Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1874-10-01
4 MARVELLOUS CURE.
BY CLARA AUGUSTA.

For fourteen years and upward Mrs.
Maria Chcsford had been an invalid
Her sufferings had been intense. No
person on earth had ever endured one
f0rtietb part 80 much as she had, If one
could take her word In evidence. Job,
in the days when his b0ils were just com
ing 10 head, knew nothing Of pain, com.
paratiyeIy speaking.
You never heard OF any disease, and
you will never hear of one, which at
some time or other had not afflicted Mrs.
Cbesford; in fact, many Of the new dis
eases which puzzle medical men to ac-
count for Mrs. Chesford originated, and
might claim a patent for II only she
would make application.
OF course she dOctored Every pbysi.
clan for circuit Of forty miles around
had been called 10 attend her at some
time or other; and If a new quack was
heard Of anywhere Mrs. Chesford was not
content until she had made trial Of his
skill
Bat no good ever resulted from any
thing Of the kind. She was always
worse, and was always dying, but some
how she never accomplished IT, And If
you are AN obseryant person you have
doubtless noticed that people who are
aiways dying live to be ninety at least.
. Sick people~that Is, people who are sick
all their liyes--neyer die except from old
age; only your well, robust people die
!. early.
Mr.. Chesford was martyr. The poor
man led terrible life Of IL, though he
had become in measure hardened TO
it, and did not mind it SO very much He
was "A tall, lean, sandy haired man, with
washcdouta aspect generally. He had
been 80 accustomed TO the thought Of a
death in the family that he wore funeral
face continually, and might have made
his fortune in some countries by hiring
out to do service as chief mourner.
Sometimes his wifes complaints grew
10 clamorous that he had 10 get up in the
night and 90 for the doctor-who would
come when he got ready, administer a
bread pill or two, and take leave.
David Dayidp screamed Mrs. Ches-
ford, one cold night In February, just as
Mr.. Chesford had fallen asleep and was
dreaming of finding gold mine. David,
say It's at handl The great change Is
night Oh, David! do stop snoring and
wake upl do believe you'd lay there
and sn0re II the last trumpet was toot-
ingi Davitil say, David"
"Umphw grunted Mr.. Chesford, turn.
ing over on the other side. "Do try and
lay still, Marian I'm awful sleepy" and
In a moment he WAS snoring again.
Daa.veedi' cried she, digging her ell
bows into his ribs In way not to be
borne, II tell you I'm dying! I'm grew
ing cold nowl My feet Is like Ice, and II
there was light you'd see that my fin
ger nails have turned purple!"
"Ehs well, go to sleepl you'll be bet.
ter In the morning." said the unfeeling
David.
II won't go to sleep! I'm a-dying!
David, | want TO tell you my last wishes
Lay me out in my black silk dress, and
don't let 'cm put any csmfire on mel
hate the smell of camfre! And, David,
don't have no cents put on my eyes--if
you must put on anything put on silver
dollarsi And now, David, want to see
Aunt jenkins. have something to say
TO her. Go ~ quick az you can or
shall be dead before she gets here"
David attempted to put her off with
excuses, but she would not be denied
and the poor man was under the neces
city az doing her bidding. II was bit
ing cold night, and Mr.. Chesford was moi
In extraordinary good humor at being
forced out of warm bed TO breast th.
chill northcaster. so when he reached
Mrs. jenkins residence he gave thun
dering rap on the door, as II that obsta
Gle TO his entrance was In some way guilty
of causing him this unpleasant walk,
Jenkins folks we're timid, and llvet
somewhat In fear Of being robbed. Tom
the Oldest boy, kept gun loaded, ant
kept likewise fierce dog
At the first sound Of the rappinl
Tigc rushed out, and seizing MIR. dhes
ford by the leg upset him into barre
of rain water just below the doorstep
and before he had finished swearing ant
crawling out Of his impromptu bath Ton
up with the window and let fly the con
tents OF the gun. Fortunately, Mr. Ches
ford was down 80 low that the cAarg
passed harmlessly over him, ana nc MAJ
precautions Ut Tom before no could loa'
again.