# VI: The Object-Compass at Work explained — The Skylark of Space

> Chapter companion for The Skylark of Space by E. E. Smith.

## What happens

Prescott, Seaton, and Crane discuss the mysterious burglary. Prescott is stumped, but Seaton suspects DuQuesne. Meanwhile, DuQuesne, Brookings, and Perkins plot to kidnap Dorothy Vaneman to force Seaton and Crane to surrender their secret solution, and also discuss the ongoing Margaret Spencer affair.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Corruption

DuQuesne, Brookings, and Perkins conspire to kidnap and murder to secure a monopoly on the new metal.

### Scientific Discovery and Innovation

The secret solution and space-car plans are central to the plot, representing advanced technology.

## Character check-ins

### Richard Seaton

Suspects DuQuesne of the burglary and is determined to protect his discovery.

### Martin Crane

Discusses the burglary with Prescott and Seaton; cautious about the reward's effectiveness.

### Dorothy Vaneman

Target of DuQuesne's kidnapping plot to leverage against Seaton.

### Marc DuQuesne

Plans to kidnap Dorothy Vaneman and use a space-car to force Seaton to surrender the solution.

### Brookings

Conspires with DuQuesne and Perkins to obtain the solution and eliminate threats.

### Perkins

Crafty strategist who suggests using Dorothy as leverage; involved in the Spencer affair.

## Key lines

> I would like to think it was DuQuesne, but I'm afraid we'll have to count him out of it entirely. He has been under the constant surveillance of my best men ever since you mentioned him.

Prescott dismisses Seaton's suspicion of DuQuesne, citing constant surveillance.

_Prescott's confidence in his surveillance is misplaced, as DuQuesne is indeed involved._

> We must get a handle on either Seaton or Crane strong enough to make them give up their bottle of dope, their plans, and everything...

Perkins proposes finding a leverage point to force Seaton and Crane to surrender their secret.

_Perkins suggests using personal connections, specifically Dorothy, as leverage._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/chapters/vi-the-object-compass-at-work
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/chapters