office hours, you know, and I'd better get back to
my pillboxes. Just excuse an old man who is too talkative sometimes,
but remember that what I've said to you is not my own old-fashioned
notion, but a little boiled-down philosophy from the writings of the
greatest modern scientists."

"Good-bye, Doctor MacFarland. I'll not forget it. It has answered a
lot of questions in my mind."

Bobbie went to the front door of the station house with the old
gentleman, and saluted as a farewell.

"What's he been chinning to you about, Burke?" queried the Captain.
"Some of his ideas of reforming the world? He's a great old character,
is Doc."

"I think he knows a lot more about religion than a good many ministers
I've heard," replied Bobbie. "He ought to talk to a few of them."

"Sure. But they wouldn't listen if he did. They're too busy getting
money to send to the heathens in China, and the niggers in Africa to
bother about the heathens and poor devils here. I'm pretty strong for
Doc MacFarland, even though I don't get all he's talking about."

"Say, Burke, the Doc got after me one day and gave me a string of books
as long as your arm to read," put in Dexter. "He seems to think a cop
ought to have as much time to read as a college boy!"

"You let me have the list, Dexter, and I'll coach you up on it,"
laughed Burke.

"To-day is your relief, Burke," said the Captain. "You can go up to
the library and wallow in literature if you want to."

Burke smiled, as he retorted:

"I'm going to a better place to do my reading--and not out of books
either, Cap."

He changed his clothes, and soon emerged in civilian garb. He had
never paid his call on John Barton, although he had been out of the
hospital for several days. The old man's frequent visits to him in his
private room at the hospital, after that first memorable meeting, had
ripened their friendship. Barton had told him of a number of new ideas
in electrical appliances, and Burke was anxious to see what progress
had been made since the old fellow returned to his home.

Officer 4434 was also anxious to see another member of his family, and
so it was with a curious little thrill of excitement, well concealed,
however, with which he entered the modest apartment of the Bartons'
that evening.

"Well, well, well!" exclaimed the old man, as the young officer took
his hand. "We thought you had forgotten us completely. Mary has asked
me several times if you had be