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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Astounding Stories of Super-Science, March 1930 + +Author: Various + +Release Date: August 4, 2009 [EBook #29607] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ASTOUNDING STORIES, MARCH 1930 *** + + + + +Produced by Greg Weeks, Katherine Ward, and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class='figtag'> +<a name='linki_1' id='linki_1'></a> +</div> +<div class='figcenter'> +<img src='images/cover.jpg' alt='' title='' width='360' height='526' /><br /> +</div> +<h1>ASTOUNDING<br />STORIES<br />OF SUPER-SCIENCE</h1> +<p class='center smaller'><i>On Sale the First Thursday of Each Month</i></p> +<table summary="masthead2" width="100%"> + <col width="30%" /> + <col width="40%" /> + <col width="30%" /> + <tr> + <td align="left">W. M. CLAYTON, Publisher</td> + <td class="center">HARRY BATES, Editor</td> + <td align="right">DOUGLAS M. DOLD, Consulting Editor</td> + </tr> +</table> +<div class='figtag'> +<a name='linki_2' id='linki_2'></a> +</div> +<div class='figleft' style='width:99px'> +<img src='images/146.png' alt='' title='' width='99' height='200' /><br /> +</div> +<blockquote class="smaller"> +<p>The Clayton Standard on a Magazine Guarantees:</p> +<p><i>That</i> the stories therein are clean, interesting, vivid; by leading writers of the day and purchased +under conditions approved by the Authors’ League of America;</p> +<p><i>That</i> such magazines are manufactured in Union shops by American workmen;</p> +<p><i>That</i> each newsdealer and agent is insured a fair profit;</p> +<p><i>That</i> an intelligent censorship guards their advertising pages.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<div class="center"> +<p><i>The other Clayton magazines are</i>:</p> +<p>ACE-HIGH MAGAZINE, RANCH ROMANCES, COWBOY STORIES, CLUES, FIVE-NOVELS +MONTHLY, WIDE WORLD ADVENTURES, ALL STAR DETECTIVE STORIES, FLYERS, +RANGELAND LOVE STORY MAGAZINE, SKY-HIGH LIBRARY MAGAZINE, +WESTERN ADVENTURES, MISS 1930, and FOREST AND STREAM</p> +</div></blockquote> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='center'><i>More Than Two Million Copies Required to Supply the Monthly Demand for Clayton Magazines.</i></p> +<hr class='mini' /> +<div style="margin-bottom:1em"> +<table summary="masthead" width="100%"> + <col width="30%" /> + <col width="45%" /> + <col width="25%" /> + <tr> + <td align="left">VOL. I, No. 3</td> + <td class="center larger">CONTENTS</td> + <td align="right">MARCH, 1930</td> + </tr> +</table> +</div> + +<table summary="TOC" width="100%"> + <col width="45%" /> + <col width="45%" /> + <col width="10%" /> + <tr> + <td>COVER DESIGN</td> + <td>H. W. WESSOLOWSKI</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td colspan="2" class="toc_desc hang1st"><i>Painted in Water-colors from a Scene in “Brigands of the Moon.”</i></td> + </tr> + +<tr><td>COLD LIGHT</td><td>CAPTAIN S. P. MEEK</td><td align="right"><a href="#COLD_LIGHT">295</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2" class="toc_desc hang1st"><i>How Could a Human Body Be Found Actually Splintered––Broken +into Sharp Fragments Like a Shattered Glass! Once Again Dr. Bird +Probes Deep into an Amazing Mystery.</i></td></tr> + +<tr><td>BRIGANDS OF THE MOON</td><td>RAY CUMMINGS</td><td align="right"><a href="#BRIGANDS_OF_THE_MOON_THE_BOOK_OF_GREGG_HALJAN_BEGINNING_A_FOURPART_NOVEL">306</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2" class="toc_desc hang1st"><i>Black Mutiny and Brigandage Stalk the Space-ship Planetara as +She Speeds to the Moon to Pick Up a Fabulously Rich Cache of +Radium-ore.</i></td></tr> + +<tr><td>THE SOUL MASTER</td><td>WILL SMITH AND R. J. ROBBINS</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_SOUL_MASTER">350</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2" class="toc_desc hang1st"><i>Desperately O’Hara Plunged into Prof. Kell’s Mysterious Mansion. +For His Friend Skip Was the Victim of the Eccentric Scientist’s +De-astralizing Experiment, and Faced a Fate More Hideous than +Death.</i></td></tr> + +<tr><td>FROM THE OCEAN’S DEPTHS</td><td>SEWELL PEASLEE WRIGHT</td><td align="right"><a href="#FROM_THE_OCEANS_DEPTHS">376</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2" class="toc_desc hang1st"><i>Man Came from the Sea. Mercer, by His Thought-telegraph, Learns +from the Weirdly Beautiful Ocean-maiden of a Branch that Returned +There.</i></td></tr> + +<tr><td>VANDALS OF THE STARS</td><td>A. T. LOCKE</td><td align="right"><a href="#VANDALS_OF_THE_STARS">390</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2" class="toc_desc hang1st"><i>A Livid Flame Flares Across Space––and Over Manhattan Hovers +Teuxical, Vassal of Malfero, Lord of the Universe, Who Comes with +Ten Thousand Warriors to Ravage and Subjugate One More Planet for +His Master.</i></td></tr> +</table> + +<div class="smaller"> +<table summary="masthead" width="100%"> + <col width="55%" /> + <col width="35%" /> + <tr> + <td align="left">Single Copies, 20 Cents (In Canada, 25 Cents)</td> + <td align="right">Yearly Subscription, $2.00</td> + </tr> +</table> +</div> + +<p>Issued monthly by Publishers’ Fiscal Corporation, 80 Lafayette St., New York, N. Y. W. M. Clayton, President; +Nathan Goldmann, Secretary. Application for entry as second-class mail pending at the Post Office at +New York under Act of March 3, 1879. Application for registration of title as Trade Mark pending in the +U. S. Patent Office. Member Newsstand Group––Men’s List. For advertising rates address E. R. Crowe & Co., +Inc., 25 Vanderbilt Ave., New York; or 225 North Michigan Ave., Chicago.</p> +<hr class='toprule' /> +<div class='chsp'> +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_295' name='page_295'></a>295</span> +<a name='COLD_LIGHT' id='COLD_LIGHT'></a> +<h2>Cold Light</h2> +</div> +<p class='authorhdr'><i>By Capt. S. P. Meek</i></p> +<div class='figtag'> +<a name='linki_3' id='linki_3'></a> +</div> +<div class='figcenter'> +<img src='images/i295.jpg' alt='' title='' width='500' height='396' /><br /> +<p class='caption'> +“<i>The bodies had broken into pieces, as though they had been made of glass.</i>”<br /> +</p> +</div> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">C</span><span class="dcap">onfound</span> it, Carnes, I am +on my vacation!”</p> +<p>“I know it, Doctor, and I +hate to disturb you, but I +felt that I simply had to. I have one +of the weirdest cases on my hands that +I have ever been +mixed up in and +I think that you’ll +forgive me for +calling you when +I tell you about +it.”</p> +<p class='sidebarright'>How could a human body be found +actually splintered––broken into sharp +fragments like a shattered glass! Once +again Dr. Bird probes deep into an +amazing mystery.</p> +<p>Dr. Bird groaned +into the telephone transmitter.</p> +<p>“I took a vacation last summer, or +tried to, and you hauled me away from +the best fishing I have found in years +to help you on a case. This year I +traveled all the way from Washington +to San Francisco to get away from you +and the very day that I get here you +are after me. I won’t have anything to +do with it. Where are you, anyway?”</p> +<p>“I am at Fallon, Nevada, Doctor. +I’m sorry that you won’t help me out +because the case +promises to be +unusually interesting. +Let me at least tell you +about it.”</p> +<p>Dr. Bird groaned +louder than +ever into the telephone transmitter.</p> +<p>“All right, go ahead and tell me about +it if it will relieve your mind, but I +have given you my final answer. I am +not a bit interested in it.”</p> +<p>“That is quite all right, Doctor, I +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_296' name='page_296'></a>296</span> +don’t expect you to touch it. I hope, +however, that you will be able to give +me an idea of where to start. Did +you ever see a man’s body broken in +pieces?”</p> +<p>“Do you mean badly smashed up?”</p> +<p>“No indeed, I mean just what I said, +broken in pieces. Legs snapped off as +though the entire flesh had become +brittle.”</p> +<p>“No, I didn’t, and neither did anyone +else.”</p> +<p>“I have seen it, Doctor.”</p> +<p>“Hooey! What had you been drinking?”</p> +<p>Operative Carnes of the United +States Secret Service chuckled softly +to himself. The voice of the famous +scientist of the Bureau of Standards +plainly showed an interest which was +quite at variance with his words.</p> +<p>“I was quite sober, Doctor, and so +was Hughes, and we both saw it.”</p> +<p>“Who is Hughes?”</p> +<p>“He is an air mail pilot, one of the +crack fliers of the Transcontinental +Airmail Corporation. Let me tell you +the whole thing in order.”</p> +<p>“All right. I have a few minutes to +spare, but I’ll warn you again that I +don’t intend to touch the case.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">S</span><span class="dcap">uit</span> yourself, Doctor. I have no +authority to requisition your services. +As you know, the T. A. C. has +been handling a great deal of the transcontinental +air mail with a pretty clean +record on accidents. The day before +yesterday, a special plane left Washington +to carry two packages from +there to San Francisco. One of them +was a shipment of jewels valued at a +quarter of a million, consigned to a San +Francisco firm and the other was a +sealed packet from the War Department. +No one was supposed to know +the contents of that packet except the +Chief of Staff who delivered it to the +plane personally, but rumors got out, as +usual, and it was popularly supposed +to contain certain essential features of +the Army’s war plans. This much is +certain: The plane carried not only the +regular T. A. C. pilot and courier, but +also an army courier, and it was guarded +during the trip by an army plane +armed with small bombs and a machine-gun. +I rode in it. My orders were +simply to guard the ship until it landed +at Mills Field and then to guard the +courier from there to the Presidio of +San Francisco until his packet was delivered +personally into the hands of +the Commanding General of the Ninth +Corps Area.</p> +<p>“The trip was quiet and monotonous +until after we left Salt Lake City at +dawn this morning. Nothing happened +until we were about a hundred miles +east of Reno. We had taken elevation +to cross the Stillwater Mountains and +were skimming low over them, my +plane trailing the T. A. C. plane by +about half a mile. I was not paying +any particular attention to the other +ship when I suddenly felt our plane +leap ahead. It was a fast Douglas and +the pilot gave it the gun and made it +move, I can tell you. I yelled into +the speaking tube and asked what was +the reason. My pilot yelled back that +the plane ahead was in trouble.</p> +<p>“As soon as it was called to my attention +I could see myself that it wasn’t +acting normally. It was losing elevation +and was pursuing a very erratic +course. Before we could reach it it +lost flying speed and fell into a spinning +nose dive and headed for the +ground. I watched, expecting every +minute to see the crew make parachute +jumps, but they didn’t and the plane +hit the ground with a terrific crash.”</p> +<p>“It caught fire, of course?”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">N</span><span class="dcap">o,</span> Doctor, that is one of the +funny things about the accident. +It didn’t. It hit the ground +in an open place free from brush and +literally burst into pieces, but it didn’t +flame up. We headed directly for the +scene of the crash and we encountered +another funny thing. We almost froze +to death.”</p> +<p>“What do you mean?”</p> +<p>“Exactly what I say. Of course, it’s +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_297' name='page_297'></a>297</span> +pretty cold at that altitude all the time, +but this cold was like nothing I had +ever encountered. It seemed to freeze +the blood in our veins and it congealed +frost on the windshields and made the +motor miss for a moment. It was only +momentary and it only existed directly +over the wrecked plane. We went past +it and swung around in a circle and +came back over the wreck, but we didn’t +feel the cold again.</p> +<p>“The next thing we tried to do was +to find a landing place. That country +is pretty rugged and rough and there +wasn’t a flat place for miles that was +large enough to land a ship on. Hughes +and I talked it over and there didn’t +seem to be much of anything that we +could do except to go on until we +found a landing place. I had had no +experience in parachute jumping and +I couldn’t pilot the plane if Hughes +jumped. We swooped down over the +wreck as close as we dared and that +was when we saw the condition of the +bodies. The whole plane was cracked +up pretty badly, but the weird part of +it was the fact that the bodies of the +crew had broken into pieces, as though +they had been made of glass. Arms +and legs were detached from the +torsos and lying at a distance. There +was no sign of blood on the ground. +We saw all this with our naked eyes +from close at hand and verified it by +observations through binoculars from +a greater height.</p> +<p>“When we had made our observations +and marked the location of the +wreck as closely as we could, we headed +east until we found a landing place +near Fallon. Hughes dropped me here +and went on to Reno, or to San Francisco +if necessary, to report the accident +and get more planes to aid in +the search. I was wholly at sea, but it +seemed to be in your line and as I +knew that you were at the St. Francis, +I called you up.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">W</span><span class="dcap">hat</span> are your plans?”</p> +<p>“I made none until I talked +with you. The country where the +wreck occurred is unbelievably wild +and we can’t get near it with any transportation +other than burros. The only +thing that I can see to do is to gather +together what transportation I can and +head for the wreck on foot to rescue +the packets and to bring out the bodies. +Can you suggest anything better?”</p> +<p>“When do you expect to start?”</p> +<p>“As soon as I can get my pack train +together. Possibly in three or four +hours.”</p> +<p>“Carnes, are you sure that those +bodies were broken into bits? An arm +or a leg might easily be torn off in a +complete crash.”</p> +<p>“They were smashed into bits as +nearly as I could tell, Doctor. Hughes +is an old flier and he has seen plenty of +crashes but he never saw anything like +this. It beats anything that I ever +saw.”</p> +<p>“If your observations were accurate, +there could be only one cause and that +one is a patent impossibility. I haven’t +a bit of equipment here, but I expect +that I can get most of the stuff I want +from the University of California +across the bay at Berkeley. I can get +a plane at Crissy Field. I’ll tell you +what to do, Carnes. Get your burro +train together and start as soon as you +can, but leave me half a dozen burros +and a guide at Fallon. I’ll get up there +as soon as I can and I’ll try to overtake +you before you get to the wreck. +If I don’t, don’t disturb anything any +more than you can help until my arrival. +Do you understand?”</p> +<p>“I thought that you were on your +vacation, Doctor.”</p> +<p>“Oh shut up! Like most of my vacations, +this one will have to be postponed. +I’ll move as swiftly as I can +and I ought to be at Fallon to-night if +I’m lucky and don’t run into any obstacles. +Burros are fairly slow, but I’ll +make the best time possible.”</p> +<p>“I rather expected you would, Doctor. +I can’t get my pack train together +until evening, so I’ll wait for you right +here. I’m mighty glad that you are going +to get in on it.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_298' name='page_298'></a>298</span></div> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Silently</span> Carnes and Dr. Bird +surveyed the wreck of the T. A. C. +plane. The observations of the secret +service operative had been correct. The +bodies of the unfortunate crew had +been broken into fragments. Their +limbs had not been twisted off as a +freak of the fall but had been cleanly +broken off, as though the bodies had +suddenly become brittle and had shattered +on their impact with the ground. +Not only the bodies, but the ship itself +had been broken up. Even the clothing +of the men was in pieces or had long +splits in the fabric whose edges were +as clean as though they had been cut +with a knife.</p> +<p>Dr. Bird picked up an arm which had +belonged to the pilot and examined it. +The brittleness, if it had ever existed, +was gone and the arm was limp.</p> +<p>“No <i>rigor mortis</i>,” commented the +Doctor. “How long ago was the wreck?”</p> +<p>“About seventy-two hours ago.”</p> +<p>“Hm-m! What about those packets +that were on the plane?”</p> +<p>Carnes stepped forward and gingerly +inspected first the body of the army +courier and then that of the courier of +the T. A. C.</p> +<p>“Both gone, Doctor,” he reported, +straightening up.</p> +<p>Dr. Bird’s face fell into grim lines.</p> +<p>“There is more to this case than appears +on the surface, Carnes,” he said. +“This was no ordinary wreck. Bring +up that third burro; I want to examine +these fragments a little. Bill,” he went +on to one of the two guides who had +accompanied them from Fallon, “you +and Walter scout around the ground +and see what you can find out. I especially +wish to know whether anyone +has visited the scene of the <a name='TC_44'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'work'">wreck</ins>.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> guides consulted a moment +and started out. Carnes drove up +the burro the Doctor had indicated and +Dr. Bird unpacked it. He opened a +mahogony case and took from it a high +powered microscope. Setting the instrument +up on a convenient rock, he +subjected portions of the wreck, including +several fragments of flesh, to +a careful scrutiny. When he had completed +his observations he fell into a +brown study, from which he was +aroused by Carnes.</p> +<p>“What did you find out about the +cause of the wreck, Doctor?”</p> +<p>“I don’t know what to think. The +immediate cause was that everything +was frozen. The plane ran into a belt +of cold which froze up the motor and +which probably killed the crew instantly. +It was undoubtedly the aftermath +of that cold which you felt when you +swooped down over the wreck.”</p> +<p>“It seems impossible that it could +have suddenly got cold enough to +freeze everything up like that.”</p> +<p>“It does, and yet I am confident that +that is what happened. It was no ordinary +cold, Carnes; it was cold of the +type that infests interstellar space; +cold beyond any conception you have +of cold, cold near the range of the absolute +zero of temperature, nearly four +hundred and fifty degrees below zero +on the Fahrenheit scale. At such temperatures, +things which are ordinarily +quite flexible and elastic, such as rubber, +or flesh, become as brittle as glass +and would break in the manner which +these bodies have broken. An examination +of the tissues of the flesh shows +that it has been submitted to some temperature +that is very low in the scale, +probably below that of liquid air. Such +a temperature would produce instant +death and the other phenomena which +we can observe.”</p> +<p>“What could cause such a low temperature, +Doctor?”</p> +<p>“I don’t know yet, although I hope +to find out before we are finished. Cold +is a funny thing, Carnes. Ordinarily +it is considered as simply the absence +of heat; and yet I have always held it +to be a definite negative quantity. All +through nature we observe that every +force has its opposite or negative force +to oppose it. We have positive and +negative electrical charges, positive +and negative, or north and south, magnetic +poles. We have gravity and its +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_299' name='page_299'></a>299</span> +opposite apergy, and I believe cold is +really negative heat.”</p> +<p>“I never heard of anything like that, +Doctor. I always thought that things +were cold because heat was taken from +them––not because cold was added. It +sounds preposterous.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">S</span><span class="dcap">uch</span> is the common idea, and yet +I cannot accept it, for it does not +explain all the recorded phenomena. +You are familiar with a searchlight, are +you not?”</p> +<p>“In a general way, yes.”</p> +<p>“A searchlight is merely a source of +light, and of course, of heat, which is +placed at the focus of a parabolic reflector +so that all of the rays emanating +from the source travel in parallel lines. +A searchlight, of course, gives off heat. +If we place a lens of the same size as +the searchlight aperture in the path of +the beam and concentrate all the light, +and heat, at one spot, the focal point of +the lens, the temperature at that point +is the same as the temperature of the +source of the light, less what has been +lost by radiation. You understand that, +do you not?”</p> +<p>“Certainly.”</p> +<p>“Suppose that we place at the center +of the aperture of the searchlight a +small opaque disc which is permeable +neither to heat nor light, in such a manner +as to interrupt the central portion +of the beam. As a result, the beam will +go out in the form of a hollow rod, or +pipe, of heat and light with a dark, cold +core. This core will have the temperature +of the surrounding air plus the +small amount which has radiated into +it from the surrounding pipe. If we +now pass this beam of light through a +lens in order to concentrate the beam, +both the pipe of heat and the cold core +will focus. If we place a temperature +measuring device near the focus of the +dark core, we will find that the temperature +is lower than the surrounding +air. This means that we have <a name='TC_1'></a><ins title="Was 'focussed'">focused</ins> +or concentrated cold.”</p> +<p>“That sounds impossible. But I can +offer no other criticism.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">N</span><span class="dcap">evertheless</span>, it is experimentally +true. It is one of the +facts which lead me to consider cold as +negative heat. However, this is true of +cold, as it is of the other negative +forces; they exist and manifest themselves +only in the presence of the positive +forces. No one has yet concentrated +cold except in the presence of +heat, as I have outlined. How this cold +belt which the T. A. C. plane encountered +came to be there is another question. +The thing which we have to determine +is whether it was caused by +natural or artificial forces.”</p> +<p>“Both of the packets which the plane +carried are gone, Doctor,” observed +Carnes.</p> +<p>“Yes, and that seems to add weight +to the possibility that the cause was +artificial, but it is far from conclusive. +The packets might not have been on +the men when the plane fell, or someone +may have passed later and taken +them for safekeeping.”</p> +<p>The doctor’s remarks were interrupted +by the guides.</p> +<p>“Someone has been here since the +wreck, Doctor,” said Bill. “Walter and +I found tracks where two men came up +here and prowled around for some time +and then left by the way they came. +They went off toward the northwest, +and we followed their trail for about +forty rods and then lost it. We weren’t +able to pick it up again.”</p> +<p>“Thanks, Bill,” replied the doctor. +“Well, Carnes, that seems to add more +weight to the theory that the spot of +cold was made and didn’t just happen. +If a prospecting party had just happened +along they would either have +left the wreck alone or would have +made some attempt to inter the bodies. +That cold belt must have been produced +artificially by men who planned +to rob this plane after bringing it down +and who were near at hand to get their +plunder. Is there any chance of following +that trail?”</p> +<p>“I doubt it, Doc. Walter and I +scouted around quite a little, but we +couldn’t pick it up again.”</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_300' name='page_300'></a>300</span></div> +<p>“Is there any power line passing +within twenty miles of here?”</p> +<p>“None that Walter and I know of, +Doc.”</p> +<p>“Funny! Such a device as must have +been used would need power and lots +of it for operation. Well, I’ll try my +luck. Carnes, help me unpack and set +up the rest of my apparatus.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">With</span> the aid of the operative, +Dr. Bird unpacked two of the +burros and extracted from cases where +they were carefully packed and padded +some elaborate electrical and optical +apparatus. The first was a short telescope +of large diameter which he +mounted on a base in such a manner +that it could be elevated or depressed +and rotated in any direction. At the +focal point of the telescope was fastened +a small knot of wire from which +one lead ran to the main piece of apparatus, +which he sat on a flat rock. +The other lead from the wire knot ran +into a sealed container surrounded by +a water bath under which a spirit lamp +burned. From the container another +lead led to the main apparatus. This +main piece consisted of a series of wire +coils mounted on a frame and attached +to the two leads. The doctor took from +a padded case a tiny magnet suspended +on a piece of wire of exceedingly small +diameter which he fastened in place inside +the coils. Cemented to the magnet +was a tiny mirror.</p> +<p>“What is that apparatus?” asked +Carnes as the doctor finished his set-up +and surveyed it with satisfaction.</p> +<p>“Merely a thermocouple attached to +a D’Arsonval galvanometer,” replied +the doctor. “This large, squat telescope +catches and concentrates on the +thermocouple and the galvanometer +registers the temperature.”</p> +<p>“You’re out of my depth. What is a +thermocouple?”</p> +<p>“A juncture of two wires made of +dissimilar metals, in this case of platinum +and of platinum-iridium alloy. +There is another similar junction in +this case, which is kept at a constant +temperature by the water bath. When +the temperatures of the two junctions +are the same, the system is in equilibrium. +When they are at different temperatures, +an electrical potential is set +up, which causes a current to flow from +one to the other through the galvanometer. +The galvanometer consists of a +magnet set up inside coils through +which the current I spoke of flows. +This current causes the magnet to rotate +and by watching the mirror, the +rotation can be detected and measured.</p> +<p>“This device is one of the most sensitive +ever made, and is used to measure +the radiation from distant stars. Currents +as small as .000000000000000000000000001 +ampere have been detected +and measured. This particular instrument +is not that sensitive to begin with, +and has its sensitivity further reduced +by having a high resistance in one of +the leads.”</p> +<p>“What are you going to use it for?”</p> +<p>“I am going to try to locate somewhere +in these hills a patch of local +cold. It may not work, but I have +hopes. If you will manipulate the telescope +so as to search the hills around +here, I will watch the galvanometer.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">For</span> several minutes Carnes swung +the telescope around. Twice Dr. +Bird stopped him and decreased the +sensitiveness of his instrument by introducing +more resistance in the lines +in order to keep the magnet from twisting +clear around, due to the fluctuations +in the heats received on account +of the varying conditions of reflection. +As Carnes swung the telescope again +the magnet swung around sharply, +nearly to a right angle to its former +position.</p> +<p>“Stop!” cried the doctor. “Read your +azimuth.”</p> +<p>Carnes read the compass bearing on +the protractor attached to the frame +which supported the telescope. Dr. +Bird took a pair of binoculars and +looked long and earnestly in the indicated +direction. With a sigh he laid +down the glasses.</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_301' name='page_301'></a>301</span></div> +<p>“I can’t see a thing, Carnesy,” he +said. “We’ll have to move over to the +next crest and make a new set-up. Plant +a rod on the hill so that we can get an +azimuth bearing and get the airline +distance with a range finder.”</p> +<p>On the hilltop which Dr. Bird had +pointed out the apparatus was again set +up. For several minutes Carnes swept +the hills before an exclamation from +the doctor told him to pause. He read +the new azimuth, and the doctor laid +off the two readings on a sheet of paper +with a protractor and made a few calculations.</p> +<p>“I don’t know,” he said reflectively +when he had finished his computations. +“This darned instrument is still so sensitive +that you may have merely focused +on a deep shadow or a cold +spring or something of that sort, but +the magnet kicked clear around and it +may mean that we have located what +we are looking for. It should be about +two miles away and almost due west of +here.”</p> +<p>“There is no spring that I know of, +Doc, and I think I know of every water +hole in this country,” remarked Bill.</p> +<p>“There could hardly be a spring at +this elevation, anyway,” replied the +doctor. “Maybe it is what we are seeking. +We’ll start out in that direction, +anyway. Bill, you had better take the +lead, for you know the country. Spread +out a little so that we won’t be too +bunched if anything happens.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">For</span> three-quarters of an hour the +little group of men made their +way through the wilderness in the direction +indicated by the doctor. Presently +Bill, who was in the lead, held up +his hand with a warning gesture. The +other three closed up as rapidly as +cautious progress would allow.</p> +<p>“What is it, Bill?” asked the doctor +in an undertone.</p> +<p>“Slip up ahead and look over that +crest.”</p> +<p>The doctor obeyed instructions. As +he glanced over he gave vent to a low +whistle of surprise and motioned for +Carnes to join him. The operative +crawled up and glanced over the crest. +In a hollow before them was a crude +one-storied house, and erected on an +open space before it was a massive +piece of apparatus. It consisted of a +number of huge metallic cylinders, +from which lines ran to a silvery concave +mirror mounted on an elaborate +frame which would allow it to be rotated +so as to point in any direction.</p> +<p>“What is it?” whispered Carnes.</p> +<p>“Some kind of a projector,” muttered +the doctor. “I never saw one quite like +it, but it is meant to project something. +I can’t make out the curve of that mirror. +It isn’t a parabola and it isn’t an +ellipse. It must be a high degree subcatenary +or else built on a transcendental +function.”</p> +<p>He raised himself to get a clearer +view, and as he did so a puff of smoke +came from the house, to be followed in +a moment by a sharp crack as a bullet +flattened itself a few inches from his +head. The doctor tumbled back over +the crest out of sight of the house. Bill +and Walter hurried forward, their +rifles held ready for action.</p> +<p>“Get out on the flanks, men,” directed +the doctor. “The man we want is in a +house in that hollow. He’s armed, and +he means business.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Bill</span> and Walter crawled under +the shelter of the rocks to a short +distance away and then, rifles ready, +advanced to the attack. A report came +from the hollow and a bullet whined +over Bill’s head. Almost instantly a +crack came from Walter’s rifle and +splinters flew from the building in the +hollow a few inches from a loophole, +through which projected the barrel of +a rifle.</p> +<p>The rifle barrel swung rapidly in a +circle and barked in Walter’s direction; +but as it did so, Bill’s gun spoke +and again splinters flew from the building.</p> +<p>“Good work!” ejaculated Dr. Bird as +he watched the slow advance of the two +guides. “If we just had rifles we could +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_302' name='page_302'></a>302</span> +join in the party, but it’s a little far for +effective pistol work. Let’s go ahead, +and we may get close enough to do a +little shooting.”</p> +<p>Pistols in hand, Carnes and the +doctor crawled over the crest and +joined the advance. Again and again +the rifle spoke from the hollow and was +answered by the vicious barks of the +rifles in the hands of the guides, Carnes +and the doctor resting their pistols on +rocks and sending an occasional bullet +toward the loophole. The conditions of +light and the moving target were not +conducive to good marksmanship on +the part of the besieged man, and none +of the attackers were hit. Presently +Walter succeeded in sending a bullet +through the loophole. The rifle barrel +suddenly disappeared. With a shout +the four men rose from their cover and +advanced toward the building at a run.</p> +<p>As they did so an ominous whirring +sound came from the apparatus in front +of the house and a sudden chill filled +the air.</p> +<p>“Back!” shouted Dr. Bird. “Back +below the hill if you value your lives!”</p> +<p>He turned and raced at full speed +toward the sheltering crest of the hill, +the others following him closely. The +whirring sound continued, and the concave +reflector turned with a grating +sound on its gears. As the path of its +rays struck the ground the rocks became +white with frost and one rock +split with a sharp report, one fragment +rolling down the slope, carrying others +in its trail.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">With</span> panic-stricken faces the +four men raced toward the sheltering +crest, but remorselessly the reflector +swung around in their direction. +The intense cold numbed the racing +men, cutting off their breath and impeding +their efforts for speed.</p> +<p>“Stop!” cried the doctor suddenly. +“Fire at that reflector! It’s our only +chance!”</p> +<p>He set the example by turning and +emptying his pistol futilely at the +turning mirror. Bill, Walter and Carnes +followed his example. Nearer and +nearer to them came the deadly ray. +Bill was the nearest to its path, and he +suddenly stiffened and fell forward, +his useless gun still grasped in his +hands. As his body struck the ground +it rolled down hill for a few feet, the +deadly ray following it. His head +struck a rock, and Carnes gave a cry of +horror as it broke into fragments.</p> +<p>Walter threw his rifle to his shoulder +and fired again and again at the rotating +disc. The cold had became intense +and he could not control the actions of +his muscles and his rifle wavered about. +He threw himself flat on the ground, +and, with an almost superhuman effort, +steadied himself for a moment and +fired. His aim was true, and with a +terrific crash the reflector split into a +thousand fragments. Dr. Bird staggered +to his feet.</p> +<p>“It’s out of order for a moment!” he +cried. “To the house while we can!”</p> +<p>As swiftly as his numbed feet would +allow him, he stumbled toward the +house. The muzzle of the rifle again +projected from the loophole and with +its crack the doctor staggered for a +moment and then fell. Walter’s rifle +spoke again and the rifle disappeared +through the loophole with a spasmodic +jerk. Carnes stumbled over the doctor.</p> +<p>“Are you hit badly?” he gasped +through chattering teeth.</p> +<p>“I’m not hit at all,” muttered the +doctor. “I stumbled and fell just as he +fired. Look out! He’s going to shoot +again!”</p> +<p>The rifle barrel came slowly into +view through the loophole. Walter +fired, but his bullet went wild. Carnes +threw himself behind a rock for protection.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> rifle swung in Walter’s direction +and paused. As it did so, from +the house came a strangled cry and a +sound as of a blow. The rifle barrel +disappeared, and the sounds of a struggle +came from the building.</p> +<p>“Come on!” cried Carnes as he rose +to his feet, and made his stumbling way +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_303' name='page_303'></a>303</span> +forward, the others following at the +best speed which their numbed limbs +would allow.</p> +<p>As they reached the door they were +aware of a struggle which was going on +inside. With an oath the doctor threw +his massive frame against the door. It +creaked, but the solid oak of which it +was composed was proof against the attack, +and he drew back for another onslaught. +From the house came a pistol +shot, followed by a despairing cry and +a guttural shout. Reinforced by Carnes, +the doctor threw his weight against the +door again. With a rending crash it +gave, and they fell sprawling into the +cabin. The doctor was the first one on +his feet.</p> +<p>“Who are you?” asked a voice from +one corner. The doctor whirled like a +flash and covered the speaker with his +pistol.</p> +<p>“Put them up!” he said tersely.</p> +<p>“I am unarmed,” the voice replied. +“Who are you?”</p> +<p>“We’re from the United States Secret +Service,” replied Carnes who had +gained his feet. “The game is up for +you, and you’d better realize it.”</p> +<p>“Secret Service! Thank God!” cried +the voice. “Get Koskoff––he has the +plans. He has gone out through the +tunnel!”</p> +<p>“Where is it?” demanded Carnes.</p> +<p>“The entrance is that iron plate on +the floor.”</p> +<p>Carnes and the doctor jumped at the +plate and tried to lift it, without result. +There was no handle or projection on +which they could take hold.</p> +<p>“Not that way,” cried the voice. +“That cover is fastened on the inside. +Go outside the building; he’ll come +out about two hundred yards north. +Shoot him as he appears or he’ll get +away.”</p> +<p>The three men nearly tumbled over +each other to get through the doorway +into the bitter cold outside. As they +emerged from the cabin the gaze of the +guide swept the surrounding hills.</p> +<p>“There he goes!” he cried.</p> +<p>“Get him!” said Carnes sharply.</p> +<p>Walter ran forward a few feet and +dropped prone on the ground, cuddling +the stock of his rifle to his cheek. Two +hundred yards ahead a figure was +scurrying over the rocks away from the +cabin. Walter drew in his breath and +his hand suddenly grew steady as his +keen gray eyes peered through the +sights. Carnes and the doctor held +their breath in sympathy.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Suddenly</span> the rifle spoke, and the +fleeing man threw up his arms and +fell forward on his face.</p> +<p>“Got him,” said Walter laconically.</p> +<p>“Go bring the body in, Carnes,” exclaimed +the doctor. “I’ll take care of +the chap inside.”</p> +<p>“Did you get him?” asked the voice +eagerly, as the doctor stepped inside.</p> +<p>“He’s dead all right,” replied the +doctor grimly. “Who the devil are you, +and what are you doing here?”</p> +<p>“There is a light switch on the left +of the door as you come in,” was the +reply.</p> +<p>Dr. Bird found the switch and +snapped on a light. He turned toward +the corner from whence the voice had +come and recoiled in horror. Propped +in the corner was the body of a middle-aged +man, daubed and splashed with +blood which ran from a wound in the +side of his head.</p> +<p>“Good Lord!” he ejaculated. “Let +me help you.”</p> +<p>“There’s not much use,” replied the +man rather faintly. “I am about done +in. This face wound doesn’t amount to +much, but I am shot through the body +and am bleeding internally. If you try +to move me, it may easily kill me. Leave +me alone until your partners come.”</p> +<p>The doctor drew a flask of brandy +from his pocket and advanced toward +the corner.</p> +<p>“Take a few drops of this,” he advised.</p> +<p>With an effort the man lifted the +flask to his lips and gulped down a little +of the fiery spirit. A sound of +tramping feet came from the outside +and then a thud as though a body had +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_304' name='page_304'></a>304</span> +been dropped. Carnes and Walter entered +the cabin.</p> +<p>“He’s dead as a mackerel,” said +Carnes in answer to the doctor’s look. +“Walter got him through the neck and +broke his spinal cord. He never knew +what hit him.”</p> +<p>“The plans?” came in a gasping voice +from the man in the corner.</p> +<p>“We got them, too,” replied Carnes. +“He had both packets inside his coat. +They have been opened, but I guess +they are all here. Who the devil are +you?”</p> +<p>“Since Koskoff is dead, and I am dying, +there is no reason why I shouldn’t +tell you,” was the answer. “Leave that +brandy handy to keep up my strength. +I have only a short time and I can’t repeat.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">A</span><span class="dcap">s to</span> who I am or what I was, it +doesn’t really matter. Koskoff +knew me as John Smith, and it will +pass as well as any other name. Let my +past stay buried. I am, or was, a scientist +of some ability; but fortune +frowned on me, and I was driven out of +the world. Money would rehabilitate +me––money will do anything nowadays––so +I set out to get it. In the course +of my experimental work, I had discovered +that cold was negative heat and +reacted to the laws which governed +heat.”</p> +<p>“I knew that,” cried Dr. Bird; “but +I never could prove it.”</p> +<p>“Who are you?” demanded John +Smith.</p> +<p>“Dr. Bird, of the Bureau of Standards.”</p> +<p>“Oh, Bird. I’ve heard of you. You +can understand me when I say that as +heat, positive heat is a concomitant of +ordinary light. I have found that cold, +negative heat, is a concomitant of cold +light. Is my apparatus in good shape +outside?”</p> +<p>“The reflector is smashed.”</p> +<p>“I’m sorry. You would have enjoyed +studying it. I presume that you saw +that it was a catenary curve?”</p> +<p>“I rather thought so.”</p> +<p>“It was, and it was also adjustable. I +could vary the focal point from a few +feet to several miles. With that apparatus +I could throw a beam of negative +heat with a focal point which I +could adjust at will. Close to the apparatus, +I could obtain a temperature +almost down to absolute zero, but at the +longer ranges it wasn’t so cold, due to +leakage into the atmosphere. Even at +two miles I could produce a local temperature +of three hundred degrees below +zero.”</p> +<p>“What was the source of your cold?”</p> +<p>“Liquid helium. Those cylinders +contain, or rather did contain, for I expect +that Koskoff has emptied them, +helium in a liquid state.”</p> +<p>“Where is your compressor?”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">I</span><span class="dcap"> didn’t</span> have to use one. I developed +a cold light under whose +rays helium would liquefy and remain +in a state of equilibrium until exposed +to light rays. Those cylinders had +merely enough pressure to force the +liquid out to where the sun could hit +it, and then it turned to a gas, dropping +the temperature at the first focal point +of the reflector to absolute zero. When +I had this much done, Koskoff and I +packed the whole apparatus here and +were ready for work.</p> +<p>“We were on the path of the transcontinental +air mail, and I bided my +time until an especially valuable shipment +was to be made. My plans, which +worked perfectly, were to freeze the +plane in midair and then rob the wreck. +I heard of the jewel shipment the +T. A. C. was to carry and I planned to +get it. When the plane came over, +Koskoff and I brought it down. The +unsuspected presence of another plane +upset us a little, and I started to bring +it down. But we had been all over this +country and knew there was no place +that a plane could land. I let it go on in +safety.”</p> +<p>“Thank you,” replied Carnes with a +grimace.</p> +<p>“We robbed the wreck and we found +two packets, one the jewels I was after, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_305' name='page_305'></a>305</span> +and the other a sealed packet, which +proved to contain certain War Department +plans. That was when I learned +who Koskoff was. I had hired him in +San Francisco as a good mechanic who +had no principles. He was to get one-fourth +of the loot. When we found +these plans, he told me who he was. He +was really a Russian secret agent and +he wanted to deliver the plans to Russia. +I may be a thief and a murderer, +but I am not yet ready to betray my +country, and I told him so. He offered +me almost any price for the plans; but +I wouldn’t listen. We had a serious +quarrel, and he overpowered me and +bound me.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">W</span><span class="dcap">e</span> had a radio set here and he +called San Francisco and sent +some code message. I think he was +waiting here for someone to come. +Had we followed our original plans, +we would have been miles from here +before you arrived.</p> +<p>“He had me bound and helpless, as +he thought, but I worked my bonds a +little loose. I didn’t let him know it, +for I knew that the plane I had let +get away would guide a party here and +I thought I might be able to help out. +When you came and attacked the +house, I worked at my bonds until they +were loose enough to throw off. I saw +Koskoff start my cold apparatus to +working and then he quit, because he +ran out of helium. When he started +shooting again, I worked out of my +bonds and tackled him.</p> +<p>“He was a better man than I gave +him credit for, or else he suspected me, +for about the time I grabbed him he +whirled and struck me over the head +with his gun barrel and tore my face +open. The blow stunned me, and when +I came to, I was thrown into this corner. +I meant to have another try at it, +but I guess you rushed him too fast. +He turned and ran for the tunnel, but +as he did so, he shot me through the +body. I guess I didn’t look dead enough +to suit him. You gentlemen broke open +the door and came in. That’s all.”</p> +<p>“Not by a long shot, it isn’t,” exclaimed +Dr. Bird. “Where is that cold +light apparatus of yours?”</p> +<p>“In the tunnel.”</p> +<p>“How do you get into it?”</p> +<p>“If you will open that cupboard on +the wall, you’ll find an open knife +switch on the wall. Close it.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Dr. Bird</span> found the switch and +closed it. As he did so the cabin +rocked on its foundations and both +Carnes and Walter were thrown to the +ground. The thud of a detonation deep +in the earth came to their ears.</p> +<p>“What was that?” cried the doctor.</p> +<p>“That,” replied Smith with a wan +smile, “was the detonation of two hundred +pounds of T.N.T. When you dig +down into the underground cave where +we used the cold light apparatus, you +will find it in fragments. It was my +only child, and I’ll take it with me.”</p> +<p>As he finished his head slumped forward +on his chest. With an exclamation +of dismay Dr. Bird sprang forward and +tried to lift the prostrate form.</p> +<p>In an agony of desire the Doctor +tightened his grip on the dying man’s +shoulder. But Smith collapsed into +a heap. Dr. Bird bent forward and +tore open his shirt and listened at his +chest. Presently he straightened up.</p> +<p>“He is gone,” he said sadly, “and I +guess the results of his genius have +died with him. He doesn’t strike me +as a man who left overmuch to chance. +Carnes, is your case completed?”</p> +<p>“Very satisfactorily, Doctor. I have +both of the lost packets.”</p> +<p>“All right, then, come back to the +wreck and help me pack my burros. I +can make my way back to Fallon without +a guide.”</p> +<p>“Where are you going, Doctor?”</p> +<p>“That, Carnes, old dear, is none of +your blankety blanked business. Permit +me to remind you that I am on my +vacation. I haven’t decided yet just +where I am going, but I can tell you +one thing. It’s going to be some place +where you can’t call me on the telephone.”</p> +<hr class='toprule' /> +<div class='chsp'> +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_306' name='page_306'></a>306</span> +<a name='BRIGANDS_OF_THE_MOON_THE_BOOK_OF_GREGG_HALJAN_BEGINNING_A_FOURPART_NOVEL' id='BRIGANDS_OF_THE_MOON_THE_BOOK_OF_GREGG_HALJAN_BEGINNING_A_FOURPART_NOVEL'></a> +<h2>Brigands of the Moon</h2> +<h3>(The Book of Gregg Haljan)<br /><span class="smaller">BEGINNING A FOUR-PART NOVEL</span></h3> +</div> +<p class='authorhdr'><i>By Ray Cummings</i></p> +<div class='figtag'> +<a name='linki_4' id='linki_4'></a> +</div> +<div class='figcenter'> +<img src='images/i306.jpg' alt='' title='' width='460' height='500' /><br /> +<p class='caption'> +<i>I stood on the turret-balcony of the Planetara with Dr. Frank, watching the arriving passengers.</i><br /> +</p> +</div> +<h3><i>Foreword by Ray Cummings</i></h3> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I have</span> been thinking that if, during +one of those long winter evenings +at Valley Forge, someone had +placed in +George Washington’s +hands one +of our present +day best sellers, +the illustrious Father of our Country +would have read it with considerable +emotion. I do not mean what we +call a story of science, or fantasy––just +a novel of +action, adventure +and romance. The +sort of thing you +and I like to read, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_307' name='page_307'></a>307</span> +but do not find amazing in any way at +all.</p> +<p class='sidebarright'>Black mutiny and brigandage stalk the +Space-ship Planetara as she speeds to the +Moon to pick up a fabulously rich cache +of radium-ore.</p> +<p>But I fancy that George Washington +would have found it amazing. Don’t +you? It might picture, for instance, a +factory girl at a sewing machine. +George Washington would be amazed +at a sewing machine. And the girl, +journeying in the subway to and from +her work! Stealing an opportunity to +telephone her lover at the noon hour; +going to the movies in the evening, or +listening to a radio. And there might +be a climax, perhaps, with the girl and +the villain in a transcontinental railway +Pullman, and the hero sending +frantic telegrams, or telephoning the +train, and then chasing it in his airplane.</p> +<p>George Washington would have +found it amazing!</p> +<p>And I am wondering how you and I +would feel if someone were to give us +now a book of ordinary adventure of +the sort which will be published a hundred +and fifty years hence. I have been +trying to imagine such a book and the +nature of its contents.</p> +<div class='figtag'> +<a name='linki_5' id='linki_5'></a> +</div> +<div class='figcenter'> +<img src='images/i307.jpg' alt='' title='' width='424' height='500' /><br /> +</div> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_308' name='page_308'></a>308</span></div> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Let</span> us imagine it together. Suppose +we walk down Fifth Avenue, +a pleasant spring morning of May, +2080. Fifth Avenue, no doubt, will be +there. I don’t know whether the New +York Public Library will be there or +not. We’ll assume that it is, and that +it has some sort of books, printed, or in +whatever fashion you care to imagine.</p> +<p>The young man library attendant is +surprised at our curiously antiquated +aspect. We look as though we were +dressed for some historical costume +ball. We talk old-fashioned English, +like actors in an historical play of the +1930 period.</p> +<p>But we get the book. The attendant +assures us it is a good average story +of action and adventure. Nothing remarkable, +but he read it himself, and +found it interesting.</p> +<p>We thank him and take the book. +But we find that the language in which +it is written is too strange for comfortable +reading. And it names so many +extraordinary things so casually! As +though we knew all about them, which +we certainly do not!</p> +<p>So we take it to the kind-hearted +librarian in the language division. He +modifies it to old-fashioned English of +1930, and he puts occasional footnotes +to help explain some of the things we +might not understand. Why he should +bother to do this for us I don’t know; +but let us assume that he does.</p> +<p>And now we take the book home––in +the pneumatic tube, or aerial moving +sidewalk, or airship, or whatever it is +we take to get home.</p> +<p>And now that we are home, let’s read +the book. It ought to be interesting.</p> +<div class='chsp'> +<a name='CHAPTER_I' id='CHAPTER_I'></a> +<h3>CHAPTER I</h3> +</div> +<p class='chintro'><i>Tells of the Grantline Moon Expedition +and of the Mysterious Martian Who +Followed Us in the City Corridor</i></p> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">One</span> may write about oneself +and still not be an egoist. Or +so, at least, they tell me. My +narrative went broadcast with +a fair success. It was pantomimed and +the public flashed me a reasonable approval. +And so my disc publishers have +suggested that I record it in more permanent +form.</p> +<p>I introduce myself, begging grace +that I intrude upon your busy minutes, +with my only excuse that perhaps I +may amuse you. For what the commercial +sellers of my pictured version +were pleased to blare as my handsome +face, I ask your indulgence. My feminine +audience of the pantomimes was +undoubtedly graciously pleased at my +personality and physical aspect. That +I am “tall as a Viking of old”––and +“handsome as a young Norse God”––is +very pretty talk in the selling of my +product. But I deplore its intrusion +into the personality of this, my recorded +narrative. And so now, for preface, +to all my audience I do give +earnest assurance that Gregg Haljan is +no conceited zebra, handsomely striped +by nature, and proud of it. Not so. I +am, I do beg you to believe, a very +humble fellow, striving for your approval, +hoping only to entertain you.</p> +<p>My introduction: My name, Gregg +Haljan. My age, twenty-five years. I +was, at the time my narrative begins, +Third Officer on the Space-Ship Planetara. +Our line was newly established; +in 2070, to be exact, following the +modern improvements of the Martel +Magnetic Levitation.<a name='FNanchor_0001' id='FNanchor_0001'></a><a href='#Footnote_0001' class='fnanchor'>[1]</a></p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Our</span> ship, whose home port was +Great-New York, carried mail and +passenger traffic to and from both +Venus and Mars. Of astronomical necessity, +our flights were irregular. This +spring, with the two other planets both +close to the earth, we were making two +complete round trips. We had just arrived +in Great-New York, this May +evening, from Grebhar, Venus Free +State. With only five hours in port +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_309' name='page_309'></a>309</span> +here, we were departing the same night +at the zero hour for Ferrok-Shahn, +capital of the Martian Union.</p> +<p>We were no sooner at the landing +stage than I found a code-flash summoning +Dan Dean and me to Divisional +Detective Headquarters. Dan “Snap” +Dean was one of my closest friends. +He was radio-helio operator of the +Planetara. A small, wiry, red-headed +chap, with a quick, ready laugh and a +wit that made everyone like him.</p> +<p>The summons to Detective-Colonel +Halsey’s office surprised us. Snap eyed +me.</p> +<p>“You haven’t been opening any treasury +vaults, have you, Gregg?”</p> +<p>“He wants you, also,” I retorted.</p> +<p>He laughed. “Well, he can roar at +me like a traffic switchman and my +private life will remain my own.”</p> +<p>We could not think why we should +be wanted. It was the darkness of mid-evening +when we left the Planetara for +Halsey’s office. It was not a long trip. +We went direct in the upper monorail, +descending into the subterranean city +at Park-Circle 30.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">We had</span> never been to Halsey’s +office before. We found it to be +a gloomy, vaultlike place in one of the +deepest corridors. The door lifted.</p> +<p>“Gregg Haljan and Daniel Dean.”</p> +<p>The guard stood aside. “Come in.”</p> +<p>I own that my heart was unduly +thumping as we entered. The door +dropped behind us. It was a small blue-lit +apartment––a steel-lined room like a +vault.</p> +<p>Colonel Halsey sat at his desk. And +the big, heavy-set, florid Captain Carter––our +commander of the Planetara––was +here. That surprised us: we had +not seen him leave the ship.</p> +<p>Halsey smiled at us gravely. Captain +Carter said, “Sit down, lads.”</p> +<p>We took the seats. There was an +alarming solemnity about this. If I had +been guilty of anything that I could +think of, it would have been frightening. +But Halsey’s first words reassured +me.</p> +<p>“It’s about the Grantline Moon Expedition. +In spite of our secrecy, the +news has gotten out. We want to know +how. Can you tell us?”</p> +<p>Captain Carter’s huge bulk––he was +about as tall as I am––towered over us +as we sat before Halsey’s desk. “If you +lads have told anyone––said anything––let +slip the slightest hint about +it––”</p> +<p>Snap smiled with relief; but he +turned solemn at once. “I haven’t. Not +a word!”</p> +<p>“Nor have I,” I declared.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> Grantline Moon Expedition! +We had not thought of that as a +reason for this summons. Johnny +Grantline was a close friend to us both. +He had organized an exploring expedition +to the Moon. Uninhabited, with +its bleak, forbidding, airless, waterless +surface, the Moon––even though so +close to the Earth––was seldom visited. +No regular ship ever stopped there. A +few exploring parties of recent years +had come to grief.</p> +<p>But there was a persistent rumor +that upon the Moon, mineral riches of +fabulous wealth were awaiting discovery. +The thing had already caused +some interplanetary complications. The +aggressive Martians would be only too +glad to explore the Moon. But the +U.S.W.<a name='FNanchor_0002' id='FNanchor_0002'></a><a href='#Footnote_0002' class='fnanchor'>[2]</a> definitely warned them away. +The Moon was World Territory, we +announced, and we would protect it +as such.</p> +<p>The threatened conflict between the +Earth and Mars had come to nothing. +There was, this year of 2079, a thorough +amity between all three of the inhabited +planets. It still holds, and I pray that +it may always hold.</p> +<p>There was, nevertheless, a realization +by our government, that whatever riches +might be upon the Moon should be +seized at once and held by some reputable +Earth Company. And when Johnny +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_310' name='page_310'></a>310</span> +Grantline applied, with his father’s +wealth and his own scientific record +of attainment, the government was only +too glad to grant him its writ.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> Grantline Expedition had +started six months ago. The Martian +government had acquiesced in our +ultimatum, yet brigands have been +known to be financed under cover of +a governmental disavowal. And so the +expedition was kept secret.</p> +<p>My words need give no offense to +any Martian who comes upon them. I +refer to the history of our earth only. +The Grantline Expedition was on the +Moon now. No word had come from it. +One could not flash helios even in code +without letting all the universe know +that explorers were on the Moon. And +why they were there, anyone could +easily guess.</p> +<p>And now Colonel Halsey was telling +us that the news was abroad! Captain +Carter eyed us closely; his flashing +eyes under the white bushy brows +would pry a secret from anyone.</p> +<p>“You’re sure? A girl of Venus, perhaps, +with her cursed, seductive lure! +A chance word, with you lads befuddled +by alcolite?”</p> +<p>We assured him we had been careful. +By the heavens, I know that I had +been. Not a whisper, even to Snap, of +the name Grantline in six months or +more.</p> +<p>Captain Carter added abruptly, +“We’re insulated here, Halsey?”</p> +<p>“Yes, talk as freely as you like. An +eavesdropping ray will never get into +these walls.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">They</span> questioned us. They were +satisfied at last that, though the +secret had escaped, we had not done it. +Hearing it discussed, it occurred to me +to wonder why Carter was concerned. +I was not aware that he knew of Grantline’s +venture. I learned now the reason +why the Planetara, upon each of her +voyages, had managed to pass fairly +close to the Moon. It had been arranged +with Grantline that if he +wanted help or had any important message, +he was to flash it locally to our +passing ship. And this Snap knew, and +had never mentioned it, even to me.