"Precisely." Simec lifted his wine-glass and sipped slowly. "For a time," he went on, "this drawback seemed insuperable, just as it has been in wireless telegraphy. Within the past week, however, I am convinced that a solution of that difficulty has been reached. In theory and in tests on a minor scale it certainly has. My assistants, however, refuse to serve in the demonstrations at full power--which, of course, are vitally necessary--even though I engage to share a part, but not, of course, the major part, of the risk. I have been equally unfortunate in enlisting others, to whom, naturally, I was in duty bound to designate possible--in fact, extremely probable--dangers." "In more precise words," snapped Bates, "if your invention is what you think it is your assistants are bound to die." Simec hesitated a moment, his gleaming brow wrinkled thoughtfully. "Well, not precisely," he said at length. "That is, not necessarily. There is, of course, as I have said, that possi--that probability. I cannot be certain. Assuming the more serious outcome materializes, there will be no further danger for those who operate; I shall have learned all that it is necessary to know." He paused. "Then war will cease; either before or immediately after the initial field application." "But this is absurd." Allison smote the table in agitation. "Why don't you secure condemned convicts?" "Even were that possible, I should not care to proceed in that way. Again, I must have one or more men of keen intelligence." "But neither Colcord nor Bates is a scientist!" "That is not at all necessary," was the composed reply. "I am the scientist." "And Nick the victim," flashed Evelyn Colcord. "Well, I most decidedly and unalterably object, Professor Simec." "Your husband and Mr. Bates, inspired by humanitarian motives, named a condition under which they would _give_--not risk--their lives. I meet their condition, at least so far as it lies within human agency to do.... Of course they can withdraw their offer--" Bates, who had left his seat and was walking up and down the room, turned suddenly, standing over the scientist with upraised hand. "Simec, I withdraw right here. I'm no fool. The whole spirit of this--this situation is not in keeping with the original idea. Not at all. Whether you are joking, serious, or simply insane, I'm out. Try it on yourself." "I have already assumed great risks. In furtherance of my device--which, as you may imagine, will have far-reaching effects--I must survive, if I can." Evelyn, who had suppressed an exclamation of approval of Arnold Bates's stanch words, turned to her husband. His jaws were bulging at the corners, his eyes alight. In a species of panic she tried to speak but could not. "And you, Colcord?" Simec's colorless delivered question came as from afar. Colcord had arisen and was staring at the inventor with the face of one exalted.