So the poor lady became less distraught, and watched by him with sympathizing sorrow. But at length, finding the day advancing, his pains unabating, and no signs of any medical help coming, he tore a leaf from his pocket-book, and with a pencil wrote a note to the chief surgeon, Mr. Higgins, saying that, as he had been informed no time was to be lost in the amputation, he was naturally anxious that his case should be attended to. The messenger returned, saying that the surgeon could not possibly leave the hospital. He sent a second note, and a third, and towards ten o’clock a.m. the harrassed surgeon made his appearance. “Captain Boothby,” said he, “I am extremely sorry that I could not possibly come here before, still more sorry that I only come now to tell you I cannot serve you. There is but one case of instruments. This I cannot bring from the hospital while crowds of wounded, both officers and men, are pressing for assistance.” “I did but wish to take my turn,” said the Captain. “I hope,” he added, “that towards evening the crowd will decrease, and that I shall be able to bring Mr. Gunning with me to consult upon your case.” “Will you examine my wound, sir,” said Boothby, “and tell me honestly whether you apprehend any danger from the delay?” He examined the leg, and said: “No, I see nothing in this case from which the danger would be increased by waiting five or six hours.” There was nothing for it but patience. “I taxed my mind to make an effort, but pain, far from loosening his fangs at the suggestion of reason, clung fast, and taught me that, in spite of mental pride, he is, and must be, dreadful to the human frame.” Mr. Higgins came to him about three o’clock, bringing with him Mr. Gunning and Mr. Bell, and such instruments as they might have occasion for. Mr. Gunning sat down by his bedside, and made a formal exhortation: explained that to save the life it was necessary to part with the limb, and he required of him an effort of mind and a manly resolution. “Whatever is necessary, that I am ready to bear,” said the Captain. Then the surgeons, having examined his wound, went to another part of the room to consult, after which they withdrew--to bring the apparatus, as he imagined. Hours passed, and they did not return. His servant, Aaron, having sought Mr. Gunning, was told that he was too much occupied. This after having warned him that there was no time to be lost! “Go, then,” said the Captain to Aaron--“go into the street, and bring me the first medical officer you happen to fall in with.” He returned, bringing with him Mr. Grasset, surgeon of the 48th Regiment. After examining the wound, Mr. Grasset declared that he was by no means convinced of the necessity of the amputation, and would not undertake the responsibility. “But,” said the wounded man, “I suppose an attempt to save the leg will be attended with great danger.”