Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1892-12-22
THE BOON OF SILENCE.

THE BOON OF SILENCE.
And so Peter Martin reluctantly
came to the conclusion that he would
have to consult physician. He had
never been to a physician in his long
life, and to have to go now was bitter
to him. 1t was a luxury. He felt
he couldn't afford it. A man who
keeps Il $l0-a-week family on So has a
hard time Of it in this world. For
30 years the roar Of the city had been
in his ears, and he had had no vaca-
tions. so it,was just his luck to
stumble into the office of the most eX-
pensive doctor IN the metropolis, IL
the servant had seen him he would
not have got into the presence OF the
great doctor, but Martin, knowing
nothing of how man whose time is
worth $40 a minute is hedged in, and
happening to come when the last pa
tient was undergoing examination,
walked right from the street. and by
good luck, to the infinite astonish-
ment Of doctor and patient, stumbled
into the consulting room.
There is something wrong with
me-" he said fumbling with his hat.
IL don't know just what it is, so
thought / should see doctor. Which
of you is it,"
The patient waved his hand to
ward the great specialist, aud Mar
tin turned his pathetic, appealing
glance toward him.
''See what's wrong with him." said
the patient in whisper, who was
evidently impressed with the humOr
Of the situation. He thought it
funny that so evidently poor man
should consult a physician whose fees
amounted into huudreds-
The doctor asked many questions,
and examined his new patient care
fully. Then he stood away and looked
at him moment.
There is nothing radically wrong
with YOU What you need is absolute
quiet. Medicine will not do you any
good. Get out of the roar Of the city
for couple Of weeks or month, il
possible. Go into the country, Ia
some farmhouse. That's all you
need.'
Peter Martin sat down with sigh
of exhaustion.
II cannot get away" he said; 81
would lose my place, and, besides,
can't afford it, , 1 get only So a
week"
"Ah, am sorry for you," said the
doctor; 1--WE have no prescription f0I
poverty"
The wealthy patient put his hand
in his pocket and drew out some
money.
Here" he said, 'that will help
you to little vacation"
Peter shook his head. He was too
nervous and shaky to draw himself
up Indignantly, as perhaps he should
have done.
81 have never taken any money
that i did not earn" he said, 'and
I'm too old to begin. How much is
your fee?" he asked, looking at the
specialist.
II usually get % cents" answered
the great man; that is, of course,
where don't give any medicine
'Of course said Peter simply,
drawing out his lean purse and paying
over the coin.
"Good-morning, gentlemen" And
with that Martin tremulously de-
parted.
"You did that nicely" said the
- fx.1lA.Ky h ~,
and try to smooth over my blunder" F"
'-Are you going to experimenttwith
him9@
perhaps"
Martin, as he walked slowly down
the street, felt a touch on his shoul-
der. He turned and saw the man Swho
had been with the doctor,
II you come with me, / think can
help you. Will you,step into my caf~
riage?"
Somewhat reluctaRtly Peter did sa
He did not like the nan, hut there
was something in his dark glance that
compelled obedience. When the car
riage stopped Martin was taken into
a house that was luypriously fur
nished.
"Sit down." said the stranger.
nNow let me understand thoroughly
about your occupation.
Martin told him all about it and
the stranger listened patiently
pIf j understand you, then. your
hearing Is of no use to you 10 your
buslness-that u.s. IL depends on your
sight only. il you were deaf you
could still hold your place Am /
rightS"
'Quite right" answered Peter
"Well, then, 4 want to try an ex.
pertinent on you. j think it will help
you, in any case it will do you no
harm. DO you consent?"
ssIf IL will helm me.U