THE FIRST PAIR.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 9989, 19 March 1898, Page 2

THE FIRST PAIR.

A yOtJNOii.MOJtIfPR'S MISTAKE. Doctor (hat in hand): "Is there a little oLkbovMieve?" i

Young Mother: "Yes, come in, doctor, my poor dear is very sink. Since this morning—l don't know why—he keeps falling, down." " Falling down ?" " Yes, all the time."

"Falling to the floor?'» " Yes, to tho floor." " Tha.t'a strange—how old is he ?" " Four ysars and a-haif." "He ought to stand all right at that age. How did it begin ''" "I don't understand it all, I tell you. He was very well last night, and he played all around the room. This morning I went to wake him as usual ; I put ou his socks ; I put on his little breeches ; and then I put him on his feet. He fell at once."

"Perhaps he tripped." " Listen, doctor. I picked him up ;he fell right down again. I was startled, but I picked him up—bang ! down he went, and he did ib seven or eight times running. I tell you, I don't know what ails him, but since this morning he keeps falling down."

" That's very singular. Let mc .see him " The mother goes out of the room and then comes back with the boy in her arms. His chubby cheeks are rosy and he appears to be extravagantly well. He wears trousers and i a lon*>e blouse starched with dried preserves. I "V\ by, Jie's a splendid child!" says the [ doctor. "Stand him on the floor !" Tbe mother obeys. The child falls. "Once move, phease." I The child falls again. '* Once more." Third attempt, followed by the third fall of the sick boy. The doctor is thoughtful. "Unheard of!" He says to the boy,, whose mother holds hiro up"by tbe amis, "Tell mc, my fine little fellow, have youna pain anywhere ? " " No. sir." " Does yohr head ache ?" "No, sir." " Did you sleep well last night ? " "Yes, sir." "Have you any appetite now? Would you like a little soup ?" , " Oh, yes, sir." " Exactly," and the doctor adds with an air of authority, " hs has paralysis." The mother cries, "Paral ! oh, Lord !'* She raises her hands towards heaven, and the boy falls). " Yes, madam. lam sorry to say he has complete paralysis of the lower limbs. You can see for yourself that the flesh of your dear child is absolutely insensible. (Speaking, he goes close to the boy and prepares to make the experiment.) " But—bub what's this * What's this ?" And he screams out, "Thunder and lightning, madam, what's this you are chattering to mc about paralysis ?" The amazed mother answers, "But, doctor " ■ ./ "' "Of courae the boy can't stand on his feet; you have pat both his legs into one leg of his breeches."