"So the transistors may have been missing for some time?"
"They could have been missing since the last requisition, exactly nineteen days ago. But they probably were stolen during the Viking shoot."
"Is the warehouse guarded?"
"No. A clerk is on duty at all times when the warehouse is open. At night it's locked. There was no sign of tampering, and anyway, the locks are tamper-proof."
Scotty said warningly, "Company coming." Then, in a louder voice, he continued, "Of course we worked for Dr. Zircon."
"Very capable man, Zircon," Gordon said, taking Scotty's cue. "We could use him here. Any idea where he is now?"
"No, sir," Rick replied. "We haven't seen him since we left Spindrift."
At the door of the mess hall Gordon left them with a polite handshake, explaining that he had to eat with someone else by previous arrangement.
During dinner Rick thought over the events of the day. But not until the meal was ended and he and Scotty wandered on foot toward the edge of camp could he put his idea into words.
"This business today puts a new light on the Earthman, Scotty."