Bear Sterling was sitting up again, and Dr. MacArthur was back at his desk.
“I have the solution, Harrison,” he said calmly. “Put a nurse in the bed in which the three patients have been murdered.”
“Are you crazy, MacArthur?” Hoffbein’s voice was at last hysterical.
“No. I hope not,” Dr. MacArthur’s voice was deadly calm. “But today I have had the privilege of seeing such cool, calm courage exhibited by a person who really loves this hospital as to make me proud to be here ... even ... now.
“A nurse came to me after the meeting this morning ... one of our graduates ... and volunteered to go into that bed as a patient. Think it over, gentlemen. That’s a solution, d’y’see?”
Dr. MacArthur’s words lay over them like spring rain. Some men they heartened. Some they chilled. All they impressed.
Only Dr. Harrison spoke.
“I hope I’m a friend of hers,” he said.
They were silent so long it upset Dr. Peters.
“Suppose she is murdered, Dr. MacArthur? We couldn’t allow it!”