Once upon a time there was a doctor who, after many years spent in that pursuit concluded to reform. but strong is the influence of evil associates, and those who had abetted him in his old ways still endevoured to lead him therein.<br><br>One day his good angel whispered in his ear the magic words, "House boat;" and straight-way there arose in his mental vision the picture of a broad river, the boat lazily floating, children fishing, wife's cheery call to view bits of scenery too lovely for solitary enjoyment, and a long year of blissful seclusion where no tale of woe could penetrate, no printer's devil cry for copy. Incidentally the tired eyes could rest, and the long stretches of uninterrupted time be transmuted into creative work; with no banging telephone or boring visitor to scatter the faculties into hopeless desuetude.