Litchfield enquirer., 1864-06-16
A Physfcian's Story.
 BY EMERSON BENNETT.

BY EMERSON BENNETT.
 l had been some years engaged in the prac- tice of medicine. in some of our largest cities before met with any serious adventure. One night. as was returning home, through lone iy, little unfrequented part of the city, at late hour, from patient had been with since noon of that day, and whom I was now permitted to leave by reason of favorable change, I wa. stopped in dark. gloomy, out-of.the way spot by big. gru6, coarsely dressed man:
 You'are doctorI' be both announced and inquired in the same words.
 I ann
 T want you to como with me then he said in a tone that indicated the matter was already settled in his mind, however it might be iu mine.
 I cannot tonight I answered, with posi- tive emphasis; l am all wearied out, and anxious to get home.'
 Yes, you doctors are always wearied out when poor man calls upon you r said the fel- low, with threatening growl; but only let some -snobs wife's poodle-dog need look. jag to. >And you find your way there at any hour of the day or night. We'll, am no snob thank Heaven, and have got money enough to pay your fee. have tried half dozen doctors already, and none o: them will come and 50, you see, I cannot let you off
 But really-'
 'See here, Doctor,' interrupted the fellow, producing knife. and flashing the blade, by a quick flourish before my eyes. liam desper- ate man and might be pushed to do a wicked deed. Every man sets certain value on his own life, and also the life of his best and deal- est friend. You know how much your life is worth to me and, before Heaven wear, if you attempt to go and leave my friend to die, will put this knife into you s
 It was an open space where we stood, about halfway between blocks of new buildings, that were not yet tenanted. looked up and down the dark street, but not Q soul was in sight.
 Where do you wish me to go7' I impaired.
 'Oh, down here piece,' he said, jerk ing his thumb over his shoulder. Come on, before it is too late.'
 He passed his arm through mine, without SO much us By your leave. and began to move away. of course taking me with him.
 'Is your friend male or female 2 I iuquir- ed, pretending to feel perfectly at my ease. tho l would have given years practice to have been safely at home.
 Shes . woman.'
 brsathsd frser-for somehow I had always experienced degree of security among tho opposite sex, even among the most depruved and abandoned.
 'What is the matter with herr and how long has che been ill questioned.
 About three or four hours ago she gave birth to child that did not live more than 8 minute, and since then she has been having tts,' was the reply.
 Was there no physician when the child was born inquired'
 No, could pot get one to her for love CT money. An old woman. neighbor came in and oll what she could. Do you think a. how you can save her, Doc,orS' inquired the man, in s hu.ky tone.
 I cannot say, of course-but I will pro,nise to do the best can.'
 70. do. dol and Heaven will bless you for 1t I hs reioined, in tone that expressed mora deep and earnest feeling than l had supposed was in his nature.
 began to be interested the man might be better than 1 thought; some poor fellow. per haps. who had been the football of fortune and had not received his deserts.
 'ls the woman your wife kindly inquired
 l believe he hsardme; but he did not an swer, concluded not to repeat ths question.
 We soon turned into small, mean, dark. nar- TOW streets, where none but the poorer classes lived. We now walked forward in silence the man, who still had hold of my arm, as il he were sfsaid might otherwise give him the slip, taking long, rapid strides and causing me no little exertion to keep step with him..
 At length he turned into a dark court where could See nothing but a few dngy buildings on either hand thought, if his object was to rob me, was completely in his power. A, the far cad of the court he stopped. opened a door, and led me up flight of creaking stairs where could sec nothing at all. At the top of these stairs we groped our way forward a few feet, and then he opened the door into tho room of the patient. The apartment was small and plaialy furnished, with lamp standing on tho little table not far from the bed. An old woman. who was leaning over tho sufferer looked quickly and eagerly around at our en- trance, and seeing me, exclaimed:
 Is he doctor r
 Yes. yes, have got Q doctor at last. God be praised, if it ain't too late replied the man hurriedly; adding, almost in the same breath How is she, May, how is she ?
 The old woman shook her head, and sighed out:
 She had three on 'em since you left, and she's iu the fourth, now, poor dearr
 'Oh, my Godr groaned the man, sitting down on the nearest seat. Doctor, you hear Oh save her. save her.
 I hurried to the bed, and found the patient in convulsions. The spasms ceased almost i'm mediately, 6 considerable quantity of viscio matter was elected, and . heavy, snoring respiration followed. The face was flushed head hot, and lost no time in opening vein l then sent for ice, and applied it ia modera tion ts her head. remained with her through the night. and loft her at daylight in O tranqul sleep, with directions to be followed in case O . return of the spasms. The man, who gave his name as Ralpl Wagner, cams down to the door with me ant thrust a half eagle into nay hand.
 How is she r he asked, in a trembling voice. Is she better can yon save her?'
 She is better, I think, and hope she car be saved.' replied.
 'Oh, doctor, will you come again to-day? Yes, this afternoon, toward night, af:er shall have got some sleep and visited some fsv patients that cannot be neglected
 Don't desert us, Doctor, for Gods sake d, not ' fairly pleaded the man, with tears in hi eyes.
 I assured him I would not, gave him m address, and bade him send for me at any time if Q change should take place for the worst.
 From that night the patient gradual msnded, and in the course of Q week was on of danger and had her reason, say her ever day during this time, and had Eot littl interest in her. She was not an ordinar 1 A.,