"It is nothing to be alarmed about as far as symptoms go, Doctor," replied the Admiral. "It is a rather mild case of irritation, somewhat analogous to granuloma, but rather stubborn. He had an attack several weeks ago and while it did not yield to treatment as readily as I could have wished, it did clear up nicely in a couple of weeks and I was quite surprised at this recurrent attack. His sight is in no danger."
"Have you tried to connect this opthalmia with his mental aberrations?"
"Why no, Doctor, there is no connection."
"Are you sure?"
"I am certain. The slight pain which his eyes give him could never have such an effect upon the mind of so able and energetic a man as he is."
"Well, we'll let that pass for the moment. The other question is this: has he any form of skin trouble?"
The Admiral looked up in surprise.
"Yes, he has," he admitted. "I had mentioned it to no one, for it really amounts to nothing, but he has a slight attack of some obscure form of dermatitis which I am treating. It is affecting only his face and hands."
"Please describe it."