The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1901-08-01

the pet name bestowed by the young
fellows upon Roger Thorn, n. D., the
best surgeon in the city, was await
ing them. All, many . poor fellows
death warrant had been drawn up In
that square, compact little niche of
st. Mark'sl And many . bold and in
tricate case had also been solved
therein by the thick-limbed and
sandy-headed man who 10 sitting in
the big, leather-cushioned chair drum.
ming upon the window sill With those
long, blunted fingers. "Old Ice" is
Good at all times-or at least his
fingers are-and those same fingers
have guided the keen knife within q
tissues breadth Of many . jugular
vein, or have searched for many hid.
den Ill among bone and muscle.
GOOD morning, gentlemen; sit
down; want to tell you something" Z"
uttered the celebrated surgeon, in his
peculiar, jerky words. After the two
were seated, he turned around square
y and asked:
Either of you want to die? Ha.
ha! Good Joke, that-stop! Don't
say q word until get through. I'm
not much of a talker; I like to finish
what I've got to say before the other
chap begins, though. Some men are
born soldiers, and do not know what
fear means. Others acquire bravery
after much practice. Was q timid
young thing myself once. Got all
over that-with few exceptions here
and there. The case I'll mention Is
one of the exceptions. Candidly, I
am timid about 1t. Wish people
would have some other sort Of ills II
they must be sick. This case do not
like. 1t makes me timid. os l said.
I'm as cowardly ss q child before a
bulldog now"
II "Old Ice" felt as he said he did,
he failed to show any signs Of it in
the slightest. He looked as ready to
perform q great piece of work as he
ever did. John Findlay, who could
himself no longer. ventured
to say:
"Will you please enlighten US con-
cerning the case, doctor7"
I'm . moment. First. you are both
sure you do not want to dief"
"You are joking, my dear sir" said
Henry Morse.
II joking? YOu must be mad. sir!
I never joke. I may play jokes with
nerves, bones, muscles and such; but
what is commonly called jol<ing-I
never indulge In the foolish prsctioe.
To come right down TO the facts Of
the ease, will simply say that am
about 70 take . great, . very great
rick. I am obliged to call upon my
young men 70 take tho same risk"
Doctor. We are at your Service"
broke in Findlsy. And Morse nodded
''i .
"Ahl that's the sort Of spirit I like
70 zee IN my young men," said "Old
Ice." gsod naturally. Then fixing his
deep. hazel eyes upon the face Of
John FiAdlsy. raised his hand and
the air with his long fore
anger q he spsks. TT is an easy mat
Ter, young men, - remove . limb or
.ew and plaster . wound; nothing
easier-in our Ane-in the world. But
when . surgeon takes his life in his
own hands and attempts TO heal q
poor mortal Of . fatal inhietion, and u
liable, ten chances against the rest, TO
incur himself . fatal infliction. how
about Il, chr" Tie sandy fringe Of
hair seemed to be bristling about that
grand old head that had bent low
over many . serious ease in its time.
Henry Morse began to feel As though
he was wholly ignored. for the sur
geon kept his clear eyes fixed upon
Findley's face. And then Henry grew
nervous a. his friend began to push
that inky slip Of mustache out Of sight
with his fingers.
well. doctor. what 10 the case?"
asked Nndlay, without glancing at
his bosom friend, who was bending
eagerly forward, with a rosy flush
spread over his fair face.
"Putrescent Abscess Of the liver"
John Findlay quit gnawing his mus
tache; he Strengthened up in his chair
md looked for a brief instance into
hose clear, hazel eyes Axed upon him.
Then he rose and said, hesitatingly:
"Dr. Thorn, I am very sorry to say
that we do not caro- 70 assist you in
The case" 800 --~'.''. -7--.
"You mean yourself-not l." broke
n q sweet toned voice.
"Eh? You-why bless my starsi"
broke from the surgeon, Is he gazed
It the fair speaker.
my friend is only joking. Come,
Henry, let US Co." Findlay went to
The door and laid his hand upon the
brass knob. He opened the door and
stood for . brief instant upon the
rs though waiting for his
friend to spart with him. He only
sat there, smiling back at the hazel
yes Of tho sandy-headed man who was
looking at him in astonishment. The
door opened and closed. and the sur
yeon Of St. Marks and the student
we're alone. ftl r
II thought he had the most nerve"