The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1884-04-25

walls seemedto be all the old women of
the neighborhood, with their hands
folded and their faces drawn up into
solemn knots, ready to do duty as
mourners, at o moments warning. Oc-
casionally, one old woman at a time
would tip-toe softly to the bedside OF
the invalid, clasp her hands, roll up
her eyes, and return noiselessly to her
seat, perhaps remarking, in an audible
whisper, to her next neighbor, "poor
thingl she seems to be sinking" or
some other equally cheering bit of news.
In n corner of the room we're seated
two little boys, trying to look demnre
and sad. with their feet dangling in the
air. Finally, one ofthem slipped down,
and proceeded to pet a cat, which
seemed to be imbued with the general
feeling of silence pervading the apart
ment. But he wa Immediately called
to order by a rigid female, who had
mounted guard over him.
George" was shrieked in q harsh
whisper, come back to your seat!
Amt You ashamed to be playing when
your aunt Sally is almost dying! See
how much better Thomas behaves"
Thus admonished. the young culprit
returned to his scat beside his twin
brother, feeling that in some way, which
he did not exactly understand, he had
been instrumental in killing his aunt.
"Do you think she will be likely tc
last long?" was whispered in the doc
tors ears.
mot at this rate" he replied aloud.
advancing to the bedside of the patient.
Hefelt the pulse, and remarked, "It is
high. but it is owing more to unnecessary
excitement than to fever. This room
Is too warm and close; she must be
moved"
ooh, doctor! it will kill heri" was
whispered by one who seemed to be
commandments.
Did you send for me to prescribe
for this %patient?" demanded the doctor,
"Then / expect to have my orders
obeyed. What have you here?n and he
opened a door leading into an adjoining
room.
1t proved to be a parlor, one OF those
drear,y. unused parlors SO frequent
~ finds III the country, which are sell
dom opened except for funerals; it is
probable that this one would very soon
have been required for this purposeh had
it not been for our friends decision.
"This will do" remarked the doctor
authoritatively. "Open the windows to
air the room. and put up a bedstead as
quickly as possible; we will move her
at once. This close room, with SO
many to breathe the air. and all this
whispering is enough to kill a we'll per-
son."
There was an air of command in DIR.
nj nter's name which enforced
obedience, and mechanically, the wom-
en-, who had seemed almost like num-
mics, proceeded to execute his orders.
The sick lady was soon moved, and
quickly began to revive under the infu.
ence of the cool, fresh air. Her nu-
merous friends having nothing further
to do proceeded to arrange themselves
against the walls ofthe room.
Il cannot allow this" said the doc
tor You will undo all that I have
done. But II person at q time must
stay in the room with her. I wish her
to have pure air to breathe; md there
is to be no whispering here: if you have
anything to say, say it in NJ ordinary
tone"
And he held the door open in such a
decided way that all but the command
er-in-chief passed through.
"Boys youhad better go out to play"
he remarked, as George and Thomas
were b~unglingly trying to walk on tip
toe.
They needed no second admonition,
but We're soon rolling on the grass, and
our friend was thenceforth enshrined in
their hearts as a doctor"
The recovery of this patient was rap
id, and Dr.. Minter, in consequence, won
some reputation asa skilful practitioner
His prompt, decided manner had gained
for him the respect of those who had
been made to yield to his power, and
the result was some little practice.
Finally, another patient fell into his
hands, which proved to be OF the ut
most value to him.
Miss Dickford had been confined to
her bed for many years, and her case
had already baffied the skill of twelve
physicians. 1t had been her custom to
send for eT,ry new one who came into
the neighnorhood, and each one in turf
had doctored her for pretty much every
disease that human flesh is heir to, but
in vain; she was still burdened with
every imaginable pain and ache, and
was unable to turn without assistance.
Assistance, however. she always had in
very liberal quantities, as it was well
known she was possessed of a large for
tune, and it seems to be human nature
to %sympathize most deeply with those
who are thus situated. She had heard
of DR.. Minter's skill in the case thus
cited, and therefore sent for him. He
had also heard of her, and had made up
his mind that a diseased imagination was
the sole cause of her illness.
A drive of q few miles brought DR..
Minter to the residence of his new pa
tient. After he had carefully felt of her
pulse, examined her tongue, and made
a few inquiries, she languidly opened
her eyes, and asked in a suppressed
whisper. AS though she were almost
afraid of disturbing her own departing
spirit:
DO you think there is any hope for
me, doctor?"
Hope for you? Yes to be sure I do.
I will have you out in two or three
weeks, if you will only follow my direc-
tons faithfully. 1 saw several such
cases in the hospitals. All that is re-
CURED is apractitioner who understands
your disease, and on your part, perfect
obedience to his orders"
A faint smile fitted across the coun-
tenence of the invalid, and she found
the strength to shake her head slightly.
ooh, no, doctor, you do not know
how i'll I am if you have me ont in two
years yon will go beyond my sanguine
expectations"