Monroe City Democrat. (Monroe City, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1910-01-20
How My Head
Was Saved
By WALLACE PUTNAM REED

hair and furrowed brow appear to
tell a different story. But It Is the
simple truth, and l can explain the
seeming mystery In q few words.
About eight years ago was q young
physician. just starting In the prac-
tice. My once was in B, q small
village in the southwestern part Of
this state. / usually slept in my OF.
nee. Il being both convenient and eco
nomical 70 do 10.
One night in January, I think,
was sitting before my ere. bordering
over my future prospects. The hour
was very late, and the weather was
so cold that l did not expect any call
or visit.
Suddenly 1 felt that some one had
entered the room. had heard no
noise. but an indennable something
warned me that 9 visitor was present.
With a quick wheel Of my chair,
faced the door. Within ave feet OF me
stood my visitor. He was . tall. well.
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. l 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 profiered 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.
"Oh, yes" said the stranger. 81
came near forgetting my purpose IN
calling. The fact is. have made
discovery which is destined to work
q revolution in surgical science"
yawned at this. What does a man
care for surgical science at midnight,
when his fire is going ont?
81 will tell you about it," continued
my visitor. Il have discovered a sim
pie process by wEich a mans head
may Re cut of and then replaced. with.
out injury to the person operated
upon. What do you think Of that?"
gave the man a keen g'ance He
met my gaze without hinching.
Il decline to think about it at ALL"
! replied; lat least. not tonight. You
may drop in tomorrow.
The stranger leaped from his chair
and stood before me. noticed then
that he was very much my superior in
physical strength.
What could | 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. II
the man murdered me, nobody would
hear my cries for help. The situation
began to grow interesting.
What do you mean?" asked In as
calm tone as l could assume.
Il mean this" was the reply. 81
mean to try my experiment on you to-
night. I 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 a maniac. OF this I
was certain. But how was TO man.
age him?
was just about to spring from my
seat, when the mailman drew a large
and gltttering knife, and fourished 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 l 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" l cried. Tell me
II you could perform this operation
on two persons. and exchange their
heads?"
"Hello!" shouted the mailman,
That's q brilliant idea Wouldn't II
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 struggled In my chair. Iheard
the familiar footsteps Of Bob Henry