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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/32724-h.zip b/32724-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..b0cb6fb --- /dev/null +++ b/32724-h.zip diff --git a/32724-h/32724-h.htm b/32724-h/32724-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..814cb7d --- /dev/null +++ b/32724-h/32724-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1251 @@ +<!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"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Feet of Clay, by Phillip Hoskins. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; } + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%;} + + div.trans-note {border-style: solid; + border-width: 1px; + margin: 3em 5%; + padding: 1em; + text-align: center; + background-color: #E6F0F0; + color: inherit; + font-size: 0.9em; } + + + .p1 {font-size:3em; font-weight:bold; } + + .p2 {font-size:1em; font-weight:bold; } + + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + .u {text-decoration: underline;} + + .figright {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + + + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Feet Of Clay, by Phillip Hoskins + +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: Feet Of Clay + +Author: Phillip Hoskins + +Release Date: June 7, 2010 [EBook #32724] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FEET OF CLAY *** + + + + +Produced by Greg Weeks, Graeme Mackreth and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/illus01.jpg" alt="cover" /> + +</p> + + + + + + + + + +<div class="blockquot" style="margin-top: 2em;"><span class="figright"> <img src="images/illus02.jpg" alt="sick man" /></span><i>Life is pretty strange when a god who is good and benevolent must +prove that he has</i></div> + +<p class='p1'>Feet of Clay</p> + +<p class='p2'> +BY PHILLIP HOSKINS</p> + +<p><small><i>Illustrated by Paul Orban</i></small></p> + + +<p>The problem,"said Cassidy, "would seem to be simple." He thumped his +outsized knuckles against the desk. "Almost too simple."</p> + +<p>"Why?" The other was a wearer of the black and silver uniform of +Extrasol Traders; a short man, made shorter by the beer-barrel shape of +his body and the extreme width of his shoulders. His head was capped +with close-cropped gray curls.</p> + + + + + +<p>"Why?" he repeated. "I've been studying it ever since it first cropped +up, and I must admit that it's been beyond me."</p> + +<p>"I must confess, Dillon," said Cassidy, "I wonder how you ever rose to +the managerial ranks of Extrasol. I find it hard to imagine a personnel +man stupid enough to put you in charge of even a backwater planet like +this Kash. Surely somebody in the home office must know how dumb you +are?"</p> + +<p>"My dumbness is not the subject of this conversation," said Dillon, +grimly. "I didn't like the idea of calling in a trouble-shooter. I liked +it even less when I found out it was to be you."</p> + +<p>Cassidy grinned. "You mean my wonderful personality hasn't made an +impression on you? I'm cut to the quick."</p> + +<p>"I put up with you for only one reason. You know aliens, far better than +I could ever hope to. You're about the best in the field."</p> + +<p>"Only about? Really, Dillon, if you knew of someone better than me, why +didn't you get them?"</p> + +<p>"All right!" He shouted the words. "You're the best! But you still +haven't explained why the problem seems simple to you." He pulled out a +cigarette, and bit down savagely on the end, only to spit out the loose +tobacco amidst a sputter of curses.</p> + +<p>"The misfortunes of being feeble-minded," sighed Cassidy. "But for your +sake, I'll take you by the hand, and try to lead you down the road of +intelligence. But first, you better go over the situation once more.</p> + +<p>"We are on Kash," said Dillon, visibly controlling his patience. "It's +the fourth world of a G-type sun of the periphery, unnamed in the +catalogues. For that reason, we have assigned it the native name. Kash +is their term for both the star and the planet, and roughly translates +as 'home of the Gods'.</p> + +<p>"The planet was first contacted during the great galactic expansion of +2317, when the sole native language was taped. The planet is +approximately two-thirds the size of Earth, but its density is somewhat +less, so the gravity is about half that of Earth. It is moonless, and so +far from galactic center that scarcely a hundred stars are visible in +the sky. Thus a trained observer can usually pick out the other five +planets of the system with no trouble at all." He paused, and took a +drink of water.</p> + +<p>"Six months ago it was contacted by Unit 317 of Extrasol Traders...."</p> + +<p>"Namely you," said Cassidy.</p> + +<p>"Me. A month was spent mapping the planet and searching out native +villages. I then returned to base and picked up supplies necessary for +setting up an outpost. Two months ago I returned.</p> + +<p>"And all Hell broke loose...."</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Night fell quickly, and with little relief on Kash, for the stars were +few and far between, and shed little light. Dillon stepped out of the +office that was doing double-duty as living quarters until separate +quarters could be set up, and started for the nearby well. He cursed as +he realized his flashlight still lay on the desk, but the light pouring +from the open door was enough to see by, and he decided against +returning.</p> + +<p>As he walked, he breathed deeply of the tangy night air, and sighed with +satisfaction. This world was infinitely more pleasurable than the last +he had posted, and he intended to enjoy his stay.</p> + +<p>He let his thoughts ramble as he walked and so almost ran down the +waiting alien before he saw him. The native's huge eyes gleamed softly +in the spill of light from the office, and the gray down that covered +his body and head, except for the face, seemed soft and alive.</p> + +<p>"Tarsa, Bila," said the Earthman, using the native greeting.</p> + +<p>"Tarsa, starman. May the Gods shine their eternal light on you."</p> + +<p>"And on you," Dillon said, observing the ritual. "But what brings you +here at night?"</p> + +<p>"The night is beautiful, is it not, starman? It shines with a glory all +its own. At times it would seem to outdo its brother, the day."</p> + +<p>"Indeed," he agreed. "Your world is one of the loveliest I have yet +seen, and my travels have led me over as many stars as there are waves +on the sea. But surely you did not come to talk merely of the night and +its beauty."</p> + +<p>"Alas, no," sighed the native. "My task is a most unhappy one, for +sorrow hangs heavy over the village. The women and children are weeping, +and the men know not what to do in the face of calamity. It seems as +though the Gods themselves have turned against my people." He wiped his +eyes with the back of his hand.</p> + +<p>"What would you with me, Bila?" asked the Earthman. "Surely I cannot be +of any assistance?"</p> + +<p>"As a man from the sky, surely you have met the Gods in open battle +before!" cried the alien. "And just as surely you must have defeated +them, else you would not be here this night."