By the year 1927, opinions about Dr Manson were rather mixed in Aberalaw. His practice was not large, but all his patients had the greatest confidence in him. He rarely gave medicines, but when he did do so he gave the newest, best, and often the most expensive medicines on the market. By his use of modern medicines, Manson once prevented a serious disease from spreading through the town, although the rest of the area suffered badly.

The committee of the Medical Society ought to have been grateful to Manson; but a few of its members, led by Chenkin, were jealous of his success. Though Manson had many friends, he also had enemies.

Andrew sometimes asked himself why he and Christine had remained in Aberalaw after the death of their child. His coal dust research was the only reason for staying: he could not leave the mines until he had completed that.

He now had a great deal of important information about the effect of coal dust on the miners' lungs. But, in order to prove his facts, he decided to do a few tests on small animals, to study the action of the dust on their lungs. Here, his real troubles began. Taking care to cause the animals as little pain as possible, Andrew did some extremely successful tests, which proved all his beliefs. He felt proud and excited. But then, a few days later, he had a shock.

When Andrew returned home from work, he found Christine looking worried. 'What's the matter?' he asked her.

She looked at him unhappily. 'I had some visitors today.'

'Oh? Who were they?'

'Five members of the committee, including Chenkin. They had heard about your tests on the animals, and wanted to see your work room. I told them that you were not at home; but they pushed me out of the way and rushed into your room. When they saw what was in there, one of the men shouted: "Oh, the poor animals!" I tried to tell them that they had not suffered, but they refused to listen. They put the animals in a bag and took them away.'

'What!' Andrew shouted. He thought for a minute, and then went into the hall to use the telephone. But, just as he reached it, the telephone bell rang. 'Hullo!' he said angrily. Then his voice changed. It was Owen. 'Look here, Owen-'

'I know, I know,' Owen interrupted. 'This is a bad business. I'll come along to see you now.'

Owen came. Before Andrew could speak, he said: 'Did you get permission?'

Andrew looked at him in surprise. 'Permission for what?'

'To do tests on animals.'

'Good heavens, no! I never thought about it!'