Year: 1871

Doctor ", one of the most prominent
surgeons of Pesth, was summoned at day
break one morning to see person who pres
singly sought to be admitted to him. While
waiting in the ante chamber, the visitor de-
sired the servant to add that every moment 5
delay was dangerous, as he stood in need OF
instant help.


The surgeon hastily throwing off his night
robe, gave orders for him to be shown up a;
once.


1t was an entire stranger, but one whose
dress and manner proclaimed him a man
belonging to the best class of society. His
paid cheeks spoke of some deep inward
bodily and mental pain and his right hand
rested in a silken sling. Though he sue
ceede6 perfectly in controlling the expires
sion Of his countenauce, low murmur Of
pain, in spite of all his efforts, broke forth
repeatedly from his lips.


Have | the honor of addressing Dr.
ing voice, as he approached the surgeon.
Yes, sir


Pardon the question. | do not live in
Pesth; l came from the country, and know
you by reputation only. regret not to be
able to make your acquaintance under hap
pier circumstance


The surgeon seeing that his visitor could
scarcely stand on his feet. begged him to
rest on his diyan.


Il am weary; for a whole week have
not closed my eyes. | have been having a
pain in my right hand. to which can give
no name. In the beginning ! felt only a
slight pain. but in 4 short time it commsnc-
Cd to burn with constantly increasing vio-
lcnce, growing to be torture beyond the
reach of the slightest alleviation. | have
tired every obtainabe remedy, far and near,
bur nothing relieves me there remains the
same piercing, cutting deadly pain. Final
ly, could bear no more; got in carriage
and FASTENED here to you, that you might
free me from my torment by an operation
the knife or iron, for | can support it no
longer"


The surgeon here endeavored to cncour-
age him, saying his suffering might be over
come by milder means than the use Of the
knife.


No, doctor neither plaster not yet any
palliative can relieve it. What | need is
the knife. For that alone did | come here. J"
Doctor N asked TO be permitted to
look at his hand on which the sufferer, set
ting his teeth hard, held it forth. The sur
geon, using the greatest precaution. began
to loosen the bandage.


Let me ent treat you in advance, doctor,
not to he overcome by anything you willsee
My pain Is 50 strange, so extraordinary, that
1t Will certainly take you uuawares. Hesi-
tate at nothing, pray you.


The surgeon assured the stranger that he
vas accustomed to everything, in his pro
1eSSIon, and pledged himself to hesitate at
nothing.


Nevertheless. when the hand appeared,
ne 'hrank back involuntariy, letting it fall
heavlIy. The hand was apparently as sound,
hsalthy-Iooking, and perfect as any other
not spot was to be seen upon it.


4 sharp cry from the sufferer, as he lifted
tne dropped hand with his left, proved thai
he had come in no jest, but that he suffered
cruelty.


Where doesat pain you?''


Here, doctor" said the stranger, point
ing to place on the upper surface of hi:
hand, where two veins parted from eaef
other IN faint blue lines. The surgeon mark
81 MN shudder as he touched the spot viii
his finger


You feel the pain here?'


Frightfully r.