</p> + +<p>"I am flattered, Bila. It is true that the Gods of the universe and I +are not total strangers. Exactly what is wrong?"</p> + +<p>"It is Toll, the son of Kylano. He has fallen from a cliff, and the +bones of his arm are broken and need curing."</p> + +<p>"But isn't that a job for the priest?"</p> + +<p>"Aye. But our priest has been on a pilgrimage these past ten days, and +is to be gone another thirty or more. There is no one left with the +necessary knowledge. You will come?"</p> + +<p>"I'll come, Bila. But first I must get a bag from the office. With it I +may be able to help the boy."</p> + +<p>"Ah, you too have an herb basket like the priest's? Truly you are a +friend of the Gods."</p> + +<p>"Not quite like the priest's," said Dillon, smiling. "But it serves much +the same purpose." He hurried up the path and into the shack, emerging a +moment later with the first-aid bag that was standard equipment for all +men isolated from the services of a doctor.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>"That's where you made your first mistake," said Cassidy. "Regulation +1287-63C, paragraph 119 states 'no man shall give medical aid to alien +races unless a team of certified specialists has checked out all such +medicines with respect to such race and certified them safe. Penalty for +breaking rule: Revocation of any licenses; restriction to home world for +three years; and/or five thousand dollars fine.' You really did things +up right. You should have left that bag in the safe where it belonged."</p> + +<p>"Well, I didn't," said Dillon. "And it's too late now to talk of what I +should have done. At any rate...."</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>"Where is the boy, Bila?" asked Dillon as he came up to the alien again.</p> + +<p>"At my village, starman. Come." He slipped down the path and was soon +swallowed by the darkness. The Earthman hurried after, afraid of being +lost in the almost impenetrable night.</p> + +<p>He had forgotten the flashlight again, and he cursed as he stumbled over +an unseen obstruction.</p> + +<p>"Bila!" he called.</p> + +<p>"Yes, starman?" The alien appeared as if from nowhere.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid that I'm not as gifted as you when it comes to traveling at +night without light. You had better let me hold onto your shoulder."</p> + +<p>"Of course, starman. I am most sorry for causing you trouble."</p> + +<p>"It's my own fault. I should have remembered the light. Let's get going +again." He placed his hand on the alien's shoulder, and they started off +again.</p> + +<p>Despite his guide, he twice stumbled over obstructions, and would have +fallen but for his grip on the other's shoulder. Bila waited while he +steadied himself, and then started off again, keeping up a fast pace.</p> + +<p>The village lay three miles from the post, and during the day, Dillon +considered it nothing more than a brisk walk. But the blindness that +came with the dark wiped out all realization of time and space, and he +soon began to think that they must have passed it by, when the alien +spoke.</p> + +<p>"We are here, starman."</p> + +<p>They rounded a bend, and a cluster of huts came into view, lit by the +dim light of a few scattered lamps. The alien threaded his way through +the narrow lanes between the huts, and stopped outside one of the +largest in the group. He held the hangings aside, and Dillon stooped to +enter.</p> + +<p>The hut was already crowded with natives. The smoke from half a dozen of +the sputtering lamps hung like a shroud over the interior, and the +Earthman's eyes were soon smarting. He wondered how the natives, with +their much larger eyes, could stand it.</p> + +<p>The injured boy lay on a pallet in the center of the hut. An animal skin +had been thrown over him, with the broken arm exposed. Dillon knelt by +him, and felt it over carefully.</p> + +<p>"A clean break, thank God," he said, more to himself than his audience.</p> + +<p>The boy whimpered, and he reached for the bag, and rummaged around. +Finally he pulled out an already prepared hypo, loaded with a sedative. +He swabbed the boy's good arm, and pressed the needle home.</p> + +<p>The natives moved forward when they saw the needle, and some of them +began to mutter. But the boy quickly dropped off into an untroubled +sleep, and they settled down.</p> + +<p>The Earthman took hold of the broken arm, and marvelled at the frailty +of it. The bones had to hold a lighter weight than those of Earthmen, +and thus were correspondingly weaker. He felt that he could snap one of +them with his hands.</p> + +<p>He straightened the arm out, as gently as he could, and then pulled. The +broken ends slid together with a satisfying pop, and he quickly bound +them with a splint from his bag. He wrapped the bandage tight, and tied +it. Then he arose, picking up his bag.</p> + +<p>"He should be alright now," he said. "I'll stop by in the morning, when +he's awake, and give him a going-over."</p> + +<p>"His arm," said Bila. "It is ... fixed?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. He's young, and he should heal fast. Three weeks from now he'll be +out with the other children, playing games and just as active as ever."</p> + +<p>"We thank you, starman," said Bila. "We have not the words to say just +how happy we are that you have helped us."</p> + +<p>"It's nothing," said Dillon, embarrassed by the show of gratitude. "All +Earthmen would do the same."</p> + +<p>"Ah, your magic must be even greater than that of the priests. It is +most unfortunate that the village priest was away. But the Gods have +smiled on us, by sending you instead."</p> + +<p>"He'll be back soon, I hope?" said Dillon. "The priest, I mean."</p> + +<p>"Alas, not for at least thirty days, and perhaps more. He knew not where +his pilgrimage would lead him."</p> + +<p>"But if you have more troubles like this?"</p> + +<p>"Our misfortunes," said Bila, his face downcast. "If the Gods see fit to +abandon us to the miseries of the world, what can mere men say? If some +must die, than they shall surely die."</p> + +<p>"No!" He regretted the word the moment it was out, but it was too late +to recall it. The milk was spilt, and crying would be foolish at this +point. "No. If you have troubles, come to me. I will do what I can, +although I am not sure that it will be much."</p> + +<p>"Ten million thanks, starman!" His eyes glistened with joy. "Our people +shall be eternally grateful."</p> + +<p>"You'd better save your thanks, until you're sure that I can help you. +But right now, I'd appreciate a guide back to the post, and a lamp, so I +don't fall anymore."</p> + +<p>"Of course. It shall be done immediately." He motioned for one of the +men in the hut, who came with a lamp. Bila held the hangings aside, and +the two passed outside into the blackness again.</p> + +<p>The trip back to the trader's shack passed without mishap and Dillon +went to sleep quite pleased.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Ten days passed. They were days of intensified effort for Dillon, as he +went about the task of setting up the rest of the post. The warehouse +came first, and the living quarters. The office that had been serving +double-duty reverted to its primary function.