How I welcomed the light of day after that…
source date: 1891
availability: public-domain

nt. How I welcomed the light of day after that horrible night. Investigation showed that none of us had been hit by stray bullets, although the “ping” of several had been heard, but although none of us were wounded one of our party was suffering with a bad attack of ague. I had noticed a doctor’s sign hanging from the only tent that had any lumber in its con- struction, and I volunteered to go and see if such a thing as a little quinine could be ob- tained. I could not knock at the door for there was none, but I managed to arouse the doctor, who called “come in.” As I lifted the fly of the tent I saw the disciple of esculapius sitting on the edge of a bunk with a Winchester rifle in his hand. Of course I was very civil, and on his very politely asking me what in h 1 I wanted, I informed him in tones as mild and bland as Celestial ever used, that one of my companions had the ague, and that I would like to get a little quinine if he had any. “Yes,” answered the doctor, “I got qui- nine, but it will cost you $3 for six powders, and I want the money before I get off this bunk.” I handed him the three dollars and then he put up the powders which he handed me with the necessary instructions in regard to their use.