Middletown transcript., 1894-08-11
Mistaken
Identity
The Reporter who was Supposed to
be a Scientist,

Dc SClentlSt,
In the morning Of q sultry July day
Professor Botkine Of the University of
California was sitting on his front steps
OF Berkeley.
He was delightedly watching the ef-
forts of his pet toad to capture very
large angleworm, and his enjoyment
was enhanced by the fact that his beau
tiful German wife, who usually declin-
ed to interest herself in anything which
she even suspected Of connection with
science, was seated beside him, giving
eager little pressures to his hand and
uttering pleased exclamation in her
pretty foreign accent whenever the toad
made an extra effort
The worm gave little wriggle as 1t
began to come cut of the ground, when,
quick as FASH the toad made leap
and seized the end Of the worm in its
mouth.
Then began the tug Of war. But the
toad was not to be discouraged. 1t jerk
ed and jerked until it fairly stood on
its hind legs Still 1t could not dis
lodge the worm.
At this interesting point train whis-
tied
why, Selma said the professor,
"there Is the train already! had quite
forgotten that must go to the city to-
day. Where is my hatr'
''Do wait an instant, dear. Just see
what that toad is DOING" she answer
ed. holding him back.
He glanced down and saw the toad
twisting its legs about until the worm
was wrapped twice around 1t. Then the
toad gave a hop, and out came the
worm. This had been too fascinating q
spectacle to the unwary professor. He
dashed into the house and back again,
kissed his wife, and, with regretful
glance at her rippling hair and soft blue
eyes, started off.
Suddenly he rushed back
"Why, DEAR" he cried, II forgot to
tell you that Mr.. Smith. the Canadian
who wrote the paper on bacteria, will
be here this afternoon to stop day or
two. He may come before am back. "
She clasped her hands in mock de-
spair.
''Oh, don't be alarmedi just let him
have a good soaking in bathtub.
Then he will come ont perfectly human
and happy. He's an Englishman, You
know"
She grew sober as she thought how
yuthlessly science and scientists seemed
to dog her unwilling footsteps Her hus-
band certainly loved her, but he had a
way Of becoming utterly absorbed in
his studies and then bursting into her
reflections with remarks which sounded
perfectly ghoulish.
Now here was this Canadian coming!
And how was she to be properly in
terested In his old bacteria and not dis
grace her husband by betraying her
ignorance on the subject? she asked her
self.
Manifestly he must take bath, and
everything possible must be done to
make the bathroom attractive, 50 that he
would stay there as long as possible She
went up stairs, and her own dtmpled
hands got down q new cake Of perfumed
soap.
She eyed 1t critically. Perhaps his Sc
we're scientific mind would be disguised
with such efeminate luxury.
She would place beside 1t cake Of
white CASTLE Then, whatever his tastes,
be must be pleased
She put the alcohol and cologne
q
and rough tow els and bath blanket
saw that the shower bath worked, and,
with sigh Of relief, went down stairs |
to impress the cook that during the en-
tire afternoon there must be plenty Of
hot water in the boiler.
Suddenly a happy thought struck her.
She went into her husbands study and
brought out every book on bacteriology
that she could find. These she ranged
on q shelf at the foot Of the bathtub. /
Standing out little beyond the others,
as IL but Just showed in, was MIR.
Smiths own pamphlet on bacteria i
Mrs. Botkine pinned on the wall some
oolored illustrations of various forms
az bacteria and then surveyed the effect
with the calm satisfaction Of general
who foresees the success OF his maneu-
vera
She had done all ste could. With this
yirtuous feeling she was able to go
about her occupations for the day and
IN the afternoon even banished the
thought Of her expected guest enough to
take quiet nap.
She was awakened by knock at her
door. and the maid handed her q card
bearing the seemingly innocent inscrip-
tion. 'iMr. Worthington Smith
She fingered outside the drawing
poom as long as she dared. and then,
putting her trust in the bathroom, walk
ed In and greeted her visitor with
smile of timid welcome.
He did not look at all alarming Sne
was surprised to see that he was young
darkly handsome and dressed with more
regard to fashion than the scientinc
mind generally deigns to bestow.
After the first polite commonplace
Mr.. Smith smilingly observed. ITO
fessor Botkine's recent researches have
been OF SuCl lHGeItot w soAoAAsA*>~ - |
that they mnst lay him open to greas
deal Of persecution from inquiring ao'
mirers, but "--
"oh. not ut all, :" she answered ratn-
or incohcrently, Tor rather ] should say
be likes to be persecuted-that Is with
vosno confrsjon), no will be delighted
20 find You horo when be returns no
was 50 sorry dat he had to go to town
for a few hours. In the meantime !
hopo that yop win let me look after
you {"
THANK ysu very much. Perhaps you
would 10 go kind as to explain to me
few things ! should like to know about
Professor Botkine's theories on bacte-
ria?''
He was surprised to see q deep flush
and . look Of distress come over her
face