This was becoming a problem, one that would rapidly get worse if things didn't change soon. It was this problem that Blade and J were discussing as they walked down the corridor.

«The total value of what you've brought back in gold and jewels and the like is adding up quite admirably,» said J. «The grand total is now over three million pounds.»

«That's not enough to cover the whole cost of the Project, is it?» asked Blade. He knew that he should take more interest in the budgetary and administrative side of the Project. He had never been an office type, though, or able to concern himself very much with even the most essential paperwork details.

«No. The total investment in the Project since we started is about eleven million. But what you've brought back has helped keep us within what the Prime Minister's Special Fund can absorb.»

«I imagine the Prime Minister is happy about that.»

«Not happy,» said J. «Not at the moment. He's reasonably satisfied with the financial end of the affair, and otherwise-well, Leighton's submitted another report.»

«And put his foot in it again?» The scientist had a long-standing habit of conceiving and proposing large additions to the Project and its budget at the drop of a hat, without bothering in the least about minor details of trained manpower or financing.

«If you mean, has Lord Leighton made some new and expensive proposals in his report-yes, he has. This time he's sat down and drawn up a comprehensive scheme for the Project for the next three years, covering long-lead time purchases, contingency planning, everything. I hadn't imagined that he had such a grasp of planning techniques.»

J sounded genuinely impressed, rather than exasperated as he usually was by Lord Leighton's proposals. «You sound as though you're supporting him, sir,» said Blade.

«I am,» said J. «Or at least I would be, if it would do any good. Leighton's done a fine job. He hasn't asked for anything we shouldn't have had years ago.»