n 6 LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 



for his science and his strength, began his operations like a man of 

 business. In fourteen days, by means of potent embrocations, 

 stretching, pulling, twisting, and jerking, he forced the shoulder and 

 the wrist to obey him, and to perform their former healthy move- 

 ments. The elbow was a complicated affair. It required greater 

 exertions and greater attention. In fact, it was a job for Hercules 

 himself. Having done the needful to it (secundum artem) for one- 

 and-twenty days, he seemed satisfied with the progress which he had 

 made; and he said quite coolly, 'I'll finish you off this afternoon/ 

 At four o'clock, post meridian, his bandages, his plasters, and his 

 wadding having been placed on the table in regular order, he doffed 

 his coat, tucked his shirt above his elbows, and said, that a glass of 

 ale would do him good. * Then I '11 have a glass of soda water with 

 you,' said I ; * and we '11 drink each other's health, and success to 

 the undertaking/ The remaining act was one of unmitigated 

 severity : but it was absolutely necessary. My sister, Eliza, foresee- 

 ing what was to take place, felt her spirits sinking, and retired to 

 her room. Her maid, Lucy Barnes, bold as a little lioness, said she 

 would see it out ; whilst Mr Harrison, a fine young gentleman who 

 was on a visit to me, (and, alas ! is since dead in California), was 

 ready in case of need. The bone-setter performed his part with re- 

 solution scarcely to be contemplated, but which was really required 

 under existing circumstances. Laying hold of the crippled arm just 

 above the elbow, with one hand, and below it with the other, he 

 smashed to atoms, by main force, the callus which had formed in 

 the dislocated joint ; the elbow itself cracking, as though the interior 

 parts of it had consisted of tobacco-pipe shanks. Having pre-deter- 

 mined in my mind not to open my mouth, or to make any stir 

 during the operation, I remained passive and silent whilst this fierce 

 elbow-contest was raging. All being now effected as far as force and 

 skill were concerned, the remainder became a mere work of time. 

 So putting a five-pound note, by way of extra fee, into this sturdy 

 operator's hand, the binding up of the now rectified elbow-joint was 

 effected by him, with a nicety and a knowledge truly astonishing. 

 Health soon resumed her ancient right ; sleep went hand in hand 

 with a quiet mind ; life was once more worth enjoying ; and here 

 I am, just now, sound as an acorn. 



