The Experiment

By Thomas Parker

Gary Hobson, a slightly successful stock-broker, awoke in his new residence at the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago. He lay for a moment, still puzzling over why his wife had kicked him out of their house the evening before.

He looked over at the clock, which told the time as six thirty. Then a thump came from the direction of the front door.

Gary got up, wondering what the sound was. He walked to the door, opened it, and saw the Chicago Tribune in front of his door. There was also a cat, which meowed at him, then walked off.

Looking around, Gary wondered where the newspaper carrier had disappeared to so quickly. He then caught sight of his neighbor, a man of smaller than normal stature wearing a white suit and matching white hat. In the man's hand was an odd umbrella with a question mark for the handle.

"Did you see who delivered that?" Gary asked.

"No, I just stepped out," the other man said in a soft Scottish burr. "Why?"

"Well, I believe there's been a mistake. I haven't changed my address with the paper."

The small man looked thoughtful, then brightened. "I'm sure they will get things straightened out. In the meantime, if I were you, I would enjoy the free newspaper."

Gary thought for a moment, then said, "That's true. Well, it's been nice talking to you, Mr…"

"Doctor," the other said.

"Oh, you're a doctor," replied Gary.

"No, that's my name; just the Doctor."

"Ok," Gary said uncertainly.

"Well, must be off," the Doctor said, and turned to his door, "Till next time, Gary."

"Goodbye," Gary said to the now closed door, before wondering how the man had known his name. He was sure he hadn't mentioned it.

"Oh well," he thought as a strange wheezing, groaning sound came from behind his neighbor's door.

Inside the now dematerialized Tardis, Ace asked the Doctor, "So, Professor, what is the deal with the paper?"

"Just a little experiment in human nature," he said, stroking the ginger tabby cat that now perched on the Tardis console. "To see what Gary will do with advance knowledge, even just one day."