“Well?” asked Jerry anxiously.
“An operation is needed,” said Dr. Brown slowly. “And of such a delicate nature that I dare not perform it. I have not had experience enough. It needs a skilled hand to do what is needed to save his life. I dare not attempt it!”
[CHAPTER XXVI]
A RACE FOR A LIFE
Jerry and his chums looked blankly at one another. They had had very little experience in illness and accidents, though, often enough, they had been in tight places, and had been hurt. But they were unacquainted with the necessity for delicate surgical operations, and ignorant of their requirements. In a general way they thought that a doctor was all that was needed, and that one doctor was about as good as, or equal to, another. Now they could scarcely understand why Dr. Brown himself could not 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 be performed 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 the pale of civilization, I would attempt this one. But when other and more experienced surgeons can be obtained, I would be guilty of unprofessional conduct did I not advise you to seek some other practitioner. I will do what I can, of course, until he comes, but the operating surgeon must be someone else.” The doctor spoke decidedly. Clearly he was carefully considering the matter.