A GOOD STORY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5236, 14 December 1883, Page 2

A GOOD STORY.

A good story is told of Dr Nathan Smith, who afterwards became the famous Professor of- Surgery at Dartmouth. College, New, , Hampshire. His ready facility in turning to his own advantage what was meant to. be; a troublesome joke seems to, have, been^ the, -, means of his rapid advancement in his pro- , fession. It' was in Cornish, „N;H.^ that,, Nathan Smith first "hung out his shingle." While the newly fledged doctor was patiently waiting for business, a, company of young men concluded to have a little fun at his expense. Their plan of procedure was suggested by the sight of a goose with a . broken leg. Taking the tavern-keeper into their confidence, they r caught the limp* ing bird, and, as soon as all arrangements were complete, a messenger was despatched in haste to tell Dr' Smith that a patient who had unfortunately broken his leg desired his services at the tavern immediately. The doctor was promptly at hand, but began to suspect a trick as he came in sight of the, house. , Preceded by 11 mine host," and followed by a crowd all .. ready to bur&t with delight at the anticipated surprise and chagrin of the doctor, he. entered the great hall, where, sure enough,, lay the poor goose, extended in all honor , upon a bed. Tha doctor, without the least hesitation or show of surprise, advanced to the bed, and having, with scrupulous care, examined the broken limb, prepared his * splints, reduced the fracture, and bound it - up in the most scientific manner. He then, . with extreme gravity, directed the tavern* keeper ,to pay strict attention to- the patient, on no account to suffer him to be moved from the bed for ; at least a week, and to feed him plentifully with Indian meal ]and water. . There was not much laughter when the doctor went away, though thus far all had gone well enough; but the next, day the joke really became quite serious, ' \vhon a good round bill for .professionalservices came to the landlord, which he' found himself unable fco pay. The affair' soon got abroad, and the shrewd and levelheaded young doctor suddenly found himself* 'famous. People said, "There's a man who' ( khows how to take care of himself." Everybody respected him, and the foundation of ; a' lucrative practice was laid for' the young • .physician.