</p> +<p>Halsey was saying, “Well, we can’t +blame you, but the secret is out.”</p> +<p>Snap and I regarded each other. +What could anyone do? What would +anyone dare do?</p> +<p>Captain Carter said abruptly, “Look +here, lads, this is my chance now to +talk plainly to you. Outside, anywhere +outside these walls, an eavesdropping +ray may be upon us. You know that? +One may never even dare whisper since +that accursed ray was developed.”</p> +<p>Snap opened his mouth to speak but +decided against it. My heart was +pounding.</p> +<p>Captain Carter went on, “I know I +can trust you two more than anyone +else under me on the Planetara––”</p> +<p>“What do you mean by that?” I demanded. +“What––”</p> +<p>He interrupted me. “Nothing at all +but what I say.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Halsey</span> smiled grimly. “What he +means, Haljan, is that things are +not always what they seem these days. +One cannot always tell a friend from +an enemy. The Planetara is a public +vessel. You have––how many is it, Carter?––thirty +or forty passengers this +trip to-night?”</p> +<p>“Thirty-eight,” said Carter.</p> +<p>“There are thirty-eight people listed +for the flight to Ferrok-Shahn to-night,” +Halsey said slowly. “And some +may not be what they seem.” He raised +his thin dark hand. “We have information––” +He paused. “I confess, we know +almost nothing––hardly more than +enough to alarm us.”</p> +<p>Captain Carter interjected, “I want +you and Dean to be on your guard. +Once on the Planetara it is difficult +for us to talk openly, but be watchful. +I will arrange for us to be doubly +armed.”</p> +<p>Vague, perturbing words! Halsey +said, “They tell me George Prince is +listed for the voyage. I am suggesting, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_311' name='page_311'></a>311</span> +Haljan, that you keep your eye especially +upon him. Your duties on the +Planetara leave you comparatively free, +don’t they?”</p> +<p>“Yes,” I agreed. With the first and +second officers on duty, and the captain +aboard, my routine was more or +less that of an understudy.</p> +<p>I said, “George Prince! Who is he?”</p> +<p>“A mechanical engineer,” said Halsey. +“An under-official of the Earth +Federated Radium Corporation. But he +associates with bad companions––particularly +Martians.”</p> +<p>I had never heard of this George +Prince, though I was familiar with the +Federated Radium Corporation, of +course. A semi-government trust, which +controlled virtually the entire Earth +supply of radium.</p> +<p>“He was in the Automotive Department,” +Carter put in. “You’ve heard of +the Federated Radium Motor?”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">We</span> had, of course. A recent Earth +invention which promised to +revolutionize the automotive industry. +An engine of a new type, using radium +as its fuel.</p> +<p>Snap demanded, “What in the stars +has this got to do with Johnny Grantline?”</p> +<p>“Much,” said Halsey quietly, “or perhaps +nothing. But George Prince some +years ago mixed in rather unethical +transactions. We had him in custody +once. He is known now as unusually +friendly with several Martians in New +York of bad reputation.”</p> +<p>“Well––” began Snap.</p> +<p>“What you don’t know,” Halsey went +on quietly, “is that Grantline expects +to find radium on the Moon.”</p> +<p>We gasped.</p> +<p>“Exactly,” said Halsey. “The ill-fated +Ballon Expedition thought they had +found it on the Moon some years ago. +A new type of ore, as rich in radium +as our gold-bearing sands are rich in +gold. Ballon’s first samples gave uranium +atoms with a fair representation of +ionium and thorium. A richly radio-active +ore. A lode of the pure radium +is there somewhere, without doubt.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">He</span> added vehemently, “Do you understand +now why we should be +suspicious of this George Prince? He +has a criminal record. He has a +thorough technical knowledge of radium +ores. He associates with Martians +of bad reputation. A large Martian +Company has recently developed a radium +engine to compete with our Earth +motor. You know that? You know that +there is very little radium available on +Mars, and our government will not allow +our own radium supply to be exported. +That Martian Company needs +radium. It will do anything to get +radium. What do you suppose it would +pay for a few tons of really rich radio-active +ore––such as Grantline may have +found on the Moon?”</p> +<p>“But,” I objected, “that is a reputable +Martian company. It’s backed by the +government of the Martian Union. The +government of Mars would not dare––”</p> +<p>“Of course not!” Captain Carter exclaimed +sardonically. “Not openly! But +if Martian brigands had a supply of +radium––I don’t imagine where it came +from would make much difference. +That Martian Company would buy it.”</p> +<p>Halsey added, “And George Prince, +my agents inform me, seems to know +that Grantline is on the Moon. Put it +all together, lads. Little sparks show +the hidden current.</p> +<p>“More than that: George Prince +knows that we have arranged to have +the Planetara stop at the Moon and +bring back Grantline’s radium-ore. This +is your last voyage this year. You’ll +hear from Grantline this time, we’re +convinced. He’ll probably give you the +signal as you pass the Moon on your +way out. Coming back, you’ll stop at +the Moon and transport whatever radium-ore +Grantline has ready. The Grantline +Flyer is too small for ore transportation.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Halsey’s</span> voice turned grimly +sarcastic. “Doesn’t it seem queer +that George Prince and a few of his +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_312' name='page_312'></a>312</span> +Martian friends happen to be listed as +passengers for this voyage?”</p> +<p>In the silence that followed, Snap +and I regarded each other. Halsey +added abruptly,</p> +<p>“We had George Prince typed that +time we arrested him four years ago. +I’ll show him to you.”</p> +<p>He snapped open an alcove, and said +to his waiting attendant, “Get me the +type of George Prince.”</p> +<p>The disc in a moment came through +the pneumatic. Halsey, smiling wryly, +adjusted it.</p> +<p>“A nice looking fellow. Nicely +spoken. Though at the time we made +this he was somewhat annoyed, naturally. +He is older now. Twenty-nine, to +be exact. Here he is.”</p> +<p>The image glowed on the grids before +us. His name, George Prince, in +letters illumined upon his forehead, +showed for a moment and then faded. +He stood smiling sourly before us as +he repeated the official formula:</p> +<p>“My name is George Prince. I was +born in Great-New York City twenty-five +years ago.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I gazed</span> at this life-size, moving +image of George Prince. He stood +somber in the black detention uniform. +A dark, almost a girlishly handsome +fellow, well below medium height––the +rod beside him showed five feet four +inches. Slim and slight. Long, wavy +black hair, falling about his ears. A +pale, clean-cut, really handsome face, +almost beardless. I regarded it closely. +A face that would have been femininely +beautiful without its masculine +touch of heavy black brows and firmly +set jaw. His voice as he spoke was low +and soft; but at the end, with the concluding +words, “I am innocent!” it +flashed into strong masculinity. His +eyes, shaded with long, girlish black +lashes, by chance met mine. “I am innocent.” +His curving sensuous lips +drew down into a grim sneer....</p> +<p>The type faded at its end. Halsey +replaced the disc in its box and waved +the attendant away. “Thank you.”</p> +<p>He turned back to Snap and me. +“Well, there he is. We have nothing +tangible against him now. But I’ll say +this: he’s a clever fellow, one to be +afraid of. I would not blare it from the +newscasters’ microphone, but if he is +hatching any plot, he has been too +clever for my agents.”</p> +<p>We talked for another half-hour, and +then Captain Carter dismissed us. We +left Halsey’s office with Carter’s final +words ringing in our ears. “Whatever +comes, lads, remember I trust you....”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Snap</span> and I decided to walk a portion +of the way back to the ship. +It was barely more than a mile through +this subterranean corridor to where we +could get the vertical lift direct to the +landing stage.</p> +<p>We started off on the lower level. +Once outside the insulation of Halsey’s +office we did not dare talk of this +thing. Not only electrical ears, but +every possible eavesdropping device +might be upon us. The corridor was two +hundred feet or more below the ground +level. At this hour of the night this +business section was comparatively deserted. +The through tube sounded over +our heads with the passing of its occasional +trains. The ventilators buzzed +and whirred. At the cross intersections, +the traffic directors dozed at their posts. +It was hot and sticky down here, and +gloomy with the daylight globes extinguished, +and only the night lights +to give a dim illumination. The stores +and office arcades were all closed and +deserted; only an occasional night-light +burning behind their windows.</p> +<p>Our footfalls echoed on the metal +grids as we hurried along.</p> +<p>“Nice evening,” said Snap awkwardly.</p> +<p>“Yes,” I said, “isn’t it?”</p> +<p>I felt oppressed. As though prying +eyes and ears were here. We walked +for a time in silence, each of us busy +with memory of what had transpired +in Halsey’s office.</p> +<p>Suddenly Snap gripped me. “What’s +that?”</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_313' name='page_313'></a>313</span></div> +<p>“Where?” I whispered.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">We</span> stopped at a corner. An entryway +was here. Snap pulled +me into it. I could feel him quivering +with excitement.</p> +<p>“What is it?” I demanded in a whisper.</p> +<p>“We’re being followed. Did you hear +anything?”</p> +<p>“No!” Yet I thought now I could +hear something. Vague footfalls. A +rustling. And a microscopic electrical +whine, as though some device were +near us.</p> +<p>Snap was fumbling in his pocket. +“Wait, I’ve got a pair of low-scale +phones.”</p> +<p>He put the little grids against his +ears. I could hear the sharp intake of +his breath. Then he seized me, pulled +me down to the metal floor of the entryway.</p> +<p>“Back, Gregg! Get back!” I could +barely hear his whisper. We crouched +as far back into the doorway as we +could get. I was armed. My official permit +for the carrying of the pencil heat-ray +allowed me to have it always with +me. I drew it now. But there was +nothing to shoot at. I felt Snap clamping +the grids on my ears. And now I +heard something! An intensification of +the vague footsteps I had thought I +heard before.</p> +<p>There was something following us! +Something out in the corridor there +now! A street light was nearby. The +corridor was dim, but plainly visible; +and to my sight it was empty. But +there was something there. Something +invisible! I could hear it moving. +Creeping towards us. I pulled the +grids off my ears.</p> +<p>Snap murmured, “You’ve got a local +phone.”</p> +<p>“Yes! I’ll get them to give us the +street glare!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I pressed</span> the danger signal, giving +our location to the nearest operator. +In a second or two we got the +light. The street in all this neighborhood +burst into a brilliant actinic +glare. The thing menacing us was revealed! +A figure in a black cloak, +crouching thirty feet away across the +corridor.</p> +<p>Snap was on his feet. His voice rang +shrilly, “There it is! Give it a shot, +Gregg!”</p> +<p>Snap was unarmed, but he flung his +hands out menacingly. The figure, +which may perhaps not have been aware +of our city safeguard, was taken wholly +by surprise. A human figure. Seven +feet tall, at the least, and therefore, I +judged, doubtless a Martian man. The +black cloak covered his head. He took +a step toward us, hesitated, and then +turned in confusion.</p> +<p>Snap’s shrill voice was bringing help. +The whine of a street guard’s alarm +whistle nearby sounded. The figure was +making off! My pencil-ray was in my +hand and I pressed its switch. The tiny +heat-ray stabbed through the glare, but +I missed. The figure stumbled, but did +not fall. I saw a bare gray arm come +from the cloak, flung up to maintain +its balance. Or perhaps my pencil-ray +of heat had seared the arm. The gray-skinned +arm of a Martian.</p> +<p>Snap was shouting, “Give him another!” +But the figure passed beyond +the actinic glare and vanished.</p> +<p>We were detained in the turmoil of +the corridor for ten minutes or more +with official explanations. Then a message +from Halsey released us. The Martian +who had been following us in his +invisible cloak was never caught.</p> +<p>We escaped from the crowd at last +and made our way back to the Planetara, +where the passengers were already +assembling for the outward Martian +voyage.</p> +<div class='chsp'> +<a name='CHAPTER_II_A_FLEETING_GLANCE' id='CHAPTER_II_A_FLEETING_GLANCE'></a> +<h3>CHAPTER II</h3> +<h4>“<i>A Fleeting Glance</i>––”</h4> +</div> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I stood</span> on the turret-balcony of +the Planetara with Captain Carter +and Dr. Frank, the ship surgeon, watching +the arriving passengers. It was +close to the zero hour: the level of the +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_314' name='page_314'></a>314</span> +stage was a turmoil of confusion. The +escalators, with the last of the freight +aboard, were folded back. But the +stage was jammed with the incoming +passenger baggage: the interplanetary +customs and tax officials with their +X-ray and Zed-ray paraphernalia and +the passengers themselves, lined up for +the export inspection.</p> +<p>At this height, the city lights lay +spread in a glare of blue and yellow beneath +us. The individual local planes +came dropping like birds to our stage. +Thirty-eight passengers for this flight +to Mars, but that accursed desire of +every friend and relative to speed the +departing voyager brought a hundred +or more extra people to crowd our +girders and bring added difficulty to +everybody.</p> +<p>Carter was too absorbed in his duties +to stay with us long. But here in the +turret Dr. Frank and I found ourselves +at the moment with nothing much to do +but watch.</p> +<p>“Think we’ll get away on time, +Gregg?”</p> +<p>“No,” I said. “And this of all voyages––”</p> +<p>I checked myself, with thumping +heart. My thoughts were so full of +what Halsey and Carter had told us +that it was difficult to rein my tongue. +Yet here in the turret, unguarded by +insulation, I could say nothing. Nor +would I have dared mention the Grantline +Moon Expedition to Dr. Frank. I +wondered what he knew of this affair. +Perhaps as much as I––perhaps nothing.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">He</span> was a thin, dark, rather smallish +man of fifty, this ship’s surgeon, +trim in his blue and white uniform. I +knew him well: we had made several +flights together. An American––I +fancy of Jewish ancestry. A likable +man, and a skillful doctor and surgeon. +He and I had always been good friends.</p> +<p>“Crowded,” he said. “Johnson says +thirty-eight. I hope they’re experienced +travelers. This pressure sickness is a +rotten nuisance––keeps me dashing +around all night assuring frightened +women they’re not going to die. Last +voyage, coming out of the Venus atmosphere––”</p> +<p>He plunged into a lugubrious account +of his troubles with space-sick +voyagers. But I was in no mood to +listen. My gaze was down on the +spider incline, up which, over the bend +of the ship’s sleek, silvery body, the +passengers and their friends were coming +in little groups. The upper deck +was already jammed with them.</p> +<p>The Planetara, as flyers go, was not +a large vessel. Cylindrical of body, +forty feet maximum beam, and two +hundred and seventy-five feet in overall +length. The passenger superstructure––no +more than a hundred feet long––was +set amidships. A narrow deck, +metallic-enclosed, and with large bulls-eye +windows, encircled the superstructure. +Some of the cabins opened directly +onto the deck. Others had doors +to the interior corridors. There were +half a dozen small but luxurious public +rooms.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> rest of the vessel was given to +freight storage and the mechanism +and control compartments. Forward of +the passenger structure the deck level +continued under the cylindrical dome-roof +to the bow. The forward watch-tower +observatory was here; officers’ +cabins; Captain Carter’s navigating +rooms and Dr. Frank’s office. Similarly, +under the stern-dome, was the stern +watch-tower and a series of power compartments.</p> +<p>Above the superstructure a confusion +of spider bridges, ladders and +balconies were laced like a metal network. +The turret in which Dr. Frank +and I now stood was perched here. +Fifty feet away, like a bird’s nest, +Snap’s instrument room stood clinging +to the metal bridge. The dome-roof, +with the glassite windows rolled back +now, rose in a mound-peak to cover this +highest middle portion of the vessel.</p> +<p>Below, in the main hull, blue-lit +metal corridors ran the entire length +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_315' name='page_315'></a>315</span> +of the ship. Freight storage compartments; +gravity control rooms; the air +renewal systems; heater and ventilators +and pressure mechanisms––all were located +there. And the kitchens, stewards’ +compartments, and the living quarters +of the crew. We carried a crew of sixteen, +this voyage, exclusive of the navigating +officers, and the purser, Snap +Dean, and Dr. Frank.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> passengers coming aboard +seemed a fair representation of +what we usually had for the outward +voyage to Ferrok-Shahn. Most were +Earth people––and returning Martians. +Dr. Frank pointed out one. A huge +Martian in a gray cloak. A seven-foot +fellow.</p> +<p>“His name is Set Miko,” Dr. Frank +remarked. “Ever heard of him?”</p> +<p>“No,” I said. “Should I?”</p> +<p>“Well––” The doctor suddenly +checked himself, as though he were +sorry he had spoken.</p> +<p>“I never heard of him,” I repeated +slowly.</p> +<p>An awkward silence fell suddenly +between us.</p> +<p>There were a few Venus passengers. +I saw one of them presently coming up +the incline, and recognized her. A girl +traveling alone. We had brought her +from Grebhar, last voyage but one. I +remembered her. An alluring sort of +girl, as most of them are. Her name +was Venza. She spoke English well. +A singer and dancer who had been imported +to Great-New York to fill some +theatrical engagement. She’d made +quite a hit on the Great White Way.</p> +<p>She came up the incline, with the +carrier ahead of her. Gazing up, she +saw Dr. Frank and me at the turret +window and waved her white arm in +greeting. And flashed us a smile.</p> +<p>Dr. Frank laughed. “By the gods of +the airways, there’s Alta Venza! You +saw that look, Gregg? That was for +me, not you.”</p> +<p>“Reasonable enough,” I retorted. +“But I doubt it––the Venza was nothing +if not impartial.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I wondered</span> what could be taking +Venza now to Mars. I was glad +to see her. She was diverting. Educated. +Well-traveled. Spoke English +with a colloquial, theatrical manner +more characteristic of Great-New York +than of Venus. And for all her light +banter, I would rather put my trust in +her than any Venus girl I had ever met.</p> +<p>The hum of the departing siren was +sounding. Friends and relatives of the +passengers were crowding the exit incline. +The deck was clearing. I had +not seen George Prince come aboard. +And then I thought I saw him down +on the landing stage, just arrived from +a private tube-car. A small, slight figure. +The customs men were around him: I +could only see his head and shoulders. +Pale, girlishly handsome face; long, +black hair to the base of his neck. He +was bareheaded, with the hood of his +traveling-cloak pushed back.</p> +<p>I stared, and I saw that Dr. Frank +was also gazing down. But neither of +us spoke.</p> +<p>Then I said upon impulse, “Suppose +we go down to the deck, Doctor?”</p> +<p>He acquiesced. We descended to the +lower room of the turret and clambered +down the spider ladder to the upper +deck-level. The head of the arriving incline +was near us. Preceded by two +carriers who were littered with hand-baggage, +George Prince was coming up +the incline. He was closer now. I +recognized him from the type we had +seen in Halsey’s office.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">And</span> then, with a shock, I saw it +was not so. This was a girl coming +aboard. An arch-light over the incline +showed her clearly when she was +half way up. A girl with her hood +pushed back; her face framed in thick +black hair. I saw now it was not a +man’s cut of hair; but long braids +coiled up under the dangling hood.</p> +<p>Dr. Frank must have remarked my +amazed expression.</p> +<p>“Little beauty, isn’t she?”</p> +<p>“Who is she?”</p> +<p>We were standing back against the +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_316' name='page_316'></a>316</span> +wall of the superstructure. A passenger +was near us––the Martian whom Dr. +Frank had called Miko. He was loitering +here, quite evidently watching this +girl come aboard. But as I glanced at +him he looked away and casually +sauntered off.</p> +<p>The girl came up and reached the +deck. “I am in A 22,” she told the +carrier. “My brother came aboard two +hours ago.”</p> +<p>Dr. Frank answered my whisper. +“That’s Anita Prince.”</p> +<p>She was passing quite close to us on +the deck, following the carrier, when +she stumbled and very nearly fell. I +was nearest to her. I leaped forward +and caught her as she went down.</p> +<p>“Oh!” she cried.</p> +<p>With my arm about her, I raised her +up and set her upon her feet again. +She had twisted her ankle. She balanced +herself upon it. The pain of it +eased up in a moment.</p> +<p>“I’m––all right––thank you!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">In</span> the dimness of the blue-lit deck, +I met her eyes. I was holding her +with my encircling arm. She was small +and soft against me. Her face, framed +in the thick, black hair, smiled up at +me. Small, oval face––beautiful––yet +firm of chin, and stamped with the +mark of its own individuality. No +empty-headed beauty, this.</p> +<p>“I’m all right, thank you very +much––”</p> +<p>I became conscious that I had not +released her. I felt her hands pushing +at me. And then it seemed that for an +instant she yielded and was clinging. +And I met her startled, upflung gaze. +Eyes like a purple night with the sheen +of misty starlight in them.</p> +<p>I heard myself murmuring, “I beg +your pardon. Yes, of course!” I released +her.</p> +<p>She thanked me again and followed +the carrier along the deck. She was +limping slightly from the twisted ankle.</p> +<p>An instant, while she had clung to +me––and I had held her. A brief flash +of something, from her eyes to mine––from +mine back to hers. The poets +write that love can be born of such a +glance. The first meeting, across all +the barriers of which love springs unsought, +unbidden––defiant, sometimes. +And the troubadours of old would +sing: “A fleeting glance; a touch; two +wildly beating hearts––and love was +born.”</p> +<p>I think, with Anita and me, it must +have been like that....</p> +<p>I stood gazing after her, unconscious +of Dr. Frank, who was watching me +with his humorous smile. And presently, +no more than a quarter beyond +the zero hour, the Planetara got away. +With the dome-windows battened +tightly, we lifted from the landing +stage and soared over the glowing city. +The phosphorescence of the electronic +tubes was like a comet’s tail behind us +as we slid upward.</p> +<p>At the trinight hour the heat of our +atmospheric passage was over. The +passengers had all retired. The ship +was quiet, with empty decks and dim, +silent corridors. Vibrationless, with +the electronic engines cut off and only +the hum of the Martel magnetizers to +break the unnatural stillness. We were +well beyond the earth’s atmosphere, +heading out in the cone-path of the +earth’s shadow, in the direction of the +moon.</p> +<div class='chsp'> +<a name='CHAPTER_III_IN_THE_HELIOROOM' id='CHAPTER_III_IN_THE_HELIOROOM'></a> +<h3>CHAPTER III</h3> +<h4><i>In the Helio-room</i></h4> +</div> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">At</span> six A. M., earth Eastern time, +which we were still carrying, +Snap Dean and I were alone in his instrument +room, perched in the network +over the Planetara’s deck. The bulge +of the dome enclosed us; it rounded +like a great observatory window some +twenty feet above the ceiling of this +little metal cubby-hole.</p> +<p>The Planetara was still in the earth’s +shadow. The firmament––black interstellar +space with its blazing white, red +and yellow stars––lay spread around us. +The moon, with nearly all its disc illumined, +hung, a great silver ball, over +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_317' name='page_317'></a>317</span> +our bow quarter. Behind it, to one +side, Mars floated like the red tip of a +smoldering cigarillo in the blackness. +The earth, behind our stern, was dimly, +redly visible––a giant sphere, etched +with the configurations of its oceans +and continents. Upon one limb a touch +of the sunlight hung on the mountain-tops +with a crescent red-yellow sheen.</p> +<p>And then we plunged from the cone-shadow. +The sun, with the leaping +Corona, burst through the blackness behind +us. The earth lighted into a huge, +thin crescent with hooked cusps.</p> +<p>To Snap and me, the glories of the +heavens were too familiar to be remarked. +And upon this voyage particularly +we were in no mood to consider +them. I had been in the helio-room +several hours. When the Planetara +started, and my few routine duties +were over, I could think of nothing +save Halsey’s and Carter’s admonition: +“Be on your guard. And particularly––watch +George Prince.”</p> +<p>I had not seen George Prince. But +I had seen his sister, whom Carter and +Halsey had not bothered to mention. +My heart was still pounding with the +memory....</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">When</span> the passengers had retired +and the ship quieted, I prowled +through the passenger corridors. This +was about the trinight hour.<a name='FNanchor_0003' id='FNanchor_0003'></a><a href='#Footnote_0003' class='fnanchor'>[3]</a> Hot as +the corridors of hell, with our hull and +the glassite dome seething with the +friction of our atmospheric flight. But +the refrigerators mitigated that; the +ventilators blasted cold air from the renewers +into every corner of the vessel. +Within an hour or two, with the cold +of space striking us, it was hot air that +was needed.</p> +<p>Dr. Frank evidently was having little +trouble with pressure-sick passengers<a name='FNanchor_0004' id='FNanchor_0004'></a><a href='#Footnote_0004' class='fnanchor'>[4]</a>––the +Planetara’s equalizers were +fairly efficient. I did not encounter Dr. +Frank. I prowled through the silent +metal lounges and passages. I went to +the door of A 22. It was on the deck-level, +in a tiny transverse passage just +off the main lounging room. Its name-grid +glowed with the letters: <a name='TC_4'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Added beginning quotes">“<i>Anita +Prince.</i>”</ins> I stood in my short white +trousers and white silk shirt, like a +cabin steward gawping. Anita Prince! +I had never heard the name until this +night. But there was magic music in +it now, as I murmured it to myself. +Anita Prince....</p> +<p>She was here, doubtless asleep, behind +this small metal door. It seemed +as though that little oval grid were the +gateway to a fairyland of my dreams.</p> +<p>I turned away. And thought of the +Grantline Moon Expedition stabbed at +me. George Prince––Anita’s brother––he +whom I had been told to watch. +This renegade––associate of dubious +Martians, plotting God knows what.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I saw</span>, upon the adjoining door, “A 20, +<i>George Prince</i>.” I listened. In +the humming stillness of the ship’s interior +there was no sound from these +cabins. A 20 was without windows, I +knew. But Anita’s room had a window +and a door which gave upon the deck. +I went through the lounge, out its arch, +and walked the deck length. The deck +door and window of A 22 were closed +and dark.</p> +<p>The ten-foot-wide deck was dim with +white starlight from the side ports. +Chairs were here, but they were all +empty. From the bow windows of the +arching dome a flood of moonlight +threw long, slanting shadows down the +deck. At the corner where the superstructure +ended, I thought I saw a figure +lurking as though watching me. I +went that way, but it vanished.</p> +<p>I turned the corner, went the width +of the ship to the other side. There +was no one in sight save the observer +on his spider bridge, high in the bow +network, and the second officer, on duty +on the turret balcony almost directly +over me.</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_318' name='page_318'></a>318</span></div> +<p>As I stood and listened, I suddenly +heard footsteps. From the direction of +the bow a figure came. Purser Johnson.</p> +<p>He greeted me. “Cooling off, Gregg?”</p> +<p>“Yes,” I said.</p> +<p>He went past me and turned into the +smoking room door nearby.</p> +<p>I stood a moment at one of the deck +windows, gazing at the stars; and for +no reason at all I realized I was tense. +Johnson was a great one for his regular +sleep––it was wholly unlike him to be +roaming about the ship at such an hour. +Had he been watching me? I told myself +it was nonsense. I was suspicious +of everyone, everything, this voyage.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I heard</span> another step. Captain Carter +appeared from his chart-room +which stood in the center of the narrowing +open deck space near the bow. +I joined him at once.</p> +<p>“Who was that?” he half-whispered.</p> +<p>“Johnson.”</p> +<p>“Oh, yes.” He fumbled in his uniform; +his gaze swept the moonlit deck. +“Gregg––take this.” He handed me a +small metal box. I stuffed it at once +into my shirt.</p> +<p>“An insulator,” he added, swiftly. +“Snap is in his office. Take it to him, +Gregg. Stay with him––you’ll have a +measure of security––and you can help +him to make the photographs.” He was +barely whispering. “I won’t be with +you––no use making it look as though +we were doing anything unusual. If +your graphs show anything––or if Snap +picks up any message––bring it to me.” +He added aloud, “Well, it will be cool +enough presently, Gregg.”</p> +<p>He sauntered away toward his chart-room.</p> +<p>“By heavens, what a relief!” Snap +murmured as the current went on. We +had wired his cubby with the insulator; +within its barrage we could at last talk +with a degree of freedom.</p> +<p>“You’ve seen George Prince, Gregg?”</p> +<p>“No. He’s assigned A 20. But I +saw his sister. Snap, no one ever mentioned––”</p> +<p>Snap had heard of her, but he hadn’t +known that she was listed for this voyage. +“A real beauty, so I’ve heard. Accursed +shame for a decent girl to have +a brother like that.”</p> +<p>I could agree with him there, but I +made no comment.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">It</span> was now 6 A. M. Snap had been +busy all night with routine cosmo-radios +from the earth, following our +departure. He had a pile of them beside +him. Many were for the passengers; +but anything that savored of a +code was barred.</p> +<p>“Nothing queer looking?” I suggested.</p> +<p>“No. Not a thing.”</p> +<p>We were at this time no more than +some sixty-five thousand miles from the +moon’s surface. The Planetara presently +would swing upon her direct +course for Mars. There was nothing +which could cause passenger comment +in this close passing of the moon; normally +we used the satellite’s attraction +to give us additional starting speed.</p> +<p>It was now or never that a message +would come from Grantline. He was +supposed to be upon this earthward +side of the moon. While Snap had +rushed through with his routine, I had +searched the moon surface with our +glass, as I knew Carter was searching +it––and also the observer in his tower, +very possibly.</p> +<p>But there was nothing. Copernicus +and Kepler lay in full sunlight. The +heights of the lunar mountains, the +depths of the barren, empty seas were +etched black and white, clear and clean. +Grim, forbidding desolation, this unchanging +moon! In romance, moonlight +may shimmer and sparkle to light +a lover’s smile; but the reality of the +moon is cold and bleak. There was +nothing to show my prying eyes where +the intrepid Grantline might be.</p> +<p>“Nothing at all, Snap.”</p> +<p>And Snap’s helio mirrors, attuned +for an hour now to pick up the faintest +signal, were motionless.</p> +<p>“If he has concentrated any appreciable +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_319' name='page_319'></a>319</span> +amount of radio-active ore,” said +Snap, “we should get an impulse from +its Gamma rays.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">But</span> our receiving shield was dark, +untouched. We tried taking +hydrogen photographic impressions of +the visible moon surface. A sequence of +them, with stereoscopic lenses, forty-eight +to the second. Our mirror-grid +gave the magnified images; the spectro-heliograph, +with its wave-length selection, +pictured the mountain-levels, and +slowly descended into the deepest seas.</p> +<p>There was nothing.</p> +<p>Yet in those moon caverns––a million +million recesses amid the crags of that +tumbled, barren surface––the pin-point +of movement which might have been +Grantline’s expedition could so easily +be hiding! Could he have the ore insulated, +fearing its Gamma rays would +betray its presence to hostile watchers?</p> +<p>Or might disaster have come to him? +Or he might not be upon this hemisphere +of the moon at all....</p> +<p>My imagination, sharpened by fancy +of a lurking menace which seemed +everywhere about the Planetara this +voyage, ran rife with fears for Johnny +Grantline. He had promised to communicate +this voyage. It was now, or +perhaps never.</p> +<p>Six-thirty came and passed. We +were well beyond the earth’s shadow +now. The firmament blazed with its +vivid glories; the sun behind us was a +ball of yellow-red leaping flames. The +earth hung, opened to a huge, dull-red +half-sphere.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">We</span> were within some forty thousand +miles of the moon. Giant +white ball––all of its disc visible to the +naked eye. It poised over the bow, and +presently, as the Planetara swung upon +her course for Mars, it shifted sidewise. +The light of it glared white and +dazzling in our tiny side windows.</p> +<p>Snap, with his habitual red celluloid +eyeshade shoved high on his forehead, +worked over our instruments.</p> +<p>“Gregg!”</p> +<p>The receiving shield was glowing a +trifle! Gamma rays were bombarding +it! It glowed, gleamed phosphorescent, +and the audible recorder began sounding +its tiny tinkling murmurs.</p> +<p>Gamma rays! Snap sprang to the +dials. The direction and strength were +soon obvious. A richly radio-active +ore body, of considerable size, was +concentrated upon this hemisphere of +the moon! It was unmistakable.</p> +<p>“He’s got it, Gregg! He’s––”</p> +<p>The tiny helio mirrors began quivering. +Snap exclaimed triumphantly, +“Here he comes! By God, the message +at last! Bar off that light!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I flung</span> on the absorbers. The +moonlight bathing the little room +went into them and darkness sprang +around us. Snap fumbled at his instrument +board. Actinic light showed +dimly in the quivering, thumbnail mirrors. +Two of them. They hung poised +on their cobweb wires, infinitely sensitive +to the infra-red light-rays Grantline +was sending from the moon. The +mirrors in a moment began swinging. +On the scale across the room the actinic +beams from them were magnified into +sweeps of light.</p> +<p>The message!</p> +<p>Snap spelled it out, decoded it.</p> +<p>“<i>Success! Stop for ore on your return +voyage. Will give you our location +later. Success beyond wildest +hopes––</i>”</p> +<p>The mirrors hung motionless. The +shield, where the Gamma rays were +bombarding, went suddenly dark.</p> +<p>Snap murmured, “That’s all. He’s +got the ore! ‘Success beyond wildest +hopes.’ That must mean an enormous +quantity of it available!”</p> +<p>We were sitting in darkness, and +abruptly I became aware that across +our open window, where the insulation +barrage was flung, the air was faintly +hissing. An interference there! I saw +a tiny swirl of purple sparks. Someone––some +hostile ray from the deck beneath +us, or from the spider bridge that +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_320' name='page_320'></a>320</span> +led to our little room––someone out +there trying to pry in!</p> +<p>Snap impulsively reached for the absorbers +to let in the outside light––it +was all darkness to us outside. But I +checked him.</p> +<p>“Wait!” I cut off our barrage, +opened our door and stepped to the +narrow metal bridge.</p> +<p>“Wait, Snap! You stay there.” I +added aloud, “Well, Snap, I’m going +to bed. Glad you’ve cleaned up that +batch of work.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I banged</span> the door upon him. The +lacework of metal bridges and ladders +seemed empty. I gazed up to the +dome, and forward and aft. Twenty +feet beneath me was the metal roof of +the cabin superstructure. Below it, +both sides of the deck showed. All +patched with moonlight.</p> +<p>No one visible down there. I descended +a ladder. The deck was empty. +But in the silence something was moving! +Footsteps moving away from me +down the deck! I followed; and suddenly +I was running. Chasing something +I could hear, but could not see. +It turned into the smoking room.</p> +<p>I burst in. And a real sound smothered +the phantom. Johnson the purser +was sitting here alone in the dimness. +He was smoking. I noticed that his +cigar held a long, frail ash. It could +not have been him I was chasing. He +was sitting there quite calmly. A thick-necked, +heavy fellow, easily out of +breath. But he was breathing calmly +now.</p> +<p>He sat up with amazement at my +wild-eyed appearance, and the ash +jarred from his cigar.</p> +<p>“Gregg! What in the devil––”</p> +<p>I tried to grin. “I’m on my way to +bed––worked all night helping Snap +with those damn Earth messages.”</p> +<p>I went past him, out the door into +the main interior corridor. It was the +only way the invisible prowler could +have gone. But I was too late now––I +could hear nothing. I dashed forward +into the main lounge. It was +empty, dim and silent, a silence broken +presently by a faint click––a stateroom +door hastily closing. I swung and +found myself in a tiny transverse passage. +The twin doors of A 22 and A 20 +were before me.</p> +<p>The invisible eavesdropper had gone +into one of these rooms! I listened at +each of the panels, but there was only +silence within.</p> +<p>The interior of the ship was suddenly +singing with the steward’s siren––the +call to awaken the passengers. It +startled me. I moved swiftly away. But +as the siren shut off, in the silence I +heard a soft, musical voice:</p> +<p>“Wake up, Anita––I think that’s the +breakfast call.”</p> +<p>And her answer: “All right, George. +I hear it.”</p> +<div class='chsp'> +<a name='CHAPTER_IV_A_BURN_ON_A_MARTIAN_ARM' id='CHAPTER_IV_A_BURN_ON_A_MARTIAN_ARM'></a> +<h3>CHAPTER IV</h3> +<h4><i>A Burn on a Martian Arm</i></h4> +</div> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I did</span> not appear at that morning +meal. I was exhausted and drugged +with lack of sleep. I had a moment +with Snap, to tell him what had occurred. +Then I sought out Carter. He +had his little chart-room insulated. And +we were cautious. I told him what +Snap and I had learned: the Gamma +rays from the moon, proving that +Grantline had concentrated a considerable +ore-body. I also told him the message +from Grantline.</p> +<p>“We’ll stop on the way back, as he +directs, Gregg.” He bent closer to me. +“At Ferrok-Shahn I’m going to bring +back a cordon of Interplanetary Police. +The secret will be out, of course, when +once we stop at the moon. We have no +right, even now, to be flying this vessel +as unguarded as it is.”</p> +<p>He was very solemn. And he was +grim when I told him of the invisible +eavesdropper.</p> +<p>“You think he overheard Grantline’s +message?”</p> +<p>“I don’t know,” I said.</p> +<p>“Who was it? You seem to feel it +was George Prince?”</p> +<p>“Yes.”</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_321' name='page_321'></a>321</span></div> +<p>I was convinced that the prowler had +gone into A 20. When I mentioned the +purser, who seemed to have been +watching me earlier in the night, and +again was sitting in the smoking room +when the <a name='TC_5'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'eavesdroopper'">eavesdropper</ins> fled past, Carter +looked startled.</p> +<p>“Johnson is all right, Gregg.”</p> +<p>“Is he? Does he know anything +about this Grantline affair?”</p> +<p>“No––no,” said the captain hastily. +“You haven’t mentioned it, have you?”</p> +<p>“Of course I haven’t. I’ve been wondering +why Johnson didn’t hear that +eavesdropper. I could hear him when +I was chasing him. But Johnson sat +perfectly unmoved and let him go by. +What was he sitting there for, anyway, +at that hour of the morning?”</p> +<p>“You’re too suspicious, Gregg. Overwrought. +But you’re right––we can’t +be too careful. I’m going to have that +Prince suite searched when I catch it +unoccupied. Passengers don’t ordinarily +travel with invisible cloaks. Go +to bed, Gregg––you need a rest.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I went</span> to my cabin. It was located +aft, on the stern deck-space, near +the stern watch-tower. A small metal +room, with a desk, a chair and bunk. I +made sure no one was in it. I sealed +the lattice grill and the door, set the +alarm trigger against any opening of +them, and went to bed.</p> +<p>The siren for the mid-day meal +awakened me. I had slept heavily. I +felt refreshed. And hungry.</p> +<p>I found the passengers already assembled +at my table when I arrived in +the dining salon. It was a low-vaulted +metal room of blue and yellow tube-lights. +At the sides its oval windows +showed the deck, with its ports of the +dome-side, through which a vista of the +starry firmament was visible. We were +well on our course to Mars. The moon +had dwindled to a pin-point of light +beside the crescent earth. And behind +them our sun blazed, visually the largest +orb in the heavens. It was some +sixty-eight million miles from the earth +to Mars, this voyage. A flight, under +ordinary circumstances, of some ten +days.</p> +<p>There were five tables in the dining +salon, each with eight seats. Snap and +I had one of the tables. We sat at the +ends, with three passengers on each of +the sides.</p> +<p>Snap was in his seat when I arrived. +He eyed me down the length of the +table.</p> +<p>“Good morning, Gregg. We missed +you at breakfast. Not <a name='TC_7'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'pressure-cick'">pressure-sick</ins>, I +hope?”</p> +<p>There were three passengers already +seated at our table––all men. Snap, in +a gay mood, introduced me.</p> +<p>“This is our third officer, Gregg Haljan. +Big, handsome fellow, isn’t he? +And as pleasant as he is good-looking. +Gregg, this is Sero Ob Hahn.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I met</span> the keen, dark-eyed somber +gaze of a Venus man of middle age. +A small, slim, graceful man, with sleek +black hair. His pointed face, accentuated +by the pointed beard, was pallid. +He wore a white and purple robe; upon +his breast was a huge platinum ornament, +a device like a star and cross entwined.</p> +<p>“I am happy to meet you, sir.” His +voice was soft and sleek.</p> +<p>“Ob Hahn,” I repeated. “I should +have heard of you, no doubt. But––”</p> +<p>A smile plucked at his thin, gray +lips. “That is the error of mine, not +yours. My mission is that all the universe +shall hear of me.”</p> +<p>“He’s preaching the religion of the +Venus Mystics,” Snap explained.</p> +<p>“And this enlightened gentleman,” +said Ob Hahn ironically, “has just +termed it fetishism. The ignorance––”</p> +<p>“Oh, I say!” protested the man at Ob +Hahn’s side. “I mean, you seem to think +I intended something opprobrious. As +a matter of fact––”</p> +<p>“We’ve an argument, Gregg,” +laughed Snap. “This is Sir Arthur +Coniston, an English gentleman, lecturer +and sky-trotter––that is, he will +be a sky-trotter; he tells us he plans a +number of voyages.”</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_322' name='page_322'></a>322</span></div> +<p>The tall Englishman in his white +linen suit bowed acknowledgment. “My +compliments, Mr. Haljan. I hope you +have no strong religious convictions, +else we will make your table here very +miserable!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> third passenger had evidently +kept out of the argument. Snap +introduced him as Rance Rankin. An +American––a quiet, blond fellow of +thirty-five or forty.</p> +<p>I ordered my breakfast and let the +argument go on.</p> +<p>“Won’t make me miserable,” said +Snap. “I love an argument. You said, +Sir Arthur?...</p> +<p>“I mean to say, I think I said too +much. Mr. Rankin, you are more diplomatic.”</p> +<p>Rankin laughed. “I am a magician,” +he said to me. “A theatrical entertainer. +I deal in tricks––how to fool an audience––” +His keen, amused gaze was on +Ob Hahn. “This gentleman from Venus +and I have too much in common to +argue.”</p> +<p>“A nasty one!” the Englishman exclaimed. +“By Jove! Really, Mr. Rankin, +you’re a bit too cruel!”</p> +<p>I could see we were doomed to have +turbulent meals this voyage. I like to +eat in quiet; arguing passengers always +annoy me. There were still three seats +vacant at our table; I wondered who +would occupy them. I soon learned +the answer––for one seat at least. Rankin +said calmly:</p> +<p>“Where is the little Venus girl this +meal?” His glance went to the empty +seat at my right hand. “The Venza––wasn’t +that her name? She and I are +destined for the same theater in Ferrok-Shahn.”</p> +<p>So Venza was to sit beside me. It +was good news. Ten days of a religious +argument three times a day would be +intolerable. But the cheerful Venza +would help.</p> +<p>“She never eats the mid-day meal,” +said Snap. “She’s on the deck, having +orange juice. I guess it’s the old gag +about diet, eh?”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">My</span> attention wandered about the +salon. Most of the seats were +occupied. At the captain’s table I saw +the objects of my search. George +Prince and his sister sat one on each +side of the captain. I saw George +Prince in the life now as a man who +looked hardly twenty-five. He was at +this moment evidently in a gay mood. +His clean-cut, handsome profile, with +its poetic dark curls, was turned toward +me. There seemed little of the villain +about him.</p> +<p>And I saw Anita Prince now as a +dark-haired, black eyed little beauty, in +feature resembling her brother very +strongly. She presently finished her +meal. She rose, with him after her. +She was dressed in Earth fashion––white +blouse and dark jacket, wide, +knee-length trousers of gray, with a +red sash her only touch of color. She +went past me, flashed me her smile and +nod.</p> +<p>My heart was pounding. I answered +her greeting, and met George Prince’s +casual gaze. He, too, smiled, as though +to signify that his sister had told him +of the service I had done her. Or was +his smile an ironical memory of how +he had eluded me this morning when I +chased him?</p> +<p>I gazed after his small, white-suited +figure as he followed Anita from the +salon. And thinking of her, I prayed +that Carter and Halsey might be wrong. +Whatever plotting against the Grantline +Expedition might be going on, I +hoped that George Prince was innocent +of it. Yet I knew in my heart it was a +futile hope. Prince had been that +eavesdropper outside the helio-room. I +could not really doubt it. But that his +sister must be ignorant of what he was +doing, I was sure.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">My</span> attention was brought suddenly +back to the reality of our +table. I heard Ob Hahn’s silky voice:</p> +<p>“We passed quite close to the moon +last night, Mr. Dean.”</p> +<p>“Yes,” said Snap. “We did, didn’t +we? Always do––it’s a technical problem +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_323' name='page_323'></a>323</span> +of the exigencies of interstellar +navigation. Explain it to them, Gregg––you’re +an expert.”</p> +<p>I waved it away with a laugh. There +was a brief silence. I could not help +noticing Sir Arthur Coniston’s queer +look, and I think I have never seen so +keen a glance as Rance Rankin shot at +me. Were all these people aware of +Grantline’s treasure on the moon? It +suddenly seemed so. I wished fervently +at that instant that the ten days +of this voyage were over and we were +safely at Ferrok-Shahn. Captain Carter +was absolutely right. Coming back +we would have a cordon of interplanetary +police aboard.</p> +<p>Sir Arthur broke the awkward silence. +“Magnificent sight, the moon, +from so close a viewpoint––though I +was too much afraid of pressure-sickness +to be up to see it.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I had</span> nearly finished my hasty meal +when another incident shocked me. +The two other passengers at our table +came in and took their seats. A Martian +girl and man. The girl had the +seat at my left, with the man beside +her. All Martians are tall. This girl +was about my own height––that is, six +feet, two inches. The man was seven +feet or more. Both wore the Martian +outer robe. The girl flung hers back. +Her limbs were encased in pseudo-mail. +She looked, as all Martians like to look, +a very warlike Amazon. But she was a +pretty girl. She smiled at me with a +keen-eyed, direct gaze.</p> +<p>“Mr. Dean said at breakfast that you +were big and handsome. You are.”</p> +<p>They were brother and sister, these +Martians. Snap introduced them as Set +Miko and Setta Moa.<a name='FNanchor_0005' id='FNanchor_0005'></a><a href='#Footnote_0005' class='fnanchor'>[5]</a></p> +<p>This Miko was, from our Earth +standards, a tremendous, brawny giant. +Not spindly, like most Martians, this +fellow, for all his seven feet of height, +was almost heavy-set. He wore a +plaited leather jerkin beneath his robe, +and knee pants of leather out of which +his lower legs showed as gray, hairy +pillars of strength. He had come into +the salon with a swagger, his sword-ornament +clanking.</p> +<p>“A pleasant voyage so far,” he said to +me as he started his meal. His voice +had the heavy, throaty rasp characteristic +of the Martian. He spoke perfect +English––both Martians and Venus +people are by heritage extraordinary +<a name='TC_9'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'linquists'">linguists</ins>. Miko and his sister Moa had +a touch of Martian accent, worn almost +away by living for some years in Great-New +York.</p> +<p>The shock to me came within a few +minutes. Miko, absorbed in attacking +his meal, inadvertently pushed back his +robe to bare his forearm. An instant +only, then it dropped again to his wrist. +But in that instant I had seen, upon the +gray flesh, a thin sear turned red. A +very recent burn––as though a pencil-ray +of heat had caught his arm.</p> +<p>My mind flung back. Only last night +in the City Corridor, Snap and I had +been followed by a Martian. I had shot +at him with the heat-ray; I thought I +had hit him on the arm. Was this the +mysterious Martian who had followed +us from Halsey’s office?</p> +<div class='chsp'> +<a name='CHAPTER_V_VENZA_THE_VENUS_GIRL' id='CHAPTER_V_VENZA_THE_VENUS_GIRL'></a> +<h3>CHAPTER V</h3> +<h4><i>Venza the Venus Girl</i></h4> +</div> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">It was</span> shortly after that mid-day +meal when I encountered Venza +sitting on the starlit deck. I had been +in the bow observatory; taken my +routine castings of our position and +worked them out. I was, I think, of +the Planetara’s officers the most expert +handler of the mathematical mechanical +calculators. The locating of our +position and charting the trajectory of +our course was, under ordinary circumstances, +about all I had to do. And it +took only a few minutes each twelve +hours.</p> +<p>I had a moment with Carter in the +isolation of his chart-room.</p> +<p>“This voyage! Gregg, I’m getting +like you––too fanciful. We’ve a normal +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_324' name='page_324'></a>324</span> +group of passengers, apparently; but I +don’t like the look of any of them. That +Ob Hahn, at your table––”</p> +<p>“Snaky-looking fellow,” I commented. +“He and the Englishman are +great on arguments. Did you have +Prince’s cabin <a name='TC_10'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Added end quote">searched?”</ins></p> +<p>My breath hung on his answer.</p> +<p>“Yes. Nothing unusual among his +things. We searched both his room and +his sister’s.”</p> +<p>I did not follow that up. Instead I +told him about the burn on Miko’s +thick gray arm.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">He</span> stared. “I wish to the Almighty +we were at Ferrok-Shahn. +Gregg, to-night when the passengers +are asleep, come here to me. +Snap will be here, and Dr. Frank. We +can trust him.”</p> +<p>“He knows about––about the Grantline +treasure?”</p> +<p>“Yes. And so do Balch and Blackstone.”</p> +<p>Balch and Blackstone were our first +and second officers.</p> +<p>“We’ll all meet here, Gregg––say +about the zero hour. We must take +some precautions.”</p> +<p>He suddenly felt he should say no +more now. He dismissed me.</p> +<p>I found Venza seated alone in a secluded +corner of the starlit deck. A +porthole, with the black heavens and +the blazing stars, was before her. There +was an empty seat nearby.</p> +<p>“Hola-lo,<a name='FNanchor_0006' id='FNanchor_0006'></a><a href='#Footnote_0006' class='fnanchor'>[6]</a> Gregg! Sit here with me. +I have been wondering when you would +come after me.”</p> +<p>I sat down beside her. “What are +you doing––going to Mars, Venza? I’m +glad to see you.”</p> +<p>“Many thanks. But I am glad to see +you, Gregg. So handsome a man.... +Do you know, from Venus to the earth +and I have no doubt on all of Mars, no +man will please me more.”</p> +<p>“Glib tongue,” I laughed. “Born to +flatter the male––every girl of your +world.” And I added seriously, “You +don’t answer my question? What takes +you to Mars?”</p> +<p>“Contract. By the stars, what else? +Of course, a chance to make a voyage +with you––”</p> +<p>“Don’t be silly, Venza.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I enjoyed</span> her. I gazed at her +small, slim figure gracefully reclining +in the deck chair. Her long, gray +robe parted––by design, I have no +doubt––to display her shapely, satin-sheathed +legs. Her black hair was +coiled in a heavy knot at the back of +her neck; her carmined lips were +parted with a mocking, alluring smile. +The exotic perfume of her enveloped +me.</p> +<p>She glanced at me sidewise from beneath +her sweeping black lashes.</p> +<p>“Be serious,” I added.</p> +<p>“I am serious. Sober. Intoxicated +by you, but sober.”</p> +<p>I said, “What sort of a contract?”</p> +<p>“A theater in Ferrok-Shahn. Good +money, Gregg. I’m to be there a year.” +She sat up to face me. “There’s a fellow +here on the Planetara, Rance Rankin, +he calls himself. At our table––a +big, good-looking blond American. He +says he is a magician. Ever hear of +him?”</p> +<p>“That’s what he told me. No, I never +heard of him.”</p> +<p>“Nor did I. And I thought I had +heard of everyone of any importance. +He is listed for the same theater where +I’m going. Nice sort of fellow.” She +paused, and added suddenly, “If he’s a +professional entertainer, I’m a motor-oiler.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">It</span> startled me. “Why do you say +that?”</p> +<p>Instinctively my gaze swept the +deck. An Earth woman and child and +a small Venus man were in sight, but +not within earshot.</p> +<p>“Why do you look so furtive?” she +retorted. “Gregg, there’s something +strange about this voyage. I’m no fool, +nor you, and you know it as well as I +do.”</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_325' name='page_325'></a>325</span></div> +<p>“Rance Rankin––” I prompted.</p> +<p>She leaned closer toward me. “He +could fool you. But not me––I’ve +known too many real magicians.” She +grinned. “I challenged him to trick +me. You should have seen him trying +to evade!”</p> +<p>“Do you know Ob Hahn?” I interrupted.</p> +<p>She shook her head. “Never heard of +him. But he told me plenty at breakfast. +By Satan, what a flow of words +that devil-driver can muster! He and +the Englishman don’t mesh very well, +do they?”</p> +<p>She stared at me. I had not answered +her grin; my mind was too busy with +queer fancies. Halsey’s words: “Things +are not always what they seem––” Were +these passengers masqueraders? Put +here by George Prince? And then I +thought of Miko the Martian, and the +burn upon his arm.</p> +<p>“Come back, Gregg! Don’t go wandering +off like that!” She dropped her +voice to a whisper. “I’ll be serious. I +want to know what in the hell is going +on aboard this ship. I’m a woman, and +I’m curious. You tell me.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">W</span><span class="dcap">hat</span> do you mean?” I parried.</p> +<p>“I mean a lot of things. What we’ve +just been talking about. And what was +the excitement you were in just before +breakfast this morning?”</p> +<p>“Excitement?”</p> +<p>“Gregg, you may trust me.” For the +first time she was wholly serious. Her +gaze made sure no one was within hearing. +She put her hand on my arm. I +could barely hear her whisper: “I know +they might have a ray upon us––I’ll be +careful.”</p> +<p>“They?”</p> +<p>“Anyone. Something’s going on. +You know it––you are in it. I saw you +this morning, Gregg. Wild-eyed, chasing +a phantom––”</p> +<p>“You?”</p> +<p>“And I heard the phantom! A man’s +footsteps. A magnetic reflecting invisible +cloak. You couldn’t fool an +audience with that––it’s too commonplace. +If Rance Rankin tried––”</p> +<p>I gripped her. “Don’t ramble, Venza! +You saw me?”</p> +<p>“Yes. My stateroom door was open. +I was sitting with a cigarillo. I saw +the purser in the smoking room. He +was visible from––”</p> +<p>“Wait! Venza, that prowler went +through the smoking room!”</p> +<p>“I know he did. I could hear him.”</p> +<p>“Did the purser hear him?”</p> +<p>“Of course. The purser looked up, +followed the sound with his gaze. I +thought that was queer. He never made +a move. And then you came along and +he acted innocent. Why? What’s going +on, that’s what I want to know!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I held</span> my breath. “Venza, where +did the prowler run to? Can you––”</p> +<p>She whispered calmly, “Into A 20. +I saw the door open and close––I even +think I could see the blurred outline of +him. Those magnetic cloaks!” She +added, “Why should George Prince be +sneaking around with you after him? +And the purser acting innocent? And +who is this George Prince, anyway?”