The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1910-03-23
LITERARY MAGAZINE

That's awkward now, amt it?' the patrolman
said sympathetically Give me his arms, doc Ye
look tired an Worried. KIN pump"
indeed the doctor was gray with fatigue. or was
1t the lntolerable weight OF suspense? Once
he laid his ear over the mans heart. "God!" he
gasped If that surgeon would comet"
"Dead?" quered the cheerful patrolman
Dying. was the short reply.
And then clangor below that brought hearts
into our threats, rush of feet the STAIR and the
ambulance surgeon, snow.powdered bringing the
outer cold with him, there.
quick and short was his parley with the doctor.
"Overanaesthesia,' paralysis of the respiratory
centers, sinking "strychnn,'' caught and then
the flash OF the hypodermic needle the young
surgeon bent over the patients heart. Another mo-
ment and the Feils apparatus-face- mask, tube and
foot-bellows-was adjusted and air, vital air
being forced directly into the lifeess lungs which
by their very mechanical elasticity forced it slowly
out again. Surely death itself must yield. looked
to see speedy resurrection.
BUT as the moments dragged on, the men relieving
each other at the bellows, and still change,
1t came over me in a great wave of horror what
had done-done to death man, an innocent man,
an unknown man, somebody's father and husband
and brother. Then all at ceased to care for
anything l only knew that l tired tired
the point OF extinction. Lying limp in the dental
at their fever of energy.
They tell me it was only twenty minutes, but it
seemed hours, when queer gulping gasp from the
doctor brought me to life The face-mask was off,
the mans color was better, he-yes heaven be-
prased!-he breathed! Over him in frowning in
tensity elbow to elbow, bent dentist surgeon and
cop"
My mind back with a rush When the pa
tlent opened his eyes he must not the patrol
man there l dragged my heavy feet the
Office and drew the big fellow aside with whis-
pered word. He grnned comprehension. IN secret
mesf here in the hail." said he, for I've a fancy
to see the color of his eyes,
l too quick for the patients lids were
beginning to futter Slowly with little tired pauses
he spoke The funny part of it was-I per-
fectly-conscious-all the-time" He sighed and
relapsed into what looked like sleep.
Like enough muttered the doctor with a nod
to the young surgeon and they resumed their silent
watch OF the now momentarily Frightening face
1t was many minutes before he spoke again and
when ne did it was in a much more vigorous voice.
Il can't see he sad in puzzled why you
tied my hands,
The doctor stood like dumb fool l flung my
self hastily into the gap. I'VE do that in all cases
where we use gas said trying to speak convnc-
lngly. Patients likely strike out
The man turned his head with difficulty and ia
vored me with prolonged stare. Really" he said
That's interesting I'm dentist myself"
The doctors gaze met mine in look that would
have been comical had it not been tragic
Luckily the ambulance surgeon nterposed. How
would you like to with me round to the Relief
Station till you get back your strength?'
The mans face took on an ironcal expression. Il
don't doubt that's very comfortable carriage you
have down there, but it's I've no more curiosity
to try than the Black Maria" (The doctor looked
queer enough at that and I'm l heard sup
pressed chuckle from the hallD Il don't like hos
ptals, he went "If I shan't be too much IN
DIR. Wizards way I'd prefer to rest here till its
time to take my train. | suppose l get on to
New York tonight?"
ooh, sure!" said the surgeon cheerily. "You gave
us some trouble bringing you round but you're
round, you're round you know. Dr. Willard tells
you've lost sleep. Any nervous strain? Consider
able? Well that explains your cutting up under
gas. However, in couple of hours you'll ne quite
yourself. You won't have any further need of me,
so III bid you good day.
Nervousy conscious of the lurking officer fol-
lowed into the hall. Its satisfied entirely that /
am, miss, he said in piercing whisper, I'll be
afther foloWin' this gintleman out Good morning."
Returning to the office ] found the doctor support
ing the now revived patient to the waiting room
sofa. 1t wonderful to see how shy we WERE