CHAPTER XXVI
A RACE FOR A LIFE
Jerry and his chums looked blankly at one another. They had had verylittle experience in illness and accidents, though, often enough, theyhad been in tight places, and had been hurt. But they were unacquaintedwith the necessity for delicate surgical operations, and ignorant oftheir requirements. In a general way they thought that a doctor was allthat was needed, and that one doctor was about as good as, or equal to,another. Now they could scarcely understand why Dr. Brown himself couldnot do what was necessary.
“You say he needs an operation?” questioned Jerry.
“Yes, a delicate one, if his life is to be saved, and it must beperformed quickly.”
“Then why can’t you do it?” asked impulsive Bob.
“Because I have not the necessary skill. I can perform some operations,it is true, and I have done so. In fact, if we were outside of thepale of civilization, I would attempt this one. But when otherand more experienced surgeons can be obtained, I would be guiltyof unprofessional conduct did I not advise you to seek some otherpractitioner. I will do what I can, of course, until he comes, but theoperating surgeon must be someone else.” The doctor spoke decidedly.Clearly he was carefully considering the matter.
“What sort of an operation is it?” asked Jerry.
“It is on the head--there is some sort of a fracture--a bone ispressing on the brain,” was the answer. “Delicate instruments which Ihave not, and a skillful assistant and nurse, are needed to perform theoperation; especially up here in the wilderness where there are none ofthe conveniences of a hospital.”
“Then we’ll have to go for another doctor,” spoke Ned.
“In my opinion, yes. And only one surgeon in this country is capable ofsuccessfully performing that operation.”
“Who is he?” asked Ned, as the country physician paused.
“He is Dr. Wallace Wright of New York, and it is doubtful if he couldbe induced to come away up here, even if he could be brought here intime. He is a celebrated surgeon--a high-priced one--and in greatdemand. I doubt if you could get him.”
At the mention of Dr. Wright’s name the boys looked at one another.Unconsciously Bob put his hand to his head, which the great surgeon hadsewed up. Something in the faces of the boys made Dr. Brown ask:
“Have you heard of Dr. Wright?”
“He recently treated me,” added Bob.
“Indeed. Then you must have made a remarkable recovery,” Dr. Brownsaid. “For Dr. Wright seldom operates unless the case is a serious one,and you do not look as though you had recently been under his hands.”
“It was only a small scalp wound,” Bob explained.
“We couldn’t get any other doctor,” added Ned.
“What! Couldn’t get any other doctor in New York?” cried the countrypractitioner. “You surprise me!”
“Oh, but it wasn’t in New York. It was not far from here, at a placecalled Brookville,” went on Jerry. “Dr. Wright, if he is the same oneyou mean, is stopping there on his vacation.”
“You can’t be mistaken in the man,” said Dr. Brown, and he quicklydescribed him, for he had heard him lecture in college several times.
“That is he!” exclaimed Jerry. “He isn’t so far away as you thought,Dr. Brown.”
“No, but there is still the almost impossible task of getting him tocome up here; to this lonely place, to perform an operation.”
“I think I can get him to come,” said Jerry, slowly. “I will explainmatters to him, and tell him how necessary it is that the professor besaved--not only for the aid he may give my mother in her affairs, butfor the sake of the world of science.”
“It is barely possible that the appeal to science may move him,”conceded Dr. Brown. “How are you going to get to Brookville? That issome distance away.”
“We can go part way in the motor boat, and the rest of the way in ourauto,” Ned explained. “We left our car at Waydell. We can pick it upthere.”
“That’s good!” exclaimed the physician. “Now, then, you had bettermake your preparations at once. It will take you nearly three days togo down there, get Dr. Wright and get back here. If we were near arailroad it would be easier; but we are not. There is every need forhaste! I’ll write that note at once.”
“And we’ll get ready to go,” said Jerry. “Bob, you and I will make thetrip by auto and boat. Ned and Andy will stay here with the professor.”
“And I’ll stay, too!” exclaimed Dr. Brown. “He should not be leftwithout medical attendance. You may tell Dr. Wright that I am with thepatient.”
Ned and Andy looked relieved at hearing this.
Little beyond some food, and some extra clothing, was taken by Jerryand Bob. The motor boat was well stocked, and there was plenty of oiland gasoline for the trip to Waydell. Another supply could be putaboard there while the remainder of the trip was being made in the auto.
“You can stop at the hermit’s, and send word to have my horse taken tomy home,” said Dr. Brown, as he handed Jerry the note for Dr. Wright.“I will stay here until you return. Now go, and good luck go with you.”
It was nearly five o’clock in the afternoon when Jerry and Bob startedoff in the boat. They had taken a last look at Professor Snodgrass. Thescientist had roused a little, and had seemed to recognize Jerry, forhe had murmured, looking full at the tall lad:
“Don’t mind--it’s all right--I have the papers--the yellow mud--I’llexplain--the scoundrels--the two-tailed----” and then he lapsed intounconsciousness again.
“Come on, Bob!” exclaimed Jerry, grimly. “This is a race to save alife!”