Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1871-08-27
THE DROP OF BLOOD.
Il Hungarian Story.
CHAPTER l.


DR.. N, one of the most emirent
surgeons of Pestb, was summoned at day
break one morning to see a person who
pressyngly sought TO be admitted to him.
While waiting in the ante-IOOm, the Wis
itor desired the servant to add that every
moments delay was dangerous, as he stood
in need of instant help.
The surgeon, hastily throwing off his
night-robe, gave orders for him to be
shown up at once.
1t was an entire stranger, but one
whose dress proclaimed him a man be-
longing to the best class of society. His
pallid cheeks spoke of some deep inward
bodily and mental pain; and his right arm
rested in silken sling. Though he sue
ceeded perfectly in controlling the ex-
preston of his countenance, low muir
muir of pain, in spite of all his efforts,
broke forth repeatedly from his lips.
"Have l the honor of addressing DR..
NJ" he asked, in a weak, almost
fainting voice as he approached the sur
geon"
''Yes, sir"
'Pudon the question. do not live
in Pesth; came from the country, and
know you by reputation only. l regret
not to be able to make your acquaintance
under happier circumstances.
The surgeon, seeing that his visitor
could scarcely stand on his feet, begged
hun to rest on his divan.
81 am weary; for whole week have
not closed my eye. have been having
pain in my right hand to which | can
give no name. In the beginning l felt
only slight pang, but in short time it
commenced to burn with constantly in
creasing violence, growing to be torture
beyond the reach of the slightest allevis-
ton. l have tried every Obtainable
remedy, far and near, but nothing relieves
me-there remains the same piercing,
cutting, deadly pain. Finally, l could
hear no more; | got into a carrisge, and
fastened here to you, that you might free
me from my torment by an operation
the knife on iron, for can support it no
longer"
The surgeon here endeavored TO encour-
age him, saying his suffering might be
overcome by milder means than the use
of the knife.
''NO, doctor; neither plaster nor yet
any palliative can relieve it. What l
need is the knife. For that alone did l
come here"
Doctor N asked to be permitted to
look at his hand, on which the sufferer,
setting his teeth hard, held it forth. The
surgeon, using the greatest precsutiop,
began tn loosen the bandage.
LET me entreat you, in advance, doc
tor, not to be overcome by anything you
will sec. My pain is so strange, so extra
ordinary, that it will certainly take you
unswares. Hesitate at nothing, l pray
you"
The surgeon assured the stranger that
he was accustomed to everything in his
profession, and pledged himself to hesl-
tate at nothing. Nevertheless, when the
hand appeared, he shrunk back iuvolun-
tarily, letting it faI heavily. The hand
was apparently as sound, healthy looking,
ard perfect IS any other-not spot was
to be seen upon it.
A sharp cry from the sufferer, az he
lifted the dropped haud with the left,
proved that he had clme in no jest, but
that he suffered cruelty.
''Where does it pain you2"
"Here, DOCTOR" said the stranger,
pointing to place on the upper surface
of his hand, where two veins parted from
each other in faint blue lines. The sur
geon marked him shudder, as he touched
that spot with his finger.
''You feel it painlng here"
'Fightfully!"
''And you suffer from the pressure
when touch the place with my finger 2"
The stranger was not in the condition
to answer. Tears started to his eyes, so
dreadful was the suffering.
"'Wonderful! l distinguish nothing
here!"
"And yet l experience there so mex
pTessible pain that l could dash my head
against the wall"
The surgeon took a microscope, ex-
amined the place, and shook his head.
"fhe skin is clear and healthy; the blood
courses freely in the veins; there is no in
flammation, no apparent hurt. The place
is precisely in its natural staten
81 Think it somewhat redder.n
"Where?"
The stranger took a pencil from his
pocket-book, and drew line round the
spot the size of half kreuzer. 'Here. y
The surgeon carefully looked at the
spot, and began to think that his patient
was insane. "Remain here" he SAID.
81 may be able to assist you in few
days"
81 can not wait. Do you think, sir,
that you have mad man before you9
Thai is misfortune of which you will
have to cure. The place have indicated
causes me such agony that repeat it,
have only come here to have it cut out. I"
(Which, however, will not do, said
the surgeon.
"And why not9"
because your hand isperfectly sound;
so far as can see there is no more the