For the first few days, I had no choice but to give way to my
elders and betters; the patient steadily sinking all the time. I made a
second attempt to appeal to the plain, undeniably plain, evidence of the
pulse. Its rapidity was unchecked, and its feebleness had increased.
The two doctors took offence at my obstinacy. They said, 'Mr. Jennings,
either we manage this case, or you manage it. Which is it to be?' I
said, 'Gentlemen, give me five minutes to consider, and that plain
question shall have a plain reply.' When the time expired, I was ready
with my answer. I said, 'You positively refuse to try the stimulant
treatment?' They refused in so many words. 'I mean to try it at once,
gentlemen.'--'Try it, Mr. Jennings, and we withdraw from the case.' I
sent down to the cellar for a bottle of champagne; and I administered
half a tumbler-full of it to the patient with my own hand. The two
physicians took up their hats in silence, and left the house."
"You had assumed a serious responsibility," I said. "In your place, I am
afraid I should have shrunk from it."
"In my place, Mr. Blake, you would have remembered that Mr. Candy had
taken you into his employment, under circumstances which made you his
debtor for life.
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