Я, Робот
Evidence
"Nowwait,"snarledLanning,"Iam–notquitethefoolbothofyoumakemeouttobe.IamnotinterestedintheproblemofMr.Byerley’shumanityornonhumanity.Iaminterestingettingthecorporationoutofahole.ApublicmealwillendthematterandkeepitendednomatterwhatQuinndoes.Wecanleavethefinerdetailstolawyersandrobopsychologists."
"But,Dr.Lanning,"saidByerley,"youforgetthepoliticsofthesituation.IamasanxioustobeelectedasQuinnistostopme.Bytheway,didyounoticethatyouusedhisname?It’sacheapshystertrickofmine;Iknewyouwould,beforeyouwerethrough."
Lanningflushed,"Whathastheelectiontodowithit?"
"Publicityworksbothways,sir.IfQuinnwantstocallmearobot,andhasthenervetodoso,Ihavethenervetoplaythegamehisway."
"Youmeanyou-"Lanningwasquitefranklyappalled.
"Exactly.ImeanthatI’mgoingtolethimgoahead,choosehisrope,testitsstrength,cutofftherightlength,tiethenoose,inserthisheadandgrin.Icandowhatlittleelseisrequired."
"Youaremightyconfident."
SusanCalvinrosetoherfeet,"Come,Alfred,wewon’tchangehismindforhim."
"Yousee."Byerleysmiledgently."You’reahumanpsychologist,too."
ButperhapsnotalltheconfidencethatDr.LanninghadremarkeduponwaspresentthateveningwhenByerley’scarparkedontheautomatictreadsleadingtothesunkengarage,
andByerleyhimselfcrossedthepathtothefrontdoorofhishouse.
Thefigureinthewheelchairlookedupasheenteredandsmiled.
