"Then what I have to say may interest all of you. Although my proof isn't positive, it comes close enough for me."
"Let's get to the point," demanded Don.
General Adams rocked back on his heels, then with satisfaction stated, "It so happens that I ordered a thorough security check on each of you in this house. You for instance," jutting his chin to indicate Don, "were rather hard to check completely since the orphanage in which your records were kept was completely destroyed by fire. Other than that, everyone was found to be in order."
"Thank you," said Don, sarcastically.
The interruption was ignored. "Dr. Stone's life was easy to check and, ah, rather routine. Nothing out of the ordinary. His daughter now," he licked his lips; "there's another matter and quite interesting."
A quick glance by Don at his employer disclosed that Stone's scientist's face was white. The general had paused for the effect of his words to penetrate then, rather disappointed at the waiting silence, continued.
"We found no birth record for Shiela, Dr. Stone; can you explain that?"
"It was lost in the confusion of my wife's untimely death ten years ago."
"But there's not even a record in the courthouse; how do you account for that?"