The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1862-08-06

Ills intelligence was impaired TO the un-
happy parent of the girl, with the candid
acknowledgment that her situation was one
OF imminent peril. Can nothing be done
20 save her p' said the weeping father
The sister had been removed in an almost
unconscious state from the cabiu and was
in the care of some OF the ladies'. He re-
piled that there was but one hope 10 rest
upon-an operation, and that skllfuly and
speedily performed What operation o.
asked the father, holding her head in his
hands, and waiting a reply in breathless
anxiety.
"Trepannirg." quietly responded the
physician, and briefly explaining his mean.
irg.
A painful silence of some minutes now
ensured.
"When this dreadful operation is perfor-
med, what is the chance OF, recovery ?'' gas
ped tine father, seiziug The physician by
The arm.
THAT musi depend upon circumstances,
was the reply.
Save her life. Ellen. my child-my
child Poor girl, tits an awful thing to
think Of IF. as you say, it must be done.
for Heavens sake lose no time"
81 haze no instrument fit tor the purpose
Nor would undertake it if had. 1t need.
more experienced hand than nine. /
never saw il done. From boo , only I
kaow its nature and manner OF proceed
ing"
The captain remarked that he had case
OF instruments on board The boat oil their
purpose he was ignorant. The young man
who had entered with :he physician had
been carefully examining The injury, and
requested The captain TO procure The inslru-
ments, who left the cabin for that purpose
he then addressed the physician
''Sir, should The irepan be al hand would
ii not be we'll to a,,empi the operation In
her pre- sent STATE she must die, unless some
aid be promptly given. | will assis. you
care you physicion 2"
'No; ] am student of medicine oniv
have seen the lrepan twice used with
complete success. am aware lis dan
gerous operation, though easily perform
ed"
81 shall not undertake it, I could no,
summon resolution. | do not profess sur
gerry"
"We are many miles from land. sir. ]
never performed this or any other opera
uon upon the human body. Relying upon
my knowledge OF analomy-ihe exigency
OF The case-ihe favorable position of the
wound | would moi shrink in any at,empt
to save valuable life. Why should you
sir Z"
The captain returned. The case was
opened and proved, upon examination to be
large case OF amputatng Instruments
and, fortunately, :he lrepan and it's uecessa
ry instruments accompanying them.
The father revived from an apparen, siu-
Por. The sight of the kLives made him
shujder
"WelI," said he in a whisper, ,"what is to
be done 2"
The young man and the physician were
conversing inaudibIy together for a mo
ment. "No sir" replied the physician
Nothing in The world would induce me
10 auempt ii. Having no confidence in my
own power, you know, sir, it is not likely
that should succeed
If you were not on The boat, and under
The circumstances, at the request of those
interested | would auempi it BIT it is
understood that you refuse, and if The falh-
ef will trust me, ! will sare her. if 1 can -
Captain you know ne. have noue but
good motives"
The father listened. The calm and cool
manner OF The student weighed much in
his favor After look at his child, who
still seemed in hs sleep OF death, the low
peculiar breathing sound attendant upon
such cases, beiog the only Sign of life and
sure symptom OF the nature OF The hurt, he
took the Young man by the hand aud said
"Do what you think best. Save her, Il
you can. God help you I' He kissed her
and walked away, checking his emotion, re.
peating the prayer for her safely.
A request was made for those whose aid
was moi necessary, 10 retire from the cabin,
which was, of course, complied with The
physician,to his credit be it spoken remain.
ed 10 assist in an act which he dared not be
principal in. The instruments having been
csreiuliy arranged. and everything that pru
dence could suggest attended to, The young
lady was placed upon table 10 undergo The
fearful opPeration. There was TO her nc
dread. She could ieel no pain. Sensation
TO h er was a lost faculty. But the loss o
sell possession in the operator-a lack o
! knowledge and judgment in critical mo-
meni, might make OF the instrument useC
10 save lie weapon OF destruction. The
hysician secured her head in a position
most convenient, The student removed iron
the injured spot the golden curls, as he tool
the scapel in his hand 10 make The necessa
! rs IucIsion through the integumenis =