Varcek gave a small mirthless laugh. "Oh, Colonel Rand would be no more
interested than I would be in his pistols," he objected, then turned to
Rand. "It is a series of experiments having to do with the chemical
nature of life," he said. Another perfunctory chuckle. "No, I am not
trying to re-create Frankenstein's monster. The fact is, I am working
with fruit flies."
"Something about heredity?" Rand wanted to know.
Varcek laughed again, with more amusement. "So! One says: 'Fruit flies,'
and immediately another thinks: 'Heredity.' It is practically a standard
response. Only, in this case, I am investigating the effect of diet
changes. I use fruit flies because of their extreme adaptability. If
I find that I am on the right track, I shall work with mice, next."
"Fred Dunmore mentioned a packaged diabetic ration you'd developed," Rand
mentioned.
"Oh, yes." Varcek shrugged. "Yes. Something like an Army field-ration,
for diabetics to carry when traveling, or wherever proper food may be
unobtainable. That is for the company; soon we put it on the market, and
make lots of money. But this other, that is my own private work."
Dunmore had come in while Varcek was speaking and had seated himself
beside his wife.
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