The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1891-02-25
THE LOST LEG.

In the autumn of 1882 the surgeon,
Louis Thevenet, of Calais, received
note without signature requesting him to
call on the following day at 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 may
in his profession, and it was not an W
usual occurrence for him to be sA
moned across the channel to Engknd
for the exercise of his professional kill.
He 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 anonymous note. The
day, the hour and place, wefe given wit l
the greatest exactness, ~, as stated,
the signature was wantiDf Some buff
foon probably thinks t" hake fool of
me, thought he, and lid not go.
Three days later ,ceived similar
invitation, but in urgent terms,
and also containi notification that ou
the following at 8 o'clock, q car
riage would at his house to fetch
him.
In truth, the following morning, as
the clock s. .ck 9, an elegant open car
riage appe ed before his door. Thev-
enet, wit lut further hesitation, seated
himself it. At the door of the car
riage, Jwever, he said to the coach
man; 70 whom are you going to take
met
things which do not know do not
cIlcern me, replied the coachman.
You are churl," replied Thevenet.
Vt length the carriage stopped in
mt of the house before indicated.
Upon whom am l to call2" "Who
ives here" "Who is i'll here2" inquired
nhevenet of the coachman, before get
ling 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 2S, who conducted
him up flight of stairs and into 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.
~ am very thankful for the pains you
have taken to visit me, replied the Eng
hshman. "Will you please to be seated
Here is chocolate, coffee and wine, in
case you desire to partako 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. have per
feet faith in your skill. Listen to me.
Here is a purse containing a 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 / 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 herel"
"You must amputate my right leg
"NiIh all my heart, and if you de,
sire, your heaS also. But if l am not
mistaken, your leg is quite sound Yo,
ran up the stairs before me as nimbly as
rope-dancer. What is the matter will
your legl"
"Nothing; only wish to be rid o
it."
''Sir, you are fool"
"That is no affair of yours, Mons
Theyenet.
"In what way has your leg offended
you9"
sin no way; but am bound to have
it amputated.'
, "Sir, do not know you. At leas
produce before me some witness who viii
testify to your soundness of intellect"
"Will you accede to my wish, Mons
Thevenetl"
"Just as soon, sir, as you give me som
defensible ground for your desire to b.
mutilated
81 cannot ct the present moment com
municate to you the truth of the matter
Perhaps may do so after the lapse OF