"Exception noted. Counsel, will you rephrase your question so that no lack of foresight is implied?" "Certainly," smiled Kingman. "How were you certain that you were within your rights?" "If this plan had been open to any question, my superiors would not have permitted me--" "That will not serve!" snapped Kingman. "You are making an implication--your testimony is biased." "Naturally," barked Farrell. "No one but an idiot would claim to have no opinion." "Does that include the court?" asked Kingman suavely. "Naturally not," retorted Farrell. "I was speaking of interested parties." "Let it pass. In other words, Dr. Farrell, you were never sure that you were within your rights?" "I object!" exploded Tinkin. "Counsel is questioning a witness whose business is not legal matters on a subject which is legal in every phase." "Objection sustained," said Hamilton wearily. The matter was dropped, but Kingman had gained his point. The item may never appear in the records, but it was present in the judge's mind. "Dr. Farrell," said Kingman, "since you have no legal training, precisely what has been your education and background?" "I hold a few degrees in physics, one in mathematics, and also in physical chemistry." Farrell turned to the judge. "Judge Hamilton, may I explain my position here?" "You may." "I have spent thirteen years studying physics and allied sciences. I believe that I stand fairly high among my fellows. Since no man may be capable in many arts, I believe that I have not been lax in not seeking degrees in law." "No objection," said Kingman. "Dr. Farrell, in order that the process be properly outlined in the record, I am going to ask you to explain it in brief. How does your matter transmitter work?" Farrell nodded, and took time to think. Tinkin whispered in Don's ear: "The stinker! He knows Hamilton hates anything more complex than a can opener!" "What can we do?" "Hope that our demonstration blasts them loose. That's our best bet, plus fighting for every inch." * * * * * Farrell moistened his lips and said: "Utilizing certain effects noted with earlier experimentation, we have achieved the following effects. The matter to be transmitted is placed in situ, where it is scanned by an atom-scanner. This tube removes the substance, atom by atom, converting the atoms to energy. This energy is then reconverted into atoms and stored in a matter bank as matter again. The energy of disintegration is utilized in reintegration at the matter bank with but small losses. Since some atoms have higher energy than others, the matter bank's composition will depend upon the scanned substance." "The matter bank is composed of the same elements as the matter for transmission?" asked Kingman. "No. Some elements release more energy than others. It is desirable that the energy-transfer be slightly negative. That is to say that additional energy must be used in order to make the thing work." "Why?