Year: 1859

my own and your knowledge. has lost
many plank" said the Doctor, pattina
his beasts neck. and pushing the wet
tangled front lock from his eyes.


They were now ascending the little
eminence leading to the entrance. when
:hc horse stopped. go on. SIR said
the Doctor. You are nearly home now -
Still no attempt at going on, aad beneath
them the angry waters roared and bel
lowed, like maddened devils banked OF
their prey. Don't you hear me sir ?''
with smart buffet on the neck, and a
gathering up of looseneI bride into a
firm and determined hand, and the ami
NAL started slowly, steadily, surely,
tirmly-thoush the broad back slightly
shivered from time to time, and the gait
was so measured and methodical, that at
any other time he would have observed
it. AS 1t was, he enly let him have his
own way, though he may have smoothed
his neck, for he had kindly heart, and
the poor beast had labored hard through
dreadful weather. and was sadly in want
of food and shelter.


Towards the end Of the bridge the
steps became slower, and once he STUN.
bled, N the hind foot A quick grasp
at the bride, and CHEEKY "i.asy John
easy sir y and again the cautious hoofs
resoan led on the hard wood. They were
across, and the animal neighed, and toss
ed his head till the Doctor shook in his
saddle. "One more miie to so. poor
fellow but first aud you want some
refreshments" Bounding up to the
small tavern door, where genial light
was shining from the windows, he called
loudly for the landlord. A dozen or
more inmates came rushing to the door
with lanterns which they held a!ofr. and
GOOD Lord, Doctor, where did you
cone from broke forth from their lips
simultaneously.


Come from: Why, from over the
Mohawk What is the matter: Has
the trcsher carried away any of your sen.
ses? Here boy as dismountins he
threw his reins to gaping fellow, give
John something nice, and dry him Off
Keep him wrapped up while he ITS, and
landlord, want tumbler of red hot Ja-
maict. quick.


doctor" said the group, ''havc you
crossed the Mohawk to.nis and if so,
how


"Why, on the bridge are you all
drunk 2 said the exaspe: ated physicl IN.


Doctor" said the old grey headed
landlord, "hat bridge went down the
Mohawk this afternoon. Come with me
and | will show you. If YOU crossed.
God only lnows how you did it,
A shivcr vert to the Doctor heart -
and lantern in hand. he followed the
footsteps of the landlord to the swollen
and turbid river. Where was the
bridges


almighty God" said the horror
struck Doctor. where is my gratitude !.
My noble beast came over here this night
backed by me, ON the solitary string
piece. ami |. with this right hand, gave
him blow rs he tatered )" and the Doc
tor sank upon his knees in the soft wet
snow. and wept like child the men
moved from his presence respectfully ,and
left him to himself.


When, after some little time. he made
his appearance. his eyes were greeted by
the sight Of his horse surrounded by the
entire household-each contributing to
render him some assistance. A Aquart OF
warm ale was given by one, another rub
bed his neck and chest with spirits
third dried his glossy hide with warm
flannel. and others patted his neck. or
ca, essed his nose and face. "Old John,
my boy, and | gave you blow and
the words ended In low. wailing groan.
Men uncovered their heads, and turned
their faces from him, and at length led
him inside where he spent the night.
The morning revealed to him the dreadful
danger he had escaped. from the sagacity
of the beast, and again did he grieve for
the blow he had dealt him when so noblv
putting forth more than human power.


Don John" never did a days work
from that day. Sometimes his master
rode him forth on a pleasure tour, or
drove him before a light vehicle a few
miles with some members Of the family;
but his professional labors were over
Nothing could exceed the care and at
tention that were given him ever after
ward He fed from manger made OF
mahogany his room was more parlol
than stable; and company at the Doc