ouldn't find out,
of course. And the inability to find out naturally gave his imagination
the widest latitude. His most persistent theory involved an atomic
powered rocket capable of knocking the Russians' manned satellites out
of space. The Russians were still ahead of everyone and their latest
satellites were heavily armed. As usual they were lording it over the
rest of the world. And the rest of the world had not come up with an
effective answer to this challenge.

Harry closed the folder. He glanced at a list of technical schools. He
would call each of them and ask them to submit a list of lab
technicians. He would also look over the field of technicians still left
in private enterprise.

The intercom buzzed.

"What is it, Miss Conway?"

"Miss Ralston is here."

"Who is Miss Ralston?"

"She has an appointment with you."

"An appointment!" Harry was baffled. "Who made it?"

"I did. I guess I forgot to tell you."

Harry closed his eyes and counted to ten. "Thank you, Miss Conway. Will
you step into my office for a moment?" He tried to control his mounting
anger.

She breezed into the office.

"Now, Miss Conway, will you please tell me who is this Miss Ralston?"

"She operates 'Ralston Personnel Consultants'. I think she wants to talk
to you about the replacement for George Fisher. You know, the one who
died."

"Yes, yes, I know. And _you_ know, Miss Conway, we don't do business
through agencies."

"Oh, Miss Ralston doesn't run an agency. She told me. Her business is
much more exclusive than that. She handles very highly specialized
people. That's the reason why ..."

"I know. That's why you gave her an appointment with me," said the
exasperated personnel director. "Well, you can go right back out and
tell her I've canceled the appointment. This is a security job we're
filling and ..."

* * * * *

Before Harry could utter another syllable his attention was drawn to the
doorway. The view to the outer office was blocked by a bundle of curves.
The most alluring female bombshell his eyes had ever beheld put
everything important out of his mind.

"I didn't realize you were being so inconvenienced, Mr. Payne. I'm
terribly sorry." Her eyes drooped. "I can take my business elsewhere."
Miss Ralston's voice was just above a half whisper. The words came out
warm and intoxicating.

"No, wait! Wait a minute, Miss Ralston." Harry was out of his chair and
at the door. He took