"I can tell you right now what he'll tell you. He'll say that Sue has been transferred to another treatment center, that she knew about it for several weeks but didn't want to upset you with the news of her departure. So she decided to just slip away. And Manschoff will tell you not to be unhappy. It just so happens that he knows of another nurse who has had her eye on you--a very pretty little brunette named Myrna. In fact, if you go down to the river tomorrow, you'll find her waiting for you there." "What if I refuse?" Ritchie shrugged. "Why should you refuse? It's all fun and games, isn't it? Up to now you haven't asked any questions about what was going on, and it would look very strange if you started at this late date. I strongly advise you to cooperate. If not, everything is likely to--quite literally--go up in smoke." Harry Collins frowned. "All right, suppose I do what you say, and Manschoff gives me the answers you predict. This still doesn't prove that he'd be lying or that you're telling me the truth." "Wouldn't it indicate as much, though?" "Perhaps. But on the other hand, it could merely mean that you know Sue _has_ been transferred, and that Dr. Manschoff intends to turn me over to a substitute. It doesn't necessarily imply anything sinister." "In other words, you're insisting on a clincher, is that it?" "Yes." "All right." Ritchie sighed heavily. "You asked for it." He reached into the left-hand upper pocket of the gray uniform and brought out a small, stiff square of glossy paper. "What's that?" Harry asked. He reached for the paper, but Ritchie drew his hand back. "Look at it over my shoulder," he said. "I don't want any fingerprints. Hell of a risky business just smuggling it out of the files--no telling how well they check up on this material." * * * * * Harry circled behind the smaller man. He squinted down. "Hard to read." "Sure. It's a photostat. I made it myself, this morning; that's my department. Read carefully now. You'll see it's a transcript of the lab report. Susan Pulver, that's her name, isn't it? After due examination and upon completion of preliminary tests, hereby found to be in the second month of pregnancy. Putative father, Harry Collins--that's you, see your name? And here's the rest of the record." "Yes, let me see it. What's all this about inoculation series? And who is this Dr. Leffingwell?" Harry bent closer, but Ritchie closed his hand around the photostat and pocketed it again. "Never mind that, now. I'll tell you later. The important thing is, do you believe me?" "I believe Sue is pregnant, yes." "That's enough. Enough for you to do what I've asked you to. Go to Manschoff and make inquiries. See what he tells you. Don't make a scene, and for God's sake don't mention my name. Just confirm my story for yourself. Then I'll give you further details." "But when will I see you?" "Tomorrow afternoon, if you like. Right here."