</p> +<p>The huge Martian, Miko, with his +sister Moa came strolling along the +deck. They nodded as they passed us.</p> +<p>I whispered, “I can’t explain anything +now. But you’re right, Venza: +there is something going on. Listen! +Whatever you learn––anything you encounter +which looks unusual––will you +tell me? I––well, I do trust you––really +I do!––but the thing isn’t mine to tell.”</p> +<p>The somber pools of her eyes were +shining. “You are very lovable, Gregg. +I won’t question you.” She was trembling +with excitement. “Whatever it +is, I want to be in it. Here’s something +I can tell you now. We’ve two high-class +gold-leaf gamblers aboard. Did +you know that?”</p> +<p>“No. Who are––”</p> +<p>“Shac and Dud Ardley. Let me state +every detective in Great-New York +knows them. They had a wonderful +game with that Englishman, Sir Arthur +Coniston, this morning. Stripped him +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_326' name='page_326'></a>326</span> +of half a pound of eight-inch leaves––a +neat little stack. A crooked game, of +course. Those fellows are more nimble-fingered +than Rance Rankin ever dared +to be!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I sat</span> staring at her. She was a +mine of information, this girl.</p> +<p>“And Gregg, I tried my charms on +Shac and Dud. Nice men, but dumb. +Whatever’s going on, they’re not in it. +They wanted to know what kind of a +ship this was. Why? Because Shac +has a cute little eavesdropping microphone +of his own. He had it working +in the night last night. He overheard +George Prince and that big giant Miko +arguing about the moon!”</p> +<p>I gasped. “Venza, softer!”</p> +<p>Against all propriety of this public +deck she pretended to drape herself +upon me. Her hair smothered my face +as her lips almost touched my ear.</p> +<p>“Something about treasure on the +moon––Shac couldn’t understand what. +And they mentioned you. He didn’t +hear what they said because the purser +joined them.” Her whispered words +tumbled over one another. “A hundred +pounds of gold leaf––that’s the purser’s +price. He’s with them, whatever it is. +He promised to do something for them.”</p> +<p>She stopped. “Well?” I prompted.</p> +<p>“That’s all. Shac’s current was interrupted.”</p> +<p>“Tell him to try it again, Venza! I’ll +talk with him. No! I’d better let him +alone. Can you get him to keep his +mouth shut?”</p> +<p>“I think he might do anything I told +him. He’s a man.”</p> +<p>“Find out what you can.”</p> +<p>She sat away from me suddenly. +“There’s Anita and George Prince.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">They</span> came to the corner of the +deck, but turned back. Venza +caught my look. And understood it.</p> +<p>“So you love Anita Prince so much +as that, Gregg?” Venza was smiling. +“I wish you––I wish some man handsome +as you would gaze after me like +that.”</p> +<p>She turned solemn. “You may be interested +to know that she loves you. +I could see it. I knew it when I mentioned +you to her this morning.”</p> +<p>“Me? Why, we’ve hardly spoken!”</p> +<p>“Is it necessary? I never heard that +it was.”</p> +<p>I could not see Venza’s face; she +stood up suddenly. And when I rose +beside her, she whispered,</p> +<p>“We should not be seen talking so +long. I’ll find out what I can.”</p> +<p>I stared after her slight robed figure +as she turned into the lounge archway +and vanished.</p> +<div class='chsp'> +<a name='CHAPTER_VI_A_TRAITOR_AND_A_PASSING_ASTEROID' id='CHAPTER_VI_A_TRAITOR_AND_A_PASSING_ASTEROID'></a> +<h3>CHAPTER VI</h3> +<h4><i>A Traitor, and a Passing Asteroid</i></h4> +</div> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Captain Carter</span> was grim. “So +they’ve bought him off, have they? +Go bring him in here, Gregg. We’ll +have it out with him now.”</p> +<p>Snap, Dr. Frank, Balch, our first officer, +and I were in the captain’s chart-room. +It was 4 P. M.––our Earth starting +time. We were sixteen hours upon +our voyage.</p> +<p>I found Johnson in his office in the +lounge. “Captain wants to see you. +Close up.”</p> +<p>He closed his window upon an +American woman passenger who was +demanding details of Martian currency, +and followed me forward. “What is it, +Gregg?”</p> +<p>“I don’t know.”</p> +<p>Captain Carter banged the slide upon +us. The chart-room was insulated. The +hum of the current was obvious. Johnson +noticed it. He started at the hostile +faces of the surgeon and Balch. And he +tried to bluster.</p> +<p>“What is this? Something wrong?”</p> +<p>Carter wasted no words. “We have +information, Johnson––there’s some +under cover plot here aboard. I want +to know what it is. Suppose you tell +us frankly.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> purser looked blank. “What +do you mean? We’ve gamblers +aboard, if that’s––”</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_327' name='page_327'></a>327</span></div> +<p>“To hell with that,” growled Balch. +“You had a secret interview with that +Martian, Set Miko, and with George +Prince!”</p> +<p>Johnson scowled from under his +heavy brows, and then raised them in +surprise.</p> +<p>“Did I? You mean changing their +money? I don’t like your tone, Balch. +I’m not your under-officer!”</p> +<p>“But you’re under me,” roared the +captain. “By God, I’m master here!”</p> +<p>“Well, I’m not disputing that,” said +the purser mildly. “This fellow +Balch––”</p> +<p>“We’re in no mood for argument,” +Dr. Frank cut in. “Clouding the issue.”</p> +<p>“I won’t let it be clouded,” the captain +exclaimed. I had never seen Carter +so choleric. He was evidently under a +tremendous strain. He added,</p> +<p>“Johnson, you’ve been acting suspiciously. +I don’t give a damn whether +I’ve proof of it or not––I say it. Did +you, or did you not meet George Prince +and that Martian last night?”</p> +<p>“No, I did not. And I don’t mind +telling you, Captain Carter, that your +tone also is offensive!”</p> +<p>“Is it?” Carter suddenly seized him. +They were both big men. Johnson’s +heavy face went purplish red.</p> +<p>“Take your hands!––” They were +struggling. Carter’s hands were fumbling +at the purser’s pockets. I leaped, +flung an arm around Johnson’s neck, +pinning him.</p> +<p>“Easy there! We’ve got you, Johnson!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Snap</span> tried to help me. “Go on, bang +him on the head, Gregg. Now’s +your chance!”</p> +<p>We searched him. A heat-ray cylinder––that +was legitimate. But we found a +small battery and eavesdropping microphone +similar to the one Venza had +mentioned that Shac the gambler was +carrying.</p> +<p>“What are you doing with that?” the +captain demanded.</p> +<p>“None of your business! Is it criminal? +Carter, I’ll have the Line officials +dismiss you for this! Take your hands +off me, all of you!”</p> +<p>“Look at this!” exclaimed Dr. Frank.</p> +<p>From Johnson’s breast pocket the +surgeon drew a folded document. It +was the scale drawing of the Planetara’s +interior corridors, the lower control +rooms and mechanisms. It was always +kept in Johnson’s safe. And with +it, another document: the ship’s clearance +papers––the secret code pass-words +for this voyage, to be used if we +should be challenged by any interplanetary +police ship.</p> +<p>Snap gasped. “My God, that was in +my helio-room strong box! I’m the only +one on this vessel except the captain +who’s entitled to know those pass-words!”</p> +<p>Out of the silence, Balch demanded, +“Well, what about it, Johnson?”</p> +<p>The purser was still defiant. “I won’t +answer your questions, Balch. At the +proper time, I’ll explain––Gregg Haljan, +you’re choking me!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I eased</span> up. But I shook him. +“You’d better talk.”</p> +<p>He was exasperatingly silent.</p> +<p>“Enough!” exploded Carter. “He can +explain when we get to port. Meanwhile +I’ll put him where he’ll do no +more damage. Gregg, lock him in the +cage.”</p> +<p>We ignored his violent protestations. +The cage––in the old days of sea-vessels +on Earth, they called it the brig––was +the ship’s jail. A steel-lined, windowless +room located under the deck +in the peak of the bow. I dragged the +struggling Johnson there, with the +amazed watcher looking down from the +observatory window at our lunging, +starlit forms.</p> +<p>“Shut up, Johnson! If you know +what’s good for you––”</p> +<p>He was making a fearful commotion. +Behind us, where the deck narrowed +at the superstructure, half a dozen +passengers were gazing in surprise.</p> +<p>“I’ll have you thrown out of the Service, +Gregg Haljan!”</p> +<p>I shut him up finally. And flung him +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_328' name='page_328'></a>328</span> +down the ladder into the cage and +sealed the deck trap-door upon him. I +was headed back for the chart-room +when from the observatory came the +lookout’s voice.</p> +<p>“An asteroid, Haljan! Officer Blackstone +wants you.”</p> +<p>I hurried to the turret bridge. An +asteroid was in sight. We had attained +nearly our maximum speed now. An +asteroid was approaching, so dangerously +close that our trajectory would +have to be altered. I heard Blackstone’s +signals ringing in the control +rooms; and met Carter as he ran to the +bridge with me.</p> +<p>“That scoundrel! We’ll get more out +of him, Gregg. By God, I’ll put the +chemicals on him––torture him, illegal +or not!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">We</span> had no time for further discussion. +The asteroid was rapidly +approaching. Already, under the +glass, it was a magnificent sight. I had +never seen this tiny world before––asteroids +are not numerous between the +Earth and Mars, or in toward Venus. +I never expected to see this one again. +How little of the future can we humans +fathom, for all our science! If I could +only have looked into the future, even +for a few short hours! How different +then would have been the outcome of +this tragic voyage!</p> +<p>The asteroid came rushing at us. Its +orbital velocity, I later computed, was +some twenty-two miles a second. Our +own, at the present maximum, was a +fraction over seventy-seven. The asteroid +had for some time been under observation +by the lookout. He gave his +warning only when it seemed that our +trajectory should be altered to avoid +a dangerously close passing.</p> +<p>At the combined speeds of nearly +a hundred miles a second the asteroid +swept into view. With the naked eye, +at first it was a tiny speck of star-dust, +unnoticed in the gem-strewn black +velvet of Space. A speck. Then a +gleaming dot, silver white, with the +light of our Sun upon it.</p> +<p>Five minutes. The dot grew to a disc. +Expanding. A full moon, silver-white. +Brightest world in the firmament––the +light from it bathed the Planetara, +illumined the deck, painting everything +with silver.</p> +<p>I stood with Carter and Blackstone +on the turret bridge. It was obvious +that unless we altered our course, the +asteroid would pass too close for safety. +Already we were feeling its attraction; +from the control rooms came the +report that our trajectory was disturbed +by this new mass so near.</p> +<p>“Better make your calculations now, +Gregg,” Blackstone suggested.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I cast</span> up the rough elements from +the observational instruments in the +turret. It took me some ten or fifteen +minutes. When I had us upon our new +course, with the attractive and repulsive +plates in the Planetara’s hull set in +their altered combinations, I went out +to the bridge again.</p> +<p>The asteroid hung over our bow +quarter. No more than twenty or thirty +thousand miles away. A giant ball now, +filling all that quadrant of the heavens. +The configurations of its mountains––its +land and water areas––were plainly +visible. Its axial rotation was apparent.</p> +<p>“Perfectly habitable,” Blackstone +said. “But I’ve searched all over this +hemisphere with the glass. No sign of +human life––certainly nothing civilized––nothing +in the fashion of cities.”</p> +<p>A fair little world, by the look of it. +A tiny globe: Blackstone had figured +it at some eight hundred miles in diameter. +There seemed a normal atmosphere. +We could see areas where the +surface was obscured by clouds. And +oceans, and land masses. Polar icecaps. +Lush vegetation at its equator.</p> +<p>Blackstone had roughly cast its orbital +elements. A narrow <a name='TC_11'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'elipse'">ellipse</ins>. No +wonder we had never encountered this +fair little world before. It had come +from the outer region beyond Neptune. +At perihelion it would reach inside +Mercury, round the Sun, and head outward +again.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_329' name='page_329'></a>329</span></div> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">We</span> swept past the asteroid at a +distance of some six thousand +miles. Close enough, in very truth––a +minute of flight at our combined speeds +totaling a hundred miles a second. I +had descended to the passenger deck, +where I stood alone at a window, gazing.</p> +<p>The passengers were all gathered to +view the passing little world. I saw, +not far from me, Anita, standing with +her brother; and the giant figure of +Miko with them.</p> +<p>Half an hour since, first with the +naked eye, this wandering little world +had shown itself; it swam slowly past, +began to dwindle behind us. A huge +half moon. A thinner, smaller quadrant. +A tiny crescent, like a silver bar-pin to +adorn some lady’s breast. And then it +was a dot, a point of light indistinguishable +among the myriad others +hovering in this great black void.</p> +<p>The incident of the passing of the +asteroid was over. I turned from the +deck window. My heart leaped. The +moment for which all day I had been +subconsciously longing was at hand. +Anita was sitting in a deck chair, momentarily +alone. Her gaze was on me +as I looked her way, and she smiled an +invitation for me to join her.</p> +<div class='chsp'> +<a name='CHAPTER_VII_UNSPOKEN_LOVE' id='CHAPTER_VII_UNSPOKEN_LOVE'></a> +<h3>CHAPTER VII</h3> +<h4><i>Unspoken Love</i></h4> +</div> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Unspoken</span> love! I think if I had +yielded to the impulse of my +heart, I would have poured out all those +protestations of a lover’s ecstasy, incongruous +here upon this starlit public +deck, to a girl I hardly knew. I think, +too, she might have received them with +a tender acquiescence. The starlight +was mirrored in her dark eyes. Misty +eyes, with great reaches of unfathomable +space in their depths. Yet I felt +their tenderness.</p> +<p>Unfathomable strangeness of love! +Who am I to write of it, with all the +poets of all the ages striving to express +the unexpressible? A bond, strangely +fashioned by nature, between me and +this little dark-haired Earth beauty. +As though marked by the stars we were +destined to be lovers....</p> +<p>Thus ran the romance of my unspoken +thoughts. But I was sitting +quietly in the deck chair, striving to +regard her gentle beauty impersonally. +And saying:</p> +<p>“But Miss Prince, why are you and +your brother going to Ferrok-Shahn? +His business––”</p> +<p>Even as I voiced it, I hated myself +for such a question. So nimble is the +human mind that mingled with my +rhapsodies of love was my need for information +of George Prince....</p> +<p>“Oh,” she said, “this is pleasure, not +business, for George.” It seemed to me +that a shadow crossed her expressive +face. But it was gone in an instant, and +she smiled. “We have always wanted +to travel. We are alone in the world, +you know––our parents died when we +were children.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I filled</span> in her pause. “You will +like Mars––so many interesting +things to see.”</p> +<p>She nodded. “Yes, I understand so. +Our Earth is so much the same all over, +cast all in one mould.”</p> +<p>“But a hundred or two hundred years +ago it was not, Miss Prince. I have +read how the picturesque Orient, differing +from––well, Great-New York, or +London, for instance––”</p> +<p>“Transportation did that,” she interrupted +eagerly. “Made everything the +same––the people all look alike––dress +alike.”</p> +<p>We discussed it. She had an alert, +eager mind, childlike with its curiosity, +yet strangely matured. And her manner +was naïvely earnest. Yet this was no +clinging vine, this little Anita Prince. +There was a firmness, a hint of masculine +strength in her chin, and in her +manner.</p> +<p>“If I were a man, what wonders I +could achieve in this marvelous age!” +Her sense of humor made her laugh at +herself. “Easy for a girl to say that,” +she added.</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_330' name='page_330'></a>330</span></div> +<p>“You have greater wonders to achieve, +Miss Prince,” I said impulsively.</p> +<p>“Yes? What are they?” She had a +very frank and level gaze, devoid of +coquetry.</p> +<p>My heart was pounding. “The wonders +of the next generation. A little +son, cast in your own gentle image––”</p> +<p>What madness, this clumsy brash +talk! I choked it off.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">But</span> she took no offense. The dark +rose-petals of her cheeks were +mantled deeper red, but she laughed.</p> +<p>“That is true.” She turned abruptly +serious. “I should not laugh. The wonders +of the next generation––conquering +humans marching on....” Her +voice trailed away. My hand went to +her arm. Strange tingling something +which poets call love! It burned and +surged from my trembling fingers into +the flesh of her forearm.</p> +<p>The starlight glowed in her eyes. +She seemed to be gazing, not at the +silver-lit deck, but away into distant +reaches of the future. And she murmured:</p> +<p>“A little son, cast in my own gentle +image. But with the strength of his +father....”</p> +<p>Our moment. Just a breathless moment +given us as we sat there with my +hand burning her arm, as though we +both might be seeing ourselves joined +in a new individual––a little son, cast +in his mother’s gentle image and with +the strength of his father. Our moment, +and then it was over. A step +sounded. I sat back. The giant gray +figure of Miko came past, his great +cloak swaying, with his clanking sword-ornament +beneath it. His bullet head, +with its close-clipped hair, was hatless. +He gazed at us, swaggered past, and +turned the deck corner.</p> +<p>Our moment was gone. Anita said +conventionally, “It has been pleasant +to talk with you, Mr. Haljan.”</p> +<p>“But we’ll have many more,” I said. +“Ten days––”</p> +<p>“You think we’ll reach Ferrok-Shahn +on schedule?”</p> +<p>“Yes. I think so.... As I was saying, +Miss Prince, you’ll enjoy Mars. A +strange, aggressively forward-looking +people.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">An</span> oppression seemed on her. She +stirred in her chair.</p> +<p>“Yes, they are,” she said vaguely. +“My brother and I know many Martians +in Great-New York.” She checked herself +abruptly. Was she sorry she had +said that? It seemed so.</p> +<p>Miko was coming back. He stopped +this time before us.</p> +<p>“Your brother would see you, Anita. +He sent me to bring you to his room.”</p> +<p>The glance he shot me had a touch +of insolence. I stood up, and he towered +a head over me.</p> +<p>Anita said, “Oh yes. I’ll come.”</p> +<p>I bowed. “I will see you again, Miss +Prince. I thank you for a pleasant half-hour.”</p> +<p>The Martian led her away. Her little +figure was like a child with a giant. It +seemed, as they passed the length of +the deck with me staring after them, +that he took her arm roughly. And that +she shrank from him in fear.</p> +<p>And they did not go inside. As +though to show me that he had merely +taken her from me, he stopped at a +distant deck window and stood talking +to her. Once he picked her up as one +would pick up a child to show it some +distant object through the window.</p> +<p>“A little son with the strength of his +father....” Her words echoed in my +mind. Was Anita afraid of this Martian’s +wooing? Yet held to him by some +power he might have over her brother? +The vagrant thought struck me.</p> +<p>Was it that?</p> +<div class='chsp'> +<a name='CHAPTER_VIII_A_SCREAM_IN_THE_NIGHT' id='CHAPTER_VIII_A_SCREAM_IN_THE_NIGHT'></a> +<h3>CHAPTER VIII</h3> +<h4><i>A Scream in the Night</i></h4> +</div> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">We</span> kept, on the Planetara, always +the time and routine of +our port of departure. The rest of that +afternoon and evening were a blank +of confusion to me. Anita’s words; the +touch of my hand upon her arm; that +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_331' name='page_331'></a>331</span> +vast realm of what might be for us, +like a glimpse of a magic land of happiness +which I had seen in her eyes, +and perhaps she had seen in mine––all +this surged within me.</p> +<p>I wandered about the vessel. I was +not hungry. I did not go to the dining +salon for dinner. I carried Johnson +food and water to his cage; and sat, +with my heat-cylinder upon him, listening +to his threats of what would happen +when he could complain to the +Line’s higher officials.</p> +<p>But what was Johnson doing carrying +a plan of the ship’s control rooms +in his pockets? And worse: How had +he dared open Snap’s box in the helio-room +and abstract the code pass-words +for this voyage? Without them we +would be an outlawed vessel, subject +to arrest if any patrol hailed us. Had +Johnson been planning to sell those +pass-words to Miko? I thought so. I +tried to get the confession out of him, +but could not.</p> +<p>I had a brief consultation with Captain +Carter. He was genuinely apprehensive +now. The Planetara carried no +long-range guns, and very few side-arms. +A half-dozen of the heat-ray +hand projectors; a few old-fashioned +weapons of explosion-rifles and automatic +revolvers. And hand projectors +with the new Benson curve-light. We +had models of this for curved vision, +so that one might see around a corner, +so to speak. And with them, we could +project the heat-ray in a curve as well.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> weapons were all in Carter’s +chart-room, save the few we officers +always carried. Carter was apprehensive, +but of what he could not +say. He had not thought that our plan +to stop at the Moon for treasure could +affect this outward voyage. Any danger +would be upon the way back, when +the Planetara would be adequately +guarded with long-range electronic +guns, and manned with police-soldiers.</p> +<p>But now we were practically defenseless....</p> +<p>I had a moment with Venza, but she +had nothing new to communicate to me.</p> +<p>And for half an hour I chatted with +George Prince. He seemed a gay, +pleasant young man. I could almost +have fancied I liked him. Or was it +because he was Anita’s brother? He +told me how he looked forward to +traveling with her on Mars. No, he had +never been there before, he said.</p> +<p>He had a measure of Anita’s earnest +naïve personality. Or was he a very +clever scoundrel, with irony lurking in +his soft voice, and a chuckle that he +could so befool me?</p> +<p>“We’ll talk again, Haljan. You interest +me––I’ve enjoyed it.”</p> +<p>He sauntered away from me, joining +the saturnine Ob Hahn, with whom +presently I heard him discussing religion.</p> +<p>The arrest of Johnson had caused +considerable comment among the passengers. +A few had seen me drag him +forward to the cage. The incident had +been the subject of passenger discussion +all afternoon. Captain Carter had +posted a notice to the effect that Johnson’s +accounts had been found in serious +error, and that Dr. Frank for this +voyage would act in his stead.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">It</span> was near midnight when Snap and +I closed and sealed the helio-room +and started for the chart-room, where +we were to meet with Captain Carter +and the other officers. The passengers +had nearly all retired. A game was in +progress in the smoking room, but the +deck was almost deserted.</p> +<p>Snap and I were passing along one +of the interior corridors. The stateroom +doors, with the illumined names +of the passengers, were all closed. The +metal grid of the floor echoed our footsteps. +Snap was in advance of me. His +body suddenly rose in the air. He went +like a balloon to the ceiling, struck it +gently, and all in a heap came floating +down and landed on the floor!</p> +<p>“What in the infernal!––”</p> +<p>He was laughing as he picked himself +up. But it was a brief laugh. We +knew what had happened: the artificial +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_332' name='page_332'></a>332</span> +gravity-controls in the base of the ship, +which by magnetic force gave us normality +aboard, were being tampered +with! For just this instant, this particular +small section of this corridor +had been cut off. The slight bulk of the +Planetara, floating in space, had no appreciable +gravity pull on Snap’s body, +and the impulse of his step as he came +to the unmagnetized area of the corridor +had thrown him to the ceiling. +The area was normal now. Snap and I +tested it gingerly.</p> +<p>He gripped me. “That never went +wrong by accident, Gregg! Someone +down there––”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">We</span> rushed to the nearest descending +ladder. In the deserted +lower room the bank of dials stood +neglected. A score of dials and switches +were here, governing the magnetism of +different areas of the ship. There +should have been a night operator, but +he was gone.</p> +<p>Then we saw him lying nearby, +sprawled face down on the floor! In +the silence and dim lurid glow of the +fluorescent tubes, we stood holding our +breaths, peering and listening. No one +here.</p> +<p>The guard was not dead. He lay unconscious +from a blow on the head. A +brawny fellow. We had him revived in +a few moments. A broadcast flash of +the call-buzz brought Dr. Frank in +haste from the chart-room.</p> +<p>“What’s the matter?”</p> +<p>We pointed at the unconscious man. +“Someone was here,” I said hastily. +“Experimenting with the magnetic +switches. Evidently unfamiliar with +them––pulling one or another to test +their workings and so see the reactions +on the dials.”</p> +<p>We told him what had happened to +Snap in the upper corridor.</p> +<p>Dr. Frank revived the guard in a moment. +He was no worse off for the +episode, save a lump on his head, and +a nasty headache.</p> +<p>But he had little to tell us. He had +heard a step. Saw nothing––and then +had been struck on the head, by some +invisible assailant.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">We</span> left him nursing his head, +sitting belligerent at his post. +Armed now with my heat-ray cylinder +which I loaned him.</p> +<p>“Strange doings this voyage,” he told +us. “All the crew knows it––all been +talkin’ about it. I stick it out now, but +when we get back home I’m done with +this star travelin’. I belong on the sea +anyway. A good old freighter is all +right for me.”</p> +<p>We hurried back to the upper level. +We would indeed have to plan something +at this chart-room conference. +This was the first tangible attack our +adversaries had made.</p> +<p>We were on the passenger deck +headed for the chart-room when all +three of us stopped short, frozen with +horror. Through the silent passenger +quarters a scream rang out! A girl’s +shuddering, gasping scream. Terror in +it. Horror. Or a scream of agony. In +the silence of the dully vibrating ship +it was utterly horrible. It lasted an +instant––a single long scream; then was +abruptly stilled.</p> +<p>And with blood pounding my temples +and rushing like ice through my veins, +I recognized it.</p> +<p>Anita!</p> +<div class='chsp'> +<a name='CHAPTER_IX_THE_MURDER_IN_A_22' id='CHAPTER_IX_THE_MURDER_IN_A_22'></a> +<h3>CHAPTER IX</h3> +<h4><i>The Murder in A 22</i></h4> +</div> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">G</span><span class="dcap">ood God,</span> what was that?” Dr. +Frank’s face had gone white in +the starlight. Snap stood like a statue +of horror.</p> +<p>The deck here was patched as always, +silver radiance from the deck +ports. The empty deck chairs stood +about. The scream was stilled, but now +we heard a commotion inside––the rasp +of opening cabin doors; questions from +frightened passengers; the scurry of +feet.</p> +<p>I found my voice. “Anita! Anita +Prince!”</p> +<p>“Come on!” shouted Snap. “Was it +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_333' name='page_333'></a>333</span> +the Prince girl? I thought so too! In +her stateroom, A 22!” He was dashing +for the lounge archway.</p> +<p>Dr. Frank and I followed. I realized +that we passed the deck door and window +of A 22. But they were dark, and +evidently sealed on the inside. The dim +lounge was in a turmoil; passengers +standing at their cabin doors. I heard +Sir Arthur Coniston:</p> +<p>“I say, what was that?”</p> +<p>“Over there,” said another man. +“Come back inside, Martha.” He shoved +his wife back. “Mr. Haljan!” He +plucked at me as I went past.</p> +<p>I shouted, “Go back to your rooms! +We want order here––keep back!”</p> +<p>We came to the twin doors of A 22 +and A 20. Both were closed. Dr. Frank +was in advance of Snap and me. He +paused at the sound of Captain Carter’s +voice behind us.</p> +<p>“Was it from in there? Wait a moment!”</p> +<p>Carter dashed up; he had a large +heat-ray projector in his hand. He +shoved us aside. “Let me in first. Is the +door sealed? Gregg, keep those passengers +back!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> door was not sealed. Carter +burst into the room. I heard him +gasp, “Good God!”</p> +<p>Snap and I shoved back three or four +crowding passengers, and in that instant +Dr. Frank had been in the room +and out again.</p> +<p>“There’s been an accident! Get back, +Gregg! Snap, help him keep the crowd +away.” He shoved me forcibly.</p> +<p>From within, Carter was shouting, +“Keep them out! Where are you, +Frank? Come back here! Send a flash +for Balch––I want Balch!”</p> +<p>Dr. Frank went back into the room +and banged the cabin door upon Snap +and me. I was unarmed––I had loaned +my cylinder to the guard in the lower +corridor. Weapon in hand, Snap forced +the panic-stricken passengers back to +their rooms.</p> +<p>“It’s all right! An accident! Miss +Prince is hurt.”</p> +<p>Snap reassured them glibly; but he +knew no more about it than I. Moa, +with a night-robe drawn tight around +her thin, tall figure, edged up to me.</p> +<p>“What has happened, Set Haljan?”</p> +<p>I gazed around for her brother Miko, +but did not see him.</p> +<p>“An accident,” I said shortly. “Go +back to your room. Captain’s orders.”</p> +<p>She eyed me and then retreated. Snap +was threatening everybody with his +cylinder. Balch dashed up. “What in +the hell? Where’s Carter?”</p> +<p>“In there.” I pounded on A 22. It +opened cautiously. I could see only +Carter, but I heard the murmuring +voice of Dr. Frank through the interior +connecting door to A 20.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> captain rasped, “Get out, Haljan! +Oh, is that you, Balch? Come +in.” He admitted the older officer and +slammed the door again upon me. And +immediately reopened it.</p> +<p>“Gregg, keep the passengers quiet. +Tell them everything’s all right. Miss +Prince got frightened, that’s all. Then +go up to the turret. Tell Blackstone +what’s happened.”</p> +<p>“But I don’t know what’s happened,” +I protested miserably.</p> +<p>Carter was grim and white. He whispered, +“I think it may turn out to be +murder, Gregg! No, not dead yet––Dr. +Frank is trying––Don’t stand there like +an ass, man! Get to the turret! Verify +our trajectory––no––wait––”</p> +<p>The captain was almost incoherent. +“Wait a minute, I don’t mean that! Tell +Snap to watch his helio-room. Gregg, +you and Blackstone stay in the chart-room. +Arm yourselves and guard our +weapons. By God, this murderer, whoever +he is––”</p> +<p>I stammered, “If––if she dies––will +you flash us word?”</p> +<p>He stared at me strangely. “I’ll be +there presently, Gregg.”</p> +<p>He slammed the door upon me.</p> +<p>I followed his orders, but it was like +a dream of horror. The turmoil of the +ship gradually quieted. Snap went to +the helio-room; Blackstone and I sat +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_334' name='page_334'></a>334</span> +in the tiny steel chart-room. How much +time passed, I do not know. I was confused. +Anita hurt! She might die.... +Murdered.... But why? By whom? +Had George Prince been in his own +room when the attack came? I thought +now I recalled hearing the low murmur +of his voice in there with Dr. Frank +and Carter.</p> +<p>Where was Miko? It stabbed at me. +I had not seen him among the passengers +in the lounge.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Carter</span> came into the chart-room. +“Gregg, you get to bed––you look +like a ghost!”</p> +<p>“But––”</p> +<p>“She’s not dead––she may live. Dr. +Frank and her brother are with her. +They’re doing all they can.” He told +us what had happened. Anita and +George Prince had both been asleep, +each in their respective rooms. Someone +unknown had opened Anita’s corridor +door.</p> +<p>“Wasn’t it sealed?” I demanded.</p> +<p>“Yes. But the intruder opened it.”</p> +<p>“Burst it? I didn’t think it was +broken.”</p> +<p>“It wasn’t broken. The assailant +opened it somehow, and assaulted Miss +Prince––shot her in the chest with a +heat-ray. Her left lung.”</p> +<p>“She is conscious?” Balch demanded.</p> +<p>“Yes. But she did not see who did it. +Nor did Prince. Her scream awakened +him, but the intruder evidently fled out +the corridor door of A 22, the way he +entered.”</p> +<p>I stood weak and shaken at the chart-room +entrance. “A little son, cast in the +gentle image of his mother. But with +the strength of his father....” But +Anita––dying, perhaps; and all my +dreams were fading into a memory of +what might have been.</p> +<p>“You go to bed, Gregg––we don’t +need you.”</p> +<p>I was glad enough to get away. I +would lie down for an hour, and then +go to Anita’s stateroom. I’d demand +that Dr. Frank let me see her, if only +for a moment.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I went</span> to the stern deck-space +where my cubby was located. My +mind was confused, but some instinct +within me made me verify the seals of +my door and window. They were intact. +I entered cautiously, switched on the +dimmer of the tube-lights, and searched +the room. It had only a bunk, my tiny +desk, a chair and clothes robe.</p> +<p>There was no evidence of any intruder +here. I set my door and window +alarm. Then I audiphoned to the helio-room.</p> +<p>“Snap?”</p> +<p>“Yes.”</p> +<p>I told him about Anita. Carter cut +in on us from the chart-room. “Stop +that, you fools!”</p> +<p>We cut off. Fully dressed, I flung +myself on my bed. Anita might die....</p> +<p>I must have fallen into a tortured +sleep. I was awakened by the sound of +my alarm buzzer. Someone was tampering +with my door! Then the buzzer +ceased; the marauder outside must +have found a way of silencing it. But +it had done its work––awakened me.</p> +<p>I had switched off the light; my +cubby was Stygian dark. A heat-cylinder +was in the bunk-bracket over my +head; I searched for it, pried it loose +softly.</p> +<p>I was fully awake. Alert. I could +hear a faint sizzling––someone outside +trying to unseal the door. In the darkness, +cylinder in hand, I crept from the +bunk. Crouched at the door. This time +I would capture or kill this night +prowler.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> sizzling was faintly audible. +My door-seal was breaking. Upon +impulse I reached for the door, jerked +it open.</p> +<p>No one there! The starlit segment of +deck was empty. But I had leaped, and +I struck a solid body, crouching in the +doorway. A giant man. Miko!</p> +<p>His electronized metallic robe burned +my hands. I lunged against him––I was +almost as surprised as he. I shot, but +the stab of heat evidently missed him.</p> +<p>The shock of my encounter close-circuited +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_335' name='page_335'></a>335</span> +his robe; he materialized in +the starlight. A brief, savage encounter. +He struck the weapon from my hand. +He had dropped his hydrogen torch, +and tried to grip me. But I twisted +away from his hold.</p> +<p>“So it’s you!”</p> +<p>“Be quiet, Gregg Haljan! I only +want to talk.”</p> +<p>Without warning, a stab of radiance +shot from a weapon in his hand. It +caught me. Ran like ice through my +veins. Seized and numbed my limbs.</p> +<p>I fell helpless to the deck. Nerves +and muscles paralyzed. My tongue was +thick and inert. I could not speak, nor +move. But I could see Miko bending +over me. And hear him:</p> +<p>“I don’t want to kill you, Haljan. We +need you.”</p> +<p>He gathered me up like a bundle in +his huge arms; carried me swiftly +across the deserted deck.</p> +<p>Snap’s helio-room in the network +under the dome was diagonally overhead. +A white actinic light shot from it––caught +us, bathed us. Snap had been +awake; had heard the slight commotion +of our encounter.</p> +<p>His voice rang shrilly: “Stop! I’ll +shoot!” His warning siren rang out to +arouse the ship. His spotlight clung to +us.</p> +<p>Miko ran with me a few steps. Then +he cursed and dropped me, fled away. +I fell like a sack of carbide to the deck. +My senses faded into blackness....</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">H</span><span class="dcap">e’s</span> all right now.”</p> +<p>I was in the chart-room, with +Captain Carter, Snap and Dr. Frank +bending over me. The surgeon said,</p> +<p>“Can you speak now, Gregg?”</p> +<p>I tried it. My tongue was thick, but +it would move. “Yes.”</p> +<p>I was soon revived. I sat up, with +Dr. Frank vigorously rubbing me.</p> +<p>“I’m all right.” I told them what had +happened.</p> +<p>Captain Carter said abruptly, “Yes, +we know that. And it was Miko also +who killed Anita Prince. She told us +before she died.”</p> +<p>“Died!...” I leaped to my feet. +“She ... died....”</p> +<p>“Yes, Gregg. An hour ago, Miko got +into her stateroom and tried to force +his love on her. She repulsed him––he +killed her.”</p> +<p>It struck me blank. And then with a +rush came the thought, “He says Miko +killed her....”</p> +<p>I heard myself stammering, “Why––why +we must get him!” I gathered my +wits; a surge of hate swept me; a wild +desire for vengeance.</p> +<p>“Why, by God, where is he? Why +don’t you go get him? I’ll get him––I’ll +kill him, I tell you!”</p> +<p>“Easy, Gregg!” Dr. Frank gripped +me.</p> +<p>The captain said gently, “We know +how you feel, Gregg. She told us before +she died.”</p> +<p>“I’ll bring him in here to you! But +I’ll kill him, I tell you!”</p> +<p>“No you won’t, lad. You’re hysterical +now. We don’t want him killed, not attacked +even. Not yet. We’ll explain +later.”</p> +<p>They sat me down, calming me.</p> +<p>Anita dead. The door of the shining +garden was closed. A brief glimpse, +given to me and to her of what might +have been. And now she was dead....</p> +<div class='chsp'> +<a name='CHAPTER_X_A_SPECK_OF_HUMAN_EARTHDUST_FALLING_FREE' id='CHAPTER_X_A_SPECK_OF_HUMAN_EARTHDUST_FALLING_FREE'></a> +<h3>CHAPTER X</h3> +<h4><i>A Speck of Human Earth-dust, Falling Free....</i></h4> +</div> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I had</span> not been able at first to understand +why Captain Carter wanted +Miko left at liberty. Within me there +was that cry of vengeance, as though +to strike Miko down would somehow +lessen my own grief at Anita’s loss. +Whatever Carter’s purpose, Snap had +not known it. But Balch and Dr. Frank +were in the captain’s confidence––all +three of them working on some plan of +action. Snap and I argued it, and +thought we could fathom it; and in +spite of my desire to kill Miko, the +thing looked reasonable.</p> +<p>It was obvious that at least two of +our passengers were plotting with Miko +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_336' name='page_336'></a>336</span> +and George Prince; trying during this +voyage to learn what they could about +Grantline’s activities on the Moon; +scheming doubtless to seize the treasure +when the Planetara stopped at the Moon +on the return voyage. I thought I could +name those masquerading passengers. +Ob Hahn, supposedly a Venus Mystic. +And Rance Rankin, who called himself +an American magician. Those two, +Snap and I agreed, seemed most suspicious. +And there was the purser.</p> +<p>With my hysteria still on me, I sat +for a time on the deck outside the +chart-room with Snap. Then Carter +summoned us back, and we sat listening +while he, Balch and Dr. Frank +went on with their conference. Listening +to them I could not but agree that +our best plan was to secure evidence +which would incriminate all who were +concerned in the plot. Miko, we were +convinced, had been the Martian who +followed Snap and me from Halsey’s +office in Great-New York. George +Prince had doubtless been the invisible +eavesdropper outside the helio-room. +He knew, and had told the others, that +Grantline had found radium-ore on the +Moon––that the Planetara would stop +there on the way home.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">But</span> we could not incarcerate +George Prince for being an eavesdropper. +Nor had we the faintest tangible +evidence against Ob Hahn or Rance +Rankin. And even the purser would +probably be released by the Interplanetary +Court of Ferrok-Shahn when it +heard our evidence.</p> +<p>There was only Miko. We could arrest +him for the murder of Anita. But +the others would be put on their guard. +It was Carter’s idea to let Miko remain +at liberty for a time and see if we +could not identify and incriminate his +fellows. The murder of Anita obviously +had nothing to do with any plot against +the Grantline Moon treasure.</p> +<p>“Why,” exclaimed Balch, “there +might be––probably are––huge Martian +interests concerned in this thing. These +men here aboard are only emissaries, +making this voyage to learn what they +can. When they get to Ferrok-Shahn +they’ll make their report, and then we’ll +have a real danger on our hands. Why, +an outlaw ship could be launched from +Ferrok-Shahn that would beat us back +to the Moon––and Grantline is entirely +without warning of any danger!”</p> +<p>It seemed obvious. Unscrupulous, +moneyed criminals in Ferrok-Shahn +would be dangerous indeed, once these +details of Grantline were given them. +And so now it was decided that in the +remaining nine days of our outward +voyage, we would attempt to secure +enough evidence to arrest all these +plotters.</p> +<p>“I’ll have them all in the cage when +we land,” Carter declared grimly. +“They’ll make no report to their principals. +The thing will end, be stamped +out!”</p> +<p>Ah, the futile plans of men!</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Yet</span> we thought it practical. We +were all doubly armed now. Explosive +bullet-projectors and the heat-ray +cylinders. And we had several +eavesdropping microphones which we +planned to use whenever occasion offered.</p> +<p>It was now, Earth Eastern Time, +A. M. Twenty-eight hours only of this +eventful voyage were passed. The +Planetara was some six million miles +from the Earth; it blazed behind us, +a tremendous giant.</p> +<p>The body of Anita was being made +ready for burial. George Prince was +still in his stateroom. Glutz, effeminate +little hairdresser, who waxed rich acting +as beauty doctor for the women +passengers, and who in his youth had +been an undertaker, had gone with Dr. +Frank to prepare the body.</p> +<p>Gruesome details. I tried not to +think of them. I sat, numbed, in the +chart-room.</p> +<p>An astronomical burial––there was +little precedent for it. I dragged myself +to the stern deck-space where, at +five A. M., the ceremony took place. +Most of the passengers were asleep, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_337' name='page_337'></a>337</span> +unaware of all this––which was why +Carter hastened it.</p> +<p>We were a solemn little group, +gathered there in the checkered starlight +with the great vault of the +heavens around us. A dismantled electronic +projector––necessary when a +long-range gun was mounted––had been +rigged up in one of the deck ports.</p> +<p>They brought out the body. I stood +apart, gazing reluctantly at the small +bundle, wrapped like a mummy in a +dark metallic screen-cloth. A patch of +black silk rested over her face.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Four</span> cabin stewards carried her. +And beside her walked George +Prince. A long black robe covered him, +but his head was bare. And suddenly +he reminded me of the ancient play-character +of Hamlet. His black, wavy +hair; his finely chiseled, pallid face, +set now in a stern, patrician cast. And +staring, I realized that however much +of a villain this man not yet thirty +might be, at this instant, walking beside +the body of his dead sister, he was +stricken with grief. He loved that +sister with whom he had lived since +childhood; and to see him now, with +his set white face, no one could +doubt it.</p> +<p>The little procession stopped in a +patch of starlight by the port. They +rested the body on a bank of chairs. +The black-robed Chaplain, roused from +his bed and still trembling from excitement +of this sudden, inexplicable death +on board, said a brief, solemn little +prayer. An appeal: That the Almighty +Ruler of all these blazing worlds might +guard the soul of this gentle girl whose +mortal remains were now to be returned +to Him.</p> +<p>Ah, if ever God seemed hovering +close, it was now at this instant, on +this starlit deck floating in the black +void of space.</p> +<p>Then Carter for just a moment removed +the black shroud from her face. +I saw her brother gaze silently; saw +him stoop and implant a kiss––and turn +away. I did not want to look, but I +found myself moving slowly forward.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">She</span> lay, so beautiful. Her face, +white and calm and peaceful in +death. My sight blurred. Words +seemed to echo: “A little son, cast in +the gentle image of his mother....”</p> +<p>“Easy, Gregg!” Snap was whispering +to me. He had his arm around me. +“Come on away!”</p> +<p>They tied the shroud over her face. +I did not see them as they put her body +in the tube, sent it through the exhaust-chamber, +and dropped it.</p> +<p>But a moment later I saw it––a small +black oblong bundle––hovering beside +us. It was perhaps a hundred feet +away, circling us. Held by the Planetara’s +bulk, it had momentarily become +our satellite. It swung around us like +a moon. Gruesome satellite, by nature’s +laws forever to follow us.</p> +<p>Then from another tube at the bow, +Blackstone operated a small Zed-co-ray +projector. Its dull light caught the +floating bundle, neutralizing its metallic +wrappings.</p> +<p>It swung off at a tangent. Speeding. +Falling free in the dome of the heavens. +A rotating black oblong. But in a moment +distance dwindled it to a speck. +A dull silver dot with the sunlight on +it. A speck of human Earth-dust, falling +free....</p> +<p>It vanished. Anita––gone. In my +heart was an echo of the prayer that +the Almighty might watch over her +and guard her always....</p> +<div class='chsp'> +<a name='CHAPTER_XI_THE_ELECTRICAL_EAVESDROPPER' id='CHAPTER_XI_THE_ELECTRICAL_EAVESDROPPER'></a> +<h3>CHAPTER XI</h3> +<h4><i>The Electrical Eavesdropper</i></h4> +</div> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I turned</span> from the deck. Miko +was near me! So he had dared to +show himself here among us! But I +realized that he could not be aware we +knew he was the murderer. George +Prince had been asleep, had not seen +Miko with Anita. Miko, with impulsive +rage, had shot the girl and escaped. +No doubt now he was cursing +himself for having done it. And he +could very well assume that Anita had +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_338' name='page_338'></a>338</span> +died without regaining consciousness +to tell who had killed her.</p> +<p>He gazed at me now, here on the +deck. I thought for an instant he was +coming over to talk to me. Though +he probably considered he was not suspected +of the murder of Anita, he realized, +of course, that his attack on me +was known; he must have wondered +what action Captain Carter would take.</p> +<p>But he did not approach me; he +moved away, and went inside. Moa +had been near him; and as though by +pre-arrangement with him she now accosted +me.</p> +<p>“I want to speak to you, Set Haljan.”</p> +<p>“Go ahead.”</p> +<p>I felt an instinctive aversion for this +Martian girl. Yet she was not unattractive. +Over six feet tall, straight +and slim. Sleek blond hair. Rather a +handsome face. Not gray, like the +burly Miko, but pink and white. Stern-lipped, +yet feminine, too. She was +smiling gravely now. Her blue eyes +regarded me keenly. She said gently:</p> +<p>“A sad occurrence, Gregg Haljan. +And mysterious. I would not question +you––”</p> +<p>“Is that all you have to say?” I demanded, +when she paused.</p> +<p>“No. You are a handsome man, Gregg––attractive +to women––to any Martian +woman.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">She</span> said it impulsively. Admiration +for me was on her face, in her +eyes––a man cannot miss it.</p> +<p>“Thank you.”</p> +<p>“I mean, I would be your friend. My +brother Miko is so sorry about what +happened between you and him this +morning. He only wanted to talk to +you, and he came to your cubby +door––”</p> +<p>“With a torch to break its seal,” I interjected.</p> +<p>She waved that away. “He was afraid +you would not admit him. He told you +he would not hurt you.”</p> +<p>“And so he struck me with one of +your cursed Martian paralyzing rays!”</p> +<p>“He is sorry....”</p> +<p>She seemed gauging me, trying, no +doubt, to find out what reprisal would +be taken against her brother. I felt +sure that Moa was as active as a man +in any plan that was under way to capture +the Grantline treasure. Miko, with +his ungovernable temper, was doing +things that put their plans in jeopardy.</p> +<p>I demanded abruptly, “What did +your brother want to talk to me about?”</p> +<p>“Me,” she said surprisingly. “I sent +him. A Martian girl goes after what +she wants. Did you know that?”</p> +<p>She swung on her heel and left me. I +puzzled over it. Was that why Miko +had struck me down, and was carrying +me off? Was my accursed masculine +beauty so attractive to this Martian +girl? I did not think so. I could not +believe that all these incidents were so +unrelated to what I knew was the main +undercurrent. They wanted me, had +tried to capture me. For something else +than because Moa liked my looks....</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Dr. Frank</span> found me mooning +alone.</p> +<p>“Go to bed, Gregg! You look awful.”</p> +<p>“I don’t want to go to bed.”</p> +<p>“Where’s Snap?”</p> +<p>“I don’t know. He was here a while +ago.” I had not seen him since the +burial of Anita.</p> +<p>“The captain wants him.” The surgeon +left me.</p> +<p>Within an hour the morning siren +would arouse the passengers. I was +seated in a secluded corner of the deck, +when George Prince came along. He +went past me, a slight, somber, dark-robed +figure. He had on high, thick +boots. A hood was over his head, but +as he saw me he pushed it back and +dropped down beside me.</p> +<p>But for a moment he did not speak. +His face showed pallid in the pallid +star-gleams.</p> +<p>“She said you loved her.” His soft +voice was throaty with emotion.</p> +<p>“Yes.” I said it almost against my +will. There seemed a bond springing +between this bereaved brother and me. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_339' name='page_339'></a>339</span> +He added, so softly I could barely hear +him, “That makes you, I think, almost +my friend. And you thought you were +my enemy.”</p> +<p>I held my answer. An incautious +tongue running under emotion is a +dangerous thing. And I was sure of +nothing.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">He</span> went on, “Almost my friend. +Because––we both loved her, and +she loved us both.” He was hardly +more than whispering. “And there is +aboard––one whom we both hate.”</p> +<p>“Miko!” It burst from me.</p> +<p>“Yes. But do not say it.”</p> +<p>Another silence fell between us. He +brushed back the black curls from his +forehead. And his dark eyes searched +mine.</p> +<p>“Have you an eavesdropping microphone, +Haljan?”</p> +<p>I hesitated. “Yes.”</p> +<p>“I was thinking....” He leaned closer +toward me. “If, in half an hour, you +could use it upon Miko’s cabin––I +would rather tell you than the captain +or anyone else. The cabin will be insulated, +but I shall find a way of cutting +off that insulation so that you may +hear.”</p> +<p>So George Prince had turned with +us! The shock of his sister’s death––himself +allied to her murderer!––had +been too much for him. He was with +us!</p> +<p>Yet his help must be given secretly. +Miko would kill him in an instant if it +became known.</p> +<p>He had been watchful of the deck. +He stood up now.</p> +<p>“I think that is all.”</p> +<p>As he turned away, I murmured, +“But I do thank you....”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> name Set Miko glowed upon +the small metal door. It was in a +transverse corridor similar to A 22. The +corridor was forward of the lounge: it +opened off the small circular library.</p> +<p>The library was unoccupied and unlighted, +dim with only the reflected +lights from the nearby passages. I +crouched behind a cylinder-case. The +door of Miko’s room was in sight, being +some thirty feet away from me.</p> +<p>I waited perhaps five minutes. No +one entered. Then I realized that +doubtless the conspirators were already +there. I set my tiny eavesdropper +on the library floor beside me; +connected its little battery; <a name='TC_2'></a><ins title="Was 'focussed'">focused</ins> +its projector. Was Miko’s room insulated? +I could not tell. There was a +small ventilating grid above the door. +Across its opening, if the room were +insulated, a blue sheen of radiance +would be showing. And there would +be a faint hum. But from this distance +I could not see or hear such details, and +I was afraid to approach closer. Once +in the transverse corridor, I would have +no place to hide, no way of escape; if +anyone approached Miko’s door, I +would be discovered.</p> +<p>I threw the current into my little +apparatus. I prayed, if it met interference, +that the slight sound would +pass unnoticed. George Prince had +said he would make opportunity to disconnect +the room’s insulation. He had +evidently done so. I picked up the interior +sounds at once; my headphone +vibrated with them. And with trembling +fingers on the little dial between +my knees as I crouched in the darkness +behind the cylinder-case, I <a name='TC_14'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'syncronized'">synchronized</ins>.</p> +<p>“Johnson is a fool.” It was Miko’s +voice. “We must have the pass-words.”</p> +<p>“He got them from the helio-room.” +A man’s voice; I puzzled over it at +first, then recognized it. Rance Rankin.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Miko</span> said, “He is a fool. Walking +around this ship as though +with letters blazoned on his forehead––‘Watch +me––I need watching––’ Hah! +No wonder they apprehended him!”</p> +<p>Was George Prince in there? Rankin’s +voice said: “He would have +turned the papers over to us. I would +not blame him too much. What +harm––”</p> +<p>“Oh, I’ll release him,” Miko declared. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_340' name='page_340'></a>340</span> +“What harm? That braying ass did us +plenty of harm. He has lost the pass-words. +Better he had left them in the +helio-room.”</p> +<p>Moa was in the room. Her voice +said: “We’ve got to have them. The +Planetara, upon such an important voyage +as this, may be watched. How do +we know––”</p> +<p>“It is, no doubt,” Rankin said quietly. +“We ought to have the pass-words. +When we are in control of this +ship....”</p> +<p>It sent a shiver through me. Were +they planning to try and seize the +Planetara? Now? It seemed so.</p> +<p>“Johnson undoubtedly memorized +them,” Moa was saying. “When we get +him out––”</p> +<p>“Hahn is to do that, at the signal.” +Miko added, “George could do it better, +perhaps.”</p> +<p>And then I heard George Prince for +the first time. He murmured, “I will +try.”</p> +<p>“No need,” said Miko. “I praise +where praise is deserved. And I have +little praise for you now, George!”</p> +<p>I could not see what happened. A +look, perhaps, which Prince could not +avoid giving this man he had come to +hate. Miko doubtless saw it, and the +Martian’s hot anger <a name='TC_15'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Removed extra quote after leaped">leaped.</ins></p> +<p>Rankin said hurriedly, “Stop that!”</p> +<p>And Moa: “Let him alone! Sit down, +you fool!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I could</span> hear the sound of a scuffle. +A blow––a cry, half suppressed, +from George Prince.</p> +<p>Then Miko: “I will not hurt him. +Craven coward! Look at him! Hating +me––frightened!”</p> +<p>I could fancy George Prince sitting +there with murder in his heart, and +Miko taunting him:</p> +<p>“Hates me now, because I shot his +sister!”</p> +<p>Moa: “Hush!”</p> +<p>“I will not! Why should I not say +it? I will tell you something else, +George Prince. It was not Anita I shot +at, but you! I meant nothing for her, +but love. If you had not interfered––”</p> +<p>This was different from what we had +figured. George Prince had come in +from his own room, had tried to rescue +his sister, and in the scuffle, Anita had +taken the shot intended for George.</p> +<p>“I did not even know I had hit her,” +Miko was saying. “Not until I heard +she was dead.” He added sardonically, +“I hoped it was you I had hit, George. +And I will tell you this: You hate me +no more than I hate you. If it were +not for your knowledge of radium +ores––”</p> +<p>“Is this to be a personal wrangle?” +Rankin interrupted. “I thought we +were here to plan––”</p> +<p>“It is planned,” Miko said shortly. “I +give orders, I do not plan. I am waiting +now for the moment––”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">He</span> checked himself. Moa said, +“Does Rankin understand that +no harm is to come to Gregg Haljan?”</p> +<p>“Yes,” said Rankin. “And Dean. We +need them, of course. But you cannot +make Dean send messages if he refuses, +nor make Haljan navigate.”</p> +<p>“I know enough to check on them,” +Miko said grimly. “They will not fool +me. And they will obey me, have no +fear. A little touch of sulphuric––” +His laugh was gruesome. “It makes +the most stubborn very willing.”</p> +<p>“I wish,” said Moa, “we had Haljan +safely hidden. If he is hurt––killed––”</p> +<p>So that was why Miko had tried to +capture me? To keep me safe so that +I might navigate the ship.</p> +<p>It occurred to me that I should get +Carter at once. A plot to seize the +Planetara? But when?</p> +<p>I froze with startled horror.</p> +<p>The diaphragms at my ears rang with +Miko’s words: “I have set the time for +now! In two minutes––”</p> +<p>It seemed to startle both Rankin and +George Prince almost as much as I. +Both exclaimed:</p> +<p>“No!”</p> +<p>“No? Why not? Everyone is at his +post!”</p> +<p>Prince repeated: “No!”</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_341' name='page_341'></a>341</span></div> +<p>And Rankin: “But can we trust +them? The stewards––the crew?”</p> +<p>“Eight of them are our own men! +You didn’t know that, Rankin? They’ve +been aboard the Planetara for several +voyages. Oh, this is no quickly-planned +affair, even though we let you +in on it so recently. You and Johnson. +By God!