</p> + +<p>Occasionally a few natives would drop around to gaze at the +work-in-progress, but they would soon grow bored, and drift away to +other amusements. He had twice been back to the village to look at the +boy, but so far nothing else had come up to require his meagre medical +knowledge. He was beginning to think that he might last out until the +priest returned. He had been rereading the regulations covering contact, +and the penalties were much too harsh for his liking. He began to worry +about hiding traces of his one experiment.</p> + +<p>The noonday sun was on the wane when he finished wrestling the last of a +group of bins into the warehouse. He pulled out his kerchief, and wiped +the accumulated sweat from his eyes. The summer season was full on the +land, and the heat was as bad as any he had seen on Earth.</p> + +<p>He brought his lunch out to the office porch, and sank down in the +rocker that he had brought from his last post. There was a slight breeze +blowing diagonally across the clearing in front of the building, and he +shifted around to receive its full benefit.</p> + +<p>The first bite was scarcely in his mouth when Bila came into sight +around the bend of the path. He cursed silently, and put down his +sandwich. He stood up to welcome the alien.</p> + +<p>"Tarsa, Bila," he said. "What brings you here today?"</p> + +<p>"Sadness again wearies our people, and we know not what to do. The Gods +are indeed angered with us, and our priest is still away."</p> + +<p>"Just what is it this time?"</p> + +<p>"It is Kylano. He is at death's door, and the messengers of the Gods can +be heard waiting to take him beyond." Two tears broke loose and rolled +down his leathery gray cheeks.</p> + +<p>"The boy's father?" said Dillon. The alien nodded.</p> + +<p>"But what is wrong with him?"</p> + +<p>"Alas, we do not know. He was swimming in the lake, when a demon +possessed one of the fishes, and bit him on the leg. When he came out of +the water, a fever lay heavily over him, and he has become unconscious."</p> + +<p>"And you want me to save him." It was a statement, rather than a +question, and the native recognized it as such.</p> + +<p>"If it be within your power, starman. If you do not come, he must surely +die."</p> + +<p>"All right, Bila. I'll do whatever I can." He ducked inside the office, +and came out again with his bag. They set off down the path.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>"Your second major mistake," said Cassidy. "You were lucky with the boy, +but you should have come to your senses enough to leave the bag behind +on the second call. You were just stepping out into deeper water."</p> + +<p>"But the man was sick, and I didn't know what else to do but use the +medicines. I couldn't let him die!"</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"Why not? I've got feelings and a conscience. That's why! I couldn't +just stand by and do nothing. Especially when the sedative worked on the +boy!"</p> + +<p>"It would have been far better to let one man die than to have the +aliens come to regard you as higher than their own priests."</p> + +<p>"It's easy enough for you to say what I should have done here, but I +think your own actions would have been far different if you had been in +my place."</p> + +<p>"I doubt it. I'd never have been made trouble-shooter, if I didn't have +the brains to avoid a mess like that. I still think you're just plain +stupid."</p> + +<p>"My thoughts of you are better left unsaid. At any rate, when we got to +the village...."</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>It was the same hut, and a crowd that may or may not have been present +the earlier night. The numbers were the same. The only change was the +lack of the overhanging pall of smoke from the lamps.</p> + +<p>The man occupied the same pallet as the boy, and the crowd made way for +Dillon as he moved to his side. It was readily apparent that he was very +ill, and Dillon uttered a silent prayer that he had something in the kit +to help him.</p> + +<p>The leg wound was nasty and crusted over. He swabbed it clean, blanching +when he saw its depth. Steadying himself, he bound it tightly, and sat +back on his heels to ponder his next move.</p> + +<p>The bandage would prevent any further infection, but the Earthman was +afraid the damage had already been done. The fever lay heavily on the +native, and he tossed and turned in his coma. The drugs in the bag were +all intended for use by Terrans only, and an attempt to aid the slight +alien might only result in death. Whereas if he were left alone to ride +out the fever, he just might come through all right.</p> + +<p>Kylano let out a muted sob, and struck out wildly, nearly hitting Dillon +in the face. He cursed, and turned to his bag, selecting the most +catholic antibiotic it contained. He looked up at the watching crowd, +but they just stared back impassively. He cursed again, and swabbed a +spot on the native's arm, and thrust home the needle.</p> + +<p>He threw the empty hypo back in the bag, and shut it savagely. Then he +stood up, and looked around for Bila.</p> + +<p>"A drink of water, please," he said, catching the other's eye.</p> + +<p>"Certainly, starman," he replied, handing over a gourd.</p> + +<p>Dillon drank deeply, then wiped his mouth. He handed back the gourd and +picked up his bag. As he pushed his way through the crowd, Bila +followed.</p> + +<p>"Kylano will be well now?" said the alien.</p> + +<p>"I don't know. I just don't know. I hope so."</p> + +<p>"Is there anything more you can do?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps. If I knew just what he was sick with, and I had the right +drugs to treat it, I could do a lot. As it is...." He left the sentence +hanging.</p> + +<p>"If the Gods will it, he will live."</p> + +<p>"Pray that they will it. In the meantime, you might bathe his forehead +every now and then. It'll help to make him more comfortable."</p> + +<p>"In any event, we thank you, starman. With our priest gone...."</p> + +<p>"Why did your priest leave on such a long journey, Bila? I should think +he would be more concerned with the care of his flock."</p> + +<p>"The ways of the priesthood are beyond the comprehension of ordinary +men. When the Gods speak to them, they obey, no matter how onerous the +orders may be. If men must suffer during their absence, it is +unfortunate. But it must be."</p> + +<p>"Then I'd think that your priests would see to it that someone in the +village would know what to do in case of emergency."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no!" He seemed horrified at the thought. "Knowledge is for the Gods +to give to the chosen ones. Common men would not be worthy of it, for it +is certain that they do not have the intelligence to deal with it +properly. Only the priests are wise enough to be so honored. Priests and +men from the stars," he added, as an afterthought.</p> + +<p>"Well, in any event, I hope you don't need me any more...."</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>"But they did need you," said Cassidy.