The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1877-06-12
WHO WAS THE FooLq


was nothing in this life to equal good
joke. He owned a small store, and kept
almost every article of domestic and ag-
ricultural use, and was pretty well ac-
quainted with all the townslpeople, 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 be-
yond the point of endurance.
The first of April was Mr.. Tops es-
pecial delight, and that was smart
child who could enter the store on that
day without being made 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 those
who sought to catch him had the
laugh turned on themselves.
A few days ago, as the first of April
approached, our merry friend looked
around to see who would be fit subject
for a joke.
must have a first-rate one this
time," said he to himself. who shall
it be? Let me think ah have it
DIR. Scroggins; yes, it shall be he. What
shall send-a love letterp No,h 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. S. &
B, 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 de-
light.
"I'll send him to New York on FOOLS
errand," said he, "and have good laugh
at his expense"
DIR. Scroggins, the subject of this heart
less joke, was a bachelor about forty
years of age; he had been living in the
village only six months, and had thus
far gotten very small practice; not that
he lacked ability; but he was awkward
in his person, and in his manners not
very prepossessing, was but little fitted
to push his way into society. He SEEM
ed to be very poor, for he rented small
office, supplied himself with the simplest
fare, and his lounge at night acted as his
bed.
The first day of April arose bright and
clear; DR.. Scroggins, who was an early
riser, prepared his simple breakfast, and
after partaking of it and arranging his
office, took seat to await expected calls
for consultation, or to request his attend
ance on some suffering invalid. But no
such calls were made, and the doctor
sighed heavily under the pressure of dis
appointment.
"What can hinder my progress? l
understand my profession" )" he said, Sin
not a single instance have failed to give
relief when called to the bed of suffering.
All, me If 1 only had myself to care
for, 1 would be contented to live on bread
and water till could gain the confidence
of the people. But you, my poor sister,
who have already drank deeply of the
cup of sorrow, must have more added to
it. And what can doy Nothingr'
The doctor pulled letter out of his
pocket and read:
''I would not trouble you, my dear,
kind brother," wrote his sister, "know-
ing, as l do, how poor your prospects
are, and how patiently you are trying to
wait for practice, did not want press on
my child. If you can spare me little
ever so little-it will come as blessing,
for my extremity is very great"
Just at this time theletter-carriers stop
ped and handed the doctor letter; he
opened and looked at it in perfect amaze
ment, then read it over for a second
time.
Something to my advantage! What
can 1t be y'' said he. Dear sister should
there he anything good in store for me,
how freely will share it with you and
your darling Emma! Surely the good
God has heard and answered my prayer.n
The doctor, who had little preparation
to make, started for the city, and Top,
who was on the lookout for him, could
scarcely hide his exultation at sending
off an inofensive man who could barely
support himself on needless errand of
expense and trouble.
The doctor, as he wended his way to
the city, was so fully possessed with the
idea that some old relative (for he had
several) had died and left him fortune
that he had, in Imagination, made vari-
GUS dispositions of IL before he arrived