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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/32652-h.zip b/32652-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..772d449 --- /dev/null +++ b/32652-h.zip diff --git a/32652-h/32652-h.htm b/32652-h/32652-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5783006 --- /dev/null +++ b/32652-h/32652-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1637 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Chameleon Man, by William P. Mcgivern + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; background-color: #FFFFFF; +} + + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; +} + +p { + margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; +} + +hr { + width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; +} + +.tr {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; margin-top: 5%; margin-bottom: 5%; padding: 2em; background-color: #f6f2f2; color: black; border: dotted black 1px;} + +.img1 {border:solid 1px; } + +.blockquot { + margin-left: 5%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + +.center {text-align: center;} + +.p1 {font-size:xx-large; font-weight:bold; } + +.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + +.caption {font-weight: bold; font-size:smaller;} + +/* Images */ +.figcenter { + margin: auto; + text-align: center; +} + +.figleft { + float: left; + clear: left; + margin-left: 0; + margin-bottom: 0em; + margin-top: 0.25em; + margin-right: 0.25em; + padding: 0; + text-align: center; +} + + +/* Footnotes */ +.footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + +.footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + +.footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + +.fnanchor { + vertical-align: super; + font-size: .8em; + text-decoration: + none; +font-style:normal; +} + +/* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Chameleon Man, by William P. McGivern + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. 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: The Chameleon Man + +Author: William P. McGivern + +Release Date: June 2, 2010 [EBook #32652] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CHAMELEON MAN *** + + + + +Produced by Sankar Viswanathan, Greg Weeks, and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class="tr"><p class="center">Transcriber's Note:</p> +<p class="center">This etext was produced from Amazing Stories January 1943. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.</p></div> +<p> </p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> +<img class="img1" src="images/cover.jpg" width="400" height="521" alt="" title="" /> +</div> +<p> </p> + +<h1>The Chameleon Man</h1> +<p> </p> + +<h2>By WILLIAM P. McGIVERN</h2> +<p> </p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Perfect adaptation, that's what it was. +When a human being can blend with his +surroundings, funny things can happen!</p></div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/image_001.jpg" width="300" height="830" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p><span class="p1">I</span>'ve got an office in the <i>Daily Standard</i> +building and sometimes when +things are slow in my line—theatrical +bookings—I drift upstairs and +talk to the guy who writes the column, +The Soldier's Friend, for the <i>Standard</i>.</p> + +<p>On this particular morning I walked +into his office and found it empty so +I sat down and waited, figuring he was +downstairs getting a mug of coffee. +After I cleaned my nails and glanced +through Jake's mail I propped my feet +up on the desk and relaxed.</p> + +<p>Things in my line were strictly +stinkeroo. With the army taking an +option on every available hunk of male +flesh, it made it pretty tough to get +acts together. Of course, I still had a +few dollies to peddle, but the situation +don't look too good there, what with +the WAVES and the WAACS and the +demand from factories for powder-puff +riveters.</p> + +<p>I sighed and moodily contemplated +my uncreased trouser legs and thought +of my non-existent bank balance. +Whoever said war was hell, sure hit +the nail on the head.</p> + +<p>The door opened and I heard a shuffle +of footsteps on the floor. I tipped +my derby back and looked up, expecting +to see Jake, but the office was +empty.</p> + +<p>The door was standing open and I +scratched my head. Maybe it had +blown open. Then I remembered the +sound of footsteps I'd heard and my +bewilderment increased.</p> + +<p>"Hello," a voice said.</p> + +<p>My feet came down from the desk +with a crash. I sat up straight and +stared about the small room.</p> + +<p>"Who said that?" I demanded.</p> + +<p>"I did. I'm right here." It was the +same voice and I jerked my head in +the direction of the sound.</p> + +<p>For an instant I didn't see a thing. +But then, my eyes seemed suddenly +to focus, and I saw a tall, lanky young +man standing a few feet from me. He +had a shock of straw colored hair and +mild blue eyes. He wore a light suit.</p> + +<p>"Can you see me now?" he asked, +and his voice sounded strained, as if +he were exerting himself in some manner.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I can see you," I said. I was +a little nettled. "What do you mean +coming in and scaring people that +way?"</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't mean +to scare you. I just can't help it. +I'll have to relax now."</p> + +<p>"You'll have to what? Are you—"</p> + +<p>I broke off and goggled. The young +man had completely disappeared. My +forehead was suddenly damp with +nervous perspiration. I closed my eyes +and forced myself to think calmly. This +was some trick of my imagination. I'd +been working too hard. My nerves +were shot. I'd have to take a rest.</p> + +<p>I opened my eyes cautiously. The +room was empty. I drew a relieved +breath.</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry if I frightened you," a +familiar voice said apologetically. +"But, you see, I can't help it."</p> + +<p>I stood up warily and peered about +the room.</p> + +<p>"Where are you?" I whispered.</p> + +<p>"Right here in front of you."</p> + +<p>"If you're a mahout for pink elephants, +I don't want to see you," I +said. "Go away."</p> + +<p>"Please," the young man's voice was +plaintive, "I need your advice. I'm in +trouble."</p> + +<p>"That's too bad," I said, edging toward +the door.</p> + +<p>"Please listen to me. There's nothing +to be afraid of."</p> + +<p>"From your viewpoint, no," I said.</p> + +<p>"If you'll look carefully you can see +me," the voice said. "That's what bothers +most people. I mean not being able +to see me."</p> + +<p>"How stupid of them to be bothered +by a little thing like that," I said, trying +not to gibber. But in spite of my +common sense I did peer closely at the +area the young man had occupied and +I saw a very remarkable thing.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<div class="figleft"><img src="images/image_i.jpg" alt="I" width="19" height="40" /></div> +<p> saw the vague, indistinct shape of +the straw-haired, blue-eyed young +man standing exactly where I had seen +him the first time. But the effect was +so uncertain and shadowy that I was +hardly able to trust my eyes.</p> + +<p>The young man seemed to blend into +the background, which happened to be +a desk, water cooler and wall, so evenly +and completely that it was impossible +to see him at all.</p> + +<p>But even so, seeing him, however +fuzzily, was a relief.</p> + +<p>"It's a good trick," I said cautiously.</p> + +<p>"It's not a trick," the young man +said, aggrieved. "It's something I can't +help."</p> + +<p>"Oh yeah? Well how does it happen +that I was able to see you when +you came in?"</p> + +<p>"I was exerting my will power," the +young man said. "But that's awfully +tiring. I had to relax a moment or so +and when I did you weren't able to +see me quite so distinctly."</p> + +<p>I found my curiosity stirring. Maybe +the guy was a crackpot or phony, +but it wouldn't hurt to hear his story. +In my line, with things as lean as they +are, you can't afford to miss any bets.