The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1879-07-29
THE DOCTORS SECRET.

4 the practice Of medicine in one of our
largest cities, before L met with any
serious adventures. One night, as was
returning home through lonely, un-
frequented part Of the city at a late hour,
from patient had been with since
noon of that day, and whom was now
permitted to leave by reason of favora-
BILE change, was suddenly stopped in a
dark, gloomy, out-of. the-way spot, by a
gruff, coarsely- dressed man.
You're doctor ?" he both announc-
ed and inquired in the same words.
/ am"
I" ] want you to come with me, then ~
he said, in tone that indicated the
matter was already settled in his own
mind, however it might be in mine.
'I cannot, tonight" |" / answered,
with positive emphasis; "I am all
wearied out, and anxious to get home"
"Yes your doctors are always wearied
out when poor man wants you ~ said
the fellow, with a threatening growl
but only let some snob's wife's
poodle dog need looking to, and you find
your way there at any hour of the day
or night Well, Pm no snob, thank
Heaven and I've got money enough to
pay your fee. I've tried half-a-dozen
doctors already; and none of them will
come-and so you see L can't let you
off,"
"But, really"
&C See here, DOCTOR" interrupted the
fellow, producing knife, and flashing
the blade by quick flourish before my
eyes, I'm a desperate man, and might
be pushed to do a wicked deed. Every
man sets certain value on his own
life, and also on the life of his best and
dearest friend. You know how much
your life's worth to you, and know
how much another's life is worth to
me; and fore Heaven I swear, if you
attempt to go and leave my friend to die,
I'll put this knife into you'll"
1t was an open space VIII ere he stood,
about half way between two new blocks
of buildings that were not yet tenanted.
looked up and down the street, but not
soul was in sight
"Where do you wish me to go2" L
inquired.
80 down here a piece" said he,
jerking his shoulder. "Come on, be-
fore it's too late."
He passed his arm through mine,
without SO much as "by your leave"
and began to move away, of course
taking me with him.
els your friend male or female ?"
"She's woman"
L breathed freezer, for somehow L al
ways experienced degree of security
among the opposite sex, even among
the most depraved and abandoned.
"What is the matter with her, and
how long has she been sick ?" I ques-
toned.
"About three or four hours ago she
gave birth to a child that didn't live but
minute, and since then she's been
having fits,'' was the reply.
"Was there no physician with her
when the child was born ?" asked.
"No 1 couldn't get one for love or
money. An old woman, neighbpr,
came in and did what she could. Do
you think as how you can save her,
doctor 2" inquired the man, in a husky
tone.
"I cannot say, of course, but will
promise to do the best can.'
90 do, do, and Heaven will bless you
for !" he rejoined, in a tone that ex-
pressed more deep and earnest feeling
than had supposed was in his nature.
L began to be interested; the man
might be better than L thought; some
poor fellow, perhaps, who had been the
football of fortune, and had not receiv-
ed his deserts.
rs the woman your wife ?" kindly
inquired.
I believe he heard me; but as he did
not answer, concluded not to repeat
the question.
We soon turned into some sma all,
mean, dark, narrow streets, where none
but the poorer classes live. We now
walked forward in silence-the man,
who had hold of my arm as if he was
afraid might otherwise give him the
slip, taking long rapid strides, and caus-
ing me no little exertion to keep step
with him.
At lenght he turned into dark court,
where could see nothing but few
dingy buildings on either side; and 1