12
THE BA T TALI ON.
taking active part in one of the societies which are our work
shops in literature.
Indeed, the societies scattered all over this grand country
of ours are one of the best methods of elevating the literary
Standard of our people. As a rule they invite everyone to take
part in them. It is m the lyceum, or debating society, of a
community that its brightest and most intelligent minds are
found.
A Slight Mistake.
A Canadian river steamer was the scene of an amusing
blunder, which a. Wisconsin paper describes as follows :
A lady passenger was taken ill in the night; a doctor’s as
sistance was required, but the steamer did not carry a member
of the profession. The list of passengers was read through, in
order to discover if there was a medical man among them, and
happily there was the name, James Thompson, M. D.
The steward quickly ran to Doctor Thompson’s berth, and
aroused the occupant by vigorous blows on the door.
‘•What’s the matter? Is the boat sinking ? ” came from
within, in a startled tone.
•‘There’s a passenger ill, and we want your assistance,
doctor,” replied the steward.
“What are you playing at?” growled the voice. I aint
no doctor.”
“ Why, you have got ‘ M. D.’ after your name.”
“ Well, I can put them letters after it if I like, can’t I ?”
said the M. D. “ That’s nly trade. I’m a mule-driver.