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Harris, W. S. (William Shuler), 1865-

"A twentieth century allegory"


The physician told him that his taste was inherited, and it would
consequently require much patience ere he could be cured. He gave him
the devilish medicine, and urged him to continue using it until the
bottle was drained to its dregs.
At first it gave the promised relief, but the young man, now more
deeply contaminated by this concoction of Hell, raged in wilder passion
than ever, and verily ran to his utmost on the By-Path of intemperance
until the flower of his youth and manhood was blasted to the blackest,
and his sense of honor lost in the hovels of vice and corruption which,
in great variety, stood along the Broad Highway.
The book-keepers of Hell placed an additional mark to the credit of
this doctor, while the church looked on the young man's fall somewhat
indifferently, having been hardened by the frequency of similar
occurrences.
At the request of Mr. World the manager conducted him back to the
hospital building and proceeded to show the various departments to him.
There was some commotion in one of the operating rooms just as Mr.
World entered. It proved to be the preliminary work necessary for
dressing a severe scalp wound.


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