with the knowing ones, and was never taken amiss. But
in this case the joke was carried too far. Jack pulled and struggled to
draw out his foot, when suddenly the ice gave way, and down he sank into
the deep water. I knew he could not swim--neither could I. I was aware
it would not do to attempt to get him out by going near him on the ice,
as our efforts would only crack the ice and throw me in too. But, as
quick as thought, I ran on shore, threw off my skates, went to the edge
of the rock, where fortunately he was within my reach, and, after many
unsuccessful attempts, I succeeded in drawing him out. Poor Jack was
almost exhausted; but I got him home, and he was undressed and put to
bed. A severe fit of sickness followed from the cold he took that night.
Aunt Dorothy always insisted that his sickness might have been
prevented, if she had been permitted to give him a dose of her
hot-drops, which she always kept by her--a specific for all complaints.
But the physician who was called positively forbade it. Physicians do
not like to have persons who are ignorant of the nature of diseases, and
their proper remedies, tampering with the human frame. Although in some
instances they may relieve in mild attacks, they often do a great deal
of harm by giving favorite quack medicines, indiscriminately, for all
complaints. However, by good nursing, Jack soon got well; and we
received a good lesson, which I have never forgotten, in the almost
fatal termination of the 'PRACTICAL JOKE.'"

[Illustration: The Physician and Aunt Dorothy.]

[Illustration]

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