erefore admissible in any Court of Law. Being
so advised, is there any objection on your part to answering a brief
series of questions pertaining to the Carmack Case? I have been duly
authorized by George Mandleco, Minister of Justice," he added for the
record.

Losch glanced bewilderedly from Beardsley to Mandleco, and seemed to
take courage from the latter.

"Objection?" he said. "This is a bit unusual, but ... of course, I have
no objection."

"Very well. I shall make a series of statements, and give you
opportunity to refute them either in part or _in toto_. Professor Losch,
some years ago you were engaged privately, in magnetronic cybernetic
research along similar lines to those later developed by Amos Carmack.
Shortly thereafter you claimed that Carmack had thwarted you,
out-maneuvered you, _out-stolen_ you at every turn; I believe those are
pretty much your own words, as revealed by court records--"

"Correct! I repeat them now!"

"You filed against him, and litigation dragged through the courts for
several years before Carmack finally won out. Shortly thereafter you
disappeared; I believe you took up residence in Europe. About a year ago
you returned, and was hired as Research Consultant in the laboratories
of the Carmack Foundation. This is true?"

* * * * *

For a moment Losch avoided looking at the screen. It was obvious he was
considering his answer carefully.

"It's true," he said.

Beardsley said quickly, "It is my understanding that Mr. Mandleco
interceded with Carmack on your behalf--"

"I protest the last statement!" Losch's words exploded from the screen.
"There was no intercession by anyone!" His head lifted defiantly. "Yes,
I came back. I don't mind admitting I came crawling back. Carmack
offered me the position and I accepted!"

"Quite so. And he offered you a hundred thousand a year, didn't he?
Twice the salary of any other top man?"

"You think that's out of line," Losch bristled, "but he must have
thought I was worth it--I think you know why! He owed me ten times as
much!"

"You must have really hated Carmack," murmured Beardsley.

Mandleco thrust forward angrily, gesturing. "Losch, let me caution you
not to answer that!"

"But I will answer it! Yes, I hated him, but if you think I killed the
man you're wrong. Sure--I wanted to kill him--I thought about it often
enough, but I hadn't the courage." Losch glared at Beardsley from the
screen. "No do