“I know,” Josephine replied. “That’s what’s kept me going, of course, the chance of discovering something…. Perhaps some psychological mechanism that would lead to healing. And when Window thinks he’s Christ, he heals. Window himself can’t heal anything. So how could his obsession release abilities … ?” Her voice trailed off in confusion.

“You’re kidding,” George Brainbridge thundered. Then he started laughing. “I’ve got the solution, then. Get rid of Window’s obsession, and we don’t have any problems!” He grinned with feigned wickedness, leered, then added slowly, “Hey, that’s not a bad idea. Could you do it?”

Oversoul Seven was so scandalized by the suggestion that he just stared at George with true horror.

“I … just couldn’t do that,” Josephine said, frowning. “I thought of it … of trying, I mean.” She paused, threw her head back defiantly, and again her glance was full of challenge. “He does have some kind of healing ability. Your experience with the boy’s gums proves that. What right have any of us to rob him of that, just so he’ll fit into our preconceived ideas of normality? That’s why I’ve been stymied … and you’re talking as if science really knew how to cure obsession.”

“Yeah,” George said. His face reddened. He felt ashamed of himself and at a disadvantage again. His pragmatism came to his aid: “Well, if that’s what we’re faced with, we may as well admit it,” he said, in a hearty almost blustery way. “As long as we know our feet are on the ground. Any ground. Can I see this Window? I’ve got to start someplace.”

By now Dr. Josephine Blithe looked considerably subdued. She nodded. “There’s one thing, though. I want to be there, too,” she said. “And we have to be very careful. When John is Christ, he’s quite paranoid.”

“Jesus …” George muttered in a long drawn-out voice.

“Wait here,” Josephine directed. “I’ll check and see when I can slate Window for an appointment. Actually I’m relieved. I didn’t want to talk to him alone.” She left the room.

George lit a cigarette and shook his head at Seven. “I just don’t believe this,” he said.

“Why not?” Seven asked in an oddly clear voice that somehow made George uncomfortable. Why not? He began listing all of the reasons that made the entire affair seem quite unbelievable when Dr. Josephine Blithe came hurriedly back into the room. Her face was white.

“Window isn’t around anywhere,” she cried. “No one’s seen him since early morning.”

“Jesus!” George said.

“He won’t even go out on the plaza, though he’s allowed to. He’s too afraid of strangers,” Josephine said with a very worried air. “I’ll have to report this, of course. But where would he go? And why? I mean, he liked it here.”