</p> + +<p>"What makes you pop on and off like +an electric light?" I asked. "Must be +a tiring way to go through life."</p> + +<p>"You don't know the half of it," the +young man said mournfully. "I've only +been this way for a few months, but it +seems like it's been years."</p> + +<p>"Well, go on," I said. "Spill your +troubles. Why should Mr. Anthony +have all the fun?"</p> + +<p>"What?"</p> + +<p>"Never mind. Shoot."</p> + +<p>"I'm not sure what causes me to +fade-out like this. I've been to a half +dozen doctors and psychiatrists and +they aren't sure either. But it has +something to do with personality development, +they think. The last psychiatrist +I visited told me that I had +a very colorless personality and abnormal +inhibitions and frustrations. He +said that my present condition was a +physical manifestation of my colorless +personality."</p> + +<p>I shook my head disgustedly.</p> + +<p>"That sounds about as asinine as the +droolings of the average psychiatrist," +I muttered. "He didn't know and spent +an hour saying so, I'll bet."</p> + +<p>"It's awful," the young man sighed +disconsolately. "I can make myself visible +for a little while but it's awfully +tiring. The rest of the time I go around +like a ghost. I blend into the background +so completely that people just +don't notice me at all. It's just like +not being alive."<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> The young man's peculiar physical condition +is not as fantastic and unprecedented as one might +at first believe. Everyone has had the experience +of meeting a person who makes almost no impression +whatsoever on them. People with such +anemia of the personality are constantly being +forgotten, overlooked even by friends who know +them well. Their presence in a room will be unobserved +for several minutes and, frequently, such +people will be completely ignored, even when +they are sitting or standing in plain view. In +nature, the chameleon has similar properties but +for a definite reason, namely that of defense +against its stronger enemies. The chameleon +blends perfectly into the brown and green foliage +of its native habitat and even the marvelously +keen eyes of its natural enemies are unable to +detect its presence. It is not impossible to conceive +that the same camouflaging property could +develop in a human being. Nature might appreciate +the difficulty of a retiring, sensitive person +to mingle with his more vivid fellow creatures, +and so clothe him with a defensive armor of +practical invisibility to insulate him against the +attacks of those with stronger personalities. +Readers of <i>Fantastic Adventures</i> will remember +John York Cabot's classic, "The Man the World +Forgot," as an exposition of this theme. Unexplained +instances of men and women "disappearing" +from normal environments might be +simply cases of submerged personalities which +did not "disappear" but were simply and tragically +forgotten.—<span class="smcap">Ed.</span></p></div> + +<p>I studied the vague shape of the +young man carefully. I could see him, +but only by straining my eyes. The +whole thing was amazing. Looking +carefully, I realized that the young man +was <i>not</i> invisible; he was just easy to +miss because he was so inconspicuously +blended into the background of the +office.</p> + +<p>"You'd probably have a fine time on +a patch work quilt," I said.</p> + +<p>The young man shuddered.</p> + +<p>"Please don't joke," he said imploringly. +"I'm in real trouble. I need +help."</p> + +<p>"I'll say you do," I said. "But I don't +see what I can do for you."</p> + +<p>"It's this," the young man said. "My +draft board just deferred me with a +4-F classification. They told me I +wouldn't be any good in my present +shape. So there."</p> + +<p>I looked at the young phantom.</p> + +<p>"Well—go on!"</p> + +<p>"Go on? That's all there is to it. +They've rejected me. They won't take +me."</p> + +<p>"And that's your problem?"</p> + +<p>"Naturally."</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<div class="figleft"><img src="images/image_i.jpg" alt="I" width="19" height="40" /></div> +<p> shook my head. It takes all +kinds, I guess.</p> + +<p>"Now listen to me," I said. "If the +army doesn't want you, consider yourself +lucky."</p> + +<p>"But I want to get in," the young +man protested. "I won't feel right until +I am in service."</p> + +<p>"You left that psychiatrist too soon," +I muttered. "Anyway, what do you expect +me to do?"</p> + +<p>"Why, I was sure you could help +me," the young man said. "You're the +Soldier's Friend, aren't you? You +write the column of advice to the Yanks +in the <i>Standard</i>, don't you?"</p> + +<p>I got it then. This wraith thought +I was the Soldier's Friend. That's why +he was spilling himself to me.</p> + +<p>He continued. "You know all the +angles of the various branches of the +Service, and I hoped you'd be able to +recommend some branch that could use +me. I'm willing to do anything or go +anywhere. If you'll help me I'll put +myself completely in your hands."</p> + +<p>"Now just a minute," I said. "You've +got the wrong idea. The guy you want +to see—"</p> + +<p>I closed my big mouth with a snap. +What was wrong with me? Were my +brains on a permanent vacation? Here +was opportunity hammering and banging +at my door and I was too deaf to +hear a sound.</p> + +<p>This hard-to-see young man was a +natural for show business. I already +had an act lined up that he would fit +as neatly as five fingers in a glove. +And he was practically begging me to +take him under my wing.</p> + +<p>"Young man," I said. "You impress +me as being sincere and earnest. And +for that reason I am going to try and +help you."</p> + +<p>"Oh, gosh, thanks."</p> + +<p>"It's the least I can do," I said. +"But," I added sternly, "you've got to +put yourself completely in my hands. +You mustn't question a thing I tell you +to do. You see, this isn't going to be +easy. I'll have to go about it in a +rather roundabout way. And it may +take a little while."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't care," the young man +said happily. "Anything you say is all +right with me."</p> + +<p>"Fine." I glanced at my watch. +"We've got to go now. You follow +me."</p> + +<p>"Sure, Mr.—"</p> + +<p>"Flannigan," I said automatically.</p> + +<p>"But, Mr. Flannigan, that isn't the +name you use on your column."</p> + +<p>"Naturally," I said. "Very sharp +of you to catch that. I might get you +into Intelligence, even if only as a decoy. +The name I use on the column is +a pseudonym."</p> + +<p>"Oh!"</p> + +<p>"Now come along with me."</p> + +<p>I hurriedly got my young phantom +out of the Soldier's Friend office before +anyone could butt in and ruin everything. +When we were safely ensconced +in my own office, I waved the young +man to a chair.</p> + +<p>"What's your name?" I asked.</p> + +<p>"Horatio Heely," he replied.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<div class="figleft"><img src="images/image_i.jpg" alt="I" width="19" height="40" /></div> +<p> was becoming more enthused every +minute. Looking at him, or <i>trying</i> to +look at him, seated in a chair, convinced +me of his enormous potentialities. The +chair was brown leather and, at first +glance, the only thing that indicated +that it was occupied, was a slight indentation +in the seat and back of the +chair. Horatio blended in perfectly +with the deep brown of the chair and +his face, which stuck up six or eight +inches, was invisible against the grayness +of the wall.</p> + +<p>"Maybe you could get me into the +Coast Guard," he said.</p> + +<p>I frowned. "I hardly think so," I +said. "I know the Commander over +there but I don't think I could swing it. +Now, remember, you're going to leave +everything in my hands."</p> + +<p>The door of my office opened then +and a slim, stunning blonde walked in, +followed by a tall, gaunt, sober individual +with a gloomy face and deep +black eyes. He wore a turban with an +imitation jewel set in the center folds, +squarely over his high forehead.