"Messrs. Baler and Carroll sold their discovery to Terran Electric outright. We have an iron-bound patent on the device and/or any developments of the device. We hold absolute control over the transmission tube, and therefore may dictate all terms on which it is to be used." "I understand. You know, of course, that our interest in the transmission tube is purely academic." "I have been told that. We're not too certain that we approve. Our laboratories are capable of any investigation you may desire, and we prefer that such investigations be conducted under our supervision." "We are not going to encroach on your power rights," explained Channing. "Naturally," said Kingman in a parsimonious manner. "But should you develop a new use for the device, we shall have to demand that we have complete rights." "Isn't that a bit high-handed?" asked Don. "We think not. It is our right." "You're trained technically?" asked Don. "Not at all. I am a lawyer, not an engineer. Dr. Farrell will take care of the technical aspects of the device." "And in looking out for your interests, what will you require?" "Daily reports from your group. Daily conferences with your legal department. These reports should be prepared prior to the day's work so that I may discuss with the legal department the right of Terran Electric to permit or disapprove the acts." "You understand that there may be a lot of times when something discovered at ten o'clock may change the entire program by ten oh six?" "That may be," said Kingman, "but my original statements must be adhered to, otherwise I am authorized to remove the devices from your possession. I will go this far, however; if you discover something that will change your program for the day, I will then call an immediate conference which should hurry your program instead of waiting until the following morning for the decision." "Thanks," said Channing dryly. "First, may we take X-ray prints of the devices?" "No. Terran Electric will furnish you with blueprints which we consider suitable." Kingman paused for a moment. "I shall expect the complete program of tomorrow's experiments by five o'clock this evening." Kingman left, and Wes Farrell smiled uncertainly. "Shall we begin making the list?" "Might as well," said Channing. "But, how do you lay out a complete experimental program for twelve hours ahead?" "It's a new one on me, too," said Farrell. "Well, come on. I'll get Walt Franks, and we'll begin." "I wonder if it might not be desirable for Kingman to sit in on these program-settings?" said Channing, after a moment of staring at the page before him. "I suggested that to him. He said 'No.' He prefers his information in writing." Walt came in on the last words. Channing brought Franks up to date and Walt said: "But why should he want a written program if he's going to disallow certain ideas?"