academy. You were our _primus_, and I did not like to spare you. You
might in time have succeeded me."

"I hope it will be a long time before you require a successor, doctor. I
shall confine my ambitions to succeeding in my business."




CHAPTER XXXV.

THE RETURN OF AN OLD FRIEND.


One afternoon Andy was busy writing in the office when he heard himself
called by name, and, looking up, saw Walter Gale, who had just entered.

"Mr. Gale!" he exclaimed, joyfully, rising and grasping the hands of his
friend.

"So you know me? Upon my word, you have grown so that I find it
difficult to recognize you."

"Yes, I believe I have grown taller."

"And more manly. I need not ask if you are well. Your appearance answers
that question."

"I was never better."