“Scandal?” The General Manager looked up sharply.
“Yes, scandal. I have done what I could to prevent talk, but down the line they are talking some, and if I am not mistaken it will be all over the East in a few weeks.”
The General Manager was thinking hard. “Look here, young man,” he said, with the air of one who has made up his mind, “do you drink?”
“No.”
“Do you gamble?”
“When I've nothing to do.”
“Oh, well,” said Mr. Fahey, “a little poker doesn't hurt a man now and then. I am going to make you an offer which I hope you will consider favourably. I offer you the position of medical superintendent of this line at a salary of three thousand a year and all expenses. It's not much, but if the thing goes we can easily increase it. You needn't answer just now. Think it over. I don't know your credentials, but I don't care.”
For answer, Dr. Bailey took out his pocketbook and selected a letter. “I didn't think I would ever use this. I didn't want to use it. But you can look at it.”
Mr. Fahey took the letter, glanced through it hurriedly, then read it again with more care.
“You know Sir William?”