Year: 1877

~ HERE lived in village not far from New
~ York City gentleman, by name, Benja>
min Top, who thought there was nothing in
life to equal good joke. He owned a small
store, and kept almost every article of do
mestio and agricultural use, and was hereby
pretty we'll acquainted with all the town peo
pie, as they were likewise we'll acquainted
with him. Mr.. Top had played SO many
pranks on the people around him that he
would have made enemies but for his con-
slant good humor, and his ability to soothe
the parties he had irritated almost beyond
the power of endurance.


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


a few years ago, cs the first of April ap-
proached our merry friend looked around to
see who would be'a fitting subject for a joke


~ must have frst-rate ono this time" ;"
said he to himself "Who shall it be Let
me think ah 1 have it-Dr. Scroggins !;
yes it shall be he. What shall l send-a
love letter? No; he looks too woc-begoae
for that"


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


DIR. ScRoGGINs-Dear Sir: Please call as
early as possible at Messrs. S & B. -, No
- Wall Street, Now York, where you will
hear something to your advantage.


Then folding and directing the letter, he
snapped his fingers with childish delight.


''I'll send him TO New York on a FOOLS
errand, said he, "and have good laugh at
his expense"


Dr. Scroggins, the subject of this heart
less joke, was bachelor about forty years of
age he had been living in the village only
six months, and had thus far gotten only a
very small practice; not that he lacked abil-
ity, but he was awkward in his person, land
in his manners not very prepossessing, and
being shy and reserved in his disposition,
was but little fitted to push his way into So
ciety. He seemed to be very poor, for he
rented small Office, supplied himself with
the simplest fare, and his lounge at night
acted as his bed.


The first day of April arose bright and
clear; DIR. Scroggins, who was early riser,
prepared his simple breakfast, and after par
taking of it and arranging his Office, took his
seat to await expected calls for consultation,
or to request his attention on some suffering
invalid. But no such calls were made, and
the doctor sighed heavily under the pressure
of disappointment.


"What can hinder my progress un-
derstand my profession" he said Sin not
a single instance have failed to give relief
when called to the bed of suffering. All,
me ! If only had myself to care for, L
would be content to live on bread and water
till L could gain the confidence of the peo-
pie. But you, my poor sister, who have al
ready drank deep of the cup of sorrow, must
have more added to it. And what can do ?
Nothingw


The doctor pulled letter out of his poe
ket and read


Il would not trouble you, my dear, kind
brother" wrote his sister, "knowing as do,
how poor your prospects are, and how pa
tiently you are trying to wait for practice, did
not want to press on you me and my child
If you can spare me little-ever SO little
it will come as a blessing, for my extremity
is very great"


Just at this time the letter. carrier stopped
and handed the doctor letter he opened
! and looked at it in perfect amazement, and
read it over the second time.


Something to my advantage! What can
it be 2" said he. ''Dear sister should there
be anything good in store for me how freely
VIII suaEe IL WIN Sou anu YOUR oaIbnR
Emma! Surely the good God has heard and
answered my prayer"


The doctor, who had little preparation to
make, started for the city, and Top. who was
on the lookout for him, could scarcely hide
his exultation at sending off an inoffensive
man who could barely support himself, on a
needless errand of expense and trouble.


The doctor, as he wended his way to the
city, was SO fully possessed with the idea
| that some old relative (for he had severa)
| had died and left him fortune, that he had
in imagination made various dispositions OF