Chapter X Summary

Finch questions Stoner about a complaint he had received regarding the incident with Charles Walker. After Stoner explains the situation, Finch dismisses it and agrees with Stoner's conduct. He then asks Stoner if, being the senior member of the department, he had any interest in being the new head of the department, but Stoner says he does not.

The department decides to let Walker stay for his oral examinations and, by virtue of department policy, Stoner must serve on his examining committee. Stoner tries to get out of it, but the policy is inflexible. Stoner, the two other committee members—Lomax and and new professor named Holland—Finch and Rutherford, a dean, are present for the examination. Each committee member receives forty-five minutes to question Walker. Lomax begins and everyone in the room, including Stoner, is impressed by how...