“There is,” O’Connor said, “a point of diminishing returns. But I do see your point, Mr. Malone.” He thought for a second. “It might just be possible,” he said. “At least theoretically. But it would take a great deal of mental co-ordination among the participants. They would have to be telepathic themselves, for one thing.”
“Why?” Malone said, feeling stupid.
“Because they would have to mesh their thoughts closely enough to direct them properly and at the correct time.” O’Connor nodded. “But, given that, I imagine that it could be done.”
“Wonderful,” Malone said.
“However,” O’Connor said, apparently glad to throw even a little cold water on the notion, “it could not be done for very long periods of time, you realize.”
“Sure,” Malone said happily.
“By the way, Mr. Malone,” O’Connor said. “Does this have anything to do with the hypothesis you presented to me some time ago? Mass hypnotism, as I recall—”
“No,” Malone said. “I’ve given that idea up for good. I think this is being done on an individual basis—working on one person at a time.” Then another idea hit him. “You say these people would have to be telepaths?”
“That’s right,” O’Connor said.
“Then wouldn’t Her Majesty know about them? If they’re telepaths? Or is there some kind of a mind shield or something that a telepath could work out?”