"Excuse me, doctor," replied Hudson, "but I cannot meet your wishes under that view of the case. Doctor S— is a good anatomist and demonstrates quite well. I would not, for the world, have him displaced to make room for me. If I rise, it must not be at the expense of another's downfall."
The professor looked astonished, for a moment or two, at this unexpected reply. He then said:—
"I believe you are right, doctor. Forgive me for having made a proposition so repugnant to the honorable principles you hold. I see that I erred. My anxiety to have the very best talent in every department of our school, has led me to think of means not altogether as fair as they should be. Still, there must be some one to demonstrate to the class while Doctor S— is away, and I know of none so capable of doing it as yourself. I must, therefore, beg of you to reconsider your prompt decision of the matter, and consent to serve the class for a couple of weeks."
"Indeed, Doctor," returned Hudson, "I cannot change the resolution I have declared. It would not be right for me to do so. I could not feel in any degree of freedom. Why did not Doctor S— name some one to take his place?"
"So he did."
"Ah! Who?"
"Doctor D—. Just think of it! Why, I doubt if he remembers enough of his anatomy to tell the difference between a sinus and a foramen."
"You underrate him, doctor," said Hudson. "D— will give a very fair demonstration."
"And you one a thousand times better."
"I doubt that. But, waiving this question, doctor, it is impossible for me, under the circumstances, to meet your wishes. The fact that Doctor S— has named Dr. D—, settles the matter definitively. If, in any other way, I can serve the school, it will give me pleasure to do it."