</p> + +<p>"Unfortunately, yes. Four more times in the twenty days before the +return of the priest."</p> + +<p>"What were the troubles?"</p> + +<p>"Once, it was to aid in childbirth—my first adventure as a midwife," he +said, remembering the event and his shame at his ignorance in the +matter. He had had to take directions from the woman. "Once, a hunter +had fallen in an animal trap, and broken both his legs," he continued. +"And twice, it was for sickness."</p> + +<p>"The same one as this Kylano?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. I couldn't hope to diagnose it, so I just shot them full +of antibiotics, and prayed for a miracle."</p> + +<p>"You should have prayed for brains instead. But all of your sick ones +recovered?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. I couldn't seem to do anything wrong, and it wasn't long before +the natives were beginning to look on me as the personal representative +of their Gods. It was embarrassing, the way they fawned over me."</p> + +<p>"Tell me," said Cassidy. "You said you read the regs over. Why in the +name of all that's holy didn't you have the sense to follow them?"</p> + +<p>"I couldn't stand by and watch them die! I had to help them, Cassidy. +Damn it, I <i>had</i> to!"</p> + +<p>"Yeah, sure. But go on."</p> + +<p>"Well, to shorten matters, the local priest finally got back from his +pilgrimage, and took up his old duties. All went well for about a week, +and then another alien became ill. The priest heard about it, naturally, +and went to his aid. But it seems my percentage of recoveries was better +than his at its very best. They wouldn't let him even near the sick +one. Instead, they sent for me."</p> + +<p>"You went?"</p> + +<p>"Of course. I didn't know the priest was back, and what else could I +do?"</p> + +<p>"I shudder to think. What happened?"</p> + +<p>"The native got well, and the tribe practically pitched the priest out +on his ear. He went running to his superiors, and they called a council +of war. They banned the natives from the post, and threatened to cut off +any who were seen with me from all priestly privileges.</p> + +<p>"The tribe made an almighty stink. They called their own council, and +there was practically civil war. That's when I called you. Or, rather, +the nearest trouble-shooter."</p> + +<p>"Ah, me. Why is it that I, Cassius Cassidy, get saddled with all of the +real stinkers in the galaxy? I don't mind shooting other people's +troubles for them, but I do resent the fact that the messiest ones get +dumped in my lap. Sometimes I feel like resigning."</p> + +<p>"Cassidy, one of these days...."</p> + +<p>"Oh, simmer down. I said there was a simple solution to your problem, +and I knew what I was talking about. The natives have been so taken in +by your ridiculously lucky flukes that they think you're the next thing +to a God. Right?"</p> + +<p>"Right." Each looked as though the other were something unmentionable, +left over from the last cleaning of the cesspool.</p> + +<p>"So we just...." He leaned forward and outlined his plan.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Five days passed, peaceably. The natives gave the post a wide margin; +not even Bila showed his face. Dillon began to think that maybe there +was a chance things would go back to normal by themselves; and that +Cassidy's plan would not be necessary.</p> + +<p>The first four days were merely a continuation of the heat. The two +Earthmen sat around the office, speaking only when it was absolutely +unavoidable, and then only in snarls. Dillon sent out a rush request for +air conditioning equipment, omitted, by some mistake, from the supplies.</p> + +<p>The fifth day was as sunny as ever, but a stiff west wind sprang up, and +the temperature was bearable. Cassidy smiled for the first time in days, +and Dillon tried to be pleasant to him.</p> + +<p>The sixth day broke with an unceasing torrent of rain, and the men +returned to their surly grumbling.</p> + +<p>"I hope the post isn't washed away," said Cassidy. "This storm begins to +assume the aspects of the Biblical flood."</p> + +<p>"We're safe enough," said Dillon. "Only...."</p> + +<p>"Only what?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing. Just a hunch."</p> + +<p>"Good or bad?"</p> + +<p>"Bad. All bad. I've got a feeling we're due for a visit."</p> + +<p>As if on cue, a knock came on the office door. Dillon opened it, and +stood aside for the thoroughly bedraggled alien waiting outside. Bila +was a sorry caricature of himself, with his down plastered to his body. +Water dripped from him in a steady stream.</p> + +<p>"Tarsa, starman," he said.</p> + +<p>"Tarsa, Bila," replied Dillon. "I've been expecting you."</p> + +<p>"Oh? Do you then have the powers of foreseeing the future, too?"</p> + +<p>"No," he said, laughing. "It's just that it's been several days since +you were last here. You were overdue for a visit."</p> + +<p>Cassidy cleared his throat, and Dillon turned to him.</p> + +<p>"This is Cassidy, Bila," he said. "He is my brother from the stars, and +has come to visit me for a short while."</p> + +<p>"Tarsa, Cassidy," the native said, gravely.</p> + +<p>"Tarsa, Bila. I have been hoping to meet a member of your people."</p> + +<p>"Oh? Has the fame of Kash spread far through the universe then?"</p> + +<p>"Indeed, all of the civilized worlds talk of Kash and its gentle folk. +It is a common ambition to be able to come here and see you in person. +It is hoped that soon such travel will be most frequent, to the reward +of both of our peoples."</p> + +<p>"Indeed," said Bila. "I thank you in the name of my people. Will you +yourself be here long?"</p> + +<p>"Unfortunately, no. But when I go I will take fond memories as +souvenirs."</p> + +<p>"What is so important that it brought you out in this storm, Bila?" +asked Dillon, breaking into the conversation. "Your troubles must be +pressing."</p> + +<p>"Indeed, they are. The Gods frown heavily on our village this day, and I +have come once more to seek your intercession."</p> + +<p>"What is the matter?" asked Cassidy.</p> + +<p>"Alas, the trouble is in my own household. My wife lies at the door to +death, and I fear she is fast slipping beyond."</p> + +<p>"Haven't you had the priest in?" asked Dillon.</p> + +<p>"Against your great and wondrous magic, Dillon, what is the priest? He +is like a lost little boy, unable to tell North from East, and helpless +in the face of death. Only you have the power to bring her back to the +world of the living, as you did with Kylano and the others."</p> + +<p>"I thank you for your trust," said Dillon. "I only hope it is not +misplaced."</p> + +<p>"You will come?"</p> + +<p>"Of course. As soon as I dress for the storm, and get my bag." He turned +to do so, then was struck by an afterthought. "By the way, do you mind +if Cassidy comes with us? He would appreciate the chance to see your +village."</p> + +<p>"It will be an honor."</p> + +<p>"Good. Get into your togs, Cass."</p> + +<p>They were soon ready. Dillon grabbed up his bag, and he followed the +native out into the storm. The rain blew straight toward them, and they +bent forward, into the wind. The trip to the village was a fight all the +way.