</p> + +<p>"Hah!" this character cried. "I +suppose again you will tell me there is +nothing for Mystiffio The Great, today."</p> + +<p>"Ix-nay," I snapped. "Ut-shay up-yay!"</p> + +<p>The blonde looked at me, eyebrows +raising.</p> + +<p>"What gives, mastermind?"</p> + +<p>This was the act I had in mind for +Horatio. Mystiffio was a fair magician +and his line of patter wasn't bad. The +blonde, whose name was Alice, acted as +a prop, and with her looks and Mystiffio's +line they didn't do badly. But +with Horatio in the act it would be tremendous.</p> + +<p>He would blend perfectly into the +stage background. Invisible, he could +assist Mystiffio with the hocus-pocus +and really produce some wonderful effects.</p> + +<p>Alice was still looking at me as if +I'd gone batty.</p> + +<p>"Just trust Uncle," I said hastily. "I +got a great new angle for your act."</p> + +<p>"You act as if you've been out in +the sun too long," Alice murmured. +"But don't mind me."</p> + +<p>With a weary sigh she sank into the +brown leather chair. And one-tenth of +a second later she leaped to her feet +with a scream. She wheeled about, +hand raised to slap, and then as she +stared at the seemingly empty chair, an +expression of wonderment stole over +her pretty face.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/image_002.jpg" width="500" height="629" alt=""Oh!" she screamed, and leaped from the chair" title="" /> +<span class="caption">"Oh!" she screamed, and leaped from the chair</span> +</div> + +<p>"What—I could have sworn I—" +She turned to me pleadingly. "What +is it? Am I going screwy or is there +somebody sitting in that chair?"</p> + +<p>"Horatio," I said. "Exert a little +willpower and show yourself."</p> + +<p>"All right, Mr. Flannigan," Horatio's +voice from the chair answered.</p> + +<p>Mystiffio moved nervously toward +the door.</p> + +<p>"I don't believe it," he said. His +broad dark face was an unhappy mixture +of fear and surprise.</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll be darned!" Alice cried. +She was staring at the chair, or rather +at Horatio, who had suddenly become +visible.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<div class="figleft"><img src="images/image_i.jpg" alt="I" width="19" height="40" /></div> +<p> made the introductions quickly.</p> + +<p>"Now that's enough, Horatio," I +said. "You can turn yourself off again. +I don't want you to wear out."</p> + +<p>"Thanks," Horatio said gratefully. +He smiled faintly at Alice. "Pleased +to have met you," he said. Then he +vanished into the brown background +of the chair.</p> + +<p>"Get me a drink!" Mystiffio said. +He grasped the edge of the desk and +stared solemnly at the empty brown +chair. "Get me two drinks."</p> + +<p>"What is it?" Alice demanded. +"How do you do it? Mirrors? Lighting? +It's terrific."</p> + +<p>"It's completely on the level. Now +here's the angle. I'm going to put this +guy into your act. Wait'll the crowds +get a load of Mystiffio's magic then. +With Horatio in the background pulling +the strings he'll make Thurston +look like an amateur parlor entertainer."</p> + +<p>Mystiffio turned to me stiffly.</p> + +<p>"What," he said frigidly, "makes you +think I need an invisible man to help +me in my act? I am perfectly capable +of astounding and amazing an audience +by myself."</p> + +<p>"You're quoting your own press notices +now," I said. "I know; I wrote +'em."</p> + +<p>"And what makes you think I'm not +as good as Thurston?" Mystiffio asked +in an injured voice.</p> + +<p>"Ah, temperament!" I murmured. I +turned to Alice. "You work on him. +You can see that Horatio will be a +good thing, can't you? You don't want +your act to die, do you?"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Flannigan." It was Horatio. +His voice sounded apologetic. "I don't +want to disturb you, but what has all +this got to do with getting me into the +army? You sound more like a booking +agent than the Soldier's Friend."</p> + +<p>Alice looked at me.</p> + +<p>"Heel," she said. "What kind of +line are you giving him?"</p> + +<p>"Horatio," I said. "I am disappointed. +I expected a little trust from +you. Didn't I tell you it might be a little +while before I got things set? This +angle I'm working now will put you +practically into the army."</p> + +<p>"Yeah! How?"</p> + +<p>"I'm going to line you up doing an +act for the U. S. O. Does that show +you my heart's in the right place?"</p> + +<p>"There will be a short pause for cat-calls +and boos," Alice murmured.</p> + +<p>"All right," Horatio said with a sigh. +"I'll go along with you."</p> + +<p>"Fine," I said. "And just to get you +used to army life I'm going to start paying +you fifty bucks a month."</p> + +<p>"You great big generous man," Alice +said and I think there was a twinge of +sarcasm in her voice.</p> + +<p>"Now that's no way to talk," I said. +"I'm doing the lad a favor."</p> + +<p>"Yeah," she said. "I'm sure you are. +Just like a man picking up a dollar bill +is doing the street cleaners a favor."</p> + +<p>"You don't understand my noble motives," +I said, "so I will not talk about +them anymore. Tomorrow we start +rehearsing the new act."</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<div class="figleft"><img src="images/image_w.jpg" alt="W" width="51" height="40" /></div> +<p>ell, sir, it was absolutely amazing +the way Horatio picked that +act up. With his dexterous, invisible +help Mystiffio performed like the paragon +of all prestidigitators. Alice added +a jolt of high-voltage eye-appeal to the +ensemble, by smiling sweetly and wearing +a black satin bathing suit that had +been designed by some patriotic person +who believed in saving material to the +point of cutting down on essentials.</p> + +<p>I was sure, for the first time in my +stretch in this loony business, that I +had an option on a nice private little +gold mine.</p> + +<p>And I wasn't going to let anything +upset my cartful of golden apples.</p> + +<p>"Okay," I said. They were rehearsing +on the stage of an empty theater +which was owned by a guy I'd done +some favors for. "You look pretty +good, but don't let it go to your head. +The act needs a lot of work. Keep at +it. I'm going out to get a sandwich."</p> + +<p>Alice put her hands on her hips and +looked down at me.</p> + +<p>"Everything is fifty-fifty with you, +isn't it?" she said. "We do the work, +you get the money. Nice even split."</p> + +<p>"Careful, beautiful," I said. "You'll +die of your own poisons, if you don't +look out." I waved to her and left. +After I'd had a bite to eat, I went to +see one of the biggest agents in the +business, the guy who books all the +acts into the Capitol in New York.</p> + +<p>"Look, Morry," I said, when his secretary +had ushered me into his office, +which was big enough to hold the +World Series in, "I've really got something +terrific lined up."</p> + +<p>Morry looked up at me and his little +eyes were uninterested. He yawned +and dusted a fleck of dust from the +sleeve of his coat.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"It's a magician's act that—"</p> + +<p>Morry shook his head. "Magicians +are dead. Who wants to see rabbits +pulled out of a hat?"</p> + +<p>"This is different. This guy is good."</p> + +<p>"All right, he's good," Morry said. +"So what? We can't use him."</p> + +<p>"But you ought to at least see the +act," I pleaded. "It's got a honey +of a girl, too."</p> + +<p>"Girl?" Morry glanced up and there +was a flicker of interest in his little +eyes.</p> + +<p>"Yeah, a honey."</p> + +<p>"Well," Morry shrugged. "I can't +promise anything, but we do need an +act to fill in a spot within a week or +so. But whatever I get has to be good. +I can't send bums to New York."</p> + +<p>"I know. I know," I said. My heart +was hammering with hope. One +break on the Stem and I'd be set. +"When will you catch the act? Tomorrow +be all right?"</p> + +<p>Morry nodded.