The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1890-08-14
A TIMELY RESCUE.

Doctor Chester, hurrying along the
upper part of New York still only half
finished seemingly with years of in
completeness before it. saw. as he
picked his way through the mud of an
unpaved crossing, sight that made
him furious.
Some eight or nine boys--not the
children of the poor, but well-dressed
little fellows from the Queen Ann
residences and well-appointed apart
ment houses of the eighborhood-
stoning man who sat among the rub
bish of a new excavation abandoned
for the time by the workmen, and who
seemed to be quite innocent of any
OffenSe against them.
So far the stones had been physically
harmless insults. But even as he
looked one flung by the largest boy of
the crowd struck the man upon the
head and wounded it. The blood
gushed forth. and the boys, frightened
at last by what they had done, dis
persed in all directions, and were out
of sight before the doctor. even with
his long strides, had reached the spot.
These imps have hurt you" be said,
w tl tlC llidIi, WIN dS u lHS
to staunch the blood with the fragment
of an old handkerchief.
Yes" said the man. ut looks
cowardly to sit here and stand it, l
suppose, but fellow in clothes like
mine would soon get himself arrested
if he punished BOYS like that as they
deserved. It's bad world for empty
pockets"
That's true" said the doctor. See
here, l always have some sticking
plaster in my pocket. FL fix the cut
for you" And taking off his gloves
he produced the little case with its
plaster and scissors, and skilfully
dressed the wound.
II suppose you are out of employ
ment?" he said when he had finished.
Il am out of everything" said the
man; work, money, health. friends
and luck and food and shelter just
now. l wonder l haven't made hole
in the water. Why men live when
there is nothing to live for is one of the
mysteries of this life"
I'VE all have something to live for. ="
said the doctor, though hungry
man don't think so. You are young
and strong. Be temperate and you'll
feel well again. Let me help you out
for to-day, and after you've eaten and
slept come to me. I'll give you some
work-rough workout it will be a
start-if you want it, and come to ME
sober tomorrow"
Thank YOU" said the man. risingi
land God bless you. If / don't come
sober, I'll not come at all. But think
I'll come.
He took the dollar that the doctor
gave him with his card, and bowed in
a way that proved that he had not al
ways been in his present position. The
doctor obeyed the impulse Of the mo-
ment, and with smile, offered the
man his hand. He saw that this was
no ordinary tramp, for that sort OF
creature there was no hope and no
help. He is so vile that he scarcely
deserves mercy, and the doctor knew
it well; but to this man n friendly hand
grasp was good medicine. 1t had its
effect. A light came into the dull eyes,
a smile moved the mouth.
Il cannot express my obligation for
your kindness, he said earnestly.
So they parted. The doctor felt
touched. and was rather pleased with
himself and little further on, meet
ing boy he recognized as one of the
poor mans assailants he took him by
the ear and gave him lecture. threat
ening to take him to his father and ex-
pose his conduct However, ne did
not do it, nor did the boy fear that he
would
Il didn't throw the stone that cut
the fellow" he said. 1T was Tibbs."
How would Tibbs like to be ar
rested. ask him?" said the doctor.
Then he walked on and the incident
faded into insignificance! After all. it
was unlikely that the man would come
to him.
The doctor was very popular man
in the upper part of the city, and his
day was well filled. He was, besides,
bent on two missions. both important
ones. He was about to make an offer
of his hand and heart to lady OF
whose feelings he had very little doubt,
and be intended to deposit in a certain
bank sum of money which he carried
about his person. 1t was large one
the half-yearly salary he had re-
ceIved from the managers of an orphan
| asylum TO which he was physician.
Such sum would endapger 4 mans
life if he were known to have it about
him as he walked across the newly-cut
streets or past blocks of vet untenanted
houses. But then who knew? And