Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-11-08
A RACE TO THE SWIFT.

The facts OF the case are these. |
have patient in the country VINO is
suffering from a severe attack of ner-
vous collapse. | have tried many REM
edies. They have all failed. Ii occurs
10 me. however, that the TRANSMISSION
of blood into my patients system from
the body of healthy. vigorous man
will give a very good chance of COM
plete recovery. and have singled out
You, because you are healthy. vigorous
and fit beyond any one | have ever
come across. This is the whole matter
in nutshell"
We were met at Leicester station by
a smart brougham. and presently drew
up before large and imposing coun-
try house. An imposing butler usher
ed us into a reception room leading
out OF the entrance hall.
Il will tell my lord that you have
arrived" said ne to Sir, Jasper.
After no more than a minutes in
terval an elderly man in evening dress
made his appearance. He shook hands
with Sir Jasper. then he looked keenly
al me.
is this the gentleman of whom you
spoke?"
Sir Jasper nodded
Il am extremely obliged to you. sir,
for coming said the other to me cour-
teously. You will excuse us, perhaps,
lor a minute or two"
The room in which | stood was a
spacious and magnificently furnished
apartment. suggestive both OF wealth
and taste on the part of its possessor.
So he was a nobleman. ne my Lord
had told me that. Bat of what rank
duke. marquis. earl viscount or
baron? | locked about me for posi-
BILE indications OF his identity. any let
tiers or papers addressed to him, any
books that Nigh bear his name writ
ten upon the front page. While was
thus employed ito no purpose, | may
add. Sir Jasper, by himself, Renter
ed the room.
His face wore tense and excited
expression. An eager light glittered in
his dark eyes
Il have just seen my patient" he
said.
THE operation of TRANSMISSION must
be performed tonight"
Tonight"
Yes. tonight: in fact. at once. am
afraid | must ask you TO submit to be-
ing anaesthetized. | suppose you have
no objection
"Anaesthetized? But, is that Deces-
sa-y?"
''Absolutely-for two reasons. In the
first place, because it will greatly ia
cilitate the operation. In the second.
because may as well be quite can
did with you--the circumstances are
OF peculiarly delicate character. The
patient is young lady. and the opera
ticn has to be performed under condi-
tions which make it-ahem-essential
that you should be unconscious of
what is going on. | need not enter in
to details. What | have already said
will show you the necessity of the
course | propose.
4 am in your hands, said. Some
how il had never crossed my mind that
your patient might be lady. Is she
the daughter of Lord-Lord-"
Sir Jasper smiled rather grimly.
NO use smelling for information"
he said. II am not at libery to disclose
his Lordship's name or TO tell you any
thing more than | have already done.
Some day. perhaps, I may be able to
enlighten you. But not at present. And
! will ask you, as a gentleman, to re-
spect the secrecy with which this case
is, for good, sufficient and perfectly in
nocent reasons. surrounded, and not to
ask any further questions"
Then. after a short pause, he re-
marked:
May ask you to take off your coat
collar?"
En-" | exclaimed. as | began to
carry out his request. Are you going
TO perform the operation herein this
room?"
Never mind That is my affair.""
ne answered, rather shortly. And he
rang the bell.
The butler answered Ii.
Tell DR.. Jenkins that | am ready
for him.
Yes. Sir Jasper"
The butler went off on his errand.
In the course of minute or two. DR..
Jenkins who was. it appeared, the an
aesthetist, came in.
Now then" said DR.. Jasper to me,
kindly lie down upon that sofa"
did so. my heart beating with ner-
vousness ard excitement. DR.. jenkins
came and stood over me. He admins
tered the chloroform. And then-a
dead blank.
When | recovered my senses. found
myself in bed. A young woman, in the
garb of a hospital nurse. stood beside
me- Sir Jasper leaned upon the rail
at the foot of the bed with his shrewd
eyes fixed upon my face.
We'll. how are you feeling, now?"
he inquired, kindly.
lawfully limp-and-sick," | MUIR
INJURED.
Just so. Loss of blood-chloroforn
But that will soon pass off, Lie quite
still and don't talk. No fatiguing your
self on any account See to that, nurse,
won't you?"
And he went away.
There was no need to tell me to lie
quite still and not to talk. | felt for
too weak and i'll to have any inclina-
tion-even il | had had the strength
for either indulgence. Indeed, ii was