Year: 1878

There lived in Il village not far from
New York city, II gentleman, by name
Benjamin Top, who thought there was
nothing i'll life to equal Il good joke. He
owned a small store, and kept almost
every article of domestic and agricul-
tural use, and was thereby pretty well
acquainted with all the townspeOple, as
they were likewise well acquainted with
him. Mr.. Top had played so many
pranks on the people around him that
he would have made enemies but for
his constant good humor, and his ability
to sOOthe the parties he had irritated
almost beyond the point of endurance.


The first day of April was Mr.. Tops
especial delight, and that was a smart
child who could enter his store on that
day without being made the victim of
some trick; SO that from NON till night
of the first day of April his face was one
broad grin, and it happened that all
those who sought to catch him had the
laugh turned on themselves.


A few years ago, as the first of April
approached, our merry friend looked
around to see who would be fitting
subject for joke.


81 must have a first-rate one this
time," said he to himself. 'Who shall
it be ? Let me think ah l have it
DR.. ScIoggins; yes it shall be he. What
shall | send "a love letter? No, he
looks too woe-begone for that"


After considering awhile, Top drew
the pen and ink near him and wrote as
follows:


"DR. SCRoGGINs Dear Sir PLEASE
call as early as possible at Messrs. S. &
BIS No. Wall street, New
York, where you will hear something
to your advantage"


Then, folding and directing the letter
he snapped his fingers with childish de-
light.


cpl send him to New York on fools
errand," said he, ''and have good
laugh at his expense"


DR.. ScrOggins, the subject of this
heartless joke, was a bachelor about
forty years of age; he had been living
in the village only six months, and had
thus far gotten Il very small practice
not that he lacked ability, but he was
awkward in his person, and in his man.
ners not very prepOssessing, and being
shy and reserved in his disposition, wal
but little fitted to push his way into so.
ciety. He seemed to be very poor, fol
he rented a small office, supplied him.
self with the simplest fare, and hi'
lounge acted as his bed at night.


The first day of April arose bright anG
clear; DR.. Scroggins, who was an early
riser, prepared his simple breakfast
and after partaking of it and arranging
his office, took his seat to await expect
ed calls for consultation, or to reques
his attendance on some suffuring in
valid. But no such calls were made
and the doctor sighed heavily under th'
pressure of disappointment"


'What can hinder my progressq
understand my profession" he said
Sin not single instance have | failet
to give relief when called to the bed o
the suffering. All me If 1 had onl,
myself to care for, l would be cOnten
to live on bread and water till | coul,
gain the confidence of the people. Blu
you, my poor sister, who have alread,
drank deeply of the cup of sorrow, mus
have more added to it? And what cal
l do? Nothing!


The doctor pulled letter cut of hi
pocket and read =


81 would not trouble you my dear
kind brother" wrote his sister, "know
ing as | do how poor your prospects are
and how patiently you are trying t
wait for practice, did not want press o
me and my child. Ifyou can spare M
a little-ever so little-it will come a
blessing, for my extremity is yer
great.p


, Just at this time the letter-carrie
stopped and handed the doctor letter
he opened and looked at it in perfee