The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1886-03-03
Doctor George.

DOCtUG UtOTRts
About the only earthly possession OF
any value George Hixson had on his
twenty-second birthday was a hand
some diploma of parchment, tied up
with blue ribbon. The diploma was
from a medical college of very high
standing, and George had worked hard
and faithfully for four years for that
diploma. That he deserved it, made it
valuable possession.
He had with it a good deal of capital
in the shape of courage, enthusiasm,
faith in himself and the world. He
was honest, manly and patient, and
could begin life at the right end of the
ladder.
He was so poor that he had to walk
part way from the college to his old
home, the village of Sharon.
The first man he met at the end of
his tiresome journey was old Enoch
Lampson, man who had known George
from the day of his birth.
How de do, George, how de do?
Home again, eh?" was the old mans
greeting.
eyes, SIR replied George; -" home
to stay this time"
&C So yer full-hedged pill-maker an
ready to 90 into partnership with old
Billy, our graveyard sexton, hey?"
asked the old man, with poor wit
George felt disposed to resent this,
but he did not.
Ye don't calc'late on settlin' down
here in Sharon, do ye?'' continued old
Enoch.
eyes, sir, 1 do"
Vol
that, George
Why shouldn't / begin here?"
asked the young man. 6 / hear that
old DR.. Edmunds has died lately, and
that no one has yet come to take his
place. Why should not do so? 1 am
young"
That's hit George, that's HIT" in
terrupted old Enoch, I" yer too young.
That's jist whar the shoe pinches.
Leastwise, that's one place whar it
pinches. 'Nuther thing is that
that
The old man scratched his head in
evident confusion. He looked keenly
at the young man, whose face began to
flush.
WAL" resumed the old man, "you
know as well as anybody, George, jist
what yer family connections is; you
know that"
81 know it so well that you need not
take the trouble to enlighten me any
further on the subject!' replied the
young man, very quickly.
{" know to my sorrow that my father
was common drunkard, and that | am
generally known as old Joe Hixson's
son. | know that my eldest brother
followed in my fathers footsteps, and
was killed in a drunken brawl in this
town. My other brother has gone to
the bad, too. But l know, and you
know, too, Mr.. Lampson, that my
mother was as good woman as ever
lived through years of shame and suf.
fering, to die at last of broken heart u
"That's even so, George" admitted
the old man. 81 knowed your mother
when she was purity Mary Jackson
fore it was ever her misfortune to
know yer reprobate father; an she was,
as you say, as good a woman as ever
drawed breath; but hits yer fathers
name you've got, an the name o.
Hixson don't STAN very high in these
parts. But I'll say for you, George
that 1 haint word to say agin you
pussonally an individooly. l am free
ter say an b'leeve that yer of mind to
do what's right, an that you want tel
raise yer name far 'bove the o'jeeum
that's now on hit"
:" do want that" was the young
mans earnest reply, and it's strange
if the Christian people of this town re,
fuse to give me help and encourage.
ment. My own record here is clear-I
am not ashamed TO have it read OF
course / am young, and most people
are little afraid of young physicians
but all physicians were young once
and l must have beginning, you
know"
"Now have studied faithfully, care.
fully, even prayerfully, for four Ions
educating myself. No one knows Of
the deprivations / have had to suffer
for this" and he held up his diploma as
he spoke.
81 have earned it," he went on. "It
is my own by right of four years of hare
study. OF course know of the oppo
sition l will probably meet with in the
beginning. / am young; know more OF
theory than of practice, so far. Blu
there are several reasons why ] want tC
locate here in my boyhoods home.
am bound to win in the end, you will
see that | do"
oval, George, I hain't thing agin
you, myself. | wish you well, as fur as
Pm concerned. Yer gritty; / remem
Der that you had that streak in you
when you was but little youngster
But I'd jist made up my mind that I't
tell you fair an square what the
chances wuz fur an agin you here"
81 am greatly obliged, Pm sure,
said George, "but | was prepared fol
all you have told me. / feel that
shall succeed in the end. Commit thy
way unto the Lord Trust also in him
and he shall bring it to pass There il
the foundation of nv faith and courage