Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-08-01

briskly with my hand. He was then
wiped dry, and rubbed until his whole
body was glo wing like a flame. Then
| wrung "a towel out of cold water and
put il round his throat, and then wrapped
him up in blankets. The brave little
fellow had borne il all wilhou. COM
plant, as if he understood that under
his fathers eye no harm could come to
him. In fifteen minutes afler he was
wrapped in the blankets te was in pro-
fuse perspiration,i 10 sound slumber,
and breathing freely. The danger was
over--so rapid is this disease and so cas-
lily cured. Happiness had shed a serene
Light upon the countenance nf the faith
er, and thrown over the mothers face
glow Of beauty. Hooked upon them,
and was more than ever puzzled where
to place them. There was no marks Of
high birth or superior breeding-not
shadow Of decayed gen,ility about them.
II was rather the reverse. as il they
were working up from low rank of
life TO higher.
/ looked around The room. 1t was
the bedroom. Every thing in it was
perfectly neat and orderly. The bed,
like the crib, was excellent, but not cost
ly. The white counterpart did not
cost'more than ten shilllngs-yet how
beautiful it looked! The white win
dow-curtains were shilling muslin; but
their folds hung as richly as if they were
damask--and how very appropriate they
seemed! The bath, with its snug fold
ing doo-s. | knew, had not cost, plumb
er's bill and all, more than ten dollars.
The toilet table, of an elegant form, and
completely covered, | had no doubt was
with pane, and cost half dollar. The
pictures on the wall were beautifully tint
ed lithograrhs-bettcr, far better, than
oil paintings l have seen in the houses
of millionaires; yet they can be bought
al Goupils, or Williams or Stevens, for
three to five shillings, and dollar apiece
had framed them. The floor had car
pet that seemed 10 match every thing,
with its small, neat figure, and ligh,
chamber color. 1t was a jewel of a
room, in as perfect keeping in all its
parts as If an artist had designed it.
Leaving the little boy to his untroub-
led sleep, and giving directions for his
bath on his waking, we went into the
other room, which was differently, but
just as neatly arranged. II nigh, have
answered for a parlor, only i. had a
cookiag-stove, for an artists study, or q
dining-room. Ii was hung with pictures
= heads, historical pieces, landscapes;
all such as man of taste could select.
and buy cheap; but which, like good
books, are invaluable. And speaking
Of books, there was hanging library
on one side Of the chimney. which a
single glance assured me contained the
very choicest treasures of the English
tongue. Il,
The man went 10 bureau, opened a
drawer, took out some money.
whats your fee, Doctor" he asked,
holding the bills SO as to selec. one to
pay me-. sts.
Now, had made up my mind, before
! had got half way up the stairs, that
might have TO wait for my pay---perhaps
never get il; but all this had changed
! could not. as often do, inquire into
the circumstances of the man, and grad
uate my price accordingly. There he
stood ready TO pay me, with money en-
ough; yet it was evident that he was
working man, and far from wealth. l
had nothing left but to name the lowest
fee.
.One dollar does not seem enough =
said he. "You have saved my child's
life, and have been at more trouble than
10 merely write q prescription"
..Do you work for your living?" l
asked, hoping 10 solve the mystery.
lie smiled and held out his hand,
which showed the unques.ionable marks
of honest toll. i.
"You are mechanic!" said, willing
TO know more of him.
"Take that" he said, placing two
dollar note in my hand, with not To- be-
refused air. ..and will crafty your Gu
riosity; for there is ,ho use pretending
that you are not lit,ie curious"
There was hearty, respectful free
dom about this that was irresistible. i
put the note in my pocket, and the man
going to q door. opened it into closet
of moderate size, and displayed the
bench and tools Of q shoemaker.
~ ou must be an extraordinary work
man, /" said /. looking around the room;
which seemed almost luxurious; but
when | looked at each item / found that
it tcost very little.
"No, nothing extra, barely manage
10 earn little over 4 dollar day. Ma
ry helps me !. some. With The house,
work to do. and our boy 10 look after,
she earns enough 10 make our wages av-
erage eight dollars week. We began
with no,hing-we live as yon see"
All this comfor., this respectabiliiy,
this almost luxury, for eight dollars a
week! | expressed my surprise.
II should be very sorry il we spcn,
so much" said he. 1--WE have not on
ly managed to live on that, but we have
something laid up in the savings bank" "
"Will you have the goodness, = said |,
~ n n