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I crouched</span> tense. There was a +commotion in the stateroom. Miko +had discovered that his insulation was +cut off! He had evidently leaped to his +feet; I heard a chair overturn. And +the Martian’s roar: “It’s off! Did you +do that, Prince? By God, if I +thought––”</p> +<p>My apparatus went suddenly dead as +Miko flung on his insulation. I lost my +wits in the confusion; I should have +instantly taken off my vibrations. +There was interference; it showed in +the dark space of the ventilator grid +over Miko’s doorway; a snapping in the +air there, a swirl of sparks.</p> +<p>I heard with my unaided ears Miko’s +roar over his insulation: “By God, +they’re listening!”</p> +<p>The scream of a hand-siren sounded +from his stateroom. It rang over the +ship. His signal! I heard it answered +from some distant point. And then a +shot; a commotion in the lower corridors....</p> +<p>The attack upon the Planetara had +started!</p> +<p>I was on my feet. The shouts of +startled passengers sounded, a turmoil +beginning everywhere.</p> +<p>I stood momentarily transfixed. The +door of Miko’s stateroom burst open. +He stood there, with Moa, Rankin and +George Prince crowding behind him.</p> +<p>He saw me. “You, Gregg Haljan!”</p> +<p>He came leaping at me.</p> +<div class='chsp'> +<a name='CHAPTER_XII_THE_WEIGHTLESS_COMBAT' id='CHAPTER_XII_THE_WEIGHTLESS_COMBAT'></a> +<h3>CHAPTER XII</h3> +<h4><i>The Weightless Combat</i></h4> +</div> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I was</span> taken wholly by surprise. +There was an instant when I stood +numbed, fumbling for a weapon at my +belt, undecided whether to run or stand +my ground. Miko was no more than +twenty feet from me. He checked his +forward rush. The light from an overhead +tube was on him; I saw in his +hand the cylinder projector of his +paralyzing ray.</p> +<p>I plucked my heat-cylinder from my +belt, and fired without taking aim. My +tiny heat-beam flashed. I must have +grazed Miko’s hand. His roar of anger +and pain rang out over the turmoil. He +dropped his weapon; then stooped to +pick it up. But Moa forestalled him. +She leaped and seized it.</p> +<p>“Careful! Fool––you promised not +to hurt him!”</p> +<p>A confusion of swift action. Rankin +had turned and darted away. I saw +George Prince stumbling half in front +of the struggling Miko and Moa. And +I heard footsteps beside me; a hand +gripped me, jerked at me.</p> +<p>Over the turmoil Prince’s voice +sounded: “Gregg––Haljan!”</p> +<p>I recall I had the impression that +Prince was frightened; he had half +fallen in front of Miko. And there was +Miko’s voice:</p> +<p>“Let go of me!”</p> +<p>And Moa: “Come!”</p> +<p>It was Balch gripping me. “Gregg! +This way––run! Get out of here! +He’ll kill you with that ray––”</p> +<p>Miko’s ray flashed, but George Prince +had knocked at his arm. I did not dare +fire again. Prince was in the way. +Balch, who was unarmed, shoved me +violently back.</p> +<p>“Gregg––the chart-room!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I turned</span> and ran, with Balch after +me. Prince had fallen, or been +felled by Miko. A flash followed me. +Miko’s weapon, but again it missed. He +did not pursue me; he ran the other +way, through the port-side door of the +library.</p> +<p>Balch and I found ourselves in the +lounge. Shouting, frightened passengers +were everywhere. The place was +in wild confusion, the whole ship ringing +now with shouts.</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_342' name='page_342'></a>342</span></div> +<p>“To the chart-room, Gregg!”</p> +<p>I called to the passengers: “Get back +to your rooms!”</p> +<p>I followed Balch. We ran through +the archway to the deck. In the starlight +I saw figures scurrying aft, but +none were near us. The deck forward +was dim with heavy shadows. The oval +window and door of the chart-room +were blue-yellow from the tube-lights +inside. No one seemed on the deck +there; and then, as we approached, I +saw, further forward in the bow, the +trap-door to the cage standing open. +Johnson had been released.</p> +<p>From one of the chart-room windows +a heat-ray sizzled. It barely missed us. +Balch shouted, “Carter––don’t!”</p> +<p>The captain called, “Oh––you, Balch––and +Haljan––”</p> +<p>He came out on the deck as we +rushed up. His left arm was dangling +limp.</p> +<p>“God––this––” He got no further. +From the turret overhead a tiny +search-beam came down and disclosed +us. Blackstone was supposed to be on +duty up there, with a course-master at +the controls. But, glancing up, I saw, +illumined by the turret lights, the figures +of Ob Hahn in his purple-white +robe, and Johnson the purser. And on +the turret balcony, two fallen men––Blackstone +and the course-master.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Johnson</span> was training the spotlight +on us. And Hahn fired a Martian +ray. It struck Balch beside me. +He dropped.</p> +<p>Carter was shouting, “Inside! Gregg, +get inside!”</p> +<p>I stopped to raise up Balch. Another +beam came down. A heat-ray this +time. It caught the fallen Balch full +in the chest, piercing him through. The +smell of his burning flesh rose to sicken +me. He was dead. I dropped his body. +Carter shoved me into the chart-room.</p> +<p>In the small, steel-lined room, Carter +and I slid the door closed. We were +alone here. The thing had come so +quickly it had taken Captain Carter, +like us all, wholly unawares. We had +anticipated spying eavesdroppers, but +not this open brigandage. No more than +a minute or two had passed since +Miko’s siren in his stateroom had given +the signal for the attack. Carter had +been in the chart-room. Blackstone was +in the turret. At the outbreak of confusion, +Carter dashed out to see Hahn +releasing Johnson from the cage. From +the forward chart-room window now I +could see where Hahn with a torch had +broken the cage-seal. The torch lay on +the deck. There had been an exchange +of shots; Carter’s arm was paralyzed; +Johnson and Hahn had escaped.</p> +<p>Carter was as confused as I. There +had simultaneously been an encounter +up in the turret. Blackstone and the +course-master were killed. The lookout +had been shot from his post in the +forward observatory. His body dangled +now, twisted half in and half out +of his window.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">We</span> could see several of Miko’s +men––erstwhile members of our +crew and steward-corps––scurrying +from the turret along the upper bridges +toward the dark and silent helio-room. +Snap was up there. But was he? The +helio-room glowed suddenly with dim +light, but there was no evidence of a +fight there. The fighting seemed mostly +below the deck, down in the hull-corridors. +A blended horror of sounds +came up to us. Screams, shouts, and +the hissing and snapping of ray weapons. +Our crew––such of them as were +loyal––were making a stand down below. +But it was brief. Within a minute +it died away. The passengers, amidships +in the superstructure, were still +shouting. Then above them Miko’s +roar sounded.</p> +<p>“Be quiet! Go in your rooms––you +will not be harmed.”</p> +<p>The brigands in these few minutes +were in control of the ship. All but +this little chart-room, where, with most +of the ship’s weapons, Carter and I +were intrenched.</p> +<p>“God, Gregg, that this should come +upon us!”</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_343' name='page_343'></a>343</span></div> +<p>Carter was fumbling with the chart-room +weapons. “Here, Gregg, help me. +What have you got? Heat-ray? That’s +all I had ready.”</p> +<p>It struck me then as I helped him +make the connections that Carter in +this crisis was at best an inefficient +commander. His red face had gone +splotchy purple; his hands were trembling. +Skilled as captain of a peaceful +liner, he was at a loss now. Nor +could I blame him. It is easy to say +we might have taken warning, done +this or that, and come triumphant +through this attack. But only the fool +looks backward and says, “I would have +done better.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I tried</span> to summon my wits. The +ship was lost to us, unless Carter +and I could do something. Our futile +weapons! They were all here––four or +five heat-ray hand projectors that could +send a pencil-ray a hundred feet or so. +I shot one diagonally up at the turret +where Johnson was leering down at our +rear window, but he saw my gesture +and dropped back out of sight. The +heat-beam flashed harmlessly up and +struck the turret roof. Then across the +turret window came a sheen of radiance––an +electro-barrage. And behind it, +Hahn’s suave, evil face appeared. He +shouted down:</p> +<p>“We have orders to spare you, Gregg +Haljan––or you would have been killed +long ago!”</p> +<p>My answering shot hit his barrage +with a shower of sparks, behind which +he stood unmoved.</p> +<p>Carter handed me another weapon. +“Gregg, try this.”</p> +<p>I levelled the old explosive bullet +projector; Carter crouched beside me. +But before I could press the trigger, +from somewhere down the starlit deck +an electro-beam hit me. The little rifle +exploded, burst its breech. I sank back +to the floor, tingling from the shock of +the hostile current. My hands were +blackened from the exploding powder.</p> +<p>Carter seized me. “No use! Hurt?”</p> +<p>“No.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> stars through the dome-windows +were swinging. A long swing––the +shadows and starlit patches on +the deck were all shifting. The Planetara +was turning. The heavens revolved +in a great round sweep of movement, +then settled as we took our new +course. Hahn at the turret controls +had swung us. The earth and the sun +showed over our bow quarter. The +sunlight mingled red-yellow with the +brilliant starlight. Hahn’s signals were +sounding; I heard them answered from +the mechanism rooms down below. +Brigands there––in full control. The +gravity plates were being set to the +new positions; we were on our new +course. Headed a point or two off the +Earth-line. Not headed for the moon? +I wondered.</p> +<p>Carter and I were planning nothing. +What was there to plan? We were under +observation. A Martian paralyzing +ray––or electronic beam, far more +deadly than our own puny police weapons––would +have struck us the instant +we tried to leave the chart-room.</p> +<p>My swift-running thoughts were interrupted +by a shout from down the +deck. At a corner of the cabin superstructure +some fifty feet from our windows +the figure of Miko appeared. A +barrage-radiance hung around him like +a shimmering mantle. His voice +sounded:</p> +<p>“Gregg Haljan, do you yield?”</p> +<p>Carter leaped up from where he and +I were crouching. Against all reason +of safety he leaned from the low window, +waving his hamlike fist.</p> +<p>“Yield? No! I am in command here, +you pirate! Brigand––murderer!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I pushed</span> him back. “Careful!”</p> +<p>He was spluttering, and over it +Miko’s sardonic laugh sounded. “Very +well––but you will talk? Shall we argue +about it?”</p> +<p>I stood up. “What do you want to +say, Miko?”</p> +<p>Behind him the tall, thin figure of +his sister showed. She was plucking at +him. He turned violently.</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_344' name='page_344'></a>344</span></div> +<p>“I won’t hurt him! Gregg Haljan––is +this a truce? You will not shoot?” +He was shielding Moa.</p> +<p>“No,” I called. “For a moment, no. +A truce. What is it you want to say?”</p> +<p>I could hear the babble of passengers +who were herded in the cabin with +brigands guarding them. George +Prince, bareheaded, but shrouded in his +cloak, showed in a patch of light behind +Moa. He looked my way and then +retreated into the lounge archway.</p> +<p>Miko called, “You must yield. We +want you, Haljan.”</p> +<p>“No doubt,” I jeered.</p> +<p>“Alive. It is easy to kill you.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I could</span> not doubt that. Carter and +I were little more than rats in a +trap, here in the chart-room. But Miko +wanted to take me alive: that was not +so simple. He added persuasively:</p> +<p>“We want you to help us navigate. +Will you?”</p> +<p>“No.”</p> +<p>“Will you help us, Captain Carter? +Tell your cub, this Haljan, to yield. +You are fools. We understand that +Haljan has been handling the ship’s +mathematics. Him we need most.”</p> +<p>Carter roared: “Get back from there! +This is no truce!”</p> +<p>I shoved aside his levelled bullet-projector. +“Wait a minute!” I called to +<a name='TC_16'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'Mika'">Miko</ins>. “Navigate––where?”</p> +<p>“Oh,” he retorted, “that is our business, +not yours. When you lay down +your weapons and come out of there, I +will give you the course.”</p> +<p>“Back to the earth?” I suggested.</p> +<p>I could fancy him grinning behind +the sheen of his barrage at my question.</p> +<p>“The earth? Yes––shall we go there? +Give me your orders, Gregg Haljan. Of +course I will obey them.”</p> +<p>His sardonic words were interrupted. +And I realized that all this parley was +a ruse of Miko’s to take me alive. He +had made a gesture. Hahn, watching +from the turret window, doubtless +flashed a signal down to the hull-corridors. +The magnetizer control under +the chart-room was altered, our artificial +gravity cut off. I felt the sudden +lightness; I gripped the window casement +and clung. Carter was startled +into incautious movement. It flung +him out into the center of the chart-room, +his arms and legs grotesquely +flailing.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">And</span> across the chart-room, in the +opposite window, I felt rather +than saw the shape of something. A +figure––almost invisible, but not quite––was +trying to climb in! I flung the +empty rifle I was holding. It hit something +solid in the window; in a flare of +sparks a black-hooded figure materialized. +A man climbing in! His weapon +spat. There was a tiny electronic flash, +deadly silent. The intruder had shot +at Carter; struck him. Carter gave one +queer scream. He had floated to the +floor; his convulsive movement when +he was hit hurled him to the ceiling. +His body struck, twitched; bounced +back and sank inert on the floor-grid almost +at my feet.</p> +<p>I clung to the casement. Across the +space of the weightless room the +hooded intruder was also clinging. His +hood fell back. It was Johnson. He +leered at me.</p> +<p>“Killed him, the bully! Well, he deserved +it. Now for you, Mr. Third +Officer Haljan!”</p> +<p>But he did not dare fire at me––Miko +had forbidden it. I saw him reach under +his robe, doubtless for a low-powered +paralyzing ray such as Miko +already had used on me. But he never +got it out. I had no weapon within +reach. I leaned into the room, still +holding the casement, and doubled my +legs under me. I kicked out from the +window.</p> +<p>The force <a name='TC_17'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'catapaulted'">catapulted</ins> me across the +space of the room like a volplane. I +struck the purser. We gripped. Our +locked, struggling bodies bounced out +into the room. We struck the floor, +surged up like balloons to the ceiling, +struck it with a flailing arm or a leg and +floated back.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_345' name='page_345'></a>345</span></div> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Grotesque</span>, abnormal combat! +Like fighting in weightless water. +Johnson clutched his weapon, but +I twisted his wrist, held his arm outstretched +so that he could not aim it. I +was aware of Miko’s voice shouting on +the deck outside.</p> +<p>Johnson’s left hand was gouging at +my face, his fingers plucking at my +eyes. We lunged down to the floor, then +up again, close to the ceiling.</p> +<p>I twisted his wrists. He dropped the +weapon and it sank away. I tried to +reach it, but could not. Then I had +him by the throat. I was stronger +than he, and more agile. I tried choking +him, his thick bull-neck within my +fingers. He kicked, scrambled, tore +and gouged at me. Tried to shout, but +it ended in a gurgle. And then, as he +felt his breath stopped, his hands came +up in an effort to tear mine loose.</p> +<p>We sank again to the floor. We +were momentarily upright. I felt my +feet touch. I bent my knees. We +sank further.</p> +<p>And then I kicked violently upward. +Our locked bodies shot to the ceiling. +Johnson’s head was above me. It struck +the steel roof of the chart-room. A +violent blow. I felt him go suddenly +limp. I cast him off, and, doubling +my body, I kicked at the ceiling. It +sent me diagonally downward to the +window, where I clung and regained +stability.</p> +<p>And I saw Miko standing on the +deck with a weapon levelled at me!</p> +<div class='chsp'> +<a name='CHAPTER_XIII_THE_TORTURE' id='CHAPTER_XIII_THE_TORTURE'></a> +<h3>CHAPTER XIII</h3> +<h4><i>The Torture</i></h4> +</div> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">H</span><span class="dcap">aljan!</span> Yield or I’ll fire! +Moa, give me the smaller one. +This cursed––”</p> +<p>He had in his hand too large a projector. +Its ray would kill me. If he +wanted to take me alive, he would not +fire. I chanced it.</p> +<p>“No!”</p> +<p>I tried to draw myself beneath the +window. An automatic bullet projector +was on the floor where Carter had +dropped it. I pulled myself down. +Miko did not fire. I reached the revolver. +The dead bodies of the captain +and purser had drifted together on +the floor in the center of the room.</p> +<p>I hitched myself back to the window. +With upraised weapon I gazed cautiously +out. Miko had disappeared. +The deck within my line of vision was +empty.</p> +<p>But was it? Something told me to +beware. I clung to the casement, ready +upon the instant to shove myself down. +There was a movement in a shadow +along the deck. Then a figure rose up.</p> +<p>“Don’t fire, Haljan!”</p> +<p>The sharp command, half appeal, +stopped the pressure of my finger on +the trigger of the automatic. It was +the tall lanky Englishman, Sir Arthur +Coniston, as he called himself. So he +too was one of Miko’s band! The +light through a dome-window fell full +on him.</p> +<p>“If you fire, <a name='TC_18'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'Halian'">Haljan</ins>, and kill me––Miko +will kill you then, surely.”</p> +<p>From where he had been crouching +he could not command my window. +But now, upon the heels of his placating +words, he abruptly shot. The low-powered +ray, had it struck, would have +felled me without killing. But it went +over my head as I dropped. Its aura +made my senses reel.</p> +<p>Coniston shouted, “Haljan!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I did</span> not answer. I wondered if he +would dare approach to see if I had +been hit. A minute passed. Then another. +I thought I heard Miko’s voice +on the deck outside. But it was an +aerial, microscopic whisper close beside +me.</p> +<p>“We see you, Haljan! You must +yield!”</p> +<p>Their eavesdropping vibrations, with +audible projection, were upon me. I +retorted aloud.</p> +<p>“Come and get me! You cannot take +me alive.”</p> +<p>I do protest if this action of mine in +the chart-room may seem bravado. I +had no wish to die. There was within +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_346' name='page_346'></a>346</span> +me a very healthy desire for life. But +I felt, by holding out, that some chance +might come wherewith I might turn +events against these brigands. Yet +reason told me it was hopeless. Our +loyal members of the crew were killed, +no doubt. Captain Carter and Balch +were killed. The lookouts and Course-masters +also. And Blackstone.</p> +<p>There remained only Dr. Frank and +Snap. Their fate I did not yet know. +And there was George Prince. He, +perhaps, would help me if he could. +But, at best, he was a dubious ally.</p> +<p>“You are very foolish, Haljan,” murmured +the projection of Miko’s voice. +And then I heard Coniston:</p> +<p>“See here, why would not a hundred +pounds of gold-leaf tempt you? The +code-words which were taken from +Johnson––I mean to say, why not tell +us where they are?”</p> +<p>So that was one of the brigands new +difficulties! Snap had taken the code-word +sheet, that time we sealed the +purser in the cage.</p> +<p>I said, “You’ll never find them. And +when a police ship sights us, what will +you do then?”</p> +<p>The chances of a police ship were +slim indeed, but the brigands evidently +did not know that. I wondered again +what had become of Snap. Was he captured––or +still holding them off?</p> +<p>I was watching my windows; for at +any moment, under cover of this talk, +I might be assailed.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Gravity</span> came suddenly to the +room. Miko’s voice said. +“We mean well by you, Haljan. There +is your normality. Join us. We need +you to chart our course.”</p> +<p>“And a hundred pounds of gold-leaf,” +urged Coniston. “Or more. Why, +this treasure––”</p> +<p>I could hear an oath from Miko. And +then his ironic voice: “We will not +bother you, Haljan. There is no hurry. +You will be hungry in good time. And +sleepy. Then we will come and get +you. And a little acid will make you +think differently about helping us....”</p> +<p>His vibrations died away. The pull +of gravity in the room was normal. I +was alone in the dim silence, with the +bodies of Carter and Johnson lying +huddled on the grid. I bent to examine +them. Both were dead.</p> +<p>My isolation was no ruse this time. +The outlaws made no further attack. +Half an hour passed. The deck outside, +what I could see of it, was vacant. +Balch lay dead close outside the chart-room +door. The bodies of Blackstone +and the Course-master had been removed +from the turret window. A forward +lookout––one of Miko’s men––was +on duty in the nearby tower. Hahn +was at the turret controls. The ship +was under orderly handling, heading +back upon a new course. For the +Earth? Or the Moon? It did not seem +so.</p> +<p>I found, in the chart-room, a Benson +curve-light projector which poor Captain +Carter had very nearly assembled. +I worked on it, trained it through my +rear window, along the empty deck; +bent it into the lounge archway. Upon +my grid the image of the lounge interior +presently <a name='TC_3'></a><ins title="Was 'focussed'">focused</ins>. The passengers +in the lounge were huddled in a +group. Disheveled, frightened, with +Moa standing watching them. Stewards +were serving them with a meal.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Upon</span> a bench, bodies were lying. +Some were dead. I saw Rance +Rankin. Others were evidently only +injured. Dr. Frank was moving among +them, attending them. Venza was +there, unharmed. And I saw the +gamblers, Shac and Dud, sitting +white-faced, whispering together. And +Glutz’s little be-ribboned, be-curled +figure on a stool.</p> +<p>George Prince was there, standing +against the walls shrouded in his +mourning cloak, watching the scene +with alert, roving eyes. And by the +opposite doorway, the huge towering +figure of Miko stood on guard. But +Snap was missing.</p> +<p>A brief glimpse. Miko saw my +Benson-light. I could have equipped +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_347' name='page_347'></a>347</span> +a heat-ray, and fired along the curved +Benson-light into that lounge. But +Miko gave me no time.</p> +<p>He slid the lounge door closed, and +Moa leaped to close the one on my side. +My light was cut off; my grid showed +only the blank deck and door.</p> +<p>Another interval. I had made plans. +Futile plans! I could get into the turret +perhaps, and kill Hahn. I had the +invisible cloak which Johnson was +wearing. I took it from his body. Its +mechanism could be repaired. Why, +with it I could creep about the ship, +kill these brigands one by one perhaps. +George Prince would be with me. The +brigands who had been posing as the +stewards and crew-members were unable +to navigate; they would obey my +orders. There were only Miko, Coniston +and Hahn to kill.</p> +<p>Futile plans! From my window I +could gaze up to the helio-room. And +now abruptly I heard Snap’s voice:</p> +<p>“No! I tell you––no!”</p> +<p>And Miko: “Very well. We will try +this.”</p> +<p>So Snap was captured, but not killed. +Relief swept me. He was in the helio-room, +and Miko was with him. But my +relief was short-lived.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">After</span> a brief interval there came +a moan from Snap. It floated +down from the silence overhead. It +made me shudder.</p> +<p>My Benson-beam shot into the helio +window. It showed me Snap lying +there on the floor. He was bound with +wire. His torso had been stripped. His +livid face was ghastly plain in my light.</p> +<p>Miko was bending over him. Miko +with a heat-cylinder no longer than a +finger. Its needle-beam played upon +Snap’s naked chest. I could see the +gruesome little trail of smoke rising; +and as Snap twisted and jerked, there +on his flesh was the red and blistered +trail of the violet-hot ray.</p> +<p>“Now will you tell?”</p> +<p>“No!”</p> +<p>Miko laughed. “No? Then I shall +write my name a little deeper....”</p> +<p>A black scar now––a trail etched in +the quivering flesh.</p> +<p>“Oh!––” Snap’s face went white as +chalk as he pressed his lips together.</p> +<p>“Or a little acid? This fire-writing +does not really hurt? Tell me what +you did with those code-words!”</p> +<p>“No!”</p> +<p>In his absorption Miko did not notice +my light. Nor did I have the wit +to try and fire along it. I was trembling. +Snap under torture!</p> +<p>As the beam went deeper, Snap +suddenly screamed. But he ended, +“No! I will send––no message for +you––”</p> +<p>It had been only a moment. In the +chart-room window beside me again a +figure appeared! No image. A solid, +living person, undisguised by any cloak +of invisibility. George Prince had +chanced my fire and had crept up upon +me.</p> +<p>“Haljan! Don’t attack me.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I dropped</span> my light connections. +As impulsively I stood up, I saw +through the window the figure of Coniston +on the deck watching the result +of Prince’s venture.</p> +<p>“Haljan––yield.”</p> +<p>Prince no more than whispered it. +He stood outside on the deck; the low +window casement touched his waist. +He leaned over it.</p> +<p>“He’s torturing Snap! Call out that +you will yield.”</p> +<p>The thought had already been in my +mind. Another scream from Snap +chilled me with horror. I shouted,</p> +<p>“Miko! Stop!”</p> +<p>I rushed to the window and Prince +gripped me.</p> +<p>“Louder!”</p> +<p>I called louder. “<i>Miko!</i> Stop!” +My upflung voice mingled with Snap’s +agony of protest. Then Miko heard +me. His head and shoulders showed +up there at the helio-room oval.</p> +<p>“You, Haljan?”</p> +<p>Prince shouted, “I have made him +yield. He will obey you if you stop +that torture.”</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_348' name='page_348'></a>348</span></div> +<p>I think that poor Snap must have +fainted. He was silent. I called, +“Stop! I will do what you command.”</p> +<p>Miko jeered, “That is good. A bargain, +if you and Dean obey me. Disarm +him, Prince, and bring him out.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Miko</span> moved back into the helio-room. +On the deck Coniston +was advancing, but cautiously, mistrustful +of me.</p> +<p>“Gregg.”</p> +<p>George Prince flung a leg over the +casement and leaped lightly into the +dim chart-room. His small slender +figure stood beside me, clung to me.</p> +<p>“Gregg.”</p> +<p>A moment, while we stood there together. +No ray was upon us. Coniston +could not see us, nor could he +hear our whispers.</p> +<p>“Gregg.”</p> +<p>A different voice; its throaty, husky +quality gone. A soft pleading. +“Gregg––</p> +<p>“Gregg, don’t you know me? Gregg, +dear....”</p> +<p>Why, what was this? Not George +Prince? A masquerader, yet so like +George Prince.</p> +<p>“Gregg, don’t you know me?”</p> +<p>Clinging to me. A soft touch upon +my arm. Fingers, clinging. A surge +of warm, tingling current was flowing +between us.</p> +<p>My sweep of instant thoughts. A +speck of human Earth-dust, falling free. +That was George Prince, who had been +killed. George Prince’s body, disguised +by the scheming Carter and Dr. +Frank, buried in the guise of his sister. +And this black-robed figure who was +trying to help us––</p> +<p>“Anita! Dear God! Anita, darling! +Anita!”</p> +<p>“Gregg, dear one!”</p> +<p>“Anita! Dear God!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">My</span> arms went around her, my lips +pressed hers, and felt her tremulous, +eager answer.</p> +<p>“Gregg, dear.”</p> +<p>“Anita, you!”</p> +<p>The form of Coniston showed at our +window. She cast me off. She said, +with her throaty swagger of assumed +masculinity:</p> +<p>“I have him, Sir Arthur. He will +obey us.”</p> +<p>I sensed her warning glance. She +shoved me toward the window. She +said ironically, “Have no fear, Haljan. +You will not be tortured, you and +Dean, if you obey our commands.”</p> +<p>Coniston gripped me. “You fool! +You caused us a lot of trouble, didn’t +you? Move along there!”</p> +<p>He jerked me roughly through the +window. Marched me the length of +the deck. Out to the stern-space; +opened the door of my cubby; flung me +in and sealed the door upon me.</p> +<p>“Miko will come presently.”</p> +<p>I stood in the darkness of my tiny +room, listening to his retreating footsteps. +But my mind was not on +him....</p> +<p>All the Universe in that instant had +changed for me. Anita was alive!</p> +<p>(<i>To be continued</i>)</p> +<hr class='fn' /> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> +<div class='footnote'><a name='Footnote_0001' id='Footnote_0001'></a><a href='#FNanchor_0001'><span class='label'>[1]</span></a> +<p>As early as 1910 it was discovered that an +object magnetized under certain conditions +was subject to a loss of weight, its gravity +partially nullified. The Martel discovery undoubtedly +followed that method.</p> +</div> +<div class='footnote'><a name='Footnote_0002' id='Footnote_0002'></a><a href='#FNanchor_0002'><span class='label'>[2]</span></a> +<p>“United States of the World,” which came +into being in 2057 upon the centenary of the +Yellow War.</p> +</div> +<div class='footnote'><a name='Footnote_0003' id='Footnote_0003'></a><a href='#FNanchor_0003'><span class='label'>[3]</span></a> +<p>Trinight Hour, i.e., 3 A. M.</p> +</div> +<div class='footnote'><a name='Footnote_0004' id='Footnote_0004'></a><a href='#FNanchor_0004'><span class='label'>[4]</span></a> +<p>Pressure sickness. Caused by the difficulty +of maintaining a constantly normal air +pressure within the vessel owing to the sudden, +extreme changes from heat to cold.</p> +</div> +<div class='footnote'><a name='Footnote_0005' id='Footnote_0005'></a><a href='#FNanchor_0005'><span class='label'>[5]</span></a> +<p>“Set and Setta,” the Martian equivalent of +Mr. and Miss.</p> +</div> +<div class='footnote'><a name='Footnote_0006' id='Footnote_0006'></a><a href='#FNanchor_0006'><span class='label'>[6]</span></a> +<p>A Venus form of jocular, intimate greeting.</p> +</div> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='adbox'><i>REMEMBER</i><br /> +<span class="larger">ASTOUNDING STORIES<br /></span> +<i>Appears on Newsstands</i><br /> +THE FIRST THURSDAY IN EACH MONTH</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<div class="adbox"> +<p class="ad1" style="text-decoration: underline"><i>In the Next Issue</i></p> +<p class='ad2'>MONSTERS of MOYEN</p> +<p><i>A Complete Novelet of a Half-God Half-Beast’s Extraordinary Attempt +to Dominate the Earth</i><br /> +<i>By</i> Arthur J. Burks</p> +<hr class='mini' /> +<p><i>A Large Instalment of</i></p> +<p class='ad2'>BRIGANDS of the MOON</p> +<p><i>The Splendid Interplanetary Novel</i><br /> +<i>By</i> Ray Cummings</p> +<hr class='mini' /> +<p class='ad2'>The RAY of MADNESS</p> +<p><i>The Account of Another of Dr. Bird’s Amazing Exploits</i><br /> +<i>By</i> Captain S. P. Meek</p> +<p>––<i>And Many Other Stories by Your Favorite Authors!</i></p> +</div> +<hr class='toprule' /> +<div class='chsp'> +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_350' name='page_350'></a>350</span> +<a name='THE_SOUL_MASTER' id='THE_SOUL_MASTER'></a> +<h2>The Soul Master</h2> +</div> +<p class='authorhdr'><i>By Will Smith and R. J. Robbins</i></p> +<div class='figtag'> +<a name='linki_6' id='linki_6'></a> +</div> +<div class='figcenter'> +<img src='images/i350.jpg' alt='' title='' width='466' height='500' /><br /> +<p class='caption'> +<i>A terrific force was emanating from that devilish globe above.</i><br /> +</p> +</div> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> train was slowing down +for Keegan. A whistle from +the locomotive ahead had +warned the two alert young +men in the smoker to that effect, and +they arose to +leave the train. +Both were neatly +and quietly dressed. +One carried +a medium-sized +camera with the +necessary tripod and accessory satchel. +The other carried no impediments of +any sort. Both were smoking cigars, +evidently not of expensive variety, +judging by the unaromatic atmosphere +thereabouts.</p> +<p class='sidebarright'>Desperately O’Hara plunged into Prof. +Kell’s mysterious mansion. For his friend +Skip was the victim of the eccentric scientist’s +de-astralizing experiment, and faced +a fate more hideous than death.</p> +<p>“Can’t see what +Bland shipped us +up to this one-horse +dump for,” +grumbled Skip +Handlon, the one +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_351' name='page_351'></a>351</span> +who carried the camera. He was the +slighter of the two and perhaps half a +head shorter than the other. “Do you +know anything about it?”</p> +<p>“Not much,” confessed the other as +they alighted from the smoker. “All +I can tell you is that Bland sent for +me early this morning, told me to get +a story out of this Professor Kell and +to drag you along. After we get there +you are to do as judgment dictates. +But I remember that the Chief was +specific as regards one thing. You are +to get the proff’s mug. Don’t forget. +The old fellow may growl and show +fight, but it’s up to you to deliver the +goods––or, in this case, get them. +Don’t depend on me for help. I expect +to have troubles of my own.” +Thus gloomed Horace Perry, star reporter +for the Journal.</p> +<div class='figtag'> +<a name='linki_7' id='linki_7'></a> +</div> +<div class='figcenter'> +<img src='images/i351.jpg' alt='' title='' width='491' height='500' /><br /> +</div> +<p>“This Keegan place”––Handlon was +using his eyes swiftly and comprehensively––“isn’t +worth much. Can’t see +how it manages to even rate a name. +Some dump, all right!”</p> +<p>“You said a couple mouthfuls.”</p> +<p>“How’s the train service, if any?”</p> +<p>“Rotten. Two trains a day.” The +other was anything but enthusiastic. +“We’ve a nice long wait for the next +one, you can bet. Now, just add to +that a rough reception after we reach +the old lion’s lair and you get a nice +idea of what Bland expects from his +men.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_352' name='page_352'></a>352</span></div> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Handlon</span> made a wry face at +this. “The bird who first applied +the words ‘Hard Boiled’ to the +Chief’s monniker knew something.”</p> +<p>“You don’t know the half of it,” retorted +Perry encouragingly. “Just +wait and see what a beaut of a fit he +can throw for <i>your</i> benefit if you fail +to do your stuff––and I don’t mean +maybe.”</p> +<p>Old Man Bland owned the Journal, +hired and fired his crew and did his +own editing, with the help of as capable +an office gang as could be gotten +together. It is quite possible that +“Hard Boiled” Bland demanded more +from his men than any other editor +ever has before or since. Nevertheless +he got results, and none of his experienced +underlings ever kicked, for the +pay was right. If a hapless scribe had +the temerity to enter the editorial +sanctum with a negative report, the almost +invariable reply had been a glare +and a peremptory order, “Get the +copy.”</p> +<p>And get it they did. If a person refused +an interview these clever fellows +generally succeeded in getting their information +from the next most reliable +source, and it arrived in print just the +same.</p> +<p>Of such a breed was Perry. Handlon, +being a more recent acquisition to +the staff, was not yet especially aggressive +in his work. On this account the +former took keen zest in scaring him +into displaying a bit more sand.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> train had disappeared around +a bend and the two reporters felt +themselves marooned. Keegan, without +question, was a most forlorn looking +spot. A dismal shanty, much the +worse for weather, stood beside the +track. In front, a few rotting planks +proclaimed that once upon a time the +place had boasted a real freight platform. +Probably, back in some long-forgotten +age, a station agent had also +held forth in the rickety shanty. A +sign hung on each end of the crumbling +structure on which could still be +deciphered the legend “KEEGAN.” +On the opposite side of the track was +an old, disused siding. The only other +feature of interest thereabouts was a +well traveled country road which +crossed the tracks near the shanty, +wound sinuously over a rock-strewn +hill and became lost in the mazes of +an upland forest.</p> +<p>There being no signboard of any +kind to indicate their destination, the +two, after a moment’s hesitation, +started off briskly in a chance direction. +The air was hot and sultry, and +in the open spaces the sun beat down +mercilessly upon the two hapless ones. +As they proceeded into the depths of +the forest they were shielded somewhat +from the worst of the heat. +Gradually upon their city-bred nostrils +there stole the odor of conifers, +accompanied by a myriad of other forest +odors. Both sniffed the air appreciatively.</p> +<p>“This is sure the life,” remarked +Perry. “If I weren’t so darn thirsty +now....” He became lost in mournful +thought.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">A considerable</span> time passed. +The newspaper men trudged +wearily along until finally another +bend brought them to the beginning of +a steep descent. The forest had thinned +out to nothing.</p> +<p>“Seems to me I smell smoke,” +blurted out Handlon suddenly. “Must +be that we are approaching the old +party’s lair. Remember? Bland said +that he––”</p> +<p>“Uh huh!” the other grunted, almost +inaudibly. Now that they seemed to +be arriving at their destination something +had occurred to him. He had +fished from his pocket a sheaf of clippings +and was perusing them intently. +“Bland said, ‘Get the copy’,” he muttered +irrelevantly and half to himself.</p> +<p>The clippings all related directly to +Professor Kell or to happenings local +to Keegan. Some were of peculiar interest. +The first one was headlined +thus:</p> +<blockquote> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_353' name='page_353'></a>353</span></div> +<p class='center'>MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE +OF ROBERT MANION +AND DAUGHTER STILL +UNSOLVED</p> +</blockquote> +<p>The piece contained a description of +the missing man, a fairly prosperous +banker who had been seen four days +previously driving through Keegan in +a small roadster, and one of the girl, +who was in the car with him. It told +that the banker and his daughter were +last seen by a farmer named Willetts +who lived in a shack on the East Keegan +road, fleeing before a bad thunder +storm. He believed the pair were trying +to make the Kell mansion ahead +of the rain. Nothing more of the +Manions or their car had been seen, +and their personal effects remained at +their hotel in a nearby village unclaimed. +The heavy rain had of course +effectually obliterated all wheel tracks.</p> +<p>Another clipping was fairly lengthy, +but Perry glanced only at the headlines:</p> +<blockquote> +<p class='center'>KELL STILL CARRYING ON +HIS STRANGE EXPERIMENTS</p> +<p class='center'>Has Long Been Known to Have +Fantastic Theories. Refuses to +Divulge Exact Methods Employed, +or Nature of Results</p> +</blockquote> +<p>Still another appeared to be an excerpt +from an article in an agricultural +paper. It read:</p> +<blockquote> +<p>A prize bull belonging to Alton +Shepard, a Keegan cattle breeder, +has created considerable sensation +by running amuck in a most peculiar +manner. While seemingly +more intelligent than heretofore, +it has developed characteristics +known to be utterly alien to this +type of animal.</p> +<p>Perhaps the most noteworthy +feature of the case is the refusal +of the animal to eat its accustomed +food. Instead it now consumes +enormous quantities of meat. The +terrific bellow of the animal’s voice +has also undergone a marked +change, now resembling nothing +earthly, although some have remarked +that it could be likened to +the bay of an enormous hound. +Some of its later actions have +seemingly added further canine +attributes, which make the matter +all the more mystifying. Veterinaries +are asking why this animal +should chase automobiles, and why +it should carry bones in its mouth +and try to bury them!</p> +</blockquote> +<p>The last one read in part:</p> +<blockquote> +<p>Professor Kell has been questioned +by authorities at Keegan +relative to the disappearance there +last Tuesday of Robert Manion and +his daughter. Kell seemed unable +to furnish clues of any value, but +officials are not entirely satisfied +with the man’s attitude toward the +questions.</p> +</blockquote> +<p>Somewhat bewildered by these apparently +unrelated items, the reporter +remained lost in thought for quite a +space, the while he endeavored to map +out his course of action when he should +meet the redoubtable Professor. That +many of the weird occurrences could be +traced in some way to the latter’s door +had evidently occurred to Bland. Furthermore, +the Old Man relied implicitly +upon Perry to get results.</p> +<p>It must be said that for once the star +reporter was not overly enthusiastic +with the assignment. Certain rumors +aside from the clippings in his hand +had produced in his mind a feeling of +uneasiness. So far as his personal +preference was concerned he would +have been well satisfied if some cub reporter +had been given the job. Try as +he would, however, he could offer no +tangible reason for the sudden wariness.</p> +<p>He was aroused from his absorption +by his companion.</p> +<p>“Thought I smelled smoke a while +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_354' name='page_354'></a>354</span> +back, and I was right. That’s the +house up in the edge of the pines. +Deep grounds in front and all gone to +seed; fits the description exactly. +Thank Heaven we struck off from the +station in the right direction. This +stroll has been long enough. Come out +of it and let’s get this job finished.”</p> +<p>Suiting the action to the words +Handlon started off at a brisk pace +down the hill, followed at a more moderate +rate by Perry. At length they +came within full sight of the grounds. +Extending for a considerable distance +before them and enclosing a large tract +of land now well covered with lush +grass, was a formidable looking wall. +In former days a glorious mantle of +ivy had covered the rough stones; but +now there was little left, and what +there was looked pitifully decrepit. +They continued their progress along +this barrier, finally coming upon a huge +iron gate now much the worse for rust. +It stood wide open.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> road up to the house had long +since become overgrown with +rank grass and weeds. Faintly traceable +through the mass of green could +be seen a rough footpath which the +two followed carefully. They met no +one. As they approached the night of +black pines the mass of the old mansion +began to loom up before them, +grim and forbidding.</p> +<p>Instinctively both shivered. The silence +of the place was complete and of +an uncannily tangible quality. Nervously +they looked about them.</p> +<p>“How do you like it, Skip?” The +words from Perry’s previously silent +lips broke upon the stillness like a +thunderclap. The other started.</p> +<p>“I should hate to die in it,” Handlon +answered solemnly. “I’ll bet the old +joint is haunted. Nobody but a lunatic +would ever live in it.”</p> +<p>“I get a good deal the same impression +myself,” said Perry. “I don’t wonder +that Bland sent two of us to cover +the job.”</p> +<p>As he spoke he mounted a flight of +steps to a tumbledown veranda. There +was no sign of a door bell on the +weather-beaten portal, but an ancient +knocker of bronze hanging forlornly +before him seemed to suggest a means +of attracting attention. He raised it +and rapped smartly.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">No</span> answer.</p> +<p>Possessing all the attributes of +the conventional reporter and a few +additional ones, Perry did not allow +himself to become disheartened, but +merely repeated his summons, this +time with more vim.</p> +<p>“Well, Horace,” grinned Handlon, +“it does look as if we were not so very +welcome here. However, seems to me +if you were to pick up that piece of +dead limb and do some real knocking +with it.... The dear Professor may +be deaf, you know, or maybe he’s––”</p> +<p>“Skip, my boy, I don’t know as we +ought to go in right now after all. Do +you realize it will soon be dark?”</p> +<p>“To tell you the truth, Horace, I’m +not stuck on this assignment either. +And I feel that after dark I should +like it even less, somehow. But, gee, +the Old Man....”</p> +<p>“Oh, I’m not thinking of quitting on +the job. We don’t do that on the Journal.” +Perry smiled paternally at the +photographer. Could it be he had purposely +raised the other’s hopes in order +to chaff him some more? “But I +was thinking that it might be a good +idea to look about the outbuildings a +bit while we have a little daylight. +Eh?”</p> +<p>Handlon looked disappointed, but +nodded gamely. He delayed only long +enough to deposit his camera and traps +behind a grossly overgrown hydrangea +by the steps, then, with a resigned air, +declared himself ready to follow wherever +the other might lead.</p> +<p>Perry elected to explore the barn +first. This was a depressing old pile, +unpainted in years, with what had once +been stout doors now swinging and +bumping in the light breeze. As the +two men drew nearer, this breeze––which +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_355' name='page_355'></a>355</span> +seemed to sigh through the +place at will––brought foul odors that +told them the place was at least not +tenantless. In some trepidation they +stepped inside and stood blinking in +the half darkness.</p> +<p>“Pretty Polly!”</p> +<p>“Good God! What was that?” Handlon +whispered. He knew it was no +parrot’s voice. This was a far deeper +sound than that, a sound louder than +anything a parrot’s throat could produce. +It came from the direction of a +ruinous stall over near a cobwebbed +window. As Perry started fearfully +toward this, there issued from it a curious +scraping sound, followed by a fall +that shook the floor, and a threshing as +of hoofs. Now the great voice could +be heard again, this time uttering what +sounded strangely like oaths roared +out in a foreign tongue. Yet when +the newspaper men reached the stall +they found it occupied only by a large +mule.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> animal was lying on its side, +its feet scraping feebly against +the side of the stall. The heaving, +foam-flecked body was a mass of hideous +bruises, some of which were bleeding +profusely. The creature seemed +to be in the last stage of exhaustion, +lying with lips drawn back and eyes +closed. Beneath it and scattered all +over the stall floor was a thick layer +of some whitish seeds.</p> +<p>“That’s––why that’s sunflower seed, +Horace!” Handlon almost whimpered. +“And look! Look in that crib! It’s +full of the same stuff! Where’s the +hay, Horace? Does this thing––”</p> +<p>He was interrupted by a mighty +movement of the beast––a threshing +that nearly blinded the men in the +cloud of bloodstained seeds it raised. +With something between a curse and a +sob, the mule lunged at its crib as if +attempting to get bodily into it. But +no: it was only trying to perch on its +edge! Now it had succeeded. The +ungainly beast hung there a second, +two, three. From its uplifted throat +issued that usually innocuous phrase, +a phrase now a thing of delirious horror:</p> +<p>“Pretty Polly!”</p> +<p>With a crash the tortured creature +fell to the floor, to lie there gasping +and moaning.</p> +<p>Skip Handlon left that barn. Perry +retained just enough wit to do what he +should have done the instant he first +saw the animal. He whipped out his +automatic and fired one merciful shot. +Then he too started for the outside. +He arrived in the yard perhaps ten +seconds behind Handlon.</p> +<p>“Good Heavens, Perry,” gibbered +Handlon. “I’m not going to stay +around this place another minute. Just +let me find where I left that suffering +camera, that’s all I ask.”</p> +<p>“Easy now.” Perry laid a hand on +his companion’s shoulder. “I guess +we’re up against something pretty +fierce here, but we’re going to see it +through, and you know it. So let’s cut +out the flight talk and go raise the +Professor.”</p> +<p>Handlon tried earnestly to don a +look of determination. If Perry was +set on staying here the least he could +do was stay with him. However, could +Perry have foreseen the events which +were to entangle them, he probably +would have led the race to the gate. +As it was, he grasped a stick and +marched bravely up toward the front +door.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">A sudden</span> commotion behind him +caused him to wheel sharply +around. Simultaneously a yell burst +from Handlon.</p> +<p>“Look out, Horace!”</p> +<p>What he saw almost froze the blood +in his veins. From a tumbledown +coach house had issued an enormous +wolf-hound which was now almost +upon then, eyes flaming, fangs gleaming +horribly.</p> +<p>So unexpected was the attack that +both men stood rooted in their tracks. +The next moment the charging brute +was upon them, and had bowled Handlon +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_356' name='page_356'></a>356</span> +off his equilibrium as if he were a +child. The unfortunate photographer +made a desperate attempt to prevent +injury to his precious camera, which +he had but a moment earlier succeeded +in retrieving, and in doing so fell +rather violently to the ground. Every +moment he expected to feel the powerful +jaws crunch his throat, and he +made no effort to rise. For several +seconds he remained thus, until he +could endure the suspense no longer. +He glanced around only to see Perry, +staring open-mouthed at the animal +which had so frightened them. Apparently +it had forgotten the presence +of the two men.</p> +<p>Handlon regained his feet rather +awkwardly, the while keeping a watchful +eye on the beast, of whose uncertain +temper he was by now fully aware. +In an undertone he addressed his companion.</p> +<p>“What do you make of it?” he +wanted to know. “Did the critter bite +you?”</p> +<p>“No. That’s the queer part of it. +Neither did he bite you, if you were +to think it over a minute. Just put his +nose down and <i>rammed</i> you, head on.”</p> +<p>The photographer was flabbergasted. +Involuntarily his gaze stole again in +the direction of the offending brute.</p> +<p>“What on earth––” he began. “Is he +sharpening his teeth on a rock preparatory +to another attack upon us? Or––What +the deuce <i>is</i> he doing?”</p> +<p>“If you ask me,” came astonishingly +from the watchful Perry, “he’s eating +grass, which is my idea of something +damn foolish for a perfectly normal +hound, genus lupo, to be––Look out!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> animal, as if suddenly remembering +the presence of the men, +suddenly charged at them again, head +down, eyes blazing. As before, it made +no effort to bite. Though both men +were somewhat disconcerted by the +great brute they held their ground, and +when it presented the opportunity the +older reporter planted a terrific kick +to the flank which sent the animal +whimpering back to its shed behind.</p> +<p>“Score one,” breathed Handlon. “If +we––” At a sudden grating sound overhead, +he stopped.</p> +<p>Both turned to face the threatening +muzzle of an ancient blunderbuss. Behind +it was an irate countenance, nearly +covered by an unclipped beard of a +dirty gray color. In the eyes now +glaring at them malevolently through +heavily concaved spectacles they read +hate unutterable. The barrel of the +blunderbuss swung slightly as it covered +alternately one and the other. +Both sensed that the finger even now +tightening on the trigger would not +hesitate unduly. Being more or less +hardened to rebuffs of all kinds in the +pursuance of their calling, the reporters +did not hesitate in stating +their purpose.</p> +<p>“What?” yelled the old man. “You +dare to invade my grounds and disturb +me at my labors for such a reason? +Reporters! My scientific research work +is not for publicity, sirs; and futhermore +I want it understood that I am +not to be dragged from my laboratory +again for the purpose of entertaining +you or any others of your ilk. Get +away!”</p> +<p>Without further ado the window +was slammed down, a shutter closed +on the inside, and once more the silence +of the dead descended upon the +spot. The two men grinned ruefully +at each other, Handlon finally breaking +the stillness.</p> +<p>“My idea of the world’s original one-sided +conversation. We simply didn’t +talk––and yet we’re supposed to be reporters. +You’ve got to hand it to the +Proff, Horace, for the beautiful rock-crusher +he just handed us.”</p> +<p>“You didn’t think we had anything +easy, did you?” said Perry irritably. +“He’ll change his tune presently, +when––”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Handlon</span>’s jaw dropped. “You +don’t mean you’re going to take +any more chances! Would you rouse +him again after the way he treated us +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_357' name='page_357'></a>357</span> +with that gun? Besides, the train....”</p> +<p>Perry bent a scathing glance at his +companion. “What on earth has the +train to do with our getting the Professor’s +confession of crime or whatever +he has to offer? You evidently +don’t know Bland––much. I deduce +that a lot of my sweetness has been +wasted on the desert air. Once more, +let me assure you that if you propose +to go back without the Proff’s mug on +one of those plates you might as well +mail your resignation from <i>here</i>. Get +me?”</p> +<p>The other wilted.</p> +<p>“I wonder,” Perry ruminated as he +stared in the direction of the shed +wherein the canine monstrosity had +disappeared. “Do you suppose that +you can get a snap of the old boy’s +mug if I can get him to the window +again? If you can do that, just leave +the rest to me. I’ve handled these +crusty birds before. What say?”</p> +<p>“Go as far as you like.” The photographer +was once more grinning as he +unslung his camera and carefully adjusted +a plate in place. Everything +at last to his satisfaction he gripped +flash pan and bulb.</p> +<p>“I’m going to make some racket +now,” announced Perry grimly. “If +Kell shows up, work fast. He may +shoot at you, but don’t get excited. +It’s almost dark, so his aim <i>might</i> be +poor.”</p> +<p>At this suggestion his companion +showed signs of panic, but the other +affected not to notice this. There came +a deafening hullaballoo as Perry beat +a <a name='TC_45'></a><ins class='trchange' title="was 'terriffic'">terrific</ins> tattoo on the ancient door. +Followed a deep silence, while Perry +leaped back to stand in front of Skip +and his camera. After perhaps a full +minute’s wait he once more opened up +his bombardment, to jump quickly +back to the camera as before. This +time he had better success. The window +was again opened and the muzzle +of the blunderbuss put in its appearance. +Handlon stood close behind +Perry as he silently swung the camera +into a more favorable position for action. +The face at the window was purple +with wrath.</p> +<p>“You damned pests! Leave my +grounds at once or I shall call my +hound and set him upon you. And +when––”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Crack!</span> Flash! Click! Perry +had made a sudden sidewise +movement as Handlon went into action.</p> +<p>“Much obliged, Professor,” said +Perry politely. “Your pose with that +old cannon is going to be very effective +from the front page. The write-up +will doubtless be interesting too. +Probably the story won’t be quite so +accurate as it would be had you told +it to us yourself; but we shall get as +many of the details from the natives +hereabouts as we can. Good-day to you, +sir!”</p> +<p>Motioning to the other he turned on +his heel and started down the driveway. +It was an old trick, and for a +long moment of suspense he almost +feared that it would fail. Another +moment––</p> +<p>“Wait!” The quavering voice of the +irascible old villain had lost some of +its malice. “Come back here a minute.”</p> +<p>With simulated reluctance the two +slowly retraced their steps. “Is there +something else, sir?”</p> +<p>“Perhaps....” The old man hesitated, +as if pondering upon his words. +“Perhaps if you care to step in I can +be of assistance to you after all. It +occurs to me that possibly I have been +too abrupt with you.”</p> +<p>“I am very glad that you have decided +to cooperate with us, Professor +Kell,” answered the reporter heartily, +as they ascended the steps. The old +man’s head disappeared from the window +and shortly the sound of footsteps +inside told of his approach. Finally +the oaken door swung open, and they +were silently ushered into the musty +smelling hallway. Though outwardly +accepting the Professor’s suddenly +pacific attitude, Perry made up his +mind to be on his guard.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_358' name='page_358'></a>358</span></div> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">As</span> they entered what had evidently +been the parlor in bygone days, +an oppressive, heavy odor smote +their nostrils, telling of age-old carpets +and of draperies allowed to decay +unnoticed. On the walls hung +several antique prints, a poorly executed +crayon portrait of a person +doubtless an ancestor of the present +Kell, and one or two paintings done +in oil, now badly cracked and stained. +Everything gave the impression of an +era long since departed, and the two +men felt vaguely out of place. Their +host led them to a pair of dilapidated +chairs, which they accepted gratefully. +The ride to Keegan after a hard day’s +work had not tended to improve their +spirits.</p> +<p>“Now to business.” Perry went +straight to the point, desiring to get +the interview over as soon as possible. +“We have heard indirectly of various +happenings in this vicinity which +many think have some connection with +your scientific experiments. Any +statement you may care to make to us +in regard to these happenings will be +greatly appreciated by my paper. Inasmuch +as what little has already been +printed is probably of an erroneous +nature, we believe it will be in your +own best interest to give us as complete +data as possible.” Here he became +slightly histrionic. “Of course +we do not allow ourselves to take the +stories told by the local inhabitants too +literally, as such persons are too liable +to exaggerate, but we must assume that +some of these stories have partial +basis in fact. Any information relative +to your scientific work, incidentally, +will make good copy for us also.”