</p> + +<p>The village itself had become isolated; an island in the midst of a +shallow lake. They waded across, to the hut that was Bila's. He held the +hangings aside, and the Earthmen stepped into the stink of the alien +crowd.</p> + +<p>The omnipresent lamps were lit, and the smoke hung heavy. Both of the +Earthmen were soon wishing they had protection for their smarting eyes.</p> + +<p>The natives stopped their keening, and made room for the two men. They +both moved forward, and bent over the woman. Dillon could see that she +was as sick as the others, but whether or not it was the same disease, +he could not say. For the eighth such time, he wished he had taken +medical training as a youth, in deference to his family's wishes.</p> + +<p>"It's hot in here," said Cassidy. Sweat beaded out on his forehead, and +he wiped it away with a shaking hand.</p> + +<p>"Small wonder," said Dillon, "with all these people here. They must up +the temperature by twenty degrees." He opened his bag, and dug out a +swab. After cleaning a spot on her arm, he dug out a needle, and filled +it from an ampoule.</p> + +<p>"Dillon!"</p> + +<p>He whirled around. "Cass! What's the matter?"</p> + +<p>"I ... don't know. Woozy. I feel woozy." He staggered, and fell forward, +unconscious.</p> + +<p>"Cass!" He bent over the man, and turned him over. Cassidy's face was +white, and the sweat rolled off in rivulets. Dillon felt for a pulse, +and then pulled out a stethoscope. Baring the other's chest, he listened +for a beat.</p> + +<p>"What is it, Dillon?" asked Bila. "What is wrong?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. He's sick." He looked worried.</p> + +<p>"Sick?" The natives stared at each other, unbelieving.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sick! Earthmen get sick too, you know!" He bared Cassidy's arm, +and swabbed it clean. Then he pressed home the needle he had prepared +for the woman.</p> + +<p>"He will get well?" asked Bila.</p> + +<p>"I don't know." Dillon felt for a pulse again. Disbelief washed over his +face, and he sank back on his heels.</p> + +<p>"What is it?"</p> + +<p>"He's dead."</p> + +<p>"Dead?" Amazement took hold of them.</p> + +<p>"Dead." The Earthman stood up, shaking his head. "But your wife, Bila. I +must attend to her."</p> + +<p>"No." The native stepped between the man and woman, and held out his +arms.</p> + +<p>"No? Why not?"</p> + +<p>"The Gods have frowned on you, starman. It is obvious that they are +dissatisfied with you, for they took your brother."</p> + +<p>"But just because Cassidy died doesn't mean your wife will." He stared +at the lesser being, dumfounded. "But she might, if not treated."</p> + +<p>"We shall get the priest. We cannot run the risk of offending the Gods +by permitting you to touch her."</p> + +<p>The Earthman stared from face to face, but the same message was written +on all. Hopelessness took the place of question, and he turned, and +stumbled from the hut, and into the storm.</p> + +<p>"Take the man to the post," said Bila. Several of the men hurried to do +his bidding. They carried Cassidy out into the night, without looking +back.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>"Simple," said Cassidy. "Just like I said." He was hunched over his +coffee, his ham-like hands soaking up the warmth from the cup.</p> + +<p>"Simple," said Dillon. "I don't get it. Just why did they stop me from +treating the woman?"</p> + +<p>"We come from the stars, which the natives associate with the home of +the Gods. We don't look quite like their legends say Gods should, but +they figured we must be close to them, so they credited us with +omnipotent powers. The priests claimed the cures they affected were done +with the grace of the almighty, and the natives figured your cures came +from the same source."</p> + +<p>"I can't figure why they wouldn't even let me touch her," said Dillon. +"It doesn't make sense."</p> + +<p>"Actually, if you had given her the shot without me on the scene, and +she had died, they probably would have accepted it as the will of the +Gods. The priests fail once in awhile, and they just claim that the Gods +have wanted that particular person to die. But when you were unable to +save me, another man from the stars, and therefore presumably a close +acquaintance of the Almighty, they could come to only one conclusion: +The Gods withdrew their blessings from you. After that they wouldn't +have let you touch a sick pig—if they have pigs here." He drained his +cup.</p> + +<p>A roar sounded down from the sky, building up into a wail that scraped +the spines of the hearers. It rose to a crescendo, and then came a +jarring shock that shuddered the whole building.</p> + +<p>"My chauffeur," said Cassidy. "Hot-rodding, as usual." He rose, and +picked up his baggage.</p> + +<p>"You know, Dillon," he said, "You're a jerk. I'll tell my grandchildren +about you. You're a perfect example of what not to do." He shook his +head. "A horrible example."</p> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/illus03.jpg" alt="endplate" /> + +</p> + + + + +<p class='center'>END</p> + +<div class="trans-note"> + +<p><big><b>Transcriber's Note:</b></big></p> + +<p>This etext was produced from If Worlds of Science Fiction February 1958. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. </p></div> + + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Feet Of Clay, by Phillip Hoskins + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FEET OF CLAY *** + +***** This file should be named 32724-h.htm or 32724-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/2/7/2/32724/ + +Produced by Greg Weeks, Graeme Mackreth 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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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: Feet Of Clay + +Author: Phillip Hoskins + +Release Date: June 7, 2010 [EBook #32724] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FEET OF CLAY *** + + + + +Produced by Greg Weeks, Graeme Mackreth and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + _Life is pretty strange when a god who is good and benevolent must + prove that he has_ + +Feet of Clay + +BY PHILLIP HOSKINS + + +"The problem," said Cassidy, "would seem to be simple." He thumped his +outsized knuckles against the desk. "Almost too simple." + +"Why?" The other was a wearer of the black and silver uniform of +Extrasol Traders; a short man, made shorter by the beer-barrel shape of +his body and the extreme width of his shoulders. His head was capped +with close-cropped gray curls. + +[Illustration: _Illustrated by Paul Orban_] + +"Why?" he repeated. "I've been studying it ever since it first cropped +up, and I must admit that it's been beyond me." + +"I must confess, Dillon," said Cassidy, "I wonder how you ever rose to +the managerial ranks of Extrasol. I find it hard to imagine a personnel +man stupid enough to put you in charge of even a backwater planet like +this Kash. Surely somebody in the home office must know how dumb you +are?" + +"My dumbness is not the subject of this