nothing the matter with the man. Put him to bed, and let him sponge his
knee with warm water."

"Are you a doctor, Mrs. Porter?"

"I have studied first aid."

"Well, I think, if you don't mind, I should like to have your opinion
confirmed."

This was rank mutiny. Mrs. Porter stared haughtily at Kirk. He met her
gaze with determination.

"As you please," she snapped.

"Thank you," said Kirk. "I don't want to take any risks with George. I
couldn't afford to lose him. There aren't any more like him: they've
mislaid the pattern."

He went to the telephone.

Mrs. Porter watched him narrowly. She was more than ever impressed by
the perfection of his physique. She appraised his voice as he spoke to
the doctor. It gave evidence of excellent lungs. He was a wonderfully
perfect physical specimen.

An idea concerning this young man came into her mind, startling as all
great ideas are at birth. The older it grew, the more she approved of
it. She decided to put a few questions to him. She had a habit of
questioning people, and it never occurred to her that they might resent