his office.

"I am at your service, Dr. Bird," he said formally. "The Chief of
Ordnance has given instructions which, as I understand them, put you
virtually in command of this post." There was resentment in the
colonel's tone.

* * * * *

Dr. Bird smiled affably and extended his hand. The old colonel
struggled with his chagrin for a moment, but few men could resist Dr.
Bird when he deliberately tried to charm them. Colonel Wesley grasped
the proffered hand.

"What I want most, Colonel, is your cooperation," said the doctor
suavely. "I am not competent to assume command here even if I wished
to. I would like to ask a few favors but if they should prove to be
contrary to your established policies, I will gladly withdraw my
request."

Colonel Wesley's face cleared as if by magic.

"You have only to ask for anything we have, Doctor," he said
earnestly, "and it is yours. Frankly, we are at our wit's end."

"Thank you. I have a truck with some apparatus and three men outside.
Will you have them guided to your laboratory and given what aid they
need in setting their stuff up?"

"Gladly."

"My secretary, Miss Andrews, will arrive from Washington later in the
day with some information. I would like to have her passed through the
guards and brought directly to me wherever I am. You have the place
well guarded, have you not?"

"As well as I can with my small force. All roads are patrolled by
motorcycles; four launches are on the waterfront, and there are seven
planes aloft."

"That is splendid. Now can you tell me just what happened last night?"

"Captain Murdock, the acting surgeon, can do that better than I can,
Doctor. He is at the hospital but I'll have him up here in a few
minutes."

"With your permission, we'll go to the hospital and talk to him there.
I want to examine the patients in any event."

"Certainly, Doctor. I will remain at my office until I am sure that I
can give you no further assistance."

* * * * *

With a word of thanks, Dr. Bird left, and, accompanied by Carnes, made
his way to the hospital. Captain Murdock was frankly relieved to greet
the famous Bureau of Standards scientist and readily gave him the
information he desired.

"The first intimation we had of trouble was when Lieutenant Burroughs
telephoned from the water impact range where they were doing night
firing last night at about four A.M. Two ambulances went down