The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-05-24

after having willingly sacrificed large
piece of his left leg to save his sisters arm.
When Dickey knew that his sisters limb
could not be saved and would never heal
unless some living flesh and skin were
grated onto the hand and wrist from
which the flesh had been burnt he did not
hesitate moment. As soon as the doc
tors announced that such a sacrifice was
necessary the father unhesitatingly told
them to take it from him, but when the
time came circumstances made it advisa-
bic that the breadwinner be not taken
from his work. Little Richard at once
offered himself and was accepted. In a
few weeks his sister will have a WELL
though somewhat SCARED hand and the
young hero will carry large scar on his
leg through life.
Five weeks ago there was an accident at
the Contra Costa laundry. Priscilla
Overley, girl 16 years of age, was en-
gaged in feeding clothes to a large and
powerful ironing machine. In some man.
ner not yet fully explained her left hand
was caught between the steam roller and
horribly mutiIated. Part of the flesh was
torn off and part was burnt. Priscilla was
at once taken TO Fabiola Hospital and, al
though everything possible was done for
her hand, it became evident that it would
never heal unless some living flesh We're
grated onto it.
Harry Overley, the father, did not hest
tate to at once offer the desired flesh, and
it was at first intended that he should
supply it. Overley has been particularly
unfortunate man during the past two
years. He was in the employ of the rail-
road at the time of the great strike. With
hundreds of others he went out, and, so
far as the railroad is concerned, he has
been out ever since. He has made several
honest attempts to start himself in bust
ness, but has not met with success. At
present he is struggling with an unre-
munerative little shop which is attended
to by his wife.
at the time of the accident he was out
of work. Since then, however, he has OBJ
tanned employment and as his family are
in need of support he does not feel like
laying off. When the time came, last
Monday, when the flesh was needed. the
doctors said that they would prefer to
take it off the little boy and that it would
be better not to incapacitate the father
from earning that which is SO necessary.
The boy did not hesitate moment. He
considered it an honor to give up anything
to save his sisters hand and his offer was
accepted.
Last Monday the little fellow walked out
TO the hospital. He was more than will
ing to stand the pain, and even when he
fully understood what large quantity
was required he did not finch particle.
He marched up to the operating-table and
with q good natured smile told the doctors
to 60 ahead.
1t took a long time to get through with
the operation, and although DicKey only
took very light dose of ether, he bore it
bravely. A few hours later it had been
transferred to his sisters hand, and the
two young sufferers were discussing the
subject as though it were done every day
in the year.
Dickey was at home to-day, and proudly
said that he had been able to walk two
blocks. He suffers from his leg. and his
gait is very lame one, but he is one of
the rosiest-cheeked, healthiest bows in
Oakland. He smiles naturally every time
he speaks.
az would do anything for my sister," he
said this afternoon. ST did not mind it n
bit. OF course ii hurt some, but it will
soon be well. My sisters hand will soon
be well, too. After the doctor examined
me and said that my flesh was Just the
kind that would suit wanted to give it.
Nobody induced me to do it. but it was