"But where's the point in all this?" Joe Armstrong exclaimed. "This stuff isn't deadly; it isn't even serious, now we have the antibiotics to prevent complications. As a secret weapon it could have no more than nuisance value. Personally, I think old George may be chasing something red, but it will turn out to be a red herring instead of a Communist." There were smiles all around the table. Even Hallam grinned. He and Joe had been great friends and sparring partners for years. Joe went on, "I believe this is just one of those wild mutations that crop up occasionally and cause big epidemics. True, I can't explain the amazing suddenness of its onset, but to call it bacteriological warfare is just ridiculous." "I can't deny what Joe says, but he can't prove I'm wrong either," Hallam retorted. "I hope I am but I wanted you all to know what I think so you will keep alert for any evidence for or against my theory. On the face of it, as Joe says, it seems ridiculous that any enemy would bother with such a harmless weapon. But it could be a trial run for something much worse. I have tried to keep my emotions out of my appraisal of the facts and when I do I still say that this thing is not natural. Once more I would remind you not to talk about this outside. It could start up a lot of trouble. That's all, thank you, gentlemen." I was going out at the tail end of the crowd when the Chief lifted his chin at me in the come-hither sign. I stayed. Pat stayed too when he put a restraining hand on her shoulder. "I suppose you think I'm way out on a limb, John," Hallam said quizzically. "Frankly, sir, I thought Joe Armstrong had already sawed it off." "Then I take it you aren't in favor of the virus warfare idea." "Well, I did get a bit tired of B.W. talk in the U.S. Army. Down in the States they scare little kids with the word red, but after a while it loses its shock value." "You'll have to admit this is a very unusual epidemic," he countered. "True, but as Dr. Armstrong said, what possible purpose is there?" I lifted my shoulders and turned up my palms to emphasize my doubt. "Suppose the Reds are responsible. They wouldn't do it just to annoy us and I doubt if they would make a trial run in North America before letting the real disease loose. They are much too cautious for that." "Maybe we haven't found the real reason," Pat broke in. "If this virus is the weapon it must be doing something that hasn't shown up yet ... some long-term effect."