"Today we're moving into a social situation where nobody goes hungry, nobody is jobless or unprovided for, nobody needs to struggle for status. Vocational Apt determines a man's rightful place and function in society, and there's no longer the artificial distinction imposed by race, color or creed. War is a thing of the past. Best of all, the old-fashioned 'home-life,' with all of its unhealthy emotional ties, is being replaced by sensible conditioning when a child reaches school age. The umbilical cord is no longer a permanent leash, a strangler's noose, or a silver-plated life-line stretching back to the womb." Harry Collins nodded. "I suppose only the exceptional cases ever need to go to a treatment center like this." "Exactly." "But what makes _me_ one of the exceptions? Is it because of the way the folks brought me up, in a small town, with all the old-fashioned books and everything? Is that why I hated confinement and conformity so much? Is it because of all the years I spent reading? And why--" Dr. Manschoff stood up. "You tempt me," he said. "You tempt me strongly. As you can see, I dearly love a lecture--and a captive audience. But right now, the audience must not remain captive. I prescribe an immediate dose of freedom." * * * * * "You mean I'm to leave here?" "Is that what you want to do?" "Frankly, no. Not if it means going back to my job." "That hasn't been decided upon. We can discuss the problem later, and perhaps we can go into the answers to those questions you just posed. But at the moment, I'd suggest you stay with us, though without the restraint of remaining in your room or in the wards. In other words, I want you to start going outside again." "Outside?" "You'll find several square miles of open country just beyond the doors here. You're at liberty to wander around and enjoy yourself. Plenty of fresh air and sunshine--come and go as you wish. I've already issued instructions which permit you to keep your own hours. Meals will be available when you desire them." "You're very kind." "Nonsense. I'm prescribing what you need. And when the time comes, we'll arrange to talk again. You know where to find me." Dr. Manschoff dismantled his steeple and placed a half of the roof in each trouser-pocket. And Harry Collins went outdoors. It was wonderful just to be free and alone--like returning to that faraway childhood in Wheaton once again. Harry appreciated every minute of it during the first week of his wandering. But Harry wasn't a child any more, and after a week he began to wonder instead of wander.