</p> + +<p>I went back to the theatre walking +about three feet from the ground. I +felt I was in at last. It was a funny +feeling I couldn't analyze, but I knew +I was going to be in.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<div class="figleft"><img src="images/image_w.jpg" alt="W" width="51" height="40" /></div> +<p>hen I walked into the little +office back stage I found Alice +there talking to Horatio.</p> + +<p>She was saying, "There should be +<i>something</i> you could do for the Army, +Horatio," as I walked into the office.</p> + +<p>Horatio was standing by the desk, +shoulders slumped. I had to look +twice to make him out against the background +of the desk and wall.</p> + +<p>Alice shut up when she saw me.</p> + +<p>"Horatio and I were just talking," +she said.</p> + +<p>"Yeah," I said. "Now Horatio and +I are going to do a little talking. Make +yourself scarce."</p> + +<p>Alice left and I turned to Horatio.</p> + +<p>"What kind of a line was she giving +you?" I snapped.</p> + +<p>"Why, gosh, Mr. Flannigan," +Horatio stammered. "She was just +trying to help me. She's just as interested +in getting me into the Army +as you are. She's a wonderful girl, +Mr. Flannigan."</p> + +<p>There was something in his voice +that brought me up with a jolt. The +kid had fallen for the girl as sure +as I stood there.</p> + +<p>"Now, look," I said gently. "You +really want to get set with Uncle Sam, +don't you?"</p> + +<p>"Why, sure."</p> + +<p>"Then listen to me. I'm doing +everything I can for you. And I've +got a deal all lined up. I was just over +at the Army recruiting station and I +think everything is set. Not right +away, but pretty soon."</p> + +<p>"Gosh, that's wonderful."</p> + +<p>"Now you know who your friend is." +I came over beside him and put my +hand on his shoulder. "I got a little +piece of advice for you that I want +you to take to heart. Stay away +from this kid, Alice. She's no good +for you."</p> + +<p>"Now just a minute. You can't—"</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry, kid," I said. I let my +hand fall from his shoulder. "Maybe +I shouldn't tell you, but—"</p> + +<p>"Tell me what?"</p> + +<p>"It's only for your own good I'm +doing this. That pretty little blonde +is just going to play you for a sucker. +She's already married."</p> + +<p>Horatio gasped. He must have been +pretty sold on the girl.</p> + +<p>"I don't believe it," he cried.</p> + +<p>"It's God's truth."</p> + +<p>"Who is the man?" Horatio cried +brokenly.</p> + +<p>"Mystiffio."</p> + +<p>"Mystiffio!"</p> + +<p>I nodded slowly. "It's a tough +break, kid, but the sooner you forget +her the better." I had already decided +I'd get rid of her. She wouldn't +be hard to replace. Horatio was my +gold mine and I didn't want anyone +to do a scorched-earth job on him.</p> + +<p>"But she never told me," he muttered.</p> + +<p>"Naturally," I said. "She'll probably +even deny she's married to him +now, but don't let that fool you."</p> + +<p>"No, sir," Horatio said. "She won't +make a sucker out of me." His anger +must have subconsciously affected his +visibility mechanism for he was visible +and his lean jaw was hard, but there +was a hurt look in his clear blue eyes.</p> + +<p>"That's the boy," I said. "Just remember +who your friends are and +you won't go wrong."</p> + +<p>"I won't, Mr. Flannigan," he promised +solemnly.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<div class="figleft"><img src="images/image_t.jpg" alt="T" width="36" height="40" /></div> +<p>he next afternoon Morry arrived +to see the act. He was dressed in +a natty pin stripe suit and he wore a +big yellow carnation in the buttonhole, +but his sallow face was impassive.</p> + +<p>I escorted him down the dark empty +theatre to the front row.</p> + +<p>"Just hold your breath now," I told +him. "I'll have the act on stage in a +jiffy."</p> + +<p>He yawned and glanced at his watch.</p> + +<p>"I haven't got long," he said.</p> + +<p>I went backstage and found Alice.</p> + +<p>"Hurry up," I said. "Morry is +waiting."</p> + +<p>She looked at me as if I'd just +crawled out from the wainscoating. +"I've just talked to the kid," she said. +"He thinks I'm poison. What kind of a +yarn have you been feeding him?"</p> + +<p>"Me? Why, honey, that hurts. Do +you think your Uncle Patrick would +breathe an unkind word about you?"</p> + +<p>"Well, it's mighty strange," she said. +"He won't even tell me what's biting +him."</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't pay any attention to +him," I said. "Perhaps it's all for the +best."</p> + +<p>"Hmmm," she said, eyeing me +shrewdly.</p> + +<p>"Come on now, be a good kid and +get things rolling. A lot depends on +this you know."</p> + +<p>I went back and joined Morry.</p> + +<p>Well the act was terrific. Mystiffio +had Morry's eyes sticking out inside +of thirty seconds. I hadn't told Morry +about Horatio. I figured I'd let that +angle ride for a while.</p> + +<p>But Morry was really impressed.</p> + +<p>"The guy is good," he said. "The +things he does don't seem humanly +possible."</p> + +<p>Of course he didn't know that most +of the effects were being created by the +invisible Horatio but what he didn't +know wouldn't hurt him. And he +didn't miss Alice, either. When she +came on stage in her cute, abbreviated +little costume, he straightened up and +opened his eyes.</p> + +<p>"The kid is nice," he murmured.</p> + +<p>"Are we in?" I demanded.</p> + +<p>"Can't say yet. I gotta talk to the +act but I'd say your chances were +pretty good."</p> + +<p>I almost swooned with happiness. +The break I'd been waiting for all my +life was here at last. The golden +apples were about ready to drop into +my lap.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<div class="figleft"><img src="images/image_w.jpg" alt="W" width="51" height="40" /></div> +<p>hen Mystiffio finished his routine +I took Morry backstage. I +found Alice.</p> + +<p>"Here she is, Morry," I said. "And +she's just as nice as she looks." I +shoved Alice toward him. "Be nice, +baby," I hissed in her ear.</p> + +<p>Morry took one of her little hands +and his eyes were interested.</p> + +<p>"I kinda like the act," he said. "If +you could find time to be nice to me +I might like it a whole lot."</p> + +<p>Alice takes her hand back as if it had +accidentally brushed something slimy.</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry but I don't go with the +act," she snapped. "There are some +things worth more to me than three +meals a day and a paycheck."</p> + +<p>"Okay, sister," Morry said without +expression. He turned to me. "Guess +I made a mistake coming up here. +The act is lousy."</p> + +<p>"Now wait a minute," I yelled. +"You said it was good. You can't +walk out now." I wheeled to Alice. +"Baby, baby, don't do this to me. Tell +him you're sorry."</p> + +<p>Mystiffio came up behind us while +we were talking.</p> + +<p>"What is the matter?" he asked. +I noticed he put an arm around Alice's +shoulders. I was too distraught to +think about it.</p> + +<p>"Nothing's wrong," I said desperately. +"Alice just took offense at +something Morry said. Nobody meant +any harm."</p> + +<p>Mystiffio drew himself up straight +and he grabbed Morry by the lapels. +Morry struggled to free himself but +he was pinioned helplessly.</p> + +<p>"You cad! You bounder!" Mystiffio +roared. "Do you mean you've been +making advances to my daughter?"</p> + +<p>Daughter! How do you like that! +That just goes to show you never to +trust people.</p> + +<p>Morry pulled himself loose.</p> + +<p>"You're all crazy," he shouted. +"Lemme out of here."</p> + +<p>He wheeled and started away, but +before he had taken two strides he +collided with a solid, unyielding, invisible +substance.</p> + +<p>He backed away a few steps, his +mouth working in terror.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" he screamed.</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry," Horatio's voice sounded +in the air a few feet from Morry.</p> + +<p>Morry's face went white; he stared +wildly about for another instant and +then charged madly out of the theatre, +screaming in terror.