Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-06-13

firm.
SprinkIum lifted his friend in his arms,
and half carried, half dragged him In, until
he reached the bed. Grey looked on. So
bered with fright the others sank down
upon the chairs in the outer office, scarcely
realizing the danger.
Corey" said the school master, Ego for
the doctor, will you. His leg is broken,
and Heaven knows what else. He was
doubled up like ball when took him
up"
Grey went out and the schoolmaser re-
moved the wounded mans clothing. No
token of life appeared, save now and then
deep groan, which went 10 the heart Of
the one sober listener.
Grey returned and reported the doctor
coming at once.
"Does he know where?" asked Sprlnk-
lum.
eyes I told him through the door. He
seemed to know. 1 say, Sprinklum, will
it kill him ?"
"Can't say, old fellow. 1t is bad enough,
anyway. Go quiet down those boys in the
next room, will youY This IL pretty way
of introducing ourselves to the doctorr'
AS he spoke the door opened, and tall,
graceful woman entered. Grey opened his
mouth in astonishment; Sprinklum gave
an involuntary start; but DR.. Harris saw
nothing but the patient before her. The
examination was careful and yet rapid.
"a compound fracture" she said aloud,
"Gentleman, will one of you hold the
light upon this side?"
Grey seized it at once, while the school
master proved ready and valuable surg
cons assistant. Skilfully the broken bones
were adjusted, deity the spirits and band
ages applied, while the two men gazed in
wonder.
Even the groaning had ceased; and
Ketch, coming in, looked on the ghastly
face of his friend and partner with horror.
He had confused idea of danger, of la
dy's presence, and yet her presence seemed
the very thing needed. Her hands lifted
the poor head, with IFS deep cut on the side,
and dressed the wound with tho acquired
skill of the professional, and the natural
tenderness of woman; her hands placed
the pillows more comfortably, arranged the
chairs, quietly, around the room, to mako
moving possible without confusion and
then, when all had been done, the new doc
tor retired, just as daylight dawned, prom
Using to return very soon. The group in
the outer Office grew sad and sober. The
kind "good morning" of tho doctor had
brought with it such sense of shame, the
very mention of the club was hateful.
Grey unpinned the rosette from his coat,
and threw ii into the CRATE. Ketch, always
tcnder-hearted, sobbcd aloud when told
the chances were small for his friend; and
| one after another the committee crept out
from the Office and went their ways.
Sprinklum remained with the sick man.
Here the doctor found him an hour later,
and begged him to take some rest while
she cared Tor his friend.
He has groaned once since you left, y
said Sprinklum; THAT is the only sign of
life."
"Ab," said the doctor, she will come out
all right. Youth and strong constitution
with good nursing, will do wonders"
How cheerfully she spoke. Even Ketch
grew hopeful and in trembling voice
wished to know how he could best serve
his friend.
81 am poor nurse, and terribly clumsy,
doctor but give me my orders, and I will
at least be faithful"
"My first order" said the doctor, with Il
smile, ais for yourself 1 would suggest a
good nap; then you will be equal to caring
for Others" And Ketch, like dutiful
subject, curled himself upon the sofa in
the front room, and slept soundly.
Dear me, how Handon tongues waggcd
when it all came out! And how they con-
tinued to wag when DR.. Sharp of Boston,
examined Briefs case, and pronounced it
most excellent bit of surgery.
Poor Brief sustained n severe shock
when he first Knew he had a "lady DOCTOR"
but he grew accustomed to the quiet ways,
and often told Ketch she was "a woman OF
ten thousand"
Brief was nervous and restless one day
so the shrewd doctor gave him something
to think of by telling him story OF her.
self, and tho little orphan brother; how
she had heard Of Handon while visiting q
friend, and had made journey down 10
Maine to find the brother of Dir. Jenkins
of her lease for five years; her coming in
the night to the next town, and riding over
| in sleigh, with her plants packed in cot
ton by her side !; of her determination TO
be thoroughly prepared for business, and
| then work hard for poor little Fred's sake.
And tho blessed satisfaction of doing good!
All she was happy in caring for the sick
| it did her good, body and soul, to minister
to the suffering. Briefiquite forgot the tor
riblo pain, as he listened, and he laughed
| aloud when she read to him the glowing
account of her first case in Haudon, and
| the deep sorrow of the community on
learning the sad tidings concerning our
| honored townsman, Hon. David Brief.
| The Buzzer bad, evidently buzzed its
| best. .n i .is
| Brief was not the only patient during the
| rst week. Those who for three months
| had found pain-killer and mustard sulli-
cient for all diseases, suddenly discovered
| them worthless, and called in the '''new
| DOCTOR" Old women liked her because
she listened patiently; old men, because
they could not help 1t; and every child in
| Handon knew her in two weeks time.
The Bachelors Climb is disbanded. Where
the closet stood Is large, well filled row
of book shelves, and over the doorway
hangs new sign:
| "FREE LIBRARY. WALK IN, AND VEL
| COME" .t
Brief and Sprinklum say DIR. Harris pro-
posed the change. Atall events the pret-
| ty lame girl who acts as librarian, knows
her own affairs, and she AYERS, with a smile
that the new doctor is TO pay her salary fol
one year.
| Squire Handouts housokeeper IL very
fond of the doctor now, and has quite for,