"I did that, yes," said Olduk quietly. "Many people will die. Tantalus, yes? But there is a Tantalus on Mars, too."
The iron-gray man struck him harshly across the mouth.
"How did you do it?" he rasped.
"A water-tight ship lies buried ten miles beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. A simple radio signal started the mechanism that eventually released the force."
"What force?"
"The force that will make it impossible for people of Earth to drink, honorable sir."
"What signal will make the mechanism stop?" Again Olduk was struck across the face, harshly, brutally. A thin yellow ichor started to run down Olduk's impassive face.
"The signal is known only to my people on Mars. Thus it was arranged."
"You're a liar, Olduk!"
The man lit a cigar, and while the Speaker turned away, sickened, he brought it closer to Olduk, meanwhile talking rapidly.