             }
         }
 
+        /* Get a floating-point number of seconds from a time specification. The
+           only time specification format is a decimal number of seconds.
+           Returns null on error. */
+        private function get_param_timespec(param:String, default_val:Number):Object
+        {
+            return get_param_number(param, default_val);
+        }
+
         /* The main logic begins here, after start-up issues are taken care of. */
         private function proxy_main():void
         {

            var loader:URLLoader;

            if (proxy_pairs.length >= max_num_proxy_pairs) {
                setTimeout(proxy_main, FACILITATOR_POLL_INTERVAL);
                return;
            }


            var relay_spec:String;
            var proxy_pair:Object;

            setTimeout(proxy_main, uint(facilitator_poll_interval * 1000));

            loader = e.target as URLLoader;
            client_spec = loader.data.client;
