The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-12-13
MISCELLANY.
How the Doctor got lost in his own
aa- nnnr-uard.. .....- --.-..r


Doctor Josiah Caldwell, who lived for many
years in the town ol Florence, out on the
Western Reserve, in Ohio, was a most skill.
full physician, but Withal. one of the most &C.
centric and absent-minded men In the whole
world, except Margaret" his wife, and she
was iully his equal.
One summer morning, the Doctor got
caught in tremendous shower, which drench-
ed MIN to the skin. 1t soon cleared OF, how
ever, and Doctor Josh rode into his own
yard, where he, took the dripping saddle from
his horse, and let him 60 adrift in the pasture
The saddle he placed on a stout leg, which
was elevated some four feet from the ground,
on two posts, where the DOCTOR mad Degun 10
build platform to dry peaches on.
After having got his saddle all fixed so that
it would dry, he took the bride and putting
the bits over the end of the log, stretched our
the reins, and hitching them to the horn OF
the saddle, he went in to change his wet
clothes and get breakfast. 81 900
Josiah, junior, and Margaret, junior, were
away from home on visit, so that the two
seniors sat down together TO their mornings
meal.
When they we're about haf through, Jim
Atwood, farmer who lived about eight miles
distant, came in, telling the Doctor he wished
he would hurry and go over to his house, as
he reckoned he might be wanted over there
before night. The Doctor promised to be
there, and jim went of in hurry TO the
village after some necessary "hxens."
Wlen the Doctor finished his breakfast, ne
TOOK ms saddle bags, and out be went ineo tne
yard, where he deliberately mounted ms SAD
die, and set out in Imagination, ior jim AT
woods. 94 E43 sgf ssg
For long time be rode on in silence, with
his eyes fixed on sBdchan's Practice which
lay open on the saddle before him. Atlength he
bsgan to feel the effect of the fierce rays of
mid day sun, and looking up from his book he
discovered comfortable house close to him,
upon which be sung out Justify for drink OF
water. =
Aunt Margaret, who had been tor the last
two hours very busy 10 the garden, soon made
her appearance with a pitcher of milk, and at
ter the stranger had taken q long draught, the
two entered into an animated conversation,
the Decor launching outintorapturous praises
of the scenery about the place, the neatness OF
the building, the fine orchard of peach aud
apple trees, and the lady who had got glimpse
OF the saddle bags, made great many in
quiries about the health of the neighborhood
&c.1W0ne lfe
The Doctor finally took leave of the lady
assuring her that he would call on his return
and have some further conversation with her,
as she reminded him SO much of his wife, who
thewas sure wonld beDvery happy to make her
acquaintance. tsi q
The lady turned to enter the house, and The
Doctor had just gathered up the reins, when
jim Atwood dashed up. to the gate with his
horse 10 lather o foam.
What In thunder are doing, Doctor ?"
yelled Jim; get off that log and come along
The Doctor was a good deal astonished at
first, but after few minutes it got through
hls hair that he had been all the morning
riding beach log in his own door-yard.