The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1895-08-23
KEITHLEY FULTON, M. D
PART I.

Service was nearly over in the little
stone church of the village of Trent.
The preacher had passed his thirdly
and was nearing the close OF his
"fourthly."
Jacob Trent had gradually succumbed
TO the heat and the drowsy voice OF the
minister, and was placidly doing, pnss-
fully unconscious of the hornet that
had flown in the open window and was
buzzng around his gray old mead.
Bessie Trent, sitting in the choir, looked
down. and, seeing her father asleep. her
face grew rosy. Only that morning sne
had told him "she hoped he would not
forget himself to-day, for he did snore
real loud sometimes" and he had prom
Used to keep awake If he could. Just
then. his head fell forward and an om-
inous sound broke the monotony OF the
praacher's voice. Bessie hid her face
behind her fan. Alec Trent quiety
picked up his fathers spectacles from
the floor and softly placed them in the
old mans hand. The movement aroused
him and all was still again.
A stranger sat in the back seat. He
had slipped in just as the sermon COM
menced and no one had noticed his en-
trance save the small boys In the op-
posite seat. Jimmy Craig nudged the
boy next him and whispered. That's
the young man as got off the train last
night. I hearn him telln' John Flynn
thet he would purfur boardin' at pri-
vate house than at the hotel, an John
tor me afterwards thet he guessed he
was the new doctor from Halsey. John
said mis- name was Kelthley Fulton
Both boys turned and gazed at the
Va tllrnRd
smiled at the boys. He had an honest
look in his clear grey eyes, his face was
open and pleasing, and you were almost
certain that you saw a smile lurking
under his dark, curling moustache.
His quick eye had noted the attention
Jacob Trent had drawn TO himself. He
had also noticed Miss Bessie's embar-
rassment, and rightly OWNED the re-
latlon in which she stood to the old
man.
When the choir rose to sing the last
hymn, he Joined in the simple praise
with his full, melodious tenor, causing
many head to turn in wonder.
The people of this little church were
very social and, at the close of the bene-
diction, one after another pressed up To
grasp the young strangers hand IL
hearty greeting. Bessie came down and
Joined her father and brother as they
were nearing the stranger. Old Mr.
Trent shook the young mans hand witt
a hearty,
How d ye do. stranger? Glad
to see you here to-day. 1t did my
old heart good to hear you sing. Are
you going to stay in town long?"
"Yes, sir, expect to remain here fo
some time. l am a physician by pro
fession, and my name is Keithley Full
ton" with a deferential bow.
81 am glad to know you, sir. NJ!
name is Jacob Trent, and this is my
son, Alexander" touching his sons arm
The young men grasped hands. DI
Fulton said, II have heard of you be
fore, / think. You are a friend o
Howard Russells?"
my college chum! Do you know
hlm?" Alec asked eagerly.
Am we'll acquainted with him. III
has often spoken of you"
"rhen there Is quite an affinity be
tween us l am sure we will be goo
friends. Excuse me-this is my sister
Elzabeth--Dr Fulton.
Miss Trent bowed smilingly with
gracious dignity that Ke!thley note
well as he acknowledged the introdut
ton.
The young men passed out the doc
preceded by Mr.. Trent and III
daughter Presently, Bessie turned an
with a gentle courtesy invited tt
young doctor to come and dine wilt
them The invitation was warmly se
onded by Alec and his father.
II thank you, / am afraid | cann
accept, to-day. I should be happy
call" glancing at Miss Trent, when
nave arranged my business and cf
get a little leisure time. A doctor ak
very poor society man, you know
smilingly.
1--WE should be pleased If you wou
call" she said.
Where are you staying?" Mr. Tire
csked.
'At the hotel now. air. hope soon