"But it is a fact, gentlemen, that should I die, my discoveries would be lost. I do not say forever — for what one has learned, another may learn. But I do say that there is no other man alive who could duplicate what you have seen tonight!"
There was no braggadocio in Murdock's manner as he looked about the group. He had the air of a man who has stated a simple fact. This was not lost upon the visitors. They knew that they had heard the truth.
Doctor Savette advanced with out-stretched hand. Clark Murdock received his clasp.
"Let me congratulate you, Mr. Murdock," said the physician. "This is the most remarkable demonstration that I have ever witnessed. I predict the highest success. You have proven the value of your discoveries."
The man who had harnessed the atom beamed at these words of approval. The others of the group were visibly impressed by Doctor Savette's enthusiasm.
"My only regret," declared Doctor Savette, "is that I must leave you now. This second telephone call was more urgent than the first that I received tonight. I shall look forward to your next demonstration with eagerness, Mr. Murdock."
Good night, doctor," said Murdock warmly. "It has been a privilege to have you here. Upon your next visit, I shall show you how atomic energy works. By then I expect to have a globe of steel in which the atoms will explode to furnish driving power which can be utilized."
Doctor Savette shook hands with the other men in the group and left the laboratory. Murdock continued with his discussion; then evidenced that his demonstrations were finished for the night.
He ushered his guests from the laboratory.
"I shall continue to work tonight," he said as the visitors departed. "I work best when I am alone." Back in his laboratory, Clark Murdock sat down and smiled thoughtfully. He was pleased with tonight's results. Doctor Savette had been commending. Lamont Cranston and the others who had gone with him had also expressed their approval.