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<div class="figleft"><img src="images/image_i.jpg" alt="I" width="19" height="40" /></div> +<p> chased after him, but it was +a hopeless effort. When I got to the +sidewalk he was gone. Moodily I +slumped back into the theatre and +went backstage. My big opportunity +was gone, but I still had Horatio.</p> + +<p>I found Alice in the office and she +was alone. She smiled sweetly when +she saw me.</p> + +<p>"You too, Brutus," I muttered. +Then I thought about my meal ticket +and looked worriedly around the room.</p> + +<p>"Where's Horatio?" I snapped.</p> + +<p>"Horatio," she smiled, "is gone. Too +bad you missed him. He would have +liked to say goodbye."</p> + +<p>"Goodbye!" I shrieked. "Where's he +going?"</p> + +<p>"Into the Army," Alice said sweetly. +"Isn't it wonderful?"</p> + +<p>"You're crazy," I shouted. "The +Army won't take him."</p> + +<p>"I arranged a little something for +him," Alice said. "I'm sure he'll be +very useful in the camouflage department."</p> + +<p><i>Camouflage!</i></p> + +<p>I groaned and sank into a chair.</p> + +<p>"Yes," Alice said pleasantly, "when +he learned that Mystiffio was my +father—not my husband as you so +cleverly told him—he was quite angry +for a while. But of course he felt better +when he thought it over. And he +was very happy to take my suggestion +to apply for a commission in the camouflage. +I think Horatio and I are going +to get along nicely."</p> + +<p>I groaned again.</p> + +<p>Mystiffio stuck his head in the door.</p> + +<p>"Goodbye," he said. "Ready, +dear?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," Alice said, moving to the +door. "I'm ready."</p> + +<p>"Now wait a minute," I cried. +"Where are you two going? You're +the last act I've got."</p> + +<p>"I am enlisting!" Mystiffio said +proudly.</p> + +<p>"As what?"</p> + +<p>"Signal corps, in charge of messenger +pigeons."</p> + +<p>Mystiffio flapped his coat tail and a +lone pigeon fluttered into the air. "I've +had a lot of experience with the little +devils."</p> + +<p>I groaned again and dropped my +head in my hands.</p> + +<p>What was left?</p> + +<p>When I looked up, Mystiffio and +Alice had gone.</p> + +<p>For a moment I sat there staring +about the quiet dusty office. Then I +stood up and I knew what I was going +to do.</p> + +<p>I put my hat on and walked out +of the building. I didn't stop walking +until I reached the Marine recruiting +office. A big poster said, "The +Marines Promise You Action!"</p> + +<p>I walked in. Nothing could be +worse than what I'd just been through. +I felt contented for the first time in +sixteen years.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Chameleon Man, by William P. 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McGivern + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. 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: The Chameleon Man + +Author: William P. McGivern + +Release Date: June 2, 2010 [EBook #32652] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CHAMELEON MAN *** + + + + +Produced by Sankar Viswanathan, Greg Weeks, and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + Transcriber's Note: + + This etext was produced from Amazing Stories January 1943. Extensive + research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this + publication was renewed. + + + The Chameleon Man + + + By WILLIAM P. McGIVERN + + + Perfect adaptation, that's what it was. When a human being + can blend with his surroundings, funny things can happen! + + * * * * * + + + + +[Illustration] + +I've got an office in the _Daily Standard_ building and sometimes when +things are slow in my line--theatrical bookings--I drift upstairs and +talk to the guy who writes the column, The Soldier's Friend, for the +_Standard_. + +On this particular morning I walked into his office and found it empty +so I sat down and waited, figuring he was downstairs getting a mug of +coffee. After I cleaned my nails and glanced through Jake's mail I +propped my feet up on the desk and relaxed. + +Things in my line were strictly stinkeroo. With the army taking an +option on every available hunk of male flesh, it made it pretty tough +to get acts together. Of course, I still had a few dollies to peddle, +but the situation don't look too good there, what with the WAVES and +the WAACS and the demand from factories for powder-puff riveters. + +I sighed and moodily contemplated my uncreased trouser legs and +thought of my non-existent bank balance. Whoever said war was hell, +sure hit the nail on the head. + +The door opened and I heard a shuffle of footsteps on the floor. I +tipped my derby back and looked up, expecting to see Jake, but the +office was empty. + +The door was standing open and I scratched my head. Maybe it had blown +open. Then I remembered the sound of footsteps I'd heard and my +bewilderment increased. + +"Hello," a voice said. + +My feet came down from the desk with a crash. I sat up straight and +stared about the small room. + +"Who said that?" I demanded. + +"I did. I'm right here." It was the same voice and I jerked my head in +the direction of the sound. + +For an instant I didn't see a thing. But then, my eyes seemed suddenly +to focus, and I saw a tall, lanky young man standing a few feet from +me. He had a shock of straw colored hair and mild blue eyes. He wore a +light suit. + +"Can you see me now?" he asked, and his voice sounded strained, as if +he were exerting himself in some manner. + +"Yes, I can see you," I said. I was a little nettled. "What do you +mean coming in and scaring people that way?" + +"I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't mean to scare you. I just can't help +it. I'll have to relax now." + +"You'll have to what? Are you--" + +I broke off and goggled. The young man had completely disappeared. My +forehead was suddenly damp with nervous perspiration. I closed my eyes +and forced myself to think calmly. This was some trick of my +imagination. I'd been working too hard. My nerves were shot. I'd have +to take a rest. + +I opened my eyes cautiously. The room was empty. I drew a relieved +breath. + +"I'm sorry if I frightened you," a familiar voice said apologetically. +"But, you see, I can't help it." + +I stood up warily and peered about the room. + +"Where are you?" I whispered. + +"Right here in front of you." + +"If you're a mahout for pink elephants, I don't want to see you," I +said. "Go away." + +"Please," the young man's voice was plaintive, "I need your advice. +I'm in trouble." + +"That's too bad," I said, edging toward the door. + +"Please listen to me. There's nothing to be afraid of." + +"From your viewpoint, no," I said. + +"If you'll look carefully you can see me," the voice said. "That's +what bothers most people. I mean not being able to see me." + +"How stupid of them to be bothered by a little thing like that," I +said, trying not to gibber. But in spite of my common sense I did peer +closely at the area the young man had occupied and I saw a very +remarkable thing. + + * * * * * + +I saw the vague, indistinct shape of the straw-haired, blue-eyed young +man standing exactly where I had seen him the first time. But the +effect was so uncertain and shadowy that I was hardly able to trust my +eyes. + +The young man seemed to blend into the background, which happened to +be a desk, water cooler and wall, so evenly and completely that it was +impossible to see him at all. + +But even so, seeing him, however fuzzily, was a relief. + +"It's a good trick," I said cautiously. + +"It's not a trick," the young man said, aggrieved. "It's something I +can't help." + +"Oh yeah? Well how does it happen that I was able to see you when you +came in?" + +"I was exerting my will power," the young man said. "But that's +awfully tiring. I had to relax a moment or so and when I did you +weren't able to see me quite so distinctly." + +I found my curiosity stirring. Maybe the guy was a crackpot or phony, +but it