Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1859-11-19
NJ { Z L L A n Y.
THE DOCTOR'S PERlL.

THE DOCTORS PERIL.
The noble beast that rormcs the subject of
my story had been bay of the richest and most
gloss color, with lone spot Of white hair in
his forehead. His tail had been allowed to flow,
uncurtailcd by the mutilatcd knife, naturally
and gracefully as those of the wild mustang of
the prairie. The ample chest, small ankles and
proud neck, and the wide apart. prominent eyes
and open nostrils denoted gentle blool but at
the time saw him, old age had whitencd his
beautiful bay coat, long tufts Of hair were grow
ing behind each foot. his eyes were rhcumy, and
the few long teeth he possessed were loosc.
! had noticed the care and attention bestowed
on him by every inma'c of the family. Not a
day passed but his neck and face were not ca
rcsscd by a soft feminine hands, and if had
been surprised at that, how much more SO was
|, when Mrs Morrison, who, Ike myself was
staying there through the summer, would ire-
Qucntlv throw her arms around his neck, and
while his soft nose rested against her shoulder,
would call him pet names, and not unfrequently
her beautiful eyes would fill with tears while
thus employed. "Don John received tn sc
careSses as if he had been accustomed to them
frequently following one or the other of the in
mates like huge house dog. My curiosity At
length became so great that | resolved to be-
come acquainted with the reason why he was
HouNEtu Win llt ltopttl q! tllt
household. Not many days elapsed before
became acquainted with the reasons and ! as
sure YOU gentle reader considered them suf-
fcicnt to excuse any amount of affection which
it might please the superior brute to beStow
upon his fellow the dumb one.
lie had belonged to DIR. Mosely. of Whites.
boro, for many wears practising physician o
that place. and "Don John" had carried his mas
ter to and from many a bed of death. and God
help him, fire had flown from his hoofS as many
times his short, fleet steps had dashed acros,
the Mohawk on the old bridge, not needing tn,
new born infants wall that greeted his ear il
his quiet corner, awaiting his masters pleasure
not that it was the wall for the advent of
human soul. doomed to suffer its number o
years. then die If his master had acquired
tamc-as all knew he did-"Don John" had al
SO laurels to be proud Of
The Doctor had been called to Utica on busi
ness connected with his profession, and had beer
absent three days. During his absence one o
those drcnching, warm breaking up rains hat
set in. Mountains of ice were rushing dowi
the Mohawk, sweeping everything before them
overlooking the banks carrying away bridges
dwellings, and alarming many of the inhabitants
well it might, for one must see a frcshet ther,
to understand its terrible import. One mus
hear the crash and roar, behold the mad water
rushing HcdulOllr NllNl, LOT HOdtlllH WICCh
of dwellings, sometimes freighted with humai
| life.
The night was inky black and "Don John
| picked out the way faithfully and steadily, ncve
stumbling, but, with the bride hanging slacl
across his neck, and his nose close to the earth
his master had little to fear of the consequen
ccs. They were approaching Oriskany, wher
a bridge spanned the Mohawk, and "Don John
whinnered piteously once or twice. till a shar
word from his master warned him not to sho,
the white feather. On the other side he coul
just distinguish through the dense darkness
moving and glimmering lights, and once h
fancied he heard a shout; but he little heede
aught, save getting housed as soon as possible
and sleeping off the fatigues of his journey
"Now, Don, step sure; old Oriskany bridge /
my own and your knowledge has lost many
plank" said the Doctor, patting his beasts mech
and pushing the wet tangled front lock froi
his eyes.
They were now ascending the little cmincnc
leading to the entrance, when the horse stopped
$50 on, sir, said the Doctor, 'you are nearl
home now Still no attempt at going ON, an
beneath them the angry waters roared and be
lowed, like maddened devils baulked of the
prey. "Do you hear me, sir?' with sma
buffet on the neck, and gathering up of th
loosened bride into firm and determined han.
and the animal started-slowly. steadily, surel
though the broad back slightly shivered irol
time to time and the gait was so measured an
methodica, that ut any other time he wonld haN
pbeDrVp1 il As IL WnS he only LET him bn\