conversation," said Dillon, +grimly. "I didn't like the idea of calling in a trouble-shooter. I liked +it even less when I found out it was to be you." + +Cassidy grinned. "You mean my wonderful personality hasn't made an +impression on you? I'm cut to the quick." + +"I put up with you for only one reason. You know aliens, far better than +I could ever hope to. You're about the best in the field." + +"Only about? Really, Dillon, if you knew of someone better than me, why +didn't you get them?" + +"All right!" He shouted the words. "You're the best! But you still +haven't explained why the problem seems simple to you." He pulled out a +cigarette, and bit down savagely on the end, only to spit out the loose +tobacco amidst a sputter of curses. + +"The misfortunes of being feeble-minded," sighed Cassidy. "But for your +sake, I'll take you by the hand, and try to lead you down the road of +intelligence. But first, you better go over the situation once more. + +"We are on Kash," said Dillon, visibly controlling his patience. "It's +the fourth world of a G-type sun of the periphery, unnamed in the +catalogues. For that reason, we have assigned it the native name. Kash +is their term for both the star and the planet, and roughly translates +as 'home of the Gods'. + +"The planet was first contacted during the great galactic expansion of +2317, when the sole native language was taped. The planet is +approximately two-thirds the size of Earth, but its density is somewhat +less, so the gravity is about half that of Earth. It is moonless, and so +far from galactic center that scarcely a hundred stars are visible in +the sky. Thus a trained observer can usually pick out the other five +planets of the system with no trouble at all." He paused, and took a +drink of water. + +"Six months ago it was contacted by Unit 317 of Extrasol Traders...." + +"Namely you," said Cassidy. + +"Me. A month was spent mapping the planet and searching out native +villages. I then returned to base and picked up supplies necessary for +setting up an outpost. Two months ago I returned. + +"And all Hell broke loose...." + + * * * * * + +Night fell quickly, and with little relief on Kash, for the stars were +few and far between, and shed little light. Dillon stepped out of the +office that was doing double-duty as living quarters until separate +quarters could be set up, and started for the nearby well. He cursed as +he realized his flashlight still lay on the desk, but the light pouring +from the open door was enough to see by, and he decided against +returning. + +As he walked, he breathed deeply of the tangy night air, and sighed with +satisfaction. This world was infinitely more pleasurable than the last +he had posted, and he intended to enjoy his stay. + +He let his thoughts ramble as he walked and so almost ran down the +waiting alien before he saw him. The native's huge eyes gleamed softly +in the spill of light from the office, and the gray down that covered +his body and head, except for the face, seemed soft and alive. + +"Tarsa, Bila," said the Earthman, using the native greeting. + +"Tarsa, starman. May the Gods shine their eternal light on you." + +"And on you," Dillon said, observing the ritual. "But what brings you +here at night?" + +"The night is beautiful, is it not, starman? It shines with a glory all +its own. At times it would seem to outdo its brother, the day." + +"Indeed," he agreed. "Your world is one of the loveliest I have yet +seen, and my travels have led me over as many stars as there are waves +on the sea. But surely you did not come to talk merely of the night and +its beauty." + +"Alas, no," sighed the native. "My task is a most unhappy one, for +sorrow hangs heavy over the village. The women and children are weeping, +and the men know not what to do in the face of calamity. It seems as +though the Gods themselves have turned against my people." He wiped his +eyes with the back of his hand. + +"What would you with me, Bila?" asked the Earthman. "Surely I cannot be +of any assistance?" + +"As a man from the sky, surely you have met the Gods in open battle +before!" cried the alien. "And just as surely you must have defeated +them, else you would not be here this night." + +"I am flattered, Bila. It is true that the Gods of the universe and I +are not total strangers. Exactly what is wrong?" + +"It is Toll, the son of Kylano. He has fallen from a cliff, and the +bones of his arm are broken and need curing." + +"But isn't that a job for the priest?" + +"Aye. But our priest has been on a pilgrimage these past ten days, and +is to be gone another thirty or more. There is no one left with the +necessary knowledge. You will come?" + +"I'll come, Bila. But first I must get a bag from the office. With it I +may be able to help the boy." + +"Ah, you too have an herb basket like the priest's? Truly you are a +friend of the Gods." + +"Not quite like the priest's," said Dillon, smiling. "But it serves much +the same purpose." He hurried up the path and into the shack, emerging a +moment later with the first-aid bag that was standard equipment for all +men isolated from the services of a doctor. + + * * * * * + +"That's where you made your first mistake," said Cassidy. "Regulation +1287-63C, paragraph 119 states 'no man shall give medical aid to alien +races unless a team of certified specialists has checked out all such +medicines with respect to such race and certified them safe. Penalty for +breaking rule: Revocation of any licenses; restriction to home world for +three years; and/or five thousand dollars fine.' You really did things +up right. You should have left that bag in the safe where it belonged." + +"Well, I didn't," said Dillon. "And it's too late now to talk of what I +should have done. At any rate...." + + * * * * * + +"Where is the boy, Bila?" asked Dillon as he came up to the alien again. + +"At my village, starman. Come." He slipped down the path and was soon +swallowed by the darkness. The Earthman hurried after, afraid of being +lost in the almost impenetrable night. + +He had forgotten the flashlight again, and he cursed as he stumbled over +an unseen obstruction. + +"Bila!" he called. + +"Yes, starman?" The alien appeared as if from nowhere. + +"I'm afraid that I'm not as gifted as you when it comes to traveling at +night without light. You had better let me hold onto your shoulder." + +"Of course, starman. I am most sorry for causing you trouble." + +"It's my own fault. I should have remembered the light. Let's get going +again." He placed his hand on the alien's shoulder, and they started off +again. + +Despite his guide, he twice stumbled over obstructions, and would have +fallen but for his grip on the other's shoulder. Bila waited while he +steadied himself, and then started off again, keeping up a fast pace. + +The village lay three miles from the post, and during the day, Dillon +considered it nothing more than a brisk walk. But the blindness that +came with the dark wiped out all realization of time and space, and he +soon began to think that they must have passed it by, when the alien +spoke. + +"We are here, starman." + +They rounded a bend, and a cluster of huts came into