"What word, Brady?" asked Bolton in a whisper. "He seems worse, sir. I doubt if he has slept at all. Admiral Clay has been in several times, but he didn't do much good. There, listen! The President is getting up again." * * * * * From behind the closed door which confronted them came sounds of a person rising from a bed and pacing the floor, slowly at first, and then more and more rapidly, until it was almost a run. A series of groans came to the watchers and then a long drawn out howl. Bolton shuddered. "Poor devil!" he muttered. Dr. Bird shot a quick glance around. "Where is Admiral Clay?" he asked. "He is sleeping upstairs. Shall I call him?" "No. Take me to his room." The President's naval physician opened the door in response to Bolton's knock. "Is he worse?" he demanded anxiously. "I don't think so, Admiral," replied Bolton. "I want to introduce you to Dr. Bird of the Bureau of Standards. He wants to talk with you about the case." "I am honored, Doctor," said the physician as he grasped the scientist's outstretched hand. "Come in. Pardon my appearance, but I was startled out of a doze when you knocked. Have a chair and tell me how I can serve you." Dr. Bird drew a notebook from his pocket. "I have received certain dates in connection with the President's malady from Operative Carnes," he said, "and I wish you to verify them." "Pardon me a moment, Doctor," interrupted the Admiral, "but may I ask what is your connection with the matter? I was not aware that you were a physician or surgeon." * * * * * "Dr. Bird is here by the authority of the secret service," replied Bolton. "He has no connection with the medical treatment of the President, but permit me to remind you that the secret service is responsible for the safety of the President and so have a right to demand such details about him as are necessary for his proper protection." "I have no intention in obstructing you in the proper performance of your duties, Mr. Bolton," began the Admiral stiffly. "Pardon me, Admiral," broke in Dr. Bird, "it seems to me that we are getting started wrong. I suspect that certain exterior forces are more or less concerned in this case and I have communicated my suspicions to Mr. Bolton. He in turn brought me here in order to request from you your cooperation in the matter. We have no idea of demanding anything and are really seeking help which we believe that you can give us." "Pardon me, Admiral," said Bolton. "I had no intention of angering you." "I am at your service, gentlemen," replied Admiral Clay. "What information did you wish, Doctor?" "At first merely a verification of the history of the case as I have it." * * * * * Dr. Bird read the notes he had taken down from Carnes and the Admiral nodded agreement. "Those dates are correct," he said.