"Ridiculous!"
"I did," stated Paul flatly. "And so I am telling you because I feel that you should have some opportunity to protect yourself."
"I need no protection."
"You have always defended your theory viciously. You have never permitted the merest possibility that you could be wrong. I have proof, now."
"Impossible."
"I have," said Paul. "And I intend to show it. So, if you care to make any statements which will change your previous attitude, do so."
Haedaecker looked at Paul queerly. "Just what would you recommend?" he asked.
Paul smiled. "If I were you," he said, "I would accept the defeat of your theory graciously."
"Indeed."
Paul made an exasperated noise. "I'm only trying to save your embarrassment—"