of Mayfield could not be kept secret. When it became known,
a tide of fury swept the community. The general public no longer had any
capacity to accept the larger view in preference to relief of their own
suffering. One of the college students who worked in the laboratory was
beaten by a crowd as he walked through town. He died the same evening.

Suddenly, the scientists felt themselves standing apart, pariahs among
their own people. They debated whether to take the allotment. They asked
themselves over and over if they were tempted to take it because they
shared the same animal greed that gripped the whole town, or if genuine
altruism prodded them to accept.

Dr. Adams met their arguments. "You accept," he said, "or everything we
fought for is worthless. You can stand the hate of the townspeople.
Scientists have done it before, and it's a small sacrifice so long as
you can continue your work. Those of us who are supporting you believe
in that work. Now get on with it, and let's not have any more of these
ridiculous arguments!"

The suggestion of physical means of precipitating the dust came like a
burst of light to the entire group as they began to examine the
possibilities. Within a week, they had determined there was indeed a
broad range of supersonic frequencies capable of precipitating the dust.

The night Professor Maddox and his companions came home to announce
their success they were met with the news that Mrs. Larsen was ill.
During the day, she had developed a high temperature with severe pains
in her body.

Professor Larsen was deeply worried. "She's never been ill like this
before."

Ken was sent for Dr. Adams, but the latter did not come for almost 2
hours. When he did arrive, they were shocked by his appearance. His face
was lined and hollow with exhaustion, beyond anything they had seen as
long as they had known him. He looked as if he were on the verge of
illness himself.

He brushed away their personal questions and examined Mrs. Larsen,
rather perfunctorily, they thought. However there was no hesitation as
he announced his diagnosis. "It's the sixteenth case I've seen today.
Over a hundred and fifty this week. We've got an epidemic of flu on our
hands. It's no mild, patty-caking kind, either. It's as virulent as any
that's ever been experienced!"

Mrs. Maddox uttered a low cry of despair. "How much more must we be
called upon to endure?"

No one answered. Dr. Adams rummaged in his bag. "I ha