"Williams," the surgeon said, "it's so, sure enough—you must operate—at once!"
"I was afraid it was that," the younger man replied. "But how can I operate here?"
The surgeon shrugged his shoulders—"He would never reach the city!"
"Then I must, you think——"
The shrewd surgeon recognized Fear in the young man's voice. Quick the thrill shot through his nerves, and he cried, "I will operate, now."
In half an hour it was over, and the Master and the surgeon were leaving the village, climbing up by the steep path under the blazing noon sun. The Master glanced at the man by his side, who strode along confidently, a trifle of a swagger in his buoyant steps. The Master remarked:
"The test came, and you took it—splendidly."
"Yes," the great surgeon replied, smiling happily, "it's all there, Doctor, the old power. I believe I am about ready to get into harness again!" After they had walked more of the way without speaking, the surgeon added, as to himself—"But there are other things to be feared!"
Though the Master looked at him closely he invited no explanation, and they finished their homeward walk without remark.