The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1890-09-17
A STARTLING ADVENTURE.

was medical student in Paris at
the time the strange and startling adj
venture happened which am about to
record. Tired with long lectures and
hard study, l was out one evening for a
walk in the fresh air. 1t was a pleasant
night in mid winter, and the cold, brac-
ing air, as it touched my feverish brow,
caused a grateful sensation.
Passing through q rather lonely street
near the river, was surprised at meeting
a young and pretty girl-at least she so
appeared in the dim light of rather
distant street lamp-who carried in her
hand some three or four bouquets, which
she offered for sale.
''Will monsieur have a bouquet" she
asked, in sweet, musical tone, holding
out to me well-arrauged collection OF
beautiful flowers.
"They are very pretty" said 1, taking
them in my hand; and then, somehow, /
could not help adding, as l fixed my
eyes upon hers, "And so, think, is
their fair owner"
"Monsieur will purchase and assist
meG" she said.
"Do you, then, really need assistance,
mademoisellel"
"Why else should be here at this
hour of the night, monsieurl"
"And why here at all9" quickly re-
turned |. "This street is little frequent
ed, and is about the last in the world
should have selected for disposing of a
luxury most suited to wealth and fash
ion."
She sighed and reached out her hand
for the bouquet, which l still retained.
"What is your price1' said 1.
"Five francs"
"A large sum-"
"Monsieur will remember it is winter,
and flowers are not plentiful"
"To aid you will purchase, returned
], handing her the requisite silver coin
"for, though love flowers, would
otherwise hardly indulge in the luxury
tonight at such an expense"
She thanked me, and seemed about to
pass on, but hesitated, looked up at me
and said:
could monsieur direct me to the
house of a good physician, who would
turn out tonight and see patient for O
small recompense"
"Any friend of yours illl"
"My mother!" with a deep sigh and
downcast look.
"Where does she reside9"
"Only short distance from here"
"What is the matter with herr"
"She has high fever, for one thing. y
"When was she takenl"
"She came down last night, and has
not left her bed since"
"Why did you not send for a doctor
once2"
"We hoped she would get better soon,
and 1t is so expensive for poor people to
employ physician"
al am myself medical student, with
considerable experience among the sick
of the hospitals, and if you are disposed
TO trust the case to me, am at your ser.
vice without charge" l rejoined, already
feeling deeply interested in the fair girl.
"Oh, how shall | thank monsieurl
she exclaimed, with clsspedhands, and
an upward, grateful look. "Pray, fol
low me, Monsieur lie Docteur.h
She turned at once and moved off at @
rapid pace down the street toward the
River Seine in the directionI was walk.
ing when we met.
In less than five minutes we had en-.
tered wretched quarter, among narrow
streets, old, tottering buildings, and
squalid looking inhabitants, some Of
whom seemed to glare at us as wepassed
along.
"Is it much furtherl" inquired /, be-
ginning to feel uneasy.
"Only step, monsieur. 1t is just
here"
Almost Immediately she turned into &
covered passage, which led in back
among habitations that l should inevel
have voluntarily visited in the broad
light of day. A distant lamp justserveC
to make the gloom visible, till she sud
denly stopped and opened a door into
total darkness.
"Your hand, Monsieur 10 Docteur,
she said, at the same timetaking it ant
leading me forward.
was tempted to draw back and re
fuse to goany further, though l mechani
cally followed her.
We now went through along, narrow
passage, in total darkness, and, after two
OF three short turns, began to descend
flight of creaking stairs.
SIS it possible you live in place lik
thisi" said I, secretly wishing mysel
safely out of it.
''In Paris beggars cannot be choosers,
replied the girl.
"But even in Paris it is not necessary
for the living to take up their abodes il
sepulcherS" l rejoined with some as
penty, being vexed at myself for suffer
ing my good nature to lead me into der
from which l might never come ou
alive.
To this my fair guide deigned no reply
On reaching the foot of the stairs sh,