“He’s all wrapped up in the boy.  Which is going to make it all the harder.”

“Make what all the harder?”

“Prying ’em apart.”

“Have you set yourself that little job?”

“Since we’re speaking out in meeting, I have.”

“Good.  Why are you speaking out in meeting to me, particularly?”

“On the theory that you may have reason for being interested in Mr. Harrington Surtaine.”

“Don’t know him.”

“Your niece does.”

“Just how does that concern this discussion?”

“What business is it of mine, you mean.  Well, Dr. Elliot, I’m pretty much interested in trying to make a real newspaper out of the ‘Clarion.’  My notion of a real newspaper is a decent, clean newspaper.  If I can get my young boss to back me up, we’ll have a try at my theory.  To do this, I’ll use any fair means.  And if Miss Elliot’s influence is going to be on my side, I’m glad to play it off against Dr. Surtaine’s.”

“Look here, Ellis, I don’t like this association of my niece’s name with young Surtaine.”

“All right.  I’ll drop it, if you object.  Maybe I’m wrong.  I don’t know Miss Elliot, anyway.  But sooner or later there’s coming one big fight in the ‘Clarion’ office, and it’s going to open two pairs of eyes.  Old Doc Surtaine is going to discover his son.  Hal Surtaine is going to find out about the old man.  Neither of ’em is going to be awfully pleased.  And in that ruction the fate of the Neverfail Company’s ad. is going to be decided and with it the fate and character of the ‘Clarion.’  Now, Dr. Elliot, my cards are on the table.  Will you help me in the Rookeries matter?”

“What do you want me to do?”

“Go cautiously, and find out what that disease is.”

“I’ll go there to-morrow.”

“They won’t let you in.”

“Won’t they?” Dr. Elliot’s jaw set.

“Don’t risk it.  Some of O’Farrell’s thugs will pick a fight with you and the whole thing will be botched.”

“How about getting a United States Public Health Surgeon down here?”

“Fine!  Can you do it?”

“I think so.  It will take time, though.”

“That can’t be helped.  I’ll look you up in a few days.”

“All right.  And, Ellis, if I can help in the other thing—­the clean-up—­I’m your man.”

Meantime from his office Dr. Surtaine had, after several attempts, succeeded in getting the Medical Office of Canadaga County on the telephone.

“Hello!  That you, Doctor Simons?—­Seen O’Farrell?—­Yes; you ought to get in touch with him right away—­Three more cases going over to you.—­Oh, they’re there, are they?  You’re isolating them, aren’t you?—­Pest-house?  That’s all right.—­All bills will be paid—­liberally.  You understand?—­What are you calling it?  Diphtheria?—­Good enough for the present.—­Ever see infectious meningitis?  I thought it might be that, maybe—­No?  What do you think, then?—­What!  Good God, man!  It can’t be!  Such a thing has never been heard of in this part of the country—­What?—­Yes:  you’re right.  We can’t talk over the ’phone.  Come over to-morrow.  Good-bye.”