Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-05-19
A LEAF,
FROM THE DIARY OF PHYSICIAN.

FROM THE DIARY OF A PHYSICIAN.
No one need go into the field of romance to
picture scenes of thrilling import. The vast
arena of human life furnishes incidents of
every day occurrence, the viyidneSs Of which
far surpasses anything recorded upon the pa
ges of fiction.
Early in the summer of 1885, 1 left the
crowded streets of New York, at the solicita-
ton of particular friend of mine, and star
ted on trip up the Hudson, with the inten-
tion of spending the summer months, and
avoiding for while the eternal hum and din
of city life. Ny friend was one of those per-
sons who seemed to be enveloped in a mys-
te-y. Although had been with him almost
constantly for three years and half, l could
give no kind of conjecture as to the strange
secret which ever preycd upon his mind
Sometimes in his soberest moments, l would
cautiously venture some question, to get
clue to the channel of his thoughts, but his
great selfpoSsession would throw off every
look of sadness and melancholy, and put me
st my case with nothing further to say. He
was one of those strange beings you would
look at and not know why, till you would
nearly forget yourself in the multiplicity OF
conjectures, as to his probable occupation and
calling. He ~as rather above the medium
size, and always dressed in the richest style
which money could furnish, though glance
would show him to be no brainless fop. His
hair, usually long, was of raven blackness-
and his large, deep, black eyes possessed a
fascination which cannot be described. More
than once have I listened to his eloqucnce,
till unconSciously would be off my seat lean
ing forward to catch the faintest whisper.
Never shall forget his thrilling eloquence
In defence of a pale aDd emaciated being
brought into criminal court, charged with
the crime of murder. The evidence was cir
cumstantiaI, but so perfecta chain did it make,
that out of u thousand, not one supposed but
that verdict of death would be pronounced
against the unfortunate sufferer. My friend,
who had heard the elaborate testimony of the
peoples counsel, arose and walked maJesticai-
ly towards the stand. After speaking lew
words to the prisoner, he opened with de-
fence which threw CONSERVATION and bewilder-
ment into the countenance of every listener.
The very eyes which few minutes before
were frowning scorn and contempt, were weep
ing tears of pity for the unhappy victim. AT
the close of the speech universal shout oil
not ssNot Guilty. went forth, and the prlso-
ner was borne away in triumph by the excl
ted multitude But digress-we were gong
up the Hudson. The day was unusually hne'
The romantic scenery of the beautiful Hud-
son, and the vivacity Of the happy crew form
ed a subject of happy contemplation, and on
this occasion every one seemed TO De ehJoyih
themselves to their hearts content. we were
uromcnading the deck with several young
persons. ladies and gentleman, when all oil
sudden, my friend became fearfuiiy aStaIed
and death-like palor overspread his features
I glanced around, but could discover nothing
unusual; but few seconds had made such
change in his looks, that l became alarmed
and advised him to go to his room. IL wa
with difficulty we managed our way through
the crowd without attracting the attention
tbe passengers. We reached the berth' D'
had not more than closed the door, before III
uttered in broken accents,-''l have seen her
have seen the pale, sad lace, L nave peeI
seeking for years Did you not see her
he exclaimed. and his eyes glistened Win
light almost unearthly. In answer to my I'm
nlorinp eptreaties, ne finally related the folio"
ing incidents of his life.
The young lady referred to, had Deeh III
companion of early years, and had accep'e
his proposal of marriage, but the haugh'
pride of her old father, cher mother nay III
long been dead) forbade her having any inter
course with him, after he had learned her lru
feelings and object, and so zealousiy did
watch her movements that months and eve
wears passed without his exchanging wor
with her. either by letter or otherwise. H'
declining health began to create serious al
prchensions, and European tour was recon
mended by her physician. But few da!