Page 43 (1/2)

“You bought tickets,” said Bell “You paidpictures That proves there’s a de about is too expensive Marion says a typical Actologue co the er, and actors to imitate the parts behind the screen That sa Pictures machines could be distributed to a thousand theaters at once Film reels don’t eat, don’t sleep, and don’t de pan factory that doesn’t need to pay work pans automatically”

Van Dorn, as hard-nosed and tightfisted a business to pay labor “You are very persuasive, Isaac When you put it that way, you ”

The savvy founder of the detective agency stroked his chin, ruminated silently, and fiddled absently with his candlestick telephone and his speaking tube “But Professor Beiderbecke is dead Can Clyde Lynds reproduce Talking Pictures without him?”

“Beiderbecke claimed Clyde is smart as a whip The German Army believes he can So do the German consuls”

“I find it hard to believe the kaiser’s ar this hard just for the money”

“I agree,” said Bell “They’re not business more to this”

Van Dorn nodded vigorously “Find out what,” he ordered “Continue to watch developments at the New York consulate I’ll nose around here in Washington”

“Why not invite the German ambassador to lunch at the Cosmos Club?”

“I’ll do it toet your hopes up His Excellency is not likely to be informed of such a vicious operation, particularly if it’s a military scheme”

“Will you give Art a free hand in Berlin?”

“Yes, yes, yes,” Van Dorn growled, reluctantly

“I’d rather he didn’t waste tih you”

Van Dorn grimaced “OK, dammit You’re authorized to spend what you need”

“Don’t worry Art won’t squander a penny”

“Just reure out what the Gerenius is already in their crosshairs Keep hiht now?”