</p> +<p>Perry gazed steadily at the patriarch +as he spoke. For a moment, a crafty +expression passed over the old man’s +face, but as suddenly it disappeared. +Evidently he had arrived at a decision.</p> +<p>“Come with me,” he wheezed.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> two newspaper men exchanged +swift glances, the same +thought in the mind of each. Were they +about to be led into a trap? If the old +man’s shady reputation was at all deserved +they would do well to be wary. +Perry thought swiftly of the clippings +he had read and of what gossip he had +heard, then glanced once more in the +direction of Handlon. That worthy +was smiling meaningly and had already +arisen to follow the Professor. +Reluctantly Perry got to his feet and +the three proceeded to climb a rickety +stairway to the third floor. The guide +turned at the head of the stairs and entered +a long dark corridor. Here the +floor was covered with a thick carpet +which, as they trod upon it, gave forth +not the slightest sound.</p> +<p>The hall gave upon several rooms, +all dark and gloomy and giving the +same dismal impression of long disuse. +How could the savant endure +such a depressing abode! The accumulation +of dust and cobwebs in these +long forgotten chambers, the general +evidence of decay––all told of possible +horrors ahead. They became wary.</p> +<p>But they were not wary enough!</p> +<p>The uncouth figure ahead of them +had stopped and was fumbling with +the lock of an ancient door. Instinctively +Perry noted that it was of great +thickness and of heavy oak. Now the +Professor had it open and was motioning +for them to enter. Handlon started +forward eagerly, but hurriedly drew +back as he felt the grip of the other +reporter’s hand on his arm.</p> +<p>“Get back, you fool!” The words +were hissed into the ear of the incautious +one. Then, to the Professor, +Perry observed: “If you have no objection +we would prefer that you precede +us.”</p> +<p>A look of insane fury leaped to the +face of the old man, lingered but an +instant and was gone. Though the expression +was but momentary, both men +had seen, and seeing had realized their +danger.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">They</span> followed him into the chamber, +which was soon illumined fitfully +by a smoky kerosene lamp. Both +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_359' name='page_359'></a>359</span> +took a rapid survey of the place. Conceivably +it might have been the scene +of scientific experiments, but its aspect +surely belied such a supposition. +The average imagination would instantly +pronounce it the abode of a +maniac, or the lair of an alchemist. +Again, that it might be the laboratory +of an extremely slovenly veterinary +was suggested by the several filthy +cages to be seen resting against the +wall. All of these were unoccupied +except one in a dark corner, from +which issued a sound of contented +purring, evidently telling of some well-satisfied +cat.</p> +<p>The air was close and foul, being +heavy with the odor of musty, decaying +drugs. In every possible niche and +cranny the omnipresent dust had settled +in a uniform sheen of gray which +showed but few signs of recent disturbance.</p> +<p>“Here, gentlemen,” their host was +saying, “is where I carry on my work. +It is rather gloomy here after dark, but +then I do not spend much time here +during the night. I have decided to +acquaint you with some of the details +of one or two of my experiments. +Doubtless you will find them interesting.”</p> +<p>While speaking he had, mechanically +it seemed, reached for a glass humidor +in which were perhaps a dozen cigars. +Silently he selected one and extended +the rest to the two visitors.</p> +<p>After all three had puffed for a moment +at the weeds, the old man began +to talk, rapidly it seemed to them. +Perry from time to time took notes, as +the old man proceeded, an expression +of utter amazement gradually overspreading +his face. Handlon pulled +away contentedly at his cigar, and on +his features there grew an almost ludicrous +expression of well-being. Was +the simple photographer so completely +at ease that he had at length forsaken +all thought of possible danger?</p> +<p>As Professor Kell talked on he +seemed to warm to his subject. At the +end of five minutes he began uncovering +a peculiar apparatus which had +rested beneath the massive old table +before which they were sitting. The +two men caught the flash of light on +glass, and a jumble of coiled wires became +visible.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Was</span> the air in the laboratory +getting unbearably close? Or +was the queer leaden feeling that had +taken possession of Perry’s lungs but +an indication of his overpowering +weariness? He felt a steadily increasing +irritation, as if for some strange +reason he suddenly resented the words +of their host, which seemed to be pouring +out in an endless stream. The +cigar had, paradoxically, an oddly +soothing quality, and he puffed away +in silence.</p> +<p>Why had the room suddenly taken +on so hazy an aspect? Why did Handlon +grin in that idiotic manner? And +the Professor ... he was getting farther +and farther away ... that perfecto +... or was it an El Cabbajo? +What was the old archfiend doing to +him anyhow?... Why was he laughing +and leering at them so horribly?... +Confound it all ... that cigar +... where was it?... Just one more +puff....</p> +<p>Blindly he groped for the missing +weed, becoming aware of a cackle of +amusement nearby. Professor Kell was +standing near the spot where he had +fallen and now began prodding him +contemptuously with his toe.</p> +<p>“Fools!” he was saying. “You +thought to interfere with my program. +But you are in my power and you have +no hope of escape. I am unexpectedly +provided with more subjects for my +experiments. You will....” His +words became hazy and unintelligible, +for the hapless reporter was drifting +off into a numb oblivion. He had long +since lost the power to move a muscle. +Out of the corner of an eye, just before +he lost consciousness altogether, he +perceived Handlon lying upon the +floor still puffing at the fateful drugged +cigar.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_360' name='page_360'></a>360</span></div> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Eons</span> passed.</p> +<p>To the reporter came a vision +of a throbbing, glaring inferno, wherein +he was shaken and tossed by terrific +forces. His very vital essence seemed +to respond to a mighty vibration. Now +he was but a part of some terrific chaos. +Dimly he became aware of another being +with whom he must contend. Now +he was in a death struggle, and to his +horror he found himself being slowly +but surely overpowered. A demoniac +grin played upon the features of the +other as he forced the reporter to his +knees. It was Handlon.... Once +more he was sinking into soft oblivion, +the while a horrid miasma assailed his +nostrils. He was nothing....</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Slowly,</span> and with infinite effort, +Perry felt himself returning to +consciousness, though he had no clear +conception of his surroundings. His +brain was as yet but a whirling vortex +of confused sounds, colors and––yes, +odors. A temporary rift came in the +mental cloud which fettered his faculties, +and things began to take definite +shape. He became aware that he was +lying upon his back at some elevation +from the floor. Again the cloudy incubus +closed in and he knew no more.</p> +<p>When he finally recovered the use of +his faculties it was to discover himself +the possessor of a violent headache. +The pain came in such fearsome throbs +that it was well nigh unendurable. The +lamp still sputtered dimly where the +professor had left it. At the moment +it was on the point of going out altogether. +The reporter noticed this, and +over him stole a sense of panic. What +if the light should fail altogether, leaving +him lying in the dark in this frightful +place! Still dizzy and sick, he managed +to rise upon his elbows enough to +complete a survey of the room. He +was still in the laboratory of Professor +Kell, but that worthy had disappeared. +Of Handlon there was no sign. The +mysterious apparatus, of which he now +had but a vague remembrance, also had +vanished.</p> +<p>His thoughts became confused again, +and wearily he passed a hand over his +brow in the effort to collect all of his +faculties. The lamp began to sputter, +arousing him to action. Desperately +he fought against the benumbing sensation +that was even again stealing over +him. Gradually he gained the ascendancy. +He struggled dizzily to his feet +and took a few tentative steps.</p> +<p>Where was Handlon? He decided +his friend had probably recovered from +the drug first and was gone, possibly +to get a doctor for him, Perry. However, +he must make some search to determine +if Skip had really left the +premises.</p> +<p>As he walked through the open door +the lamp in his hand gave a last despairing +flicker and went out. From +there he was forced to grope his way +down the dark hall to the stairs. Just +how he reached the lower floor he was +never able to remember, for as yet all +the effect of the powerful drug had +not worn off. He had a dim recollection +of being thankful to the ancestor +of Kell who had provided such thick +carpets in these halls. Thanks to them +his footsteps had been noiseless, at any +rate.</p> +<p>What was Kell’s real object in giving +them those drugged cigars? he +wondered. How long had they been +under the influence of the lethal stuff? +Surely several hours. Upon glancing +through a hall window he found that +outside was the blackness of midnight.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Cautiously</span> he explored the +desolate chambers on the ground +floor: the kitchen––where it could be +plainly seen that cooking of a sort had +been done––the barn, and woodshed. +Not a living thing could he find, not +even the huge wolf-hound which had +attacked them in so strange a manner +that afternoon.</p> +<p>By now he was quite frankly worried +on Handlon’s account. At that +moment, could he have known the actual +fate that had overtaken his companion, +it is quite probable he would +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_361' name='page_361'></a>361</span> +have gone mad. He stumbled back and +into the dark front hall, shouting his +friend’s name. The response was a +hollow echo, and once or twice he +thought he heard the ghost of a mocking +chuckle.</p> +<p>At length he gave up the search and +started for the door, intent now only +upon flight from the accursed place. +He would report the whole thing to the +office and let Bland do what he pleased +about it. Doubtless Handlon had already +left. Then he stumbled over +Handlon’s camera. Evidently the Professor +had neglected to take possession +of it. That must be rescued, at all +costs. He picked it up and felt the +exposed plate still inside. He started +again for the door.</p> +<p>What little light there was faded out +and he felt stealing over him a horrid +sensation of weakness. Again came a +period of agony during which he felt +the grip of unseen forces. Once more +it seemed that he was engaged in mortal +strife with Skip Handlon. Malevolently +Handlon glared at him as he endeavored +with all his strength to overcome +Perry. This time, however, the +latter seemed to have more strength +and resisted the attack for what must +have been hours. Finally the other +drew away baffled.</p> +<p>At this the mental incubus surrounding +Perry’s faculties broke. Dimly he +became aware of a grinding noise nearby +and a constant lurching of his body. +At length his vision cleared sufficiently +to enable him to discover the cause +of the peculiar sensations.</p> +<p>He was in a railroad coach!</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">He</span> took a rapid glance around and +noted a drummer sitting in the +seat across the aisle, staring curiously +at him. With an effort Perry assumed +an inscrutable expression and determined +to stare the other out of countenance. +Reluctantly the man glanced +away, and after a moment, under Perry’s +stony gaze, he suddenly arose and +chose a new seat in front of the car. +Perry took to the solace of a cigarette +and stared out at the flying telegraph +poles. From time to time he noted +familiar landmarks. The train had evidently +left Keegan far behind and was +already nearly into the home town.</p> +<p>For the balance of the ride the reporter +experienced pure nightmare. +The peculiar sensations of dizziness, +accompanied by frightful periods of +insensibility, kept recurring, now, +however, not lasting more than ten or +fifteen minutes at a time. At such +times as he was conscious he found opportunity +to wonder in an abstracted +sort of way how he had ever managed +to get on the train and pay his fare, +which must have been a cash one, without +arousing the conductor’s suspicions. +Discovery of a rebate in his +pocket proved that he must have done +so, however. The business of leaving +the train and getting to the office has +always been an unknown chapter in +Perry’s life.</p> +<p>He came out of one of his mental +fogs to find himself seated in the private +editorial sanctum of the Journal. +Evidently he had just arrived. Bland, +a thick-set man with the jaw of a bulldog, +was eyeing him intently.</p> +<p>“Well! Any report to make?” The +question was crisp.</p> +<p>The reporter passed a hand across +his perspiring forehead. “Yes, I guess +so. I––er––that is––you see––”</p> +<p>“Where’s Handlon? What happened +to you? You act as if you were drunk.” +Bland was not in an amiable mood.</p> +<p>“Search me,” Perry managed to respond. +“If Skip isn’t here old man +Kell must have done for him. I came +back alone.”</p> +<p>“You wha-a-t?” the irate editor fairly +roared, half rising from his chair. +“Tell me exactly what happened and +get ready to go back there on the next +train. Or––no, on second thoughts +you’d better go to bed. You look all +used up. Handlon may be dead or dying +at this minute. That Kell could +do anything.” He pressed the button +on his desk.</p> +<p>“Johnny,” he said to the office boy, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_362' name='page_362'></a>362</span> +“get O’Hara in here on the double +quick and tell him to bring along his +hat and coat.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">He</span> turned again to Perry, who +was gazing nervously at the +door. “Now tell me everything that +happened and make it fast,” he ordered.</p> +<p>The reporter complied, omitting +nothing except the little matter of his +mental lapses at the house of Professor +Kell and later on the train. The incident +of the drugged cigars seemed to +interest the Old Man hugely, and Perry +did not forget to play up Handlon’s exploits +in getting the picture of the +Professor. All through the recital he +was in a sweat for fear that he might +have a recurrence of one of his brain +spells and that Bland would become +cognizant of it. When would the Chief +finish and let him escape from the office? +Desperately he fought to prevent +the numbing sensation from overcoming +him. All that kept him from +finally fleeing the place in panic was +the entrance of Jimmie O’Hara.</p> +<p>Slight, wiry and efficient looking, +this individual was a specimen of the +perfect Journal reporter. This is saying +a good deal, for the news crew and +editorial force of the <a name='TC_46'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Removed comma">paper</ins> were a +carefully selected body of men indeed. +Bland never hired a man unless experience +had endowed him with some +unusual qualification. Most of them +could write up a story with realistic +exactitude, being able in most cases +to supply details gleaned from actual +experience in one walk of life or another.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Of</span> this redoubtable crew probably +the queerest was Jimmie O’Hara. +Jimmie had just finished a sentence in +the “pen” for safe-cracking at the time +he landed the job with the Journal. +Theoretically all men should have +shunned him on account of his jailbird +taint. Not so Bland. The Chief was +independent in his ideas on the eternal +fitness of things and allowed none of +the ordinary conventions of humanity +to influence his decisions. So Jimmie +became one of the staff and worked +hard to justify Bland in hiring him. +His former profession gave him valuable +sidelights upon crime stories of +all kinds, and he was almost invariably +picked as the man to write these +up for the columns.</p> +<p>“Jimmie,” said the Chief, “we have +need of an experienced strong-arm man +and all around second story worker. +You are the only man on the force who +fills the bill for this job. Perry here +has just returned from Keegan, where +I sent him to interview Professor Kell. +Skip Handlon went with him, but +failed to return. We want to know +what happened to Skip. That is your +job. <i>Get Handlon!</i> If he is dead let +me know by long distance phone and +I’ll have a couple of headquarters men +down there in a hurry. Get a good +fast car and don’t waste any time. +That’s all.”</p> +<p>O’Hara stopped long enough to get +the location of Professor Kell’s place +fixed in his mind, then abruptly departed. +Bland gazed after him musingly.</p> +<p>“The Professor will have some job +to put anything over on that bird,” he +said grimly. “Personally, I’m sorry +for the old soul.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">After</span> leaving the Journal office +Jimmie proceeded directly to a +certain stable where he kept his private +car. It was a long, low speedster +with a powerful engine, and capable +of eating up distance. It was the work +of a minute to touch the starter and +back out of the yard.</p> +<p>For the next hour he held the +wheel grimly while the car roared over +the seventy-odd miles to Keegan. +Would he be in time? At last a sign +post told him that he was within five +miles of the railroad crossing at Keegan. +Now the headlights were picking +out the black outlines of the freight +shed, and the next moment he had +swept over the tracks. The luminous +dial on his wrist watch notified him +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_363' name='page_363'></a>363</span> +that he had been on the road but little +over an hour, but his spirits somehow +refused to revive with the knowledge.</p> +<p>About a mile beyond the station he +drove the car into a dark wood road +and parked it, turning off all lights. +The rest of the way to the Professor’s +mansion he did on foot. Rather than +approach from the front of the grounds +he nimbly climbed a stone wall and, +crossing a field or two, entered the +stretch of woods which extended just +behind the mansion. His pocket flashlight +here came into use, and once or +twice he gave a reassuring pat to a +rear pocket where bulged a heavy Colt +automatic.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">What</span> was that? He had approached +very close to the rear +of the house now. No lights were visible +as yet, but unless he was greatly +mistaken he had heard a muffled +scream. He stopped in his tracks and +listened intently. Again it came, this +time with a blood-curdling cadence +ending in what he would have sworn +was a choking sob.</p> +<p>The little job of getting the old-fashioned +rear window open was a +mere nothing to the experienced +O’Hara, and in a moment he was inside +the house. His feet struck soft carpet. +Catlike, he stepped to one side in order +to prevent any hidden eyes from perceiving +his form silhouetted in the dim +light of the open window. He dared +not use his flashlight for fear that the +circle of light would betray his position, +thus making him an excellent target +for possible bullets. Following the +wall closely he managed to circle the +room without mishap. His searching +fingers finally came in contact with a +door frame, and he breathed a sigh of +relief. Here there was nothing to bar +his progress except some moth-eaten +portieres. These he brushed aside.</p> +<p>The room which he now entered was +probably the same into which the Professor +had ushered Handlon and Perry +the day before. There being still no +sign of life about, the reporter decided +to throw caution to the winds. He +brought his flash into play. Quickly +casting the powerful beam around the +chamber he examined the place with +an all-searching glance.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Nothing.</span></p> +<p>With a stifled oath he turned +his attention to the other rooms in the +immediate vicinity. The brilliant light +revealed not the slightest trace of a +person, living or dead. The sound +must have come from the second story +or from the cellar. He decided on the +upper floor.</p> +<p>Feverish with impatience because of +the valuable time he had already lost, +he bounded up the heavily carpeted +stairs two at a time. Now to his keen +ears came certain faint sounds which +told him that he was on the right track. +Before him extended a long, dusty hall, +terminating in a single heavy door. +Several other doors opened at intervals +along the corridor. One or two +of these were open, and he threw the +beam from his flash hastily into one +after another of them. He saw only +dusty and mildewed chamber furnishings +of an ancient massive style.</p> +<p>Suddenly he pricked up his ears.</p> +<p>The door ahead of him was creaking +slowly open. Instantly he extinguished +his torch and leaped into the nearest +room. Whoever was opening that end +door was carrying a lamp. What if +the Professor had accomplices who +might discover him and overpower him +by force of numbers! O’Hara drew +the automatic from his pocket, deriving +a comforting assurance from the +feel of the cold steel. Here was something +no man could resist could he but +get it into action. The light was now +nearly abreast of his door, and for a +sickening instant he thought the +prowler was coming into the room. He +held his breath. Now the lamp was at +the open door, and now it was quickly +withdrawn. After a breathless second +he tip-toed forward and peered cautiously +down the hallway.</p> +<p>About here it was that James O’Hara +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_364' name='page_364'></a>364</span> +began to realize that this was going to +be a horrible night indeed. He had +wondered why the progress of the light +had been so deathly slow. Now he +knew why, by reason of what he saw––and +what he saw made him feel rather +sick. The man with the lantern was +quite plainly Professor Kell, bent nearly +double with the weight of a grotesquely +big thing on his back, a thing +that flung a dim, contorted shadow on +the ceiling. And that thing was a dead +man.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">A corpse</span> it was––the attitude +proved that. With a numb relief +O’Hara realized it was not the +body of Skip Handlon. This had been +a much larger man than Skip, and the +clothing was different from anything +Handlon had worn.</p> +<p>The light was now disappearing +down the stairway. For a moment +O’Hara felt undecided as to his next +move. Should he follow Kell and his +burden, or should he not take advantage +of this fine opportunity to continue +his search of the upper story? +That scream still rang in his ears; +there had been a very evident feminine +quality in it, and the remembrance of +that fact reproached him. Had he been +guilty of mincing daintily about in +this old house while a woman was being +done to death under his nose, when +a little bolder action on his part might +have saved her?</p> +<p>Stepping once more into the hall he +advanced to the door just closed behind +the Professor and tried it, only +to find it locked. Out of a pocket came +several articles best known to the “profession”––a +piece of stiff wire, a skeleton +key and other paraphernalia calculated +to reduce the obstinate mechanism +to submission. For a minute, two, +three, he worked at the ancient lock; +then, without a creak, the door swung +open. A touch of oil to the hinges had +insured their silence. Jimmie O’Hara +believed in being artistic in his work, +especially when it came to fine points, +and he was.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">He</span> found himself in the same +room where the drugged cigars +had been proved the undoing of Handlon +and Perry. In order not to alarm +the Professor unduly by chance noises +and perhaps invite a surprise attack +upon himself, O’Hara closed the laboratory +door behind him and let the +lock spring again. Hastily he made +search of the place. No trace of the +missing reporter could he find, except +two half-consumed cigars in a corner +whence the Professor had impatiently +kicked them.</p> +<p>On the big table in the center of the +room, however, was an object which +excited his interest. It was apparently +nothing more or less than a giant +Crookes tube, connected in some way +with a complicated mechanism contained +in a wooden cabinet under the +table. Probably this apparatus was +concerned in the Professor’s weird experiments +which had so aroused the +countryside. He studied it curiously, +his eyes for the moment closed in +thought, until a slight sound somewhere +near at hand caused him to open +them wide. Was the Kell returning?</p> +<p>Quickly he extinguished the lamp +and glided to a nearby door, thinking +to secrete himself here, and take Kell +by surprise. To his consternation the +door swung inward at a touch. He +prepared instinctively for battle +against any foe who might present +himself. For a moment he held himself +taut; then, nothing of an alarming +nature having happened, he drew a +swift breath of relief and flashed on +his light. He gave vent to a low exclamation. +The swiftly darting shaft +from the torch had revealed the figure +of a girl, bound and gagged.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> girl lay trembling on a +wretched bed in a corner of the +dilapidated old chamber. O’Hara +crossed the room and bent over her. +Still wary of a trap he glanced back in +the direction of the laboratory door: +all safe there. Jimmie made haste to +remove the cruel gag from her mouth.</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_365' name='page_365'></a>365</span></div> +<p>“Courage,” he whispered. “Half a +minute and you will be free.”</p> +<p>He produced a knife with a suspiciously +long blade and cut her bonds. +He then assisted her to her feet, where +she reeled dizzily. Realizing the need +for fast action he made her sit down +while he massaged the bruised arms +and ankles, which were badly swollen +from the tight ropes. The girl had apparently +been in the grip of such terrible +fright that she had temporarily +lost her power of speech. Mentally he +chalked up another score against the +Professor as the girl made several ineffectual +attempts to speak.</p> +<p>“Easy, kid,” Jimmie whispered. +“Just sit tight, and when you feel able +you can tell me all about it. I’m going +to get him good for this, you can bank +on that.”</p> +<p>She thanked him with a faint smile, +and of a sudden she found her voice.</p> +<p>“Who are you? Where is father? +Oh, tell me, please! I am afraid that +horrible man has murdered him. Are +you a servant here? Oh, I don’t know +whom to trust.”</p> +<p>“My name is Jimmie O’Hara,” replied +the reporter briefly; “and I hope +you won’t worry about me. I am gunning +for the Proff myself. Tell me as +quickly as you can what you know +about him.” He still kept an eye on +the door of the adjoining laboratory. +Any moment he expected to hear the +sound of the old man’s approach. The +room would make an ideal place to ambush +the maniac, he had swiftly decided.</p> +<p>“I am Norma Manion. Please don’t +delay, but see if you can locate +father.” The girl’s voice was agonized. +“I heard him groan a half-hour ago, +and a little later came a terrific crash. +Oh, I’m afraid he’s dead!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Reluctantly</span> Jimmie gave up +the idea of ambushing the Professor.</p> +<p>“Wait here,” he commanded curtly. +“If you hear a shot join me as soon as +you can. I want to take him alive if +I can, but....” With this parting +hint he disappeared through the door +into the laboratory. Down the carpeted +hall he crept to the stairway. +Here he stopped and listened, but to +his sensitive ears came no sound from +below.</p> +<p>“Must have gone down the cellar +with the body,” he muttered. “Here +goes for a general exploration.”</p> +<p>With more boldness than the occasion +perhaps really justified he descended +the stairs and proceeded to +examine the ground floor rooms minutely. +The first was the room through +which he had made entrance to the +house. It proved to be but a storeroom +containing nothing of interest, +and he soon decided to waste no more +time on it.</p> +<p>The adjoining chamber, however, +yielded some surprising finds. He had +pushed back a dusty portiere to find +himself in what could be nothing less +than the Professor’s sleeping chamber. +At present the bed was unoccupied, +though it showed signs of recent use. +The electric torch played swiftly over +every possible corner which could constitute +a hiding place for an assassin, +revealing nothing. Now the ever-searching +ray fell upon an old-fashioned +dresser, on which was piled a +miscellaneous array of articles. Here +were combs, brushes, a wig, a huge +magnifying glass, and a gold watch. +With a barely suppressed exclamation, +Jimmie pounced upon the gold timepiece.</p> +<p>Handlon’s! So well did he know the +particular design of his watch that he +could have recognized it in the dark +by sense of touch alone. So the old +man was not averse to robbery among +his other activities! The former two-story +man thought fast. Handlon had +probably been done in, and the body +had been disposed of in some weird +manner. The only thing that remained +to be done, since the unlucky photographer +was evidently past human help, +was to cut short the Professor’s list of +murders.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_366' name='page_366'></a>366</span></div> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">With</span> the intention of missing +no essential detail O’Hara +swept the ray of the searchlight around +the chamber once more, but discovered +no more of importance. Deciding that +the sleeping chamber could yield no +further clue he shut off the tell-tale +ray and stepped noiselessly back into +the next room. Here he groped his +way around until he encountered a +door, which stood open. A moment’s +cautious exploration with an outstretched +foot revealed the top step of +a descending staircase. No faintest +glimmer of light was visible, but muffled +sounds proceeding from the depths +told him that someone was below.</p> +<p>With infinite care, feeling his way +gingerly over the rickety old steps and +fearful that an unexpected creak from +one of the ancient boards would at any +moment prove his undoing, he commenced +the descent. Once a board did +groan softly, causing him to stop in his +tracks and stand with bated breath. He +listened for sign of a movement below, +while his heart loudly told off a dozen +strokes. Stealthily he continued his +progress, until finally soft earth under +his feet told him he had reached the +cellar bottom.</p> +<p>Now his straining eyes perceived a +tiny bit of light, and simultaneously +he became conscious of a deathly +stench. The damp earth padding his +footsteps, he advanced swiftly toward +the source of light, which now seemed +to lie in stripes across his line of vision. +He soon saw that the stairs gave +upon a small boarded-off section of +the cellar proper, and light was seeping +between the boards. Ah, and here was +a rickety door, fortuitously equipped +with a large knot-hole. O’Hara applied +an eye to this––and what he saw +nearly ruined even his cast iron nerve.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> Professor was working beside +a heavy wooden cask, from which +issued the horrible stench. From time +to time a sodden thud told that he was +hacking something to pieces with an +ax. Now and then he would strain +mightily at a dark and bulky thing +which lay on the floor, a thing that required +considerable strength to lift. It +seemed to be getting lighter after each +spasm of frenzied chopping. For a +second Kell’s shadow wavered away +from the thing, and the enervated +newspaper man saw it plainly. His +senses almost left him as he realized +that he was witnessing the dismemberment +of a human body.</p> +<p>As he hacked the fragments of tissue +from the torso the fiend carefully +deposited each in the huge cask. At +such times a faint boiling sound was +heard, and there arose an effluvium +that bade fair to overcome even the +monster engaged in the foul work. At +last the limbs and head had been entirely +removed. The Professor evidently +decided that the trunk should +be left whole, and he put his entire +strength into the job of getting it into +the cask. It was almost more than he +could negotiate, but finally a dull +splash told that he had succeeded.</p> +<p>At this moment Jimmie O’Hara came +out of his trance. The horrible proceeding +had left him faint and shaken, +and he wished heartily that he could +leave the disgusting place as fast as +his legs could carry him. But there +was still work to be done and he resolved +to get it over.</p> +<p>The lantern! First he must put that +out of commission. The maniac would +then be at his mercy. Slowly, steadily +he stole through the doorway, his eyes +glued to the Professor’s back. Now +he was within a yard of the lantern, +and he drew back his foot for the kick.</p> +<p>Next moment Jimmie found himself +gazing into the glaring eyes of his intended +victim. Instinctively he struck +out with the clubbed automatic, but +the blow must have fallen short, or else +the Professor had developed an uncanny +agility. Now to his horror he saw +the flashing blade of the bloodstained +ax raised on high. He had no time to +dodge the blow. He pressed the trigger +of the Colt from the position in +which he held it.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_367' name='page_367'></a>367</span></div> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> bullet grazed the upraised +arm. The ax fell toward O’Hara +from fingers lacking strength to retain +it, and he grasped it by the handle in +midair. The next moment the assassin +collected his wits and sprang at him. +Silently, the breath of both coming in +gasps, the two men strove, each clawing +desperately at the other’s throat. +The reporter fought with the knowledge +that should he lose he would +never again see the light of day, the +other with the fear of the justice that +would deal with him.</p> +<p>The maniac hugged his arms tightly +about Jimmie, pinioning him so tightly +that the reporter could not use his gun. +At length their convulsive movements +brought the men close to the lantern, +and the next instant the cellar was +plunged in darkness. A second later +the Professor tripped over some hidden +obstruction and fell, dragging his +opponent with him to the earthen floor. +To Jimmie’s surprise there was no +further movement from the body beneath +him. Could the old <a name='TC_22'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'villian'">villain</ins> be +playing possum? He cautiously shifted +his hold and grasped the hidden throat. +He pressed the Professor’s windpipe +for a moment, but there was no answering +struggle. Slowly the truth +dawned upon him. The heavy fall to +the floor had rendered the older man +insensible.</p> +<p>He must work fast. Reaching into +his pocket he brought out the ever +handy electric torch and flashed it over +the features of his prisoner. Kell was +breathing heavily. With dexterous +<a name='TC_47'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Removed 'the'">hands O’Hara</ins> swiftly went through +the old man’s pockets, removing all +which might tend to make that worthy +dangerous––an ugly looking pistol of +large caliber, a blackjack <a name='TC_23'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'similiar'">similar</ins> to +his own and a small bottle.</p> +<p>The latter item Jimmie examined +curiously, finally uncorking it and inhaling +the contents. He inhaled, not +wisely but too well. The fumes from +the vial were nigh overpowering, and +he reeled back nauseated. The cork he +hastily replaced. Just what the nature +of the powerful stuff was he never attempted +to discover. One acquaintance was enough.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">He</span> staggered to his feet and got +the lantern lighted, then sat, gun +in hand, waiting for his prisoner’s return +to his senses. This was becoming +increasingly imminent, judging by certain +changes in the Professor’s respiration. +Finally there came a series of +shuddering movements as the man attempted +to raise his battered body.</p> +<p>“Get up, you damned butcher,” ordered +Jimmie, “and march upstairs. +And just remember that I’ve got you +covered; don’t make any false moves.” +He prodded the prostrate form of the +by now glaring fiend before him. The +stench of the place was nearly overcoming +him, and again he felt an overwhelming +desire to dash madly from +that den of evil, and once more breathe +God’s fresh air. Under the stimulus +of several shoves the Professor finally +won to his feet and stumbled up the +stairs. Jimmie was taking no chances +and kept the automatic sharply digging +into the ribs of his prisoner. The +fight, however, seemed temporarily to +have been all taken out of the old man, +and he made no resistance as the reporter +drove him on up to the laboratory.</p> +<p>The room he found exactly as he +left it. At a word from him Norma +Manion came from her hiding place in +the horrible room where she had been +kept prisoner.</p> +<p>With an hysterical scream she fell +limply to the floor. The sight of her +father’s murderer had proved too much +for her. Forgetting his prisoner for +the moment Jimmie sprang to the girl’s +side.</p> +<p>Kell chose this moment to make a +dash for freedom. His footsteps, however, +were not as noiseless as he had +intended, and O’Hara whirled just in +time to see his quarry about to throw +open the hall door. Jimmie dove for +his gun, only to encounter the Professor’s +mysterious vial, which, though +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_368' name='page_368'></a>368</span> +forgotten, still lay in his pocket. With +no time to think, he acted purely upon +instinct. His arm drew back and the +bottle flew straight for the Professor’s +head.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">By</span> a miracle the missile missed +its mark. Came a shivering +crash, as the bottle struck a stud in +the massive door. Of a sudden recalling +the terrific potency of the contents +of that particular bottle, Jimmie +gasped in dismay. Norma Manion’s +safety drove every other thought from +his mind. At any cost he must remove +her from the proximity of those lethal +fumes.</p> +<p>Hastily and without a backward +glance, he gathered the girl into his +arms and dashed into the room where +he had first found her. Ascertaining +that she had but swooned he placed +her gently on the bed. In some perplexity +as to his next move he stared +at the beautiful face now so wan and +white. Queer that he hadn’t noticed +the fact before––she was beautiful. He +even took a second look, then noting a +continued absence of all sound from +the laboratory decided to investigate.</p> +<p>Gingerly he pushed open the door, +sniffing the air cautiously as he advanced. +To his nostrils gradually came +a slight scent, which though almost +imperceptible made his senses reel. As +he approached the hall door he found +the atmosphere heavy with the soporific +vapors from the broken vial, and +he staggered drunkenly.</p> +<p>He gave a start of surprise. On the +floor, lying in a grotesque huddle +which suggested a most unpleasant possibility, +was the inert body of Professor +Kell.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Jimmie</span> bent over the body and put +an experienced ear to the heart. +Yes, there as a faint beat––very faint. +Even as he listened he perceived a +slight increase in the respiration. Now +the breath began coming in great, choking +gasps, only to die suddenly to next +to nothing. At last with a rueful sigh +Jimmie reached to his hip and produced +the private O’Hara flagon. He +stooped over the Professor’s form once +more and by dint of much prying at +clenched jaws managed to force a sizeable +charge of fiery liquid down the +old man’s throat. Jimmie had just begun +to entertain a strong hope that +this latter effort would bring the Professor +to life, when his keen ear detected +signs of a commotion below.</p> +<p>He sprang from his position over the +slowly reviving Kell and leaped to a +vantage point beside the door. A +blackjack miraculously appeared from +some hidden part of his anatomy and +the ever-dependable Colt also became +in evidence. Now came the banging +of a door, muffled voices, a crash as of +a chair overturned in the dark. Up +rolled a horrible oath, and the same +was rendered in a voice to Jimmie +sweetly familiar. Came the sound of +footsteps on the stairway and several +persons coming along the hall.</p> +<p>“Where in hell is Jimmie?” roared a +wicked voice. “If he’s met with any +monkey business in this hell-hole I’ll +see that the damned place burns to +the ground before I leave it!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Delightedly</span> Jimmie jerked +open the door.</p> +<p>“Still alive, Chief,” he chirped as +the Old Man strode into the laboratory. +Bland was followed by Perry, who +seemed to be in a sort of daze. Bringing +up the rear were a pair of plainclothesmen +whom Jimmie knew very +well––almost too well. One of these +gentlemen bore a lantern which reminded +Jimmie strongly of some he +had seen that night guarding an open +ditch in the public highway.</p> +<p>The Professor had fully regained +consciousness and was struggling to +his feet. As for Norma Manion, she +had suddenly appeared, leaning weakly +against the door casing, and was surveying +the group in great alarm.</p> +<p>After being assured by O’Hara that +they were her friends she smiled wanly. +To Bland and the others she was, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_369' name='page_369'></a>369</span> +of course, an unexpected factor in the +weird night’s doings, and for several +moments they regarded her curiously.</p> +<p>At length Jimmie, sensing the question +in the Old Man’s eyes, elected to +offer a few words of explanation.</p> +<p>“Miss Manion has just been through +a terrible experience,” he said. “She +and her father have been for some time +at the mercy of this monster”––indicating +Kell––“and her nerves are completely +shattered. We’d better get her +out of this as quickly as we can.”</p> +<p>“Mike!” Hard Boiled Bland glared +at one of the officers. “Don’t stand +there with your teeth in your gums +like that. Take this girl out to my +car and let her lie down. She needs +a stimulant, too. If you search my car +and find <a name='TC_24'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'and'">any</ins> red liquor in the left back +door pocket, I don’t know a thing about +it. And stay with her so she won’t be +afraid to go to sleep.”</p> +<p>She smiled in silent gratitude and +allowed the plainclothesman to lead +her away from that chamber of horror.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> reporter lost no time in telling +Bland of his failure to find +Skip Handlon. He went on to acquaint +his Chief with the facts of all +that had occured while he had been at +the Professor’s house.</p> +<p>The fiery old fellow listened grimly. +When Jimmie came to the story of the +corpse and the cask the editor breathed +one word, “Manion!”</p> +<p>Jimmie nodded sadly. All eyes +turned to the dejected huddle on the +floor that was Professor Kell. Finally +Bland could wait no longer, but fixed +a terrible eye on the murderer and demanded +harshly, “Where’s Handlon?”</p> +<p>Now the Professor burst into a fit +of insane laughter, laughter that curdled +the blood of the listeners.</p> +<p>“You ask me that! It’s almost too +good. Hee-hee! You sent your two +precious reporters out to my house to +pry into my secrets, and thought to display +my name all over your yellow +sheet; but you forgot that you were +dealing with Professor Anton Kell, +didn’t you?” The last he fairly +shrieked. “A lot of people have tried +to intrude upon me before, but none +ever escaped me!”</p> +<p>“We know that,” cut in Jimmie, for +he was getting impatient and the old +man’s boastings seemed out of place. +“You are slated for the rope anyway, +after what I discovered down cellar.” +He jerked his eyes in the direction of +the door significantly. “Now we propose +to find Handlon, and the better it +will be for you if you tell us what you +have done with him. Otherwise....”</p> +<p>“You can go to hell!” screamed the +maniac. “If you are so clever, find out +for yourselves. He isn’t so far away +that you couldn’t touch him by reaching +out your hand. In fact, he’s been +with you quite a while. Hee-hee-hee! +Well, if you must know––there he is!” +With an insane chuckle he pointed at +Horace Perry. And Perry did a strange +thing.</p> +<p>“Yes, you fiend, here I am!” Whose +voice was that? Was it Perry speaking, +or was it Skip Handlon? Most +assuredly Perry stood before them, but +the voice, in a subtle manner, reminded +the group strongly of poor old Skip.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">As</span> he spoke Perry had launched +himself at the Professor’s throat +and had to be restrained by the others. +Savagely he fought them but slowly +and surely they overcame his struggles +and placed him, writhing, in a chair.</p> +<p>Of a sudden Bland leaned forward +and scrutinized Perry’s face sharply. +Had the reporter gone insane too? The +pupils of the eyes had taken on a sort +of queer contraction, a fixed quality +that was almost ludicrous. He looked +like a man under hypnosis. He had +gone limp in their grasp, but now suddenly +he stiffened. The eyes underwent +another startling change, this +time glowing undoubtedly with the +look of reason. Bland was mystified +and waited for Perry to explain his +queer conduct. The latter seemed +finally to come to. Simultaneously he +realized that his peculiar lapse from +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_370' name='page_370'></a>370</span> +consciousness had been observed by the +others.</p> +<p>“Guess I may as well admit it,” he +said with a wry smile. “Ever since I +came back from my assignment with +Kell I have had a hell of a time. Half +the time I have been in a daze and +have not had the least idea what I was +doing. Funny part of it is that I have +seemed to keep right on doing things +even while I was out of my head.” He +told briefly of the visions he had had +in which he had seemed to contend +with his brother reporter, the horrid +sensations as he felt himself overcome, +the black oblivion in which he then +found himself, and the mysterious +manner in which he had left Keegan +on that ill-fated assignment.</p> +<p>“What have you done to Handlon?” +Jimmie’s voice cut in. He was standing +over the form of the maniac, rigid +and menacing. “You have exactly two +minutes to go.”</p> +<p>“Find out for yourself!” snarled the +bruised and battered fiend.</p> +<p>“I will,” was the answer, and on the +instant a horrible shriek rent the air. +Jimmie had quickly grasped both of +the Professor’s arms at the wrists and +was slowly twisting them in a grip of +iron. Kell’s face went white, the lips +writhed back over toothless gums, the +eyes closed in the supreme effort to +withstand the excruciating pain. +Then––</p> +<p>“Enough, enough!” he screamed.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">O’Hara</span> eased the pressure slightly +but retained his hold upon the +clawlike hands. “Talk fast,” he ordered.</p> +<p>The old man struggled futilely in +the grasp of the powerful reporter, +finally glancing in the direction of the +others. Would they show signs of +pity? Surely not Hard Boiled Bland. +The Chief was watching the struggles +of the victim through a cloud of +tobacco smoke which he was slowly +exhaling through his nose. The plainclothesman +displayed no sign of interest +at all. The game was up!</p> +<p>“Very well,” he said sullenly. +“Handlon and Perry are both occupying +the same body.”</p> +<p>“Wh-a-a-t?” roared Bland. “Jimmie, +I guess you’ll have to put the screws to +him some more. He’s trying to make +fools of us at the last minute!”</p> +<p>“No, no!” screamed the Professor. +“What I say is true. I have been working +for years on my system of de-astralization. +This last year I at length +perfected my electric de-astralizer, +which amplifies and exerts the fifth influence +of de-cohesion.”</p> +<p>The whole party began to look uneasy +and gazed apprehensively at the +huge Crookes tube which still stood in +its supporting frame on the table.</p> +<p>“I have been forced to experiment on +animals for the most part,” the Professor +continued. “I succeeded in de-astralizing +a dog and a bull and caused +them to exchange bodies. The bodies +continued to function. I was enthusiastic. +Other experiments took place +of which I will not tell you. Finally +I began to long for a human subject on +which to try my fifth influence.”</p> +<p>“Just get down to cases, if you don’t +mind, Kell.” The Chief wanted action. +“Suppose you tell us just what you did +to Handlon and where we can find him. +I may as well mention that your life +depends upon it. If we find that you +have done for him, something worse +than death may happen to you.” The +tone was menacing. Although Handlon +was a comparatively late acquisition +to the old Chief’s staff, still he had +been loyal to the paper.</p> +<p>“When your two damned reporters +entered my driveway,” Kell resumed. +“I saw them coming through a powerful +glass which I always have on hand. +I had no desire to see them, but they +forced themselves upon me. At last I +determined that they should furnish +material for my experiments.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">I</span><span class="dcap">f</span> your men had looked into the +grove behind the barn they would +have found the automobile which furnished +two more subjects I was keeping +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_371' name='page_371'></a>371</span> +on hand in a room upstairs. Old +Manion and his daughter gave me quite +a bit of trouble, but I kept them +drugged most of the time. He broke +out of the room to-night though, and I +had to kill him. It was self defense,” +he added slyly.</p> +<p>“Anyway, I found it was possible to +make two astrals exchange bodies. But +I also wanted to see if it were possible +to cause two astrals to occupy the same +body at the same time, and if so what +the result would be. I found out. It +was rare sport to watch your star reporter +leave my house. He was damned +glad to leave, I believe....” Again +came the insane cackle.</p> +<p>“Guess we have to believe him +whether we want to or not.” The detective +came to life. “How about making +him release Handlon’s––what d’ye +call it?––astral––from Perry’s body?”</p> +<p>“Just a moment.” The voice now +was unmistakably Handlon’s, though it +was issuing from the throat of Perry. +“In the minute I have in consciousness +let me suggest that before you do any +more de-astralizing you <i>locate my +body</i>. Until then, if I am released +from this one I am a dead man.”</p> +<p>The words struck the group dumb. +Where <i>was</i> Handlon’s body? Could +the Professor produce it?</p> +<p>That worthy looked rather haunted +at that moment, and they began to see +the fear of death coming upon him.</p> +<p>“Mercy, mercy!” he begged as the +four men started to advance upon him. +“As soon as I had de-astralized Handlon +I destroyed his body in my pickling +barrel down cellar. But there is +another way....” He paused, uncertain +as to how his next words would be +received. “Go out and get the Manion +girl. She can be de-astralized and +friend Handlon can have her body.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">At</span> this suggestion, advanced so +naïvely, the four men recoiled in +horror. It was entirely too much even +for Hard Boiled Bland, and he could +hardly restrain himself from applying +the editorial fist to the leering face before +him. Undoubtedly Professor Kell +was hopelessly insane, and for that reason +he held himself in leash.</p> +<p>“Kell, you are slated to pull off one +more stunt,” Jimmie addressed the +cringing heap. “You know what it is. +Get busy. And just remember that I +am standing over here”––he indicated +a corner well separated from the rest––“with +this cannon aimed in your direction. +If things aren’t just according to +Hoyle, you get plugged. Get me?”</p> +<p>“What about it, men?” Bland spoke +up. “Is it going to be treating Handlon +right to de-astralize him now? It +will be his last chance to have a body +on this earth.”</p> +<p>“Unfortunately that body never belonged +to Handlon,” said O’Hara. +“Hence I fail to see why Perry should +be discommoded for the balance of his +life with a companion astral. Perry is +clearly entitled to his own body, free +and unhampered. Friend Skip is out +of luck, unless––Well, I don’t mind +telling you, Kell, that you just gave +me an idea. Snap into it now!”</p> +<p>The Professor dragged himself to his +feet and under the menace of the automatic +fumbled under the table until he +had located the intricate apparatus before +mentioned.</p> +<p>“Now if Mr. Perry––or Handlon––will +kindly recline at full length on +this table,” he said with an obscene +leer, “the experiment will begin.”</p> +<p>“Just remember, Kell, this is no experiment,” +advised Bland, fixing the +Professor with an ugly eye. “You do +as you’re told.”</p> +<p>The other made no reply, but threw +a hidden switch. Perry, lying flat on +his back on the ancient table, suddenly +found himself being bathed by what +seemed to be a ray of light, and yet was +not a ray of light. What was it? It +was surely not visible, yet it was tangible. +A terrific force was emanating +from that devilish globe above him, +drawing him out of himself––or––no––was +he expanding? Again his ears became +filled with confused, horrible +sounds, the outlines of the room faded +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_372' name='page_372'></a>372</span> +from sight, he felt a strange sense of +inflation ... of lightness.... Oblivion!</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">From</span> where the others sat a gasp +of wonder went up. At the first +contact of the switch there had been a +momentary flash of greenish light +within the bulb, and then a swift +transition to a beautiful orange. It had +then faded altogether, leaving the +glass apparently inert and inactive.</p> +<p>But it was not so! The form lying +beneath the bulb was evidently being +racked with untold tortures. The face +became a thing of horror. Now it had +twisted into a grotesque semblance of +Handlon’s––now it again resembled +Perry’s. The Professor quietly increased +the pressure of the current. +From the bulb emanated a steel gray +exhalation of what must be termed +light, and yet so real it was seemingly +material. Assuredly it was not a ray of +light as we understand light. It came +in great beating throbs, in which the +actual vibrations were entirely visible. +Under each impact the body of Perry +seemed to change, slowly at first, then +with increasing speed. The body was +now swelled to enormous size. Bland +reached forward to touch it.</p> +<p>“This de-cohering influence,” the +Professor was murmuring, almost +raptly, “causes the atoms that go to +make a living body repel one another. +When the body is sufficiently nebulized, +the soul––Back! Back, you +fool!” he suddenly shrieked, grasping +Bland by the arm. “Do you want to +kill him?”</p> +<p>Bland hurriedly retreated, convinced +perforce that Kell’s alarm was genuine. +The editorial fingers had penetrated +the subject’s garments without +resistance and sank into the body as +easily as if it were so much soft soap!</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> body continued to expand until +at length even the hard-headed +plainclothesman realized that it had +been reduced to a mere vapor. Within +this horrid vaporized body, which +nearly filled the room and which had +now lost all semblance to a man, could +be discerned two faint shapes. Swiftly +the Professor extinguished the lantern. +The shapes, vague though they were, +could be recognized as those of Horace +Perry and Skip <a name='TC_48'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'Hanlon'">Handlon</ins>. And they +were at strife!</p> +<p>All eyes were now <a name='TC_6'></a><ins title="Was 'focussed'">focused</ins> on Professor +Kell, who was evidently waiting +for something to happen. The two apparitions +within the body-cloud were +at death grips. One had been overcome +and was temporarily helpless. It was +that of Handlon. And then again the +astral of Perry forcibly ousted that of +Handlon from the cloud-cyst. And at +that instant Professor Kell shut off the +influence-tube.</p> +<p>At once a terrific metamorphosis +took place. There came a sharp sound +almost like a clap of thunder, with the +slight exception that this was occasioned +by exactly the reverse effect. +Instead of being an <i>ex</i>plosion it might +more properly be termed an <i>in</i>plosion, +for the mist-cloud suddenly vanished. +The de-cohering influence having been +removed, the cloud had condensed into +the form of Perry. Apparently none +the worse, he was even now beginning +to recover consciousness. The astral +of Handlon was no longer visible, +though hovering in the vicinity.</p> +<p>Perry’s body was again his own.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">At</span> this time Jimmie O’Hara elected +to start something new by hitting +the Professor a workmanlike blow on +the back of the head with the butt of +his automatic. The next thing Bland +or anyone else present knew the unconscious +body of the Professor was on +the table and Jimmie was groping for +the concealed switch. At length he +found it, and the green flash of light +appeared in the bulb, followed by the +brilliant orange manifestation.</p> +<p>“What in hell are you doing?” +gasped Bland.</p> +<p>“De-astralizing the Professor,” replied +O’Hara cheerfully. “Don’t you +get the idea yet? Watch!”</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_373' name='page_373'></a>373</span></div> +<p>Fascinated, the four men saw the terrific +emanation take its baleful effect. +As before, the body commenced to expand +and gradually took on a misty +outline. Larger and larger it grew, until +finally it had become a vast cloud +of intangible nothingness which filled +the room like some evil nebula.</p> +<p>A cry of consternation from the detective +aroused Jimmie. Skip Handlon’s +astral had appeared within the +field of the nebula to fight for possession. +There ensued what was perhaps +the weirdest encounter ever witnessed. +Though he was in poor physical shape, +the Professor seemed to have an extremely +powerful astral; and for some +time the spectators despaired of Handlon’s +victory. Once the latter, evidently +realizing that the powerful influence +tube had rendered him visible, +glanced sharply in Jimmie’s direction. +O’Hara was considerably puzzled at +this, but watched the progress of the +struggle tensely. At length the moment +seemed to arrive which the reporter’s +astral had been awaiting. It +turned tail and fled away from the +astral of the Professor, disappearing +beyond the outer confines of the +nebula.