The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1902-08-12
AN EDITORS NERVE.
Underwent Critical Surgical Opera
tion Without Anesthetics.
He Didn't HAVE Much Time or Money
to Spare, hut lie Had Pluck
Enough TO 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 practcing il Indiana:
zone morning there walked into the
doctors office man who, by his APP
pearance, had just stepped from rail-
road train. His step was firm, and at
first blush he was in perfect health.
But one could not looltat him a second
time without perceiving that hewas af-
hicted by large tumor on the side of
his neck.
~ wish you'd look at this thing on
my neck doctor, and tell me what you
think Of - 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
out great risk, and suggested that the
visitor devote a week or so to prepare
ton for the operation by rest and prop
err deiting.
"'Can't afford either the time or the
money to do that said the man, and |
don't need to- either. have been get
ting ready for this operation a whole
month, and I'm in the pink of condition.
l couldn't be in better shape to be
operated On if were to train a 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 to-day 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, 'we'll
have to attend to 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;
I've just got to start for home on the
two o'clock train. Why, my local page
is only half written. 1 must be in my
office this evening and at work. Can't
you carve me right here and now?'
"'No, I can't said the doctor. My
assistants are both out and there's no
one to help administer anesthetic, or to
aid in the operation
"'Blame the anesthetic,' rejoined the
other. I wouldn't take anything to put
me to sleep if you had dozen assist
ants. Your son here can hand the
knives to you, can't he, and hold some
thing to catch the blood in? You
needn't be afraid of me weakening. /
am soldier Of the civil war, and I've
got my nerve along with me. Just let
me sit in one of these chairs here and
puther through as quick as you can
All right said the doctor, grimly
after little hesitation. But you're
taking considerable risk
"WhHe the man Invested himself of
part of his clothing the surgeon got his
instruments ready and instructed his
young son in his duties as helper. Then
being skillful, and with as much nerve
as the patient, in ten or fifteen minutes
the operation was over. 1t was a really
serious one, and was accompanied by
profuse flow of blood, but from the be-
ginning to the end the patient never so
much as shivered. He was pretty pale,
though, and be said he was tired.
"I'll rest a little if you'll let me lie
down here, but won't go to the hotel.
Fix me up the best way you can and
I'll be all rightin an hour
He was made comfortable on the
operating table, fell asleep almost inn
mediately and awoke in about 40 min
utes with much of his original color.
Just time to eat something and
catch my train he said, locking at his
watch. How much is your bill?'
My bill is paid said the doctor.
No man with as much nerve as you can
pay me a cent"
Then the man went away. Three
days later copy of his weekly paper
reached the surgeon by mail. 1t CON
tanned an account of the operation and
so much praise Of the Doctors skill that
it made him blush. IN. Y. Press.