The Dread Preparations

for the operation had proceeded in his own bedroom before the eyes of the subject, much as mediæval torturers prepared their wracks and thumbscrews in the sight of the victim, but this time the effort was to be made in the cause of humanity and not of inhumanity. Dr. Cleghorn was to perform the operation, Dr. Fell assisting him, and Drs. MacGregor and M'Kenzie were there with Dr. Henry. When the summons came, the Premier, page 13 casting off in an extraordinary manner the depression and weakness which the suspense had produced, sprang out of bed, and, walking unassisted to the operating table, shook hands cordially with the modical men, said good-bye to all, stepped on to the board, and throwing himself on his back bade the operators begin. It was a wonderful example of physical courage triumphing over physical weakness. Chloroform was administered, and for about two hours and a half the operation was proceeded with. The right side above the hip was laid open, and the bowel exposed and severed and accumulations removed, but the operation was still incomplete when it was felt that it would not be safe to continue longer, and the patient was brought back to semi-consciousness. During all this time his relatives, Sir Robert Stout, and his colleagues, had been waiting, fearing the worst as the moments went by. Next morning the patient was partially conscious, and was able to speak hopefully of the ultimate success of the operation to his brother-in-law (Mr. Anderson) and Sir Robert, and at a further consultation on that evening it was decided that the operation might be resumed on the Tuesday morning. Once more that anxious group of Ministers and friends gathered at the Premier's residence, and once more the poor sufferer, who had been kept more or less under the influence of opiates, was laid upon the operating board and placed under the knife. At 8 a.m. the operation was resumed, and by 11 it was completed, the engorged bowel relieved, the gaping wound sown up, and a syphon inserted, but