Krome got it immediately too. But, like other people who live by their wits, my reflexes were faster. I said smoothly, “Mr. Krome and I have just been giving the suit a tryout, and he invited me along to the conference.” I beamed sideways at Krome. “He finds all the claims allowable, and my client stands prepared to license the Secretary of Defense to manufacture, at a very reasonable royalty, any and all--” “But--” sputtered Krome. “Mr. Krome has applied to most stringent tests.” I continued hurriedly as I sidled over toward the encased, protesting figure. And in patting him jovially on the back, I somehow brushed against the mike button, chopping off the torrent in mid-cascade. “Oops, how careless of me! Oh, well, Mr. Krome will tell you himself, as soon as I get the helmet off.” “How long will that take?” demanded General Bond. “Not more than three or four hours,” I said. “If it doesn’t jam.” “Can’t wait.” He turned curtly to the Commissioner. “Phone me the patent number as soon as the application is passed to issue.” “Yes, sir,” the Commissioner replied. “And you, Mr. Saddle,” said the general sternly, “had better inform Dr. Marchare about the penalties of profiteering against his government. We’ll give him a trial order for ten thousand suits, but if he holds out for more than five thousand dollars per suit, we’ll seize the patent by Eminent Domain.” “I suppose the good doctor won’t mind taking a loss on a small trial order,” I said reluctantly, “But, of course, on a mass scale, my client would at least have to make expenses, particularly if he adds certain improved features.” “Hey, wait a minute,” declared the Commissioner. “There’s something funny about this. Look at Krome. Tears are pouring down his cheeks!” “I’m sure that’s sweat.” I mopped my face hurriedly. “It’s warm in here too, isn’t it? Dr. Marchare intends to air-condition the suit. That’ll bring it up to an even six thousand.” “Five thousand five hundred,” clipped the general. I hesitated a moment. “You’re a hard man, general,” I sighed. “But--all right, five thousand five hundred it is.” And I led Krome out of the room. Transcriber’s note: This etext was produced from Fantastic Universe, November 1955 (Vol. 4, No. 4.). Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. Obvious errors have been silently corrected in this version, but minor inconsistencies have been retained as printed.