“You did not decide to dance?”

It was the voice of the doctor.

“No,” answered Hodge shortly.

“It is a beautiful evening.”

“Yes.”

Bart did not feel inclined to talk just then, but the doctor lingered.

“If you are not going to dance, what do you say to a stroll?”

Now, Hodge had no fancy for taking a stroll with this man just then, and he politely declined.

“Perhaps I might be able to tell you some things of interest,” suggested the doctor, in a low voice. “You know I have a secret. Wouldn’t you like to be able to acquire marvelous strength?”