Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-25

-, the surgeon An artist would have called it
~ beautiful, perfect even; the surgeon pro-
fessionay enough, set it down excel
lent structural specimen From the polished pinl,
nails of the taperng fingers to the firm, well nodded
wrist, it was distinctly the hand of woman of
ease.
The forefnger" she explained calmly-"I
should like to have it amputated at the first joint,
please"
into the pretty face of his caller. 1t flushed
SOFTLY and the red lips parted in slight smile.
1t seemed quite an ordinary affair to her. The
surgeon bent over the hand with quick interest.
"Amputated!" he repeated.
Il came to YOU" she went with nod, be
cause have been informed that you are one of the
most sklful of your profession and the cost of
the operation Is quite lmmateral.
DR.. Prescott pressed the pink nail of the fore
finger, then permitted the blood to rush back into
it. Several times he did this, then turned the hand
over and scrutinzed it closely inside, from the
delicately lined palm to the tips of the fingers When
he looked up at last there was expression of frank
bewderment on his face.
Whats the matter with it," he asked
Nothing" the woman replied pleasantly. II
merely want it off at the first joint
The surgeon leaned back in his chair with
frown of perpexity his brow, and his visitor was
subjected to sharp, professional stare Why do
YOU want it off - he demanded.
The woman shrugged her shoulders little impa-
tiently Il can't tell you that she replied 1t
really is not necessary that you should know You
are surgeon; want an operation performed
that is all
There was long pause; the mutual stare didn't
waver
'You must understand Miss-Miss- CT" began
DR.. Prescott at last by the way, you have not
introduced yourself. May ask your manner"
My name would not be of any consequence"
she replied.
Again the surgeon stared. when do you want
the operation performed" he inquired.
Now" she replied. 60 am ready
You must understand, he said severely, that
surgery is profession for the relief Of human suffer
ing, not for mutaton-wilful mutilation 1 might
saw 1t would be criminal to remove a finger
where there is necessity for it,
trace of disappointment showed in the young
womans face, and again she shrugged her shoulders
The question after all she said finally is not one
of ethics, but is simply whether not you will
perform the operation. Would you do it for, say, a
thousand dollars?"
mot for five thousand dollars" b1urted the
surgeon.
well, for ten thousand, them" she asked, quite
casually
All sorts of questions pounding in DR.. Pres
colt mind. Why did young and beautiful woman
desire-why she anxious, even-to sacrifice a
perfectly healthy finger?
No. madam he said at last vehement1y, "I
wou;c not perform the operation for any sum you
might mention, unless l first convinced that
the removal OF that finger absolutely necessary.
That, l think IS ALL He rose as if to end the
consultation.
The woman remained seated and continued
thoughtful for a minute. LAS [ understand it"
she said, 'you would perform the operation if 1
could convince you that it absolute'v
sary?"
His curiosity was aroused. Then it would come