Dr. Price did not like to lie, even to a negro.  To a man of his own caste, his word was his bond.  If it were painful to lie, it would be humiliating to be found out.  The principle of noblesse oblige was also involved in the matter.  His claim of superiority to the colored doctor rested fundamentally upon the fact that he was white and Miller was not; and yet this superiority, for which he could claim no credit, since he had not made himself, was the very breath of his nostrils,—­he would not have changed places with the other for wealth untold; and as a gentleman, he would not care to have another gentleman, even a colored man, catch him in a lie.  Of this, however, there was scarcely any danger.  A word to the other surgeons would insure their corroboration of whatever he might tell Miller.  No one of them would willingly wound Dr. Miller or embarrass Dr. Price; indeed, they need not know that Miller had come in time for the operation.

“I’m sorry, Miller,” he said with apparent regret, “but we were here ahead of time, and the case took a turn which would admit of no delay, so the gentlemen went in.  Dr. Burns is with the patient now, and asked me to explain why we did not wait for you.”

“I’m sorry too,” returned Miller, regretfully, but nothing doubting.  He was well aware that in such cases danger might attend upon delay.  He had lost his chance, through no fault of his own or of any one else.

“I hope that all is well?” he said, hesitatingly, not sure whether he would be asked to remain.

“All is well, so far.  Step round to my office in the morning, Miller, or come in when you’re passing, and I’ll tell you the details.”

This was tantamount to a dismissal, so Miller took his leave.  Descending the doorsteps, he stood for a moment, undecided whether to return home or to go to the hotel and await the return of Dr. Burns, when he heard his name called from the house in a low tone.

“Oh, doctuh!”

He stepped back toward the door, outside of which stood the colored servant who had just let him out.

“Dat’s all a lie, doctuh,” he whispered, “‘bout de operation bein’ already pe’fo’med.  Dey-all had jes’ gone in de minute befo’ you come—­Doctuh Price hadn’ even got out ‘n de room.  Dey be’n quollin’ ‘bout you fer de las’ ha’f hour.  Majah Ca’te’et say he wouldn’ have you, an’ de No’then doctuh say he wouldn’t do nothin’ widout you, an’ Doctuh Price he j’ined in on bofe sides, an’ dey had it hot an’ heavy, nip an’ tuck, till bimeby Majah Ca’te’et up an’ say it wa’n’t altogether yo’ color he objected to, an’ wid dat de No’then doctuh give in.  He’s a fine man, suh, but dey wuz too much fer ’im!”

“Thank you, Sam, I’m much obliged,” returned Miller mechanically.  “One likes to know the truth.”