The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1888-06-07
DIR. DUDLEY'S FISHING.

LII. III DLE y IL 1Ol1INU,
1t was one of those hazy days il
August when the whole atmosphere
has smoky appearance. The sum.
rays were so toned and mellowed thai
| no shadows were cast. and faini
breeze was stirring that made the
leaves fiutter lazily.
just the day for bass fishing. Sc
thought DR.. Dudley, as he made his
way down steep bank to the edge Of
the 'soutlet'' near thevillage of the Lin.
den Springs, where he was spending
his summer vacation. Before him the
water spread out placidly, its surface
stirred only by the gentlest kind of a
''fisherman's ripple.''
DR.. Dudley was a man 80 years OF
age, large of stature, and with some.
what stern countenance. He was an
angler of consummate skill, as his
weIl-filled basket often showed. But
he pursued the sport with gravity
that was never disturbed by signs OF
exultation.
On this particular afternoon he had
just finished successful battle with a
vigorous three-pounder, and was pre-
pairing to cast his flies again, when the
sound of a>woman's voice coming from
a distance fell upon his ears. Looking
across the field he saw at the door OF
a farmhouse dress fluttering and a
handkerchief waving in the air. He
gazed steadily at the figure, which, il
was evident, was beckoning to him.
He started towards the house, and the
woman gave series of mods and made
earnest gestures.
''It is evidently case of distress, ''
he thought, ''or she would not hail a
stranger that way"
A walk of five minutes took him to
the farmhouse. The woman, who had
stepped within, emerged again as he
approached the door. She was about
so years of age, and gave signs OF
strong agitation.
t'Oh, sir, if it was not a case of life
or death would not have troubled
you. There is sick child upstairs,
and don't know but what she is diving.
am all alone with her, and thought
perhaps you would be so kind as to go
for the mother
"Where is the motherP"
AT the school house mile down
the road, where she teaches. You can
go into the barn and hitch horse to
the buggy and drive. And oh, sir,
please, please be quick about it, for
her mother is the only one who can
quiet her."
what is the matter with the child?''
asked DR.. Dudley.
81 hardly know. She has been sick
for week, and today is wild with a
high fever. don't think there is any
time to lose"
The woman's face was appealing al
most to desperation. DIR. Dudley con-
tempiated her with compassion break
ing through the sternness of his beard
ed face, and said:
'Let me see the child. l am physi-
cian."
"Oh. how fortunate. Perhaps you
will know exactly what to do
She led the way to an upper chamber
and DIR. Dudley followed her into the
sick-room. On the bed lay a 3-year-old
girl with flushed cheeks, and golden
curls straying over the pillow. The
eyes were closed, but the little form
was restless, and low murmurs of pain
came from the parted lips.
DR.. Dudley took hold of the fevered
hand and directed at the child that
searching, comprehensive look which
the real physician is wont to bestow on
his patients.
"Give me two tumblers of fresh
water" he said at length, and when
these were produced he dropped 8
small quantity of medicine into each.
With gentle and soothing touch he
changed the child's position and placed
o teaspoonful of the cool liquid be-
tween her lips. He then stood mo-
tionless and watched his patient
.'What do you think?" asked the wo-
man timidly.
But DIR. Dudley's face suddenly as.
sumed a startled look. He gazed at
the patient searchingly. ''What re-
semblancen he murmured under his
breath. Thus he stood for several
minutes, as if unconscious of the pres
ence of the woman, who at length re-
peated her inquiry.
81 beg your pardon" he exclaimed.
81 think I came just in time. The
child requires careful attention. What
is her mothers name?"
Mrs Murdock. She is widow,
and my husbands neice. After hel
husbands death she came with us to
board, and finally got position in the
district school,"
..Ah!" replied DR.. Dudley, who had
listened intently. "Well there is nc
need of frightening Mrs. Murdock. ]
will go to the barn and get the horse
and buggy ready and you drive to the
school-house. Tell Mrs. Murdock that
a physician is watching her child.
do not like to leave just yet, for every
symptom must be watched.
The arrangementwas carried out and
soon DIR. Dudley was alone with his pa.
tient. In the solitude of the sick-room
he gave himself up to profound thought
something seeming to have awakened
within him train of recollection.
1T must be she" he said to himself
1.-The child's face and the name make
it almost certain. How will we meet!
VIII she know me with my Drowned
skin and full heardp"
Meanwhile he administered medicine
at regular intervals, and soon had the
satisfaction of seeing the child sinh
into comparatively quiet slumber.
In half an hour the sound of ap
preaching wheels was heard. DIR
Dudley sprang to the window an6
looked out eagerly. ut is she!" ht
exclaimed, and then he awaited tht
young mothers arrival.
Mrs. Murdock entered the room
hurriedly. She was wonderfully beauti
full, though anxious and .agitated.
white dress, above it fair face with
dark, magnificent eyes these were
what any casual observer would have
seen; but DR.. Dudley saw more. Scene,
of the past came before him-of a time
when the whole love of his earnest
heart had been poured out upon Leons
Forrest; when he had thought she loved
him, time when hope had held out q
future of bright companionship and
when all things were bathed in the
light of a supreme joy. Then came g
darker picture-one of cloud darken
ing his hopes; of disappointment
deep sorrow, and a period Of dull des
leaiE. AtssExsEs sss followed aasMsgs