"Very interesting, I am sure," replied General Loomis, with a trace of
bitterness and sarcasm in his voice. "Your noble efforts will result in
feeding the yellow devils an excellent artificial fare. They will be
grateful, I know!"

"Exactly my object, general," Dr. Rutledge replied. He continued
impressively: "You have until now relied upon me largely in the waging
of this war to save the white race from the menace of the yellow. Since
all is lost at any rate, grant me one last effort in behalf of my
country. At all costs, Loomis, hold your present lines for two days,
preparing to suddenly retire to the west bank of the Mississippi. I
leave it to your strategy to make a sudden retreat (which should extend
over a period of at least ten days) appear as if enforced by the enemy
themselves."

"There should be no difficulty in that direction," General Loomis
interpolated, smiling wryly on the television screen.

"Once on the west bank," went on Dr. Rutledge seriously, not noticing
the interjection, "make a stand for a day or two and then suddenly
retreat across the river to the east bank as if again forced to do so.
Now, General, two days from this time--before your retreat begins--I
shall, I trust, have your armies all along the lines supplied with my
new artificial, foreign protein flour. This you will leave in the
enemy's hands, which, you have intimated, will be much to their delight.
You will do the same at the stand which for a while you held on the west
bank. But, mind you, let none of your men use any of this perfectly
harmless food. I will personally see to it that you will receive it in
such containers that none will come in contact with your persons."

"Doctor," Loomis said after staring at the old scientist some time in
astonishment, "except for years of personal acquaintance, I would say
that you were suffering a mental shock. Knowing you as I do, however, I
pray to God you're making no mistake this time. I'll do as you wish."
His figure faded from the screen.

The next fortnight was one of black despair. I myself doubted on
occasions whether or not the old doctor was mentally accountable--even I
who had trusted him so long. General Loomis and his staff called up
daily to inquire if Dr. Rutledge had any change of plans. As for the
army and the populace, they were one in calling on the President to make
terms with the enemy. The allies truly were on the point of collapse.
All that kept up what morale was l