Sullivan republican. [volume] (Laporte, Pa.) 1883-1896, 1891-02-27
THE LOST LEG.

In the autumn of 1882 the surgeon, i,
Louis Thevenet, of Calais, received a
note without signature requesting him to
call on the following day at a retired
country house situated ON the road lead
ing toward Paris, and to bring with him
what might be needed to perform an
amputation. Thevenet was at that time
widely known as the most skillful man
in his profession, and it was not an un-
usual occurrence for him to be sum-
moned across the channel to England
for the exercise of his professional skill.
lie had served long time in the army,
was somewhat brusque in his manner,
and yet one could not help loving him for
his native kindness of heart.
Thevenet was somewhat surprised by
the receipt of this anonyI,sors note. The
day, the hour and place, were given wit /
the greatest exactness, but, as stated,
the signature was wanting. Some buff
foon probably thinks to make fool of
me. thought he, and he did not 90.
Three days later he received a similar
invitation, but in more urgent terms,
and also containing notification that ON
the following day, at 9 o'clock, car
riage would call at his house to fetch
him.
In truth, on the following morning, as
the clock struck 8, an elegant open car
riage appeared before his door. They
ene., without further hesitation, seated
himself in it. At the door of tho car
riage, however, he said to the coach
man: "To whom are you going to take
me?"
"Things which do not know do not
concern me-" replied the coachman.
"You are churl," replied Thevenet.
At length the carriage stopped in
front of the house before indicated.
''Upon whom am l to call2" "Who
lives heres" "Who is ill here2" inquired
Thevenet of the coachman, before get
ting out of the carriage. The coachman,
however, returned the same answer as
before.
At the house door he was received by
young man of about %, who conducted
him up flight of stairs and into large
chamber. The speech of the young man
disclosed the fact that he was Briton.
Thevenet addressed him in English and
received friendly replies.
''You have sent for me-" said the
surgeon.
II am very thankful for the pains you
have taken to visit me, replied the Eng
lishman. "Will you please to be seated.
Here is chocolate, coffee and wine, in
case you desire to partake of some re-
freshments before the operation"
''First show me to the patient, sir;
must first make an examination to de-
termine if an amputation is necessary"
81 assure you, Mons. Thevenet, it is
necessary. Pray be seated. l have per-
feet faith in your skill. Listen to me.
Here is purse containing hundred
guineas. They are intended for you as
payment for the operation which you are
to undertake; and that will not be
all you will receive, provided the thing
is successfully accomplished. On the
other hand, if you refuse to yield to my
desire, you see here this pistol; you are
in my power, and l will shoot you
down."
'sSir, l do not fear your pistol. But
what do you desire of mes Speak out
without further parley. Why am l
brought here2"
''You must amputate my right leg"
"With all my heart, and if you de-
sire, your head also. But if am not
mistaken, your leg is quite sound. You
ran up the stairs before me as nimbly as a
rope-dancer. What is the matter with
your leg"
Nothing; ! only wish to be rid of
it."
s'Sir, you are fool.
"That is no affair Of yours. Mons.
Thevenet"