view, lit by the +dim light of a few scattered lamps. The alien threaded his way through +the narrow lanes between the huts, and stopped outside one of the +largest in the group. He held the hangings aside, and Dillon stooped to +enter. + +The hut was already crowded with natives. The smoke from half a dozen of +the sputtering lamps hung like a shroud over the interior, and the +Earthman's eyes were soon smarting. He wondered how the natives, with +their much larger eyes, could stand it. + +The injured boy lay on a pallet in the center of the hut. An animal skin +had been thrown over him, with the broken arm exposed. Dillon knelt by +him, and felt it over carefully. + +"A clean break, thank God," he said, more to himself than his audience. + +The boy whimpered, and he reached for the bag, and rummaged around. +Finally he pulled out an already prepared hypo, loaded with a sedative. +He swabbed the boy's good arm, and pressed the needle home. + +The natives moved forward when they saw the needle, and some of them +began to mutter. But the boy quickly dropped off into an untroubled +sleep, and they settled down. + +The Earthman took hold of the broken arm, and marvelled at the frailty +of it. The bones had to hold a lighter weight than those of Earthmen, +and thus were correspondingly weaker. He felt that he could snap one of +them with his hands. + +He straightened the arm out, as gently as he could, and then pulled. The +broken ends slid together with a satisfying pop, and he quickly bound +them with a splint from his bag. He wrapped the bandage tight, and tied +it. Then he arose, picking up his bag. + +"He should be alright now," he said. "I'll stop by in the morning, when +he's awake, and give him a going-over." + +"His arm," said Bila. "It is ... fixed?" + +"Yes. He's young, and he should heal fast. Three weeks from now he'll be +out with the other children, playing games and just as active as ever." + +"We thank you, starman," said Bila. "We have not the words to say just +how happy we are that you have helped us." + +"It's nothing," said Dillon, embarrassed by the show of gratitude. "All +Earthmen would do the same." + +"Ah, your magic must be even greater than that of the priests. It is +most unfortunate that the village priest was away. But the Gods have +smiled on us, by sending you instead." + +"He'll be back soon, I hope?" said Dillon. "The priest, I mean." + +"Alas, not for at least thirty days, and perhaps more. He knew not where +his pilgrimage would lead him." + +"But if you have more troubles like this?" + +"Our misfortunes," said Bila, his face downcast. "If the Gods see fit to +abandon us to the miseries of the world, what can mere men say? If some +must die, than they shall surely die." + +"No!" He regretted the word the moment it was out, but it was too late +to recall it. The milk was spilt, and crying would be foolish at this +point. "No. If you have troubles, come to me. I will do what I can, +although I am not sure that it will be much." + +"Ten million thanks, starman!" His eyes glistened with joy. "Our people +shall be eternally grateful." + +"You'd better save your thanks, until you're sure that I can help you. +But right now, I'd appreciate a guide back to the post, and a lamp, so I +don't fall anymore." + +"Of course. It shall be done immediately." He motioned for one of the +men in the hut, who came with a lamp. Bila held the hangings aside, and +the two passed outside into the blackness again. + +The trip back to the trader's shack passed without mishap and Dillon +went to sleep quite pleased. + + * * * * * + +Ten days passed. They were days of intensified effort for Dillon, as he +went about the task of setting up the rest of the post. The warehouse +came first, and the living quarters. The office that had been serving +double-duty reverted to its primary function. + +Occasionally a few natives would drop around to gaze at the +work-in-progress, but they would soon grow bored, and drift away to +other amusements. He had twice been back to the village to look at the +boy, but so far nothing else had come up to require his meagre medical +knowledge. He was beginning to think that he might last out until the +priest returned. He had been rereading the regulations covering contact, +and the penalties were much too harsh for his liking. He began to worry +about hiding traces of his one experiment. + +The noonday sun was on the wane when he finished wrestling the last of a +group of bins into the warehouse. He pulled out his kerchief, and wiped +the accumulated sweat from his eyes. The summer season was full on the +land, and the heat was as bad as any he had seen on Earth. + +He brought his lunch out to the office porch, and sank down in the +rocker that he had brought from his last post. There was a slight breeze +blowing diagonally across the clearing in front of the building, and he +shifted around to receive its full benefit. + +The first bite was scarcely in his mouth when Bila came into sight +around the bend of the path. He cursed silently, and put down his +sandwich. He stood up to welcome the alien. + +"Tarsa, Bila," he said. "What brings you here today?" + +"Sadness again wearies our people, and we know not what to do. The Gods +are indeed angered with us, and our priest is still away." + +"Just what is it this time?" + +"It is Kylano. He is at death's door, and the messengers of the Gods can +be heard waiting to take him beyond." Two tears broke loose and rolled +down his leathery gray cheeks. + +"The boy's father?" said Dillon. The alien nodded. + +"But what is wrong with him?" + +"Alas, we do not know. He was swimming in the lake, when a demon +possessed one of the fishes, and bit him on the leg. When he came out of +the water, a fever lay heavily over him, and he has become unconscious." + +"And you want me to save him." It was a statement, rather than a +question, and the native recognized it as such. + +"If it be within your power, starman. If you do not come, he must surely +die." + +"All right, Bila. I'll do whatever I can." He ducked inside the office, +and came out again with his bag. They set off down the path. + + * * * * * + +"Your second major mistake," said Cassidy. "You were lucky with the boy, +but you should have come to your senses enough to leave the bag behind +on the second call. You were just stepping out into deeper water." + +"But the man was sick, and I didn't know what else to do but use the +medicines. I couldn't let him die!" + +"Why not?" + +"Why not? I've got feelings and a conscience. That's why! I couldn't +just stand by and do nothing. Especially when the sedative worked on the +boy!" + +"It would have been far better to let one man die than to have the +aliens come to regard you as higher than their own priests." + +"It's easy enough for you to say what I should have done here, but I +think your own actions would have been far different if you had been in +my place." + +"I doubt it. I'd never have been made trouble-shooter, if I didn't have +the brains to avoid a mess like that. I still think you're just plain +stupid." + +"My thoughts of you are better left unsaid. At any rate, when we got to +the