He looked
the patient in the face to remove all doubts of his identity; finding,
however, it was his old comrade, Captain John Lawton, who had spoken, he
rallied his astonished faculties, and proceeded by saying,--
"Your doctrine is just, and in general I subscribe to it. But, John, my
dear fellow, is the bandage easy?"
"Quite."
"I agree with you as a whole; but as matter is infinitely divisible, so
no case exists without an exception. Lawton, do you feel easy?"
"Very."
"It is not only cruel to the sufferer, but sometimes unjust to others,
to take human life where a less punishment would answer the purpose.
Now, Jack, if you were only--move your arm a little--if you were only--I
hope you feel easier, my dear friend?"
"Much."
"If, my dear John, you would teach your men to cut with more discretion,
it would answer you the same purpose--and give me great pleasure."
The doctor drew a heavy sigh, as he was enabled to get rid of what was
nearest to the heart; and the dragoon coolly replaced his coat, saying
with great deliberation as he retired,--
"I know no troop that cut more judiciously; they generally shave from
the crown to the jaw."
The disappointed operator collected his instruments, and with a heavy
heart proceeded to pay a visit to the room of Colonel Wellmere.
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