Page 27 (1/2)

In an aside to Martin the captain said, "Mass hallucination" To the er--look like?"

"That would be hard to say," said thea little

"Why would it?"

"Opinions htly"

"I'd like your opinion, sir, anyway," said the captain "Record this," he snapped to Martin over his shoulder The lieutenant pressed the button of a hand recorder

"Well," said the entle and kind ence"

"Yes--yes, I know, I know" The captain waved his fingers "Generalizations I want so specific What did he look like?"

"I don't believe that is important," replied the mayor

"It's very important," said the captain sternly "I want a description of this fellow If I can't get it froet it from others" To Martin, "I' one of his practical jokes"

Martin would not look him in the face Martin was coldly silent

The captain snapped his fingers "There was so?"

"Many healings," said the mayor

"May I see one?"

"You may," said the mayor "My son" He nodded at a small boy who stepped forward "He was afflicted with a withered arm Now, look upon it"

At this the captain laughed tolerantly "Yes, yes This isn't even circumstantial evidence, you know I didn't see the boy's withered arm I see only his arm whole and well That's no proof What proof have you that the boy's arm ithered yesterday and today is well?"