The Hattiesburg news. (Hattiesburg, Miss.) 1908-1917, 1909-11-02
How My Head
Was Saved
BY WALLACE PUTNAM REED

10 hard to believe, l know-my white
hair and furrowed brow appear to
tell a different story But it is the
simple truth, and l can explain the
seeming mystery in few words.
About eight years ago | was young |
physician, just starting in the prac-
tice. My Office was in B.. small
village in the southwestern part of |
this state. / usually slept in my Of |
fee, it being both convenient and eco
nomical to do so.
One night in January, I think. l
was sitting before my fire. pondering
over my future prospects. The hour
was very late, and the weather was
so cold that / did not expect any call
or visit.
Suddenly 1 felt that some one had
entered the room. 1 had heard no
noise, but an indefinable something
warned me that visitor was present.
With a 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. l 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 is my profession" l replied.
will you take a chair, sir?"
The stranger took the proffered seat,
and proceeded to engage me in
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.
"Oh, yes" said the stranger. 81
came near forgetting my purpose in
calling. The fact is, have made a
discovery which is destined to work
a revolution in surgical science"
Iyawned at this. What does man
care for surgical science at midnight,
when his fire is going out?
Il will tell you about it," continued
my visitor. 81 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 flinching.
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. / noticed ther
that he was very much my superior il
III physical strength.
IL What could | do?
e My office was on the first floor o
le an isolated building. No one slept OIL
I'll my floor except Bob Henry and HI
X was out, probably for the night. |
the man murdered me, nobody woul,
). hear my cries for help. The situation
Is began to grow interesting.
Al- What do you mean?" | asked in a
calm tone as l could assume.
ng Il mean this" was the reply.
20 mean to try my experiment on you t.
ne night. will pledge my honor to seve
ng your head from your body and replac
U.s. It within 20 minutes, without eau
lg' ing the slightest injury"
ar The man was maniac. OF this
zee was certain. But how was to mai
ne age him?
m was just about to spring from m
MS seat, when the mailman drew lars
Mt and differing knife and fourished
us before my eyes.
SEES STEADY, now!" said he. Keep quie
TO old boy, and don't move. or I'll ha'
to hack your face more than is nece
ex' sary."
ew' This significant warning capped Il
are climax. | felt all my strength lea
no ing me, and as | gazed into the bur
Tor ing eyes looking so earnestly in
mine, I felt that no earthly pow
nds could save me.
rdi- He placed one hand upon my hes
'ifh and l thought my last hour had
!, a rived.
Just then the use of my faculti
he returned to me- My first desire W
his to gain time.
mi "One moment" cried Tell l
The II you could perform this operati
lost on two persons. and exchange tn
BIDS heads?"
Es- "Hello!" shouted the madm;
fur That's a brilliant idea. Wouldn't
rat be rich? A with BIS head and B W
MS AS head!
It's The fellow seemed tickled with
III suggestion, and talked about 1t
over least ten minutes. But he resun
rey. the murderous knife again, and /
nos pared to carry out his purpose.
ou, Suddenly my eyes flashed delie
anu and struggled in my chair, he
'Iiu' the familiar footsteps of Bob He
'oiii' ascending the stairs.
oon' Rescued at last!
mon What's the natter" queried
INC maniac.
SET The steps were heard rapidly
IN preaching my door.
~ "Spies" shouted my visitor, thr
an ing down his knife. Il must not
seen here. Au revoir.'
:. ~ There was a deafening crash
glass and wood. and Bob Henry