This is the clincher. If the caller had any doubt as to the doctor’s honesty and sincerity this little spiel removes it. He is going to have that examination made then and there, fervently praying all the time that the doctor may find his case one which he would be justified in taking in charge. But suppose the caller does not broach the subject of an examination fee, and thus give the doctor an opportunity to make his stump speech. It matters not. There are a dozen ways of leading up to the subject without exciting the suspicions of the caller. “When would it be convenient for you to make this examination, Doctor?” is a question that naturally follows from every nine out of ten callers. “There’s no time like the present, Mr. Robinson. It will take about half an hour, and”—(here the doctor consults his watch, and opening his engagement book runs a finger over the record) “Yes, I have just about half an hour before the next regular patient is due. I suppose there are some strangers waiting to see me now, but you are ahead of them. I would make an engagement for to-morrow were it not that I shall be very busy and will not have time to give you the proper attention.” 124Mr. Robinson steps behind the screen which stands in one corner of the reception room, and when he is disrobed the doctor gives him a very thorough physical examination, stopping now and then to make notes of the case. He asks many questions relative to the ailment, and makes a special feature of testing the sensitive, super-sensitive and non-sensitive areas with a pair of callipers. As every medical man knows there are exterior portions of the human body on which the least bit of pressure will produce a “flinching” on the part of the patient; there are others on which considerable pressure may be applied without noticeable effect. “Why, did that hurt you, Mr. Robinson?” enquires the doctor as the caller shrinks when the callipers touch a super-sensitive spot. “Well, yes, a little, Doctor,” is the reply. “Anything wrong there?” “I hope not,” is the doctor’s answer, but he shakes his head gravely, impressing Mr. Robinson with the belief that there is more serious trouble than the doctor cares to admit. After some fifteen minutes of this kind of work the doctor says: “This is a most peculiar case, Mr. Robinson, but there’s nothing, so far as I can ascertain, but what may be overcome by proper treatment. At the same time the conditions are so unusual that I would like to consult my associate, Dr. Thompson. Two heads are better than one, you know. May I call him in? You will then have the benefit of his opinion as well as mine.” “Why certainly, Doctor.”