A iiuntkr'8 life. 15*J 



Bcalp to John McMuUen (Mary's second brother) for one 

 month's work ; and between us we managed to get in five 

 acres of corn, which we dressed once through, and were 

 crossing, when John left. I had a house to build, and 

 when John departed I was obliged to do everything my- 

 self, beside taking care of my wife and children. 



Mary still grew worse, and the Doctor decided that hers 

 was a desperate case, which took all my hope from me ; 

 but I kept on working at my house till the last of Octo- 

 ber. One day, when I was busily employed at the inside 

 of my house, up came my old friend Col. Lynn. After 

 a hearty shake of the hand, he said : " How is your wife. 

 Browning ? " 



I could scarcely answer him, for my feelings were worked 

 up to the highest pitch ; but knowing his disposition, I 

 summoned up all my fortitude, and told him all, without 

 shedding a tear, and that Dr. Brooke said she must die. 



" Oh 1 " said he, " Brooke was never a skilful man, and 

 I should not depend on his judgment. But," added he, 

 " I am going to Frederick, where Dr. Thomas lives, who 

 can cure her if she is to be cured. " 



"But," said I, "Colonel, I have not a dollar in the 

 world, to send so far." 



" Never mind that," said he. " I have money, and will 

 bring you medicine, if you say so." 



Gratitude for such kindness left me speechless for a 

 moment ; but at length I told him to bring the medicine, 

 and if I could ever get the money, that should be the first 

 debt I would pay. He asked for a description of her case, 

 and as soon as he had written it down, he galloped ofi" like 

 tlie wind. 



I still continued to work at my house, and before the 

 Colonel returned I had Mary and my children in a good 

 cabin. About the time the Colonel said he would return, 

 he came to see me again, and seemed really rejoiced to 



