still further learned that the mother of
Doctor Grimes had been one of his early friends.

"Will you be willing to take the place of Resident Physician at the
---- Hospital?" finally asked Mr. L.

"To one like me," replied Dr. Grimes, "that place would be exceedingly
desirable. But I do not suppose I could get it."

"Why not?"

"I am a stranger here."

"Can you bring testimonials as to professional ability?" asked Mr.
L----.

"I can. Testimonials of the very highest character."

"Bring them to me, doctor, at the earliest possible moment. I do not,
in the least, doubt that my influence will secure you the place. I
believe you have no family?"

"None."

"That may be an objection. A furnished dwelling is provided for the
physician; and, I believe, one with a family is preferred."

"I have a widowed sister, who would be glad to join me; and whom I
would be glad to place in so comfortable a position."

"That will do just as well, doctor. Bring over your testimonials as
soon as possible. Not so much of an April fool, after all, I begin to
think. Unless I am very greatly mistaken, you _have_ heard something
to your advantage."

All came out to the satisfaction of both Doctor Grimes and the
kind-hearted Mr. L----. In less than a month, the former was in
comfortable quarters at ---- Hospital, and in the receipt of twelve
hundred dollars per annum. This was exclusive of rent for his sister's
family--now his own--and table expenses. Moreover, for certain duties
required of her in the hospital, his sister received three hundred
dollars additional.

So it turned out that Dr. Grimes, so far from being made an April fool,
was benefited by the wonderfully "smart" trick of Mr. Bunting. But of
the particular result of his extra work, the village-jester remained
ignorant. Being on the lookout, he was "tickled to death" when he saw
the doctor start off post haste for New York; and he looked out for his
return, anticipating rare pleasure at seeing his "face as long as his
arm." But this particular pleasure was not obtained, for he didn't see
the doctor afterward.

"What's become of Dr. Grimes?" he asked of one and another, after a few
days had passed, and he did not see that individual on the street as
before.

But none of whom he made inquiry happened to know any thing of the
doctor's movements. It was plain to Bunting that, he had driven the
said doctor out of the village; and this circumstance quite flattered
his v