The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-06-01
srlrftr1 Tnlrg.
TIL L VICTIM;
OH
9 e. II N IL g
SOUTHERN PRACTICE.
9 e. r. N r. 9

The month Of May had set in-ten,ler
grass and sweet-sccnted flowers sprang
from earth's warming bosom. Life seem.
cd young everywhere. How could a
grave be dug in gay mantled Mayl Ask
chlrch.yard, whose tear-nourished ground
hath rohcd Itself with spring-tmc flowers,
ask OF it, il the old man and the yoanp
arc not welcomed to it, rs though in some
sequestered bower! Ask, il midst Ma.
ture's plcntitudc, mans desoation bc not
most ripcl Ask old Church bell, as "tolI,"
'toll," its iron tongue doth vibratc through
car to heart, soaring the loved marks Of
former days, ask, il it doth not teach bud
aud blossom below, that they do early
fade! Doth not the spring wind, with its
fragrant breath, tell Of its escape from
winters tomb, and bear upon il evidence
OF another life begun! Then weep not,
We who bury loved ones midst early shrub
and flower, when every breath bears a
new life welcome.
Night had closed in; the day. lalo-
was over. Slipper and armchair we're
fast solacing the body with haltdozine
forgctfulneSs, stealing away all thought OF
self and others. With n start lcaped
up at tho sound Of my bell. A stranger
needed my instant attention Mt l..
some miles distant. The messenger was
the hotel-kecpcr himself. lie was a small
man--small in every way. Small,
body, small legs--his very clothes were
t"o small Tor him. His mode Of convers-
ing was alike small-hints, more than
speeches, camc from him.
"Ah, doctor" he cried, as he hoppcd
into my Office, "wanted instantcr-extra-
ordinary man-awful sick-will die
have none other-mu,t comc-carriage
st the door-soon be there !" | knew
the man, and without word, encasing
my feet and back in their appropriate
vestments, followed lin to his wagon
The stars were shining brightly, but the
mir seemed sharp after my luxurious arm
chair. The little man was in tho BODY Of
his horse. He was pantomimc Of the
animal and vehicle together-such grima-
ces-sueh sharp twitchings-such easy
let down actions, were never seen before.
The road was hilly, and here and there
lay through marshy woodland, or dark
high forest patches; the little man drove
rs well in the dark rs the light-some-
times half out Of the wagon, at others
standing nimbly up, but never speaking
nor stopping pace.
] wished was back in my old arm.
chair; nv mind "sis almost made up to
tobble him over, as he leaned hal-body
out Never 50 much veiorc did feel
that my profession was mere business
1t was nothing else to be hauled over
rnt and stone, down and up hill. by such
. fragment OF humanity We we're nos
clear Of all signs Of habitation. The wind
had become gusty. and the stars shone
less brightly. as the clouds lay scattered
here and there over the heavens. | felt
nervous and chilly tnew not WHY; and
{ even wished the curious homumculus
beside me would talk or even whistle.
At length he began
Forgot TO tell about him--dreadful
stern man---like pirate-gentleman pi-
rate--speaks like q savage-perfect skel-
eton and won't die! No. sir, says he
won't
What Is bis disease r. I inquired.
Sias all" answ cred tho little black
bird (: .is mad--grits hia teeth-strikes
his chcst--very ssrong--,si.ched me like
ball--just asked IL bis lungs were gone
---be careful, sir, very fsrce man---order.
cd our doctor out the room--steadv
there I" The horse claimed his attention
and again he seemed in his very bow.
els.
At length the light Of the top Of the
house appeared, and in few minutes we
arrived at the steps. Death surely could
not be at work here there was The sound
Of music and laughter--a maddening
waltz was playing. and The Young were
happy aud merry.
With bis quick step the little keeper
led on 20 the sick mans room. knock
ed gently at the door A deep voice bade
ma enter. Upon . sofa, wrapped in
rich brocads dressing gown, lay tho ig-
ure Of "a man Ct almost colossal Stature.
D. as SIDE a tahe stood, holdinC car.