Diavilev tried to relax. He put a cigarette into his mouth and lighted it, but as usual the heated gasses did not rise and the cigarette put itself out. Diavilev did not notice. Before he could think, before he could even begin to realize the thought that was forming in his mind, Krylov was beside him, speaking with restrained exultation.
"Were you successful?"
Diavilev looked up shakily.
"Yes."
"You will check your figures, of course."
"They are accurate."
"Doubtless. But you will check them. When you are certain that there is no possibility of error, you will be given your final work. I will not tell you that until you have finished here, since what we plan may affect the clarity of your thinking. That must not happen."
Diavilev could not stop the question.
"What are you going to do?"
"You will know when there is a need. Your figures must be accurate."