the handsome amount of two thousand five hundred
pounds. The sum was made commensurate with the
importance of the enterprise.

A member of the Society then inquired of the president
whether Dr. Ferguson was not to be officially introduced.

"The doctor is at the disposition of the meeting,"
replied Sir Francis.

"Let him come in, then! Bring him in!" shouted the
audience. "We'd like to see a man of such extraordinary
daring, face to face!"

"Perhaps this incredible proposition of his is only
intended to mystify us," growled an apoplectic old
admiral.

"Suppose that there should turn out to be no such
person as Dr. Ferguson?" exclaimed another voice, with
a malicious twang.

"Why, then, we'd have to invent one!" replied a
facetious member of this grave Society.

"Ask Dr. Ferguson to come in," was the quiet remark
of Sir Francis M----.

And come in the doctor did, and stood there, quite
unmoved by the thunders of applause that greeted his