“She’s all right, Doctor! Slept clear through it! I just saw her ten minutes ago. Your father’s latest tank of oxygen is half gone, sir. Do you wish me...?”
Cub nodded silently and walked down the corridor toward the waiting elevator.
»IX«
The Third Doll
“Roll ’em up, Snod! Time to get up!”
Snod opened his eyelids narrowly and then closed them again. He began experimenting slowly with his head, burying his chin in his long neck and stretching his shoulder muscles.
“Any news?” his voice was still somnambulant.
“Lots! Got your wits about you?” Matt Higgins began pulling himself up on one of the stools and his voice was grating. The old deserted laboratory building was on the side of the hospital where no afternoon sun ever penetrated. It was now inky black in the room.
“Where do you think my wits would be? In this feather bed?” Snod replied sarcastically, raising himself to a sitting posture, and rubbing his aching neck with his hands.
“Stinks like a skunk in here!” Snod stood up carefully and walked toward one of the dusty lab sinks. He turned on the tap and stuck his head under it.
“Men have it over women in lots of ways,” he said as he took his handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his dripping face. “What’s the dope, Matt?”