The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1912-09-11
A Scientific
Experiment
BY WILLARD BRAKEMAN

OFT Edward Penton. young American
medical student who, on account Of
youth, had escaped being either killed
~ ammunition or disease in the great
struggle that had ended five years be
fore in his own country. went TO Ger
many and through the influence of thu
American minister was accepted as
assistant surgeon with rank of lieuten
mt
After the battle of Gravelotte. wher
NIL the medical staff was most needed
word was brought to DR. Snedicker
medical director OF the Prussian army
that the American had deliberately in
suited a medical officer of his own
rank and that duel was to be fought
| between the two.
This is very wrong" exclaimed the
doctor with scowl. These two
young men may both be disabled, and
we have not now enough physicians to
| take care of the wounded"
"And yet. doctor, the challenge hav-
ing passed, there is no way cut of it.
Both would have to leave the army il
they did not fight"
"They don't fight duels in America"
said DR.. Snedicker. Send this Ameri-
can to me-"
Penton reported, and the doctor en-
deavored to persuade him to apologize.
"Ill tell you what I'll do, DOCTOR"
Penton replied. I'm agree TO fire an
imaginary shot at him. and II he is not
killed at the first fire | will apologize
to him."
what do you mean by that?"
Permit the duel on the following
terms: Make two tablets. both harm
less. Announce that one contains a
deadly poison. The principals each
choose tablet Convince my oppo-
nent. Lieutenant Berkhalter. that he
has chosen the poisoned one"
IF that will satisfy you. proceed"
AS soon as the wounded were at
least temporarily provided for DR..
Snedicker called a number of medi-
cal officers into his tent and. last of
ALL the participants of the duel He
showed them two pellets exactly alike
In appearance. announcing that one
was harmless while the other contain
ed prussic acid The one containing
the poison would have the taste of the
kernel of peach stones, And now,
gentlemen" concluded the doctor.
= fs 70 IN
have one live surgeon than two dis
abled ones"
Berkhalter bravely stepped up TO his
superior. put his hand into a glass
tumbler and took ont one OF two tab
lets. Penton took the remaining one.
Then at word from the commander
each put his tablet in his mouth. An
officer handed each n glass of water,
which he was required TO drink In or
der TO make sure that he had swal-
lowed his dose
Berkhalter turned pale. He had rec
ognized the taste of prussic acid given
him by his superior. One OF the Off
GERS stepped up to the doomed man
and said:
IF you have anything to say, say II
quick. The poison acts at once"
Il have only to say that propose to
die as an officer of the Prussian army
should" replied the plucky doctor.
At the same time he felt his legs
giving way under him. and he sank
into the arms of his second. who car
Rod hin, 60 on ar,,y eof ord Io;J hin,
upon it. Penton went to him and Of
fered him his hand
II envy you" he said. your oppor-
tunity to show your bravery. would
not have you die without withdrawing
the offensive words ] spoke to you"
But Berkhalter had passed into un-
Consciousness.
Are you satisfled?" asked DR. Sned-
ECKER to Penton.
wait n moment. His imagination
cannot act while he is unconscious. He
will revive presently"
Snedicker was disposed to put an
end to the matter before 1t should be
too late. but a German is nothing il
not an investigator. and he was con-
tent TO grant the request on the ground
of science.
Presently Berkhalter opened his eyes:
but. seeing a group of officers stand
ing over him. watching him die. he
closed them again.
One of the medical men present went
to the Get and placed his hand on
heart. then looked anxious.
ly at the American.
"a few minutes" he said. will place
him beyond the pale of revival"
Penton whipped vial from his peck
eft and. removing the stopper, held IL
under his antagonists nose. Berkhal- |
ter again opened his eyes.
TELL him." said Penton and immedi. |
ately LEFT the tent
Doctor" said Snedicker. you have /
not swallowed poison. The duel has
been turned into scientific demonstra-
ton Neither tablet contained poison"
where is the cursed Americana"
cried Berkhalter. standing erect. II
shall kill him!''
Here is written apology"
II want no apology. | shall kill
A corporal came in, but Berkhalter
had no mind to be handled by an en-
listed man and subsidized.
Penton received a warning from his
that he had better keep /
out of his late opponent's way if he /