The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1867-02-19
Giving a Leg for a Wife,

| Dr. IheVenet,a distinguished surgeon OF
Paris, one day received note without a
signature, requesting him to repair to a
hotel not far off, with such instruments as
were necessary for an amputation. The
venet was somewhat surprised at the man
ner of the invitation, but concluding that
it was the work of some wag, paid no re-
gard to it. Three days after he received
a second invitation, still more pressing,
and containing the information that the
next day at nine o'clock carriage would
stop before his house in order to convey
him. Thevenet resolved to let the affair
take its course, and when, on the following
day, at the striking of the clock an els-
CANT carriage stopped before the door, he
seated himself in it, and asked the driver
to whom he was to carry him. .sa
"The driver replied in English, "What
do not know | cannot tell"
! AT length the carriage stopped before
the door Of the hotel. A handsome young
man, of about twenty eight years of age,
received the surgeon at the door, and
conducted him up stairs into large
chamber, where the following conversa-
tion took place: 81
| ag"You have sent for me?'
81 am much obliged to you for the
trouble you have taken to visit me. Here
is cefee, chocolate, or wine,if you would
take anything before the operation y
"Show me the patient, sir; | must first
ascertain whether the injury is. such as to
render an amputation necessary"
at IS necessary. Doctor, seat your
SELF | have perfect confidence in you
listen to me. Here is a purse of one
hundred guineas; this is the pay you will
receive for the operation. If done sue.
cessfully, it is yours. Should you refuse
to comply with my wishes, see, here is a
loaded pistol You are in my power; |
will shoot you.' g
"Sir, ! am not afraid of you. pistol
But what is your particular desire? Tell
me without preamble
You must cut off my right leg
"With all my heart, and, if you please,
your head too. But the leg is sound
You sprang up stairs just now with the
agility of dancing master. What ails
your leg?"
"Nothiug. I only want it off,
"Sir, you are fool"
"Why does that trouble you, Thevenet?'
"What sin has the leg committed" g.
"None; but are you ready to take it
Off" s
"Si-, / do not know. Bring me eyi-
dence that you are sound of mind"
"Will you comply with my request2
"Yes, sir. SO soon as you give me sufi-
cient reasons for such mutilation of your
SELF" ~
81 cannot tell you the truth, perhaps,
for some years; but l will lay wager
that after certain time you shall under
stand that my reasons are most noble
that my happiness, my very existence, de-
pend upon my being freed from this leg.
"Sir, [ lay ne wagers. Tell me your
name. residence, family and occupation
"You shall know all that hereafter
Do you take me for an honorable MANI"
II cannot. A man of honor does moi
threaten his physician with pistols.
have duties toward you as stranger.
will not mutilate you. If you wish to be
the murderer of guiltless father Of :
family, then shoot
"Well, NJ. Thevenet I will not shoot
you; but l will force you to take off my
leg. What you will not do for the love
of money, nof the fear Of bullet, you
shall do for compassion. - 9laa -
"And how sof' y,
"I will break my leg by dischargine
Imy pistol, and here before your eyes
The Englishman seated himself, anc
placed the mouth of the pistol close tt
his knee. Thevenet was on the point o
springing to prevent him, but he exclaim
ed:
aStir not or l fire! New" said he
, will you increase and lengthen out my
pains for nothing?'
"You are fool, says Theyenet "bu
it shall be done. will take off the un
fortunate leg"
The Englishman calmly laid by thu
: pistol, and made ready for the opera
tion As soon as the surgeon began t,
cut, the Englishman lighted his pipe ant
swore it should not go out. He kept hi
word. The leg lay upon the floor, ant
the EngEshman was still smoking. The
venet did his work like master; tn
wound, by his skill and the patients Owl
good nature, was healed at fixed time
He rewarded the surgeon like king ,an,
: thanked him with tears of JOY for the los
of bis leg, and sailed over the street
with wooden one. About eight week
after his departure, Thevenet received
letter from England with the following
+ contents;
You will receive enclosed, as proof O
4 my most heartfelt gratitude, an order 70
two hundred and fifty guineas upon NJ
/. Panchard, in Paris. You have made m
: the happiest mortal on earth by deprivin
me Of my leg, for it was the only hin
Il drance to my earthly felicity. BRAY
man, you may now know the cause of m
n foolish humor, as you called it.
You concluded, at the time, that ther
could be no reasonable ground for sue
self mutilation. I offered to lay wagel
: you did we'll in not accepting it. Afte
e my second return from the East Indies
o | became acquainted with Emile Harle,
8 the most perfect of women. | loved he
/ most passionately. Her wealth, her fan
/ lily connections, influenced my friends
.; her favor; but | was Influenced ouly b
$, her, beauty and her noble heart. | joine
thn mn M hnr nf hor admirnra Ahl a1