The Elbert County tribune., 1904-08-11


They stood in the old-fashioned par
Slor where Peter Burt had bound the
officers the night John Burt left
Rocky Woods. AS Mrs. Jasper hest
tated, the door leading to the sitting
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 seat In an antique
rocker and shifted his legs uneasily.
Where is John?"
4"John-John-I don't"
do not lie to me. Blake. Tell me
what you know of my grandson"
"He is in California, sir" exclalm-
ed james Blake. When these words
were uttered he felt a sensation OF
relief which was positively exhilarat-
ing. He is alive and well, John is
rich. Mr.. Burt He is a millionaire
many times over."
A grave smile lighted the TEXTURES
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. I 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-
peared beyond the old graveyard.
I'm glad that's ended" said Blake
to himself. Il wonder what / told the
old man? Everything, l guess. I'm
nearing a crisis, am L? Well, I'm
used to crises and guess can stand
one more. Who's coming? His face
looks familiar. It's Sam Roundsi
Stop. driverl Hollo, Sam! How are
your"
Seated in a stylish road cart, behind
a 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. befseve
know yel It's Jim Blake. Haou
air We. Jim? Well, well. we'll Who'd
a thunk it-who'd thunk it?r
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, well! Say.
I'm plumb glad to hear it," and Sans
smiling face showed it. 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 ye goin' 70.
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"
rs 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
visit fer few days. I've been do
in fairly middlin' well 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"
II congratulate you. SAM" said
Blake, heartily.
Sorry ye haven't time tew wait
over an go back with u.s." Sam said
Bee II ye are goin tew locate in
No LOT ..f,