Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1909-11-11
How My Head
Was Saved
By WALLACE PUTNAM REED

Il
'seeming mystery in few words
About eight years ago was a young
physician, just starting in the prac-
tice. My office was in B, a small
village in the southwestern part of
this state 1 usually slept in my of
flee, 1t being both convenient and eco
nomical to do so.
One night in January, I think, l
was sitting before my fire, bordering
over my future prospects. The hour
was very late, and the weather was
so cold that I did not expect any call
or visit.
Suddenly felt that some one had
entered the room. l had heard no
noise, but an indefinable something
warned me that visitor was present.
With quick wheel OF my chair, l
faced the door. Within five feet of me
stood my visitor. He was tall, we'll
proportioned, and strikingly handsome
man. had barely time to remark
this, and to note the fact that he was
we'll dressed, when the stranger spoke.
"A physician, believer"
He said this hesitatingly. and with
an air Of respectful Difference.
That 10 my profession" 1 replied.
will you take chair, sir?"
The stranger took the proffered seat,
and proceeded to engage me in a
general conversation.
Half an hour passed, and still the
object of the visit had not been stated.
AT last limited at it in pretty plain
terms.
ooh, yes" said the stranger. II
came near forgetting my purpose in
calling. The fact is, l have made a
discovery which is destined to work
revolution in surgical science"
yawned at this. What does man
care for surgical science at midnight,
when his fire is going out?
II will tell you about it," continued
my visitor. II have discovered sim
pie process by which a mans head
may be cut off and then replaced, with
out injury to the person operated
upon. What do you think of that?"
gave the man keen glance. He
met my gaze without finching.
Il decline to think about it at ALL"
[ replied; "at least, not tonight, You
may drop in tomorrow"
| The stranger leaped from his chair
and stood before me. l noticed then
that he was very much my superior in
physical strength.
What could l do?
My office was on the first floor of
an isolated building. No one slept on
my floor except Bob Henry, and he
was out, probably for the night, If
the man murdered me, nobody would
hear my cries for help. The situation
began to grow interesting.
What do you mean?" asked in az
calm tone as could assume.
Il mean this" was the reply. 81
mean to try my experiment on you to.
night. will pledge my honor to sever
your head from your body and replace
1t within 20 minutes, without caus.
ing the slightest injury"
The man was maniac. of this T
was certain. But how was / to man.
age him?
was just about to spring from my
seat, when the mailman drew large
and glittering knife, and flourished II
before my eyes.
Steady, now!" said he. Keep quiet,
old boy, and don't move, or I'll have
to hack your face more than is neces.
sary."
| This significant warning capped the
climax | felt all my strength leav-
ing me, and as gazed into the burn.
ing eyes looking SO earnestly into
mine, l felt that no earthly power
could save me.
He placed one hand upon my head.
and thought my last hour had ar.
rived.
Just then the use of my faculties
returned to me. My first desire was
to gain time.
"One moment" 1 cried. "Tell me
If you could perform this operation
on two persons. and exchange their
heads?"
"Hello!" shouted the mailman.
That's brilliant idea. Wouldn't it
be rich? A with BIS head, and B with
AS head!
The fellow seemed tickled with my
suggestion, and talked about it at
least ten minutes. But he resumed
the murderous knife again, and pre-
pared to carry out his purpose.
Suddenly my eyes flashed delight,
and l struggled in my chair. Iheard
the familiar footsteps of Bob Henry
ascending the stairs.
Rescued at last!
What's the 4natter?" queried the
maniac.
The steps were heard rapidly ap.
preaching my door.
"Spies!" shouted my visitor, throw
ing down his knife. Il must not be
seen here. Au revoir."
There was a deafening crash of
glass and wood. and Bob Henry en-
tered the room just in time to see the
mailman disappearing through the
| shattered window.
What happened after that do not
recollect But when / came to myself
| | was lying in bed, looking into Roh's