“I am not.”
“Then kindly do not inject yourself into our negotiations.”
“The young man raises an interesting point,” Mr. Johnson interposed, frowning thoughtfully. “Perhaps we should have a land demonstration before I pay over the money.”
“So you doubt my honesty?” the professor demanded.
“Not at all. It’s only that I must be very careful before I purchase such an expensive machine. I must satisfy myself that it will do everything you claim for it.”
“You have just witnessed a successful demonstration. What more do you ask?”
“A successful water test,” Salt remarked softly, “does not necessarily mean a successful land test.”
“I think we should have a land test,” Mr. Johnson decided. “If you convince me that the machine will work equally well under such circumstances, I will write the check instantly.”
“A land test is impossible,” the professor said stiffly.
“But why?” inquired Mr. Johnson.