Mr. Middleton dropped his head upon his chest and mused. Meanwhile the audience were curious and impatient to know what on earth could be going on around the examiner's table. Those only who were nearest had heard the words of Walter Middleton when he first got up to disclaim all right to the gold watch. But after he had gone forward to the table no more was heard, the conversation being carried on in a confidential tone much too low to be heard beyond the little circle around the board.
After musing for a few minutes, Mr. Middleton lifted his head and said:
"I will follow your advice, my son." Then, raising his voice, he called out:
"Ishmael Worth come forward."
Ishmael, who had half suspected what was going on around that table, now arose, approached and stood respectfully waiting orders.
Mr. Middleton took the thesis from the hands of Walter and placed it in those of Ishmael, saying:
"Look over that paper and tell me if it is not the first rough draft of your thesis."
"Yes, sir, it is," admitted the youth, as with embarrassment he received the paper.
"Have you a fair copy?" inquired Mr. Middleton.
"Yes, sir."