Nobody spoke, except Barton.
“I’m against it!”
His voice was flat and final.
“Why?” Paton purred. “I, personally, am for it. Wholeheartedly.”
“Nonsense!” Dr. Harrison exploded before Dr. Barton could reply. “Sheer, childish nonsense. Are you out to kill the hospital or the murderer, Peters? I repeat, some linen is too foul to wash in public! It has taken forty years and more to build up the reputation of this place and you are planning to destroy it....”
“Why, Dr. Harrison, I’m not ‘planning’ anything. Dr. MacArthur asked me for an opinion and I gave it. That’s all!”
“Beg your pardon, Peters. No offense.”
The antagonism stiffened.
Dr. MacArthur intervened, “Your opinion, Dr. Paton?”
“I agree entirely with Dr. Peters. Men trained in the detection of criminals are the men to catch murderers.” Prissy folded his hands righteously and sat in a waxy pose.