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

l could not trust myself look at the patient as
went about helping the doctor prepare the gas
paratus. And l turned cold with repulson when
had to spread out the creatures hands upon his
knees, those hands that had done such horrd butch
er's work. Ugh! eve spread 'em, you know, so
the doctor watch the color OF the nails) But
reminded myself how much depended my keep
ing my head
The doctor cornered me on my way from the la
boratory Mind" he whispered, with terrible
look, 81 leave this scheme entirely to you. Gas is
gas and must have my whole mind for the patient.
And / won't keep him under, if he the devil
incarnate. You'll have two minutes. So what you
do, do quickly.
| could have spared the allusiCn to Judas. But
nodded and began.
1t is always awful to watch patient going un-
der, but this time though he went kindly enough,
felt as if I aiding and abetting murder.
Thankful enough to hear the Doctors sharp,
Turn off the gas, Jeannie" that set free. One
bound took to the telephone, where gave Cen
trail our prearranged call for police. The in
slant my knees drawing my towel bandage
fast about the patients crossed feet. Then turned
my attention to his clammy hands with the dark
ened nails that betrayed the temporary poison OF
the gas.
Suddenly the doctor pushed me sharply aside.
"stop!" he Numbered. This man is not breathng!"
And indeed the labored, stertorous sound had
ceased.
"Oh, he will said l, trying speak confidently.
For it is not very unusual to have to start the
breathing mechanically But my heart almost stop
ped as noted the purplelipped lvidity of the pa
tents face. Once and once again the doctor
crushed in the mans short ribs and let CO. No
change He lay like dead.
At the sight my heart began to beat in great sick
ening thumps. l fell back against the wall,
murng through stiff lips, What have done? oh,
what have l done?
The doctor brought out of that His
manner lost every trace of excitement vibrating
rather with an electric calm. His face was set Ills
eyes bright, he looked dangerous. His ORDERS crisp
and curt, ignored my womans weakness, my nerves.
my natural horror Help get this patient
to the foor!" Get cushion Lift his shoulders
while drag off the coat!
Far in fear OF him than of the inert form
between |
the chair, to loosen the unconscious mans clothing.
to prop his shoulders up Then while the doctor
kneeing at the patients head, grasped his arms
and began the rythmical movements of artificial
respiration, tottered to the phone
Call up the Relief Station. Tell them to send
the ambulance with the Fell's apparatus-the arti-
fetal respirator-and tell EN- to drive like the
deuce." Nothing but the brutal sharpness of the
doctors orders gave me voice enough to make my
self understood. But knew from the alert tone OF
the girl at the switchboard that the message had
gone straight.
GLADLY would have fingered in the hallway out
- of sight of that damp cold, gray unearthly face.
But the doctor almost instantly recalled You'll
have to help" he said shortly I'm this storm it'll
take the ambulance at least twenty minutes to get
here. l can't keep it up alone"
long minutes he made watch him while
he alternately stretched the mans above his
head and fexed them against his ribs Then, fight
ing down my repulsion took his place.
Suddenly from behind interested
voice. Gentleman fainted?" We had forgotten the
policeman.
The doctor looked up Thought had job for
you, but guess it's job for the coroner instead.
Give way there JEANNE. You get up and tell the
officer all about it, AS he knet beside he
INJURED in my ear, "No need to mention that the gas
trick"
My story was soon told. At the words, James
Ferguson the big Irishman started forward, his
eyes popping with excitement. His thick forefnger
hastily explored the patients deformed front teeth.
Drawing back he studied long and deliberately the
notioness gray face. Then-"Indade, an it's not
the mani" quoth he.
The doctor flushed. Every detail in the descrip-
ton fits he snapped, for moment relaxing
his pumping
The patrolman drew Taper from his pocket and
regarded it composedly fright We are" he said at
length ESPECIALLY the teeth. But descriptions is
tricky things. I've the photo, ANTS not the
mani"