"Now, Sir, if you will give me your papers I will send them up to the Board."
I handed the packet to him, and he left the room.
A few minutes later a message-girl entered.
"Are you Mr. Smith?" she inquired.
I confessed that I was, upon which she handed me a sealed envelope. I opened it, and found a letter and a cheque for five pounds. The letter ran as follows:—
"SIR,—The above-named Medical Board regrets its inability to examine you to-day. As you are no doubt aware, it is contrary to its rule to examine more than three persons in one day, and an unusually difficult case, held over from yesterday, has upset all its arrangements.
"The Board would consider it a favour if you could make it convenient to call again to-morrow morning at the same time.
"The enclosed cheque is intended to compensate you for the unnecessary trouble to which you have been put.
"Your obedient Servants ——"
Punctually at the time appointed I again entered the building, and was met by the same janitor.