"What do you think he will do?" "What can he do? He knows nothing. The money is genuine, and with the destruction of the machine he can't prove anything. Nevertheless it might be the wisest course to get rid of him. We might have been too clever with that advertisement." "Possibly. But, we must move quickly, then. I must leave this planet in seven days now. And we must have this area under lease by then. Three musts!" Robert smiled thinly. "We will. If not through Muldoon, then through another means. When you return in a year with the space fleet you will find the landing area we need." "And after that ..." They smiled at each other. "We said we would not fail. This planet will fall to our weapons like ripe fruit from a tree." "But first I must return to tell them," Evin said. "If I do not return they will know we have failed, and will seek another planet." "We won't fail," Robert reiterated. "Right now, let's get back to the space ship and the duplicating machine." * * * * * Muldoon spent a busy Thursday. A newsbrief in the _Times_ financial section which told of a public utility wanting Island property gave him an idea for one thing. He spent all morning bringing the idea to a head, after he had verified the truth of the item. Then, after a late lunch, he went to the Treasury Department's headquarters and spent a couple of hours with the head of the local investigation department. He was quite pleased with himself by nightfall, as he headed out to the Island. This time he parked the car at a considerable distance from the shack. There were lights on, this night. He walked boldly up and knocked at the door. It opened wide and the thick figure of one of the twins darkened the opening. "Well, Mr. Muldoon. I did not think to see you till Friday." "I thought I'd come and see you tonight," Muldoon said as he stepped into the room. "I didn't hear the car." "Oh. Parked it back a bit," Muldoon said. He turned toward the other twin as the inner door opened. "Hello." "Hello." "You know, Evin," Robert said, "I'm rather glad Muldoon stopped by tonight. We might as well conclude our business with him now." "An excellent idea, Robert. Excellent." "What do you mean?" Muldoon asked. "I no longer am acting for you?" "Not for us, for yourself. I'm afraid your services, in any capacity, will no longer be needed." Muldoon caught the undercurrent of menace in Robert's voice. It told him they were not only suspicious but ready to act on it. He started to edge toward the door, but Robert suddenly reached out and took his arm. There was power in the fat man's grip. Evin moved swiftly for his size, and took up a position before the door, which he kicked shut. Muldoon twisted sharply and was free of the other's grip. He stepped back a couple of paces. "What the hell's this all about?" "Come now, Muldoon," Robert said softly. "You didn't think your prying went unobserved, last night?"