"I've taken great care of myself," he remarked, as he drew nearer for a more minute examination. "And this is the result. A couple of years' carelessness half-a-century ago, and I mightn't have been here to-day--ready to take advantage of this wonderful discovery. Proceed, doctor!" Dr. Croft began with the inevitable stethoscope, the tapping of chest and back, the "Say ninety-nine," the "Take a deep breath," "Now hold it!"--and so on. With grim and relentless efficiency, he delved into every nook and cranny of the old man's past and present. He pumped him of confessions which were new even to me. Physiologically and psychologically, poor old Gran'pa was turned inside out and upside down and round about, until we had an almost complete analysis of his life. The examination was thorough, ably-conducted, and a conclusive testimony of his ability to face both the operation and the future without fear. "I'm willing to undertake this case," said the doctor. "I may say, sir, that I am _proud_ to do so." "Good!" exclaimed Gran'pa. "When will you be ready?" "Any time!" "Make it to-morrow, then!" "I shall want you under my care for at least twenty-four hours beforehand." "Very well!" I may be mistaken, but I have always felt that it must be extremely unnerving to face an operation when one is feeling perfectly fit and well. Even when such a course is necessary the tendency is to postpone the evil day--not to hasten it. But it was not actually necessary in Gran'pa's case; it was more in the nature of an experiment, an attempt to ward off that intangible and distant something which we call Death, a thrusting-back of the great clock-hands of Life. I felt humbled before such courage. "You've grit, Gran'pa!" I said. "And you'll deserve--everything you get." "Tut! tut! In a few years' time this will be one of the recognized ordeals in life, like a visit to the dentist!" he chuckled. "That is certainly the most reasonable attitude to adopt," agreed Dr. Croft. Gran'pa began clothing himself again, in a leisurely half-hearted fashion, which seemed to suggest that, if he could have had his own way, he would have had the operation there and then. I drew Dr. Croft a little further away and arranged everything in detail. He appeared to be a very sensible and brainy young man, and I felt that he could be trusted to do his best. "Do you think these glands will work all right?" I asked presently. He began making a speech. I could see it coming. I was even afraid that it might be a lecture. But I made no resistance.