For a moment, the other’s face brightened, an indication which Mr. Clyde was quick to note. But instantly the expression of eagerness died out. “Ten hours a day?” said Dr. Strong. “It couldn’t be done properly in less time. And I’m a mere nervous wreck, bound for the scrap-heap.” “Would you mind,” said Mr. Clyde very gently, “telling me what’s wrong? I’m not asking without a purpose.” Dr. Strong held out his long arms before him. “I’m a surgeon without a right hand, and a bacteriologist without a left.” The sinewy and pale hands shook a little. “Neuritis,” he continued. “One of the diseases of which we doctors have the most fear and the least knowledge.” “And with the loss of your occupation, general nervous collapse?” asked Mr. Clyde. Being himself a worker who put his heart into his work, he could guess the sterile hopelessness of spirit of the man banned from a chosen activity. Dr. Strong nodded. “I may still be fit for the lecture platform as a dispenser of other men’s knowledge. Or perhaps I’ll end up as medical watchdog to some rich man who can afford that kind of pet. Pleasing prospect, isn’t it, for a man who once thought himself of use in the world?” “Good idea,” said Mr. Clyde quietly. “Will you try the position with my family?” The other stared in silence at his questioner. “Just consider my situation for a moment. As you know, I’m a layman, interested in, but rather ignorant of, medical subjects. As wealth goes in a city of one hundred and fifty thousand population, I’m a rich man. At any rate, I can afford a considerable outlay to guard against sickness. In the last five years I suppose disease has cost my household ten thousand dollars in money, and has cost me, in worry and consequent incapacity for work, ten times that amount. Even at a large salary you would doubtless prove an economy. Come, what do you say?” “You know absolutely nothing of me,” suggested the other. “I know that you are a man of quick and correct judgment, for I saw you in action.” The other smiled. “You are, for reasons which are your own, not very expansive, as to your past professional career. I’m content with that attitude of yours, and I’m quite satisfied to base my offer on what I have been able to judge from your manner and talk. Without boasting, I may say that I have built up a great manufacturing plant largely on my judgment of men. I think I need you in my business of raising a family.” “How much of a family?” “Five children, their mother and their grandmother. I may warn you at once that you’ll have a jealous rival in Grandma. She’s the household guardian, and pretty ‘sot’ in her ideas. But the principal thing is for you to judge me as I’ve judged you, and determine whether we could work out the plan together.”