"You know we can't keep this hushed up if we do that. The papers are bound to get hold of it."
"I realize that," Hallam said grimly, "but they're going to know sooner or later. Maybe this will soften the blow when it does come."
"OK George, you're the boss. We can't do anything until morning. I'm going to close up shop and let everybody get some sleep."
"Good idea. Keep away from the flu if you can."
"Huh, fat chance. I've got my family anyway. It's my kids I'm worried about."
"There are times when I'm glad I'm a bachelor," Hallam replied and shut off the speaker.
"Doesn't look too good, does it?" I said.
"We'll know by tomorrow night, I hope."
"I can't figure this thing at all. An inflammation that destroys the testicular cells should give a lot of swelling and pain. Those ferrets were frisky enough and they didn't show any signs of orchitis."
"Neither did most of the human victims," Hallam said.