Dr. Slaughter gave it as his opinion, that the limb must be amputated at once.
Dr. Ryan shrank from this, referred to the age and firm constitution of the patient, thought "it was a pity that the boy should be made a cripple at his time of life; that, though one of the fractures was oblique, the bone was not comminuted, and hoped it might be set, and the patient do well."
His brother physician, on the other hand, was positive.
"It was a compound fracture, and it was a settled principle in anatomy always to amputate in a compound fracture. Air had been admitted, the muscles and integuments lacerated and bruised; mortification would take place, the leg would have to be amputated higher up after all, with scarcely a chance for life."
Dr. Ryan, accustomed for years to look to his companion for direction in all surgical operations, was obliged to yield the point; and the parents were informed it was the opinion of the physicians that amputation was necessary. Mr. Merrill, who reposed the greatest confidence in Dr. Ryan, and was not aware that he had hesitated in the matter, acquiesced at once, though with tears, for Frank was their only child.
But it was very different with the mother, who was a woman of excellent judgment, great penetration, and decision of character. She utterly refused, divined that Dr. Ryan secretly cherished a different opinion and did not act freely, and entreated the physicians to set the bones, and bind up the wound. But this Dr. Slaughter refused to do. They then informed their son of the doctors' decision.
"Mother," said Frank, "I had rather die than have my leg cut off, and be a cripple for life."
They then asked the opinion of Rich, but he declined to advance any.
"Well, wife," said the husband, "we must say something; the doctors are waiting. I'll do as you think best."
"I," replied she, firmly, "will not give my consent to amputation."