"And to think of its getting there! I knew it was possible, theoretically, but I didn't really believe it. Three times it came. Then I wasted no more time in wondering. I clambered back into the machine. Foreign countries had no further interest for me! "Foreign countries indeed!" and Ruth closed her eyes, and shuddered. "Well," the traveler continued, "I reached home at night, as you know." "Reached home!" He laughed. "That shows how relative all things are, doesn't it? By home I meant the Earth. I traveled as fast as I dared for I wanted to meet somebody at Longfields. Instead of coming down over North America I found I was sailing up over the Eastern coast of Africa. When at last I struck Massachusetts, I met a thunderstorm. Any fool would know better than to stay out in it, but I was in a hurry to get to Longfields--where I had important business--and I took a chance. I was nearing Worcester when the storm struck me I had run into it, not realizing how fast I was going." "Yes, yes--go on!" "Well, I shall never know just what happened. I don't even know what became of the machine. The next thing I did know I was in this bed, and you beside it. Until you spoke to me and I heard your voice I believed I was dreaming." "What do you think did happen, Drowsy?" "I think a touch of lightning, an electric shock of some kind, knocked me silly, burst the door open and sent me heels over head out of the falling machine." Then Ruth told him how he was found in a field, the ground, not far away, all dug up, a big tree splintered and a stone wall torn to pieces. "Yes, yes--it probably took a run for a high jump, went off into space and is now about a thousand billion miles the other side of Neptune." "Thank heaven, it's gone!" exclaimed Ruth. And obeying a sudden impulse she leaned over and kissed the happy man. At that moment Dr. Gladwin entered from the adjoining room. Quickly Ruth straightened up and backed away, her cheeks redder than roses. The old doctor laughed, his face aglow with a boyish delight. "Don't let me interrupt, for that's what makes the world go round. Doesn't it, Mr. Alton?" "Yes, Doctor. It always has and it will, forever and forever." "True, indeed! And how far above science, electrical, medical and any other kind, or any human invention--even yours." "There's no comparison," said the smiling patient. "And what a heaven-sent cure for a damaged head and arm and ribs!" "And a damaged heart," said Cyrus, waving a hand toward the rosy Ruth. "It's more than a cure. It's a continuous miracle!" Here the much embarrassed Ruth interrupted: "Please don't think, Dr. Gladwin, that----" "That you treat other patients as kindly? Oh, never!" "God forbid!" exclaimed Cyrus. "I want you to know," Ruth persisted, "that in September there is to be a----" Dr. Gladwin nodded. "Wedding. Yes, I knew it." "You knew it!" "Several days ago." "Why, who told you?" "You both told me."