" I regarded the poor crazy being with a feeling
of pity, as he walked wearily onward, and even the high-heeled boot did
not conceal a painful limp in his gait. But I had not seen the last of
him yet. Some six months after, as I was visiting a friend who lived
several miles distant, who should walk in, about eight o'clock in the
evening, but the "unfortunate man." There had been a slight shower of
rain, but not enough to account for the drenched state of his clothing.
"How did you get so wet?" enquired Mr. ----. "O," replied he, "I was
crossing a brook upon a log, and I slipped off into the water; and it
rained on me at the same time, and between the two, I got a pretty smart
ducking." They brought him some dry clothing, and dried his wet garments
by the kitchen fire, and kindly allowed him to remain for the night. For
several years, this man passed through S. as often as two or three times
during each year. He became so well known in the vicinity, that any one
freely gave him a meal or a night's lodging as often as he sought it.
Every time he came along his mind was occupied by some new fancy, which
seemed to him to be of the utmost importance, and to require prompt
attention.
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