he should have it."

"At least I have decided sanely what I wanted, there is no call for
hospitals."

"You sustained a fracture of the skull. That fracture had improper
treatment. It is a wonder you did not die. The wound healed and there
remains a pressure of a bit of bone upon the brain. Until that
pressure is removed by an operation you are doomed to be a criminal. A
kleptomaniac," she said steadily, "if not much worse."

"I believe that you mean what you say. You are just mistaken, that is
all. I'd know if there were anything physically wrong."

She came closer, laid her hand upon his arm, and lifted her eyes
pleadingly to his.

"I have had the best of medical training," she said slowly. "I have
specialized in brain disorders, interested in that branch of my work
until I decided to bring Elmer out here. I know what I am saying.
Will you at least promise to do as I ask? Have a thorough examination
by a specialist? And have the operation if he advises it?"

"Such an operation is a serious matter?"

"Yes. It must be. But think . . ."

"A man might die under the hands of the surgeon?"

"Yes. There is always the danger, there is always the chance of death
resulting from any but the most minor of operations. But you are not
the man to be afraid, Rod Norton. I know that."

"You say that you have specialized In this sort of thing." He was
probing for her thoughts with keen, narrowed eyes. "Would you be
willing to perform that operation for me?"

She shrank back suddenly, her hand dropping from his arm.

"No," she cried. "No, no."

He smiled triumphantly.

"Then we'll let it go for a while. If you wouldn't care to do it,
afraid that I might die under your knife, I guess I don't want it done
at all. I am quite content with things as they are. I see the way to
gain the ends I desire; I am gaining them; if there is a brain
pressure, well, I'm quite ready to thank God and Moraga for it! Which
you may take as absolutely final, Dr. Page!"

She was beaten then and she knew it. She went back to her chair in a
sort of bewildered despair, her hands dropping idly to her lap.

"It would be just as well," he said presently, "if I left before any
one came in. Before I go, do you mind telling me what you mean to do?
Shall you denounce me? Are you going to spread your suspicions abroad?"

"What do you leave me to do? Have I the right to sit still and say
nothing? You would go on as you have