The Arkansas banner., 1844-04-24
For Hc .3rt,aasas Banner HISTORY OF A WOODEN LEG.
TRANSLATED IRON THE rHfNcn.
 nN ALApN OF LtrTLE RocK.

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 BY A LADY or ttTTLE ROCK.
 During the Autumn of the year l7S2, Louis TheyeHet, Surgeon of Calais, re- eeiyod ait anonymous letter, requesting his attendance next day at house, there named, d short distance from town; and 10 take with him. all the instruments necessary for the amputaton of leg. TheYenct, then in the prime of life, was not satisfied with destroy ing that of his brother Calaiens; and it was mol unusual for him to be called to England OH grave and important organizations. He had been q long time attached to the army, and notwithstanding the blountness of his manner, he was beloved by all, for his frank kindess, and his uncommon loyalty, he hesi- tated some time in accepting this Anonymous invitation, the hour and place had been hdi- cated with minute exaeness, and the ampnia- ton ef limb, k alWays an interesting opera tion for good surgeon; but the Dr. had reason to fear trcaehery, and declined going. Three dafs after, he received another, and more pressing invitation, al the same time informing him, that the next morning al nine o'clock, q carriage would be at the door, to convey him to the place named. Hardly had the clock struck niue, when handsome 1 open carriage, drove mp to the surgeons door; {; he hesilaled no o1onger, but mounted the steps. Scarcely had he taken his seat, than knock ing the cGachman on the shoulder with his cane, he said to him. where are we going : Where l was ordered to conduct you, said the English coachman, Aourshing h15 whip. Oh my business IS with an Englishnan, thought the Dr. Par Dieui he shall pay for his countryman's mpcrtnence. A last the carriage stopped. Who is the patienti asked | Thevenct, of ono of the tootmen, is it man or a woman2 You shall see was the cool reply. He was received at the door by q 1 handsome yonng man, of about twenty-five or thirty years of age, who requested him | to walk up stairs, and ushered Itn into Q well furnished room. Are you the gentleman who sent for me Yes sir, and am happy to find thatyou have accepted my anonymous invitation Rest yourself, and take some re- ireshment, previous to commencing inc oPc- ration. But first, sir, let me see and examine the leg.-ampuation may not be necessary Amputalion Is necessary, Dr. Thevenct,-bt seated. The pr. sal down. Listen to me said the unknown: here is T hundred guinea' for you, as scon as you have performed tho operation; but wish it done immediately do you understood Ii you refuse, remem- Der, you are in my power, and as sure az there is q God iu Heaven, will blow youl brains out. In saying flis, lie drew q pistol from his pocket, which he coolly held in his hand. On sir, you may hold Il to my cheek, t will not turn il paler but tell me frankly, why did you send for me- have just told vou.--to cut oil my leg. With all my heart, sir, and your head also, if tha will please you but if am not mistaken vour leg is perfectly sound, you have this in stant ascended the stairs like a fope-dancer what is the matter with + Nothing at all only that it must be cut of. Sir, you ar' mad That IS nothing to yon, Dr. That i' true but it seems to me that have alright tc enquire why you wish 10 part with so sonnt and well formed a lmh; for as we are stran gers 10 each other, sir, wish to he convinced that you are in your senses. Dr. T'heyenet will vou do as l desire you? Yes sir. whef you have given me conclusive reasons, why should perform 50 ridiculous an operation At present, cannot tell. yon the truth. In year hence I may do so, and am willing te bet. that at the expiration of that lime, yol will yourself admit, that my determination of parting with a leg, is dictated by reason and will receive your appreciation. cal accept no wager until Iknow your name, youl residence, yonr family, and your profession Ton shall know all, sir, but not at present permit me to ask, if you consider me mar of honor A man Of honor, sir, does no order surgeon. with pistol at his head, tc f cut of his leg, have duties to perform ever towards you, stranger; and unless It IS ab solutely necessary for your health, canno consent 10 mutilate you; now Sir, Ii you fee yourself obliged to become the assassin of d l, innocent father of a family, fire. You arc 1, brave mar, and will moi be your murderer but will find means of forcing you to cut 0 my leg- and will force you 10 do from pity : whatneisher threats. or hTibes could accom- plish. How is that, sir. will fire a bulle through my leg, in your presence. Saying this | the young man down, deliberately placin the mouth of the pistol to his knee. Tn Dr. sprang upon him, to arrest his hand. you stir, said the Englishman, l will pull tn