"Now, Sam," said the doctor, after he had gone, "what do you mean by such work as this?"
"I thought I could do it," said Sam, abashed.
"I ought to turn you away for this."
"It was only a mistake," said Sam.
"It came near being a very serious mistake. What would you have done if I had not come just as I did?"
"I don't know," said Sam.
"Never touch my instruments again. If you do I shall discharge you at once; that is, after giving you a sound flogging."
Sam felt that he had got off easily, and determined not to set up again as doctor on his own account.