The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1880-04-08
A PRATICAL JOKE.

| every article or domestic and agricultural
use, and was thereby pretty well ae-
quainted with all the towns-people, as
they were likewise well acquainted with
him.
Mr.. Top had played SO many pranks
on the people around him that he would
have rsade 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 a smart
child who could enter his 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 years ago, as the first day OF
April approached, our merry friend
looked around to see who would be
fitting subject for joke.
Il must have a first rate one this
time" said he to himself. "Who shall
it be2 Let me think ah / have it-Dr.
Scroggins; yes, it shall be he. What shall
l 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. sCRoGGISs, Dear Sir:-Please call as
early as possible at Messrs. B. s. SIS, No
| Wall st. New York, where you will hear some
thing to your advantage
Then, folding aud directing the letter,
he snapped his fingers with childish de-
light.
"Ill send him to New York on fools
erraud," said he, "and have good laugh
at his expense"
DR.. Scroggins, the subject of this
heartless joke, was a batchelor about
forty years Of age. He had been living
III the village only six months, and had
thus far gotten a very small practice; not
that he lacked ability, but he was awk-
ward in his person, and in his manner
| not very prepossessing, 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 fare, and his lounge acted as his
bed at night.
The first of April rose bright and clear.
Dr. Scroggins, who was an early riser,
prepared his simple breakfast, and after
partaking of it and arranging his Office,
took his seat to wait expected calls for
| consultation, or to request his attendance
on some suffering invalid. But no such
calls were made and the doctor sighed
heavily, under the pressure of disap-
pointment.
"What can hinder my progress! 1
understand my profession" he said; Gin
not single instance have 1 failed to give
relief when called to the bed of suffer-
ing. Ah, me If had only myself to
! Il
bread and water till 7 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 l do
Nothing -
The doctor pulled a letter out of his
! 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 to wait
for practice, did not want press on me
and my child. If you can spare me
little--ever so httle-it will come as
blessing, for my extremity is very great.
Just at this time the letter carrier
stopped and handed the doctor letter.
He opened aud looked at it in perfect
amazement, then read it over for the
second time.
Something to my advantage What
can it be said he. dear sister, should
there be anything 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
The doctor, who had little preparation
to make, started for the city, and Top,
who was on the lookout for him, could
hardly hide his exultation at sending off
an inotfensive 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
severaN had died and left him fortune.
that he had, IN imagination, made various
dispositions of it before he arrived at the
end of his journey.
Can | see one of the gentlemen be-
longing to the firm r. asked the doctor
entering the store of S. & B.
There is Mr.. S." said the individual
addressed, referring him to a middle
aged, but benevolentlooking man.
The doctor bowed to Mr.. S., and said:
"Wiil you walk in and take chair,
sirg"
Both gentlemen sat down. About Mr..
5. there was an air of expectancy, which
the doctor did not fail to notice.
MY name is DR.. Scroggins," said he
repeating his first introduction.
ST am glad to see you, DOCTOR" said
5. bowing again.
Il received letter from your house
directing me to call here, as you had
something to communicate which would
be to my advantage"
There must be some mistake" said
ar. D, mo such letter has emenated