“Why, what is there against him?”

 

“Oh, I didn’t say there was anything against him. He is a little queer in his

ideas—an enthusiast in some branches of science. As far as I know he is a decent

fellow enough.”

 

“A medical student, I suppose?” said I.

 

“No—I have no idea what he intends to go in for. I believe he is well up in

anatomy, and he is a first-class chemist; but, as far as I know, he has never

taken out any systematic medical classes. His studies are very desultory and

eccentric, but he has amassed a lot of out-of-the-way knowledge which would

astonish his professors.”

 

“Did you never ask him what he was going in for?” I asked.

 

“No; he is not a man that it is easy to draw out, though he can be communicative

enough when the fancy seizes him.”

 

“I should like to meet him,” I said. “If I am to lodge with anyone, I should

prefer a man of studious and quiet habits. I am not strong enough yet to stand

much noise or excitement. I had enough of both in Afghanistan to last me for the

remainder of my natural existence. How could I meet this friend of yours?”