The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1891-02-13
THE LOST LEG

Louis Thevcnet, 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. Thcvenet was at that time
widely known rs 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
ior .he exercise or ms professional skftf.
lie had served long time in the army,
was somewhat brusque in his manner. :.
ana yet one could not hep loving him for
his native kindness of heart.
lhcVenet was somewhat surprised by
the receipt of this anonymous note. The
oay, the hour aud place, were given wit /,
thc greatest exactncss, but, as stated.
the signature was wanting. Some buf,
foon probably thinks to make a 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, nt 9 o'clock, car
riage would call at his house to fetch
him.
In truth, on the following morning, as
the clock struck 3, an elegant open car
rage appeared before his door. Thew
enet. without further hesitation, seated
Airfself In 1t. At the door of tho car
riage, however, he said to the coach
hfah ''ro whom are you going to take
me2"
Things which. I do not know do not
concern me, )" replied the coachman.
"You are a churl," replied Thevenet.
At length the carriage stopped in
front ofnthe house before indicated.
Upon whom am l to call7, "Who
lives herel" "Who is ill here2" inquired
Thhvenct Of the coachman, before get
ting out of the carriage. The coachman.
however, returned the same answer az
before.
At the house door he was received by
a young man of about %, who conducted
hlip up flight of stairs and into large
chamber. The speech of the young man
disclosed the fact that he was Briton.
Thcvenet addressed him in English and
received friendly replies.
fYou have sent for me-" said the
surgeon.
81 am very thankful for the pains you
ha3c taken to visit me" replied the Eng
ElisAman. "Will you please to be seated.
Hfe is chocolate, coffee and wine, in
CASE you desire to partake of some re-
treatments before the operation"
FFirst show me to the patient, sir; I
must first make an examination to de-
termine if an amputation is necessary"
81 assure you, Mons. Thevenet, it is
necessary. Pray be seated. have per-
feet faith in your skill. Listen to me.
Here is purse containing q hundred
grineas. They are intended for you as
payment for the operation which you are
20 undertakes; 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 1 will shoot you
down"
"Sir, do not fear your pistol. But
what do you desire of met Speak out
without further parley. Why am ]
brought herea"
"You must amputate my right leg"
"With all my heart, and If you de-
sire, your head also. But if l am not
mistaken, your leg is quite sound. You
ran up the stairs before me as nimbly as a
rope What is the matter with
your leg"
Nothing; only wish to be rid OF
It,"
"Sir, you are "a fool"
"That is no affair of yours. Mons.
Thevenet.
"In what way has your leg offended
you2'
"1n no way; but I am bound to have
it amputated."
'Sir, do not know YOU. At least
produce before me some witness who will
testify to your soundness of intellect"
'''Will you accede to my wish, Mons.
Thevenet2"
"Just as soon, sir, as you give me some
defensible ground for your desire to be
mutilated"
~ cannot at the present moment COM
paPispse g tsts ser G fhe Ia is1sss sttPr
year. But i am willing to wager you.
monsieur, that p year Hence you yourself
VIII affirm that the ground upon which
rested the desire to- be free of nv leo was
the noblest"
II VIII not wager, SO long as you do
not give me your name, your place of
residence, your family and your occupa.
"Ail that you shall know in the future.
not at present. pray you, however, to
consider me as man of honor"
IAN honorable man does not menace
MS physician with pistol. will not
mutilate YOU without there il a necessity