The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-05-23
AN EDITORS NERVE.
Underwent Critical Surgical Opera
tion Without Anesthetics.
He Didn't Have Efuch Time or Money
40 Spare, But He Had Pluck
Enough 10 Do Dozen
Fighting Men.

Here is a story Of mans wonderful
nerve, told by Paul Wilcox, of this city
The surgeon was Mr.. Wilcox's father,
then practicing il Indiana:
zone morning there walked into the
Doctors Office a man who, by his APP
pearance, had just stepped from a rail-
road train. His step was firm, ard at
first blush he was in perfect health.
But one. could not look at him a second
time without perceiying that hewas af-
fiicted 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 it. said the man, without any
unnecessary parleying. And 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
cut great risk, ard suggested that the
visitor devote week or so to prepare
tion 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
don't need to. either. have been get
ting ready for this operation whole
month, and I'm in the pink Of condition.
/ couldn't be in better shape TO be
operated on if I were to train a year.
The doctor pressed the point a lit
tie, but, seeing the mans mind was
made up, forbore to insist. Very well,
then he said. Wen try to fix you up
tomorrow.
"'But want it done to-day said the
other. You see, I'm an editor and pub
Usher, and the day after tomorrow is
press day tor my weekly newspaper
"'In that case, said the doctor, well
have to attend 10 your case this after
noon. In the meantime you'd better
take room and get a, little sleep, for
you must be tired after your railroad
ride
"'see here said the newspaper man;
4 I've just got to start fer home on the
two o'clock train. Why, my local page
is only half written. must be in my
Office this evening and at work. Can
you carve ne right here and now2'
"'No. 1 can't said the doctor. MY
assistants are both cut and there's no
one 10 help administer anesthetic, or to
aid in the operation
"'Blame the anesthetic,' rejoined the
other. I wouldn't take anytlsng to pU.
me 10 sleep if you had a dozen assist
ants. YoCr son here can hand the
knives to you, can't he, and held some
thing to catch the blood in? You
needn't be afraid of me weakening.
an q soldie~ CT the civil war, and I've
got my nerve along with me. Just lei
me sit in one of these chairs here and
put her through as quick as you cam
4" All right said the doctor, grimly
after a little hesitation. But you're
taking considerable risk
"Whze the man Invested himself of 9
part Of his clothing the surgeon got hi.
instruments ready and instructed hi:
young son in his duties as helper. Their
being skillful, ard with as much nerve
as tie patient. in ten or fifteen minute:
the operation was over. 1t was a really
serious one, and was accompanied by Z
profuse flow Of blood, but from the be
ginning to the end the patient never 81
much as shivered. He was pretty pale
though, and he said he was tired.
"I'll rest little if you'll let me Ii,
down here, but won't go to the hotel
Fix me up the best way you can anC
I'll be all rightin an hour
He was made comfortable on tn,
operating table, fell asleep almost i'm
me5iately and awoke in about 40 min
utes with much Of his original color.
Just time to eat something ant
catch my train he said, locking at hi
watch. How much is your bin?'
Ny bin is paid said the doctor
No man with as much nerve as you cal
pay ne cent"
Then the man went away. Tire,
days later copy of his weekly papei
reached the surgeon by mail. 1t con
tanned an account of the operation anC
so much praise Of the doctors skill tina
ii made him blush.'-N. Y. Press.