Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1912-07-05
Strange Experiences ia the Life
Of Doctor.
copyright. by W. G. chapman.)
BY A. T. MEAD


,Kand o. steamers, and had secured
uncomfortable deck cabin. / was on
my way to India, partly for hunting
trip, partly to visit certain tribes in
the Central Provinces who possessed
some marvellous remedies for snake
bites, wounds, and other casualties
These were, I persuaded myself, un-
known to the European and American
pharmacopoeia, and hoped to be-
guile some of thier valuable secrets
from them. We had just passed Glib
raltar, and the Bay of Biscay lay be-
hind us. Favored by mild southerly
breeze, we were most of US on deck
AS l stood in the neighborhood of the
combanionway, the following words
fell upon my ears:
II can find you comfortable cor
ner on the hurricane deck, lii, where
we shall be quite alone
81 would rather not CO." was the
quick reply. 81 expect Mrs. Sully up
every moment from her cabin. She
has a great deal to tell me about
Bombay and her home at Breach
Candy"
VERY well,'' answered male voice,
In rather a sulky tone, and a tall man
walked rapidly past me to the other
side of the boat
knew who he was, although up to
the present l had not made his
acquaintance. His name was Farqu-
harson; he had good appointment in
soIa
and was taking his bride out with
him. The bride in question was a
pretty, bright, somewhat nervous
looking girl. She was so gay, and
her laughter so infectious, that she
made complete foil to her husband,
who was about the most morose-look-
ing man l ever saw. His converse
ton, however, was genial enough, but
his face, with eyes full of gloom,
tense mouth, long, cadaverous cheeks
and surly set Of chin, was enough to
depress anyone. At times l marveled
why his pretty young wife had chosen
him fer q life companion.
When he moved out of sight now,
she sat down on her accustomed deck
chair. I moved off, and presently
found myself standing close to Farqu-
harson, who was leaning on the rail
of the hurricane deck, smoking a
cigar When he saw me, he made
some remark about the weather and
we entered into conversation. We dis
covered, as people often do on board
ship, that we had mutual friends, liv-
ing in New York He finally proposed
that he should introduce me to his
wife, and we went round to the part
of the deck where she was seated.
81 want you to meet DR.. Halifax,
Lii. He happens to know the Far
rants; you will like to hear him talk
about them, am sure"
81 shall be charmed" replied Mrs.
Farquharson, who at once began to
ask me eager questions. The Far
rants were great friends of hers, she
informed me, but she had not seen
them for years. AS we talked to-
gether / noticed that Farquharson
watched his wife closely. When her
merry laughter fioated past him, I
wondered that he did not smile in re-
sponse The man was the picture of
settled melancholy.
The following evening, just when
dusk was falling, light hand touched
me on my sleeve. I turned and saw
Mrs. Farquharson standing near me.
Or Halifax she said, in an agi-
tated tone, 81 want to tell you some
thing; l am little frightened. You
must not think it queer, my coming
to you, but you are doctor, and you
know the Farrants; it makes me feel
as if l had been acquainted with you
for a long while And 1 am afraid
afraid of Dick-my own husband;
think he must be little mad"
What has he done?" I asked.
HE has done nothing, only looked
like DEVIL she replied in trem-
bling voice 'sThe sight was horrible;
] cannot endure it"
You must be more explicit, If / am
to help you," l interrupted. "Tell me
exactly what frightened YOU"
1T was his SMILE" she whispered,
In horror-stricken accents. HE look
ed as no other human-being ever look
ed; it was terrible"
Now that I think of it." said, Il
don't believe that / ever saw your
husband smile. I have been struck by
the exceeding gloom of his counte-
nance"
1C5 am not surprised. You cannot
fail to notice his melancholy. Well,
he is not really sad. used to think
so at first, but after we were en-
gagged, and when we were first mar
ried, knew by the things he said
that he had q contented, even cheer
full mind 1t Is his smile which up
sets me; I cannot love him If he
smiles at me, and as to his laugh,
heard 1t once. DR.. Halifax, II hear
1T again it will drive me mad
But you cannot expect your hus-
band never to smile, nor to laugh"
said. ut is your duty to be severe
with yourself. and not to allow such
trivial matters to influence YOU"