</p> +<p>Jimmie suddenly divined the other’s +purpose and dived for the hidden +switch. As he had anticipated, Handlon +had finally given up the attempt to +overcome the astral of Kell by force +and had made up his mind to accomplish +his end by strategy. Almost on +the instant that Jimmie’s hand closed +on the switch the reporter’s astral +again leaped into the field of the nebula. +Fiercely it signalled to the former +second story man to shut off the current, +but the admonition was unnecessary, +for Jimmie had already done so.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Swiftly</span> the cloud-cyst faded. +Even as the group caught a fleeting +sight of Skip Handlon, the last that +mortal eyes would ever see of him as +he actually was, there came a violent +disturbance at the edge of the shrinking +nebula. Would the speed of condensation +of the atoms which comprised +the body of Professor Kell serve +to shut out the pursuing astral of Kell?</p> +<p>Even Bland held his breath!</p> +<p>The cloud lost its luminous quality, +the action of condensation increasing +in speed. It was barely visible in the +enshrouding gloom. An astral had +long since been enveloped within the +rapidly accumulating substance. Came +a sudden clap of sound as before, and +the final act of resolution had been accomplished. +Whether the Professor +had succeeded in regaining a position +within the cloud-cyst before the crucial +second none could say.</p> +<p>Jimmie relighted the lantern. Apparently +the effect of the love tap administered +by his automatic was more +or less of a lasting character, and the +men were put to some ado to restore +the body of Kell to consciousness. At +length their efforts began to bear fruit, +however, and it became expedient to +remove the patient to the softer couch +in the sitting room below. As they +moved forward to lay hold of the limp +body a figure appeared in the doorway +to the hall. It was the plainclothesman, +Riley.</p> +<p>“How about getting under way for +town,” he wanted to know. “Is the old +party croaked yet? Miss Manion has +had a fierce time and says she won’t +stay near this house another minute. +I don’t like this place myself either. +Do you know I just got kicked by a +poll parrot? Let’s get away from +here.”</p> +<p>“Hold on, Riley, what are you talking +about?” growled Bland. “Kicked +by a poll parrot! You’re––”</p> +<p>“That’s all right, Chief,” broke in the +now thoroughly cheerful Perry. “That +jackass I shot could probably have told +us all about it. I positively know the +beast could talk.”</p> +<p>“Humph!” snorted Bland, “Well, if +a donkey can talk, and a bull can bite, +and a hound can hook, why shouldn’t +a parrot––Judas Priest, I’m getting as +crazy as the rest of you! Hurry up +and get <a name='TC_25'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'Kel'">Kell</ins> downstairs so we can see +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_374' name='page_374'></a>374</span> +who he is. There I go again! Oh, go +lie down, Riley.”</p> +<p>“But look, Bland, look!” Riley was +pointing a demoralized finger at a cage +in the corner. He tugged frantically at +Bland’s coat sleeve. “See what’s in +there, won’t you? I––well, I did find +some liquor in your car, and Miss +Manion made me take some. I––I +didn’t know it would do this to me. +Look in there; please, Mr. Bland!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Bland</span> gave Riley a dark look, +but nevertheless he reached for +O’Hara’s flashlight. In the cage two +yellow eyes blinked sleepily out at him. +Perry began to laugh.</p> +<p>“Why, there’s nothing in there but a +cat. Skip and I heard it purring when +we first came in here this afternoon. +Guess Riley––”</p> +<p>“Great God, Jimmie, give me your +gun!” Hard Boiled Bland for the moment +failed to merit his sobriquet. The +torch in his hand threw a trembling +beam full into the cage. “It’s a snake! +And––there! It’s doing it again!”</p> +<p>A snake it was, indubitably, a huge +black specimen with bright yellow +stripes. Bland’s frenzied yell seemed +not to have excited it at all, for now the +sleek fellow had arched its body neatly +and was calmly licking its sides with a +long forked tongue. After a moment it +halted the operation long enough to +rub its jaw against a bar of its cage, +and gave vent to a sociable mew!</p> +<p>Even this could not dash the spirits +of Horace Perry. He laughed delightedly +again as he laid Bland by the arm.</p> +<p>“That creature is perfectly harmless, +Chief,” he told the editor. “Somewhere +I suppose there’s a mighty dangerous +kitty cat at large, but there’s no +sense in taking it out on this poor reptile. +Let’s live and let live.”</p> +<p>With a show of reluctance Bland returned +Jimmie’s automatic, then strode +over to where lay the form of Kell. +Perry and O’Hara lingered by the cage +long enough to arrange a plan to let the +snake out doors as soon as opportunity +offered, after which they joined their +Chief. Riley went out to resume his +vigil in Bland’s car, while his fellow +sleuth prepared to light the way downstairs. +Under his guidance the sick +man was carried below without mishap.</p> +<p>Downstairs the now conscious form +of the venerable Professor was laid out +on the ancient sofa until his senses +could clear a bit. Presently the eyelids +fluttered open and a feeble voice +asked, “Where the deuce am I, and how +did all you guys get here?”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">A joyous</span> gasp went up. That +voice! Although uttered in somewhat +the same vocal quality as Kell’s +the intonation and accents had strangely +altered. O’Hara leaned eagerly over +the figure on the couch. The question +he asked was startling in its incongruity:</p> +<p>“How are you feeling, <i>Skip</i>!”</p> +<p>“<a name='TC_26'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'Rotton'">Rotten</ins>,” was the reply from the lips +of Kell. “What hit me such a crack on +the dome? I feel as if I had been +dragged through a knot-hole. Lemme +up.”</p> +<p>“Stay still,” commanded O’Hara, +kindly but firmly. “You aren’t fit to +move yet. You are going on a long ride +and will need your strength. Don’t +talk, either.”</p> +<p>A half-hour later they left the house. +In the front yard the editor called a +hasty conclave which included the entire +party. Hard Boiled Bland has +never been known to talk so much at a +stretch, before or since.</p> +<p>“Before we start back,” he began, +“we had better come to an understanding. +In the first place––Skip, come +over here a minute.”</p> +<p>Norma Manion uttered an involuntary +cry of fear as the aged form of +Kell passed by her. Skip’s instant response +to his name had, of course, been +perfectly natural to him. But it had an +odd effect on the others.</p> +<p>“Miss Manion, and gentlemen,” +Bland went on, with a bow of mock +ceremony, “I want you to meet Mister––er, +Mister––oh hell, call him Saunders. +This is Mr. Kenneth Saunders, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_375' name='page_375'></a>375</span> +ladies and gentlemen. When he gets a +shave and has his new face patched up +I believe you will like his appearance +much more than you do now.</p> +<p>“Seriously though, folks, I hope that +with a little fixing up the gentleman +will hardly resemble Professor Anton +Kell. Kell is dead. Obviously, however, +this gentleman can hardly continue +his existence as Skip Handlon. +Hence––well, hence Mr. Saunders. And +don’t forget the name.</p> +<p>“Now another little matter. This +house has proven a curse to humanity. +What has transpired here need never +be known. Would it not be the wiser +to eliminate all traces of to-night’s happenings? +There is a way.” He looked +significantly at the others.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">Y</span><span class="dcap">ou</span> mean––” began Perry.</p> +<p>“That we destroy all traces of +Professor Kell’s villainy. Although he +is no more, still someone might notice +that <i>his body actively remains</i>. And no +one wants to do any explaining.”</p> +<p>“It’s the only way we can protect +Handlon,” one of the sleuths ruminated, +half to himself. “No judge +would ever believe a word about this +de-astralization business. The chances +are we would all go to the booby hatch +and Handlon would go to prison for +Kell’s crimes.”</p> +<p>“There were four of us that witnessed +the fact of the––the soul +transfusion, though,” Perry objected. +“Wouldn’t that be enough to clear +Skip? Besides, wouldn’t it be possible +for us to lead a jury out here and duplicate +the experiment?”</p> +<p>“Too much undesirable publicity,” +growled Bland, who for once in his life +had found reason to keep something +good out of the headlines. “What do +you say, people?”</p> +<p>“I move we move,” from the detective +who had had the uncomfortable +job of attending to Norma Manion.</p> +<p>“Gentleman, I believe we understand +each other,” said Jimmie quietly. +“Now I am going into the barn”––significantly––“to +see if everything’s all +right. While I am there something +<i>might</i> happen. You understand?”</p> +<p>The others nodded silent assent.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">In</span> the snug seat of Jimmie’s speedster +Norma Manion shivered as she +followed the direction indicated by her +companion’s finger. It was that darkest +hour which comes just before the +dawn.</p> +<p>To the westward could be perceived +a dull, red glow, which, even as they +watched with fascinated eyes, developed +into an intense glare. Gradually +the fading stars became eclipsed in the +greater glory.</p> +<p>Three cars, motors throbbing as if +eager to be gone, stood a space apart +on the main road. The car behind +O’Hara’s was the Manion machine, now +occupied by Bland and Riley. The remaining +one was a touring car and contained +the balance of the party. Perry +was at the wheel, and beside him sat +the Handlon-Kell-Saunders combination.</p> +<p>“Thus passes a den of horror,” whispered +Jimmie to his companion.</p> +<p>“It is the funeral pyre of my father,” +the girl answered simply. She had +long since recovered from her initial +outburst of grief at her loss, and now +watched the progress of the conflagration +dry-eyed. At length Jimmie +slipped an arm protectingly about the +trembling shoulders.</p> +<p>“You have seen enough,” he said. As +the three cars raced from the scene of +the holocaust, faint streamers in the +east told of the rising orb of day.</p> +<p>“Good-by, Keegan, forever,” murmured +Norma.</p> +<p>“Amen,” O’Hara devoutedly agreed.</p> +<hr class='toprule' /> +<div class='chsp'> +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_376' name='page_376'></a>376</span> +<a name='FROM_THE_OCEANS_DEPTHS' id='FROM_THE_OCEANS_DEPTHS'></a> +<h2>From the Ocean’s Depths</h2> +</div> +<p class='authorhdr'><i>By Sewell Peaslee Wright</i></p> +<div class='figtag'> +<a name='linki_8' id='linki_8'></a> +</div> +<div class='figcenter'> +<img src='images/i376.jpg' alt='' title='' width='446' height='500' /><br /> +<p class='caption'> +<i>Her head was a little to one side, in the attitude of one who listens intently.</i><br /> +</p> +</div> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">From</span> somewhere out on the +black, heaving Atlantic, the +rapid, muffled popping of a +speed-boat’s exhaust drifted +clearly through the night.</p> +<p class='sidebarright'>Man came from the sea. Mercer, by his +thought-telegraph, learns from the +weirdly beautiful ocean-maiden of a branch +that returned there.</p> +<p>I dropped my +book and stretched, +leaning back +more comfortably +in my chair. +There was real +romance and adventure! Rum-runners, +seeking out their hidden port with +their cargo of contraband from Cuba. +Heading fearlessly through the darkness, +fighting the high seas, still running +after the +storm of a day +or so before, daring +a thousand +dangers for the +sake of the straw-packed +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_377' name='page_377'></a>377</span> +bottles they carried. Sea-bronzed +men, with hard, flat muscles +and fearless eyes; ready guns slapping +their thighs as they––</p> +<p>Absorbed in my mental picture of +these modern free-booters, the sudden +alarm of the telephone startled me like +an unexpected shot fired beside my ear. +Brushing the cigarette ashes from my +smoking-jacket, I crossed the room and +snatched up the receiver.</p> +<p>“Hello!” I snapped ungraciously into +the mouthpiece. It was after eleven by +the ship’s clock on the mantel, and if––</p> +<p>“Taylor?” The voice––Warren Mercer’s +familiar voice––rattled on without +waiting for a reply. “Get in your car +and come down here as fast as possible. +Come just as you are, and––”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">W</span><span class="dcap">hat’s</span> the matter?” I managed +to interrupt him. “Burglars?” +I had never heard Mercer +speak in that high-pitched, excited +voice before; his usual speech was slow +and thoughtful, almost didactic.</p> +<p>“Please, Taylor, don’t waste time +questioning me. If it weren’t urgent, I +wouldn’t be calling you, you know. +Will you come?”</p> +<p>“You bet!” I said quickly, feeling +rather a fool for ragging him when he +was in such deadly earnest. “Have––”</p> +<p>The receiver snapped and crackled; +Mercer had hung up the instant he had +my assurance that I would come. Usually +the very soul of courtesy and consideration, +that act alone would have +convinced me that there was an urgent +need for my presence at The Monstrosity. +That was Mercer’s own name for +the impressive pile that was at once his +residence and his laboratory.</p> +<p>I threw off the smoking-jacket and +pulled on a woolen golfing sweater, for +the wind was brisk and sharpish. In +two minutes I was backing the car out +of the garage; a moment later I was off +the gravelled drive and tearing down +the concrete with the accelerator all the +way down, and the black wind shrieking +around the windshield of my little +roadster.</p> +<p>My own shack was out of the city +limits––a little place I keep to live in +when the urge to go fishing seizes me, +which is generally about twice a year. +Mercer picked the place up for me at +a song.</p> +<p>The Monstrosity was some four miles +further out from town, and off the +highway perhaps a half-mile more.</p> +<p>I made the four miles in just a shade +over that many minutes, and clamped +on the brakes as I saw the entrance to +the little drive that led toward the sea, +and Mercer’s estate.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">With</span> gravel rattling on my +fenders, I turned off the concrete +and swept between the two massive, +stuccoed pillars that guarded the +drive. Both of them bore corroded +bronze plates, “The Billows,” the name +given The Monstrosity by the original +owner, a newly-rich munitions manufacturer.</p> +<p>The structure itself loomed up before +me in a few seconds, a rambling +affair with square-shouldered balconies +and a great deal of wrought-iron work, +after the most flamboyant Spanish pattern. +It was ablaze with light. Apparently +every bulb in the place was burning.</p> +<p>Just a few yards beyond the surf +boomed hollowly on the smooth, shady +shore, littered now, I knew, by the pitiful +spoils of the storm.</p> +<p>As I clamped on my brakes, a swift +shadow passed two of the lower windows. +Before I could leap from the +car, the broad front door, with its +rounded top and circular, grilled window, +was flung wide, and Mercer came +running to meet me.</p> +<p>He was wearing a bathrobe, hastily +flung on over a damp bathing suit, his +bare legs terminating in a pair of disreputable +slippers.</p> +<p>“Fine, Taylor!” he greeted me. “I +suppose you’re wondering what it’s all +about. I don’t blame you. But come +in, come in! Just wait till you see her!”</p> +<p>“Her?” I asked, startled. “You’re not +in love, by any chance, and bringing me +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_378' name='page_378'></a>378</span> +down here like this merely to back up +your own opinion of them eyes and +them lips, Mercer?”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">He</span> laughed excitedly.</p> +<p>“You’ll see, you’ll see! No, I’m +not in love. And I want you to help, +and not admire. There are only Carson +and myself here, you know, and the +job’s too big for the two of us.” He +hurried me across the broad concrete +porch and into the house. “Throw the +cap anywhere and come on!”</p> +<p>Too much amazed to comment further, +I followed my friend. This was a +Warren Mercer I did not know. Usually +his clean-cut, olive-tinted face was a +polite mask that seldom showed even +the slightest trace of emotion. His eyes, +dark and large, smiled easily, and shone +with interest, but his almost beautiful +mouth, beneath the long slim mustache, +always closely cropped, seldom smiled +with his eyes.</p> +<p>But it was his present excited speech +that amazed me most. Mercer, during +all the years I had known him, had +never been moved before to such tempestuous +outbursts of enthusiasm. It +was his habit to speak slowly and +thoughtfully, in his low, musical voice; +even in the midst of our hottest arguments, +and we had had many of them, +his voice had never lost its calm, unhurried +gentleness.</p> +<p>To my surprise, instead of leading +the way to the really comfortable, although +rather gaudy living room, Mercer +turned to the left, towards what +had been the billiard room, and was +now his laboratory.</p> +<p>The laboratory, brilliantly illuminated, +was littered, as usual, with apparatus +of every description. Along +one wall were the retorts, scales, racks, +hoods and elaborate set-ups, like the articulated +glass and rubber bones of +some weird prehistoric monster, that +demonstrated Mercer’s taste for this +branch of science. On the other side +of the room a corresponding workbench +was littered with a tangle of +coils, transformers, meters, tools and +instruments, and at the end of the +room, behind high black control panels, +with gleaming bus-bars and staring, +gaping meters, a pair of generators +hummed softly. The other end of the +room was nearly all glass, and opened +onto the patio and the swimming pool.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Mercer</span> paused a moment, with +his hand on the knob of the +door, a strange light in his dark eyes.</p> +<p>“Now you’ll see why I called you +here,” he said tensely. “You can judge +for yourself whether the trip was worth +while. Here she is!”</p> +<p>With a gesture he flung open the +door, and I stared, following his glance, +down at the great tiled swimming pool.</p> +<p>It is difficult for me to describe the +scene. The patio was not large, but it +was beautifully done. Flowers and +shrubs, even a few small palms, grew +in profusion in the enclosure, while +above, through the movable glass roof––made +in sections to disappear in fine +weather––was the empty blackness of +the sky.</p> +<p>None of the lights provided for the +illumination of the covered patio was +turned on, but all the windows surrounding +the patio were aglow, and I +could see the pool quite clearly.</p> +<p>The pool––and its occupant.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">We</span> were standing at one side of +the pool, near the center. Directly +opposite us, seated on the bottom +of the pool, was a human figure, +nude save for a great mass of tawny +hair that fell about her like a silken +mantle. The strangely graceful figure +of a girl, one leg stretched out straight +before her, the other drawn up and +clasped by the interlocked fingers of +her hands. Even in the soft light I +could see her perfectly, through the +clear water, her pale body outlined +sharply against the jade green tiles.</p> +<p>I tore myself away from the staring, +curious eyes of the figure.</p> +<p>“In God’s name, Mercer, what is it? +Porcelain?” I asked hoarsely. The +thing had an indescribably eery effect.</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_379' name='page_379'></a>379</span></div> +<p>He laughed wildly.</p> +<p>“Porcelain? Watch ... <i>look</i>!”</p> +<p>My eyes followed his pointing finger. +The figure was moving. Gracefully it +arose to its full height. The great +cloud of corn-colored hair floated down +about it, falling below the knees. Slowly, +with a grace of movement comparable +only with the slow soaring of a +gull, she came toward me, walking on +the bottom of the pool through the +clear water as though she floated in air.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Fascinated,</span> I watched her. Her +eyes, startlingly large and dark in +the strangely white face, were fixed on +mine. There was nothing sinister in +the gaze, yet I felt my body shaking +as though in the grip of a terrible fear. +I tried to look away, and found myself +unable to move. I felt Mercer’s tense, +sudden grip upon my arm, but I did +not, could not, look at him.</p> +<p>“She––she’s smiling!” I heard him +exclaim. He laughed, an excited, high-pitched +laugh that irritated me in some +subtle way.</p> +<p>She was smiling, and looking up into +my eyes. She was very close now, +within a few feet of us. She came still +closer, until she was at my very feet as +I stood on the raised ledge that ran +around the edge of the pool, her head +thrown back, staring straight up at me +through the water.</p> +<p>I could see her teeth, very white between +her coral-pink lips, and her +bosom rising and falling beneath the +veil of pale gold hair. She was breathing +<i>water</i>!</p> +<p>Mercer literally jerked me away from +the edge of the pool.</p> +<p>“What do you think of her, Taylor?” +he asked, his dark eyes dancing with +excitement.</p> +<p>“Tell me about it,” I said, shaking +my head dazedly. “She is not human?”</p> +<p>“I don’t know. I think so. As human +as you or I. I’ll tell you all I +know, and then you can judge for yourself. +I think we’ll know in a few minutes, +if my plans work out. But first +slip on a bathing suit.”</p> +<p>I didn’t argue the matter. I let Mercer +lead me away without a word. And +while I was changing, he told me all +he knew of the strange creature in the +pool.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">L</span><span class="dcap">ate</span> this afternoon I decided to +go for a little walk along the +beach,” Mercer began. “I had been +working like the devil since early in +the morning, running some tests on +what you call my thought-telegraph. I +felt the need of some fresh sea air.</p> +<p>“I walked along briskly for perhaps +five minutes, keeping just out of reach +of the rollers and the spray. The shore +was littered with all sorts of flotsam +and jetsam washed up by the big storm, +and I was just thinking that I would +have to have a man with a truck come +and clean up the shore in front of the +place, when, in a little sandy pool, I +saw––<i>her</i>.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">S</span><span class="dcap">he</span> was laying face down in the +water, motionless, her head towards +the sea, one arm stretched out +before her, and her long hair wrapped +around her like a half-transparent +cloak.</p> +<p>“I ran up and lifted her from the +water. Her body was cold, and deathly +white, although her lips were faintly +pink, and her heart was beating, faintly +but steadily.</p> +<p>“Like most people in an emergency. +I forgot all I ever knew about first aid. +All I could think of was to give her a +drink, and of course I didn’t have a +flask on my person. So I picked her up +in my arms and brought her to the +house as quickly as I could. She seemed +to be reviving, for she was struggling +and gasping when I got here with her.</p> +<p>“I placed her on the bed in the guest +room and poured her a stiff drink of +Scotch––half a tumblerful, I believe. +Lifting up her head, I placed the glass +to her lips. She looked up me, blinking, +and took the liquor in a single +draught. She did not seem to drink it, +but sucked it out of the glass in a +single amazing gulp––that’s the only +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_380' name='page_380'></a>380</span> +word for it. The next instant she was +off the bed, her face a perfect mask of +hate and agony.</p> +<p>“She came at me, hands clutching and +clawing, making odd murmuring or +mewing sounds in her throat. It was +then that I noticed for the first time +that her hands were webbed!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">W</span><span class="dcap">ebbed?”</span> I asked, startled.</p> +<p>“Webbed,” nodded Mercer +solemnly. “As are her feet. But listen, +Taylor. I was amazed, and not a little +rattled when she came for me. I ran +through the French windows out into +the patio. For a moment she ran after +me, rather awkwardly and heavily, but +swiftly, nevertheless. Then she saw +the pool.</p> +<p>“Apparently forgetting that I existed, +she leaped into the water, and as +I approached a moment later I could +see her breathing deeply and gratefully, +a smile of relief upon her features, +as she lay upon the bottom of the pool. +Breathing, Taylor, on the bottom of the +pool! Under eight feet of water!”</p> +<p>“And then what, Mercer?” I reminded +him, as he paused, apparently +lost in thought.</p> +<p>“I tried to find out more about her. +I put on my bathing suit and dived into +the pool. Well, she came at me like a +shark, quick as a flash, her teeth showing, +her hands tearing like claws +through the water. I turned, but not +quickly enough to entirely escape. +See?” Mercer threw back the dressing +robe, and I saw a ragged tear in his +bathing suit on his left side, near the +waist. Through the rent three deep, +jagged scratches were clearly visible.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">S</span><span class="dcap">he</span> managed to claw me, just +once,” Mercer resumed, wrapping +the robe about him again. “Then +I got out and called on Carson for help. +I put him into a bathing suit, and we +both endeavored to corner her. Carson +got two bad scratches, and one rather +serious bite that I have bandaged. I +have a number of lacerations, but I +didn’t fare so badly as Carson because +I am faster in the water than he is.</p> +<p>“The harder we tried, the more determined +I became. She would sit +there, calm and placid, until one of us +entered the water. Then she became a +veritable fury. It was maddening.</p> +<p>“At last I thought of you. I phoned, +and here we are!”</p> +<p>“But, Mercer, it’s a nightmare!” I +protested. We moved out of the room. +“Nothing human can live under water +and breathe water, as she does!”</p> +<p>Mercer paused a moment, staring at +me oddly.</p> +<p>“The human race,” he said gravely, +“came up out of sea. The human race +as we know it. Some may have gone +back.” He turned and walked away +again, and I hurried after him.</p> +<p>“What do you mean. Mercer? ‘Some +may have gone back?’ I don’t get it.”</p> +<p>Mercer shook his head, but made no +other reply until we stood again on the +edge of the pool.</p> +<p>The girl was standing where we had +left her, and as she looked up into my +face, she smiled again, and made a +quick gesture with one hand. It +seemed to me that she invited me to +join her.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">I</span><span class="dcap"> believe</span> she likes you, Taylor,” +said Mercer thoughtfully. +“You’re light, light skin, light hair. +Carson and I are both very dark, almost +swarthy. And in that white bathing +suit––yes, I believe she’s taken a fancy +to you!”</p> +<p>Mercer’s eyes were dancing.</p> +<p>“If she has,” he went on, “it’ll make +our work very easy.”</p> +<p>“What work?” I asked suspiciously. +Mercer, always an indefatigable experimenter, +was never above using his +friends in the benefit of science. And +some of his experiments in the past +had been rather trying, not to say exciting.</p> +<p>“I think I have what you call my +thought-telegraph perfected, experimentally,” +he explained rapidly. “I fell +asleep working on it at three o’clock, +or thereabouts, this morning, and some +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_381' name='page_381'></a>381</span> +tests with Carson seem to indicate that +it is a success. I should have called +you to-morrow, for further test. Nearly +five years of damned hard work to +a successful conclusion, Taylor, and +then this mermaid comes along and +makes my experiment appear about as +important as one of those breakers rolling +in out there!”</p> +<p>“And what do you plan to do now?” +I asked eagerly, glancing down at the +beautiful pale face that glimmered up +at me through the clear water of the +pool.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">W</span><span class="dcap">hy,</span> try it on her!” exclaimed +Mercer with mounting enthusiasm. +“Don’t you see, Taylor? If it +will work on her, and we can direct her +thoughts, we can find out her history, +the history of her people! We’ll add a +page to scientific history––a whole big +chapter!––that will make us famous. +Man this is so big it’s swept me off my +feet! Look!” And he held out a thin, +aristocratic brown hand before my +eyes, a hand that shook with nervous +excitement.</p> +<p>“I don’t blame you,” I said quickly. +“I’m no savant, and still I see what an +amazing thing this is. Let’s get busy. +What can I do?”</p> +<p>Mercer reached around the door into +the laboratory and pressed a button.</p> +<p>“For Carson,” he explained. “We’ll +need his help. In the meantime, we’ll +look over the set-up. The apparatus is +strewn all over the place.”</p> +<p>He had not exaggerated. The set-up +consisted of a whole bank of tubes, +each one in its own shielding copper +box. On a much-drilled horizontal +panel, propped up on insulators, were +half a score of delicate meters of one +kind and another, with thin black fingers +that pulsed and trembled. Behind +the panel was a tall cylinder wound +with shining copper wire, and beside it +another panel, upright, fairly bristling +with knobs, contact points, potentiometers, +rheostats and switches. On the +end of the table nearest the door was +still another panel, the smallest of the +lot, bearing only a series of jacks along +one side, and in the center a switch +with four contact points. A heavy, +snaky cable led from this panel to the +maze of apparatus further on.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">T</span><span class="dcap">his</span> is the control panel,” explained +Mercer. “The whole affair, +you understand, is in laboratory +form. Nothing assembled. Put the different +antennae plug into these jacks. +Like this.”</p> +<p>He picked up a weird, hastily built +contrivance composed of two semi-circular +pieces of spring brass, crossed at +right angles. On all four ends were +bright silvery electrodes, three of them +circular in shape, one of them elongated +and slightly curved. With a quick, nervous +gesture, Mercer fitted the thing to +his head, so that the elongated electrode +pressed against the back of his +neck, extending a few inches down his +spine. The other three circular electrodes +rested on his forehead and either +side of his head. From the center of +the contrivance ran a heavy insulated +cord, some ten feet in length, ending +in a simple switchboard plug, which +Mercer fitted into the uppermost of the +three jacks.</p> +<p>“Now,” he directed, “you put on this +one”––he adjusted a second contrivance +upon my head, smiling as I shrank from +the contact of the cold metal on my +skin––“and think!”</p> +<p>He moved the switch from the position +marked “Off” to the second contact +point, watching me intently, his +dark eyes gleaming.</p> +<p>Carson entered, and Mercer gestured +to him to wait. Very nice old chap, +Carson, impressive even in his bathing +suit. Mercer was mighty lucky to have +a man like Carson....</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Something</span> seemed to tick suddenly, +somewhere deep in my consciousness.</p> +<p>“Yes, that’s very true: Carson is a +most decent sort of chap.” The words +were not spoken. I did not <i>hear</i> them, +I <i>knew</i> them. What––I glanced at Mercer, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_382' name='page_382'></a>382</span> +and he laughed aloud with pleasure +and excitement.</p> +<p>“It worked!” he cried. “I received +your thought regarding Carson, and +then turned the switch so that you received +my thought. And you did!”</p> +<p>Rather gingerly I removed the thing +from my head and laid it on the table.</p> +<p>“It’s wizardry, Mercer! If it will +work as well on <i>her</i>....”</p> +<p>“It will, I know it will!––if we can +get her to wear one of these,” replied +Mercer confidently. “I have only three +of them; I had planned some three-cornered +experiments with you, Carson, +and myself. We’ll leave Carson out of +to-night’s experiment, however, for +we’ll need him to operate this switch. +You see, as it is now wired only one +person transmits thoughts at a time. +The other two receive. When the +switch is on the first contact, Number +One sends, and Numbers Two and +Three receive. When the switch is on +Number Two, then he sends thoughts, +and Numbers One and Three receive +them. And so on. I’ll lengthen these +leads so that we can run them out into +the pool, and then we’ll be ready. Somehow +we must induce her to wear one of +these things, even if we have to use +force. I’m sure the three of us can +handle her.”</p> +<p>“We should be able to,” I smiled. She +was such a slim, graceful, almost delicate +little thing; the thought that three +strong men might not be able to control +her seemed almost amusing.</p> +<p>“You haven’t seen her in action yet,” +said Mercer grimly, glancing up from +his work of lengthening the cords that +led from the antennae to the control +panel. “And what’s more, I hope you +don’t.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I watched</span> him in silence as he +spliced and securely taped the last +connection.</p> +<p>“All set,” he nodded. “Carson, will +you operate the switch for us? I believe +everything is functioning properly.” +He surveyed the panel of instruments +hastily, assuring himself that +every reading was correct. Then, with +all three of the devices he called antennae +in his hand, their leads plugged +into the control panel, he led the way +to the side of the pool.</p> +<p>The girl was strolling around the +edge of the pool, feeling the smooth +tile sides with her hands as we came +into view, but as soon as she saw us she +shot through the water to where we +were standing.</p> +<p>It was the first time I had seen her +move in this fashion. She seemed to +propel herself with a sudden mighty +thrust of her feet against the bottom; +she darted through the water with the +speed of an arrow, yet stopped as gently +as though she had merely floated +there.</p> +<p>As she looked up, her eyes unmistakably +sought mine, and her smile +seemed warm and inviting. She made +again that strange little gesture of invitation.</p> +<p>With an effort I glanced at Mercer. +There was something devilishly fascinating +about the girl’s great, dark, +searching eyes.</p> +<p>“I’m going in,” I said hoarsely. +“Hand me one of your head-set things +when I reach for it.” Before he could +protest, I dived into the pool.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I headed</span> directly towards the +heavy bronze ladder that led to the +bottom of the pool. I had two reasons +in mind. I would need something to +keep me under water, with my lungs +full of air, and I could get out quickly +if it were necessary. I had not forgotten +the livid, jagged furrows in Mercer’s +side.</p> +<p>Quickly as I shot to the ladder she +was there before me, a dim, wavering +white shape, waiting.</p> +<p>I paused, holding to a rung of the +ladder with one hand. She came closer, +walking with the airy grace I had noted +before, and my heart pounded against +my ribs as she raised one long, slim +arm towards me.</p> +<p>The hand dropped gently on my +shoulder, pressed it as though in token +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_383' name='page_383'></a>383</span> +of friendship. Perhaps, I thought +quickly, this was, with her, a sign of +greeting. I lifted my own arm and returned +the salutation, if salutation it +were, aware of a strange rising and +falling sound, as of a distant humming, +in my ears.</p> +<p>The sound ceased suddenly, on a rising +note, as though of inquiry, and it +dawned on me that I had heard the +speech of this strange creature. Before +I could think of a course of action, my +aching lungs reminded me of the need +of air, and I released my hold on the +ladder and let my body rise to the surface.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">As</span> my head broke the water, a +hand, cold and strong as steel, +closed around my ankle. I looked +down. The girl was watching me, and +there was no smile on her face now.</p> +<p>“All right!” I shouted across the pool +to Mercer, who was watching anxiously. +Then, filling my lungs with air +again, I pulled myself, by means of the +ladder, to the bottom of the pool. The +restraining hand was removed instantly.</p> +<p>The strange creature thrust her face +close to mine as my feet touched bottom, +and for the first time I saw her +features distinctly.</p> +<p>She was beautiful, but in a weird, +unearthly sort of way. As I had already +noticed, her eyes were of unusual +size, and I saw now that they were an +intense shade of blue, with a pupil of +extraordinary proportion. Her nose +was well shaped, but the nostrils were +slightly flattened, and the orifices were +rather more elongated than I had ever +seen before. The mouth was utterly +fascinating, and her teeth, revealed by +her engaging smile, were as perfect as +it would be possible to imagine.</p> +<p>The great mane of hair which enveloped +her was, as I have said, tawny in +hue, and almost translucent, like the +stems of some seaweeds I have seen. +And as she raised one slim white hand +to brush back some wisps that floated +by her face, I saw distinctly the webs +between her fingers. They were barely +noticeable, for they were as transparent +as the fins of a fish, but they were there, +extending nearly to the last joint of +each finger.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">As</span> her face came close to my own, +I became aware of the humming, +crooning sound I had heard before, +louder this time. I could see, from the +movement of her throat, that I had been +correct in assuming that she was attempting +to speak with me. I smiled +back at her and shook my head. She +seemed to understand, for the sound +ceased, and she studied me with a little +thoughtful frown, as though trying to +figure out some other method of communication.</p> +<p>I pointed upward, for I was feeling +the need for fresh air again, and slowly +mounted the ladder. This time she did +not grasp me, but watched me intently, +as though understanding what I did, +and the reasons for it.</p> +<p>“Bring one of your gadgets over +here, Mercer,” I called across the pool. +“I think I’m making progress.”</p> +<p>“Good boy!” he cried, and came running +with two of the antennae, the +long insulated cords trailing behind +him. Through the water the girl +watched him, evident dislike in her +eyes. She glanced at me with sudden +suspicion as Mercer handed me the two +instruments, but made no hostile move.</p> +<p>“You won’t be able to stay in the +water with her,” explained Mercer +rapidly. “The salt water would short +the antennae, you see. Try to get her +to wear one, and then you get your +head out of water, and don yours. And +remember, she won’t be able to communicate +with us by words––we’ll have +to get her to convey her thoughts by +means of mental pictures. I’ll try to +impress that on her. Understand?”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I nodded,</span> and picked up one of +the instruments. “Fire when ready, +Gridley,” I commented, and sank again +to the bottom of the pool.</p> +<p>I touched the girl’s head with one +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_384' name='page_384'></a>384</span> +finger, and then pointed to my own +head, trying to convey to her that she +could get her thoughts to me. Then I +held up the antennae and placed it on +my own head to show that it could not +harm her.</p> +<p>My next move was to offer her the +instrument, moving slowly, and smiling +reassuringly––no mean feat under +water.</p> +<p>She hesitated a moment, and then, +her eyes fixed on mine, she slowly +fixed the instrument over her own head +as she had seen me adjust it upon my +own.</p> +<p>I smiled and nodded, and pressed her +shoulder in token of friendly greeting. +Then, gesturing toward my own head +again, and pointing upward. I climbed +the ladder.</p> +<p>“All right, Mercer,” I shouted. +“Start at once, before she grows restless!”</p> +<p>“I’ve already started!” he called +back, and I hurriedly donned my own +instrument.</p> +<p>Bearing in mind what Mercer had +said, I descended the ladder but a few +rungs, so that my head remained out of +water, and smiled down at the girl, +touching the instrument on my head, +and then pointing to hers.</p> +<p>I could sense Mercer’s thoughts now. +He was picturing himself walking +long the shore, with the stormy ocean +in the background. Ahead of him I +saw the white body lying face downward +in the pool. I saw him run up to +the pool and lift the slim, pale figure +in his arms.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Let</span> me make it clear, at this point, +that when I say that I saw these +things, I mean only that mental images +of them penetrated my consciousness. +I visualized them just as I could close +my eyes and visualize, for example, the +fireplace in the living room of my own +home.</p> +<p>I looked down at the girl. She was +frowning, and her eyes were very wide. +Her head was a little on one side, in +the attitude of one who listens intently.</p> +<p>Slowly and carefully Mercer thought +out the whole story of his experiences +with the girl until she had plunged +into the pool. Then I saw again the +beach, with the girl’s figure in the pool. +The picture grew hazy; I realized Mercer +was trying to picture the bottom of +the sea. Then he pictured again the +girl lying in the pool, and once again +the sea. I was aware of the soft little +tick in the center of my brain that announced +that the switch had been +moved to another contact point.</p> +<p>I glanced down at her. She was staring +up at me with her great, curious +eyes, and I sensed, through the medium +of the instrument I wore, that she was +thinking of me. I saw my own features, +idealized, glowing with a strange +beauty that was certainly none of my +own. I realized that I saw myself, in +short, as she saw me. I smiled back at +her, and shook my head.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">A strange,</span> dim whirl of pictures +swept through my consciousness. +I was on the bottom of the +ocean. Shadowy shapes swept by silently, +and from above, a dim bluish +light filtered down on a scene such as +mortal eyes have never seen.</p> +<p>All around were strange structures +of jagged coral, roughly circular as to +base, and rounded on top, resembling +very much the igloos of the Eskimos. +The structures varied greatly in size, +and seemed to be arranged in some sort +of regular order, like houses along a +narrow street. Around many of them +grew clusters of strange and colorful +seaweeds that waved their banners +gently, as though some imperceptible +current dallied with them in passing.</p> +<p>Here and there figures moved, slim +white figures that strolled along the +narrow street, or at times shot overhead +like veritable torpedoes.</p> +<p>There were both men and women +moving there. The men were broader +of shoulder, and their hair, which they +wore to their knees, was somewhat +darker in color than that of the women. +Both sexes were slim, and there was a +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_385' name='page_385'></a>385</span> +remarkable uniformity of size and appearance.</p> +<p>None of the strange beings wore garments +of any kind, nor were they necessary. +The clinging tresses were cinctured +at the waist with a sort of cord +of twisted orange-colored material, and +some of the younger women wore bands +of the same material around their +brows.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Nearest</span> of all the figures was +the girl who was visualizing all +this for us. She was walking slowly +away from the cluster of coral structures. +Once or twice she paused, and +seemed to hold conversation with +others of the strange people, but each +time she moved on.</p> +<p>The coral structures grew smaller +and poorer. Finally the girl trod alone +on the floor of the ocean, between great +growths of kelp and seaweeds, with +dim, looming masses of faintly tinted +coral everywhere. Once she passed +close to a tilted, ragged hulk of some +ancient vessel, its naked ribs packed +with drifted sand.</p> +<p>Sauntering dreamily, she moved +away from the ancient derelict. Suddenly +a dim shadow swept across the +sand at her feet, and she arrowed from +the spot like a white, slim meteor. But +behind her darted a black and swifter +shadow––a shark!</p> +<p>Like a flash she turned and faced the +monster. Something she had drawn +from her girdle shone palely in her +hand. It was a knife of whetted stone +or bone.</p> +<p>Darting swiftly downward her feet +spurned the yellow sand, and she shot +at her enemy with amazing speed. The +long blade swept in an arc, ripped the +pale belly of the monster just as he +turned to dart away.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">A great</span> cloud of blood dyed the +water. The white figure of the +girl shot onward through the scarlet +flood.</p> +<p>Blinded, she did not see that the jutting +ribs of the ancient ship were in +her path. I seemed to see her crash, +head on, into one of the massive timbers, +and I cried out involuntarily, and +glanced down at the girl in the water +at my feet.</p> +<p>Her eyes were glowing. She knew +that I had understood.</p> +<p>Hazily, then, I seemed to visualize +her body floating limply in the water. +It was all very vague and indistinct, +and I understood that this was not +what she had seen, but what she +thought had happened. The impressions +grew wilder, swirled, grew gray +and indistinct. Then I had a view of +Mercer’s face, so terribly distorted it +was barely recognizable. Then a kaleidoscopic +maze of inchoate scenes, +shot through with flashes of vivid, +agonizing colors. The girl was thinking +of her suffering, taken out of her +native element. In trying to save her, +Mercer had almost killed her. That, +no doubt, was why she hated him.</p> +<p>My own face appeared next, almost +godlike in its kindliness and its imagined +beauty, and I noticed now that +she was thinking of me with my yellow +hair grown long, my nostrils elongated +like her own––adjusted to her own +ideas of what a man should be.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I flung</span> the instrument from my +head and dropped to the bottom of +the pool. I gripped both her shoulders, +gently, to express my thanks and friendship.</p> +<p>My heart was pounding. There was +a strange fascination about this girl +from the depths of the sea, a subtle appeal +that was answered from some deep +subterranean cavern of my being. I +forgot, for the moment, who and what +I was. I remembered only that a note +had been sounded that awoke an echo +of a long-forgotten instinct.</p> +<p>I think I kissed her. I know her +arms were about me, and that I pressed +her close, so that our faces almost met. +Her great, weirdly blue eyes seemed to +bore into my brain. I could feel them +throbbing there....</p> +<p>I forgot time and space. I saw only +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_386' name='page_386'></a>386</span> +that pale, smiling face and those great +dark eyes. Then, strangling, I tore myself +from her embrace and shot to the +surface.</p> +<p>Coughing, I cleared my lungs of the +water I had inhaled. I was weak and +shaking when I finished, but my head +was clear. The grip of the strange fantasy +that had gripped me was shaken +off.</p> +<p>Mercer was bending over me; speaking +softly.</p> +<p>“I was watching, old man,” he said +gently. “I can imagine what happened. +A momentary, psychic fusing of an ancient, +long since broken link. You, together +with all mankind, came up out +of the sea. But there is no retracing +the way.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I nodded,</span> my head bowed on my +streaming chest.</p> +<p>“Sorry, Mercer,” I muttered. “Something +got into me. Those big eyes of +hers seemed to tug at threads of memory +... buried.... I can’t describe +it....”</p> +<p>He slapped me on my naked shoulder, +a blow that stung, as he had intended +it to. It helped jerk me back to +the normal.</p> +<p>“You’ve got your feet on the ground +again, Taylor,” he commented soothingly. +“I think there’s no danger of +you losing your grip on terra firma +again. Shall we carry on?”</p> +<p>“There’s more you’d like to learn? +That you think she can give us?” I +asked hesitantly.</p> +<p>“I believe,” replied Mercer, “that she +can give us the history of her people, +if we can only make her understand +what we wish. God! If we only could!” +The name of the Deity was a prayer as +Mercer uttered it.</p> +<p>“We can try, old-timer,” I said, a bit +shakenly.</p> +<p>Mercer hurried back to the other +side of the pool, and I adjusted my +head-set again, smiling down at the +girl. If only Mercer could make her +understand, and if only she knew what +we wanted to learn!</p> +<p>I was conscious of the little click that +told me the switch had been moved. +Mercer was ready to get his message +to her.</p> +<p>Fixing my eyes on the girl pleadingly, +I settled myself by the edge of the +pool to await the second and more momentous +part of our experiment.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> vision was vague, for Mercer +was picturing his thoughts with +difficulty. But I seemed to see again +the floor of the ocean, with the vague +light filtering down from above, and +soft, monstrous growths waving their +branches lazily in the flood.</p> +<p>From the left came a band of men +and women, looking around as though +in search of some particular spot. They +stopped, and one of the older men +pointed, the others gathering around +him as though in council.</p> +<p>Then the band set to work. Coral +growth were dragged to the spot. The +foundation for one of the semi-circular +houses was laid. The scene swirled +and cleared again. The house was completed. +Several other houses were in +process of building.</p> +<p>Slowly and deliberately, the scene +moved. The houses were left behind. +Before my consciousness now was only +a vague and shadowy expanse of ocean +floor, and in the sand dim imprints that +marked where the strange people had +trod, the vague footprints disappearing +in the gloom in the direction from +which the little weary band had come. +To me, at least, it was quite clear that +Mercer was asking whence they came. +Would it be as clear to the girl? The +switch clicked, and for a moment I was +sure Mercer had not been able to make +his question clear to her.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> scene was the interior of one +of the coral houses. There were +persons there, seated on stone or coral +chairs, padded with marine growths. +One of the occupants of the room was +a very old man; his face was wrinkled, +and his hair was silvery. With him +were a man and a woman, and a little +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_387' name='page_387'></a>387</span> +girl. Somehow I seemed to recognize +the child as the girl in the pool.</p> +<p>The three of them were watching the +old man. While his lips did not move, +I could see his throat muscles twitching +as the girl’s had done when she +made the murmuring sound I had +guessed was her form of speech.</p> +<p>The scene faded. For perhaps +thirty seconds I was aware of nothing +more than a dim gray mist that seemed +to swirl in stately circles. Then, gradually, +it cleared somewhat. I sensed the +fact that what I saw now was what the +old man was telling, and that the majestic, +swirling mist was the turning +back of time.</p> +<p>Here was no ocean bottom, but land, +rich tropical jungle. Strange exotic +trees and dense growths of rank undergrowth +choked the earth. The trees +were oddly like undersea growths, +which puzzled me for an instant. Then +I recalled that the girl could interpret +the old man’s words only in terms of +that which she had seen and understood. +This was the way she visualized +the scene.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">There</span> was a gray haze of mist +everywhere. The leaves were glistening +with condensed moisture; swift +drops fell incessantly to the soaking +ground below.</p> +<p>Into the scene roamed a pitiful band +of people. Men with massive frames, +sunken in with starvation, women tottering +with weakness. The men carried +great clubs, some tipped with +rudely shaped stone heads, and both +men and women clothed only in +short kittles of skin.</p> +<p>They searched ceaselessly for something, +and I guessed that something +was food. Now and then one or the +other of the little band tore up a root +and bit at it, and those that did so soon +doubled into a twitching knot of suffering +and dropped behind.</p> +<p>At last they came to the edge of the +sea. A few yards away the water was +lost in the dense steaming miasma that +hemmed them in on all sides. With +glad expressions on their faces, the +party ran down to the edge of the +water and gathered up great masses of +clams and crabs. At first they ate the +food raw, tearing the flesh from the +shells. Then they made what I understood +was a fire, although the girl was +able to visualize it only as a bright red +spot that flickered.</p> +<p>The scene faded, and there was only +the slowly swirling mist that I understood +indicated the passing of centuries. +Then the scene cleared again.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">I saw</span> that same shore line, but the +people had vanished. There was +only the thick, steamy mist, the tropic +jungle crowding down to the shore, +and the waves rolling in monotonously +from the waste of gray ocean beyond +the curtain of fog.</p> +<p>Suddenly, from out of the sea, appeared +a series of human heads, and +then a band of men and women that +waded ashore and seated themselves +upon the beach, gazing restlessly out +across the sea.</p> +<p>This was not the same band I had +seen at first. These were a slimmer +race, and whereas the first band had +been exceedingly swarthy, these were +very fair.</p> +<p>They did not stay long on shore, for +they were restless and ill at ease. It +seemed to me they came there only +from force of habit, as though they +obeyed some inner urge they did not +understand. In a few seconds they rose +and ran into the water, plunged into it +as though they welcomed its embrace, +and disappeared. Then again the +vision was swallowed up by the swirling +mists of time.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">When</span> the scene cleared again, +it showed the bottom of the sea. +A group of perhaps a hundred pale +creatures moved along the dim floor of +the ocean. Ahead I could see the dim +outlines of one of their strange cities. +The band approached, seemed to talk +with those there, and moved on.</p> +<p>I saw them capture and kill fish for +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_388' name='page_388'></a>388</span> +food, saw them carve the thick, spongy +hearts from certain giant growths and +eat them. I saw a pair of killer sharks +swoop down on the band, and the +quick, deadly accuracy with which +both men and woman met the attack. +One man, older than the rest, was injured +before the sharks were vanquished, +and when their efforts to +staunch his wounds proved unavailing, +they left him there and moved on. And +as they left I saw a dim, crawling shape +move closer, throw out a long, whiplike +tentacle, and wrap the body in a +hungry embrace.</p> +<p>They came to and passed other communities +of beings like themselves, and +a city of their own, in much the way +that Mercer had visualized it.</p> +<p>Fading, the scene changed to the interior +of the coral house again. The +old man finished his story, and moved +off into a cubicle in the rear of the +place. Dimly, I could see there a low +couch, piled high with soft marine +growths. Then the scene shifted once +more.</p> +<p>A man and a woman hurried up and +down the narrow streets of the strange +city the girl had pictured when she +showed us how she had met with the +shark, and struck her head, so that for +a long period she lost consciousness +and was washed ashore.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Others</span>, after a time, joined them +in their search, which spread out +to the floor of the ocean, away from +the dwellings. One party came to the +gaunt skeleton of the ancient wreck, +and found the scattered, fresh-picked +bones of the shark the girl had killed. +The man and the woman came up, and +I looked closely into their faces. The +woman’s features were torn with grief; +the man’s lips were set tight with suffering. +Here, it was easy to guess, were +the mother and the father of the girl.</p> +<p>A milling mass of white forms shot +through the water in every direction, +searching. It seemed that they were +about to give up the search when suddenly, +from out of the watery gloom, +there shot a slim white figure––the girl!</p> +<p>Straight to the mother and father +she came, gripping the shoulder of +each with frantic joy. They returned +the caress, the crowd gathered around +them, listening to her story as they +moved slowly, happily, towards the +distant city.</p> +<p>Instead of a picture, I was conscious +then of a sound, like a single pleading +word repeated softly, as though someone +said “Please! Please! Please!” over +and over again. The sound was not at +all like the English word. It was a +soft, musical beat, like the distant +stroke of a mellow gong, but it had all +the pleading quality of the word it +seemed to bring to mind.</p> +<p>I looked down into the pool. The +girl had mounted the ladder until her +face was just below the surface of the +water. Her eyes met mine and I knew +that I had not misunderstood.</p> +<p>I threw off the instrument on my +head, and dropped down beside her. +With both hands I grasped her shoulders, +and, smiling, I nodded my head +vigorously.</p> +<p>She understood, I know she did. I +read it in her face. When I climbed +the ladder again, she looked after me, +smiling confidently.</p> +<p>Although I had not spoken to her, +she had read and accepted the promise.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Mercer</span> stared at me silently, +grimly, as I told him what I +wished. Whatever eloquence I may +have, I used on him, and I saw his cold, +scientific mind waver before the +warmth of my appeal.</p> +<p>“We have no right to keep her from +her people,” I concluded. “You saw her +mother and father, saw their suffering, +and the joy her return would bring. +You will, Mercer––you will return her +to the sea?”</p> +<p>For a long time, Mercer did not reply. +Then he lifted his dark eyes to +mine, and smiled, rather wearily.</p> +<p>“It is the only thing we can do, +Taylor,” he said quietly. “She is not +a scientific specimen; she is, in her +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_389' name='page_389'></a>389</span> +way, as human as you or I. She would +probably die, away from her own kind, +living under conditions foreign to her. +And you promised her, Taylor, +whether you spoke your promise or +not.” His smile deepened a bit. “We +cannot let her receive too bad an +opinion of her cousins who live above +the surface of the sea!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">And</span> so, just as the dawn was +breaking, we took her to the +shore. I carried her, unresisting, +trustful, in my arms, while Mercer +bore a huge basin of water, in which +her head was submerged, so that she +might not suffer.