"This feather is not known to the scientific world," he said. "However, it does exist, and that proves that the scientific world does not know everything there is. I would say, however, that the animal from which this came is not known in any regular part of the civilized world." "Explain that, Professor Meredith," requested McDowell. "It is a small feather--fully grown. It is in an advanced stage of evolution. Feathers, you know, evolved from scales and we can tell how far they have come. It must come from a small bird, which is also evidenced by the fact that it is not known to man. There are places in the backwaters of the Amazon where man has not been, and certain spots in Africa and the part of the world near Malaya. Oceania, and others." "May we quote you on this, professor?" asked the _Press_. "Why--yes. But tell me now, where did you get that feather?" McDowell explained. And Professor Meredith gasped. "I'll revise my statements," he said with a smile. "This feather is not known to exist in the scientific world. If the story is true, that this feather emerged from the scalp of a man, it is a scientific curiosity that would startle the world--and make a mint for the owner in any freak show." The reporter from the _Press_ said: "Professor, you state that this feather is not known to the scientific world. Is there any chance that this--creature--is utterly alien?" "Since the disclosure of the affair at Hiroshima and Nagasaki," smiled the professor, "a lot of people have been thinking in terms of attaining the stars--interplanetary travel. As a member of a certain society known as the Forteans, one of our big questions has been this: If interplanetary travel is possible, why hasn't someone visited us? Gentlemen, I'd not like to hear myself quoted as giving the idea too much credulence, but it is something to ponder." That did it. There was another general rush for the car. There was a wild ride following, in which the man from the _Press_ displayed that he had two things--a careful disregard for traffic laws, plus illegal ownership of a siren. But they delivered Professor Meredith to his home, the policemen to their station, and then the party broke up heading for their respective telephones. Three hours later Lieutenant McDowell was reading a headline stating: "Hub of world to be Hub of Universe?" * * * * * McDowell groaned. "Everything happens to Boston, and everything in Boston happens on Boylston Street. And everything that happens on Boylston Street happens to me." Doc smiled sourly. "Now what?"