The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1857-02-13

poor friend took II for granted l had done
50; and leaving the room he speedily return
ed with a folded paper, in one hand, and q
very small round box in the other.
laying these articles on the table, he
seated himself in his armchair, pushed aside
his glass, and, making strong effort se
speak calmly, began: About two months
since had occasion to visit the town Of
T, ON business, which having speedily
despatched, dined at the hotel, and after
wards set out for stroll. Ipased through
the High Street, and walked some way along
the turnpike road without meeting any OBJ
jec: Of interest whatever. A shady lane
opening on my right invited me to turn into
it-thc fragrant hawthorn in the hedge
and the cool fresh grass below Offering q
pleasing contrast to the hard dusty road on
which I had been walking. soon found
that this quiet lane led to still more quiet
and pcaceablc churchyard; and threading
my way amongst the rustic graves and rude
headstones, l moalized on them after my
own fashion, If not precisely according to
Harvey. had at one time transient fan
cy for tho study of phrenoloy and still re-
tained habit Of inspecting the cerebral de-
velopments of anyone whom I met.
1t was, therefore, with some curiosity that
I picked up q large, round, well.bleached
skull lying on the ground. What particu-
larly interested me however, was the great
beauty and regularity Of the teeth; they
were all perfect, and as evenly ranged as If
they had been prepared to decorate the win
dow OF some advertising dentist. Led by
an idle impulse, which could not then, nor
can l now account for, pulled out ono Of
the grinders, put it into my waistcoat pock-
ct, and, carelessly throwing down the skull,
returned to the inn. Having partaken Of
tea, accompanied by some excellent mullins,
l went to bed, and being fatiguod with my
journey soon fell asleep.
had slept for some time, but how long l
cannot tell, when I was suddenly awakened
by tho door Of my room opening. In stalk
ed a tall figure dressed in black with white
neckcloth his head was large, nearly bald,
and he wore PAIR Of gold specacles. In
his hand he carried q silver candlestick,
bearing lighted candle, and advancing to
my bedside. said in menacing voice and
manner, "why did you rob me Of my
tooth -
My tongue suddenly became paralyzed !
tried to speak, but could not utter word.
"You have taken my TOOTH" continued
the figure, "and now take your choice. I'm
not of a revengeful disposition /; l don't
want to say or do anything uncivil, but one
of two things l must have and that instant
ly-your life or the best tooth in your head
So look sharp and take your choice"
The extremity Of terror restored my voice.
.would 1t not do, sir, to restore you your
own tooth again." l gasped.
"No, no." replied my visitor, shaking
his head until the gold spectacles slipped
down to the very point of his nose 81 think
am very good natured fellow to give you
the choice; 50 which will you part with
your life or your tooth ?"
"My tooth !" exclaimed in agony
and instantly the apparition, with as much
dexterity rs IL he had been bred a dentist,
introduced forceps into my mouth, and
neatly extracted a fine molar tooth. Look
here continued Ellis, opening his mouth,
see tho cavity it has left
"Thcre was indeed the space where large
tooth had been extracted, and remarked
that il was the only one deficient in the en-.
tire range.
.well,' continued my friend, that was
no, all. The fellow pocketed the tooth, and
then said
Snow you must promise on your honor
as gentleman, that you will preserve ,uy
tooth as long as you live, and make provision
that after your death it shall be carefully in
TERED with you. If you don't" And
with menacing gesture, the proprietor Of
thi, departed as he came.
Ellis opened tho little round box, and
showed me carefully inclosed in cotton, the
redoubed tooth.
Ircally knew not what to say; 1t was
certainly very difficult to refrain from laugh
ing, but my poor friend was so evidently in
earnest that merely remarked
at was pity the good spectre was not
satisfied with resumins his own property,
for really his tooth is 50 exactly the same
size and shape as your Others, that l think
it would have exactly filed the cavity"
1T was strange said Ellis, without MOTTO
ing my remark, shat after such an agitat-
ing occurrence, fell asleep, and slept so und-
ly until late next morning. Iawoke, fever
ished and unrefreshed, and returned rs
speedily Us possible. Ever since that time
my health has slowly but surely declined;
not perhaps outwardly, but know and feel
my hour will soon come, and the dread Of
that 6cnd's vengeance, will embitter my
dying moments, unless you, my old, tried
ri end, will promise to see mo buried in t
churchyard, and with your own hand to
place this miserable tooth in my coffin
What could do but promise.9 Tho case
was ono Of decided onomania-argument
and ridicule, both Of which tried, only
served to make poor Ellis angry, and he was
thoroughly determined not to SEQ physi-
cian-a measure which I urged on him
strongly.
Iremained with him for few days, and
had the pleasure Of leaving him, rs l trust