Page:Letters to Squire Pedant in the East.pdf/16

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The evil effects of excessive feasting – a description of the diseases induced – medical prescriptions – quackery – deaths – high medical bills.

Altisonant describes a rabble attending on a fortuneteller – his abilities – the effects of his announcements upon the multitude – describes a prairie – his preparation to cross it — a snake bites Indagator, his dog – he cures him.

Altisonant stops in a town – goes to meeting – describes the preacher – his manner and subjec this address to his followers — a collection raised for the benefit of the heathen – ceases traveling during the winter, and hires himself to a Western farmer.

Altisonant describes his situation with the farmer – names of the farmer and his wife – Altisonant falls out with the farmer, and leaves him – Indagator perishes in a fight with a bear – Altisonant buys a horse – describes him – sets out on an exploration of the West — his deprivations and sickness in consequence of them – his recovery and gratitude.

Altisonant returns to the neighborhood of Misanthropos, his former employer, who accuses him of theft – Altisonant is summoned to appear at Court – his predicament – obtains bail, and the voluntary aid of a lawyer – describes him and his qualifications – describes also the State's attorney, and his inability — the issue of the trial in favor of Altisonant – the notoriety it gave him