"You are over my depth, Doctor."
"I'm over my own. I have tried to follow Von Beyer's reasoning and I have tried to check his findings. Twice this evening I thought that I caught a momentary glimpse on the screen of my fluoroscope of the ultra-violet line which he reports as characteristic of lunium, but I am not certain. I haven't been able to photograph it yet. He notes in his article that the line seems to be quite impermanent and fades so rapidly that an accurate measurement of its wave-length is almost impossible. However, let's drop the subject. How do you like your new assignment?"
"Oh, it's all right. I would rather be back on my old work."
"I haven't seen you since you were assigned to the Presidential detail. I suppose that you fellows are pretty busy getting ready for Premier McDougal's visit?"
"I doubt if he will come," replied Carnes soberly. "Things are not exactly propitious for a visit of that sort just now."
Dr. Bird sat back in his chair in surprise.
"I thought that the whole thing is arranged. The press seems to think so, at any rate."
"Everything is arranged, but arrangements may be cancelled. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that they were."
"Carnes," replied Dr. Bird gravely, "you have either said too much or too little. There is something more to this than appears on the surface. If it is none of my business, don't hesitate to tell me so and I'll forget what you have said, but if I can help you any, speak up."