Mexico Missouri message., 1904-07-28

For an hour or more the head Of the
firm, Of James Blake & Company ~.
cited the history of John Burt's ca
reer IN California, and the result of
the recent speculative campaign in
New York. Once in a while the old
man asked a question, but he made
no comment until the narrative was
ended.
Your heart dominates your judg.
ment, but that is a trait and not a
fault" he said, as he arose and of
fered his hand TO James Blake. Goa
gives us emotions and faculties; from
them we must develop character. DO
not charge yourself with a broken
promise to John. He has kept his
pact. send him my blessing. Say
to him that | am strong and well and
happy. Say to him that his future
field of work is in New York city"
Peter Burt stood in the doorway
and watched until the carriage disap-
Deared beyond the old graveyard.
I'm glad that's ended" said Blake
to himself II wonder what told the
old man? Everything, l guess. I'm
nearing a crisis, am 1? Well, I'm
used to crises and guess l can stand
one more. Who's coming? His face
looks familiar. It's Sam Rounds!
Stop, driver! Hello, Sam! How are
your"
Seated in a stylish road cart, behind
rangy, housekeeping trotter was one
of the companions of Blake's boy
hood. Sam checked his horse and.
with a puzzled grin, looked into the
speakers face.
"Haou de We dew?" he drawled,
slackening the lines. Eyer face looks
fee-miliar like, on yer voice don't
sound strange like, either. believe
l know ye! It's Jim Blake! Haou
air We, Jim? Well, well, we'll! Who'd
a thunk it-who'd thunl. it,"
Sam reached across and shook
hands with a vigor which nearly
pulled Blake out of his carriage.
Air We the James Blake I've been
readin' erbout? The one that's been
givin' them New York sharps a whirl
in stocks?" asked Sam.
Blake smiled and nodded his head
rs that so? Well, well, we'll! Say
I'm plumb glad to hear it," and Sans
smiling face showed 1t. Amt never
hearn of John Burt, have ye? No?
Well. he'll turn up on top some day,
an don't We fergit, Sam Rounds al
lers said so. Where be We goin' to,
Jim?"
I'm going back to New York to-
night" replied Blake. From there
return to San Francisco, but expect
to make New York my home"
els that so? I'm Twin in New
York now" said Sam, handing Blake
his card. Moved there several years
ago. Mother an l are here on a
visit fer few days. I've been do.
in fairly middlln' we'll in New York,
Jim. When you write me, be shore
an put Hon before my NAME" and
Sam laughed until the rocks re-echoed
his merriment.
How is that?" asked Blake, gazing
blankly at the card.
Read what it says" insisted Sam.
'Tm alderman of my deestrict, an
have just been reelected tew a sec.
ond term. Fact!"
II congratulate you, SAM" said
Blake, heartily.
Sorry we haven't time tew wait
over an go back with u.s." Sam said.
''But IL We are goin' tew locate in
New York, I'll see lots of ye."
Il certainly will look you up when
I'm in New York." said Blake. my
regards to your mother, and say I'm
sorry didn't have time to call on
her Are you married, SAM"
Mop, but l has hopes" laughed
Sam, gathering up the lines. Good
bye, Jim, goodbye, an more luck ter
vel"
Same to you, Sam; good-bye!"
| =
Ten days later James Blake ar
rived in San Francisco. He drove to
Johns apartment, and was greeted by
him in the old study room. Blake sat
where he looked at the portrait Of
Jessie Garden. His heart sank with
in him.
| ITO he continued)