The Holly chieftain., 1904-08-12


room opened and Peter Burt entered.
Blake could not see that he had
changed whit. Age had not raw
ished the strong face nor robbed the
massive figure of its strength. He ad-
vanced TO the center of the room, his
eyes fixed searchingly on the face OF
his visitor
What have you to say to me.
Blake? Be seated, sir.
Blake took a seat in an antique
rocker and shifted his legs uneasily.
Where is John?"
"John-John-I don't"
DO not lie to me, Blake. Tell me
what you know of my grandson"
He is in California, sir." exclaim-
ed James Blake. When these words
were uttered he felt a sensation of
ing. "He is alive and well. John is
rich, Mr. Burt. He is millionaire
many times Overt"
A grave smile lighted the features
of Peter Burt. He closed his eyes and
lay back in the chair.
Go on; tell me about it," he said,
as Blake paused.
For an hour or more the head of the
firm of James Blake & Company re-
cited the history of John Burt's ca
reer in California, and the result of
the recent speculative campaign in
New York. Once in 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. God
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. l send him my blessing. Say
to him that l 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-
peared beyond the old graveyard.
I'm glad that's ended" said Blake
to himself Il wonder what l told the
old man? Everything, l guess. I'm
nearing crisis, am L? Well, I'm
used to crises and guess I can stand
looks familiar It's Sam Rounds!
Stop. driver! Hollo, Sam! How are
you?"
Seated in stylish road cart, behind
rangy. housekeeping trotter was one
of the companions of Blake's boy
hood. Sam checked his horse and.
with puzzled grin, looked into the
speakers face.
''Haou de ye dew?" he drawled.
slackening the lines. Eyer face looks
fee-miliar like, on yer voice don't
sound strange like. either. | believe
| know ye. It's Jim Blake. Haou
air ye, jim? Well, well, we'll! Who'd
thunk it-who'd thunk it?"
Sam reached across and shoak
hands with a vigor which nearly
pulled Blake out of his carriage.
Air ye 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.
'Is that so? Well, well, well, Say,
I'm plumb glad to hear it," and Sans
smiling face showed it. "Ain't never
hearn of John Burt, have ye? No?
Well, he'll turn up on top some day.
an don't ye fergit, Sam Rounds al
lers said So Where be ye goin' 70,
Jim?"
I'm going back to New York to-
night" replied Blake. From there
l return to San Francisco. but expect
to make New York my home"
"Is that so? I'm livin' in New
York now" said Sam, handing Blake
his card "Moved there several years
ago. Mother an l are here on
visit fer few days. I've been do
in fairly middlin' 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.
"I'm alderman of my deestrict, an
have Just been reelected tew sec.
ond term. Fact"
Il congratulate you, SAM" said
Blake, heartily.
"Sorry ye haven't time tew wait
over an go back with u.s." Sam said.
But If ye 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