"I find that your laboratory has been changing the circuits without having previously informed me of the proposed change," complained Kingman. "I feel that I am within my rights in removing the tubes brought here. Your investigations have not been sanctioned—" He looked out through the air lock. "What are you doing out there?"
"We have just succeeded in taking power from the sun," said Don. He tried to keep his voice even, but the exultation was too high in him, and his voice sounded like sheer joy.
"You have been—" Kingman did a double-take. "You what?" he yelled.
"Have succeeded in tapping Sol for power."
"Why, that's wonderful!"
"Thank you," said Don. "You will no doubt be glad to hear that Wes Farrell was instrumental in this program."
"Then a certain part of the idea is rightfully the property of Terran Electric," said Kingman.
"I'm afraid not," said Don. "Dr. Farrell's assistance was not requested. Though his contribution was of great value, it was given freely. He was not solicited. Therefore, since Terran Electric was not consulted formally, Dr. Farrell's contribution to our solar power beam can not be considered as offering a hold on our discovery."
"This is true, Dr. Farrell?"
"I'm afraid so. You see, I saw what was going on and became interested, academically. I naturally offered a few minor suggestions in somewhat the same manner as a motorist will stop and offer another motorist assistance in changing a tire. The problem was interesting to me and as a problem, it did not seem to me—"