Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1871-12-29
A NIGHT OF, MISERY.


winters night in the year 1861. The
wind came in heavy gusts, rushing down
the streets, and tearing round the
houses as if in search of any opening
by which to enter and gain shelter from
the fast falling snow. 1t beat against
the windows, rumbled in the chimney,
and even went so far as to tear of
some of the states on the roof. in its
mad impetuosity. Now and then the
sharp patter of hail-stones was heard
and a few of them rolled down the
chimney, falling, splitting and sputter,
| ing, on the blazing Goals beneath. ....
But the storm did not affect me per-
sonally, for was comfortably seated
opposite roaring fire in snug, cosy
library, enjoying cigar and a chat with
my old friend, DR.. Fielding. The library
! it was Fielding 's--Was- one of the
most perfect ever saw the walls we're
covered with books, excepting over the
chimney piece, and that part was hid
den by handsome looking glass. The
furniture was all carved oak, u and-oh,
rare luxury l-every chair an easy one.
The deep, red curtains were drawn, and
hung in graceful folds from their golden
cornices. A huge moderator lamp shed
a mellow light over the table, which, at
| the present moment, was entirely de-
void of books, they having given place
to box of Havanas, a good sized de-
canter of brandy, sugar, lemons, and all
the other ingredients for a good, old
fashioned glass Of punch.
Fielding was fine, clever fellow, who
had not only made a great name In his
profession, but a good-sized fortune,
which he had settled down to enjoy.
By "settle down" one mustnot imagine
that my friend had entirelyretired far
from it. Perhaps he never worked
harder in his life than at the period |
am now speaking about, only he selected
his own patients. Lord Tom Noddy
might write him a hundred times, offer
ing as many guineas if he would but
come and and look at pimple that
had presumptuously dared to grow on
his lordship's face, but Fielding would
not bulge an inch. On the other hand,
if he heard of any real case Of sickness,
he would hurry off to it, although he
knew he would never get a penny for
his trouble.
Fieldings great delight was in litera-
ture he had dabbled in little, and
belonged to all the literary clubs in
London. He would do anything for a
man of letters, and no sooner did he
| hear one was i'll than he would call upon
him as friend, and, if desired, attend
ed as a doctor, but would never take a
fee. His best reward, he declared,
was to see his friend reinstated in health,
seated i'll his snug library smoking
cigar, and chatting over dlterary al
airs.
We had Just lit our second cigars, re-
| filed our tumblers, drawn our chairs
closer to the fire and settled down in
them withsth selfish feeling of satisfac
tion which every one experiences at
being warm and comfortable on a cold,
cheerless night, when we were startled
by a single knock at the street door.
Now single knock at any time is a
most unpleasant thing. A gentle one
sounds mean and despicable; you can
fancy the person who gave it starting
back, like Fear in Collins Ode to the
PassiC MS" Even at the sound himself
had made, but a bold, heavy
bang" that wakes up the echoes all
through the house, especially il. given
about ten or eleven at night, is terrible
causing q cold shiver to pass through
yeur body as if something evil ap
preached you. -r4-rl.ar!s-,T.
That's a strange KNOCK" !" said 1. !.
"Very," replied Fielding, II wonder
who it can be-" -
We were not left long in doubt, fol
the servant entered the room and an
nounced that a boy wanted to see DIR
Fielding.
''What does he want? Can't he senc
a message by,yau ?'v =. Ga
"Please, sir, he says he can't; hennus
see you."
"Well, show him up," said Fielding
/ And the next moment q lad OF aDou
/ welye wears entered the room.
He was a short, shambling lad, with
q fierce, rough head of hair, large, star
ing. blue ewes, and not too clean hand
and face. both of which worked ner
vously. His clothes were strong bu
common, and 81 hung close around chs
spare figure.
(Which of you is the DOCTOR" aske'
he boy.
"I am" repliedFielding. "What d.
you want, my boy~
"Here is a note for you," said tn
boy, at the same time handing owe
a carelessly folded half sheet of pa
per. "Please to come quick he
bad" sa :,
Fielding took the paper and read il
and then passed it to me. 1t ran as to-
lows:
"DEAR FIELDING: I'm worse an
worse-in- fact,-I have only to be llttl
more so, and I shall be muchsketter:: Il
other words, am about making fare
well bow on this worlds great theatre
Come and see the fall of the curtain
The performance is entirely for M
benefit. Do come, old fellow Gharol
will show you the way. srN
II "Yours, ~ ARTHUR BURuoN.s
" 1t is as l feared" said Fieldins
"Of course l must go. Will YOU az
ompany me2'' H.
AS Burton was an old friend of mine
at once consented, and in a very fe,
minutes we were in the street, followin
I l1~n.