“I regret that they died. They were valuable men. But my work must go on — it is more important than human life, although I have never demanded a sacrifice.”
“I am willing,” answered Harry.
The professor rummaged in the drawer of the desk. He brought out a typewritten sheet of paper, and passed it across to Harry.
The document proved to be an agreement, stating that the undersigned contracted to work for Professor Whitburn, and assumed all responsibility for any accidents that might befall in the course of his labors.
While Harry was reading the paper, the professor pressed a buzzer once; then twice. Just as Harry had completed his perusal of the agreement, two men entered the room. They were the same men whom Harry had seen before.
Professor Whitburn pointed to Harry, and then to the man with the beard.
“Vincent,” he said, “this is Crawford.”
The bearded man nodded.
“Vincent, this is Stokes.”
Without further ado, he handed a pen across the desk. Harry took it and signed the document. Stokes and Crawford applied their names as witnesses.