Rensselaer Union, Volume 8, Number 52, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 September 1876 — The Professor and His Servant. [ARTICLE]

The Professor and His Servant.

Prof. H , one of the oldest tutors of one of the oldest colleges in the country, was as eccentric as he was learned. His judgment anywhere in the field of natural science and philosophy was to be taken as law. No one ever thought of questioning it. On a certain occasion Prof. H wanted a servant. Several applicants presented themselves, were tried and discarded. Finally one came whose looks the pedagogue liked. Now look ye my man,” the savant said, “ if you can remember and carry out one course of proceednre, I think we may get on. I cannot attord to waste words, nor can I afford to find thoughts for a stupid servant. You must do your own thinking, and understand my wants at a hint. For instance, when I say, ‘ Bring me my razor,’ you will understand that I am going to shave, so you will comprehend that I want hot water, soap, towels, comb, brush, and so on. And so with everything. My initial order you will take as a cue, and of your own thought supply all possible accessories and contingents.” The new servant proved himself equal to the occasion, and his master was more than satisfied. One day the professor came home pale and shaky. Said he to his servant: “John, lam not feeling well. Go and call the doctor.” The man bowed and departed. An hour passed—two hours—and yet no doctor, and no servant. Finally, however, the doctor arrived, and in a moment more in came the servant.

“How is this, John?" demanded the professor. “Why have you been so long?” “Yon told me to call the doctor, sir?” •‘Aye, you could have done it in ten minutes.” “ But, sir, yon told me you were not well. I took your simple order as a cue to all that you might need. I found the doctor absent, and left word for him. Then 1 went to call watchers, in case you should require attendance through the night. Then I called upon your lawyer, in case you should desire to make your will. And, then, sir, I had to hunt up the undertaker, that he might have all in readiness in case •” - ; * f “ Stop, stop, John, that will do. Bless me! lon can be literal in your application of a hint.” “Yes, sir. Any further orders, sir?” “Not now, John. You may go.” The professor is still living, and John still serves him.

The Providence P~ess has received the following lucid dispatch on the war situation in Turkey: “ Tho Servians have been driven out of Gurgusevatz; Harvatovich has fallen back on the Alexinatz; Sevenyearsovitch has defeated Crackyerjawigatz. and Pulldownyerveetovitch has inflicted a crushing blow on Wipotyerchinoski.”