"Look, Harris," replied Doctor Edwards, dropping the formality of title, "is there anything we can do about it?"
"No," admitted Harris uncomfortably. "But you don't know what he'll be doing next." He handed the paper to the quiet man behind the desk. Doctor Edwards read:
Dear Doctor Edwards:
It has come to my attention that the world is in a high state of confusion. Under these trying circumstances, I feel moved to do something constructive about it.
You will understand that any honest attempt to eliminate the state of strife that exists is most difficult under my present affiliations with this Institution. Ergo, I make formal resignation, knowing that a request for even a brief leave of absence would not be granted.
Have no lasting fear. I may return once I have accomplished the reinstatement of peace and quiet in this troubled world.
Sincerely yours,
Paul Monroe Milton, Ph.D.
Doctor Edwards shrugged. "This time it is the state of the world," he said. His voice held a twinge of amusement.
Harris gasped. "You're not really worried!"
"Of course not. There is no single man on earth capable of untangling the mess of the century."