Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1886-04-22

she seemed too superlatively lovely for
the blasting touch of Lightning; but
she was safe from this dread physical
evil. The binding flash and terrific
thunder peal had overpowered her to
Inconsistencies.
In his excitement the messenger had
made an erroneous statement. Not the
house but a stately elm had been struck
and cleft in twain. Miss Blanche had
lust opened the door to observe the
direful aspect Of the hour when the bolt
descended and she fell senseless in the
hallway.
The scene at the bedside was a strange
and sadly impressive one. At its foot
sat the venerable Judge lIungerford.-
Extreme age had impaired his once
brilliant faculties, and he was now
nearly an imbecile. At his side stood
Mrs. Hungerford, tall, severe-faced
woman, wearing somber, green goggles,
while from her neck hung an ostenta-
tious medal, indicating her membership
to some reform association.
The impression this remarkable
woman made upon me is lifelong and
unfading. The combination of arti-
fetal green eyes, a perfectly erect and
inhexible attitude, narrow head, with
acquiline nose and certain 'ndescrib-
able air of eager watchfulness called to
my mind hen eagle, erect on a crag,
and could compare her to nothing
else.
was astonshed to see in the moth
er of the beautiful Blanche such an
austere and unattractive person, but my
astonishment sub5idc1 when | learned
that she was my fair patients stepmoth-
err the Judges second wife.
After performing other duties of my
profession raised the suffering young
lady's head and proceeded to the use OF
restoratives.
Soon the beautiful patient opened
her eyes wonderln ly,murmu ed Thank
vou.' and then | suffered her noble
head to return to the pillow.
"Do you feel pain anywhere::' was
whispered.
She turned her eyes IN the direction
of her left shoulder.
raised the sleeve Of her robe, and
10! there Oh that alabaStcr arm, near
the shoulder, was the perfect imprint
of q tree.
The lightning fash had photograph
ed upon her fair skin the stricken elm
in miniature.
left further instructions as to the
care Of the charming young patient,
and then, in the face Of the feeble re-
monstrance of Judge Hungerford, |
took my departure.
In due time | heard of Blanche Hun
rerford's complete convalescencc, and
I must confess the agreeable tidlngs
gave me pleasure that was not alto
gether Of a professional character. She
was such sweet patient, and | had
never forgotten the look OF gratitude
she gave me when she whispered
''Thank you'll" Aud what is more de-
Hghtful to q mans heart than a CRATE
full expression from beautiful woman:
An increase of reputation opened up
a way for me to what l had so long
and ardcntly desircd-a city practice.
I became associated with the distn-
puished and beloved DR.. Bartholomew,
and upon his decease l succeeded to his
LARGE and lucrative medical clienta9e.
Upon several occasions | had con-
fevrcd with my esteemed professional
brethren upon the subject of lightning
photography, and, mentioning no names
out of delicate motives, | cited the case
of handsome young woman who was
prostrated by the electric fluid. The
bolt blasted contiguous elm tree, and
the tree was perfectly and artlstlcally
photographed upon her arm. | found
that cases were not unfrequent where
inanimate objects had been photograph
ed by lightning upon animate ones
One surgeon vouched for case where
black oak, thunderrlven, was pho
tographed upon the flank Of a white
horse.
Musing upon this subject one cold
winter evening, | was summoned to
the door by the captain of the police
precinct. His business was thrilling
and altogether too sorrowful. The
fast express, behind time and running
a mile minute, had been derailed by
a displaced switch on the outskirts OF
the city.
The destruction and mutilation had
been friphtful. The st. Mary's hospi-