CHAPTER XII. DID NOT COME TO SEE THE WRECK.
Returning to the garret, Rich said, "About a profession—is it?" flinging himself on the bed, while Morton, seated in a chair, thrust his feet out of the window. "Just have the goodness to open that volume on the table."
It was Bell's Operative Surgery.
"Then you are going to study medicine?"
"It is registered on leaves of brass."
"When did you decide?"
"I've been trying to decide ever since I left college; but I did decide before I left the breakfast table the morning father told me the boom and mills had gone. I borrowed these books of our doctor, and at night, when I'm not too tired, I read them once in the while; when work permits I go with him to visit some patient. I went with him a week ago when he amputated a man's hand at the wrist. He is very kind, has large practice, and rides long distances, as he has the practice of this and the next town."
"You won't accomplish much in this way."