A quick examination disclosed that the formula had been taken. "How long would it take to manufacture a sufficient quantity for space travel?" asked the Under-Secretary.
"A week, ten days perhaps. The ingredients are relatively simple and easily obtained."
"A clamp has been set around the entire area with orders to shoot anyone leaving," the general informed them sourly. "Although I think that everything was arranged from the inside."
"Explain yourself, General," ordered the grim-faced Under-Secretary.
"Well, even though I was never informed in detail concerning the safeguards surrounding this inner sanctum—" he snapped the last two words, "at least I could see that it would require someone with a special knowledge to enter. Correct?" The last was directed at Stone.
"That's right," affirmed the other. "Donald and myself are the only ones with the special keys I designed and constructed. They're made of several alloys and, when inserted in the outside slot, a spectroscope determines whether or not it's the correct key. Even a minor deviation in the alloys would sound an alarm."
"And only your assistant and you have possession of the two keys in existence?"
A curt nod of the head was his only reply so, in louder tones he demanded, "Then I'd like to see both keys right now, since this is a matter involving security of an Earth secret. One that should've been entrusted to me long ago."
Stone instantly had his in sight and all eyes swung to Don who was fumbling in his pockets. "I had it earlier in the day," he mumbled in a low voice. At last he had to admit that he didn't have the key. Men sent to investigate his room reported that neither was it there.