The doctor's hand touched the scar of the sword-cut on Dick's head, and Dick explained briefly how he had come by it.

When the flame was removed, Dick saw the doctor's face, and the fear came upon him again.

The doctor wrapped himself in a mist of words.

Dick caught allusions to 'scar,' 'frontal bone,' 'optic nerve,' 'extreme caution,' and the 'avoidance of mental anxiety.' 'Verdict ?' he said faintly.

'My business is painting, and I daren't waste time.