The Opelousas courier., 1891-03-28
THE LOST LEG

Louis Thevenet, of Calais. received !
tote without signature requesting him tc
call on the following day at q 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 I'm.
usual occurrence for him to be sum-
moned across the channel to England
Tor the exercise of his professional skill.
lie had served a long time in the army,
was somewhat brusque in his manner,
and yet one could not help loving him TO,
his native kindness of heart.
Thevenet was somewhat surprised by
the receipt of this anonymous 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 a fool OF
me, thought he, and he did not 60.
Three days later he received a similar
invitation, but in more urgent terms,
and also containing a notification that on
the following day, at 8 o'clock, q 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
rage appeared before his door. Thew
enet, without further hesitation, seated
himself in it. At the door of the car
rage, however, he said to the coach
man: ITO whom are you going to take
me2n
Things which / do not know do not
concern me-" replied the coachman.
"You are a churl," replied Thevenet.
At length the carriage stopped in
front of the house before indicated.
Upon whom am I to call9n uWho
lives here?' ssWho is i'll here9" inquired
Thevenet of the coaehman, before get
ting out of the carriage. The coachman,
however, returned the same answer o.
before.
At the house door he wal received by
a young man of about %, who conducted
him up a flight of stairs and into a large
chamber. The speech of the young man
disclosed the fact that he was q Briton.
Thevenet addressed him in English and
received friendly replies.
nYou have sent for me- said the
surgeon.
IL 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
nFirst show me to the patient, sir; !
must first make an examination to de-
terniine If an amputatinn is necessary"
81 assure you, Mons. Thevenet, il il
necessary. Pray be seated. have per-
feet faith in your skill. Listen to me.
Here is a purse containing 9 hundred
qrineas. They are intended for you az
payment for the operation which you are
TO undertake; and that viii not be
all you will receive, provided the thing
is successfully accomplished. On the
other hand, IL you refuse to yield to my
desire, you see here this pistol; you are
in my power, and ] will shoot you
down"
ssSir, I do not fear your pistol. But
what do you desire Of met Speak out
without further parley. Why ann
brought here2"
lyon must amputate my right leg
uWith all my heart, and i you de-
sire, your head also. But il ! am not
mistaken, your leg is quite sound. You
ran up the stairs before me as nimbly as 9
r~Ope-dancer. What Is the matter with
your leg"
it,
sssir, you area fool"
uThat is no affair Of yours, Mons
Theyenet.n
IN what way has your leg offended
you2"
ii amputated.n
.Sir, j do not know you. Az ieasl
nroduee before me some witness who vii
testify to your soundness of intellect"
twin you accede to my wish, Mons
Thevenet2n
uJust de soon, sir, as you give me som
defensible ground for your desire 70 %
mutilated. =
III cannot at the present moment com
muraicate To you the truth Of the matter
PERHAPS / NAV do 50 after the lapse OF
year. But am willing to wager you
monsiadr, that i year hence you yoursel
will affirm that the ground upon which
restsd The desire to be frees of my Les wa
tie noblest.
IL will not wager, SO long as you q
NOT aive meSour name, your place 9
residence, your family and your occnpa
zion.
HAI that you shall know IL the future
not at present. | pray you, however, 9
consider me as 4 man OF honor.
aAn honorable man does not menac'
his physician with 1 pistol. ! will PC
mntilaIe sou without thera Is 8 nenesslt'