The Doctor's grim regard softened a little. "If I tell you, you won't publish it? Or give it away? Or try to communicate with her? I won't have her pestered." "My word of honor." "She's at the typhus hospital." "And she's got typhus?" groaned Hal. "No. Who said she had it? She's been exposed to it." Hardly was the last word out of his mouth when he was alone. Hal had made a dash for a taxi. "Health Bureau," he cried. By good fortune he found Dr. Merritt in. "You've got Esme Elliot at the typhus hospital," he said breathlessly. "Yes. In the isolation ward." "Why?" "She's been exposed. She carried a child, in convulsions, into the hospital. The child developed typhus late Saturday night; must have been infected at the time. As soon as I knew, I sent for her, and she came like the brave girl she is, yesterday morning." "Will she get the fever?" "God forbid! Every precaution has been taken." "Merritt, that's an awful place for a girl like Miss Elliot. Get her out." "Don't ask me! I've got to treat all exposed cases alike." "But, Merritt," pleaded Hal, "in this case an exception can't injure any one. She can be completely quarantined at home. You told Wayne you owed the 'Clarion' and me a big debt. I wouldn't ask it if it were anything else; but--" "Would you do it yourself?" said the young health officer steadily. "Have you done it in your paper?" "But this may be her life," argued the advocate desperately. "Think! If it were your sister, or--or the woman you cared for." Dr. Merritt's fine mouth quivered and set. "Kathleen Pierce is quarantined with Esme," he said quietly. The pair looked each other through the eyes into the soul and knew one another for men. "You're right, Merritt," said Hal. "I'm sorry I asked." "I'll keep you posted," said the official, as his visitor turned away. Meantime, Esme had volunteered as an emergency nurse, and been gladly accepted. In the intervals of her new duties she had received from her distracted cousin, who had been calling up every half-hour to find out whether she "had it yet," Hal's message that he would not be able to see her that day, and, not having seen the "Clarion," was at a loss to understand it.