"In matters like this," he continued, "it is always a question of taking sides. Either we must oppose you and the germ, or we must side with you, and extol the virtues of the new discovery. A neutral attitude would only rouse irritation. I have therefore looked into the evidence connected with the effects claimed for the germ, and have received reports on the rate of its spread. It would seem that it is of benefit to man, so far as can be judged at present, and that its course cannot be stayed." I assented, and remained gazing abstractedly at the fire. He continued in a sterner tone-- "It may, however, be necessary to place you and Dr. Sarakoff under police protection. There is no saying what may happen. Your action in letting loose the germ in the water supply of Birmingham was unfortunate. You have taken a great liberty with humanity, whatever may result from it." "Medical men have no sense of proportion," murmured Jason. "Science makes them so helpless." "I see no kind of helplessness in rescuing humanity from disease," I answered calmly. "Please tell me what you want to know." They both looked at me attentively. The Premier took out a pair of pince-nez and began to clean the lenses, still watching me. "France is unwilling to let the germ into her territory. Can measures be taken to stop its access to the Continent?" "No. It will get there inevitably. It has probably got there long ago. It is air borne and water borne and probably sea borne as well. The whole world will be infected sooner or later. There is no immunity possible." The Premier put on his pince-nez and warmed his hands at the fire. "Then what will the result of the germ be upon mankind?" he asked at length. "It will begin a new era. What has made reform so difficult up to now?" "People do not see eye to eye on all questions, Dr. Harden. That is the main reason." "And why do they not see eye to eye?" "Because their desires are not the same." "Very good. Now imagine a humanity without desires, as you and Jason understand desire. What would be the result?" "It is impossible to conceive. The wheels of the world would cease turning. We should be like sheep without a shepherd." He surveyed me quietly for some time. "Then you think the germ will kill desire?" "I know it. I am a living example. I have no desires. I am like a man without a body, I am immortal." Jason laughed. "You are above temptation?" he asked. "Absolutely. Neither money, power nor woman has any influence on me. They are meaningless." "You have, perhaps, reached Nirvana?" the Premier enquired. "Yes. That is why I am immortal. I have reached Nirvana." "By a trick." "If you like--by a trick." "Then I cannot think you will stay there for long," said the Premier. "I shall look forward to my attack of the Blue Disease with interest. It will be amusing to note one's sensations."