The Washington times., 1902-09-01
BOY LOSES FOOT IN ACT
OF.UNUSUAL HEROISM

the youngster would be crushed under
the wheels of the car. To stop the lat
ter in time to avoid the collision he
knew was impossible. And he also saw
that if he stepped back on the track to
free the lads foot he could not step
off again in time to save himself 1t
took but second for him to compre-
hend the situation.
Did Not Hesitate.
Yet he did not hesitate 1t was his
own life or his brothers.. With re-
markable presence of mind and heroism,
scarcely to be looked for in any but
man accustomed to facing death and
danger, he chose the former.
The parents CT the children were away
at Cape May. but were expected home
today. Half expecting that they might
meet them when they arrived on an af
ternoon train, the youngsters set out
from their home in Riverdale for the
railroad station. On the way they had
to cross the tracks of the trolley line
So far as can be learned the children
had reached the track before they no.
ticed that car was bearing down upon
them with great rapidity. Charles, the
larger of the pair, succeeded in cross
ing The tracks, but the smaller boy in
his haste got his foot securely fastened
in the narrow space between the boards
at the crossing and the rail The child
screamed Justify for help. The car was
too near it is said. for the motorman
TO stop in time to avoid the accident.
Then Charles presence of mind eXerted
itself.
Risked His Own Life
Having reached the decision that he
would, If possible. save his brothers
life. even at the risk of his own, he
acted quickly. Springing on the track.
he grasped the smaller boys foot and
tugged at it with all his frail strength.
After a moments desperate work the
foot was released The lad was given
push that sent him clear of all dan
ger. Then the second danger arose.
In his desperate eXertions, Charlie
had allowed his own right foot to sink
into the crack from which he had just
wrested the foot of the other child. The
vise-ike grip of the plank held him
securely imprisoned directly in front
OF the heavy car. Once more his really
wonderful presence of mind aided him.
threw his body to enc side of the
| track. The act probably saved his life.
but it did not save his limb. With
| crushing force the wheels struck the
| chiid's leg.
Brought Into City.
The first ear into the city carried the
horribly injured lad. His limb was
mangled and crushed out of all shape
below the knee joint. and hung in place
by merely a few bleeding strands OF
! flesh. As fast rs the car could travel
the child was hastened into town. Ten
der hands ministered to his wants and
| sought to relieve his pain during the
| trip. The lads wonderful bravery had
been seen. and there We're none who
were not willing to do all i'll their
| power TO alleviate his suffering.
| AT the Emergency Hospital it was
| found, after a hurried examinations. tha;
the child's leg would have to be ampu-
tated just below the knee. The opera
tion was performed at once.
| Il never saw such a nervy youngster
in my life said one of the physicians
who had been present during the pre-
liminary tamination. He was un.
Goubtedly suffering intense agony, but
all the same he talked calmly OF the
accident, and made light of his own part
| In the affair
For several hours after the operation
was performed the little fellow tossed
weakly on his bed and moaned and CRIED
Eiteously. In the night his father re-
turned home. and hastened in to see the
cnild. The physicians sS,te that be i.
bearing up very well.