Life — March 25, 1899 — page 9: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

A ROMANCE HAT!” roared Mr. Graves, in a passion. “Do you mean to say. sir, that that is my—my—my limb in that bottle?” “Certainly,” rejoined the physician, coolly, turning the jar a litle moretothelight; ‘anda remarkably fine specimen it is.” * But it is an outrage. Nay, sir, it is positively indecent! To think of a part of my body being on exhibition in such a shameless fashion! I'll have you arrested, sir.” The doctor gave a quiet chuckle, and placed the of- fending jar on a shelf ina closet. “Calm yourself, Mr. Graves. It is not on exhibi- tion, Atleast, not to the gen- eral public. A very neat job, that amputation. I have known but one other person of your years that recovered so quickly, Here is the limb of that person,” bringing for- ward a jar which contained a smaller, more daintily-formed leg. “ But—but that belongs to a lady!” gasped Mr. Graves, much scandalized, his face be- coming suffused with color. “Certainly. Miss Cooper Miss Patience Cooper, a newcomer, Beautiful opera- tions, both of them.” He arose, closed the closet door and locked it. “But, doctor, this is monstrous!” exclaimed the excited gentleman. ‘* Cut off a person's limb for every Tom, Dick or Harry to look at? I tell you that it is monstrous! I'll have the law on you, sir,"and he strode angrily from the room, followed by a shout of laughter from the doctor. True to his word, Mr. Graves consulted several lawyers. All agreed, however, that the physician was justified in retaining the leg as a specimen if he go desired. Disgusted and irritated at the result, he returned to his room, and pondered long and deeply. SEE “IT won't have it!” he exclaimed at Jast, aloud. ‘* Law or no law, that doc- tor shall not have that limb! No, sir; not if [ have to steal it. Ah!” An idea struck lim. Steal it! The very thing. He would watch his oppor- tunity. He would have that leg. Did it not belong to him? Gloating, in an- ticipation over the defeat of the doctor, he retired. For several days Mr, Graves refrained from visiting the physician's office. One morning. as he was walking down the street, the doctor passed him. “ Not a folly, good fellow, as you rere, Mr. Graves.” “Whither so fast?” inquired Mr. Graves, facetiously, “To a tiresome patient,” answered the doctor, affably, glad that Mr. Graves had recovered his good humor. ‘* Nota jolly, good fellow, as you were, Mr. Graves,” “Thank you,” and Mr. Graves smiled blandly. The doctor passed on. Here was his chance. He sauntered slowly along until the physician was out of sight; then his manner changed, and he wasall alertness, Turning in the direction of the doctor's office, he walked as rapidly OF TWO LEGS. as his artificial limb would permit towards it. As he had expected, the door was unlocked. Entering, he glanced around. The room was empty. Chuckling at his good luck, he crossed to the closet. Oh, joy! The key was in thelock. He had just seized it when he heard steps approaching. With an exclamation of impatience he snatched up a newspaper, and, hurriedly opening the door, grabbed the first jar, enveloping itin paper as he did so. The steps came nearer. Someone was certainly coming through the hall to the office. It took Mr. Graves but a second to hastily close the closet door, but in doing so the key fell to the floor. Seating himself, he tried to look composed. A lady entered. Her man- ner was hurried. She stopped short when she saw Mr. Graves, and colored furiously, “The doctor,” she mur. mured, confusedly. ‘I—I thought—” ‘He is out,” and Mr. Graves became calm as he noted her confusion, and spoke suavely. He was al- ways suave to ladies, and this one, though her hair was plentcously streaked with gray and she was plainly elderly, had a sweet face and an appealing way that went straight to his heart. “Do you think he will be long, sir?” “T don't know, I am sure. T hope not, for your sake.” “TI think I'll wait, then,” and she sat down timidly. As she passed to a chair, Mr. Graves noticed that she walked with a slight limp. “Then I'll wait with you,” he said, gallantly. “Oh, don’t! That is—would you mind very much not to?” exclaimed the lady, in an agitated manner. ‘Ob, what am I saying! Please, please go away.” ‘All right, ma’am.” Mr. Graves arose with dignity. His vanity was hurt, for he had been pleased with her appearance. ‘‘I] meant no offense. Good morning.” comicbooks.com