The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1858-03-26
MY ONLY ADVENTURE.
BY 4 DENTIST.

town in England o: any size. Lave met
with none. Railways have put haunted
chambers out of fashion. Fancy a ghost
being bold enough 10 venture into one Of
our vast hotels! There is not a single white
robed customer that would have the impu.
dcncc to do it. Ghosts lived in the old
coaching days, and dwelt in the quaint
wayside linus ;aud never WIS lucky enough:
to have my bel-curtains disturbed by iuvi,i-
bic hands; but am not ashamed to own
that once got Il terrible fright.
In my early days, like many of my
profession from place to place,
just remaining in cacl, long enough TO pock
ct all the spare cash the Inhabitants were
willing TO cxpend on dental ornaments
Sometimes made a large town the centre
ofmy operations, and remained in it for
months, visiting the lesser ones i'll the nr Oh
borhood on stated days. 1t WAS in one of
our largest manufacturing towns in the west
of England that met with the adventure
am So'ls, w SNc N'u'
had been unrolnmonly successful, and
had made a long stay in the place on that
account-indecd, | had spent some months
there when it happened. l had excellent
lodgings, and occupied three apartments
a sitting-:oop, and a sort Of reccption-room
for patients, on the ground floor, and Il frs,
tloor-bcdroon,, all facing the street. Tai
ways worked in the last-namcd apartment,
and had the necessary tools and mat erialS
on little bench near the window. Here |
generally took my station, and sp ent the
time, from six or seven in the evening till
midnight, as | was then less liable to inter-
ruption.
Ny apartments were all furnished with
gasburncrs, and before winter set in, added
Il gasStovc to my bedroom, that my working
there might cause no needless trouble or
expense t" my landlady. Que evening, be-
ing very busy, sat later than usual, and
when at length my task was done, drew
up my chair close to the stove, and half an
hour reading before cx,ingui>hiny my light.
You are aware that we made use OF gold
plates and wire, i'll fastening artificial teeth
aud, in consequence Of numerous orders, ]
had been particularly we'll supplied with the
precious metal III this form, ever since
came to the town. Moreover, l was 10y no
means deficient in those pieces which bear
a likeness Of our most gracious Sovereign.
Being particularly weary, and intending to
recommence my labors early in the morning,
| did not trouble myself to put away my
materials. But was careful TO examine
the f,stenings of my door AMI this duty done
| extinguished the fire and light, and got
into bed.
fell asleep almost instantly, and had a
somewhat lu!icrous dream. l Euncicd my
self Il keeper in the geological Gardens,
which l had VISITED Il few days before, and
that whilst handing some food to my espe-
cial charges (,hc bcarS,) overbalar ced and
was. just tumb'ing into the pit among the
grizzly brutes, when the shock awoke me.
Again dozed off, but only to get amogst
the bears once more. thought tremer-
dons specimen, perfect Ursa Major, had
just been pcrchascd, and that to me was
entrusted the task Of flaming the monster.
No pleasant thing, even in dream, par
ticularly at that moment, and in the incom-
prehensiLle maner only to be accomplished
in sleep, scene Shifted to my bedroom, and
found myself standing enchcmise without
any means Of defence, against the precious
creature advancing pen-mouthcd. thought
leaped> >on my bench, seized the> bind-roI-
Ter, aud as lie advanced, dealt tremendous
blow a1hm. But alas he eiuded IL with
the dexterty Of an accomplished fencer,
and losing my balance, topplcd head first
to, The ground. The brute sprapg upon me.
He tugged-and SO did with mingled
and main.s was getting The worst Of it,
when suddenly recolccting that any sort of
attack is lawful, and that one may be permit
ted to waive ceremony with a bear, Iseized
the creatures ear between my teeth, and bit
thepiece completely out. He dropped me
Ike 9 hot potato. The ludicronsy piliful
how, and the way inlwbich he applied the
paw just taken. from my waist, 70 his woun-
ded car, was too much -, 81,
81 burst into aperfect roar oflaughter, and
sosmuch! noise did 4 make that It awoke me,
aasssstill laughing at this Whimsical
vision and l wondering ifit had any reference,
to: am apprentice who was to come pnder MP;
Ecafe on DC ipoFros ssas. truly, as ul y !,
s0ath iookip ep b:als as any ggentls need,
Isk + inlo shape, when Heard 5et
los noise d sort|
/ s,f saSV Tfiitif u " 8