The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1888-04-06
TERRIBLE VENGEANCE,
A Jealous husband Has tho hand
OF His Wife Cut OF ana Sent to
6er Lover.

A Jealous husband HAS tho hand
OF His Wife Cut OF ana Sent to
her Lover.
From n London Exchange.
At the restoration CT Louis Phil.
lippe to the French throne many
OF Napoleon's soldiers were left in
comparative poverty. One OF them,a
famous general. had a beautiful daush
ter whom he wished to marry rich,
but who fell in love with poor young
man-an under secretary or some
thing OF that kind. She married, at
her fathers request, a rich count, but
refused at the wedding ceremony to
allow the ring to be placed upon her
eft hand, upon which she wore ruby
put there by her lover. Her jealous
husband was not long in finding out
what was the matter, AMI lnterceptlng
u letter in which the ardent young
lover claimed Matilda's hand as his,
he determined upon an awful revenge.
One night as the celebrated surgeon,
Iisfranc, was returning from q
professional visit, he was captured by
n party OF men, blindfolded and tax.
EN- to distant palace, and led
through a labyrinth of passages and
rooms. At last he found himself in a
small chamber furnished with remark.
able luxury, and halt.lit by IN alabas-
ter lamp hung from the ceiling.
The windows were Theoretically sealed
as well 'ts the curtains Of an alcove at
the end OF the room.
"Doctor," said the man with whom
he now found himself alone, in all all.
rupt, loud voice, "prepare for your
work-nn amputation."
"Where is the patient?" asked the
doctor, turning toward the alcove.
The curtains mo ved slightly, and he
heard n stitled sigh.
"Prepare, sir" said the man. con.
vulsively.
"But, sir. must see the patient"
"You will see only tile hand you are
to cut Off"
The doctor. folding his arms and
looking firmly at the other said:
"slr, you brought me here by force.
!fyou need my professional assistance
shall do my duty without caring for
or troubling myself about your sec.
rcts, but il You wish to commit 4,
crime you cannot force ne to be your
accomplish"
"Be content, sir" replied the other;
there is no crime liz this" and lead.
ing him to the alcove he drew from the
curtain hand. ut is this you are
to cut Off"
The doctor took the hand in his;
his fingers trcmbled at the touch. 1t
was lady's hand-smalI. beautifully
modelled, and its pure white set off by
a magnificent ruby enclrclcd with
diamonds.
"But." cried the doctor, "there is
no need OF amputation; there is"
"And I, sir! say" thuntlered the
other, "if you refuse will do it my.
self, and, Selling q Ratchet, lie drew
the hand toward u small table and
seemed about to strike. The doctor
arrested his arm. "Do your duty,
then doctor"
90, but this Is an atrocious act"
said the surgeon.
what IS that to you? 1t must be
done. | wish it; madam wishes it al
so. II necessary she will demand it
herself. Come, madam; request the
doctor to do you this service"
The doctor, nonplussed and almost
iainting under the torture of his feel
ings, heard from the alcove in u half.
expiring voice and an inexpressible
accent of despair and resignation:
"Sir, since You are q surgeon-yes
j entereat you-let it be you,-and
not-oh. yes, you, you, in mercy"
"Well, DOCTOR" said the man, "you
or II"
The resolution OF this man was so
lrishtful, and the prayer OF the poor
lady so full OF entreaty and despair,
that the doctor felt that even hui.
manity commanded OF him compliance
with the appeal OF the victim. lie
took his instruments with last i'm.
ploring look ut the unknown, who
Only pointed to the hand, and with a
sinking heart bean the operation.
For the first time in his experience
his hand trembled. but the knife was
doing its work; there was cry from
the alcove. and then all was silent.
Nothing was heard but the horrid
sound OF tine operation till the hand
and the saw fell together on the floor.
1.isfranc wore the ruby OH his
watch chain, where it was seen by the
young lover on his return to Pals,
and out OF it grew q duel that led to
u disclosure OF the infamous crime.
The mornin. after the lovers arrival
ut the capital lie was presented by u
man in livery with an ebony box.
Opening it he discovered a bleeding
hand-Matilda's-a and on it % paper
with these words: 'See how the