Читать книгу The Mac's of '37 A Story of The Canadian Rebellion - John Price-Brown - Страница 12
ОглавлениеDR. ROLPH AND THE OPERATION
Dr. Rolph was a shrewd politician. He had a large head and a big soul, but he liked to be on the safe side. Being a Liberal, both from heritage and principle, he always voted for reform measures; while he coquetted with the Tory administration for the good things of office. Hence, he was coroner, gaol physician, and medical attendant upon the Governor's family; while his scientific knowledge, professional skill, and suavity of manner, secured for him a large following among the people. He was, in fact, that great social functionary, society's doctor.
While ostensibly a member of MacKenzie's prospective Cabinet, provided that the forthcoming revolt should come to a successful issue, he was too astute to commit himself to the extent that his leader desired. That evils existed he knew well. The people were heavily taxed, and the Government applied the money thereby obtained to suit their own purposes, irrespective of the wishes of the people's representatives. A certain church was pampered by special privileges. All official appointments were either direct or indirect gifts of the Crown. Responsibility to the people did not exist, and there was no promise of change. A wise administrator could readily ameliorate these evils. Of this he felt sure; and in the vain hope that in time he might be asked to act as intermediary to partially satisfy the people, he was willing to hold back the car of Juggernaut, if he could.
Driving home from his round of professional visits during the afternoon of the storm, his mind was so full of the subject that he gave no heed to the rain, reaching his office earlier than usual. When he heard of the wreck of the canoe he was amazed to learn that his adopted niece, Jessie Stedman, was one of the victims, and that a messenger had arrived to secure his help in her behalf.
"She's awful bad, sir," said the man, "and they're taking her back to Bradley Hall."
Bidding the man jump into his carriage and give an account of her condition, he drove over, arriving in time to direct her removal to the house. She was still unconscious.
"It is all my fault," cried Marie, in a voice of deep contrition, as she noted the cloud upon the doctor's face. "Jessie wouldn't have gone if I hadn't persuaded her."
"It was a foolish escapade, right in the face of a threatening storm," he returned; "but there is no use lamenting now, the deed is done. Tell me how it happened?"
Frankly and graphically she told the story.
"So you saved her life," he commented, reflectively, as she spoke of treading water and holding Jessie up with the one hand.
"I held her until the men came. That was all, they saved her."
"Oh! but you did the first part. The men only carried on the work you began, and it is not finished yet. The child is still in danger. Has she spoken?"
"Not a word."
"No wonder. Her skull is fractured and depressed over the left temple. It is a very serious business. Where is Miss Bradley?"
"I am here, sir," replied the Principal.
"Jessie will have to be put in a large room where there is plenty of light, for an operation will be necessary," said the Doctor.
"Her own room is a good one, but Miss MacAlpine's is better. She might have hers," said Miss Bradley.
"Jessie's welcome to mine," echoed Marie, "but I would not think of leaving her."
"Is not your father coming for you?"
"He is, but I must stay. After what has happened it would kill me to leave her before danger is over."
"Bravely spoken," said the Doctor, "you shall be one of her nurses. If she were conscious she would rather have you than any one else. It is fortunate, Miss Bradley, that you can spare the room. It is better for her than my own house would be, and, as you know, she has no other home."
Then he hurried away for his instruments. By-and-by he returned, accompanied by a younger man, and they examined the patient more thoroughly.
"It is a large depression over the Island of Riel," said Dr. Backus.
"Yes," added Dr. Rolph, more seriously, "unconsciousness is deepening; the effusion must be stopped if possible."
"The sooner we operate the better. Fortunately she will feel no pain."
"It would be terrible to lose her," said Dr. Rolph. "She is in a sort of trance now."
"So much the better for her. It would be grand if we could put every one into a trance who required an operation. The curse of surgery is the pain it produces," said Backus.
"Some day that will be possible, though perhaps not in ours," muttered Rolph; "but we must to work while we yet have sunlight."
So the doctors did the operation, Miss Bradley remaining with them to render what assistance she could; while Marie, in an adjoining room, anxiously waited for news of the condition of her friend.
Fully an hour passed away. Sometimes quick steps were heard in the operating room; now and then low words were passed from one to the other; and occasionally a groan struck Marie's ear. After a while there was a sharp cry of pain, and Marie, with hands clenched, stepped to the door.
"Yes, you may come in now," said Dr. Rolph, in a low voice. "Do not say anything; but hand me that other bowl of fresh water and those extra sponges. There, that will do. You are a brave girl, Marie MacAlpine, and I may as well tell you what we have done. We have raised the depressed skull and removed a lot of blood clots that were pressing upon the brain. Jessie will be better now if we can keep the fever down."
"And will she become conscious again?" Marie whispered, eagerly.
"We think so, although it will take time to tell."
Then they placed her gently in bed, and adjusting the dressings about the wound, prepared to leave.
"This has been a terrible strain upon Miss MacAlpine," said Dr. Rolph in an aside to Miss Bradley. "If she is to do part of the nursing she will need to rest first. So we will only give her three hours to-night, say from nine to twelve; and have her rest at once."
"And who will stay with Jessie and apply the lotions?" Marie asked in much concern.
"I will provide someone," replied the doctor, "but you must lie down now."
"I am sure I cannot sleep if I do."
"Nevertheless, it is the doctor's orders to try; or I am afraid we will have to find someone to take your place."
"Well, I will do my best."
But Marie's mind was in a whirl, while her limbs were stiff and sore from her long and trying battle with the elements. She feared that the effort would be useless. After a while, however, Nature's restorative evinced its power and she fell asleep, with mingled thoughts of her engagement to see Harry at eight, her nursing duties at nine, and her father's orders to start for home on the morrow, fleeting through her brain.
