Mr. Smith was just stepping into his wagon, when a man came up and said to him,
"Have you heard the news?"
"What news?"
"Mr. Jones has taken poison!"
"What?"
"Poison!"
"Who! Mr. Jones?"
"Yes. And they say he cannot live."
"Dreadful! I must see him." And without waiting for further information, Mr. Smith spoke to his horse and rode off at a gallop for the residence of his friend. Mrs. Jones met him at the door, looking very anxious.
"How is he?" inquired Mr. Smith, in a serious voice.