Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1858-07-15
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MY ONLY ADVENTURE.
BY A DENTIST.


ry; for thought have stayed in nearly ev-
cry town of England of any size, 1 have
met,with none. Railways have put haunt,
ed chambers out of fashion. Fancy ghost
being bold enough to venture into one o
our vast hotelsI There is not a single
white-robed customer that would have the
impudence to do it, Ghosts lived in old
coaching days, and dwelt in the quaint
way-sids inns; and l was never lucky
enough to have my bed curtains disturbed
by invisible hands, but l am not ashamed
to own that once got terrible fright.
In my early days, Like tnany of my
profession-traveled from place to place,
just remaining in each long enough to pock-
ct all the spare cash the inhabitants were
willing to expend on dental ornaments
Sometimes / made large town the center
of my operations, and remained in it for
months, visiting the lesser ones in the neigh
borhood on stated days. 1t was in one Of
our large manufacturing towns in the west
of England that met with the adventure
I am going to give you.
l had been uncommonly successful, and
had made long stay in the place on that
account-indeed, had spent some months
there when it happened. 1 had excellent
lodgings, and occupied three apartments =
a sitting room, and sort of reception room
for orpatients, on the ground floor, and a
first floor bedroom, all facing the street.
always worked in the last named apart
ment, and laid the necessary tools and
materials on little bench near the win
dow. Here generally took my station,
and spent the time from six to seven in
the evening till midnight, as was less Ii
able to interruption.
My apartments were all furnished with
gas-burners, and before winter set in, add
ed "a gas-stove to my bedroom, that my
working there might cause no needless
trouble or expense to my landlady. One
evening, being very busy, l sat later than
usual, and when at length my task was
done, | drew my chair close 10 the stove,
and sat half an hour reading before extin-
gushing my light.
You are aware that we make use ofgold
plates and wire, in fastening artificial teeth; /;
and, in consequence my numerous orders,
l had been particularly well supplied with
the precious metal in this form, ever since
/ came to this town. Moreover, was by
no means deficient in those pieces which
bear a likeness of our most gracious Sover-
eign. Being particularly weary, and in
tending to recommence my labors early IN
the morning, I did not trouble myself to
put away my materials. But was care
full to examine the fastenings Of my door |;
and this duty done, l extinguished the fire
and light, and got into bed.
I fell asleep almost instantly, and had
somewhat ludicrous dream. Ifancied my
self keeper in the Geological Gardens,
which / had visited a few days before, and
that whilst handing some food to my es-
pecial charges, (the bears overballanced,
and was tumbled into the pit among the
grizzly brutes, when the shock awoke me.
Again I dozed of, but only got amongst
the bears once more. l thought tremen-
dous specimen, perfect Ursa Major, had
Just BEEN purchased, and that to me was
entrusted the task of tanning the monster.
No pleasant thing, even in dream, par
ticularly at that moment, and in the in
comprehensive manner only 10 be accom-
plished in sleep, the scene shifted to my
bedroom, and l found myself standing, e,,
chemiss, without any means of defence
against the precious creature advancing
open mouthed. I thought 1 leaped on my
bench, seized the blind roller, and as he
advanced, dealt tremendous blow at him.
But, alasl he eluded it with the dexteri-
ty Of an accomplished fencer, and loosing
my balance toppled head first to the
ground. The brute sprang upon me. He
tugged-and 80 did with might and
main. l was getting the worst of it, when
suddenly recollecting that any sort of at.
tack is lawful, and that one may be per
mitted to waive ceremony with a bear, l
seized the creatures ear between my teeth,
and bit the piece completely out. He
dropped me like hot potato. The ludic-
rous, pitiful howl, and the way he applied
the paw just taken from my waist, to the
wounded ear, were too much.
burst into a perfect roar of laughter,
ands much noise did make, that it awoke
me.
| was still laughing at this whimsical
vision, and wondering if it had any refer
ence to an apprentice who was to come un-
der my care on the morrow, and who was,
truly, as uncouth a looking cub as any gen
tleman need have to lick into shape, when
I haard not rhocf-thav ,naka M no; .