The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1876-03-30
WAS IT s WORTH 4 LEGs

= :
Twas in the autumn of the year 1872
that q surgeon in Boulogne, Of the name
of Etienne Lefebyre, received letter, not
bearing any signature, requesting HIM 70
repair on the following day to country
house which was situated on the road
leading to Calais, and to bring along such
instruments az would be required for per
fprming an operation. Letebyre was at
that period well known as q distinguished
and successful operator; SO much 80, IN
deed. that he was not unfrequentiy sent
for from great distances. He had served
for considerable time Ia the navy, and
his manners had, therefore, acquired
certain degree of bluntness Dut Tnen
you once became acquainted WIN nim,
YOU could not help liking him Tor the
natural and unaffected goodness OF MS
heart. 49,
He was naturally somewhat surprised
at this anonymous communication, Tor
although the time and place were, as al
ready stated, mentioned with great sml-
nuteness. there was no clue afforded by
which the. writer could be ldentlned,
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 aftervard 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 carriage would be sent to
bring him to the place where he was SO
anxiousIy expected. Accordingly next
morning, sure enough, on the stroke of
nine, carriage drove up to the door
The doctor no longer made any hesi-
tation, but at once took his seat in the
carriage. As he was entering he inquired
of the coachman 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, Lefebyre said
to himself, So it is an Englishman to
whom l am summoned" and he accord
ingly prepared himself for an exhibition
of eccentricity on the part Of one OF
that nation which. even now is so little
understood by contipentals. At length
the carriage stopped, and the doctor
FASTENED into the house.
He was received at the entrance by
fine-looking young man Of about twenty
five years of age, who requested him to
walk into a large and handsome room on
the first floor. His accent showed HIM
to be an Englishman. The following
conversation then ensued between them.
You have sent for me-" said the
& / am very much obliged to you for
the trouble you have taken in coming
here" rejoined the Englishman. sc Be
so good as to seat yourself at the table,
where you will find chocolate, coffee or
wine, in case you would like to partake
of anything before commencing the op-
eration." - @
"But frst show me the patient. 1
wish to satisfy myself that an operation
is absolutely necessary. - -S% e - =
at is necessary, Monsieur Lefebvre; !;
pray be seated. ] have entire confidence
in you; only listen to me. Here is a
purse containing one hundred guineas,
which l offer you as a fee for the opera
ton you are asked to perform, no matter
what the result may be. Incase of your
refusing compliance with my request,
you see this pistol. 1t is loaded, and
you are in nv power. As I hope for
salvation, I viii blow your brains out"
"Sir, I am not to be deferred from
doing what / consider proper by any
fear Of your pistol. What do you desire
What am I expected to do ~
You must cut my right leg off"
With all my heart" answered the
surgeon, thinking that this was charac-
teristic specimen of those mad English
and your hand, also, if necessary OF
desirable. However, unless l am greatly
mistaken, your leg is perfectly sound.
saw you walk down stairs with the
greatest activity. What can be the mat
ter with your leg =" .,'sty r s-s-.
"Nothing; but it must come off"
Sir, you are mad. !" aaa.s (.
That isno concern of yours, Monsieur
Lefebvre."
"What harm can that handsome limf
have done 7"
z" None at all /; still you must make W
your mind to amputate it." - .
sSir, ! hese no acquaintance witt
you; give me some proof that you are il
sound mind naturally demanded thu
doctor.
will you consent to my wishes
Monsieur Lefebvre T
Gas soon as you can assign an adequate
or reasonable motive for so unnecessar.
an operation"
81 cannot at present enter into an.
explanations-in year, perhaps, / viii
! do 80. But will bet you, sir, that thel