The Lincoln County herald., 1872-06-12
"DOCTOR JOHN"

"a doctors life is a strange one II
muttered Dr.. John Hessman, as he
jumped into his carriage, taking the reins
from the hands of the griuniua Ethio-
plan, who, for the last twonty minutes,
bad been cherishing the fond delusion
that he was to accompany his muster on
his round of professional inquiry.
mot this time, Ebony" said the doc
tor, with fond good natured shrug of
his broad shoulders. "You shall come
to morrow" noting the look of disap-
pointmsnt in tho boys face. DR. John
was moro tender Of his slaves than some
men are of their wives.
"Oh, never mind, Massa, never mind r.
replied Ebony, like the average human,
quite forgstful of his annoyance when the
subject of consideration was distasteful.
81 know what it's. l just know wha,
'tis,' added Ebony, as he watched the
carriage out of sight. "He's got one OF
his spells, and wants to talk to hisself; |
knows him of old, If twas anybody but
Dr.. John, l should say, Ebony, tina,
man has got softening of the skull ! but
no such nonsense can be laid to him"
DR.. John did want to be alone, or as
much alone as man coulu be in the
streets Of crowded city, and he did want
to talk to himself. Most men who are
in the habit of communing with their
own souls, do it in audible language; so
in this respect, whatever no mi ght bs in
others, DR.. John did not differ from his
brethren. A mans own opinion is not
unfrequently his best and safest compan
ion. 1t will keep its owners secrets, and
when the companiouship is frequent, will
in all cases properly guide aud admonish
Solf- communism in its highest form is
the avenue which leads directly to the
heart OF God.
"Yss," continued tho Doctor-"yes,
SIR" (Somstimse DR.. John was very
respectful to himself) "A doctors life
is no joke. Easy, my beauty, easy
Now, John, look at that horse. You are
only Just little more Of an animal than
be is. It's fun for him to travel when
there's another horse close by that be
can outrun. Exactly the case with you
John. If it hadn't been for another
horse in the shape Of . doctor you were
determined to get little the start Of
where would you have been to day
That's the point. Worthy ambition, eh
to pass a poor devil on the road Of life
Upon my word, believe | should be Q
botter man if had q wife. Irathsr like
women but it is o little hard to under
stand how fellow manages with wo,
man tied to him morning, noon and night
That's what takes me. Then am no,
sure that anybody'd have me that was
any way suitable. OF course, | shoult
want intelligence aud intellectually, too,
by George and never could endure I
plain woman, or . woman with . louC
voice, or-yes, sir. that question is il
order," continued the doctor, stroking
his long, silky, black beard. "That il
what | call driving the nail in. Wha
have you got, John Hassman, to give 10
exchange for these royal treasures Of mine
and body? A good name? Yes. An
uus1ceptional position. unimpeachable
intsgrity7 Yes SIR. These are some
thing" and here our M. d. reined W
before an elegant brown stone mansion
where one Of his best (pscuniurily speak
ing) and most fashionable patients re-
sided. Here DR.. john was employed BY
the year aud although the position was
No sinecurs, on account of the amount o.
patience required to baltic with the nerv
ous fanciss of she principal invalid of th.
establishment, still Dr.. John TO use bis
own telling vernaculav, considered 1t "ar
exceedingly soft thing'-and soft it wal
in more ssnses than one.
DR.. John walked right UP into tn,
insalid's chamber.
"Ob, good morning, doctor. A little
late, arn't you? Seems TO mo | hav,
been waiting an unusual length Of time,
drawled the lady from hes !uauriou