"I'm afraid not."

"Nothing?"

"No. At first I thought that perhaps the thing might be successful in the preparation of finely divided powders. My trouble is that I've divided them too finely. No one really wants a molecular or atomic powder. Strange things happen. Elements that burn in air can be collected in helium, then one of two things happens. Either the stuff re-welds itself together again in a shapeless mass because of its own internal atomic affinity for itself, or it burns as soon as you remove the helium. I must admit that I am a failure so far. However, I do wish to point out that nothing was ever done in a hurry and I feel confident that—"

Forsyth held up a hand to stem Peter's tongue. "The difficulty may lie in the lack of a co-ordinated effort," said Forsyth.

"Co-ordinated effort? What do you mean?"

"The contract you signed to produce a matter transmitter also stipulated that you were to be given free reign. You have hired no one else to help, possibly in fear that someone might steal your ideas. Mr. Higgins believes that this device should, at this point, be turned over to a complete laboratory staff for study and eventual development."

"And what do I get out of it?" demanded Peter.

"You will be paid handsomely."

"How much?"

"As of this morning at nine-thirty, the Higgins Enterprises has generously signed the tab for two million, three hundred and thirty-five thousand, eight hundred and six dollars and fifty-five cents," said Forsyth, consulting a small notebook. "As of one week ago Thursday, your contract-time had expired without producing any form of acceptable device for the wireless transmission of material objects. The terms of your contract state that if you fail, you then become liable for the entire financial backing."

Peter went white. "This is the way Higgins has collected just about everything!" he stormed, jumping to his feet. Then Peter remembered the strong, silent member of the duo, and subsided nervously. Mr. Forsyth's large associate, however, had not moved a muscle. Peter had to admit that his attitude indicated a complete self-assurance that his battleship-mass was enough to prevent any uprising.

Peter went on less angrily, "This is no way to act. I've done my job honestly and to the best of my 

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