Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-07-09
HOe-Handle Machine.

On bright, pleasant summer morning,
young man, with a silk muller around
his throat, and woe-begone look in his
pale face, piled the big knocker upon the
doctors dwelling. A lady answered the
summons, and informed the applicant that
the doctor was in his garden at work. Tc
the garden the young man went, where
he found the man of medicine engaged in
hoeing his sweet corn.
Well, sir,-and what is the matter?
the doctor asked, when the applicant had
stated that he had come for medical ad-
vice and assistance.
Well, doctor, with Il lugubrious face,
and whining, moaning tone, feel
POORLY all through. My head has spells
of aching; my appetite is poor; my food
does not set well and | am very weak.
Really, l need help.
Yes, see. Let me look at your tongue.
All! yes. Now-your pulse.
The pulse was felt, and after due deib-
GRAFTON, said the doctor:
Look you, young man, you do certainly
need help. Now, see; must attend an
important case at ten o'clock, and | must
have this corn hoed before 90. So while
| am gone TO make up a prescription for
you, do you take my hoe and 90 on with
my work here. You know how to use
hoe?
Yes, sir. My father was farmer; but
| haven't worked on farm since he died.
Nor you haven't worked much any
where else take it, the doctor threw in
| pleasantly.
No, sir; am not obliged to.
Very well. I'll warrant you the work
here won't hurt you, so 60 on with it until
come back.
With that the doctor trudged off, and
the young man went ut the work of hoe
ing. He hoed to the end Of the row. and
there removed the light muller from his
neck. Then he went at it again. Half
way down the second row he stopped and
looked up. but no doctor was in sight. AT
the end OF that row, rs the absent one had
not yet appeared, he pulled off his coat.
The third row he hoed more slowly stop
ping several times before the end was
reached; but he finished il and after Il
good rest, attacked the fourth row. There
was but one more row after this, and the
fancy seized him to have it done before
the old fellow got back. 1t would be a
surprise to him. The thought quickened
his pulses, and gave him renewed vim.
He had just completed the last hill of the
last row, when the doctor came back.
Well, well, my young friend, how are
you feeling now?
The patient really had to consider. He
had been looking to see what the physician
had brought with him of medicine; but
he had brought nothing. His hands were
empty. The work hasn't hurt you, has
itp
Oh, no, sir, his face glowing with the
exercise.
thought not. Let me feel of your
pulse again. He held the young mans
wlist for brief space, and then
1t has worked to charm. Now, sir
do you 90 home, and repeat this dose
twice day, every morning and every
afternoon; do it faithfully, and be homes
with your diet, don't use tobacco, and il
that does not work Il cure, come and let
me know. My fee, sir, is one dollar.
One - dollar? gasped the astounded
youth.
That is all | charge whom patients cal
at my door.
But, sir mercy's name! what is it for
Where is your prescription? What have
l taken Of yours?
My prescription, my dear young friend
l gave you before left you here with my
hoe; the medicine you have been taking il
my place-a health-giving portion which
should have enjoyed had | not given it VI
to YOU.
And now, dear, will tell you frankly
you are rusting out, literally tumbling tt
pieces for want of exercise of both bod,
and mind. That is all, sir. You can fol
low my prescription and be cured, or yo'
can take your own way.
The young man paid the dollar and wen
his way. Not then could he be cheerful
but afterwards, when he had allowed rea
son fair play, and had come to prove thu
life-saving and the new life giving virtues
of the DOCTORS prescription, he came ant
thanked him.-E.rchange.