wouldn't hurt to hear his story. In my line, with things as +lean as they are, you can't afford to miss any bets. + +"What makes you pop on and off like an electric light?" I asked. "Must +be a tiring way to go through life." + +"You don't know the half of it," the young man said mournfully. "I've +only been this way for a few months, but it seems like it's been +years." + +"Well, go on," I said. "Spill your troubles. Why should Mr. Anthony +have all the fun?" + +"What?" + +"Never mind. Shoot." + +"I'm not sure what causes me to fade-out like this. I've been to a +half dozen doctors and psychiatrists and they aren't sure either. But +it has something to do with personality development, they think. The +last psychiatrist I visited told me that I had a very colorless +personality and abnormal inhibitions and frustrations. He said that my +present condition was a physical manifestation of my colorless +personality." + +I shook my head disgustedly. + +"That sounds about as asinine as the droolings of the average +psychiatrist," I muttered. "He didn't know and spent an hour saying +so, I'll bet." + +"It's awful," the young man sighed disconsolately. "I can make myself +visible for a little while but it's awfully tiring. The rest of the +time I go around like a ghost. I blend into the background so +completely that people just don't notice me at all. It's just like not +being alive."[1] + +[Footnote 1: The young man's peculiar physical condition is not as +fantastic and unprecedented as one might at first believe. Everyone +has had the experience of meeting a person who makes almost no +impression whatsoever on them. People with such anemia of the +personality are constantly being forgotten, overlooked even by friends +who know them well. Their presence in a room will be unobserved for +several minutes and, frequently, such people will be completely +ignored, even when they are sitting or standing in plain view. In +nature, the chameleon has similar properties but for a definite +reason, namely that of defense against its stronger enemies. The +chameleon blends perfectly into the brown and green foliage of its +native habitat and even the marvelously keen eyes of its natural +enemies are unable to detect its presence. It is not impossible to +conceive that the same camouflaging property could develop in a human +being. Nature might appreciate the difficulty of a retiring, sensitive +person to mingle with his more vivid fellow creatures, and so clothe +him with a defensive armor of practical invisibility to insulate him +against the attacks of those with stronger personalities. Readers of +_Fantastic Adventures_ will remember John York Cabot's classic, "The +Man the World Forgot," as an exposition of this theme. Unexplained +instances of men and women "disappearing" from normal environments +might be simply cases of submerged personalities which did not +"disappear" but were simply and tragically forgotten.--ED.] + +I studied the vague shape of the young man carefully. I could see him, +but only by straining my eyes. The whole thing was amazing. Looking +carefully, I realized that the young man was _not_ invisible; he was +just easy to miss because he was so inconspicuously blended into the +background of the office. + +"You'd probably have a fine time on a patch work quilt," I said. + +The young man shuddered. + +"Please don't joke," he said imploringly. "I'm in real trouble. I need +help." + +"I'll say you do," I said. "But I don't see what I can do for you." + +"It's this," the young man said. "My draft board just deferred me with +a 4-F classification. They told me I wouldn't be any good in my +present shape. So there." + +I looked at the young phantom. + +"Well--go on!" + +"Go on? That's all there is to it. They've rejected me. They won't +take me." + +"And that's your problem?" + +"Naturally." + + * * * * * + +I shook my head. It takes all kinds, I guess. + +"Now listen to me," I said. "If the army doesn't want you, consider +yourself lucky." + +"But I want to get in," the young man protested. "I won't feel right +until I am in service." + +"You left that psychiatrist too soon," I muttered. "Anyway, what do +you expect me to do?" + +"Why, I was sure you could help me," the young man said. "You're the +Soldier's Friend, aren't you? You write the column of advice to the +Yanks in the _Standard_, don't you?" + +I got it then. This wraith thought I was the Soldier's Friend. That's +why he was spilling himself to me. + +He continued. "You know all the angles of the various branches of the +Service, and I hoped you'd be able to recommend some branch that could +use me. I'm willing to do anything or go anywhere. If you'll help me +I'll put myself completely in your hands." + +"Now just a minute," I said. "You've got the wrong idea. The guy you +want to see--" + +I closed my big mouth with a snap. What was wrong with me? Were my +brains on a permanent vacation? Here was opportunity hammering and +banging at my door and I was too deaf to hear a sound. + +This hard-to-see young man was a natural for show business. I already +had an act lined up that he would fit as neatly as five fingers in a +glove. And he was practically begging me to take him under my wing. + +"Young man," I said. "You impress me as being sincere and earnest. And +for that reason I am going to try and help you." + +"Oh, gosh, thanks." + +"It's the least I can do," I said. "But," I added sternly, "you've got +to put yourself completely in my hands. You mustn't question a thing I +tell you to do. You see, this isn't going to be easy. I'll have to go +about it in a rather roundabout way. And it may take a little while." + +"Oh, I don't care," the young man said happily. "Anything you say is +all right with me." + +"Fine." I glanced at my watch. "We've got to go now. You follow me." + +"Sure, Mr.--" + +"Flannigan," I said automatically. + +"But, Mr. Flannigan, that isn't the name you use on your column." + +"Naturally," I said. "Very sharp of you to catch that. I might get you +into Intelligence, even if only as a decoy. The name I use on the +column is a pseudonym." + +"Oh!" + +"Now come along with me." + +I hurriedly got my young phantom out of the Soldier's Friend office +before anyone could butt in and ruin everything. When we were safely +ensconced in my own office, I waved the young man to a chair. + +"What's your name?" I asked. + +"Horatio Heely," he replied. + + * * * * * + +I was becoming more enthused every minute. Looking at him, or _trying_ +to look at him, seated in a chair, convinced me of his enormous +potentialities. The chair was brown leather and, at first glance, the +only thing that indicated that it was occupied, was a slight +indentation in the seat and back of the chair. Horatio blended in +perfectly with the deep brown of the chair and his face, which stuck +up six or eight inches, was invisible against the grayness of the +wall. + +"Maybe you could get me into the Coast Guard," he said. + +I frowned. "I hardly think so," I said. "I know the Commander over +there but I don't think I could swing it. Now, remember, you're going +to leave everything in my hands." + +The door of my office opened then and a slim, stunning blonde walked +in, followed by a tall, gaunt, sober individual with a gloomy face and +deep black eyes. He wore a turban with an imitation jewel set in the +center folds, squarely over his high forehead. + +"Hah!" this character cried. "I suppose again you will tell me there +is nothing for Mystiffio The Great, today." + +"Ix-nay," I snapped. "Ut-shay up-yay!" + +The blonde looked at me, eyebrows raising. + +"What gives, mastermind?" + +This was the act I had in mind for Horatio. Mystiffio was a fair +magician and his line of patter wasn't bad. The blonde, whose name was +Alice, acted as a prop, and with her looks and Mystiffio's line they +didn't do badly. But with Horatio in the act it would be tremendous. + +He would blend perfectly into the stage background. Invisible, he +could assist Mystiffio with the hocus-pocus and really