"Now that I know his name I know," said Doctor Velikof. "He works with you."
"That's right."
"However, I'd have preferred it otherwise. Yet he is here," said Velikof in a resigned tone.
"You can be sure that your secret is safe with him."
"This I am sure of," nodded the Russian quickly. "Yet the best of intentions sometimes—you understand? I have no lack of faith in you, Doctor Mangler; in fact I'd have been most happy to meet you under other circumstances. But like most questions of security, the safest secret is one which is not labelled secret, and which is known only to the absolute minority."
Mangler nodded. "I know very well how this thing can affect you. Have no fear; I'm here only as a curious physicist who wants to see the first machine in operation—a machine that apparently does what cannot be done."
"I'll be glad to show it to you," said Velikof smoothly. To Newton he said: "Everything is ready?"
"Of course," nodded Newton. He reached into an inside pocket and produced an envelope which he handed to Velikof. "Sorry that it must be in certified check, Doctor Velikof."
"I understand; it is as sound as cash."
"I assure you it is."