Year: 1877




half mile below Uncle Jacks cottage,
he took his rifle and game-bag and
started In that direction.


"Capital place." thought he, as he
reached the spot. an jump over this
fence and hide in the bushes, where l
can have good view of the water"


But as he was climbing over the fence
his rifle was accidentally discharged, the
ball passing through his left arm. Not
knowing the extent Of his Inquiries, he
became alarmed and called loudly for
help. His cries attracted the attention
of Uncle Jack, who was rowing down
as usual early in the morning to exam
Inc his fishing nets. He pulled ashore,
and hurried to Edwin's assistance


"Heigho, my young friend" he ex-
claimed; "what's the trouble g-nothing
serious, hope?"


Edwin, in frightened manner, ex-
plained what had happened.


"Well, never mind" remarked Uncle
Jack pleasantly. sit may be nothing
serious, but you had better not attempt
returning to the hotel until we find out;
so just come over to my cottage, yonder;
in our humble way we will make you
as comfortable as possible"


"Oh, thank yOu," replied Edwin,
"but | am afraid it will inconvenience
you"


"Tut, tut" interrupted Uncle Jack,
"what good would we old mortals be in
the world if we could never help our
fellow-creatures in any way? So never
mind the trouble, but come along; let
US make haste, too, for we don't know
how serious wound it may be-"


Edwin acted upon the good old mans
advice, and soon was being taken care
of by Aunt Tabitha, while Uncle Jack
fastened to summon physician, who
Immediately put in an appearance and
dressed the wound, which proved to be
nothing serious. Upon leaving, the
doctor advised Edwin to remain at the
cottage until the afternoon at least,
''for," said the doctor, "you need rest
before attempting to return to the hotel,
and you will receive the best of care
here, so be quiet for a while. l will
carry any message you may desire to
send"


"Thank you," replied Edwin.
"Please inform Frank Thorn as to my
condition and where l am and if you
think | will be able to 60 back to-day,
ask him to call for me with a carriage
this afternoon


81 declare it would be bit of ro-
nance if that young man, while there,
should take shine to Uncle Jacks
lovely daughter, and the whole affair
end in their marriage. But, then,
there's no danger of that. He is rich,
they say, and she is nothing but a fish
erman's daughter, so that knocks my
bit of romance over at the first shot.
However, it matters not if she is poor
she would make wife fit for noble
man." Thus soliloquized the doctor as
he drove back to the hotel.


"Well, old boy, how are you coming
onW exclaimed Frank as he entered
the cottage early in the afternoon.


"Oh, very we'll, thank you. think
[ will go back now if you are ready"


After visiting awhile with Aunt
Tabitha and the daughter, during which
time Edwin returned hearty thanks to
the old lady and offered to pay her well
for her tronble (Which latter she re-
fused, declaring that she had only done
her duty,) she invited them to call
whenever they could during their stay
at the lake, as it did seem so lonesome
since her son had gone away to earn a
living for himself. Promising to do so,
they drove away.


swell, said Edwin after they had |
started, 81 am willing to sacrifice the
use of my arm for few days for the
lesson l have learned"


whats that, EdH Not to jump fences
with loaded rifle, ehp"


"No, not exactly, though presume
shall remember that; but the main les
son Is, never to despise people because
they are poor. / have always been in
the habit of foolishly judging people by
their social standing. TO day learned |
that just as true hearts beat under
homespun and calico as under broad
cloth and silks. Hereafter, shall EN-
deavor to judge by the heart and not
the dress"


"Give me your hand, Ed. That is the
most sensible speech have ever heard
you make. l just began to enjoy life
when l learned that lesson"


During their stay of another month,
the two visited the cottage often, and
when The time came for their return to
the city, they regretted leaving Uncle
Jack and his family more than any
others at the lake.


But the Doctors soliloquy became a
fact. Early in the following summer
Edwin and the fisherman's daughter
were married, much to the disgust of
Miss May, who gossip says visited the
lake the second season for the sole pur-
pose Of entrapplng Edwin and his for
tune, her father being on the verge of
bankruptcy.


This little story, though simple, is not
without lesson, which it is hoped, may
be needed by few who are 80 foolish
as to consider poverty badge of dis
grace.


The French smoked six hundred
tons Of cigarettes during 1875.