"We found the manuscript, Mr. Donovan," the secretary told him brightly, looking twice at the flushed, handsome face.
Donovan stepped into O'Sloane's office. Practically nothing had been touched as yet, for one of the staff editors had just begun to sort a pile of stacked papers from several cabinets. Donovan recognized the original manuscript of "Turn Backward, O Time!" upon the desk, and hurriedly skimmed through the pages. The description was intact, and while he could not remember why such a machine would work, he knew that it could be built and he could escape.
With a sigh he pocketed the manuscript and introduced himself to the young editor who would probably succeed O'Sloane upon his death.
"Oh yes," the editor with the curious thin smile said, "I have heard quite a bit about you, and have been waiting a long time for this meeting. We've met before, you know."
"Really?" Donovan said. The face did appear familiar, but he could not recall the occasion.
"My name is Edel W. Crane, C.D."
Donovan felt a cold tremor of fear shake his body.
He moistened his lips.
"What do the letters C.D. stand for?"