The robot did not move.
"Herman, go to the laboratory," said Maugham in a firm clear voice.
Still no move.
He remembered abruptly that he had given Herman this order before when Harrigan was still in the house. Apparently then Herman had not obeyed the order at that time. Something was wrong with the auditory mechanism.
He came back to the robot's side and tried once more. Herman's mechanical arms came up, his fingers opened and closed on Maugham's arm. He held him immobile.
"Stop!" commanded Maugham angrily.
Herman held on.
"Put me down," said Maugham.
Herman released him. His arms once again fell laxly to his sides. He stood there, unblinking, apparently waiting upon his next command.
"Go to the laboratory," said Maugham again.