produce some +wonderful effects. + +Alice was still looking at me as if I'd gone batty. + +"Just trust Uncle," I said hastily. "I got a great new angle for your +act." + +"You act as if you've been out in the sun too long," Alice murmured. +"But don't mind me." + +With a weary sigh she sank into the brown leather chair. And one-tenth +of a second later she leaped to her feet with a scream. She wheeled +about, hand raised to slap, and then as she stared at the seemingly +empty chair, an expression of wonderment stole over her pretty face. + +[Illustration: "Oh!" she screamed, and leaped from the chair] + +"What--I could have sworn I--" She turned to me pleadingly. "What is +it? Am I going screwy or is there somebody sitting in that chair?" + +"Horatio," I said. "Exert a little willpower and show yourself." + +"All right, Mr. Flannigan," Horatio's voice from the chair answered. + +Mystiffio moved nervously toward the door. + +"I don't believe it," he said. His broad dark face was an unhappy +mixture of fear and surprise. + +"Well, I'll be darned!" Alice cried. She was staring at the chair, or +rather at Horatio, who had suddenly become visible. + + * * * * * + +I made the introductions quickly. + +"Now that's enough, Horatio," I said. "You can turn yourself off +again. I don't want you to wear out." + +"Thanks," Horatio said gratefully. He smiled faintly at Alice. +"Pleased to have met you," he said. Then he vanished into the brown +background of the chair. + +"Get me a drink!" Mystiffio said. He grasped the edge of the desk and +stared solemnly at the empty brown chair. "Get me two drinks." + +"What is it?" Alice demanded. "How do you do it? Mirrors? Lighting? +It's terrific." + +"It's completely on the level. Now here's the angle. I'm going to put +this guy into your act. Wait'll the crowds get a load of Mystiffio's +magic then. With Horatio in the background pulling the strings he'll +make Thurston look like an amateur parlor entertainer." + +Mystiffio turned to me stiffly. + +"What," he said frigidly, "makes you think I need an invisible man to +help me in my act? I am perfectly capable of astounding and amazing an +audience by myself." + +"You're quoting your own press notices now," I said. "I know; I wrote +'em." + +"And what makes you think I'm not as good as Thurston?" Mystiffio +asked in an injured voice. + +"Ah, temperament!" I murmured. I turned to Alice. "You work on him. +You can see that Horatio will be a good thing, can't you? You don't +want your act to die, do you?" + +"Mr. Flannigan." It was Horatio. His voice sounded apologetic. "I +don't want to disturb you, but what has all this got to do with +getting me into the army? You sound more like a booking agent than the +Soldier's Friend." + +Alice looked at me. + +"Heel," she said. "What kind of line are you giving him?" + +"Horatio," I said. "I am disappointed. I expected a little trust from +you. Didn't I tell you it might be a little while before I got things +set? This angle I'm working now will put you practically into the +army." + +"Yeah! How?" + +"I'm going to line you up doing an act for the U. S. O. Does that show +you my heart's in the right place?" + +"There will be a short pause for cat-calls and boos," Alice murmured. + +"All right," Horatio said with a sigh. "I'll go along with you." + +"Fine," I said. "And just to get you used to army life I'm going to +start paying you fifty bucks a month." + +"You great big generous man," Alice said and I think there was a +twinge of sarcasm in her voice. + +"Now that's no way to talk," I said. "I'm doing the lad a favor." + +"Yeah," she said. "I'm sure you are. Just like a man picking up a +dollar bill is doing the street cleaners a favor." + +"You don't understand my noble motives," I said, "so I will not talk +about them anymore. Tomorrow we start rehearsing the new act." + + * * * * * + +Well, sir, it was absolutely amazing the way Horatio picked that act +up. With his dexterous, invisible help Mystiffio performed like the +paragon of all prestidigitators. Alice added a jolt of high-voltage +eye-appeal to the ensemble, by smiling sweetly and wearing a black +satin bathing suit that had been designed by some patriotic person who +believed in saving material to the point of cutting down on +essentials. + +I was sure, for the first time in my stretch in this loony business, +that I had an option on a nice private little gold mine. + +And I wasn't going to let anything upset my cartful of golden apples. + +"Okay," I said. They were rehearsing on the stage of an empty theater +which was owned by a guy I'd done some favors for. "You look pretty +good, but don't let it go to your head. The act needs a lot of work. +Keep at it. I'm going out to get a sandwich." + +Alice put her hands on her hips and looked down at me. + +"Everything is fifty-fifty with you, isn't it?" she said. "We do the +work, you get the money. Nice even split." + +"Careful, beautiful," I said. "You'll die of your own poisons, if you +don't look out." I waved to her and left. After I'd had a bite to eat, +I went to see one of the biggest agents in the business, the guy who +books all the acts into the Capitol in New York. + +"Look, Morry," I said, when his secretary had ushered me into his +office, which was big enough to hold the World Series in, "I've really +got something terrific lined up." + +Morry looked up at me and his little eyes were uninterested. He yawned +and dusted a fleck of dust from the sleeve of his coat. + +"What is it?" he asked. + +"It's a magician's act that--" + +Morry shook his head. "Magicians are dead. Who wants to see rabbits +pulled out of a hat?" + +"This is different. This guy is good." + +"All right, he's good," Morry said. "So what? We can't use him." + +"But you ought to at least see the act," I pleaded. "It's got a honey +of a girl, too." + +"Girl?" Morry glanced up and there was a flicker of interest in his +little eyes. + +"Yeah, a honey." + +"Well," Morry shrugged. "I can't promise anything, but we do need an +act to fill in a spot within a week or so. But whatever I get has to +be good. I can't send bums to New York." + +"I know. I know," I said. My heart was hammering with hope. One break +on the Stem and I'd be set. "When will you catch the act? Tomorrow be +all right?" + +Morry nodded. + +I went back to the theatre walking about three feet from the ground. I +felt I was in at last. It was a funny feeling I couldn't analyze, but +I knew I was going to be in. + + * * * * * + +When I walked into the little office back stage I found Alice there +talking to Horatio. + +She was saying, "There should be _something_ you could do for the +Army, Horatio," as I walked into the office. + +Horatio was standing by the desk, shoulders slumped. I had to look +twice to make him out against the background of the desk and wall. + +Alice shut up when she saw me. + +"Horatio and I were just talking," she said. + +"Yeah," I said. "Now Horatio and I are going to do a little talking. +Make yourself scarce." + +Alice left and I turned to Horatio. + +"What kind of a line was she giving you?" I snapped. + +"Why, gosh, Mr. Flannigan," Horatio stammered. "She was just trying to +help me. She's just as interested in getting me into the Army as you +are. She's a wonderful girl, Mr. Flannigan." + +There was something in his voice that brought me up with a jolt. The +kid had fallen for the girl as sure as I stood there. + +"Now, look," I said gently. "You really want to get set with Uncle +Sam, don't you?" + +"Why, sure." + +"Then listen to me. I'm doing everything I can for you. And I've got a +deal all lined up. I was just over at the Army recruiting station and +I think everything is set. Not right away, but pretty soon." + +"Gosh, that's wonderful." + +"Now you know who your friend is." I came over beside him and put my +hand on his shoulder. "I got a little piece of advice for you that I +want you to take to heart. Stay away from this kid, Alice. She's no +good for you." + +"Now just a minute. You can't--" + +"I'm sorry, kid," I