Risked Life for Wealth
In 1820, the head of the house of Rothschild, at Paris, was severely injured by a fall from his horse. In order to save the wealthy man’s life the celebrated surgeon, Dupuytren, was called upon to perform a difficult and dangerous operation.
The operation was successful, and was barely finished, when a letter was brought to the surgeon, who, on reading it, gave a cry of astonishment.
“What is it?” asked Rothschild, in a weak voice.
“I must leave you at once!” cried Dupuytren; “you will excuse me; the Duke de Berry has just been assassinated at the opera!” With these words he rushed off.
Against the surgeon’s order, Rothschild managed to drag himself from his bed; reached, by great exertion, the bell-rope; and rang.
Servants came running from all directions, and he ordered them to send at once for his bookkeeper, his cashier, his agents. Several appeared within a few minutes. He cried: “Sell! Sell everything, and at once!”
His prompt action saved his house from a catastrophe, as stocks went way down. But his imprudence made his recovery very slow, as it confined him to his bed for weeks longer.