The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1827-05-24
F.-None but are you ready to take it

of?
T.-Sir, donot know. Bring me evidence
that you are of sound mind.
E.-Will you comply with my requeste
T.--Yes, sir, so soon as you give me sur
ficient reasons for such mutilation OF your"
self.
Ell cannot tell you the truth perhaps
for some years; but will lay wager that
after a certain time you shall understand
that my reasons are most noble-that my
happiness, my very existence depends upon
my being treed from the leg.
T.-Sir, l lay no wagers. Tell me youc
name, residence, family and occupation.
E.-You shall know all that hereafter
Dc YOU take me for an honorable man!
tt cannot. 4 man of honor does not
treaten his physician with pistols. l have
duties towards you as stranger. Will not
mutilate you. If you wish to be the mur-
derer of guiltless father of family, then
shoot.
E.-Well, Mr.. Thevenes. will not shoot
YOU; but / will force you to take of my leg.
That which you will not do for all the love
of money, nor the fear Of bullet, you shall
do from compassion.
| T.-And how so!
E.-I will break my leg by discharging
nv pistols, and here before your eyes.
| The Englishman seated himself, and
placed the mouth of the pistol close to his
knee. Thevenet was on the point OF spring
ing to prevent him. but he replied stir not,
or FIRE. Now, says he, will you increase
and lengthen out my pains for nothing: :,
You are fool, says Thevcnet. but it shall
be done, will take of the unfortunate leg.
The Englishman camly laid down the pis-
tol. and all was made ready for the opera
lt,n Ac began
the Englishman lighted his pipe, and swore
il should not 70 out. He kept his word
The leg lay upon the floor. and the English
man was still smoking. Thevenet did his
work like a master; the wound. by his skill,
and the patients own good nature. was heal
ed at fixed time--he rewarded the surgeon
like king; thanked him wish tears OF Joy
for the loss of his leg, and sailed over the
streets with wooden one.
About eight weeks after his departure,
Thevenet received letter from England
with the following contents:
"You will receive enclosed, as proof OF
nv most heartfelt gratitude, an order :or
$50 guineas upon Mr.. Panchard, in faris'--
You have made me the happiest mortal on
earth in depriving ME Of my leg, for 1t was
the only hi,idrancc to my earthly felicity
Brave man, you may now know the cause Oh
NV foolish numor as you call it. You con-
cludcd at the time that there could be no
reasonable ground for such self mutilation
offered to lay wager; yoi did we'll IN not
accepting it.
/ After nv second return from the East IN
dies, became acquainted with Emile Har-
lev. the most perfect of women, loved her
most passonately. Her wealth, her family
connexions, Influenced my friends III her IA
yor: but was influenced only by her beauty
and her noble heart. joined the number OF
her admirers. Ah excellent Iheyenet,
was so fortunate as to become the most un-
fortunate Of rivals. She loved me above all,
made no secret Of it, but still she rejected
mc 7 sought her hand in vain; in vain i'm Z.
pIorsd her parents and her friends to inter.
ce1e for me; she was still immoveable. For
long time was unable to conjecture the
cause of her rejecting me; since, as she coiH'
fessed herself, she loved me almost to dis
, traction. One of her visiters at length be-
trayed to me the secret. Miss Harley was
+ a wonder of beauty, but she had but one leg.
7 on account of this imperfection she feared
to become my wife lest should esteem her
{ the less for it, My resolution was taken.
t resolved 20 become like her; thanks to you.
: become so. came with my wooden leg to
a London, and in the first place visited Miss
] Harley. 1t had been reported, and ! my
t self had written to England, that by fall
: from nv horse had broken my leg, which
: was consequently taken off. 1t was much
S regretted. Emile fell into swoon the tirst
t time she saw me. She was for long time
e inconsoahle, but now she is my wife. The
n first day after our marriage, entrusted to
o herthe sacrifice had made in consequence
of my wish to obtain her hand. She loves
] me now the more affectionately. q, my
brave Thevenct, had ] ten legs to loose,
t would without single contorton OF featnic
6 part with them for Emilie. Sc long as livs
G will be grateful towards you. Come te
P London; visit us; become acquainted Will
i my wife; and then say zpas Jooh
CHARLES TEMPLE"
y Answer Of Mr.. 7Hepenet.
;. "Sir-I thank you for your valuable pre-
ii sent, for so must call it, because cAnno'
consider it as pay for the little trouble was
It at. l congratulate YOU on your marriage
u with a woman SO worthy of your affections
1t is true leg IS much to lose, even tor I
!, beautiful. yirtuous, and afectionate wife,
: but not too much. To gain possession @
!. Eve. Adam was obliged to part with rib
- and b,autiful women have cost some mel
y their heads. But after all, permit me It
" adhere to my former judgment. Truly 70
: the moment you were correct, but with thi
II difference the correctness of my judgmen
s, was founded on long experience, Gas ever.