The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1877-06-02


approaching OriskaDy, where. bridge
spanned the Mohawk. and "Don John
whinnied piteously once or twice, till
sharp word from bis master warned him
not to show the white feather. On the 9th
er side he could just distinguish, through
the dense darkness, moving and glimmerinR
lights, aud once he fancied he heard shout;
but he needed aught save getting housed as
soon as possible, and sleeping of the IA
tlgues consequent to his profession. "Now,
| Don step sure old Oriskany bridge, to my
own and your knowledge, has lost many a
plank" said the doctor, patting his beasts
neck and pushing the wet tangled front
| lock from his eyes.
They were now ascending the little emf
enence leading to the entrance, when the
horse stopped. "Go. on, sir !" said the
doctor, "you are nearly home now!. Still
no attempt at going on, aud beneath them
the angry waters roared beloved like angry
devils baked of their prey. "Do you hear
me, sir ?" with a smart buffet on the neck,
and gathering of the loosened bride into
the firm determined hand, and the animal
started-slowly, steadily, firmly, surely
though the broad back slightly shivered
from time to time, and the gait was 30
measured and methodical, that at any 9TH
or time he would have observed 1t. AS 1t
was, be only let him have his own way,
though he may have smoothed his neck,
for he had a kindly heart, and his poor
beast had labored through dreadful wealth
err, and sadly in need Of food and shelter.
Toward the the end of the bridge the
steps became slower, and once he stumbled
IN the hind foot. A quick grasp at the
bride, and CHEEKY -"Easy, John-easy,
sir !" and again the cautious boot resounded
on the hard wood. They were across, for
the animal neighed and tossed his head till
the doctor shook In his saddle. Zone
more mile to go, poor fellow but first,
and you want some refreshments. So rid
ing up to the small tavern door, where
genial light was shining from the windows,
he called loudly for the landlord. A dozen
or more of the inmates came rushing to the
door with lanterns, which they held aloft,
and "Good God, doctor, where did you
come from?" broke from their lips almost
simultane ously.
"Came from? Why, from over the Mo-
hawk What is the matter here has the
freshet carried away any of your sensesp
Here, boy" as dismuunting, he threw the
reins to gaping fellow, ''give John some
thing nice and dry him off. Keep him
well wrapped up while he eats, and-land-
lord-I want glass of red hot Jamaica,
quick"
"Doctor," said one of the group, shave
you crossed the Mohawk tonight, ard if
80, howp"
"Wby, on the bridge are you all
drunk ?" said the exasperated physician.
doctor" said the old, gray headed land
lord, "that bridge went down the Mohawk
this afternoon Come with me, and will
show you. If you crossed, God only knows
how you did it "
A SILVER went TO the doctors heart
and, lantern IN hand, he followed the foot
steps of the men to the margin Of the
swollen and turbid river. Where was the
bridge?
almighty God !" said the horror struck
DOCTOR "where Is ny gratitude? My no.
BILE beast came over here this night, backed
by me, on this solitary string piece, and l,
with this right hand, gave him blow as
he faltered !" and the doctor sank on his
knees in the soft, wet snow, and wept like
a child-the men moved from his presence
respectfully, and left him to himself.
When after some little time he made his
appearance, his eyes we're greeted by the
sight of his horse, surrounded by the entire
household-each contributing to render him
some assistance. A quart of warm ale was
given by one, another rubbed his neck and
chest with spirits, third dried his glossy
hide with warm flannel, and others patted
his neck or caressed his nose and face. The
doctor approached and took the head of his
beast against his breast, and great warm
tears rushed up from his heart as the long
graceful tongue Tapped his masters face.
"Oh John, my boy, and l gave you
blow I" and the words ended in low wall
ing groan. Men uncovered their heads
and turned their faces from him, and
at length led him inside, where he
spent the night. The morning revealed to
him the dreadful danger he had escaped,
from the sagacitY Of his beast, and again
did he grieve for the blow he had dealt him
when 80 nobly he was putting forth more
than human power.
Don John" never did days work from
that day. Sometimes his master rode him
forth on pleasure tour, or drove him be-
fore q light vehicle few miles with some
member of his family; but his professional
labors were over. Nothing could exceed
the care and attention that were ever given
him afterward. He fed from a manger
made of mahogany; his room was more a
parlor than stable, and company to the
Doctors always paid "Don John" visit
before they left.
Thus lived they many years, the Doctor
and his horse growing old together. "Don
John" survived his master some years, and
when the good mans will was opened,
there was found a clause appended, which
related to "Don John" to this effect That
he should be given to his youngest daught-
er, (Mrs. Morrson,) while she lived, TO be
cared for as he had always done; that he
should at his death be buried In his shoes,
wrapped in his own rich blanket, and en-
closed in BETTING box, in the corner of
his own burying ground. His wishes were
religiously respected, and two years after
learned this history, "Don Johns" bones
were buried in corner of the old Mosely
hurvinp pround at Whiteehorouoh