"What is your branch of scientific work?" counter-questioned the
other.

"Botany," replied the young man, at random.

"No other? Physics? Entomology? Astronomy? Chemistry? Biology?"

The applicant shook his head in repeated negation. "None that I've
specialized on."

"Ah! I fear you will not suit my purpose."

"All right. But you haven't explained, yet, why you've been
studying me through a peep-hole, when I am not allowed to see you."

After a pause of consideration the voice spoke again.

"You are right. Since I can not employ you, I owe you every
courtesy for having put you to this trouble. You will observe that
I am not very presentable."

The side door swung open. In the dimness of the half-disclosed
apartment Average Jones saw a man huddled in a chair. He wore a
black skull cap. So far as identification went he was safe. His
whole face was grotesquely blotched and swollen. So, also, were the
hands which rested on his knees.

"You will pardon me," said Average Jones, "but I am by nature
cautious. You have touched me. Is it contagious?"