"He heard Lila's door open, and he paused in the act of removing a shoe. She stopped in the hall, her fur coat over her arm.

"'Couldn't sleep, eh?' he said. 'Well, I trust you've got something arranged. It's a little late at night for a pick-up.'

"She smiled weakly, apologetically. 'After all, Doc, I am human.'

"'Interesting,' he said, letting the shoe drop to the floor. 'An interesting if debatable statement.'

"'You - you don't mind my going out.'

"'I don't care what you do.'

"'I need some money, Doc.'

"'I'll get it for you in the morning.'

"'I could take a check...'

"'You,' he said, 'can do exactly what you're told. Exactly. Do you understand?'

"'I understand,' she said, slowly. 'Perfectly."' (Chapter 1 - Doc Luther, pp. 8-9)

"It is five o'clock in...