avoiding any reference to the exciting events of the past two
days. "But I do. Like every one else, I have to. When I am working
hard on a case--well, I have my own violent reaction against it--
more work of a different kind. Others choose white lights, red
wines and blue feelings afterwards. But I find, when I reach that
state, that the best anti-toxin is something that will chase the
last case from your brain by getting you in trim for the next
unexpected event."

He had sunk into an easy chair where he was running over in his
mind his own plans for the morrow.

"Just now I must recuperate by doing no work at all," he went on
slowly undressing. "That walk was just what I needed. When the
fever of dissipation comes on again, I'll call on you. You won't
miss anything, Walter."

Like the famous Finnegan, however, he was on again and gone again
in the morning. This time I had no misgivings, although I should
have liked to accompany him, for on the library table he had
scrawled a little note, "Studying East Side to-day. Will keep in
touch with you. Craig." My daily task of transcribing my notes was
completed and I thought I would run down to the Star to let the
editor know how I was getting along on my assignment.

I had scarcely entered the door when the office boy thrust a
message into my hand. It stopped me even before I had a chance to
get as far as my own desk. It was from Kennedy at the laboratory
and bore a time stamp that showed that it must have been received
only a few minutes before I came in.