The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1876-04-07
SELECT STORY.
WAS 1T WORTH A LEG.

to bring along such instruments al
would be required for performing an op-
Grafton. Lefebvre was at that period
well known a. a distinguished and sue
cessful operator; sO much so, indeed, that
he was not unfrequently sent for from
great distances. He had served for d
considerable time in the navy, and his
manners had, therefore, acquired GER
tain degree of bluntness. but, when you
once became acquainted with him, you
could not help liking him for the natur-
al and unaffected goodness of his heart.
He was naturally somewhat surprised
at this anonymous communication, for
although the time and place were, "a al
ready stated, mentioned with great mi
nuteness, there was no clue afforded by
which the writer could be identified
He, therefore, came to the conclusion
that some of his jocular friend- were
making fun Of him, and he did not keep
the appointment.
Three days afterward he received a
similar summons, but couched in more
pressing terms than the first, and he was
informed that at nine O'Clock in the
morning a carriage would be sent to
bring him to the place where he was 80
anxiou-ly expected. Accordingly next
morning, sure enough, on the stroke of
Eine, carriage drove mp to the door
The doctor no Ion .er IN tde any heSita-
-, 81,
carriage. AS he was entering he inqnir-
- If the cOachman where he was TO be
.taen to, but the man appeared either
NOT 10 know, or did not choose to tell;
but as he spoke in English. Lefebvre
said to himself, $50 il is an Englisbman
to whom | am summoned" and he ac-
cordingly prepared himself for an ex-
hibition Of eccentricity on the part of
one of that nation which even now is so
little understood by continentals. AT
length the carriage stopped, and the
doctor hastened into the house.
He was received at the entrance by
fne-looking Young man of abont tWen,
ty-fve years Of age. who requested him
to walk into large and handsome room
on the first floor. His accent showed
him to be an Englishnan. The follow
ing conversation then ensued between
them.
"You have sent for me-" said the doc
tor.
"I am very much Obliged to you for
the trouble you have taken in coming
here" rejoined the Englishman. "Be
so good as to seat yourself 1t the table +,
wine, in case you would like to partake
of anything before commencing the op-
Grafton"
"But first show me the patient. /
wish to satisfy myself that an operation
is absolutely necessary"
at is necessary, Monsieur Lefebvre;
pray be seated. ] have entire confidence
in you; only listen to me. Here is
purse containing one hundred Ruineas,
which offer you az fee for the opera
ton you are asked to perform, no matter
what the result may be. In case of your
refusing compliance with my request,
you see this pistol. 1t is loaded, and
you are in my power. As I hope for
salvation. will blow your brains out."
"Sir, I am not to be deferred from do
ing what l consider proper by any fear
of your pistol. What do you dssire?-
What am 1 expected to do?"
"You must cut my right leg of"
"With all my heart" answered the
surgeon, thinking that this was charac-
teristic specimen of those mad English;
"and your hand, also, If necessary or de-
sirahle. However, unless am greatly
mistaken, your leg is perfectly sound,
saw yon walk down stairs with the
greatest activity. What can be the mat
ter with your leg?"
"NOthing; but it must come off,"
"Sir, yon are mad"
THAT is no concern of yours, Mon
sIener Lefehvre."
"Wha, harm can that handsome limb
have done?"
'None at all; still you must make up
vour mind to amputate it,"
"Sir, have no acquaintance with
von; give me some proof that you are in
sound mind" naturally demanded the
doctor.
"Will you consent to my wishes
Monsieur Lefebvre?
"As soon as you can assign an adequate
or reasonable motive for 40 unnecessary
al operation"
"I cannot at present enter into any
explanations-in year, perhaps. ! Will
do 40. But will bet you, sir, that ther
You will acknowledge that my reasons
for my present seemingly extravagan
conduct are most pure, manly and noble
and even ratioral."
at ia quite impossible for me-" re
monstratad the surgeon, "to comply un
til you tell me your name. place of resi-
dence, position and family"
".You shall be made acquainted will
all these particulars at some future time
but not at present. ! beg you to conside
me n man of honor"
"a man of honor does not utter un
justi6able threats against his doctor.
have to perform a duty even toward you
who are stranger to me. My reason
for refusing to accede to your absur
request are, as you must admit, SCUM
and just. Do you wish to be the mur
derer of an innocent father of larg
family?"
"Well, Monsieur Lefebvre," reptile
the Englishman, taking mp the pistol. g.
will not FIRE upon you, and yet viii
compel you to cut off this leg. Wha
you refuse to do to obliRe me, throng
love of gain or fear ofa bullet, you shal
do through humanity"
"How 40. sir?"