The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1899-05-03
CHAPTER II.
A MIDNIGHT MYSTERY.

Despite,the predictions ofmy friend,
the ianitor, I, had not stumbled into q
mine of wealth in my new abode. I
did not find the populace waiting with
outstretched arms to welcome into
their circle that most distrusted of all
men, a young physician. Success, ii
such thing existed for me, was COM
ing very much as success always
comes, with slow and tagging steps.
It is true, now and then 1 had a call.
Not much of a call, generally, but
nevertheless, a call. A servant burnt
her hand, and 1 attended the injured
member-for which service I was never
paid. A hostler in stable on Mob Hill
was kicked in the knee, and Z replaced
a dislocated patells. A Chinaman,
rushing around late on Saturday
night with laundry.,work for his
patrons; slipped and fell. The weig ht
of his basket, together with the shock,
broke his arm. With fearful ado he
was brought to me, and the fracture1
bone was successfully set. For this,
as for everything else I ever did for
his class in San Francisco, I was paid
in cash, consisting of ten-cent pieces
and nickels. These are fair samples
of the work I did during my first three
or four months in San Francisco.
I had plenty of time for reading,
and I greedily devoured the latest
novels and books of travels. A portion
of each day I managed to spend in
study.
Twas not recluse. My nature de
manded companionship. And in
pursuit of this I met with steadier
growth of success than in the practice
of my profession.
Within a few blocks of my office
there was a magnificent church,
where the singing was grand, the
music superb and the preaching very
modern.
Here T was wont to betake myself
Sunday morning, and sit calmly and
quietly, restfully listening to the
peals of the great organ, as, under
master hand, it sent forth melody un.
surpassed.
I had always made point Of dress
ing we'll. did not go in for fads; I
was not walking fashion plate; but
my clothes were stylishly cut and al
ways fitted me. 10 be truthful and
as modest as possible, permit me to
say that was tall, broad-shouldered
and not bad-looking. At school Ihad
beer an athlete, and now possessed,
as relics of those days, sundry medals
and prizes won in the athletic arena.
That oil this had anything to do
with the pleasing reception had in
the Park Street Congregational
Church, would not be so unchristian
as to believe-much less to hint. But,
be it asit may, I was received. The
pastor, a man not more than fifteen
years my senior, welcomed me
cordially into his circle. I respected
the great truths e1pounded by my
learned friend. Ny daily life and
habits we're not in discord with
churchman's rule. I had no vices;
not because my principles were so
strongly against them, but had in
herited rugged will from my father,
and, like him, I considered man who
allowed himself to be controlled by
vicious tastes fool.
Ny acquaintance continued gradu-
ally to grow. knew plenty Of young
ladies, but I was not ladies man.
knew large number of young men,
some who like myself were but start
ing out in their chosen life-work, and
Others who had no need to grind, but
who were the fortunate sons of wealthy
men.
Nor was my acquaintance limited
to the younger element Of San Fran
cisco society. was the recipient OF
many gracious bows and handshakes
from the substantial men and women
of the rark street congregation, some
of whom lived in fine residences on
Mob Hill.
T also became member OF the
Golden Gate Club, club composed
of many of the prominent and most OF
the rising men of San Francisco. In