Moistening his lips, Harker rose and took his place in the spotlight. Brewster gave place to Dixon, for which Harker was thankful; the American-Conservative Senators had a way of conducting hearings as if they were representatives of the Spanish Inquisition.
Dixon said, "Would you tell us how you became affiliated with the Beller outfit, Mr. Harker?"
"I was approached by Dr. Lurie of Beller," Harker said. "I had retired to private law practice after conclusion of my term as Governor of New York State. Dr. Lurie requested me to handle the legal aspects of reanimation."
"Ah. How long have you been connected with Beller, then?"
"Dr. Lurie first approached me on May 8. Roughly three weeks ago, Senator Dixon."
"And you have acted as spokesman for the laboratory since May 8?"
"No sir. My first public statement for Beller appeared on May 20. It was occasioned by the premature and unauthorized release of information to the public by Dr. Klaus and our then public-relations agent, Mr. Mitchison. This was the act of insubordination for which they were dismissed from the laboratory."
"You infer that the first public announcement of the Beller reanimation experiments was made without your consent or knowledge?"
"That's right, sir."
"Why did you intend to maintain continued secrecy?"