He could tell Steinberg wasn’t really taken in by his fast-talking, so he searched for other ways to impress the doctor. “Those paintings are fascinating,” Allen said, quickly glancing at the wall. “I prefer oils to acrylics, but whoever did those has a good eye for detail.”

He saw Steinberg’s expression change to one of interest. “You paint?”

“All my life. Medicine is the career I’ve chosen, but ever since I was a kid, people said I had a natural talent. Maybe someday you’ll let me paint your portrait. You’ve got a strong face.”

“I collect art,” Steinberg said. “And I paint a little myself.”

“I’ve always felt art and medicine complemented each other.”

“Ever sell any of your paintings?”

“Oh, quite a few. Landscapes, still lifes, portraits. I hope I’ll get a chance to paint while I’m here.”

Steinberg toyed with his pen. “All right, Milligan. I”ll give you a chance to work in the lab. You can start by mopping up the floor, and when you’re done with that, you can straighten up the place. You’ll work with Stormy, the duty nurse. He’ll show you the ropes.”

(2)

Arthur was delighted. He didn’t at all mind getting up earlier than the other prisoners to do the blood tests. Dismayed at what he considered inadequate medical records, he began to keep his own charts on the fourteen diabetics he soon came to think of as his patients. He spent most of the day at the lab ;working with the microscope and preparing slides. When he [went back to his cell at three-thirty, tired but happy, he paid little attention to his new cell mate, a slight and taciturn man.

I Adalana decorated the bare cell by spreading patterned itowels on the floor and hanging them on the walls. Allen soon 'began wheeling and dealing—trading a flowered towel for a carton of cigarettes, then lending cigarettes out at two-for-one ^'interest and ending up with two cartons at the end of the week. He kept pyramiding his barter. Along with what his mother and Marlene sent or brought him, he was able to buy food form the commissary and thus avoid the dining room in the evenings. He would plug his sink with a rubber stopper borrowed from the lab, fill it with hot water and let a can of chicken and dumplings, soup or beef stew heat up until it was warm enough to be palatable.

He wore his green uniform proudly, delighted at the privilege of being allowed to walk and even run down the main corridor instead of moving like a cockroach against the walls. He enjoyed being called “Doc,” and he sent Marlene the names of some medical books to buy for him. Arthur was serious about studying medicine.

When Tommy learned that many of the other prisoners had their girl friends on the visitors’ list as common-law wives so they would be allowed to visit the prison, he told Ragen he wanted Marlene down as his wife. Arthur was opposed at first, but Ragen overruled him. As Milligans wife, she could bring things to the prison.