The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1886-01-15
Q U E ER ST RY.
An ABSCONDIS0 BANKRUPT.
(COnciuded nert reck.)

well.read, and, in fact, he had only Just man.
aged to scrare through the qualifying e1amin-
ations. But he did not aspire to scientific
distinction, and took no higher view of his
calling than to regard it as n means by which
he might possibly make fortune. He consid-
cred that he would only he wasting valuable
timo by seeking hospital appointment for the
sake of gaining experience. Instead, therefore.
of going through the routine Of = yonrr doc.
tors early career, he took the bold step Of rent
ing the ground floor of a large house in fash
ionable quarter, and setting up Immediately as
consulting physician. lie was shrevd enough
to perceive that he was best qualified to succeed
in that branch OF practice, being at heart q
mere charlatan. lie had acquired the art Of
making great show of smattering Of knowl-
edge; he had carefully cultivated a bland and
impressive manner, and he thoroughly realized
that The great secret Of amassing wealth is to
be INSCRIPTIONS in the matter of fees an
never to release u patient while he can be i'm
posed upon by humbug. AS though to ai his
ambitious designs nature had endowed him
with good presence, high and shining fore
head, which was enhanced by premature bald
ness, and soft, melodious voice.
He found it uphill work at first, Of course:
but he had real cause for dissa ,isfao,ion.
lie went rs much as possible into society and
made useful friends. lie was always particu-
lary careful to be polite aud attentive to the
wives and daughters of physicians in good
practice. In fact, he showed his sagacity by
asslduously couring the sufrages Of lady
acquain'ances. The consequence vas that
patients soon made their appearance, while
neighborng doctors, owing to domestic influ-
ence. found many opportunities Of puttig stray
guincas into his pocket. In very short time
l. contrivcd to gain the reputation Of having
e''Ntshed a practice, and soon came to be
''s''"s as a rising man.
~ o"'ence Jones did not hide his light
unuer " pus-el, but was rather addicted to
o'"''"s ~ "' success. Some Of his profess
s'oh"l orethreh lied at this, knowing from
experience how sio"snd laboriou. i, tho work
Of making remune..ive practice But the
"'suom oi HIS 'actics W" proved by tho fact
that even these sceptics han - ,r.nio;o ~.
real condition Of affairs. The -r,, ~,
at the end of three years Dr. IoL, e, =, h;,,-
selC hopecssly in debt, his profe. :, q, ..,-
ings having fallen far short evory ~ &c ~.
modest requirements. His practice was .,rs,..
Ing, TO be sure, and in nil human proba,n-
the time not far distant when it would yit,
him q decent income but meanwhile. just q.
it was more than ever necessary to keep up
appearances, bankruptcy and ruin stared him
in tho face. lie had spent his small capital
creditors were pressing, and he was literally
reduced to providing for his daily wants by
surreptitiously pawning his personal effects.
In such circumstances All elastic conscience
is often useful ally. Young DR.. Jones having
no scruples whatever his liabilities wa.
enabled to devote all his energies to the diff
cu, task Of cvaiing them. lie was quite un
moved by his tailor's pathetic appeals, while h'
succeeded by sound argument in convincing
that long g-sufering individual that his onl
chance Of getting paid was to wait. But hi
powers of reasoning and persuasion, though
eilcacous in some cases, often proved un.vail
ing so that the air became darkened with writ
and Legal processes The poor young man wa
thus fairly driven to his wits end, and saw n
alternative but to make known his embarrass
mcnts, and thereby jcopardizel the success
which hal almost seemed to be within his grasp
One morning DR.. Jones WAS goomily sente
in his consulting room, waiting for patients
when there came knock at the door. and
little. shabby y-dressed, bright t-eyed, elderly ma
was presently ushcrcd in. DR.. Jones greete
his visitor with mingled feelings, being disap
pointed of patient, ye. relieved to find h
was not a sheriff officer.
How arc you, Mr. Graves p he said, in
snctively adopting the condescending tone o
n physician towards general practitioner
'What can do for you?'
Nothing, thanks, said the little man. brisk
ly but you can do yourself turn, if you ar
go disposed
What do you mean o inquired DR.. Jones,
trhe taken back.
Dalmyrc has asked me to 90 up 10 IIghbury
to give y certificate of insanity, and, IA he sup
acstcd that you might also be willing to tax
the job, called to carry you along with me,
returned Pr Graves, putting his hands unde
his coar-tail>, and warming himself before tn
fire.
Well, am always glad to oblige DIR. la
myrc, but pom my word it is rather inconvt
nient.' said DR.. Jones with importance, bu
avoiding his companion twinklng eyes. :
expect half dozen people horc. Just th
busiest time in the day too, ho added, gancin
ut his watch.
They haven come yet, and as the weathc
is bal, darcsay they'll put i. of till toner
row, said Little Mr. Graves, with quiet smil
Where did you say the place wass' IIigl
bury That is long way oif said Dr. Jone.
cndct@orin& to look quite unnoved.
We shall be hack in less than half nh hour
My carriage IL Mt the door, returned Nj