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 whither immediately I repaired, and was introduced to one Mr. Launcelot Crab, a surgeon in town. Mr. Crab had long entertained an implacable resentment against Potion, who had ingrossed more business than he, and once had the assurance to perform a cure, whereby he disappointed and disgraced the prognostic of the said Crab. The difference between these rivals was in the height of rancour, when I was sent for by Mr. Crab, who inquired into the particulars of my leaving the house of Potion: which, when I had related, he said, “Well my lad. I have heard a good character of you, and I'll do for you.” I answered with a submissive bow, that I was far from rejecting his friendly offer; that I would willingly serve in his shop, by which means I might save him the expence of a journeyman. I was accordingly that very night admitted to his house, and had an apartment assigned to me in the garret, which I was fain to put up with. I was soon convinced of the real motives which induced Crab to receive me in this manner: for, beside the gratification of his revenge in exposing the selfishness of his antagonist in opposition to his own generosity, he had occasion for a young man who understood something of the profession, to fill up the place of his apprentice, lately dead. The knowledge of this did not at all contribute to my enjoying my new situation with ease; however, as I did not perceive how