.
Came down to visit him"
Tell you what you do" said the
clerk. Jim is the chairman, toast
master, whatever you call it, of the
big banquet al Raymond Hall tonight
It's complimentary feed given in
honor of Col. Jack Speed, who Is home
for a brief visit, and everybody, pret-
ty much. is going. Col. Speed is our
congressman. you know. and he's in
high favor in Palmyra. Hon. Dwight
Perkins from somewhere out West,
one of the big national lights of the
house, is to he the speaker of the oc-
Casion, and they'll have plenty to eat
and good music. Better go over"
A half hour later Spencer ascendcd
the stairway of Raymond Hall. He
noticed a number of ladies in the
crowd that steadily marched into the
! hall. and he was rather glad to find
that the banquet was not to he of the
usual political for men-only character
! At the head of the stairs he noticed
door standing open, and looking
! through into the brightly-lighted ante
room ho saw his old friend The i'm
pulse was too strong to resist and he
passed in the doorway and held out
his hand.
What's the matter with Jim Rob
bins?" he laughingly called.
In an instant his friends hand
! gripped his.
Spencer, old man, so glad To see
! you" He pushed Spencer off a little
and held him there. you are looking
prime" he said And. by George,
you are just in time" He laughed as
he spoke and looked at Spencer with
such "A comical expression that ii in
stantly recalled to the latter some
amusing experiences of the dear old
school days.
What mischief are you up to-" he
cried. "But, here, I'm in the way Don't
let me bother YOU. I'll see YOU in the
morning" And he drew back and half
turned towards the door.
Hold on" cried Jim, with plunge
at him, you don't get away from me
! tonight. You stay right here until l
! can properly dispose of you"
right and Spencer at his left. much to
! the latters increased uneasiness. Then
, the banquet commenced and Fnr an
hour the clatter and chatter continued
| without "A break Jim WAS as delightful
! as of yore, dividing his attention very
| equally between the guest of the even
| ing and Spencer, but the latter's heart
was filed with vague distrust.
When the clatter finally ceased Jim
raped on the table and in Il nice little
speech told of the purpose of the ban
quet. He introduced the Mayor who
briefly welcomed back Hon. Mr.. Speed
to Palmyra. Then Hon. Mr.. Speed re
Sponded in brisk speech, testifying to
his delight in returning home to such
friends and such a welcome a senti-
ment which was greeted with loud ap.
plause. Then Jim arose again, with L
crumpled telegram in his hand. He
much regretted. he said. to be obliged
to announce that Hon. Dwight Perkins
could not be with them. \ telegram
ne Just received announced a railway
accident that blocked the road and
| held back Mr.. Perkins, 60 miles away"
our regret, however" said jim, is
somewhat mitigated by the fact that
| we fortunately have with us az an hon
ored guest one of the most prominent
| of New Yorks young political and
| social leaders, Mr.. Spencer Clifford, who
will talk to us on the question of the
| hour"
AS Jim sat down a patter of applause
| ran round the hall and the long lines
! of faces assumed an eXpectant eX-
preston.
Remember your old debating tri"