The Ebensburg Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1865-1871, 1867-11-07
THE DOCTORS BRIDGE.

Soon alter receiving my diploma, L
went as qualified assistant 20 an elderly
practitioner in the north of Devon. The
country In that part is most picturesque.
Here and there lofty hills, uoon whose
SUBMITS are beautiful woods, rise in state
ly grandeur-beneath them lie lovely val
leys, resplendent in the Spring time With
all natures charms. Noble rivers flow
through these flowery wales, causing the
luxuriant foliage Of the meadows to spring
with redoubled vigor. Emptying them
selves into these rivers are an :nnumer-
able quantity OF little Insignificant streams.
OfteUtimes in the dry season these rivu-
let's are so small as TO be little else than
suices, and for the most part are traversed
5y means of plank or log of wood thrown
rudeIy across them. In some places, how
ever, wooden bridges of inferior dmen-
slOns are erected for the use of foot pas
sengers, but in no case, or but with rare
exception, is there any bridge built for
the accommodation of animals or vehicles
This want is severely felt in the winter,
when the heavy rains cause those streams
to swell to such size as to render fording
them impossible. Many serious results
have thereby been occasioned, ordinary
traffic has been completely suspended, mail
coaches even being stopped by the force
of the current. Too often a medical man
having been absolutely unable to reach a
patient in most imminent danger, the re-
suit has been death. About four miles
from Farleigh, the town in which l resi-
ded, was Averil Castle, the seat of the
Earl of Averil. 1t was an ancient, war
like looking structure, staudipg upon the
top of hill, and commanding an exten-
sive view of the surrounding country.
The slope of the hill itself had been con-
verted into a spacious lawn, while at the
foot ran small stream, which, owing to
careful preservation, vas we'll stocked
with the finny tribe.
Although so Iar distant from the castle.
DR.. Hallet was the nearest surgeon, and
consequently had the honor of attending
at the castle. Neither of the surrounding
villages boasted medical man, and, there
fore, owing to the extensive practice that
necessarily devolved upon him, ard the
failing state of his health, Dr. Halett was
compelled to have fully qualified gentle,
man as an assistant, to relieve him In his
arduous duties.
1t thus happened that I had severa
times attended at Averil Castle, for the
nobleman himself was at the time I an
speaking OF an elderly man and an invalid
| though he had only recently married E
lady many years younger than himself
His Lordship, though very proud, was
really pleasant man and greatly attached
to his wife, who, on her part, was of very
amiable and pleasing disposition, and very
accomplished, being the daughter of
neighbCring peer. Residing at Averi
Castle was Mr.. Sidney Lascelles, nephew
of Lord Averil's, being the son of hi,
Lordship's younger brother, who, dying
when Sidney was quite an infant, con
signed him over to the Earls care. Like
a father and son were the Earl and hi
| nephew. Heir to the title of Averil, O
which he was SO proud, the old Earl view
ed Sidney in still dearer light, and con
sidered that he had still dearer claim!
upon him, and heing unmarried, gave
young Lascelles handsome allowance.
J No wonder, therefore, would it have