</p> +<p>Still in our bathing suits we waded +out into the ocean, until the waves +splashed against our faces. Then I +lowered her into the sea. Crouching +there, so that the water was just above +the tawny glory of her hair, she gazed +up at us. Two slim white hands +reached towards us, and with one accord, +Mercer and I bent towards her. +She gripped both our shoulders with a +gentle pressure, smiling at us.</p> +<p>Then she did a strange thing. She +pointed, under the water, out towards +the depths and with a broad, sweeping +motion of her arm, indicated the +shore, as though to say that she intended +to return. With a last swift, +smiling glance up into my face, she +turned. There was a flash of white +through the water. She was gone....</p> +<p>Silently, through the silence and +beauty of the dawn, we made our way +back to the house.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">As</span> we passed through the laboratory, +Mercer glanced out at the +empty pool.</p> +<p>“Man came up from the sea,” he said +slowly, “and some men went back to it. +They were forced back to the teeming +source from whence they came, for +lack of food. You saw that, Taylor––saw +her forebears become amphibians, +like the now extinct Dipneusta and +Ganoideii, or the still existing Neoceratodus, +Polypterus and Amia. Then +their lungs became, in effect, gills, and +they lost their power of breathing atmospheric +air, and could use only air +dissolved in water.</p> +<p>“A whole people there beneath the +waves that land-man never dreamed of––except, +perhaps, the sailors of olden +days, with their tales of mermaids, +which we are accustomed to laugh at in +our wisdom!”</p> +<p>“But why were no bodies ever +washed ashore?” I asked. “I would +think––”</p> +<p>“You saw why,” interrupted Mercer +grimly. “The ocean teems with hungry +life. Death is the signal for a +feast. It was little more than a +miracle that her body came ashore, a +miracle due perhaps to the storm which +sent the hungry monsters to the +greater depths. And even had a body +come ashore it would have been buried +as that of some unknown, unfortunate +human. The differences between these +people and ourselves would not be +noticeable to a casual observer.</p> +<p>“No, Taylor, we have been party to +what was close to a miracle. And we +are the only witnesses to it, you and +Carson and myself. And”––he sighed +deeply––“it is over.”</p> +<p>I did not reply. I was thinking of +the girl’s odd gesture, at parting, and +I wondered if it were indeed a finished +chapter.</p> +<hr class='toprule' /> +<div class='chsp'> +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_390' name='page_390'></a>390</span> +<a name='VANDALS_OF_THE_STARS' id='VANDALS_OF_THE_STARS'></a> +<h2>Vandals of the Stars</h2> +</div> +<p class='authorhdr'><i>By A. T. Locke</i></p> +<div class='figtag'> +<a name='linki_9' id='linki_9'></a> +</div> +<div class='figcenter'> +<img src='images/i390.jpg' alt='' title='' width='463' height='500' /><br /> +<p class='caption'> +<i>Many planes and Zeppelins were circling around the mysterious visitant.</i><br /> +</p> +</div> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">It</span> came suddenly, without warning, +and it brought consternation to +the people of the world.</p> +<p class='sidebarright'>A livid flame flares across Space––and +over Manhattan hovers Teuxical, vassal +of Malfero, Lord of the Universe, who +comes with ten thousand warriors +to ravage and subjugate one more planet +for his master.</p> +<p>A filament of flame darted down +the dark skies +one moonless +night and those +who saw it believed, +at first, +that it was a meteor. +Instead of +streaking away into oblivion, however, +it became larger and larger, until it +seemed as though some vagrant, blazing +star was about to plunge into the +earth and annihilate +the planet +and every vestige +of life upon it. +But then it drew +slowly to a stop +high up in the atmosphere, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_391' name='page_391'></a>391</span> +where it remained motionless, +glowing white and incandescent +against the Stygian background of the +overcast skies.</p> +<p>In shape it resembled a Zeppelin, +but its dimensions very apparently exceeded +by far those of any flying craft +that ever had been fabricated by the +hand of man.</p> +<p>As it hung poised high up in the air +it gradually lost its dazzling glow and +became scarlet instead of white. Then, +as it continued to cool, the color +swiftly drained from it and, in a few +minutes, it shone only with the dull +and ugly crimson of an expiring ember. +In a half-hour after it first had appeared +its effulgence had vanished +completely and it was barely visible to +the millions who were staring up toward +it from the earth.</p> +<div class='figtag'> +<a name='linki_10' id='linki_10'></a> +</div> +<div class='figcenter'> +<img src='images/i391.jpg' alt='' title='' width='479' height='500' /><br /> +</div> +<p>It seemed to be suspended directly +above Manhattan, and the inhabitants +of New York were thrown into a feverish +excitement by the strange and unprecedented +phenomenon.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">For</span> it scarcely had come to a stop, +and certainly it had not been +poised aloft for more than a few minutes, +when most of those who had not +actually witnessed its sensational appearance +were apprised of the inexplicable +occurrence by the radiovision, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_392' name='page_392'></a>392</span> +which were scattered throughout the +vast metropolis. In theaters and restaurants +and other gathering places, as +well as in millions of homes, a voice +from the Worldwide Broadcasting +Tower announced the weird visitant. +And its image, as it glowed in the +night, was everywhere transmitted to +the public.</p> +<p>Only a short time after it first had +been observed people were thronging +roof-tops, terraces, and streets, and +gazing with awe and wonder at the +great luminous object that was floating +high above them.</p> +<p>There were those who thought that +the world was coming to an end, and +they either were dumb with fright or +strident with hysteria. People with +more judgment, and a smattering of +scientific knowledge, dismissed the +thing as some harmless meteorological +manifestation that, while interesting, +was not necessarily dangerous. And +there were many, inclined to incredulity +and skepticism, who believed +that they were witnessing a hoax or an +advertising scheme of some new sort.</p> +<p>But as the moments went by the +world commenced to become stirred +and alarmed by the reports which came +over the radiovisors.</p> +<p>For powerful planes and metal-shelled +Zeppelins had climbed swiftly +aloft to investigate the incomprehensible +Thing that was poised high +above Manhattan, and almost unbelievable +reports were being sent earthward.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Dirk Vanderpool</span> had been +sitting alone on the broad terrace +of his apartment that occupied the +upper stories of the great Gotham +Gardens Building when he saw that +streak of fire slip down against the +darkness of the night.</p> +<p>For a moment he, too, had believed +that he was watching a meteor, but, +when he saw it come to a slow stop +and hang stationary in the heavens, he +rose to his feet with an exclamation of +surprise.</p> +<p>For a while he gazed upward with an +expression of astonishment on his face +and then he turned as he heard someone +walking softly in his direction. It +was Barstowe, his valet, and the eyes +of the man were alive with fear.</p> +<p>“What is that thing, Mr. Vanderpool?” +he asked in a voice that trembled +with alarm. Barstowe was a man +of middle age, diminutive in size, and +he had the appearance of being nearly +petrified with terror. “They are saying +over the televisor that––”</p> +<p>“What are they saying about it?” +asked Dirk somewhat impatiently.</p> +<p>“That no one can explain what it is,” +continued Barstowe. “It must be something +terrible, Mr. Vanderpool.”</p> +<p>“Wheel out the luciscope,” ordered +Dirk.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Barstowe</span> disappeared into the +apartment and returned with a +cabinet that was mounted on small, +rubber-tired wheels. The top of it was +formed of a metallic frame in which a +heavy, circular, concave glass was +fitted. The frame was hinged in front +so that it could be raised from the rear +and adjusted to any angle necessary to +catch the light rays from any distant +object. Within the cabinet the rays +passed through an electrical device +that amplified them millions of times, +thus giving a clear, telescopic vision of +the object on which the luciscope was +focused.</p> +<p>This instrument, years before, had +supplanted entirely the old-fashioned +telescopes which not only had been immense +and unwieldly but which also +had a very limited range of vision.</p> +<p>Dirk adjusted the light-converger so +that it caught the rays that were being +emanated by the weird and shimmering +mass that was suspended almost directly +above the lofty terrace on which +he was standing.</p> +<p>Then he switched on the current and +glanced into the eye-piece of the apparatus. +For several moments he remained +silent, studying the image that +was etched so vividly on the ground-glass +within the luciscope.</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_393' name='page_393'></a>393</span></div> +<p>“It is a queer thing, there is no doubt +about that,” he confessed when finally +he raised his head. “It resembles a +gigantic Zeppelin in shape but it does +not seem to have any undercarriage or, +as far as I can see, any indication of +propellers or portholes. I would say, +though, Barstowe, that it might be a +ship from some other planet if it wasn’t +for the fact that it seems to be in an +almost molten state.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Dirk</span> again looked into the luciscope +and then he made a few adjustments +with a thumb-screw that +projected from the side of the apparatus.</p> +<p>“It is up about forty thousand feet,” +he told Barstowe, “and it must be more +than a half-mile in length. Probably,” +he added, “it is a planetary fragment +of some odd composition that is less +responsive to gravitation than the materials +with which we are familiar. You +will find, Barstowe, that there is nothing +about it that science will not be +able to explain. That will be all now,” +he concluded.</p> +<p>Barstowe walked over the terrace and +disappeared into the apartment. Dirk, +left alone, wheeled the luciscope over +by the chair in which he had been sitting +and near which a radiovisor was +standing.</p> +<p>He switched on the latter and listened +to the low but very distinct voice +of the news-dispatcher.</p> +<p>“––and planes and Zeppelins now are +starting up to investigate the strange +phenomenon––”</p> +<p>Again Dirk placed an eye to the lens +of the luciscope and once more the +Thing leaped into his vision. The +powerful machine brought it so close +to him that he could see the heat waves +quiver up from it.</p> +<p>The light that it radiated illuminated +the night for thousands of feet and +Dirk could see, by means of that crimson +glare, that many planes and Zeppelins +were circling around the mysterious +visitant. None of them, however, +approached the alien freak, the heat apparently +being too intense to permit +close inspection.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Dirk</span> himself was tempted for a +moment to jump into a plane and +go up and take a look at the fiery mass.</p> +<p>But, after a moment’s consideration, +he decided, that it would be far more +interesting and comfortable to remain +right where he was and listen to the +reports which were being sent down +from above.</p> +<p>“––thus far there seems to be no +cause for alarm, and people are advised +to remain calm––careful observations of +the luminous monster are being made +and further reports concerning it will +be broadcast––”</p> +<p>Dirk Vanderpool rose to his feet, +walked to the coping of the terrace +and peered into the magnascope that +was set into the wall.</p> +<p>He saw that the street, far below +him, was jammed with struggling people +and the device through which he +was looking brought their faces before +him in strong relief. Dirk was deeply +interested and, at the same time, +gravely concerned as he studied the +upturned countenances in the mob.</p> +<p>Fear, despair, reckless abandon, +mirth, doubt, religious <a name='TC_28'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'ecstacy'">ecstasy</ins> and all +the other nuances in the gamut of human +emotions and passions were reflected +in those distorted visages which +were gazing skyward.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> silvery humming of a bell diverted +his attention from the +scene of congestion below him and, +turning away, he walked across the terrace +and into the great living room of +his luxurious abode.</p> +<p>Stepping to the televisor, he turned +a tiny switch, and the face of a girl +appeared in the glass panel that was +framed above the sound-box. He smiled +as he lifted the receiver and placed it +to his ear.</p> +<p>“What is the matter, Inga?” he +asked. “You look as if you were expecting––well, +almost anything disastrous.”</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_394' name='page_394'></a>394</span></div> +<p>“Oh, Dirk, what is that thing?” the +girl asked. “I really am frightened!”</p> +<p>He could see by the expression in +her blue eyes that she, too, was becoming +a victim of the hysteria that was +taking possession of many people.</p> +<p>“I wouldn’t be alarmed, Inga,” he replied +reassuringly. “I don’t know what +it is, and no one else seems to be able +to explain it.”</p> +<p>“But it is frightful and uncanny, +Dirk,” the girl insisted, “and I am sure +that something terrible is going to happen. +I wish,” she pleaded, “that you +would come over and stay with me for +a little while. I am all alone and––”</p> +<p>“All right, Inga,” he told her. “I will +be with you in a few minutes.”</p> +<p>He hung up the receiver of the televisor +and clicked off the switch. The +image of the golden-haired girl to +whom he had been speaking slowly +faded from the glass.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Attiring</span> himself for a short +sixty-mile hop down Long Island, +Dirk passed out to the landing +stage and, stepping into the cabin of +his plane, he threw in the helicopter +lever. The machine rose straight into +the air for a couple of hundred feet +and then Dirk headed it westward to +where the nearest ascension beam sent +its red light towering toward the stars. +It marked a vertical air-lane that led +upward to the horizontal lanes of +flight.</p> +<p>Northbound ships flew between two +and four thousand feet; southbound +planes between five and seven thousand +feet; those eastbound confined themselves +to the level between nine and +eleven thousand feet, while the westbound +flyers monopolized the air between +twelve and fourteen thousand +feet.</p> +<p>All planes flying parallel to the +earth were careful to avoid those red +beacons which marked ascension +routes, and the shafts of green light +down which descending planes dropped +to the earth or into lower levels of +travel.</p> +<p>When Dirk’s altimeter indicated +seventy-five hundred feet he turned the +nose of his ship eastward and adjusted +his rheostat until his motors, fed by +wireless current, were revolving at top +speed.</p> +<p>The great canyons of Manhattan, +linked by arches and highways which +joined and passed through various +levels of the stupendous structures of +steelite and quartzite, passed swiftly +beneath him; and, after passing for a +few minutes over the deserted surface +of Long Island, he completed his +sixty-mile flight and brought his ship +to a rest on a landing stage that was +far up on the side of a vast pile that +rose up close to the shore of the Sound.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">As</span> soon as he stepped from the +door of the cabin he was joined +by a girl who, apparently, had been +lingering there, awaiting his arrival.</p> +<p>She was perhaps twenty years old, +and she had the golden hair, the light +complexion, and the blue eyes which +still were characteristic of the women +of northern Europe.</p> +<p>The slender lines of her exquisite +figure and the supple grace which she +displayed when she moved toward +Dirk were evidence, however, of the +Latin blood which was in her veins.</p> +<p>For Inga Fragoni, the daughter and +heiress of Orlando Fragoni, seemed to +be a culmination of all of the desirable +qualities of the women of the south +and those of the north.</p> +<p>The terrace on which Dirk had +landed was illuminated by lights which +simulated sunshine, and their soft +bright glow revealed the violet hue of +her eyes and the shimmering gloss of +her silken hair. She wore a sleeveless, +light blue tunic which was gathered +around her waist with a bejeweled +girdle.</p> +<p>On her tiny feet she wore <a name='TC_30'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'scandals'">sandals</ins> +which were spun of webby filaments +of gold and platinum.</p> +<p>“Dirk, I am so glad that you are +here!” she exclaimed. “I felt so much +alone when I called you up. Dad is +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_395' name='page_395'></a>395</span> +locked in the observatory with Professor +Nachbaren and three or four +other men and the servants––well, they +all are so terrified that it simply alarms +me to have them around.”</p> +<p>“But that is Stanton’s plane there, +isn’t it?” asked Dirk, indicating a +powerful looking machine that stood +on the terrace.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">Y</span><span class="dcap">es,</span> Dirk,” the girl replied. “He +arrived here three or four minutes +before you did. I thought, at first, +that it was you coming. And Dirk,” +she continued, with a note of excitement +in her voice, “he flew up to look +at that thing, and I know that he is as +frightened about it as I am.”</p> +<p>Dirk grunted, but he gave no expression +of the dislike and distrust +that Stanton aroused in him. The latter, +he knew, was very much inclined +to look with favor on Inga, and his +presumption annoyed Dirk because, +while he and the girl had not declared +their intention of living together, they +were very much in love with each +other.</p> +<p>“You will want to hear him tell +about it, I know, Dirk,” the girl said. +“I left Stanton up on the garden terrace +when I saw you coming down. +Come; we will go and join him.”</p> +<p>Dirk and Inga strolled slowly along +paths which were lined with exotic +shrubbery and plants. Here and there +a fountain tossed its glittering spray +high into the air while birds, invisible +in the feathery foliage, warbled and +thrilled entrancingly. Soft music, +transmitted from the auditoriums below, +blended so harmoniously with the +atmosphere of the terraces that it +seemed to mingle with and be a part of +the drifting, subtle scents of the +abundant flowers which bloomed on +every side.</p> +<p>For these upper terraces of Fragoni’s +palace were enclosed, during inclement +weather, with great glass plates which, +at the touch of a button, automatically +appeared or disappeared.</p> +<p>Winding their way easily upward, +Dirk and Inga came finally to a secluded +terrace which overlooked the +Sound. Here they saw Stanton, who +was unaware of their approach, looking +skyward at the dim and sinister shape +which was outlined against the sky. +Stanton’s brow was contracted and his +expression was filled with apprehension. +He started suddenly when he became +conscious of the presence of Dirk +and the lovely daughter of Fragoni.</p> +<p>He rose to his feet, a short man in +his forties, stocky in build and somewhat +swarthy in complexion. He contrasted +very unfavorably with Dirk, +who was tall and well-built and who +had abundant blond hair and steady +steel-blue eyes.</p> +<p>“What do you make of that thing, +Vanderpool?” he asked, almost ignoring +the presence of Inga.</p> +<p>“I don’t know enough about it yet to +be able to express an opinion,” Dirk replied. +“We will find out about it soon +enough,” he added, “so why worry +about it in the meantime?”</p> +<p>“It is well enough to affect such an +attitude,” said Stanton, with a touch of +sarcasm in his voice, “but let me tell +you, Vanderpool, that there is good +reason to worry about it.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Dirk</span> frowned at the statement as +he saw a shadow pass over the +fair face of Inga.</p> +<p>“That thing up there,” continued +Stanton, with conviction in his voice, +“is not a natural phenomenon. I flew +fairly close to it in my plane and I +<a name='TC_31'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'knew'">know</ins> what I am speaking about. That +thing is some sort of a monster, Vanderpool, +that is made of metal or of +some composition that is an unearthly +equivalent of metal. It is a diabolical +creation of some sort that has come +from out of the fathomless depths of +the universe.” He shuddered at the +fantasy that his feverish imagination +was creating. “It is metal, I tell you,” +he continued, “but it is metal that is +endowed with some sort of intelligence. +I was up there,” he breathed +swiftly, “and I saw it hanging there in +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_396' name='page_396'></a>396</span> +the sky, quivering with heat and life.”</p> +<p>“You are nervous, Stanton,” said +Vanderpool coolly. “Get a grip on +yourself, man, and look at the thing +reasonably. If that thing has intelligence,” +he added, “we will find some +way to slay it.”</p> +<p>“Slay it!” exclaimed Stanton. “How +can you expect to slay a mad creation +that can leap through space, from +world to world, like a wasp goes darting +from flower to flower? How can +you kill a thing which not only defies +absolute zero but also the immeasurable +heat which its friction with the +atmosphere generated when it plunged +toward the earth? How can you kill +a thing that seems to have brains and +nerves and bones and flesh of some +strange substance that is harder and +tougher than any earthly compound we +have discovered?”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">He stopped</span> speaking for a moment. +They listened to the voice that +was broadcasting from the Worldwide +Tower.</p> +<p>“––our planes have approached to +within a few thousand feet of it and +are playing their searchlights over the +surface of the leviathan. It is not a +meteorite of any kind that scientists +have heretofore examined––its surface +is smooth and unpitted and shows no +apparent effect of the tremendous heat +to which it was subjected during its +drop through the atmosphere. It seems +to be immune to gravity––its weight +must be tremendous, and it is fully +three-quarters of a mile long and between +seven and eight hundred feet +in diameter at its widest part, but it +lies motionless––motionless––at about +forty thousand feet.”</p> +<p>“It doesn’t appear now as if it +would prove very dangerous,” remarked +Dirk.</p> +<p>“––and people are warned again to +maintain their composure and to go to +their homes and remain there for their +own protection and the protection of +others. Riots and serious disturbances +are reported from cities in all parts +of the world––mobs are swarming the +streets of Manhattan and the other +boroughs of New York, and the police +are finding it difficult to restrain the +frenzied populations in other centers....”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">There</span> was a pause, then, of some +moments, and then the voice of +the broadcaster, vibrant with excitement, +was heard again.</p> +<p>“––a plane has made a landing on the +surface of the monstrosity, which, it +seems, has not only lost its heat but is +becoming decidedly cold––”</p> +<p>A servant appeared from among the +shrubbery and paused before Dirk.</p> +<p>“There is a call for you, Mr. Vanderpool,” +he said respectfully.</p> +<p>Dirk excused himself and, entering +the sumptuous apartment that opened +from the terrace, went to the televisor. +He saw the face of Sears, the chief +secretary of Fragoni, in the glass +panel.</p> +<p>“There will be a meeting of the council +at nine o’clock in the morning, Mr. +Vanderpool,” came the voice over the +wire.</p> +<p>“Thank you, Sears,” replied Dirk. +“It happens that Stanton is here at the +present time. Shall I notify him of the +conclave?”</p> +<p>“If you will, please,” Sears responded. +“By the way, Mr. Vanderpool, +is there anything wrong at your +apartment? I tried to call you there +before I located you here and I failed +to get any response.”</p> +<p>“I guess that all of my servants have +run out from under cover because of +their fear of that thing in the sky,” +Dirk responded. “Do you know anything +about it, Sears?” he asked.</p> +<p>“It will be discussed at the meeting +to-morrow morning,” replied Sears +shortly. “Good night, Mr. Vanderpool.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Dirk</span>, upon returning to the terrace, +saw that both Stanton and +Inga were silently and fearfully looking +up into the night.</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_397' name='page_397'></a>397</span></div> +<p>“A meeting of the council at nine +o’clock in the morning, Stanton,” Dirk +said abruptly. “I told Sears I would +notify you.”</p> +<p>“I thought that we would be called +together very soon,” said Stanton. “It’s +concerning that damn thing up there.”</p> +<p>“Perhaps,” agreed Dirk carelessly. +“Well,” he added, “I believe that I will +hop home and get some sleep.”</p> +<p>“Sleep!” exclaimed Stanton. “Sleep? +On a night like this?”</p> +<p>“Oh, Dirk,” pleaded Inga, “stay here +with me, won’t you? I am not going +to bed because I just know that I +wouldn’t be able to close my eyes.”</p> +<p>“Let him go, Inga, if he wants to +sleep,” urged Stanton. “I will stay +here and keep watch with you.”</p> +<p>“––and if order is not restored in the +streets of Manhattan within the course +of a short time, the authorities will resort +to morphite gas to quell the +turbulence and rioting––”</p> +<p>“The streets must be frightfully congested,” +said Inga. “It is the first occasion +in a long time that the police +have had to threaten the use of morphite.”</p> +<p>“––we do not want to alarm people +unnecessarily but we have to report,” +came the hurried voice of the broadcaster, +“that the monstrous mass that +has been hanging above the city just +made a sudden drop of five thousand +feet and again came to a stop. It is +now a little more than six miles over +Manhattan and––again it has dropped. +This time it fell like a plummet for +twelve thousand feet. It is now about +twenty thousand feet, some four miles, +above Manhattan and––”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">A cry</span> of alarm came from the lips +of Inga as she gazed upward and +saw that gigantic, ominous-appearing +object loom dim and vast in the darkness +above them.</p> +<p>She went to Dirk and threw her arms +around him, as if she were clinging to +him for protection.</p> +<p>“Don’t leave me, Dirk,” she whispered. +“I can just feel that something +terrible is going to happen, and I want +you with me!”</p> +<p>“I’ll stay with you, of course,” whispered +Dirk. Something of that feeling +of dread and apprehension which +so fully possessed his two companions +entered into his mind. “Don’t tremble +so, Inga,” he pleaded. “It is a strange +thing, but we will know more about it +in the morning. Be calm until then, +my dear, if you can.”</p> +<p>He looked over the shoulder of the +girl, whose face was buried against his +breast, and he saw a hundred great red +and green shafts of light shooting up +into the air. Fleeting shadows seemed +to pass swiftly up and down them, and +he knew that thousands of planes were +abroad, some of them seeking the +heights and others dropping down.</p> +<p>The great towers of Long Island +were all aglow, and it was apparent +that few people were sleeping that +night. The scarlet sky over Manhattan +indicated that the center of the metropolis, +too, was alive to the menace of +the weird visitant that now was so +plainly visible.</p> +<p>All night long they remained on the +terrace. Dirk and <a name='TC_32'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'Igna'">Inga</ins> seated close together +and Stanton, at a distance, +brooding alone over the disaster which +he felt was impending.</p> +<p>The illuminated dial of the great +clock that was a part of the beacon-tower +on the Metropole Landing Field +told of the slow passing of the hours.</p> +<p>All night long they listened to the +reports that came through the radiovisor +and watched that immobile, +threatening monster of metal.</p> +<p>But it remained static during the +rest of the night. And, with the coming +of a gray and sunless dawn, it still +hung there, motionless, silent and sinister.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> next morning the President +of the United States of the World, +from the capitol at The Hague, issued +a proclamation of martial law, to become +effective at once in all <a name='TC_33'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'part'">parts</ins> of the +world.</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_398' name='page_398'></a>398</span></div> +<p>The edict forbade people to leave +their homes, and it was vigorously +executed, wherever the police themselves +were not in a state of demoralization.</p> +<p>At about the same time a special +meeting of the Supreme Congress was +called, the body to remain in session +until some solution of the mystery had +been arrived at.</p> +<p>At the same time that martial law +was declared, however, and the special +assemblage of lawmakers convened, a +statement was issued in which an attempt +was made to eliminate from the +minds of the people the idea that the +undefinable object above the metropolis +was at all dangerous.</p> +<p>It was, indeed, suggested that it very +probably was some sort of new device +which had been constructed on the +earth and which was being introduced +to the people of the world in a somewhat +sensational manner by the person +or persons who were responsible for it.</p> +<p>The fears of the populace were, to +some extent, allayed by this means, and +some degree of order restored.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">At</span> nine o’clock Dirk Vanderpool +was shown into the council chamber +in the palace of Orlando Fragoni, +and he was closely followed by Stanton. +Fragoni was already there, and +he greeted the two men with a countenance +that was serene but that, +nevertheless, revealed indications of +concern. He was a man past middle +age, tall and strikingly handsome in +appearance. His eyes were dark and +penetrating and his forehead, high and +wide, was crowned by an abundance of +snow-white hair. His voice, while +pleasing to the ear, was vibrant with +life and energy, and he spoke with the +incisive directness of one accustomed +to command.</p> +<p>For Orlando Fragoni, as nearly as +any one man might be, was the ruler +of the world.</p> +<p>It was in the early part of the twentieth +century that wealth had commenced +to concentrate into a relatively +few hands. This was followed by a +period in which vast mergers and consolidations +had been effected as a result +of the financial power and genius +for organization which a few men possessed. +A confederation of the countries +of the world was brought about +by industrial kings who had learned, in +one devastating war, that militarism, +while it might bring riches to a few, +was, in the final analysis, destructive +and wasteful.</p> +<p>Mankind the world over, relieved of +the menace of war, made more progress +in a decade than they had made in any +previous century, but all the time the +invisible concentration of power and +money continued.</p> +<p>And, in 1975, the affairs of the world +were controlled by five men, of whom +Orlando Fragoni was the most powerful +and most important.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">His</span> grandfather had been a small +banker, and out of his obscure +transactions the great House of +Fragoni had arisen. The money power +of the world was now controlled by +Orlando Fragoni. Dirk Vanderpool, +partly as a result of a vast inheritance +and partly through his own ability and +untiring industry, dominated the transportation +facilities of the world. Planes +and Zeppelins, railroad equipment and +ships, were built in his plants and +operated by the many organizations +which he controlled.</p> +<p>Stanton had inherited the agricultural +activities of the world and, in addition +to this, he was the sovereign of +distribution. He owned immense acreages +in all of the continents; he not +only cultivated every known variety of +produce, but also handled the sale of +his products through his own great +chains of stores. His father had been +one of the great geniuses of the preceding +generation, but Stanton, while +inheriting the commercial empire +which he had ruled, had not inherited +much of the ability which had gone +into the establishment of it.</p> +<p>There were two other members of +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_399' name='page_399'></a>399</span> +that invisible council of Five, the very +existence of which was not even suspected +by the general populace of the +world.</p> +<p>Sigmund Lazarre was the world’s +mightiest builder, and millions of great +structures, which were built of material +from his own mines, were under +his control. It was Lazarre, too, who +owned the theaters and other amusement +centers in which millions upon +millions of people sought relaxation +every day. The creation and application +of electrical power made up the +domain of Wilhelm Steinholt, who also +owned the factories that made the machinery +of the world.</p> +<p>Absolute control of all of the necessities +and luxuries of life, in fact, were +in the hands of the five men, who used +their vast power wisely and beneficently.</p> +<p>Ostensibly the peoples of the world +ruled themselves by means of a democratic +form of government.</p> +<p>In reality their lives were directed +by a few men whose power and wealth +were entirely unsuspected by any but +those who were close to them.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> council room in which +Fragoni had received Dirk and +Stanton was lofty and sumptuously appointed.</p> +<p>The rugs which covered the floor +were soft to the tread, and the walls +and ceiling were adorned with a series +of murals which represented the various +heavenly constellations.</p> +<p>At the far end of the chamber there +was a staircase, and Dirk was among +those who knew that it led up to the +great observatory in which Fragoni +and certain of his scientific associates +spent so much of their time at night.</p> +<p>For men had commenced to talk +about the conquest of the stars, and it +was generally believed that it would +not be many years more before a way +would be found to traverse the interplanetary +spaces.</p> +<p>“We are rather fortunate, my +friends,” Fragoni said to his two associates, +“to have been the witnesses of +the event that transpired last night.”</p> +<p>“Fortunate!” exclaimed Stanton. +“Then you know that the thing is +harmless?”</p> +<p>A little smile lit the benign and +scholarly countenance of Fragoni as he +calmly regarded Stanton.</p> +<p>“We know very little about it,” he +replied after a brief pause, “and, if our +surmises are correct, it may be very +far from harmless. It is intensely interesting, +nevertheless,” he continued, +“because that thing, as you term it, unquestionably +is directed by intelligence. +Without the slightest doubt +the people of the earth are about to behold +a form of life from some far-away +planet. What that form will be,” he +added, with an almost imperceptible +shrug of his shoulders, “it is impossible +to forecast.”</p> +<p>“But it was so hot,” commenced +Stanton, “that––”</p> +<p>“True,” agreed Fragoni, “but it also +is large and it may be that only the +outer shell of it was affected by friction +with the atmosphere that surrounds +the earth. Nachbaren,” he continued, +“is certain that there is intelligent +life within it; and Nachbaren,” he +added dryly, “is usually right.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">While</span> Fragoni had been speaking, +two more men had quietly +joined them.</p> +<p>“Good morning, Lazarre,” Fragoni +said, addressing a short, swarthy man +who, very apparently, was of Jewish +extraction.</p> +<p>“Good morning,” the other replied in +a soft and <a name='TC_34'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'melifluous'">mellifluous</ins> voice. “It seems,” +he continued, with a twinkle in his +eyes, “as if some of my pretty buildings +may be toppled over soon.”</p> +<p>“Maybe,” agreed Fragoni. “And +maybe,” he added more seriously, +“much more than your buildings will +be toppled over, Lazarre.”</p> +<p>“That thing, then, is...?” questioned +the heavy-set, slow-speaking, +blue-eyed Teuton who had come into +the room with Lazarre.</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_400' name='page_400'></a>400</span></div> +<p>“We do not know, Steinholt,” admitted +Fragoni, “but our knowledge +undoubtedly will be increased considerably +within the next few hours. +And now,” he said, “we will consider +the problem at hand.”</p> +<p>“––the object which has created such +unrest is slowly rising. It is now some +twenty-five thousand feet above Manhattan. +It is––”</p> +<p>The voice from the radiovisor attracted +the attention of the five men, +and, with one accord, they rushed to +the terrace and looked toward Manhattan. +They saw the great leviathan +high in the air for a moment, and then, +suddenly, it seemed to vanish from +sight.</p> +<p>“It’s gone!” exclaimed Stanton, with +a sigh of relief. “It must have been +some odd atmospheric freak, that’s all.”</p> +<p>They searched the skies through the +luciscope that was on the terrace, but +failed to detect any trace of the +monster.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">T</span><span class="dcap">hat</span> seems to simplify matters,” +remarked Fragoni as they +again walked back into the great conference +room. But here, once more, +they heard the voice from the Worldwide +Tower.</p> +<p>“––we are advised by Chicago that +the thing, dull-red with heat, is hovering +only a couple of thousand feet over +the city. Thousands in the streets are +being killed by the heat it is radiating––panic +reigns, despite a rigorous enforcement +of martial law. The strange +object just rose suddenly to a high altitude +and disappeared––”</p> +<p>“It’s another one of those damned +things,” asserted Stanton. “That +couldn’t go a thousand miles a minute!”</p> +<p>“It can go faster than that, if I am +not mistaken,” said Fragoni. And it +presently appeared that he was right, +for in a couple of minutes the radiovisor +transmitted the news that it was +over San Francisco, where it remained +for only a few seconds. It was not +more than a minute later that word +came from Shanghai that it had passed +slowly over that city. Then again it +was poised high over Manhattan, crimson +with heat.</p> +<p>“Is there any possible defense +against it, Steinholt?” Fragoni asked. +The Teuton shook his head with an +air of finality.</p> +<p>“None,” he said, “as far as I can determine +now. We can create and direct +artificial lightning that would reduce +this building to a mass of powdered +stone and fused metal in a fraction +of a second. But I am certain +that it wouldn’t leave as much as a +scratch on that monster up there. We +might try the Z-Rays on it, but an intelligence +that could devise such a craft +would undoubtedly have the wisdom to +protect it against such an elementary +menace as rays. Even the mightiest +explosives that we have wouldn’t send +a tremor through that mighty mass.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">W</span><span class="dcap">hy</span> not await developments?” +asked Dirk. “We do not even +know the nature of the thing we are +trying to combat.”</p> +<p>“It’s solid metal,” insisted Stanton +tenaciously. “It’s a metal body with +a metal brain.”</p> +<p>“Don’t be ridiculous,” said Steinholt. +“It seems quite apparent that the craft +has come from another planet, and, if +I am not greatly mistaken, there are +intelligent creatures inside it.”</p> +<p>“In any event,” said Dirk, “it seems +impractical to make any plans until +we know more about it. I suggest that +we empower Fragoni to act for the +rest of us in this matter.”</p> +<p>“That is very agreeable to me,” said +Steinholt. “A crisis very possibly +may arise in which the quick judgment +of one man may be necessary to avert +the danger that always is inherent in +delay.”</p> +<p>“You hold my proxy,” Lazarre said +to Fragoni, “and I assume that Stanton +is agreeable to this procedure.”</p> +<p>“––the thing is moving very slowly +eastward in the direction of Long +Island Sound. It is, at the same time, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_401' name='page_401'></a>401</span> +losing altitude. Its movements are being +carefully watched. As yet we see +no cause for immediate alarm––people +are advised to remain calm––”</p> +<p>“Yes, I am agreeable,” said Stanton +nervously and hastily. “If there are +things in it with which we can compromise, +I would suggest that we do +not offend them.”</p> +<p>“I am, then, empowered to act for +all of you,” said Fragoni, ignoring the +suggestion of Stanton.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">He</span> rose from his chair and walked +out on the terrace. The others +followed after him.</p> +<p>Looking westward, they saw the +mammoth craft descending slowly in +their direction.</p> +<p>Its vast dimensions became more and +more apparent as, spellbound, they +watched it approach closer and closer +to them.</p> +<p>The thing in the sky was now not +more than three thousand feet above +them and only a few miles to the westward.</p> +<p>The observers on the terrace regarded +it for a moment in silence as it +drifted forward and downward.</p> +<p>“It’s colossal!” <a name='TC_35'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'Steinhold'">Steinholt</ins> then exclaimed, +lost in scientific admiration of +the mammoth craft. “Magnificent! +Superb!”</p> +<p>“But it’s coming right toward us!” +cried Stanton.</p> +<p>“What makes it move, I wonder?” +asked Dirk. “And how in the world +is it controlled?”</p> +<p>“It surely is not of this world,” said +Fragoni quietly. “That gigantic thing +has come to us from somewhere out +of the infinite and terrible depths of +space.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Another</span> minute elapsed while +they watched it, speechless with +wonder.</p> +<p>“Do you know,” Lazarre then said +calmly, “I believe that it is going to +land in the waters of the Sound. It +appears so to me, anyway.”</p> +<p>It was nearly opposite them by this +time, and not more than a thousand +feet above the water. A few planes +which, very apparently, were being +flown by intrepid and fearless flyers, +were hovering close around it.</p> +<p>Then finally it came to rest, as Lazarre +had predicted, in the water some +two miles off shore, and it was obscured +by a great cloud of vapor for several +minutes.</p> +<p>“Steam,” asserted Steinholt. “That +trip around the world, which it made +in a few minutes, generated considerable +frictional heat in the shell.”</p> +<p>“Come,” said Fragoni, “we’ll fly out +and look the thing over.”</p> +<p>Around the corner of the building, +on the level of the terrace, there was +a landing stage which was occupied by +a number of planes of various sizes.</p> +<p>Dirk entered the door of a small +twenty passenger speedster, and the +others filed in after him.</p> +<p>“Ready?” he asked, after he had seated +himself at the controls.</p> +<p>“Ready!” replied Fragoni.</p> +<p>The plane rose straight up into the +air and then darted gracefully out over +the Sound.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Dirk</span> swooped straight down at the +leviathan which lay so quietly +on the surface of the Sound and then +slowly circled around it. No sign of +an aperture of any sort could be seen +in the craft. Then he dropped the +plane lightly on the water, close to the +metallic monster, which towered fully +four hundred feet above them, despite +the fact that more than half of it was +submerged.</p> +<p>“It must be hollow,” remarked Steinholt, +“or it wouldn’t be so far out of +the water. In fact, it most certainly +would sink, if it was solid.”</p> +<p>At the touch of a lever which lay +under one of Dirk’s hands the plane +rose straight out of the water, and he +maneuvered it directly over the top of +the strange enigma. Then he touched +a button and the pontoons were drawn +up into the undercarriage of the craft.</p> +<p>“Shall I make a landing on it?” he +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_402' name='page_402'></a>402</span> +asked, turning his head and addressing +Fragoni.</p> +<p>The latter nodded his head, and Dirk +dropped the ship gently onto the +smooth surface of the monster, the +pneumatic gearing completely absorbing +the shock of the landing.</p> +<p>Dirk relinquished the controls and, +opening the door of the cabin, he +stepped out onto the rough and pitted +substance of which the leviathan was +compounded. He stood there while the +others came out after him.</p> +<p>A large area on the top of the monster +was perfectly flat and, within a +very few moments, Dirk discovered +that it was decidedly warm. He had +brought the plane down close to the +middle of the length of the strange +craft in the belief that there, if anywhere, +some indication of an entrance +might be found.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> voice of Steinholt, tense with +suppressed excitement, appraised +him that his surmise had been correct.</p> +<p>“There is a manhole of some sort,” +the electrical wizard exclaimed. “And +look, it is turning!”</p> +<p>They saw, not far ahead of them, a +circular twelve-foot section of the deck +slowly revolving, and, even as they +watched, it commenced to rise slowly +upward as the threads with which it +was provided turned gradually around.</p> +<p>Almost involuntarily they retreated +a few feet and stood there, spellbound, +as they stared at the massive, revolving +section of the deck.</p> +<p>It continued to turn until fully ten +feet of the mobile cylinder had been +exposed. Then the bottom of it appeared. +Even then it continued to revolve +and rise on a comparatively small +shaft which supported it and, at the +same time, thrust it upward. Dirk and +his companions kept their eyes on the +rim of the well which had been exposed, +and awaited the appearance of +something, they knew not what. When +the top of the great cylinder was fully +twelve feet above the deck of the craft +it slowly ceased to revolve.</p> +<p>Moment succeeded moment as the +members of the little group rigidly and +almost breathlessly awaited developments.</p> +<p>Then Dirk, with an impatient ejaculation, +stepped forward toward the +yawning hole and cautiously peered +over the edge of it.</p> +<p>He stood there for a moment, as if +transfixed, and then, with an exclamation +of horror, retreated swiftly to +where his friends were standing.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">W</span><span class="dcap">hat</span> is it?” gasped Steinholt. +“What did you see when––”</p> +<p>But the words died on his lips for, +swarming swiftly over every side of +the well, there poured an array of erect, +piercing-eyed beings, who had all the +characteristics of humans. They were +clad in tight-fitting attire of thin and +pliant metal which, with the exception +of their faces, shielded them from +head to foot. On their heads they +wore close-fitting helmets, apparently +equipped with visors which could be +drawn down to cover their unprepossessing +features.</p> +<p>Each one of them carried a tube +which bore a striking resemblance to +a portable electric flashlight.</p> +<p>Swiftly they advanced, in ranks of +eight, toward Dirk and his companions +who, gripped with amazement, held +their positions.</p> +<p>The first line came to a halt not +more than four feet from the little +group on the deck. The other lines +halted, too, and formed a great platoon. +Then a shrill whistle sounded and the +formation parted in the middle, leaving +an open path that led backward +to the entrance, to the well.</p> +<p>A moment later the watchers saw the +regal figure of a man emerge from the +orifice and, after a moment’s pause, advance +slowly in their direction with a +stately stride.</p> +<p>He was tall and muscular and blond +and his attire, golden in texture, glittered +with sparkling gems.</p> +<p>As he approached them he raised his +right hand and, inasmuch as his countenance +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_403' name='page_403'></a>403</span> +was calm and benign, his gesture +appeared to be one of peace and +good-will.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Following</span> close behind him +there was a younger man who, very +apparently, was of the same lineage. +His expression, however, was petulant +and haughty and it contained more +than a suggestion of rapacity and evil.</p> +<p>Behind him there were others of the +same fair type, all of them sumptuously +and ornately attired.</p> +<p>Fragoni stepped forward, himself a +dignified and striking figure, as the +leader of the strange adventurers came +forth from the lane that had been +formed by his immobile guard of warriors.</p> +<p>The two men confronted each other, +one whose power and wealth gave him +a dominate position on earth, and the +other a personage from some domain +that was remote in the abyss of space.</p> +<p>Fragoni bowed and spoke a few +friendly words of welcome and the +stranger, to the utter amazement of +the banker and his associates, responded +in an English that was rather peculiar +in accent but that they could understand +without any difficulty.</p> +<p>“From what part of the world do +you come,” asked the astounded Fragoni, +“that you speak our language?”</p> +<p>“We come from no part of this +world,” replied the stranger. “The empire +of my ruler is infinitely far away. +But language, my friend, is not a thing +of accident. Life grows out of the +substance of the universe and language +comes out of life. The speech of mankind, +in your state of development, +varies but little throughout all space +and I have heard your English, as you +call it, spoken among those who dwell +in many, many worlds.”</p> +<p>“And your world?” asked Steinholt +with avid curiosity. “Tell us of the +planet from which you come.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">But</span> Fragoni, smiling at the eagerness +of Steinholt, interposed with +a kindly but arresting gesture.</p> +<p>“My name is Fragoni,” he said to the +stranger, “and I would have you partake, +of my hospitality and refresh +yourself after your long journey. +These,” he added, “are my friends, +Steinholt, Vanderpool and Lazarre.”</p> +<p>“I am Teuxical, vassal of his Supreme +Highness, Malfero of Lodore,” +the other replied. “This is my son, +Zitlan,” he continued, indicating the +young man behind him, “and the others +are my high captains, Anteucan, +Orzitza and Huazibar. More of my +officers are below together with ten +thousand armed and armored men such +as you see before you.”</p> +<p>If the last part of the statement was +intended as a threat or a warning, the +expression on Fragoni’s face gave no +indication that he was aware of it.</p> +<p>“You carry a large crew, sir,” Fragoni +replied, “but we gladly will make +provisions for all of your men. As +for yourself, your son, and your captains, +if you will come with me....”</p> +<p>He nodded in the direction of the +plane which rested on the great interplanetary +vessel and started to walk +slowly in the direction of it. The +leader of the skymen walked by his +side and the other men from Lodore +followed close after them.</p> +<p>Dirk, Steinholt and Lazarre brought +up the rear, while the soldiers remained +motionless in their serried array.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Innumerable</span> planes were circling +overhead and hundreds of +them had landed on the water in the +vicinity. Dirk saw that the wanderers +from the stars regarded them curiously +as if they never before had seen aircraft +of that particular type.</p> +<p>When the cabin door of the plane +was thrown open, Teuxical turned to +one of his captains.</p> +<p>“Remain here, Anteucan, with the +soldiers,” he commanded, “and await +our return.”</p> +<p>Teuxical then entered the plane with +his men and Fragoni, Steinholt and Lazarre +followed after them. Then Dirk +took his seat at the controls.</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_404' name='page_404'></a>404</span></div> +<p>“These are strange craft you use,” +he heard Teuxical say. “I have seen +them in only one of the multitude of +other worlds on which I have set my +feet, worlds which all pay tribute to +Malfero of Lodore. It is safer and +swifter to ride the magnetic currents +than it is to ride the unstable currents +of the air.”</p> +<p>Dirk caught the significance of the +reference to tribute and he admired +the clever diplomacy of Teuxical while, +at the same time, he wondered if the +earth and all of those who dwelt upon +it were doomed to fall under the sway +of some remote and unseen despot.</p> +<p>He also realized that the Lodorians +had, in some way, devised a craft that +rode the great magnetic streams which +flowed through the universe in much +the same way that men, in ships, navigated +the streams of the earth.</p> +<p>He threw on the helicopter switch +and the plane rose swiftly into the air, +the myriad other flying craft which +were circling nearby keeping at a safe +distance from it.</p> +<p>“Land on the grand terrace,” Fragoni +directed. The flight was short +and rapid and it was only a matter of +seconds before Dirk brought the plane +down on the landing stage which they +had left only a scant half-hour before.</p> +<p>He opened the cabin door and +stepped out of the plane and the others +filed out after him.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Fragoni</span> led the way along the +stage, walking and chatting with +Teuxical, and Dirk, following after the +others, was the last to turn a corner +that brought him a sweeping view of +the magnificent terrace that fronted the +private apartments of the banker and +his daughter.</p> +<p>And, when he did, he saw that Inga +was standing there, superbly beautiful, +with Stanton a few paces behind her.</p> +<p>Her lovely eyes were alive with awe +and wonder and her slender white +hands were crossed over her heart.</p> +<p>And Dirk saw, too, that Zitlan, son +of Teuxical, had paused and was standing +quite still, with his unwavering and +insolent eyes fixed on the girl. Resentment, +and a touch of apprehension, +agitated Dirk when he saw the expression +on the face of the young Lodorian.</p> +<p>There was admiration in that disagreeable +countenance, but it was +blended with arrogance, haughtiness +and ill-concealed desire.</p> +<p>Dirk went quickly to Inga, standing +between the girl and the one from +Lodore who was staring at her so brazenly.</p> +<p>“What does it all mean, Dirk?” she +asked in a low voice. “Those strange +people, where are they from?”</p> +<p>Stanton had come quickly forward +and had joined Inga and Dirk.</p> +<p>“They are from some far-off world, +Inga,” he explained, “that we know +nothing about as yet.”</p> +<p>“But what do they want?” she persisted. +“What do they intend to do? +I saw those horrible creatures through +the magnascope when they came +swarming out of the inside of that +thing on the water and I thought, at +first, that they were going to kill you +all.”</p> +<p>“No, they seem to come in peace,” +Dirk replied. “Teuxical, their leader, +seems to be gracious and kindly.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">W</span><span class="dcap">e</span> are all doomed,” asserted +Stanton, “unless something +happens. They can crumble our cities +with heat and bury us under the ruins +of them.”</p> +<p>“Keep your silence!” breathed Dirk, +quietly but tensely. “We will find a +way to destroy those creatures if it +becomes necessary.”</p> +<p>“That man who keeps staring at me, +who is he?” asked Inga in a voice that +betrayed her nervousness.</p> +<p>Dirk turned and saw that Zitlan was +still standing where he had paused and +that he still was looking with searching +eyes in the direction of the girl.</p> +<p>He returned the insolent gaze of the +young Lodorian with an impatient and +threatening stare and the countenance +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_405' name='page_405'></a>405</span> +of Zitlan at once became stern and +menacing. He came striding in the +direction of Inga, Dirk and Stanton +and paused within a few feet of them, +his rapacious eyes still fixed on the +girl.</p> +<p>“My lady,” he said, “your beauty +pleases me. I have walked on many +worlds but never before have I seen +one as lovely as yourself. Of the spoils +of this world, all that I crave possession +of is you. When we return to +Lodore,” he added with an air of finality, +“I will take you with me and place +you with my other women in the Seraglio +of the Stars.”</p> +<p>Dirk swiftly stepped close to Zitlan +and the latter quickly clasped a tube +that hung at his side, a tube of the +sort that the soldiers had carried.</p> +<p>“Your words and your manner are +insolent,” asserted Dirk angrily, “and +I warn you now to cease making yourself +offensive.”</p> +<p>“Dog!” exclaimed Zitlan fiercely, +leveling the metal tube, “I’ll––”</p> +<p>But the left fist of Dirk cut short +his threat as it made a sudden impact +with his chin, and the Lodorian went +crashing backward into some exotic +shrubbery with a look of surprise on +his countenance.</p> +<p>Then Dirk heard an odd hissing and +crackling sound, and he felt himself +becoming dizzy and weak.</p> +<p>Darkness seemed to sweep in upon +him; he felt that he was dropping +swiftly through space, and then he lost +consciousness.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">A vague</span> and shadowy figure was +standing close by his side and +peering down into his face. After a +while he realized that it was Steinholt.</p> +<p>“Steinholt!” he gasped. “Why––why +am I here––in Fragoni’s? I must have +had a dream––and yet....”</p> +<p>He furrowed his brow in thought +and, gradually, he commenced to remember +what had happened.</p> +<p>“It was no dream,” said the scientist +softly. “Do you remember the trouble +that you had with Zitlan?”</p> +<p>“Yes,” replied Dirk. “I remember +that he was insolent to Inga and that +I lost my temper and struck him. But +what happened to me? I don’t recall +that anybody hit me. I did hear sort +of a peculiar sound just before I started +to pass out, but––”</p> +<p>“Teuxical took a shot at you,” said +Steinholt, “and you have been unconscious +for over thirty-six hours.”</p> +<p>“Took a shot at me!” exclaimed +Dirk. “What did he shoot me with?”</p> +<p>“That is what we all would like to +know,” said Steinholt. “He leveled +one of those damn tubes at you and +pressed a button on it. There was a +hissing sound, a flash of light, and you +got groggy, and went out. He potted +Zitlan, too,” continued Steinholt, “and +he apologized for the trouble that his +son was responsible for. Do you +know,” he added, “I sort of like the +old man.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Lazarre</span>, with a sympathetic +smile on his face, entered the +room at that moment and overheard +the conversation.