Floyd returned from New York with a definite idea of the needs of a modern hospital. He worked with Dr. Edwards tabulating the results of his inquiries, drawing up notes of matters to be considered in the specifications. These were arranged under the four heads: "Indispensable," "Important," "Desirable," "Small Details." It had pleased Floyd to observe the growth of the doctor's enthusiasm.
"With the money, with such a choice of architects, with such judges—in all due modesty," Dr. Edwards declared, "Avalon ought to have the finest hospitals in the country. And speaking of the judges, you'll allow me to say, Mr. Halket,that I have never before known a layman who has shown in medical matters such intelligence or taken such pains to inform himself as you have done in this. It's a pleasure to be associated with you. I confess at first I thought you would probably just make trouble; but you're a credit to your grandfather, sir."
Floyd was touched by this tribute from the old surgeon. It was one of the few pleasant things that brightened a sad summer. Not only the loneliness of his life in these days oppressed him; there was also the anxiety over an ominous condition at the mills. Almost the first instructions which Floyd in his new capacity as president of the company had sent to the superintendent had included a request for a report on the occupation and circumstances of Tibbs, the man whom Colonel Halket had discharged at the union's request. Learning from Gregg's reply that Tibbs was employed in a rolling-mill in East Liverpool, Ohio, Floyd wrote the old workman a personal letter, offering to reinstate him in his former position and expressing the hope that in spite of what had happened he would feel disposed to return. Tibbs answered the letter in person, and the next day reported to the foreman of his old mill for duty. Three hours later, Tustin and Caskey arrived at the Halket Company's offices in Avalon
