Part 2.
THROUGH THE FLOOD.
ILLUSTRATIONS
PREFACE
It is with great good will that I write this short preface to theedition of "A Doctor of the Old School" (which has been illustrated byMr. Gordon after an admirable and understanding fashion) because thereare two things that I should like to say to my readers, being also myfriends.
One, is to answer a question that has been often and fairly asked. Wasthere ever any doctor so self-forgetful and so utterly Christian asWilliam MacLure? To which I am proud to reply, on my conscience: Not oneman, but many in Scotland and in the South country. I will dare prophecyalso across the sea.
It has been one man's good fortune to know four country doctors, not oneof whom was without his faults—Weelum was not perfect—but who, eachone, might have sat for my hero. Three are now resting from theirlabors, and the fourth, if he ever should see these lines, would neveridentify himself.
Then I desire to thank my readers, and chiefly the medical professionfor the reception given to the Doctor of Drumtochty.
For many years I have desired to pay some tribute to a class whoseservice to the community was known to every countryman, but after thetale had gone forth my heart failed. For it might have been despisedfor the little grace of letters in the style and because of the outwardroughness of the man. But neither his biographer nor his circumstanceshave been able to obscure MacLure who has himself won all honest hearts,and received afresh the recognition of his more distinguished brethren.From all parts of the E