Part 4 (1/2)
”And--thank you--thank you very much.”
After Joshua had left, Lee Gorman pondered one of those last words. If they contained any bitterness, it was well hidden. ”A strange man,”
Gorman muttered. ”A very strange man.”
If that const.i.tuted a weak moment on the part of Lee Gorman, his dikes were repaired well in time to present a hostile front....
”This twelve thousand to American Chemical--what are you doing--running an experimental laboratory on the side. I won't pay it.”
”I've never questioned Coving's judgment in these matters, Lee. He's done brilliant work for us. The man has to have materials to work with.”
”Well, you certainly should have questioned him. He's been satisfying every whim of curiosity that pops into his mind. Send the stuff back.”
”But that would be fatal to the project. The fuel _must_ be power-charged to safely handle the weight and time quotients. Coving can't work with salt and baking soda.”
”I don't care what he works with. Cut three thousand off that bill.”
”Very well, Lee.”
A man and his dream....
”This payroll's out of all reason. Cut fifteen men off immediately.”
”I'll see what I can do.”
”Cut fifteen men off immediately.”
”Of course.”
”Here's a check for the interest on the last note. Take it over to the bank.”
”Yes, Lee.”
Joshua Lake came and went as directed. He stood with his hat in his hand, took orders, carried them out. His shoulders drooped a little more; his face became more pinched; he retreated deeper and deeper into himself.
But as the days went on, his eyes brightened and there was a breathlessness in his expression when he turned his face to the sky.
Some three months after the day Joshua walked into Lee's office, the latter said, ”The four men who are going with the rocket. You've selected them?”
”Yes. They're waiting for the day. It was a long slow process, selecting the best equipped men.”
”Bring them here tomorrow afternoon.”
”I'll check with them. If they all can't make it, would a later date--?”
”I said tomorrow. See to it they _can_ make it.”
”Yes, Lee.”
Joshua brought the four young men to Lee Gorman's office the following day. Lee had a buffet table set up. He was the smiling, genial, expansive host. ”Sit down gentlemen. I'm glad of this opportunity to meet you.”