The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-06-23
THE DOCTORS PERIL.
By KATE BOYER TYSON.

By KATE BOYER TYSON.
The noble beast that forms the subject OF
my story had been bay of the richest and
most glossy color, with a lone spot OF white
hair in the forehead. His tail had been al
lowed to flow, uncurtailed by the muillating
knife, naturally and gracefully as those Of the
wild mustangs of the prairies. The ample
chest, small ankles and proud neck, and the
wide apart prominent eyes and open nostrils,
betokcned great genleness. But, at the time
| saw him, old age had whitened his beauti.
full bay coat, long tufts Of hair were growing
behind each hoof, his eyes were rheumy, and
the few long teeth he possessed were loose.
had noticed the careful attention besow-
ed upon him by every inmate OF the family.
Not day passed that his neck was not en-.
circled 10y soft feminine hands, and II l had
been surprised at that how much more so was
! when Mrs. Morrison, who, llke myself,
would frequently throw both arms around
his neck, and while his soft nose rested
against her shoulder, would call HIM pet
names, ana not unirequen,ly her beautiful
eyes would fill with tears while thus employ
cd. " Don john received all these Caresses
Is if he had been accustomed to them, ire.
quently following one and another Of the IN.
mates like Il house dog.
My curiosity at length became so great
Aat | resolved to become acquainted with the
reason why he was thus hOnOrcd with the res
peCt and attachment of the HOUSEHOLD. Not
many days elapsed before became acqualnt
Cd with the reasons aud | assure you, gentle
reader, considered them sufficient 10 excuse
any amount of affection which il might please
The superior brute To bestow on his fellow
dumb one
lie had belonged to DR.. Moscly, Of Whites
borough, for many years praclicing physi.
clan OF that place, and don John" had car.
Tiel his master 10 and from many bed of
death; and God help him, fire had flown from
his hUo!s as many times as his short, fleet
steps had dashed across the Mohawk on the
old bridge, and needing the new born infants
wall that greeted his ear in the quiet corner,
waiting his masters plcasure--not that II was
the wal! OF the advent of human soul, doom.
cd to suffer It's number Of years. thcn-dle !!
Ii his master had acquired fame, as all
knew he had, Don John' hau his laurcls 10
DC proud Of
The doctor had been Gale! to Uticn on bus.
incsS connected with his profession, and had
been absent three days. During his absence
one OF those drenching, warm, breaking.up
rains had set in Mountains OF ice were rush.
before them, Overlooking the banks, carrying
away bridges, and alarming many OF the In.
hablianis, as well AS 1t might, for one must
see ireshet TO understand its terrible impor-
lance. One must hear The crash and roar, be.
hold The floating wrecks Of many dwelling
often bearing Il" thing of life rs witnessed
few years ago on the Schuylkill
The night was iuky black, and Don John
picked out the way surely and steadily, never
stumbling, but with the birdie hanging loose.
y across his neck, and his nose closely TO the
earth, his master had little fear for conse.
quences. They were approaching Oriskany,
where bridge spauned the Mohawk, and Don
John whlned plteously once or twice, till Il
sharp word from his master warned him not
70 show the white feather. On the other side
nc could just distinguish, through the dense
darkness, moving and glImmering lights, and
once he tancIed he heard shout; but he
cared for naught save getting housed as soon
as possible, and sleeping of the fatgues con
sequen! TO his profession. snow, Don, step
sure; old Oriskany bridge, 10 my own and
your knowledge, has lost many plank"
said the Doctor, patting his horses neck and
pushing his wet tangled front lock from his
eyes.
They were now ascending the little emf
lCrce leading 10 the entrance when the hUr c
stopped. "Go on, SRI" said the Doctor, "you
are nearly home now" Still no effort III 20.
ing on, and beneath them the turbid waters
roared and beloved like angry devils baked
Of their prey. DO you hear me, siry" with
. smart bullet on the neck, and gathering
Of the lUosened bride into the firm deter.
mined hand, and the animal started--slowly,
steadily, flrmly, surely-though the broad
rHfalr III 81
The gait was SO measured and methodical,
that at any other time he would have observ.
Cd II. As il was, he only let him have his
Own way, though he may have smoothed his
neck, for he had kindly heart, and his Door
beast had labOred thro' dreadful weather, and
was sadly in need of TODD and shelter.
Toward the end OF the bridge the steps be
came slower, and once he stumbled in tht
hind foot. y quck grasp at the birdie, and .
CHEEKY" Easy, John-easy, sir" and again
the cautious hoof resounded on the hare
wood. They were across, for the ANNA
neighed and tossed his head TIL the Docto
shook in his saddle.
One mile more TO 60, poor fellow; bu
FIRST, and you want some refreshments. So
riding up 10 the small tavern door, where
genial light was shining from the windows
ne called loudly for the landlord. A dozer
or more Of the inmates came rushing 10 the
door with lanterns, which they held aioit, and
a Good God, Doctor. where did you come
from :" broke from their lips almost stimuli
Come from, Why, from over the Mo
haykt What is the matter herei has the
treshet carried away any of your senses Here
bow" as dismouniing, he thres the reins to
gaping fellow, . give John something nice
ari dfy aim OF. Keep him well wrsppet