He continued, earnestly: "Could you drop everything else? Spend all your time upon it? Bring in any
others you wish to consult-don't think of expense-"
"A moment, Mr. Ricori," I broke in. "I have patients who cannot be neglected. I will give all the time I
can spare, and so will my assistant, Dr. Braile. Your friend will be constantly under observation here by
people who have my complete confidence. Do you wish me to take the case under those conditions?"
He acquiesced, though I could see he was not entirely satisfied. I had the patient taken to an isolated
private room, and went through the necessary hospital formalities. Ricori gave the man's name as Thomas
Peters, asserted that he knew of no close relations, had himself recorded at Peters' nearest friend,
assumed all responsibility, and taking out a roll of currency, skimmed a thousand dollar bill from it,
passing it to the desk as "preliminary costs."