The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1876-09-06
WAS IT WORTH A LEG ?

1882, that q surgeon in Boulogne, of |
the name Etienne Lefebvre, received |
letter, not bearing any signature, re-
questing him to repair on the follow
ing day to a country house which was
situated on the road leading to Calias,
and to bring along such instruments
as would be required for performing
an operation. Lefebvre was at that
period well.known as a distinguished
and successful operator; so much so,
that he was not unfrequently sent for
from great distances. He had served
for considerable time in the navy,
and his manners had, therefore, ac-
quired a certain degree of bluntness
but when you once became acquainted
with him, you could not help liking
him for the natural and unaffected
goodness of his heart.
He was naturally somewhat sur
prised at this anonymous commupica-
tion for, although the time and place
we're, as already stated, mentioned
with great minuteness, there was no
clue afforded by which the writer could
be identified. He, therefore, came to
the conclusion that some of his jocular
friends were making fun of him, and
he did not keep the appointment.
Three days afterwards he again re-
ceived similar summons, but couched
in more pressing terms than the first,
and he was informed that at 8 o'clock
in the morning carriage would be
sent to bring him to the place where
he was anxiously expected. Accord
ingly,-n next morning, sure enough, on
the stroke of 8, carriage drove up to
his door. The doctor no longer made
any hesitation, but at once took his
seat in the carriage. As he was get
ting in, he inquired Of the coachman
i where he was to be taken to but the
man appeared either not to know, or
did not choose to tell ; but as he spoke
In English, Lefebvre said to himself,
$50 it is an Englishman to whom am
summoned" and he accordingly pre-
pared himself for any exhibition Of
eccentricity on the part of one Of that
nation which even now is so little un-
derstood by Continentals. At length
the carriage stopped, and the doctor
FASTENED into the house.
He was received at the entrance by
fne-looking young man of about
twenty five years of age. who requested
him to walk into a large and hand.
some room on the first floor. His ac-
cent showed him to be an Englishman.
The following conversation then ensued
between them:
"You have sent for me-" said the
doctor.
"I am very much obliged to you for
the trouble you have taken in coming
here" rejoined the Englishman. "Be
go good as to seat yourself at the table
where you will find chocolate, coffee,
or wine, in case you would like to par.
take of anything before commencing
the operation"
"But first show me the patient. ]
wish to satisfy myselfthat an operation
is absolutely necessary"
at is necessary. Monsieur Lefebvre
pray be seated. l have entire conf
dence in you only listen to me. Here
is a purse containing 100 guineas
which I offer you as fee for the ope
ration you are asked to perform, NJ
matter what the result may be. Ii
case ofyour refusing compliance will
my request, you see this pistol. 1t il
loaded, and you are in my power. Al
l hope for salvation, will blow you
brains out"
"Sir, am not to be deferred from
doing what l consider proper by any
fear of pistol. But what do you de
sire What ara l expected to do?
"You must cut my right leg off,"
"With all my heart" answered th
surgeon, thinking that this was char
. arcteristic specimen ofthose mad Eng
lish; and your hand, also, if necessar,
or desirable. However, unless l an
greatly mistaken, your leg is perfect.
sound. / saw you walk down stair
with the greatest activity. What ca
be the matter with your leg I"
"Nothing; but it must come off"
"Sir, you are mad"
THAT is no concern of yours, Mons
Lefebvre."
"What harm can that handsOm
limb have done?"
"None at all still you must max
up your mind to amputate it,"
"Sir, have no acquaintance wit
YOU give me some proof that you al
in sound mind" naturally demande
the doctor.
"Will you consent to my wishe
Monsieur Lefebvre p
a. GAS soon as you can assign any az
eouate or reasonable motive for so III