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The pain raced through his old limbs. For a moment he remembered himself as a tiny reptile baby, breaking out from its egg. Then his mind went blank and he was dead.

16

The Itch

The Right Honourable Frederick Masters presided over the meeting from what was normally Dr. Lawrence's chair behind the desk. Dr. Lawrence had to occupy one of the hard-backed chairs, and sat next to Liz. On the other side of Liz was Major Barker and the Brigadier. She noticed how Major Barker was sweating profusely, and kept scratching at his arm.

'I tell you,' said Barker, 'that Doctor is a traitor! He's co-operating with them.'

'Co-operating with reptile men,' said Masters, turning to the Brigadier. 'Do you believe in these creatures?'

Liz couldn't stop herself answering for the Brigadier. 'Mr.

Masters, I've seen them. Everything Major Barker says is true—

except about the Doctor being a traitor.'

Major Barker swung round to face Liz. 'You weren't there when he started to make deals with them!' He scratched furiously at his arm, then tried to stop himself.

'If I may make a point,' said Dr. Lawrence, 'I find this all scientifically impossible. In any case, the point at issue is these power losses!'

'I agree,' said Masters, 'but I really cannot prepare a report for the government on the basis of what I've heard so far.'

Major Barker exploded. 'There's no time for reports, sir! We must blow up every entrance to those caves before they over-run us.'

'I agree,' said Dr. Lawrence, 'that would probably be very sensible.'

'It wouldn't stop your power losses,' Liz said. 'And you mustn't blow up the entrances while the Doctor is still down there.'

Masters turned to the Brigadier. 'I believe you told your Doctor that the caves were out-of-bounds to him—is that correct?'

The Brigadier mumbled over his words. 'Well, yes, er, I did advise him to keep clear of the caves...'

'Advice which he ignored?' said Masters, cutting in.

'He's a very self-willed fellow,' said the Brigadier.

'A traitor, if you ask me!' shouted Major Barker. Masters swung round to face Barker. 'I didn't ask you, and I'd be glad if you would remember that I am chairing this meeting. And another thing, Major Barker: stop scratching yourself. It annoys me.'

Major Barker stopped scratching himself instantly, shocked by the way he had been spoken to. Liz looked from him to Masters.

Masters didn't look at all well. Beads of perspiration stood out on his forehead.

'Now then,' said Masters, who seemed to be losing his grip of the meeting, 'where had we got to?'

'We have to rescue the Doctor,' said Liz, taking the opportunity to make her point. 'He's still in the caves.'

The Brigadier said, 'Well, I can't mount a proper rescue until I get an adequate number of troops and equipment.'

'I don't think a rescue is really included on our agenda,' said Masters. 'The Doctor defied the Brigadier's ban, and went into the caves of his own free will.'

Liz protested, 'That doesn't mean you can leave him there!'

'How thoughtful of you, Liz!' The Doctor's voice boomed from the open door. Everyone swung round to see the Doctor as he entered. He carried in his hand the metal canister. 'Now I want you all to move away from Major Barker.' He turned to Barker with a smile. 'Sorry to be treating you like a leper, old man, but—well, that is what you are for the time being.'

Major Barker rose slowly, quivering with rage. His face had gone beetroot. Liz thought one of the veins in his temples might burst at any moment. 'You blackguard,' he said to the Doctor. 'You filthy traitor! I'm placing you under arrest.'

Major Barker moved to grab the Doctor, but the Doctor quickly sidestepped out of Barker's way. 'Listen to me, Major,' he said, 'you're an ill man. You have a terrible infection.'

'What are you talking about?' Barker demanded. 'You, sir, are a criminal of the worst order. I've told them all about you. I'm taking you into custody, and I suggest that you come quietly.' The Major crossed to the Doctor and tried to grip his ann.

The Doctor stepped