"Dr. Bird is here by the authority of the secret service," replied Bolton. "He has no connection with the medical treatment of the President, but permit me to remind you that the secret service is responsible for the safety of the President and so have a right to demand such details about him as are necessary for his proper protection."
"I have no intention in obstructing you in the proper performance of your duties, Mr. Bolton," began the Admiral stiffly.
"Pardon me, Admiral," broke in Dr. Bird, "it seems to me that we are getting started wrong. I suspect that certain exterior forces are more or less concerned in this case and I have communicated my suspicions to Mr. Bolton. He in turn brought me here in order to request from you your cooperation in the matter. We have no idea of demanding anything and are really seeking help which we believe that you can give us."
"Pardon me, Admiral," said Bolton. "I had no intention of angering you."
"I am at your service, gentlemen," replied Admiral Clay. "What information did you wish, Doctor?"
"At first merely a verification of the history of the case as I have it."
Dr. Bird read the notes he had taken down from Carnes and the Admiral nodded agreement.
"Those dates are correct," he said.
"Now, Admiral, there are two further points on which I wish enlightenment. The first is the opthalmia which is troubling the patient."