Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1900-06-08


are in the same business, though Oul
methods differ. | am employed by poo
people because | never prescribe costly
medicines. The rich employ me, too
when they must. You witnessed thai
at the castle. Still your last success
like all previous achievements OF yours
depend upon my good will. Fool that
you are TO think that you saved Mich
ael Nicoaievitch from death 1t was
Death that rejected him for this one
time"
With these words, carelessly spoken,
the stranger fixed his impressive eyes
on his companion, who began TO trem
BILE. Its a cold night-a mighty cold
night" continued the stranger; "or Is
1t perhaps fear that makes you shake
so?"
Nonsense. said the great doctor
but he would have given thousand
rubies for the privilege of throwing the
stranger out. And as he looked him
over TO weigh his chances in possible
conflict his companion seemed TO grow
and expand. He was becoming more
formidable every second; more awe in
spring and more familiar too.
Stop" cried the professor "Driy-
er. stop" But the horses doubled their
pace. The sleigh collided with trees,
overhanging branches brushed against
its cover.
stop, driver, stop, If you want to
retain your position!" There was
crash. the ground seemed TO rise. the
old coachman tumbled from the box.
the reins dragged in the snow. the
horses ran as if the forest were afire."
Nov ] must play coachman,' said
the country doctor He leaned for
ward snatched up the ribbons and
laughed. I'VE will have a merry ride;
take my word for it
Eyes. yes" suffered the professor.
and stealthily drawing a pistol from
his pocket he pointed it at his COM
panion's back The country physician
never quivered. Don't act chiidishly,'
he said without turning.
| Monster, | dccognize you now.
do you at last?' sneered the strang
er. - should have thought a man Kill
ler like you would know Death on sight
and wouldn't be afraid of him either.
II any of your rivals could have seen
YOU trying to fight Death Pistol in
hand. how they would have enjoyed it.
But where Is your science now; where
your strategy? Why are you so small
all at once?
A snowstorm came laundering
through the trees In the far east the
faint light of day was gathering
Yonder on the mountains side lay
sleeping villages.
"Do you recognize the neghbor
hood?" asked Death.
Il do. ! was born here"
"And who is the poor old lady, nay
the miserable old weuch. who must
| die today"
Il don't know I"
"Guess then
'Nv mother"
What did you do for your mother?
| Your door was closed against her That
scientific skill Of which you boast was
not for the woma who bore YOU.
"You are mistaken | looked out for
her. | sent her money enough to live
| here among her own folks
IVAN" cried Death, and his voice
swelled like the thunder of heaven"
what do YOU do with your rich CON
sumptiyes in winter?"
1 EtIU iitlll lulO NfAl III OilliltNiFs
"Then why did not you send your
| mother thcre?"
"Because che Is incurahle"
"Yet 10 die in the fog and frost be-
reft Of sunshine ard love. is bitter-ls
| cruel
4 admit that have neglected hor.
But think OF my work my ambition.
| nay social station. l am physician OF
the court"
'Yes. and she who gave YOU life T.,
u NEE peasant. Give ne back hat lie
and she shall zee the spring gain the
| golden sun and the sweet flower The
birds shall sing for her. She shall
have fresh vegetables, cherries. early
apples.
NO. no." cried the srcot doctor. his
hair rising DO not kill me- Let me
! live!"
81 will not slay you outright. You
shall have a fighting chance. Take
courage-eXploit your science, all your
! famed Skill in opposing me. You
| trembe-your self confidence gone al
| ready? All! You never suspected that
I was stronger than any living thing.
! Look at me- | am Dlsharmony that
tears dSunueT lONlHB hearts. llIp"
dust TO dust-yet | am a peacemaker.
/ am the great Unknown who dogs
mems steps from the moment they are
born. | see everything | watch ev
erybody. and / forget nobody
With that Death threw the reins &c
the wind and leaned over the back or
the lborses. encouraging them to still
greater speed.
A man in a somber frock coat and
white necktie assembled with slow. de-
! libeTate step the orators tribune in the
hall Of the medical congress. After
clearing his throat and wiping his eye
| glasses he addressed the learned body
| as follows:
q am constrained to interrupt tho
programme Of the day by an announce
ment that involves a distinct loss TO
medical science and suffering human
| ity Our distinguished colleague, the
medical councillor. professor and body
physician to his imperial highness. ID.