“There’s no time like the present, Mr. Robinson. It will take about half an hour, and”—(here the doctor consults his watch, and opening his engagement book runs a finger over the record) “Yes, I have just about half an hour before the next regular patient is due. I suppose there are some strangers waiting to see me now, but you are ahead of them. I would make an engagement for to-morrow were it not that I shall be very busy and will not have time to give you the proper attention.”
Mr. Robinson steps behind the screen which stands in one corner of the reception room, and when he is disrobed the doctor gives him a very thorough physical examination, stopping now and then to make notes of the case. He asks many questions relative to the ailment, and makes a special feature of testing the sensitive, super-sensitive and non-sensitive areas with a pair of callipers. As every medical man knows there are exterior portions of the human body on which the least bit of pressure will produce a “flinching” on the part of the patient; there are others on which considerable pressure may be applied without noticeable effect.
“Why, did that hurt you, Mr. Robinson?” enquires the doctor as the caller shrinks when the callipers touch a super-sensitive spot.
“Well, yes, a little, Doctor,” is the reply. “Anything wrong there?”
“I hope not,” is the doctor’s answer, but he shakes his head gravely, impressing Mr. Robinson with the belief that there is more serious trouble than the doctor cares to admit.
After some fifteen minutes of this kind of work the doctor says:
“This is a most peculiar case, Mr. Robinson, but there’s nothing, so far as I can ascertain, but what may be overcome by proper treatment. At the same time the conditions are so unusual that I would like to consult my associate, Dr. Thompson. Two heads are better than one, you know. May I call him in? You will then have the benefit of his opinion as well as mine.”
“Why certainly, Doctor.”
Dr. Thompson, who is kept for just this purpose, and to treat outside patients who are unable to come to the office, is summoned by electric call, and comes in. He is a dignified, very professional-looking old chap, neatly clad in dark Prince Albert suit, and wearing glasses—the beau ideal of a medical authority.
“Mr. Robinson, allow me to introduce Dr. Thompson.”