Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1891-03-27
THE LOST LEG.

In the autumn OF 1852 the surgeon,
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 leading towards Paris, and to
bring with him what might be needed
to perform an amputation. Theve-
net was at that tilue widely known az
the most skillful man in his profes-
sion, and it was not an unusual oc-
currence fer him to be summoned
across the channel to England for the
exercise OF his professional skill He
had served long time in the army,
was somewhat brusque in his manner,
and vet one could not help loving him
for his native kindness of heart.
Thevenet was somewhat surprised
by the receipt of this anonymous note.
The day, the hour and place were
given with the greatest e1actness, but,
as stated, the signature was wanting.
Some bufroon probably thinks to
make a fool OF me, thought he. and
he did not 90.
Three days later he received simi-
lar invitation, but in more urgent
terms. and also containing n notiiica
ton that on the following day, at 8
o'clock. a carriage would call at his
house to fetch him.
In truth, on the following morning,
as the clock struck 0, an elegant open
carriage appeared before the door.
Tevenet. without further hesitation,
seated himself in it. At the door OF
the carriage, however, be said 10 the
coachman "To whom are you going
to take me p
Things which do not know do
not concern me-" replied the coach
man.
You are churl," replied Theve-
net.
At length the carriage stopped in
front of the house before indicated.
Upon whom am | to call Who lives
here? Who is i'll here p inquired
Thevenet of the coachman, before
getting 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 con-
Quoted him mp flight of stairs and
into a large chamber The speech OF
the young man disclosed the fact that
he was a Briton. Thevenet addressed
him in English and received friendly
replies
You have sent for me" said the
surgeon.
Il am very thankful for the pains
YOU have taken TO visit me, replied
the Englishman. will you please to
be seated. Here is chocolate, coffee
and wine. in case you desire to partake
of some refreshments before the ope-
ration
First show me to the patient, sir;
| must first make an examination 70
determine if an amputaticn is neces-
sary.'
Il assure you. Mons. Thevenet, it is
necessary. Pray be seated. have
perfect faith in your skill. Listen 10
NE. Here is purse containing a
hundred guineas. They are intended
for You a. payment for the operation
which you are to undertake: and that
will not be all you will receive, pro-
vided the thing is successfully accom-
plished. On the other hand. il you re-
fuse to yield TO NV desire, you see
here this pistol, you are in my power
and will shoot you down.
.'Sir. | do not fear your pistol. But
what do you desire of me! Speak out
without further parlev. Why am |
brought heres
You must amputate my right leg.
with all my heart. and il 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 rope-dancer. What is the
matter with your leg!"
Nothing; l only wish TO be rid ol