"Absolutely," answered DuQuesne. "They have everything worked out to the queen's taste."
"That's all right, then. I'll take the trip. Also," turning to Brookings, "it will help in another little thing we are doing--the Spencer affair."
"Haven't you got that stuff away from her yet, after having had her locked up in that hell-hole for two months?" asked Brookings.
"No. She's stubborn as a mule. We've given her the third degree time after time, but it's no use."
"What's this?" asked DuQuesne. "Deviltry in the main office?"
"Yes. This Margaret Spencer claims that we swindled her father out of an invention and indirectly caused his death. She secured a position with us in search of evidence. She is an expert stenographer, and showed such ability that she was promoted until she became my secretary. Our detectives must have been asleep, as she made away with some photographs and drawings before they caught her. She has no real evidence, of course, but she might cause trouble with a jury, especially as she is one of the best-looking women in Washington. Perkins is holding her until she returns the stolen articles."
"She cannot be disposed of until after we know where the stuff is, because she says, and Perkins believes, that the evidence will show up in her effects. We must do something about her soon, as the search for her is dying down and she will be given up for dead."
"What's the idea about her and the space-car?"
"If the car proves reliable we might actually take her out into space and give her the choice between telling and walking back. She has nerve enough here on earth to die before giving up, but I don't believe any human being would be game to go it alone on a strange world. She'd wilt."
"I believe you're right, Perkins. Your suggestions are the best way out. Don't you think so, Doctor?"
"Yes, I don't see how we can fail--we're sure to win, either way. You are prepared for trouble afterward, of course?"
"Certainly, but I don't think there will be much trouble. They can't possibly link the three of us together. They aren't wise to you, are they, Doctor?"
"Not a chance!" sneered DuQuesne. "They ran themselves ragged trying to get something on me, but they couldn't do it. They have given me up as a bad job. I am still as careful as ever, though--I am merely a pure scientist in the Bureau of Chemistry!"