He came from behind his desk and led Ed Bronson to the hallway door. He opened the door and stepped back, permitting Ed to go first. Ed found himself in a short hallway and started down it uncertainly. The sergeant followed him until he reached the proper door.
"In there, Mr. Bronson," he said.
Bronson did not make particular note of the fact that the desk sergeant had at no time been with his back to Ed. He opened the door and found himself facing an elderly wise-looking man who had the appearance of having seen, heard, and experienced, either first-hand or vicariously, every item of trouble, grief and sin in the list.
"Captain Norris, this is Mr. Bronson. He has a bit of trouble. Thought you'd best hear about it."
"Sit down, Mr. Bronson, and tell me about it," replied Captain Norris easily.
"Well, sir, in the first place, I am an electronics specialist. It's—"
"A scientist of some sort, is that it?"
Ed nodded. "Most of us shy away from the name 'scientist' but that's about it," he said. "So you're a scientist?" smiled Norris.
"Yes. And I was experimenting on a bit of radioisotopic phosphor, hoping to make a better, more brilliant television picture."
"Has this all got to do with the people who are breaking into your home?" asked Norris.