Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1903-09-08

By the time the sad procession had
reached the grounds of the mansion DR..
Elfenstein was on hand, ready to super
intend their entrance, and to manage
their progress up the stairs to his bed
chamber
After a thorough and careful investi-
cation, which caused great anguish, made
evident by groans, mingled with curses,
the doctor FASTENED to reply to an impa-
tient demand. to know the exact truth.
Il am happy to inform your lordship
that the injuries, while severe, are not
necessarily fatal" was the honest reply.
shall l soon be over them?" was the
next question that issued anxiously from
the pale lips of the sufferer.
You will not, l am grieved to inform
you. Your hip is so injured that you
will be helpless for weeks, nay, months,
while your spine also has received ter
rible wrench"
Doctor, l cannot lie here single
night; must get up, and go around my
house." returned the patient in great ex-
element, striving to raise himself in
vain, while great drops of perspiration
gathered upon his pale brow.
You see yourself that it is impossi-
Bile. You must obey orders, and lie per-
fectly quiet, if you ever expect to walk
again.
Il tell you / cannot lie here" shouted
the sufferer, in the greatest agony of
mind. You don't know what you say
when you demand it. l must, l will be
around by night. 1t is of vital impor-
lance"
Il cannot help it. The dealings of
Providence are mysterious, but also are
Inevitable. Your hip is broken; your
spine is injured, and you are prisoner
for MONTHS" was the doctors serious but
firm reply.
Doctor, answer me one question, and,
at your peril, answer truly. Is there
danger of delirium? win my mind give
way under this awful pain?"
Il think not. Your constitution is
good one, and your nervous system not
at all shattered; but of course l do not
say for certainty, as these things are
beyond a physicians knowledge"
IF there is the least danger of that
within twenty-four hours | must know it,
as l have business of vital Importance
to transact"
There is no danger within that time,
rest assured; so try and calm yourself.
for the sake of your friends" returned
the doctor.
Sir Reginald was silent moment: then
his eyes rested half inquiringly upon his
weeping wife and niece. then fixed them
selves, as if in deep study, upon the face
of his nephew. while bitter signs escaped
his white, trembling lips.
Drink this, my dear sir. and it will,
7 81
last, advancing to his side with some
liquid medicine in glass.
Answer. first. viii it -deaden thought?
If it viii / cannot swallow it, as l have
a terrible problem to be solved before my
mind can rest" was the strange reply.
Drink it. 1t may soothe pain. but. l
assure you. not prevent reflection"
So the trembling baronet swallowed
the potion. and then became silent and
thoughtful. DR.. Elfenstein waited until
he saw his patient Gained and more plia
BILE. then proceeded to replace the bone
of the broken hip and arrange the suf-
ferer in the position most important for
the success OF mis- surgery.
After giving explicit directions to Lady
Constance and Mrs. FREEDOM, an old fam
ily nurse. for his further treatment. he
withdrew. promising 10 return by even
ing.
No sooner had the door closed upon his
retiring form than Sir Reginald ordered
every soul to leave the room except Lady
Constance. merely explaining to the Won
dering ones that he must consult his
wife upon a matter of importance.
Constance" said he, when he saw
that his order had been obeyed and that
they were alone. Go to my library and
get me from the locked drawer of my
q letter which lies upon the
very top. The key you viii find in my
vest pocket"
Lady Constance instantly did as be di-
rected. and the letter from his dead sis
ter was once more in his hand. This
time he read it in different mood. In
stead of anger, one could see intense sat
isfaction in his eager eyes.
Now. viii tell you the request made
of me in this letter" and he repeated 10
her the words read ~ his niece and