The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-10-17
AN EDITORS NERVE.
Underwent Critical Surgical Opera
don Without Anesthetics.
He Didn't Have Much Time or Money
60 Spare, But He Had Pluck
Enough 10 DO "A Dozen
Fighting Men.

Here is story Of mans wonderful
nerve, told by Paul Wilcox. OF this CITY,
The surgeon was Mr.. Wilcox's father,
then practicing in Indiana:
"One morning there walked into the
doctors Office a man who, by his APP
pearanee, had just stepped from rail-
road train. His step was firm, and at
first blush he was in perfect health.
But one could not look at him second /
time without perceiving that hewas az
ficted by large tumor on the side OF |
his neck.
81 wish you'd look at this thing on
my neck, doctor, and tell me what you
think of IL said the man, without any
unnecessary parleying. And 1 want
YOU to take it off, unless an operation
means certain death
'The doctor examined the tumor, ex-
planned that it could be removed with
out great risk. and suggested that the
visitor devote week or so to prepare
ton for the operation by rest and prop
er deiting.
"'Can't afford either the time or the
money 10 do that said the man, and |
ting ready for this operation whole
month, and I'm in the pink Of condition.
I couldn't be in better shape to be
operated on if were to train year
"The doctor pressed the point lit
tie, but, seeing the mans mind was
made up, forbore to insist. Very well,
them he said. Wen try to fix you up
tomorrow.
"'But want it done today said the
- other. You see. I'm an editor and pub
Usher, and the day after tomorrow is
press day for my weekly newspaper
"-In that case said the doctor, well
have TO attend 10 your case this after
q noon. In the meantime you'd better
\ take room and get a little sleep, for
Z you must be tired after your railroad
ride
"'See here said the newspaper man;
I've just got to start for home on the
two o'clock train. Why, my local page
is only half written. l must be in my
office this evening and at work. Can't
you carve me right here and now?
"'No, l can't said the doctor. My
- assistants are both out and there's nc
one to help administer anesthetic, or tc
aid in the operation
"'Blame the anesthetic,' rejoined the
/. other. 4 wouldn't take anything to pu
ed ants Yonr SON here can hand tn,
tie knives to you. can't he, and hold some
thing 10 catch the blood in? Yol
needn't be afraid of me weakening.
am a soldier OF the civil war, and "
got my nerve along with me. Just lie
me sit in one of these chairs here an
put her through as quick as you cam
o. "'All right, said the doctor, grimly
after a little hesitation. But your
taking considerable risk
- "Wh%e the man Invested himself of
part of his clothing the surgeon got hi
instruments ready and instructed hi
young son in his duties as helper. The
4 being skillful, and with as much nery
as the patient, in ten or fifteen minute
the operation was over. 1t was reall
serious one, and was accompanied by
profuse flow of blood, but from the b
ginning to the end the patient never s
much as shivered. He was pretty pal
though, and he said he was tired.
"T'll rest little if you'll let me
the down here, but won't go to the hott
,ve Fix me up the best way you can al
III be all rightin an hour
lce "He was made comfortable on Il
operating table, fell asleep almost il
mediately and awoke in about 40 mi
utes with much of his original color.
Z "'Just time to eat something al
: catch my train he said. locking at
q watch How much is vour hill o.
~ "'My bill is paid said the doctC
l. NO man with as much nerve as you c.
Ioi''' pay me a cent"
the "Then the man went cray. Thr
old days later copy of his weekly pap
49, reached the surgeon by mail. 1t &C
0iJ tanned an account of the operation a
so much praise of the doctors skill I'll
hon it made him blush."-N. Y. Press.