When the doctor left, Ellery ran down to the corner drugstore. “The doctor wants dad to start on the antibiotic as soon as possible, Henry,” Ellery said to the owner of the pharmacy. “Can you fill this while I wait?” “Sure, these come all made up,” said Henry Brubuck. “Albert, fill this for Mr. Queen right away, will you?” The twins, Albert and Alice, who like their stepfather were registered pharmacists, were busy behind the high partition of the Prescription Department. Albert took Inspector Queen’s prescription and greeted Ellery heartily; but Alice, whose eyes were on the red side, merely gave him a wan smile. “Sorry your father’s sick, Ellery.” “It’s some virus or other, Henry.” “The neighborhood’s full of viruses. And that reminds me.” The old pharmacist went over to his soda fountain and drew some water. “Forgot to take my own antibiotic dose this morning.” Henry Brubuck dipped into his gray store jacket for a little white box. It had some yellow-and-green capsules in it; he swallowed one and returned the box to his pocket.
