"At least you could try,” snapped Grant.
"Now, wait,” Chambers snapped back. “You seem to forget Dr. Craven is one of the best scientists in the world today. I'm relying on him."
Craven smiled. “I can't do anything with what Page and Manning have, but I might try something of my own."
"By all means do so,” urged Chambers. He turned to Grant. “I observed you have carried out the plans we laid. Martian Irrigation hit a new low today."
Grant grinned. “It was easy. Just a hint here and there to the right people."
Chambers looked down at his hands, slowly closing into fists. “We have to stop them some way, any way at all. Keep up the rumors. We'll make it impossible for Greg Manning to finance this new invention. We'll take away every last dollar he has."
He glared at the publicity man. “You understand?"
"Yes, sir,” said Grant, “I understand perfectly."
"All right,” said Chambers. “And your job, Craven, is to either develop what Page has found or find something we can use in competition."
Craven growled angrily. “What happens if your damn rumors can't ruin Manning? What if I can't find anything?"