asked Dr. Heidegger , `` which Ponce de Leon , the Spanish adventurer , went in search of two or three centuries ago ? '' `` But did Ponce de Leon ever find it ? '' said the widow Wycherly . `` No , '' answered Dr. Heidegger , `` for he never sought it in the right place . The famous Fountain of Youth , if I am rightly informed , is situated in the southern part of the Floridian peninsula , not far from Lake Macaco . Its source is overshadowed by several gigantic magnolias which , though numberless centuries old , have been kept as fresh as violets by the virtues of this wonderful water . An acquaintance of mine , knowing my curiosity in such matters , has sent me what you see in the vase . '' `` Ahem ! '' said Colonel Killigrew , who believed not a word of the doctor 's story ; `` and what may be the effect of this fluid on the human frame ? '' `` You shall judge for yourself , my dear colonel , '' replied Dr. Heidegger . -- `` And all of you , my respected friends , are welcome to so much of this admirable fluid as may restore to you the bloom of youth . For my own part , having had much trouble in growing old , I am in no hurry to grow young again . With your permission , therefore , I will merely watch the progress of the experiment . '' While he spoke Dr. Heidegger had been filling the four champagne-glasses with the water of the Fountain of Youth . It was apparently impregnated with an effervescent gas , for little bubbles were continually ascending from the depths of the glasses and bursting in silvery spray at the surface . As the liquor diffused a pleasant perfume , the old people doubted not that it possessed cordial and comfortable properties , and , though utter sceptics as to its rejuvenescent power , they were inclined to swallow it at once . But Dr. Heidegger besought them to stay a moment . `` Before you drink , my respectable old friends , '' said he , `` it would be well that , with the experience of a lifetime to direct you , you should draw up a few general rules for your guidance in passing a second time through the perils of youth . Think what a sin and shame it would be if , with your peculiar advantages , you should not become patterns of virtue and wisdom to all the young people of the age ! '' The doctor 's four venerable friends made him no answer except by a feeble and tremulous laugh , so very ridiculous was the idea that , knowing how closely Repentance treads behind the steps of Error , they should ever go astray again .
`` Drink , then , '' said the doctor , bowing ; `` I rejoice that I have so well selected the subjects XXXXX my experiment . ''
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