"I perceive that the colonel is an apt scholar in the school of experience," said the Professor. "It is not advisable to allow more than one doctor to run at large at a time in a small town like this."
"I am glad that Bull is out," said the landlord.
"Why so?" asked Toney.
"He has a patient in my house. The gentleman is quite sick. He is in the room next to the one occupied by you, Mr. Belton. I hope you have not been disturbed."
"Not at all," said Toney. "He has been very quiet. I was not aware that there was a sick person in the apartment. Come, Charley, let us walk to the post-office."
A letter was handed to Toney at the post-office, which he read, and then exclaimed,—
"Well, Charley, my holiday is over. I must go back to Mapleton by the next train."
"Indeed!" said the Professor. "What urgent business renders your presence necessary in Mapleton?"
"The great case of Simon Rump vs. the Salt-Water Canal Company is to be argued next week. I am counsel for the company, and my distinguished friend M. T. Pate is Rump's attorney. It is a claim for damages. The company are about to construct a portion of their canal through Rump's real estate, and a jury are to assemble on the ground and assess the damages which should be paid to Simon Rump."
"Who is Simon Rump?"