Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1911-01-19
UNCLE 'BIJAH'S LOSS.

olOlS w d"dlt 10 NOhiiIS' IL wac P'N'J
certain that there would not be nearly
enough to goround, but that did not much
matter. A trip to the poSt-office on
rainy day, even if it was not rewarded by
a letter from the outside world, was al
most sure to be fruitful IN information
communicated by word OF mouth.
On this occasion the principal topic ot
conversation was Uncle 'Biiah Meals re-
cent trip TO Boston, and the rumored loss
of his pocketbook.
81 can't tell you any OF the particulars, y
admitted James Burgess, Mr.. Meals near
est neighbor. "The old gentleman has
kept himself pretty close to the house
since he got back. But as near as | can
surmise, he sold his apples to good ad-
vantage, and then left all the money he
got for them up in Boston. Don't know
how it happened. Most likely he fell in
with one of those confidence men. But
at any rate, have reason TO believe that
when he came TO start for home his pock-
etbook and all there was in il was gone.
81 tell you, man wants TO keep his
eyes peeled when he goes TO Boston, y
said old Mr. Daniel Lamb, oraCularly, al
though he had never personally taken the
journey in question.
"That is so" agreed young Mr.. Abner
Harmon, who might be supposed to speak
from actual knowledge.
Abner had once gone TO Boston TO seek
his fortune; and while he had not exactly
found it, he had been allowed, ever since
his return, to pose as one well verSed in
the ways of city life.
Boston is full OF all sorts OF Sharpers, &"
he went on, land Uncle 'Bijah Neal is
just the kind Of man that they are look
ing for"
"WelI, don't know" said John Bur-
ton, thoughtiully. "l've known 'Bijah
Neal for good many years-long before
he moved here from Pooduck. For all
he's so kind OF innocent and truStful, he's
got good horse sense, 'Bijah has. new
er knew him TO get the worst end OF a
bargain or to lose money before"
"Here comes Uncle 'Bijah now - eX-
claimed Hiram Mann, from his position
of vantage; and several of the company,
stepping to the window, were able 10
confirm the report, although the old gen.
tleman's kindly tace was JUST hidden
from view by large blue umbrella, with
the name, "a. Neal, conspicuouSly print
ed in white letters upon ii.
Mr.. Meals entrance quite overshadow-
ed in interest the almost simultaneous ar
rival of the mail, and every opportunity
short OF direct invitation was given him
to relate the story OF his misfortune.
al see you didn't lose your umbrella
while you were up to Boston," remarked
Hiram Mann, suggestively.
"No," replied Mr. Neal. 81 should
hate TO part with that umbrella. I've had
il a long time, and set great store by it.
I'd know as ever told you how came
to have my name put on it. You see -"
But this was not the reminiscence that
the company was waiting for, and Abner
Harmon interrupted with a somewhat
leading question:
"Of course yousdidn't let any of those
sharperS come their tricks on you while
you were gone ?"
"No, | didn't see any sharperS that |
know Of" said Mr.. Neal.
"And you didn't meet with any loss ?"
persisted Abner
Uncle 'Bijah's face flushed a little.
"Well, yes, | did," he admitted, with
some apparent reluctance. 81 wasn't CAL
culating to say anything about it, but |
suppose it was bound to come out sooner
or later. Fact is. ! lost my pocketbook
the day came home.
"lt'S a curious thing" he went on,
needing no further prompting. 81 re-
member just where was the last time
had ii out, and missed it only few min
uteS later. I'd finished up my business
and got my pay for my apples. and start
ed for the station to take the train for
home. 1t was raining little, and half
set out TO take car; but the train wouldn't
start for more than an hour, and thought
| might as well save my fare and pass
away the time by footing it. ! was kind
OF sauntering along, looking at the sights,
when anice-appearing young man step
ped out from a doorway and put out his
hand This is Mr. Neal, isn't it ? says
he, real hearty like"
81 suppose you had your umbrella up
at the time ?" suggested Abner, with
wink at the rest of the listeners.
"Why, certain. | said it was raining,
didn't =? Yes, they call me Neal when
Pm TO home, says TO the young man.
hope see you WE'LL says |. Sill liv-
ing at the old place, Mr.. Neal P saJs he.
No. says, q left Pooduck about five
years ago, and moved to Hardhack Cor
ner.'
81 suppose looked sort OF dazed, for
he laughed, and says, i guess you don't
know me, Mr.. Neal We'll, | says,
your face is certainly familiar, but can't
call you by name
"'That isn't strange, sayshe. It's fif-
teen years since left Pooduck, but |
shall never forget you, Mr.. Neal says
he, nor what you did for my father when
he was in hard luck. My name is Joseph
Brown. You know me now, don't tyouP 2
he says, kind of smiling.
"Well, there's always been conSidera-
bic many Browns in Pooduck, and to tell
the truth, couldn't just place him; but