</p> +<p>“Old man is right,” he remarked, +with a little note of awe in his voice. +“Teuxical admits that he is three thousand +years old and that he has at least +two thousand more ahead of him. That +Lodore must be a queer world,” he +commented, shaking his grizzly head.</p> +<p>“It is not so queer when you take +everything into consideration,” said +Steinholt. “It seems quite natural +when Teuxical explains it. Lodore it +seems, is something like a hundred +thousand times as big as this miniature +world we live on. It took Lodore +infinitely longer to solidify from a gaseous +state than it took this world, and +its entire evolution has been relatively +slower than ours. Therefore, according +to Teuxical, the people up there +live longer and, incidentally, know infinitely +more than we do.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">W</span><span class="dcap">hat</span> time is it now?” asked +Dirk, after a moment of +thought.</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_406' name='page_406'></a>406</span></div> +<p>“It is just about twelve o’clock at +night,” Steinholt informed him.</p> +<p>“Have these Lodorians made any demands +yet?” Dirk asked. “Does anybody +know what they are going to do +or what they want?”</p> +<p>“They are liable to do almost anything,” +said Lazarre, “and it looks as +though they will be able to get anything +that they want. Teuxical, as I +understand it, just gave you a slight +shock with his death-ray device. If +he had pulled the trigger all the way +you would have become just a little +pile of dust that the first breeze would +have blown away.”</p> +<p>“Our own death-rays are somewhat +similar,” said Steinholt, “but they are +not a hundredth as powerful. And +they won’t work on the Lodorians, +either,” he added, “because those metal +sheaths that they wear make them immune +to all kinds of destructive rays.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">I</span><span class="dcap">t</span> appears,” remarked Lazarre morosely, +“as if this little world of +ours is going to be taken for a ride. +And it’s too bad, considering that it’s +the only world we’ve got. There has +been no formal presentation of demands +yet, but it seems to be sort of +understood that the earth is going to +become a tributary of Lodore. It is a +good thing,” he added, “that Teuxical, +and not Zitlan, is the boss of that outfit. +I don’t like the looks of that +young fellow. He’s only twelve hundred +years old and he is sort of hot-blooded, +I guess.”</p> +<p>“I was talking with Anteucan,” said +Steinholt, “and he told me that the +Lodorians usually make heavy levies +on worlds which they discover and +dominate. As soon as Teuxical returns +to Lodore and announces a new discovery +a fleet of those damned monsters +is sent out to mop up the new planet. +That Malfero, who is the emperor of +Lodore, is considerable of a monarch, +and it seems that he has a passion for +piling up wealth. Gold and platinum +are as precious on Lodore as they are +here and he also likes pretty stones.”</p> +<p>“And what is worse,” added Steinholt, +“is his practice of enslaving entire +populations and making toilers or +warriors out of them. Those soldiers +on the ship are not Lodorians. Millions +of them were seized on some +planet and converted into troops. It +was a strange conversion, too,” said +Steinholt with a shudder. “Their +brains were operated on and most of +their faculties removed. They have no +sense of fear, no consciences, no power +of reasoning. They respond only to +certain signals on a whistle and their +only definite and active impulse is that +of murder and destruction.”</p> +<p>“There is nothing to do,” said Dirk +positively, “but to kill all of these interlopers, +if we hope to save our world +from being desolated.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> three men looked at each other +in silence for a moment and then +Dirk, somewhat weakly, rose into a +sitting position in the bed which he +had been occupying.</p> +<p>“But how,” asked Steinholt, “can we +kill them? We might, of course, get +rid of a few of them, but that simply +would lead to our destruction by those +who were left.”</p> +<p>“There must be some way,” asserted +Dirk, “and it is up to us to think of +it without delay. If we let those +Lodorians get a foothold on the world +all will be lost.”</p> +<p>“The old man seems to be reasonable +enough,” said Lazarre. “He doesn’t +seem inclined to be destructive.”</p> +<p>“We must not trust him or any of +the others,” said Dirk imperatively. +“We must rid the earth of every one +of them. And the sooner we strike the +better!”</p> +<p>“It had best be soon if it is to be at +all,” said Steinholt. “Fragoni has arranged +to have Teuxical appear before +the Congress, and the meeting has been +called for to-night when, I imagine, +certain specific demands will be made +upon us. We all will go to The Hague +together on the ship of the Lodorians.”</p> +<p>“And we leave?” questioned Dirk.</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_407' name='page_407'></a>407</span></div> +<p>“The meeting is set for ten P. M., +New York time,” said Lazarre. “We +will start east at about four o’clock in +the morning, I guess, because it will +only take a minute or so to arrive at +our destination.”</p> +<p>“Is Fragoni going?” asked Dirk.</p> +<p>“Naturally,” replied Lazarre.</p> +<p>“And Inga?”</p> +<p>“I believe so,” Lazarre told him. +“Fragoni was both afraid to take her +and to leave her behind, but finally he +decided that he wanted her with him in +case of trouble.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">A</span><span class="dcap">nd</span> are they––the Lodorians––still +here?” queried Dirk.</p> +<p>“Yes,” responded Lazarre. “Teuxical +returned to his ship last night with +Zitlan and his other followers, but they +came back late this afternoon, and they +are still here. Zitlan seemed to be all +right this afternoon, too. They must +have used some means of bringing him +out of the daze that he was in. We +did everything we could to revive you, +but none of our measures were effective.”</p> +<p>“I’m all right now,” asserted Dirk, +as he finished attiring himself. “I want +to see Fragoni at once.”</p> +<p>“We’ll go out on the terrace then,” +said Steinholt. “They are all out +there.”</p> +<p>Dirk, with his two companions, +strolled out through the maze of rooms +and corridors that led to the garden +which hung so high above the city and +the Sound below it.</p> +<p>The first thing that Dirk saw, when +he passed out onto the terrace, was the +white tunic of Inga, who was leaning +against a coping and talking with +Zitlan.</p> +<p>The latter was pointing skyward and, +very apparently, he was telling her of +worlds which circled high among the +stars.</p> +<p>As if she were suddenly aware of his +presence, Inga turned and saw Dirk +and he realized, by the expression on +her face, that she was distraught and +nervous. She came toward him quickly, +after a few words to Zitlan, and the +face of the latter darkened. There was +hatred in his expression as he stared +malevolently at Dirk.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Steinholt</span> and Lazarre passed +along and joined Fragoni and +Teuxical, who were the center of a +group that had formed in another part +of the terrace.</p> +<p>“Oh, Dirk,” said Inga, “I am so +afraid of that frightful Zitlan. He has +been telling me again that he is going +to take me back to his own world with +him and it makes me shudder to think +of it. He is so strange and queer and +his eyes are so terrible. He can’t be as +young as he looks, because he speaks +of years like we speak of minutes. I +will die if I ever find myself in that +monster’s power! He has been telling +me of all the creatures he has slain on +the worlds on which he has landed, and +I tell you, Dirk, that he is cruel and +ruthless and horrible.”</p> +<p>“He will never have you!” swore +Dirk. “And if I hear of any more of +his insolence, I will throw him headlong +from this terrace.”</p> +<p>“Please, Dirk,” she begged, “don’t +do anything––not yet. He is utterly +unscrupulous, Dirk. He told me that, +even now, he is plotting against some +Malfero who rules Lodore like a god, +and that he is planning to seize the +throne of the planet. He wants to make +me the queen of that fearful world +when he becomes king. He boasted +that, if I were on the throne, millions +of people from other worlds would be +sacrificed in my honor in the temples +of Lodore.” Her voice trembled and +her eyes were terror-stricken as she +continued. “They tear out the hearts +of living victims,” she whispered, “and +burn them on their high and mammoth +pyramids.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Rage</span> took possession of Dirk and, +casting a glance at Zitlan, he saw +that the Lodorian was smiling insolently +at him.</p> +<p>“I’ll kill that beast, if it’s the last +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_408' name='page_408'></a>408</span> +thing that I do!” he exclaimed to Inga.</p> +<p>“Dirk, Dirk,” she implored, “don’t +even look at him. He is proud and impetuous, +and he will kill you in defiance +of his own father.”</p> +<p>“We will find some way to rid the +world of the scourge that has descended +upon it,” asserted Dirk confidently, +“and he will die with the rest of that +monstrous crew.”</p> +<p>“I am going in, Dirk,” Inga said. +“Please,” she begged, “don’t do anything +rash. If––something––should +happen to you, I would lose all the +hope that I have and I would, I think, +kill myself.”</p> +<p>“Don’t lose hope, my dear,” said Dirk +reassuringly. “I believe that I know +of a way to destroy the plague that +menaces us.”</p> +<p>He pressed her hand and, after she +left him, he walked over and joined +the other men on the terrace. Zitlan, +coming from the terrace wall, stretched +out in a chair not far from Dirk.</p> +<p>Teuxical regarded the latter with +a countenance that was calm and +amicable. “I am sorry, my young +friend,” he apologized, “that I had to +intervene between you and my son.” +He paused a moment and sat in silence, +a thoughtful expression on his face. +“Ah,” he then said, “what disasters +have arisen out of the desire of men +for women. In my wanderings over +the starlit worlds, I have seen....” He +ceased speaking, brooded for a moment, +and then shook his head slowly. +“But you cannot say that I was not +just,” he continued, addressing Dirk. +“I punished Zitlan for his presumption. +Fragoni tells me that the woman +has pledged herself to you. Let her +pledge be kept!” he exclaimed sternly, +looking straight at Zitlan.</p> +<p>“We are the conquerors,” asserted +the latter boldly, “and to us should belong +the spoils of our daring!”</p> +<p>“Silence!” thundered Teuxical. “My +own son, above all others, shall be +obedient to my commands! Or, like +others have done, he shall die because +of insubordination!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Zitlan</span>, a defiant expression on +his face, ceased to speak, but Dirk +could see that he was livid with suppressed +rage.</p> +<p>“As I was saying,” Teuxical remarked, +turning to Fragoni, “I am getting +old and long have I been weary +of conquest. I have seen your world +and it pleases me. It is a tiny and +peaceful place, far removed from the +strife and turbulence of the restless +centers of the universe. So it is my +will to leave you unscathed and return +to Lodore for a brief time to ask of the +mighty Malfero the grant of this little +provincial land. And then, with his +permission, I will return here and rule +it with wisdom and benevolence.</p> +<p>“I will bring to you much knowledge, +and peace will be to the people of this +earth and peace will be to me.”</p> +<p>“It is well,” replied Fragoni. “No +world, I am certain, could hope for a +wiser and more just ruler than yourself, +and our Congress surely will receive +you with acclaim.”</p> +<p>Teuxical bowed in recognition of the +compliment, and his countenance indicated +that he was gratified.</p> +<p>“We will go, now, back to our vessel,” +he said, addressing the other +Lodorians. “We will return for you +at the appointed hour and conduct you +to our ship,” he added, speaking to +Fragoni.</p> +<p>“We will be ready,” Fragoni replied.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Zitlan</span> had arisen with the rest of +them and Dirk, with a look of +contempt and amusement in his eyes, +regarded him casually.</p> +<p>“May I have the honor of conducting +our guests back to their ship in a +plane?” Stanton requested of Fragoni.</p> +<p>The latter nodded and Stanton +walked across the terrace in the direction +of the landing stage.</p> +<p>Zitlan, as he followed after the +others, passed close to Dirk and, pausing +for a moment, fixed his hateful eyes +on him.</p> +<p>“You dog,” he whispered malignantly, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_409' name='page_409'></a>409</span> +“remember what I tell you! The +time will come when I will cast you +to the carnaphlocti in the dark and icy +caverns of sunless Tiganda. You will +die,” he swore, “the death of a million +agonies!”</p> +<p>For a moment Dirk felt an almost irresistible +impulse to hurl himself on +the Lodorian and slay him.</p> +<p>He managed to maintain his control, +however, and only regarded Zitlan with +disdain as the latter turned and went +on his way.</p> +<p>In another moment the plane, containing +Stanton and the Lodorians, was +high up in the darkness.</p> +<p>Dirk glanced at the great clock that +gleamed atop of the beacon-tower on +the Metropole Landing Field.</p> +<p>The hour was close to twelve-thirty +A. M.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">A moment</span> of silence on the terrace +followed the departure of +the plane that bore the Lodorians back +to their craft.</p> +<p>For an hour the clouds had been +gathering in the sky and now a fine, +cold rain commenced to fall.</p> +<p>A peal of thunder echoed above them +after a sharp flash of lightning had +streaked across the black night above +them.</p> +<p>A servant appeared from the entrance +to the apartment and pressed a +button close to the door.</p> +<p>Protective plates of glass noiselessly +enveloped the terrace, sheltering those +upon it from the inclement weather.</p> +<p>“It is well,” remarked Fragoni, +breaking the silence, “that we were +found by a leader like Teuxical. Our +tribute will not be unbearable, and he +will bestow many benefits upon us.”</p> +<p>“But surely,” protested Dirk, “you +do not intend to surrender without a +struggle! Nothing but disaster,” he +asserted earnestly, “will come upon the +earth if you do. Teuxical may be +honest and just but, after all, he +neither is immortal nor all-powerful, +and something may happen to him at +any moment. And there are those like +Zitlan who would turn the world over +to ravage and rape, and then convert it +into a blazing pyre, if they had their +way. These vandals,” he insisted, +“must be slain one and all, or, mark +my words, our world will be laid +waste.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Dirk</span> spoke with such a sense of +conviction that his words held +his listeners spellbound.</p> +<p>“Who is Teuxical,” he asked, “but +the vassal of a monarch whose corsairs, +very apparently, are carrying on a war +of conquest in the universe? It will +be disastrous, I say, to place any dependence +in the good will of this one +Lodorian. If he, or any of his men, return +to that far-off planet where they +dwell word will be carried there of the +existence of our world. But who can +say that Teuxical ever will return here +again? It may be the whim of his +ruler to refuse his request, or any one +of a thousand other events might arise +to thwart his desire to live among us. +No,” concluded Dirk passionately, “it +never will do to let that great engine +of destruction rise into the skies +again!”</p> +<p>“He is right!” asserted Steinholt +positively. “It will be far better to +annihilate these raiders, if such a thing +can be accomplished!”</p> +<p>Lazarre was rather inclined to take +sides with Fragoni.</p> +<p>“But how,” he demanded, “can such +destruction be brought about? We +know nothing of the capabilities of +that monster that is lying down there +in the Sound. It is undoubtedly +equipped with the deadliest of devices +and they all will be turned upon us if +we fail in an effort to destroy the thing +and those who have come from space +upon it. If there was a way to smite +them suddenly, to bring death to the +Lodorians and to those swarming, +mindless, murderous minions who act +in obedience to them, I would favor +doing it.</p> +<p>“But, as it is,” he concluded, “it +seems like inviting disaster even to +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_410' name='page_410'></a>410</span> +think of such an attempt, much less to +try it.”</p> +<p>“It can be done, though,” asserted +Dirk, “or there is at least a fighting +chance of accomplishing it. The electrosceotan––” +He paused, and looked +questioningly at Steinholt. “The top +of that monster is open and....”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> Teuton furrowed his brow +and considered the proposition for +a moment.</p> +<p>“Yes,” he said, nodding his head, “it +might be done.” Again he silently +gave the subject his thought. “It is +well worth trying,” he asserted with an +air of decision. “But we will have to +make haste,” he warned, “if the thing +is to be done before the flight to The +Hague.”</p> +<p>“So be it,” said Fragoni. “We will +apply ourselves to the task at hand. I, +too,” he confessed, “had rather see +these vandals destroyed like so much +vermin rather than have them carry the +news of the existence of this earth +back into those strange worlds in the +depth of space. I will only regret the +passing of Teuxical, who could have +taught us much wisdom. And now,” he +continued briskly, “I will place myself +under your orders, Dirk. You are the +one who suggested this plan and upon +you will fall the responsibility of +executing it. And, if it succeeds,” he +added, “the glory will be yours.”</p> +<p>“I care little for the glory,” replied +Dirk, “but I gladly accept the duties +and the responsibilities. These,” he +said to Fragoni, “are my instructions +to you. Inasmuch as Teuxical and his +captains will return here at about four +o’clock in the morning to convey us +back to their craft, it will be necessary +to have this building emptied of +its inhabitants by that time. Let all +of those who dwell here depart from it, +a few at a time, so as not to excite +suspicion. Inga, above all others, must +leave and retreat to a place of safety. +Then, as the hour approaches for the +arrival of the Lodorians, we will escape +by plane from one of the rear terraces. +They will land in search of us and––well, +then they will feel the force of +our power.”</p> +<p>“I will follow your orders explicitly,” +promised Fragoni. “I wonder,” he +added, “where Stanton is? He should +be advised of what we are going to +attempt.”</p> +<p>“He will return in due time,” replied +Dirk. “And, if not, it will be the +worse for him. Lazarre will remain +here with you,” he then told Fragoni, +“and Steinholt and I will now go about +our part of the task at hand.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Dirk</span>, followed by Steinholt, hurried +across the terrace and, leaving +the shelter of its quartzite plates, +sought the landing stage.</p> +<p>The rain still was falling and the +heavens were congested with dark and +heavy clouds.</p> +<p>Dirk, selecting one of the smaller +planes, entered the cabin and Steinholt, +following after him, closed the +door and threw on the lights.</p> +<p>Swiftly they shot straight up into +the air, Dirk ignoring all of the rules +of flight in his haste to be under way. +Once in the westbound lane, he +headed his plane toward Manhattan +and threw his rheostat wide open. In +a few minutes they were skimming +over the great city and past the three-thousand-foot +steel tower of the +Worldwide Broadcasting Station.</p> +<p>For fifteen minutes more he kept the +plane on a straight course and then, +bringing it to a quick stop, he let it +drop like a plummet toward the earth.</p> +<p>It landed, among many other planes, +on the transparent, quartzite roof of a +vast building and, looking down into +the interior, they could see several +rows of great dynamos. Some of them +were turning, and the humming that +they made could be heard plainly.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Dirk</span> and Steinholt ran rapidly +across the roof until they came +to a superstructure, which they entered. +There was a shaft inside. Dirk +pressed a button, and an elevator shot +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_411' name='page_411'></a>411</span> +up and stopped at the door, which +automatically flashed open.</p> +<p>He closed it after he and his companion +had entered the cage and, dropping +rapidly downward, they came to +a stop in a lighted chamber that was +far below the surface of the ground.</p> +<p>A stoop-shouldered old man greeted +them, an expression of surprise on his +face.</p> +<p>“Gentlemen!” he exclaimed. “What +is––”</p> +<p>“Power, Gaeble!” commanded Steinholt +tensely. “Power! Let every +dynamo run its swiftest. To-night we +have to use for the electrosceotan!”</p> +<p>“But I thought it was peace that +those from the stars desired,” said the +old electrician. “Through my radiovisor +I heard––”</p> +<p>“That was sent out,” explained Steinholt, +“to relieve the fears of the people +and to keep them in order.”</p> +<p>Swiftly the distorted figure of the +old man sped to a great switchboard, +where he pressed button after button.</p> +<p>The very ground commenced to vibrate +around them and the massive +structure seemed to be alive with +straining power.</p> +<p>Then Steinholt, going to a corner of +the intricate board, adjusted a few +levers, while his gnomelike companion +watched him carefully.</p> +<p>“And now, Gaeble,” the scientist said +impressively, “these are your orders. +At precisely the hour of four o’clock +in the morning make one connection +with this switch.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">He</span> indicated, with a stubby finger, +the lever to be operated.</p> +<p>“Keep the circuit closed for just +four seconds,” he added slowly, “and +then break it. Do you understand, +Gaeble?” he demanded.</p> +<p>“I do,” replied the old man.</p> +<p>“Then,” continued Steinholt, “after +you break that connection you quickly +will close this next circuit. Keep it +closed for four seconds and then, after +opening it for one second, close it +again for four seconds. Repeat the +procedure twice more, Gaeble, after +that, and then await my further instructions. +Is everything clear?” he +asked.</p> +<p>“It is, sir,” the old man replied. “I +will follow your orders implicitly.”</p> +<p>“There is one thing more,” Steinholt +said. “Get the Worldwide Tower on +the televisor and warn them of what is +to happen.”</p> +<p>“I will do that immediately,” Gaeble +replied.</p> +<p>Dirk and Steinholt shot up to the +roof again and the building over which +they walked seemed to be quivering +with life.</p> +<p>They could see that all of the mammoth +dynamos beneath them were revolving +and the humming which they +had heard before had changed into an +ugly, vibrant roar.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Again</span> they took flight and, reaching +Manhattan, they continued +north and east to the shore of Long +Island Sound.</p> +<p>Long before the old East River had +been filled in and the space which it +had occupied reclaimed for building +purposes. All indications of its former +bed had been obliterated by mammoth +terraced structures.</p> +<p>When they reached their destination +on the shore of the Sound a small submarine, +which Dirk had ordered by +radio, was awaiting them.</p> +<p>“Submerge and proceed up the +Sound,” Dirk ordered the officer, “and +take us directly under the craft of the +Lodorians.”</p> +<p>In a few minutes they were skimming +over the surface of the water and, +when a sufficient depth had been +gained, the tiny boat disappeared beneath +the rain-rippled sea.</p> +<p>Dirk sat at a port and watched the +aquatic life as it was illuminated by +the powerful aquamarine searchlights.</p> +<p>Progress under the water was comparatively +slow, as mankind had made +but little progress in underwater navigation. +Air liners long before had almost +superseded travel by land and sea +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_412' name='page_412'></a>412</span> +and the abolition of warfare had swept +all of the old navies from the ocean.</p> +<p>It was more than an hour before the +officer in charge of the boat announced +that the mammoth hull of the monster +that was lying on the Sound was +visible directly above them.</p> +<p>Both Dirk and Steinholt donned +diving apparatus, and the former carefully +adjusted the mechanism that was +contained in a metallic box about two +feet square.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Then</span> they stepped up into a +chamber in the conning tower of +the boat and, after a door slipped shut +beneath them, water slowly commenced +to pour into the compartment.</p> +<p>When it was full a sliding door that +was in front of them slowly opened +and they passed out onto the deck of +the underwater craft.</p> +<p>Steinholt had been provided with +some welding apparatus and, in a few +minutes, the box which Dirk had carried +was attached securely to the bottom +of the craft of the Lodorians.</p> +<p>They then reentered the submarine +by reversing the process which had +attended their exit. Very soon they +were in the cabin of the boat again.</p> +<p>“If everything goes well,” said +Dirk, “those damned Lodorians will +never know what struck them.”</p> +<p>“I only hope,” said Steinholt, “that +we don’t destroy that leviathan altogether. +We might solve the secret of +it and then we, too, could ride out into +the heart of the universe.”</p> +<p>“It is impossible to imagine what +will happen,” Dirk replied, “until after +we launch our attack.”</p> +<p>Both of the men were silent during +the return trip of the small undersea +craft, which emerged at its dock a little +before three-thirty in the morning.</p> +<p>“We’ll have to hurry,” urged Dirk +nervously, “because we will need a little +time to make preparations after we +get back to Fragoni’s.”</p> +<p>They entered their plane and Dirk +shot it swiftly up into the night, following +the red shaft of light that rose +almost directly from the point at which +they had made their landing.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Then</span>, having reached the eastbound +level, he headed straight in +the direction of the palace of Fragoni.</p> +<p>Dirk cast a glance at the great city +that lay far beneath him. High up into +the heavens it tossed the <a name='TC_37'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'fulgerant'">fulgurant</ins> fires +that betokened its wealth and power. +And, down among those myriad lights, +millions and millions of people were +restless under the danger that menaced +them. It was only a matter of moments +now before their fate, and the +fate of their great metropolis, would +be decided. By dawn they would be +free forever from the threat of subjugation +and slavery or else they, and +all that they had toiled and striven for, +would be the veriest dust of dying +embers.</p> +<p>And whatever befell them likewise +would befall the rest of the world and +every living thing that moved upon it.</p> +<p>Dirk was high above Fragoni’s when +he stopped the forward flight of the +plane and, dropping it rapidly through +the misty night, brought up easily on +the landing stage. The other planes +which had been there when he and +Steinholt had taken their departure +were gone and Dirk felt a sense of relief +when he observed this. Inga, then, +must have departed with the other occupants +of the colossal structure. +Things were going according to the +plan that he had conceived. He stepped +out of the cabin, followed by Steinholt, +and proceeded hastily along the terrace +and turned the corner into the garden.</p> +<p>Then he came to an abrupt halt because +there, before him, was Zitlan, +with one of the deadly ray-tubes of the +Lodorians in his <a name='TC_49'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'head'">hand</ins>.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Dirk</span> knew immediately that something +unexpected had happened +and that he was in the power of one +who not only hated him but who had +an unholy desire for Inga.</p> +<p>He realized, too, that any show of +resistance would be nothing short of +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_413' name='page_413'></a>413</span> +suicide, for he was well aware of the +deadliness of the strange weapon with +which he and Steinholt were being +menaced by the gloating Lodorian.</p> +<p>“One false move and you die!” +warned Zitlan. “Come forward, now, +and join those two others over whom +Anteucan and Huazibar are watching.”</p> +<p>Dirk and Steinholt promptly obeyed +the command of Zitlan and walked +over to where Fragoni and <a name='TC_38'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'Lizarre'">Lazarre</ins> +were being guarded by two of the conquerors.</p> +<p>The rain had ceased to fall, but the +skies were dark and overcast with +heavy clouds. There was an occasional +flash of lightning, and thunder rolled +and echoed through the night.</p> +<p>The terrace, however, was brightly +illuminated and every detail of the +scene around him was visible to Dirk.</p> +<p>He saw Stanton, on another part of +the terrace, standing among some +Lodorians he had not seen before. +Stanton, apparently, was not being +treated as a prisoner and Dirk wondered, +rather vaguely, why this was.</p> +<p>“What happened?” Dirk asked +Fragoni quietly.</p> +<p>“According to what I have heard,” +the latter replied, “Zitlan murdered his +father in a fit of rage, and has taken +over the command of the ship. Many +of the Lodorians are his adherents and +even those who do not favor him are +so terrified that they will be obedient +to his wishes.”</p> +<p>“And <a name='TC_39'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'Igna'">Inga</ins>?” questioned Dirk.</p> +<p>“She is inside the apartment,” said +Fragoni, a note of desperation in his +voice. “Zitlan surprised us completely +and he and his men had us covered before we +realized that Teuxical was not +among them.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Zitlan</span>, in the meantime, had entered +the suite of Fragoni and he +now came out, Inga walking before +him.</p> +<p>She was silent and proudly erect but +there was a pallor in her face that indicated +her realization of the danger +that she was threatened with.</p> +<p>When Dirk saw her she gave him a +brave smile, which he answered with a +glance of reassurance.</p> +<p>He could see the great clock in +the Metropole Tower, and he noticed, +with a feeling of grave apprehension, +that it was twenty minutes to four +o’clock.</p> +<p>There were only a few minutes more +in which to make a desperate and apparently +a hopeless effort to save Inga, +his friends and himself from a catastrophe +which he had been instrumental +in contriving.</p> +<p>Then Zitlan stood before him, +haughty and arrogant, his lowering +countenance ugly with hatred.</p> +<p>“So, dog,” he said, “you who dared +to defy Zitlan now stand before him +a captive!”</p> +<p>Neither Dirk nor any one of the +three others who were guarded with +him replied to the utterance.</p> +<p>“You and that woman of yours,” continued +the Lodorian insolently, “both +are my prisoners to do with as I please. +Your fate,” he continued, “I already +have planned for you and I assure you +that it will not be as pleasurable as +the one to which she is destined. You +will find that Tigana, on which you and +those with you will be cast, is a world +of terror such as you never could +dream of. Even the monsters which +crawl through the deliriums of the +mind are not as horrible as those which +infest the mad and haunted world of +which I speak.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">He</span> paused a moment, a cruel smile +on his face, as if he wished the +full import of his words to sear themselves +into the minds of the doomed +men.</p> +<p>“But the woman,” he added, “will return +to Lodore with me and be the +queen of all women. And soon,” he +said savagely, “she may be queen of all +Lodore, of the worlds which pay +tribute to Lodore, and of other worlds +which I will conquer and ravage. My +father stood in my way and he died at +my own hands. So will others perish +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_414' name='page_414'></a>414</span> +who thwart my ambition, and I will become +supreme in the universe!”</p> +<p>A feeling of reckless fury possessed +Dirk as he listened to the words of +Zitlan and he felt an almost irresistible +desire to drive a fist square between +the mad, glittering eyes of the +Lodorian.</p> +<p>He glanced at the great clock, however, +and he saw that the time to act +had not yet come. At the last moment +he would make one desperate attempt +to frustrate the evil designs of Zitlan. +If it failed––well, all would be lost. +But it was a far better thing to die resisting +the despicable Zitlan and his +minions than it would be to live and +to know that, without a struggle, he +had abandoned to degradation the girl +he loved.</p> +<p>“This world of yours will be my +world,” he heard Zitlan boast, “and the +spoils from it will add to my riches. +This one here,” he continued, indicating +Stanton, “has offered to show me +where all of the treasures of the earth +may be found. And, as a reward, he +will return to Lodore with me and +there be elevated to a high position.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">That</span>, then, was why Stanton was +not under guard like the rest of +them.</p> +<p>“Our good friend, Stanton,” said +Lazarre, “seems to have become something +of a Judas.”</p> +<p>“And let his name be forever cursed, +like the name of Judas,” said Dirk.</p> +<p>“Silence!” thundered the Lodorian. +“I, Zitlan, am speaking.” He paused +a moment. “When I garner up the +treasures of this world in the way of +precious stones and metals I also shall +gather more priceless loot in the way +of women. And then, having taken all +that I desire, I will lay waste to this +earth so that those who survive will +fear the name of Zitlan and will grovel +before him like a god when once again +he appears to them.”</p> +<p>While Zitlan had been speaking, +Dirk had been studying the opponents +with whom he soon had to clash.</p> +<p>The two Lodorians who were standing +guard over himself and his companions +were close to his left side. +Zitlan was directly in front of him, +and there were seven of his minions +clustered behind him.</p> +<p>Again Dirk glanced at the great +dial of the clock, and he saw that it was +seven minutes of four.</p> +<p>The moment had come to act if action +was to prove of any avail.</p> +<p>“I will––”</p> +<p>But the words of Zitlan were interrupted +by Dirk, who suddenly made a +mighty sweep with his left arm and +knocked the deadly tubes from the +hands of Anteucan and Huazibar. +Startled by the assault, they went reeling +backward. At almost the same +instant Dirk leaped forward and, seizing +Zitlan, hurled him among those +Lodorians who had been massed behind +him. Then he threw himself violently +into the tangled mass, his fists driving +in and out with deadly strength!</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Out</span> of the corner of one eye he saw +Inga pass the melee and dart +swiftly to the corner of the terrace. +Instead of passing around to the landing +stage, however, she lingered there +and watched the combat.</p> +<p>Dirk, as he fought, became conscious +that Steinholt and Fragoni were at his +side, battling with him against his +enemies. He saw, too, that Stanton had +retired to the far end of the terrace +and that he was watching the struggle +with frightened eyes.</p> +<p>“We must reach the plane and get +away,” gasped Dirk. “In another three +minutes––”</p> +<p>He felled a Lodorian who, having +lost his tube, was about to grapple with +him. He saw Steinholt send another +one of their opponents reeling backward.</p> +<p>“Fragoni!” he exclaimed. “The +plane! Get in with Inga! We will +come!”</p> +<p>Even as he spoke his fists were +flailing back and forth between each +one of his <a name='TC_40'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'stacatto'">staccato</ins> commands.</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_415' name='page_415'></a>415</span></div> +<p>He saw beneath him a hand reaching +toward a tube, and he kicked the instrument +of death. It hurtled over in +the direction of Stanton and landed +close to his feet. Stanton might have +picked it up and been in possession of +the means of aiding his old friends or +his new allies. But he shrunk away, +panic-stricken, from the thing that lay +so close to his reach.</p> +<p>A Lodorian leaped upon Dirk’s back +in an effort to bring him to the ground, +but he stooped swiftly forward and his +assailant was catapulted over his head +into those who were in front of him.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">He</span> caught a flash of the contorted +face of Zitlan flying through the +air, and saw him land with a crash on +the terrace, and lie there writhing in +pain.</p> +<p>“Steinholt, Lazarre!” he said convulsively. +“We’ve got to strike once +more! And then––run!”</p> +<p>He plunged into their enemies with +every bit of energy that he had left, +and saw two of them toppling down. +Then, like a flash, he turned to Lazarre, +who was trying to fight off three of the +Lodorians. Seizing one of them by the +waist, Dirk hurled him backward and +he disposed of another one in the same +manner. His sheer desperation seemed +to have given him unbounded strength +and power.</p> +<p>Lazarre sent his third opponent +down with a blow under the chin and +then, with Dirk at his side, they turned +to the assistance of Steinholt.</p> +<p>With one mad rush they crashed into +a group of Lodorians and sent them +reeling away like so many nine-pins.</p> +<p>“Now! To the plane!” exclaimed +Dirk, taking to his heels across the terrace. +Steinholt and Lazarre followed +after him and, turning the corner, they +saw that the ship was in place and that +Fragoni was anxiously waiting by the +door of the cabin. Inga, Dirk knew, +already was inside and safe. He stood +aside while Steinholt and Lazarre +leaped in. During the momentary wait +he caught a glimpse of the great clock. +It was one minute to four. Dirk jumping +into the plane and switched on the +helicopter without even waiting to +close the cabin door.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">The</span> ship shot skyward like a +rocket. When it reached an altitude +of thirty-five hundred feet, he +turned it north and raced at top speed +in that direction.</p> +<p>It was miles away from the palace of +Fragoni in less than thirty seconds. +Dirk then stopped the plane and held +it poised in the air with the helicopter.</p> +<p>The skies were turgid and black and +the massed clouds, reflecting the lights +of the great city below them, were +permeated with an ugly, feverish, red +glow.</p> +<p>From where they were hanging in +midair, the occupants of the plane +could plainly see the sparkling palace +of Fragoni towering high up into the +darkness of the night.</p> +<p>The lights of the magnificent mansion +were reflected far out into the +Sound where, looming in the golden +ripples, lay the sinister monster from +the terrible depths of unfathomable +space.</p> +<p>Dirk took a watch from his pocket +and, after glancing at it, he hastily replaced +it.</p> +<p>“Two seconds more,” he said, +“and––”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">A sharp</span> and dazzling bolt of +greenish fire came hurling suddenly +out of the west and, with a +thunderous concussion, seemed to +fasten itself on the crest of Fragoni’s +palace.</p> +<p>It trembled and quivered, as if endowed +with some uncanny life and +power, as it remained there against the +darkness, throwing a weird, green tinge +over the water and up into the skies.</p> +<p>Blue waves of light could be seen +pulsing and racing along the terrible +beam and there, where it had fastened +itself, they seemed to disappear in the +vast and crumbling structure.</p> +<p>For four seconds that destructive +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_416' name='page_416'></a>416</span> +streak of light, one end of which was +lost back in the mists that concealed +Manhattan, tore at the proud pile.</p> +<p>And, as the stone crumbled and the +steelite fused under the mighty assault, +an ominous roar swept through +the night. The air was so violently +agitated that the plane, miles away, +tossed up and down like a tiny boat on +a stormy sea.</p> +<p>Then suddenly the bolt was gone, +but its livid image still burned in the +eyes of those who had been watching +it.</p> +<p>Once more, it came hurling out of +the west and, like the fang of some +great and deadly serpent, darted into +the monster that lay in the waters of +the Sound.</p> +<p>Dirk and his companions could see +plainly, by the light of the bolt itself, +that it had crashed into the well from +which the Lodorians first had appeared, +and that it was beating and hammering +its way into the very vitals of the craft.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Dazzling</span>, blinding fire seemed +to pour from the aperture +through which the bolt had passed. +The clamor that arose was deafening.</p> +<p>Then again the streak of fires was +withdrawn, leaving the night intensely +black until, in a moment more, it came +thundering out of the west again and, +with an impact that made the land and +the sea and the very heavens tremble, +hurled its way into the depths of the +doomed leviathan.</p> +<p>Twice again it fell, a fiery scimitar +out of the darkness, and twice again +it careened at the vitals of the stricken +monster.</p> +<p>Then, after the assault was over, the +ship still floated on the surface of the +Sound and its shell, as far as Dirk and +the others could judge, still was unscathed.</p> +<p>“We will soon know our fate,” remarked +Steinholt calmly. “If that +didn’t kill those beasts we might as +well give up our ghosts.”</p> +<p>“I’ll drop the plane a little lower and +a little nearer to the ship,” said Dirk. +“I don’t believe that any life is surviving +in that thing.”</p> +<p>“My beautiful palace is nothing but +dust,” sighed Fragoni, mournfully. +“And all my beautiful treasures, too.”</p> +<p>“And that beautiful Zitlan,” Lazarre +reminded him, “and his beautiful boy +friends, they are all dust too, thank +God!”</p> +<p>“It was a queer fate that Stanton +met,” suggested Dirk. “He thought +that he would save his life by going +over to our enemies, and, instead of +that, he lost it.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcapq'><small>“</small><span class="drop">P</span><span class="dcap">oor</span> Stanton,” said Steinholt. +“He was born that way, I suppose, +and I, for one, am ready to forgive +and forget him. And now,” continued +the Teuton, “I hope that we +didn’t do too much damage to that little +boat of the Lodorians. If we could +get just a little peep at the inside of +it we might learn the secret of its contrivance. +And then, my friends, we +could do a little journeying ourselves.”</p> +<p>“Have you any theory regarding it?” +asked Fragoni.</p> +<p>“Teuxical intimated that it rode the +magnetic currents which, of course, +flow through all the suns and planets +in the universe,” replied Steinholt. +“We have been working along that line +ourselves, of course, and it probably +won’t be very long anyway before we +have the solution of interplanetary travel.”</p> +<p>“Those Lodorians would have solved +it for us if it hadn’t been for that artificial +lightning,” said Lazarre. “That’s +powerful stuff, Steinholt.”</p> +<p>“Yes, with that three-thousand-foot +Worldwide Tower to hurl it from,” +agreed Steinholt, “we can get fair +range with it. If the Lodorians hadn’t +left the well of their ship open, though, +the lightning wouldn’t have done us +much good. I was afraid, too, for a +time, that we might have trouble in +welding that automatic wireless circuit +box to the bottom of the ship.”</p> +<p>Dirk, in the meantime, had brought +the plane down to within a half-mile +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_417' name='page_417'></a>417</span> +of the leviathan, and he was holding +it poised there.</p> +<p>“It seems to me,” he said, after scrutinizing +the monster for a couple of +minutes, “that it is moving in the water. +It is!” he exclaimed. “Steinholt! +Look!”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Only</span> a comparatively short time +had elapsed since the last bolt of +lightning had vanished back into the +darkness.</p> +<p>“It is still rocking with the force +of the shock that we gave it,” asserted +Steinholt. “You would be rocking, too, +if you had been tickled by a bolt like +that one.”</p> +<p>“It is rising, I tell you!” said Dirk. +“The front end of it is slowly getting +higher in the water!”</p> +<p>“You’re right, Dirk,” said Fragoni, +excitement straining his voice. “Look! +It just dropped back into the water!”</p> +<p>Then, as they watched, the movements +of the leviathan became more +and more agitated, until it was churning +up the waves around it like a +wounded and agonized monster of the +sea.</p> +<p>Suddenly the front end tilted upward +and the monster rose clear of the water. +It shot straight up into the air at +a speed so terrific that they could +scarcely follow it.</p> +<p>“It’s gone!” gasped Fragoni. “Those +brainless, mindless automatons must +have survived!”</p> +<p>“No,” remarked Steinholt thoughtfully. +“I don’t believe that there is +any life left on that thing. No one +had closed the well when it rose, and +it would mean death to go out into +space with the ship in that condition.”</p> +<p>“Then what made it go up?” demanded +Lazarre. “Can the damn thing run +itself, Steinholt?”</p> +<p>“I imagine,” recalled the Teuton, +“that our bolts killed every living thing +that was on the craft but that, at the +same time, they set the mechanism of +the monster into action. Ah,” he +moaned, “but that is too bad. We could +have learned much by an examination +of the interior of that liner of the air.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">A cry</span> from Inga startled them and +they saw that she was looking +skyward, with terror in her eyes.</p> +<p>They followed her gaze and there, +streaking through the black clouds, +they saw a long trail of white fire.</p> +<p>“It’s that thing!” exclaimed Fragoni. +“I tell you that those upon it still live +and that they are about to wreak vengeance +upon us.”</p> +<p>“No,” said Steinholt positively. “You +are wrong, Fragoni. What is happening +may be almost as disastrous, +though,” he admitted. “That leviathan +is in its death agonies; it is a +metal monster gone mad, and none can +say what will happen before it expires.”</p> +<p>“The place for us,” asserted Dirk +hurriedly, “is in the Worldwide Tower. +<a name='TC_42'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Removed extra quote">There</ins> we can keep track of what is +transpiring and try to decide what to +do.”</p> +<p>The others agreed with him and, +seeking the westward level of flight, he +sped the plane in the direction of the +mammoth pyramid from which the +news of the world was broadcast.</p> +<p>They reached the vast structure in a +few minutes, and, after dropping the +plane on a landing stage, they went +into the operating room.</p> +<p>Here they learned quickly that the +craft of the Lodorians was doing incalculable +damage, and that it was +throwing the population of the world +into an unprecedented panic.</p> +<p>It was, apparently, following an erratic, +uncertain orbit that took it far +out into space and then back quite +close to the surface of the earth again.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">It</span> had passed through the very heart +of Chicago within a few yards of +the ground, and it had cut and burned +a swath more than a mile wide through +the buildings of that metropolis.</p> +<p>Other cities in America had felt the +devastating effects of its <a name='TC_43'></a><ins class='trchange' title="Was 'irresisible'">irresistible</ins> +and molten heat and, within a short +time, thousands of people had been +slain by it.</p> +<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_418' name='page_418'></a>418</span></div> +<p>Time and again, from the terrace of +the great tower, Dirk and his companions +saw the skies above them light up +as that terrible, blazing, projectile +which, uncontrolled, went hurtling on +its way through the night.</p> +<p>For three hours it careened on its +mad course and hysteria reigned +throughout the cities of the whole +civilized world.</p> +<p>But then a report came from a +rocket-liner that had left Berlin en +route for San Francisco.</p> +<p>“Either a great meteor or that leviathan +of the Lodorians just swept down +past us in mid-Atlantic and plunged +into the sea. Apparently it has exploded, +for it has thrown a great column +of water for miles up into the air. We +are stopping and standing by, although +the heat is intense and clouds of steam +are rising from the sea.”</p> +<p>As the minutes passed by after the +report from the rocket-ship had been +received, the disappearance from the +sky of the flaming craft from space +seemed to confirm the belief that it +had been swallowed by the ocean. This +was accepted as a certainty by eight +o’clock in the morning.</p> +<p>“Ah,” sighed Steinholt, “if only it +had crashed on land somewhere. If +there only was enough of it left for +us to––”</p> +<p>“Enough of any damn contraption of +that kind,” swore Lazarre fervently, “is +altogether too much. I hope, for one, +that its fragments are scattered so far +that we never can put them together +again.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p class='dropcap'><span class="dcap">Dirk</span> and Inga leaned against one +of the parapets that evening on a +gardened terrace of his own great mansion +in Manhattan.</p> +<p>Their little party had gone there +after leaving the Worldwide Tower in +the morning.</p> +<p>After resting during the day, Lazarre +and Fragoni were somewhere together, +discussing the plans for a new +palace to take the place of the one +that was destroyed so that Zitlan and +his minions might die in its ruins.</p> +<p>Steinholt, elsewhere, was delving +into oceanography and submarine engineering, +in an attempt to learn +whether or not it would be feasible to +fish for the remains of the lost ship +of Lodore.</p> +<p>“It seems like a dream, doesn’t it, +Dirk?” the girl remarked. “It is difficult +to believe that we actually have +seen and talked with people from some +far-away world.”</p> +<p>Together they looked up into the +crystalline skies, where mazes of shining +stars gave testimony to the countless +worlds which were wheeling +around them.</p> +<p>“And just to think, Dirk,” Inga continued +proudly, “that it was you who +saved this world and all of its people +from that horrible Zitlan and his +horde.”</p> +<p>“I saved you,” he told her gravely +and tenderly, “and that somehow means +more to me than saving all of this +world and all of the other worlds which +are rolling through the uncharted ways +of time and space.”</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<div class="adbox"> +<p><i>COMING</i>––<br /> +<span class="muchlarger">Murder Madness</span><br /> +<i>An Extraordinary Novel</i><br /> +<br /> +<i>By</i> MURRAY LEINSTER</p> +</div> +<hr class='pb' /> +<div class="trnote"> +<p><b>Transcriber Notes</b></p> +<p>Typographical inconsistencies have been changed and are +listed below.</p> +<p>Hyphenation standardized.</p> +<p>Archaic and variable spelling is preserved.</p> +<p>Authors’ punctuation style is preserved.</p> +<hr class='invis' /> +<p><b>Transcriber Changes</b></p> +<p>The following changes were made to the original text:</p> +<p><a href='#TC_44'>Page 298</a>: Changed <b>work</b> to <b>wreck</b> (wish to know whether anyone has visited the scene of the <b>wreck</b>)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_1'>Page 299</a>: Changed <b>focussed</b> to <b>focused</b> (This means that we have <b>focused</b> or concentrated cold)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_4'>Page 317</a>: Added beginning quotes (Its name-grid glowed with the letters: <b>“<i>Anita Prince.</i>”</b>)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_5'>Page 321</a>: Changed <b>eavesdroopper</b> to <b>eavesdropper</b> (sitting in the smoking room when the <b>eavesdropper</b> fled past)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_7'>Page 321</a>: Changed <b>pressure-cick</b> to <b>pressure-sick</b> (We missed you at breakfast. Not <b>pressure-sick</b>, I hope?)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_9'>Page 323</a>: Changed <b>linquists</b> to <b>linguists</b> (people are by heritage extraordinary <b>linguists</b>)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_10'>Page 324</a>: Added end quote (Did you have Prince’s cabin <b>searched?”</b>)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_11'>Page 328</a>: Changed <b>elipse</b> to <b>ellipse</b> (Blackstone had roughly cast its orbital elements)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_2'>Page 339</a>: Changed <b>focussed</b> to <b>focused</b> (connected its little battery; <b>focused</b> its projector)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_14'>Page 339</a>: Changed <b>syncronized</b> to <b>synchronized</b> (as I crouched in the darkness behind the cylinder-case, I <b>synchronized</b>)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_15'>Page 340</a>: Removed extra quote after leaped (Miko doubtless saw it, and the Martian’s hot anger <b>leaped</b>)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_16'>Page 344</a>: Changed <b>Mika</b> to <b>Miko</b> (“Wait a minute!” I called to <b>Miko</b>. “Navigate––where?”)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_17'>Page 344</a>: Changed <b>catapaulted</b> to <b>catapulted</b> (The force <b>catapulted</b> me across the space of the room like a volplane)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_18'>Page 345</a>: Changed <b>Halian</b> to <b>Haljan</b> (“If you fire, <b>Haljan</b>, and kill me––Miko will kill you then, surely.”)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_3'>Page 346</a>: Changed <b>focussed</b> to <b>focused</b> (the image of the lounge interior presently <b>focused</b>)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_45'>Page 357</a>: Changed <b>terriffic</b> to <b>terrific</b> (Perry beat a <b>terrific</b> tattoo on the ancient door)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_46'>Page 362</a>: Removed comma (for the news crew and editorial force of the <b>paper</b> were a carefully selected body of men indeed)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_22'>Page 367</a>: Changed <b>villian</b> to <b>villain</b> (Could the old <b>villain</b> be playing possum?)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_47'>Page 367</a>: Removed ’the’ (With dexterous <b>hands O’Hara</b> swiftly went through the old man’s pockets)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_23'>Page 367</a>: Changed <b>similiar</b> to <b>similar</b> (an ugly looking pistol of large caliber, a blackjack <b>similar</b> to his own and a small bottle)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_24'>Page 369</a>: Changed <b>and</b> to <b>any</b> (If you search my car and find <b>any</b> red liquor in the left back door pocket, I don’t know a thing about it)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_48'>Page 372</a>: Changed <b>Hanlon</b> to <b>Handlon</b> (could be recognized as those of Horace Perry and Skip <b>Handlon</b>)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_6'>Page 372</a>: Changed <b>focussed</b> to <b>focused</b> (All eyes were now <b>focused</b> on Professor Kell)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_25'>Page 373</a>: Changed <b>Kel</b> to <b>Kell</b> (Hurry up and get <b>Kell</b> downstairs so we can see who he is)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_26'>Page 374</a>: Changed <b>Rotton</b> to <b>Rotten</b> (“<b>Rotten</b>,” was the reply from the lips of Kell)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_28'>Page 393</a>: Changed <b>ecstacy</b> to <b>ecstasy</b> (Fear, despair, reckless abandon, mirth, doubt, religious <b>ecstasy</b> and all the other nuances in the gamut of human emotions)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_30'>Page 394</a>: Changed <b>scandals</b> to <b>sandals</b> (On her tiny feet she wore <b>sandals</b> which were spun of webby filaments)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_31'>Page 395</a>: Changed <b>knew</b> to <b>know</b> (fairly close to it in my plane and I <b>know</b> what I am speaking about)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_32'>Page 397</a>: Changed <b>Igna</b> to <b>Inga</b> (Dirk and <b>Inga</b> seated close together and Stanton, at a distance)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_33'>Page 397</a>: Changed <b>part</b> to <b>parts</b> (a proclamation of martial law, to become effective at once in all <b>parts</b> of the world)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_34'>Page 399</a>: Changed <b>melifluous</b> to <b>mellifluous</b> (“Good morning,” the other replied in a soft and <b>mellifluous</b> voice)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_35'>Page 401</a>: Changed <b>Steinhold</b> to <b>Steinholt</b> (“It’s colossal!” <b>Steinholt</b> then exclaimed, lost in scientific admiration)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_37'>Page 412</a>: Changed <b>fulgerant</b> to <b>fulgurant</b> (High up into the heavens it tossed the <b>fulgurant</b> fires that betokened its wealth and power)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_49'>Page 412</a>: Changed <b>head</b> to <b>hand</b> (with one of the deadly ray-tubes of the Lodorians in his <b>hand</b>)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_38'>Page 413</a>: Changed <b>Lizarre</b> to <b>Lazarre</b> (walked over to where Fragoni and <b>Lazarre</b> were being guarded by two of the conquerors)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_39'>Page 413</a>: Changed <b>Igna</b> to <b>Inga</b> (“And <b>Inga</b>?” questioned Dirk.)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_40'>Page 414</a>: Changed <b>stacatto</b> to <b>staccato</b> (flailing back and forth between each one of his <b>staccato</b> commands.)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_42'>Page 417</a>: Removed extra quote before <b>There</b> (“is in the Worldwide Tower. <b>There</b> we can keep track of what is transpiring and try to decide what to do.”)</p> +<p><a href='#TC_43'>Page 417</a>: Changed <b>irresisible</b> to <b>irresistible</b> (Other cities in America had felt the devastating effects of its <b>irresistible</b> and molten heat)</p> +</div> + +<!-- generated by ppg.rb version: ppg0727 --> +<!-- timestamp: Mon Aug 03 20:06:20 -0400 2009 --> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Astounding Stories of Super-Science, +March 1930, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ASTOUNDING STORIES, MARCH 1930 *** + +***** This file should be named 29607-h.htm or 29607-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/9/6/0/29607/ + +Produced by Greg Weeks, Katherine Ward, and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works 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