The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1877-05-17
The Real April Fool
What Came ola Practical Joke.

There lived in village not far from
New York city, gentleman, by name
Benjamin Top, who thought there was
nothing in life to equal good joke. He
owned small store and kept almost
every article of domestic and agricultu-
raj use, and was thereby pretty well ac-
quainted with all the tOwnspeople, as
they were likewise acquainted with
him. Mr.. Top had played so many
pranks on the people around him that
he would have made enemies but for
his constant good humor, and his ability
to soOthe the parties he had irritated
almost beyond endurance.
The first of April was Mr.. Tops es-
pecial delight, and that was smart
child who entered his store without
being the victim of some trick; so that
from morn till night of the first day of
April his face was one broad grin, and
it happened that all who sought to catch
him had the laugh turned on them
selves.
A few years ago, as the first of April
approached, our merry friend looked
around to see who would be a fitting
subject for joke,
81 must have a first-rate one this
time" said he, to himself. "Who shall
1t bep Let me think; ahl-I have it
DR.. Scroggins; yes, 1t shall be. What
shall | send-a love letter. No, he
looks too woe-begone for that"
After considering awhile, Top drew
the pen and ink near him and wrote as
follows:
"DR. SCRoGGINs Dear Sir: Please
call as early as possible at Messrs. ). q
BIS, No. - Wall street, New
York, where you will hear something
to your advantage"
Then, folding and directing the
letter, he snapped his fingers with
childish delight.
"Ill send him to New York on a FOOLS
errand," said he, and have a good laugh
at his expense"
DR.. Scroggins, the subject OF this
heartless Joke, was a bachelor of about
forty years of age; he had been living
In the village only six months, and had
thus far got very small practice; not
that he lacked ability, but he was awk-
ward in his person, and in his manner
not very prepossessng, and being shy
and reserved in his disposition, was but
little fitted to push his way into society
He seemed to be very poor, for he
rented small Office, supplied himself
with the simplest food, and his lounge
acted as his bed at night.
The first day of April rose bright and
clear; DR.. Scrogglns, who was an early
riser, prepared his simple breakfast
and after partaking of 1t, and arranging
his office, took his seat to await e&'
pected calls for consultation, or to re-
ouest his attendance on some suffering
invalid. But no such calls were made
and the doctor sighed heavily under the
pressure of disappointment
"Whst can hinder my progressE
understand my profession," he said
,qn not a single instance have failed
to give relief when called to the bed o.
the suffering. All mel If had only
myself to care for, | would be content
TO live on bread and water till l coulC
gain the confidence Of the people. Bu
you, my poor sister, who has already
drank deeply of the cup Of sorrow
must have more added to 1t. And wha
can | doP Nothing"
The doctor pulled htter out of hi
pocket and read:
81 would not trouble you, my dear
kind brother" wrote his sister, "know
Ing as | do how poor your prospects are
and how patiently you are trying t
wait for practice, did not want press oI
me and my child. If you can spare m
n llttle--ever so little-it will come as
blessing, for my extremely is YER
great"
Just at this time the letter-carrie
stopped and handed the doctor letter
he opened and looked at 1t In periec
amazement then read II over for tn
second time.
something to my advantage Who
can It beY" he said. "Dear sister
should there be any thing good In stor
for me, how freely will | share 1t wit
YOU and your darling Emmal Surel
the good God has heard aud onowere
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