The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1893-06-23

were OF rare occurrence IN Gne colony.
=
His form grew emaciated; his voice,
though still rich and sweet, had a GER
tain melancholy prophecy of decay in it.
He was often observed on any slight
alarm or other sudden accident to put
his hand over his heart, with first q
flush and then a paleness, indicative Of
pain.
Such was the young clergyman's con-
dition, and so imminent the prospect
that his dawning light would be extin-
guished, all untimely, when Roger
Chillingworth made his advent to the
town. His first entry on the scene, few
people could tell whence, dropping
down, as it were, out of the sky or
starting from the neither earth, had an
aspect of mystery which was easily
heightened to the miraculous. He was
now known to be man of skill. 1t was
observed that he gathered herbs and
the blossoms of wild flowers, and
dug up roots and plucked off twigs from
the forest trees, like one acquainted
with hidden virtues in what was value
less to common eyes.
He was heard to speak of Sir Kenelm
Digby and other famous men-whose
scientific attainments were esteemed
hardly less than supernatural-as hay
ing been his correspondents or associates.
Why, with such rank in the learned
world, had he come hither? What could
he, whose sphere was in great cities, be
seeking in the wilderness? In answer
to this query rumor gained ground
and, however absurd, was entertained
by some very sensible people-that
heaven had wrought an absolute miracle
by transporting an eminent doctor of
physic from a German university bodily
through the air and setting him down
at the door of Mr.. Dimmesdale's study
Individuals of wiser faith, indeed, who
knew that heaven promotes its purposes
without aiming at the stage effect of
what is called miraculous interposition,
were inclined to see providential hand
in Roger Chillingworth's so opportune
arrival.
This idea was countenanced by the
strong interest which the physician ever
manifested in the young clergyman; he
attached himself to him as parishioner,
and sought to win friendly regard and
confidence from his naturally reserved
sensibility. He expressed great alarm
at his pastors state of health, but was
anxious to attempt the cure, and, if
early undertaken, seemed not despond-
ent of a favorable result. The elders,
the deacons, the motherly danes and
the young and fair maidens of Mr.. Dim
mesdale's flock were alike importunate
that he should make trial of the physi-
clans frankly offered skill. Mr.. Dim
mesdale gently repealed their entreaties.
ST need no medicine" said he.
But how could young minister
say so when, with every successive Sab
bath, his cheek was paler and thinner
and his voice more tremulous than be-
fore-when it had now become con.
slant habit, rather than a casual gesture,
to press his hand over his heart? Was
he weary of his labors? Did he wish to
die? These questions were solemnly pro-
pounded to Mr.. Dimnesdale by the elder
ministers of Boston and the deacons of
his church, who, to use their own phrase,
"dealt with him" on the sin of rejecting
the aid which providence so manifestly
held out. He listened in silence and
finally promised to confer with the ply
stefan.
''Were it Gods WILL" said the Rev
erend Mr.. Dimmesdale, when, in fulfill
ment of this pledge, he requested old
Roger Chillingworth's professional ad-
vice, 81 could be we'll content that my
labors, and my sorrows, and my sins, and
my pains should shortly end with me,
and what is earthly of them be buried
in my grave and the spiritual go with
me to my eternal state, rather than that
you should put your skill to the proof in
my behalf"
"Ah," replied Roger Chillingworth,
with that quietness which, whether i'm
posed or natural, marked all his deport-
ment, sit is thus that young clergy
man is apt to speak. Youthful men,
not having taken deep root, give VI
their hold of life so easily! And sanity
men, who walk with God ON earth,
would fain be away to walk with him
on the golden pavements of the New
Jerusalem"
"Nay," rejoined the young minister,
putting his hand to his heart, with a
flush of pain fitting over his brow,
''were worthier to walk there could
be better content to toll here"
''Good men ever interpret themselves
too meanly," said the physician.
In this manner the mysterious old
Roger Chillingworth became the med
ical adviser of the Reverend Mr.. Dim
mesdale. AS not only the disease in
terested the physician, but he was strong
ly moved to look into the character and
qualities of the patient, these two men,
so different in age, came gradually to
spend much time together. For the
sake of the minister's health and to en-
able the leech to gather plants with
healing balm in them, they took long
walks on the seashore or in the forest;
mingling various talk with the plash
and murmur of the waves, and the
solemn wind anthem among the tree
tops. Often, likewise, one was the guest
of the other in his place of study and
retirement.
Thus Roger Chillingworth scrutinized
his patient carefully, both as he saw
him in his ordinary life, keeping an &C
customed pathway in the range of
thoughts familiar to him, and as he ap-
peared when thrown amid other moral
scenery, the novelty of which might call
out something new to the surface of his
character He deemed il essential IL