"Is there a law against it?" snapped back Don.

"You seem interested more than usual in springing to her defense," observed the military man with an undertone of triumph that puzzled Don.

"I'd trust her further than I would some others," stated Don with an implication that didn't go unnoticed. Rather than the usual rage, however, the general laughed.

"You mean that you don't believe that she'd turn traitor and help the roboes obtain the formula?"

"Of course not!" the answer was snapped back.

"Then what I have to say may interest all of you. Although my proof isn't positive, it comes close enough for me."

"Let's get to the point," demanded Don.

General Adams rocked back on his heels, then with satisfaction stated, "It so happens that I ordered a thorough security check on each of you in this house. You for instance," jutting his chin to indicate Don, "were rather hard to check completely since the orphanage in which your records were kept was completely destroyed by fire. Other than that, everyone was found to be in order."

"Thank you," said Don, sarcastically.

The interruption was ignored. "Dr. Stone's life was easy to check and, ah, rather routine. Nothing out of the ordinary. His daughter now," he licked his lips; "there's another matter and quite interesting."

A quick glance by Don at his employer disclosed that Stone's scientist's face was white. The general had paused for the effect of his words to penetrate then, rather disappointed at the waiting silence, continued.

"We found no birth record for Shiela, Dr. Stone; can you explain that?"

"It was lost in the confusion of my wife's untimely death ten years ago."

"But there's not even a record in the courthouse; how do you account for that?"

"I'm not concerned with the manner in which government officials conduct their offices," came the curt reply. However, accustomed as he was to the scientist, Don thought he detected a slight note of nervousness.

The other pressed relentlessly, "We checked all of your acquaintances, Doctor; none could say definitely when your wife first gave birth to Shiela. In fact, several were even surprised to 

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