The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1899-07-14

plan. Il am DuU Cnc eX pOHcut VI Luc ar
of Alkimia. Ministering to the mind of
man instead of his body. Be seated,
while continue with this young man."
He turned to the other occupant of
the room, whom Charles recognized as
writer of occasional stories for the
newspapers.
"Thou art warned, my son; dost thou
still wish to continue?"
proceed, DOCTOR" said the other
firmly "'Tis deeds, not years, that
make life. Let me but write one book
that will live, and care not how short
life may be-"
The old man smiled as if pleased with
the decision, and taking up q knife
with thin blade, bade the young man
remove his coat. Rolling up the shirt
sleeve, he made an incision In the right
arm, keeping up a running commen-
tary as he rubbed the various extracts
into the wound.
"First, we will have this nightshade
for imagination vivid and scintillating.
Then this extract of passion flower,
that thy pages may sing of love. A lit
tie season of shamrock for wit and
humor; little carnation and mustard
for spice, for thy sweets must not cloy.
Fennel for strength; aZalea for inven-
ton, and, now, let us pour this mix
ture of ale and prickly pear that thy
style may be clear cut, brilliant and
satirical; then we finish with the pre-
cious extract of immortelle, that thou
mayst attain to that fame which is
vouchsafed to but few"
He rolled down the sleeve, made
parcel of the extracts and handed it to
the young fellow.
There is enough for five years of
wonderful productiveness. Be indus
trious while 1t lasts. Thou knowest
the consequences"
The young man bowed and left the
room.
"And now, gentlemen, which shall be
frst?"
The poet stepped forward. Give me,
doctor, the divine afflatus' of poetry,
that my verses may be recognized
Verify, they are many who WOO the
muse" remarked the Arabian. but
thy case is simple. Thou needst but
few extracts, o poet. A little of this
Bleeding Heart; much of the Night
Blooming Cereus, and thy verses shall
glow with fervor, and charm by their
ideality. Use but sparingly, for the
reaction is severe. Now thy friend"
"I would be a successful politician"
said the other, boldly. "Can you aid
me?"
"But use my skill and thou wilt be
satisfied with the result" was the re-
ply. But first, count the cost; these
extracts will give thee success. For
time thou shalt attain to heights now
undreamed of by thee, but after time
comes defeat. From the dizzy height to
which thou hast ascended, thou shalt
fall. One by one thy friends will leave
thee. With despair, which in thy case
is but the eagerness of unfed hope, thou
wilt still seek Office. Defeated on every
side, thou wilt at last succumb to thy
disappointment, and thy days will be
ended in madhouse. Art thou will
ing to give so much for success?"
30, that's all right. No man expects
to be winner all the time. If your drugs
can give me the success you say, will
abide by the result"
The philosopher turned to his shelves.
Statesman or politician? Which shall
it be? The mixture is entirely different.
The politician reaps his harvest with
his own hands; the future brings appre-
citation to the statesman"
politician, by all means," laughed
the other. II never yearned for postum
nous reward"
"Then we will take the mistletoe,
which, as thou knowest is parasitical
in growth, feeding upon whatever will
give it sustenance. Sweetwilliam for
suavity and an insinuating manner,
rosemary for memory, hart's tongue for
a silvery speech. A little of this money
plant will give thee the necessary itch
ing palm In thy right hand we will
put this acanthus for muscular con-
traction in hand-shaking. There, son!
Thou hast within thee the elements
which will crown thy efforts with sue
cess"
IF they are, old man, l will reward
you handsomely" said the young man
as he turned to go. Laughing, the two
left the room.
"And thou? Wouldst thou be novel
list, poet or politician? What is thy
secret desire that thou hast sought aid
of me?"
"None of these" answered Charles,
who had been much impressed by what
he had seen. Among your fluids is
there one that will give the touch that
will turn all to gold? II you have such
an extract will ask aid of you"
THE touch of Midas! That is what
thou wishcst. Men from the creation
have coveted it. Thou art young to be
smitten with such desire. Tell me the
reason"
Il cannot wed the woman ! love un-
til l have s., 900, 900. Do you wonder now,
philosopher, that wish this touch of
Midas?"
"And dost thou remember the fate
of Midas? l know not why it is SO, but
this desire for gold seems to wither the
human heart. The affections are
scorched by it's fierce heat. can give
thee the aid thou wishest, but reflect
we'll before thou dost accept it. The
fate of Midas in its literal sense will
not be thine; but thou wilt find
when thy two millions are accumu-
lated that all thy being is merged into
the one idea: Gold, gold, gold!"
"Be that as it NAV" answered