said. I let my hand fall from his shoulder. "Maybe +I shouldn't tell you, but--" + +"Tell me what?" + +"It's only for your own good I'm doing this. That pretty little blonde +is just going to play you for a sucker. She's already married." + +Horatio gasped. He must have been pretty sold on the girl. + +"I don't believe it," he cried. + +"It's God's truth." + +"Who is the man?" Horatio cried brokenly. + +"Mystiffio." + +"Mystiffio!" + +I nodded slowly. "It's a tough break, kid, but the sooner you forget +her the better." I had already decided I'd get rid of her. She +wouldn't be hard to replace. Horatio was my gold mine and I didn't +want anyone to do a scorched-earth job on him. + +"But she never told me," he muttered. + +"Naturally," I said. "She'll probably even deny she's married to him +now, but don't let that fool you." + +"No, sir," Horatio said. "She won't make a sucker out of me." His +anger must have subconsciously affected his visibility mechanism for +he was visible and his lean jaw was hard, but there was a hurt look in +his clear blue eyes. + +"That's the boy," I said. "Just remember who your friends are and you +won't go wrong." + +"I won't, Mr. Flannigan," he promised solemnly. + + * * * * * + +The next afternoon Morry arrived to see the act. He was dressed in a +natty pin stripe suit and he wore a big yellow carnation in the +buttonhole, but his sallow face was impassive. + +I escorted him down the dark empty theatre to the front row. + +"Just hold your breath now," I told him. "I'll have the act on stage +in a jiffy." + +He yawned and glanced at his watch. + +"I haven't got long," he said. + +I went backstage and found Alice. + +"Hurry up," I said. "Morry is waiting." + +She looked at me as if I'd just crawled out from the wainscoating. +"I've just talked to the kid," she said. "He thinks I'm poison. What +kind of a yarn have you been feeding him?" + +"Me? Why, honey, that hurts. Do you think your Uncle Patrick would +breathe an unkind word about you?" + +"Well, it's mighty strange," she said. "He won't even tell me what's +biting him." + +"I wouldn't pay any attention to him," I said. "Perhaps it's all for +the best." + +"Hmmm," she said, eyeing me shrewdly. + +"Come on now, be a good kid and get things rolling. A lot depends on +this you know." + +I went back and joined Morry. + +Well the act was terrific. Mystiffio had Morry's eyes sticking out +inside of thirty seconds. I hadn't told Morry about Horatio. I figured +I'd let that angle ride for a while. + +But Morry was really impressed. + +"The guy is good," he said. "The things he does don't seem humanly +possible." + +Of course he didn't know that most of the effects were being created +by the invisible Horatio but what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him. +And he didn't miss Alice, either. When she came on stage in her cute, +abbreviated little costume, he straightened up and opened his eyes. + +"The kid is nice," he murmured. + +"Are we in?" I demanded. + +"Can't say yet. I gotta talk to the act but I'd say your chances were +pretty good." + +I almost swooned with happiness. The break I'd been waiting for all my +life was here at last. The golden apples were about ready to drop into +my lap. + + * * * * * + +When Mystiffio finished his routine I took Morry backstage. I found +Alice. + +"Here she is, Morry," I said. "And she's just as nice as she looks." I +shoved Alice toward him. "Be nice, baby," I hissed in her ear. + +Morry took one of her little hands and his eyes were interested. + +"I kinda like the act," he said. "If you could find time to be nice to +me I might like it a whole lot." + +Alice takes her hand back as if it had accidentally brushed something +slimy. + +"I'm sorry but I don't go with the act," she snapped. "There are some +things worth more to me than three meals a day and a paycheck." + +"Okay, sister," Morry said without expression. He turned to me. "Guess +I made a mistake coming up here. The act is lousy." + +"Now wait a minute," I yelled. "You said it was good. You can't walk +out now." I wheeled to Alice. "Baby, baby, don't do this to me. Tell +him you're sorry." + +Mystiffio came up behind us while we were talking. + +"What is the matter?" he asked. I noticed he put an arm around Alice's +shoulders. I was too distraught to think about it. + +"Nothing's wrong," I said desperately. "Alice just took offense at +something Morry said. Nobody meant any harm." + +Mystiffio drew himself up straight and he grabbed Morry by the lapels. +Morry struggled to free himself but he was pinioned helplessly. + +"You cad! You bounder!" Mystiffio roared. "Do you mean you've been +making advances to my daughter?" + +Daughter! How do you like that! That just goes to show you never to +trust people. + +Morry pulled himself loose. + +"You're all crazy," he shouted. "Lemme out of here." + +He wheeled and started away, but before he had taken two strides he +collided with a solid, unyielding, invisible substance. + +He backed away a few steps, his mouth working in terror. + +"What is it?" he screamed. + +"I'm sorry," Horatio's voice sounded in the air a few feet from Morry. + +Morry's face went white; he stared wildly about for another instant +and then charged madly out of the theatre, screaming in terror. + + * * * * * + +I chased after him, but it was a hopeless effort. When I got to the +sidewalk he was gone. Moodily I slumped back into the theatre and went +backstage. My big opportunity was gone, but I still had Horatio. + +I found Alice in the office and she was alone. She smiled sweetly when +she saw me. + +"You too, Brutus," I muttered. Then I thought about my meal ticket and +looked worriedly around the room. + +"Where's Horatio?" I snapped. + +"Horatio," she smiled, "is gone. Too bad you missed him. He would have +liked to say goodbye." + +"Goodbye!" I shrieked. "Where's he going?" + +"Into the Army," Alice said sweetly. "Isn't it wonderful?" + +"You're crazy," I shouted. "The Army won't take him." + +"I arranged a little something for him," Alice said. "I'm sure he'll +be very useful in the camouflage department." + +_Camouflage!_ + +I groaned and sank into a chair. + +"Yes," Alice said pleasantly, "when he learned that Mystiffio was my +father--not my husband as you so cleverly told him--he was quite angry +for a while. But of course he felt better when he thought it over. And +he was very happy to take my suggestion to apply for a commission in +the camouflage. I think Horatio and I are going to get along nicely." + +I groaned again. + +Mystiffio stuck his head in the door. + +"Goodbye," he said. "Ready, dear?" + +"Yes," Alice said, moving to the door. "I'm ready." + +"Now wait a minute," I cried. "Where are you two going? You're the +last act I've got." + +"I am enlisting!" Mystiffio said proudly. + +"As what?" + +"Signal corps, in charge of messenger pigeons." + +Mystiffio flapped his coat tail and a lone pigeon fluttered into the +air. "I've had a lot of experience with the little devils." + +I groaned again and dropped my head in my hands. + +What was left? + +When I looked up, Mystiffio and Alice had gone. + +For a moment I sat there staring about the quiet dusty office. Then I +stood up and I knew what I was going to do. + +I put my hat on and walked out of the building. I didn't stop walking +until I reached the Marine recruiting office. A big poster said, "The +Marines Promise You Action!" + +I walked in. Nothing could be worse than what I'd just been through. I +felt contented for the first time in sixteen years. + + * * * * * + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Chameleon Man, by William P. McGivern + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CHAMELEON MAN *** + +***** This file should be named 32652.txt or 32652.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/2/6/5/32652/ + +Produced by Sankar Viswanathan, Greg Weeks, 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 from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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