The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1862-09-24

the DoctOF; you are HeaIIS uoiAe' ptllI
no attempt at going on, and beneath them
the angry waters roared and beloved like
maddened devils taulked of their prey.
"Do you hear me, sir p with smart buff
fet on the neck, and gathering up of
the loosened bride into the 6rm deter
mined hand, and the animal started
slowly, steadily, surely, frmiy-though
the broad back slightly shivered from
time to time, and the gait was SO meas
ured aud methodical, that at any other
time be would have obserEed it. AS it
was he only let him have his own way,
though be might have smoothed his neck,
for he had kindly heart, and his poor
beast had labored hard through dreadful
weather, and was sadly in need of food
and shelter.
Towards the end Of the bridge the steps
became slower, ard once stumbled in the
hind foot. A quick grasp at the bride,
and CHEEKY Easy, Joha-easy, sir !"
and again the cautious hoofs resourded
on the hard road. They we're across, for
the animal neighed, and tossed his head
TIL the Docto. shook in his saddle. "OAe
more mile to 60, poor fellow, but first |
and you want some refreshments. So
riding up to the small tavern door where
a genial light was shining from the win
dows, he called loudly for the landlord.
4 dozen or more Of the inmates came
rushing to the door with lanterns which
they carried aIoft ard Good COP, Doc
tor, where did you come from?" broke
from their lips simultaneously.
Come from Why, from over the
Mohawk! What Is the matter? Has
the freshet carried away any Of your
senses? Here boy" as dismoanting, he
threw the rein to gaping fellow, give
John something nice, and dry him off.
Keep him well wrapped up while he eats,
aud, landlord | want tumbler Of red hot
Jamaica, quick p
doctor" said the group, shave you
crossed the Mohawk, tonight? and If so,
how :"
why, on the bridge are you all
drunk p said the exasperated physician.
Doctor" said the cid gray-hoaded
landlord, ''that bridge went down the
Mohawk this afternoon! Come with me
and l will show you! If you crossed,
God only knows how you did it,"
4 shiver went to ;he Doctors heart
lantern in hand, he followed the Footsteps
of the rnen to the margin Of the swollen
ard turbid river. Where was the bridge !!
"Aln1ighty God" said the horror
struck Doctor; "where is my gratitude ]!
My noble beast came over here this night,
backed by me, on this solitary string
piece; and |, with this right hand gave
hiul blow when he faltered,' and the
Doctor sank upon his knees in the soft,
wet snow, and wept like child-the
men moved from bis presence respect
fully, and left him to himself.
When, after some iittle time, he made
bis appearance, his eyes were greeted by
the sight Of bis horse, surrounded by the
cutire house hold, each contributing to
render him some assistance. y quart OF
warn ale waa given by one, another ru1,
bed lis neck and chest with spirits, a
third dried his glossy hide with warm
flannel, and Others patted bis neck or
caressed his nose and face. The Doctor
came and took the head Of his beast
against his breast, and great warm tears
rushed up from his heart, as the long,
graceful tongue Tapped his masters face.
go John, my boy, land gave you blow"
and the words ended in low, wal!iDg
groan. Men uncovered their heads and
turned their faces from him, aud at length
led him inside, where he spent the night.
The morning revealed unto him the dread
full danger he had escaped, from the
sagacity Of his beast, and again did he
grleve for the blow he had dealt him when,
SO robly, he was putting forth more than
human power.
Don John never did days work after
that. Sometimes his master rode him
forth on pleasure tour, or drove him,
before light vehicle, few miles, with
some member of his family, but his pro-
fessional labors were over. Nothing could
exceed the care and attention that were
ever given him afterward. lie FED from
a manger made of mahogony; his room
was more like parlor than stable; and
company to the Doctors always paid a.
visit to Don John before they left.
Thus they lived many years, the Doc
tor and his horse growing old together.
Don john survived his master some
years and when the good mans will was
opened, there was found clause appended,
which related to Don John, to this effect:
that he should be given to his youngest
daughter, Mrs. Morrison, to be cared for
as he had always done; and that he should,
at his death, be buried with his shoes on,
wrapped i'll his own rich blanket and in