Короли и капуста

           "Youareamanoftheworld,"saidDr.Gregg;"amanoftravelandexperience.Yourdecisioninamatterofethicsand,nodoubt,onthepointsofequity,abilityandprofessionalprobityshouldbeofvalue.IwouldbegladifyouwilllistentothehistoryofacasethatIthinkstandsuniqueinmedicalannals.

           "Aboutnineyearsago,whileIwasengagedinthepracticeofmedicineinmynativecity,Iwascalledtotreatacaseofcontusionoftheskull.Imadethediagnosisthatasplinterofbonewaspressinguponthebrain,andthatthesurgicaloperationknownastrepanningwasrequired.However,asthepatientwasagentlemanofwealthandposition,IcalledinforconsultationDr.—"

           Smithrosefromhischair,andlaidahand,softwithapology,uponthedoctor’sshirtsleeve.

           "Say,Doc,"hesaid,solemnly,"Iwanttohearthatstory.You’vegotmeinterested;andIdon’twanttomisstherestofit.Iknowit’saloolabythewayitbegins;andIwanttotellitatthenextmeetingoftheBarneyO’FlynnAssociation,ifyoudon’tmind.ButI’vegotoneortwomatterstoattendtofirst.IfIget’emattendedtointimeI’llcomerightbackandhearyouspieltherestbeforebedtime—isthatright?"

           "Byallmeans,"saidthedoctor,"getyourbusinessattendedto,andthenreturn.Ishallwaitupforyou.Yousee,oneofthemostprominentphysiciansattheconsultationdiagnosedthetroubleasabloodclot;anothersaiditwasanabscess,butI—"

           "Don’ttellmenow,Doc.Don’tspoilthestory.