'You were summoned here tonight, Cornie, for two reasons: first, that you are my godson, and second, that you are rich. It has also come to my attention, via the medical grapevine, that when you were at that establishment on the banks of the Charles, you sometimes whiled away the idle hours at a game of chance known as poker.'

At that moment, the door from the corridor opened and Colonel C. Edward Whiley stepped into the room.

'Dad!.' Dr. Sattyn-Whiley said.

'Hello, Irish,' Colonel Whiley said. 'I hope I'm welcome.'

'How are you, Charley ?' Dr. Grogarty replied. 'Frankly, you look awful.'

'I asked if I'm welcome,' Colonel Whiley said.

'You're welcome,' Dr. Grogarty replied. 'That's a steel door, strong enough to repel even your enraged wife. But what are you going to do about her later?'

'I'll handle that when I get to it,' Colonel Whiley said.

'How did you know where we were ?' Grogarty asked.

'Irish, for twenty-five years, every time the conductor raises his baton to begin the overture, number thirteen has

 

* As a matter of information, it should be noted that Dr. Grogarty had discreetly used a good deal of his considerable influence to have Dr. Sattyn-Whiley accepted as a surgical resident at that unnamed medical facility on the banks of the Charles River. He had taken this action in the realization that because of his relationship with Mrs. C. Edward Sattyn-Whiley, Dr. Sattyn-Whiley could not serve his residency in the Grogarty Clinic, and the second-best facility would have to do.

 

 

flashed on the callboard and you've left your seat.' 'You noticed that, did you?'

 

'And tonight, when the conductor raised his baton and number thirteen flashed on, followed by number one, I realized that I had a choice to make. Either I could stay in my seat from now on, while you and my son were playing poker, or I could join you. Or at least I could ask to join you.'

'What did you tell the old battle - Caroline ?'

'I told her that I was having stomach trouble,' the colonel said.

'Lying to your wife, I am told, is a sin. But not in this case, Charley, right?' 'What do you mean?'

'You can stay on one condition,' Dr. Grogarty said. 'I want to see you in my office at half-past eight in the morning. I wasn't kidding before. You look like death warmed over.'

"There's nothing—'

 

‘You see that he's there, Doctor,' Dr. Grogarty said. 'You understand me?'

 

'Yes, sir,' Dr. Sattyn-Whiley said.

'Two against one, Charley,' Dr. Grogarty said. *What do you say?'

'I'll be there,' Colonel Whiley said.

 

‘Well, then, sit down. I hope you brought lots of money.'

 

'Who else is playing?' Colonel Whiley said. 'I haven't played in twenty-five years.'

'I know,' Dr.