beyond your time. You've slipped your gears completely. Do you realize
that with these papers I can put you in the street? That all I have to
do is raise my hand and you're done?"

"I realize that, Lee."

"Then why on earth did you sign them?"

"I had no alternative."

"But what kind of an alternative is this? Giving away everything you've
got?"

Joshua sighed. "You haven't raised your hand yet, Lee. I can surmount my
difficulties only as I come to them. I'll think about that one when it
gets here."

"Well--I've got news for you. The time to think about it is--" Gorman
stopped in mid-sentence. He studied Joshua Lake for a long minute. Then
he took a checkbook from his desk and wrote rapidly. "There's money to
meet your payroll. The exact amount. Take it to the bank. Then, I want
you in this office every day at four-thirty with a complete report of
what's gone on. Don't overlook a thing. And bring any bills with you
that want paying, together with material orders and projected costs. Is
that clear?"

"I understand, Lee." At the door, Joshua Lake turned for a moment.
"And--thank you--thank you very much."

After Joshua had left, Lee Gorman pondered one of those last words. If
they contained any bitterness, it was well hidden. "A strange man,"
Gorman muttered. "A very strange man."

If that constituted a weak moment on the part of Lee Gorman, his dikes
were repaired well in time to present a hostile front....

"This twelve thousand to American Chemical--what are you doing--running
an experimental laboratory on the side. I won't pay it."

"I've never questioned Coving's judgment in these matters, Lee. He's
done brilliant work for us. The man has to have materials to work
with."

"Well, you certainly should have questioned him. He's been satisfying
every whim of curiosity that pops into his mind. Send the stuff back."

"But that would be fatal to the project. The fuel _must_ be
power-charged to safely handle the weight and time quotients. Coving
can't work with salt and baking soda."

"I don't care what he works with. Cut three thousand off that bill."

"Very well, Lee."

A man and his dream....

"This payroll's out of all reason. Cut fifteen men off immediately."

"I'll see what I can do."

"Cut fifteen men off immediately."

"Of course."

"Here's a check for the interest on the last note. Take it over to the
bank."

"Yes, Lee."

Joshua Lake came and went as directed. He stood with his hat in