90 
THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 
touched the lower rounds of the glorious ladder 
which we are attempting to climb, and I deem it 
but just, at this stage, to give you an opportu¬ 
nity to indicate whether my efforts to assist 
you have been so successful as to inspire you 
to a further following. If I have failed in my 
intentions, I do not wish to force upon you any 
further guidance, and these formal interviews 
may come to a close.” 
To this intimation Rudolph promptly an¬ 
swered : 
“ Speaking for myself, doctor, I can truly say 
that I have been deeply interested in the sub¬ 
jects investigated, and I trust also not alto¬ 
gether indifferent to the higher moral lessons 
inculcated. I shall cheerfully give all the time 
and attention which you may require to com¬ 
plete the course you have marked out.” 
” Thank you,” was the cordial response of 
the instructor; ” and how is it with your friend ? 
Delving into the secrets of a slimy frog-pond 
may not be quite as interesting nor as exciting 
as climbing mountains to seek a companionship 
with grizzly bears and herds of buffaloes.” 
“Well, doctor,” replied Davidson, “I begin 
to think that I am a little bearish in my nature, 