village...." + + * * * * * + +It was the same hut, and a crowd that may or may not have been present +the earlier night. The numbers were the same. The only change was the +lack of the overhanging pall of smoke from the lamps. + +The man occupied the same pallet as the boy, and the crowd made way for +Dillon as he moved to his side. It was readily apparent that he was very +ill, and Dillon uttered a silent prayer that he had something in the kit +to help him. + +The leg wound was nasty and crusted over. He swabbed it clean, blanching +when he saw its depth. Steadying himself, he bound it tightly, and sat +back on his heels to ponder his next move. + +The bandage would prevent any further infection, but the Earthman was +afraid the damage had already been done. The fever lay heavily on the +native, and he tossed and turned in his coma. The drugs in the bag were +all intended for use by Terrans only, and an attempt to aid the slight +alien might only result in death. Whereas if he were left alone to ride +out the fever, he just might come through all right. + +Kylano let out a muted sob, and struck out wildly, nearly hitting Dillon +in the face. He cursed, and turned to his bag, selecting the most +catholic antibiotic it contained. He looked up at the watching crowd, +but they just stared back impassively. He cursed again, and swabbed a +spot on the native's arm, and thrust home the needle. + +He threw the empty hypo back in the bag, and shut it savagely. Then he +stood up, and looked around for Bila. + +"A drink of water, please," he said, catching the other's eye. + +"Certainly, starman," he replied, handing over a gourd. + +Dillon drank deeply, then wiped his mouth. He handed back the gourd and +picked up his bag. As he pushed his way through the crowd, Bila +followed. + +"Kylano will be well now?" said the alien. + +"I don't know. I just don't know. I hope so." + +"Is there anything more you can do?" + +"Perhaps. If I knew just what he was sick with, and I had the right +drugs to treat it, I could do a lot. As it is...." He left the sentence +hanging. + +"If the Gods will it, he will live." + +"Pray that they will it. In the meantime, you might bathe his forehead +every now and then. It'll help to make him more comfortable." + +"In any event, we thank you, starman. With our priest gone...." + +"Why did your priest leave on such a long journey, Bila? I should think +he would be more concerned with the care of his flock." + +"The ways of the priesthood are beyond the comprehension of ordinary +men. When the Gods speak to them, they obey, no matter how onerous the +orders may be. If men must suffer during their absence, it is +unfortunate. But it must be." + +"Then I'd think that your priests would see to it that someone in the +village would know what to do in case of emergency." + +"Oh, no!" He seemed horrified at the thought. "Knowledge is for the Gods +to give to the chosen ones. Common men would not be worthy of it, for it +is certain that they do not have the intelligence to deal with it +properly. Only the priests are wise enough to be so honored. Priests and +men from the stars," he added, as an afterthought. + +"Well, in any event, I hope you don't need me any more...." + + * * * * * + +"But they did need you," said Cassidy. + +"Unfortunately, yes. Four more times in the twenty days before the +return of the priest." + +"What were the troubles?" + +"Once, it was to aid in childbirth--my first adventure as a midwife," he +said, remembering the event and his shame at his ignorance in the +matter. He had had to take directions from the woman. "Once, a hunter +had fallen in an animal trap, and broken both his legs," he continued. +"And twice, it was for sickness." + +"The same one as this Kylano?" + +"I don't know. I couldn't hope to diagnose it, so I just shot them full +of antibiotics, and prayed for a miracle." + +"You should have prayed for brains instead. But all of your sick ones +recovered?" + +"Yes. I couldn't seem to do anything wrong, and it wasn't long before +the natives were beginning to look on me as the personal representative +of their Gods. It was embarrassing, the way they fawned over me." + +"Tell me," said Cassidy. "You said you read the regs over. Why in the +name of all that's holy didn't you have the sense to follow them?" + +"I couldn't stand by and watch them die! I had to help them, Cassidy. +Damn it, I _had_ to!" + +"Yeah, sure. But go on." + +"Well, to shorten matters, the local priest finally got back from his +pilgrimage, and took up his old duties. All went well for about a week, +and then another alien became ill. The priest heard about it, naturally, +and went to his aid. But it seems my percentage of recoveries was better +than his at its very best. They wouldn't let him even near the sick +one. Instead, they sent for me." + +"You went?" + +"Of course. I didn't know the priest was back, and what else could I +do?" + +"I shudder to think. What happened?" + +"The native got well, and the tribe practically pitched the priest out +on his ear. He went running to his superiors, and they called a council +of war. They banned the natives from the post, and threatened to cut off +any who were seen with me from all priestly privileges. + +"The tribe made an almighty stink. They called their own council, and +there was practically civil war. That's when I called you. Or, rather, +the nearest trouble-shooter." + +"Ah, me. Why is it that I, Cassius Cassidy, get saddled with all of the +real stinkers in the galaxy? I don't mind shooting other people's +troubles for them, but I do resent the fact that the messiest ones get +dumped in my lap. Sometimes I feel like resigning." + +"Cassidy, one of these days...." + +"Oh, simmer down. I said there was a simple solution to your problem, +and I knew what I was talking about. The natives have been so taken in +by your ridiculously lucky flukes that they think you're the next thing +to a God. Right?" + +"Right." Each looked as though the other were something unmentionable, +left over from the last cleaning of the cesspool. + +"So we just...." He leaned forward and outlined his plan. + + * * * * * + +Five days passed, peaceably. The natives gave the post a wide margin; +not even Bila showed his face. Dillon began to think that maybe there +was a chance things would go back to normal by themselves; and that +Cassidy's plan would not be necessary. + +The first four days were merely a continuation of the heat. The two +Earthmen sat around the office, speaking only when it was absolutely +unavoidable, and then only in snarls. Dillon sent out a rush request for +air conditioning equipment, omitted, by some mistake, from the supplies. + +The fifth day was as sunny as ever, but a stiff west wind sprang up, and +the temperature was bearable. Cassidy smiled for the first time in days, +and Dillon tried to be pleasant to him. + +The sixth day broke with an unceasing torrent of rain, and the men +returned to their surly grumbling. + +"I hope the post isn't washed away," said Cassidy. "This storm begins to +assume the aspects of the Biblical flood." + +"We're safe enough," said Dillon. "Only...." + +"Only what?" + +"Nothing. Just a hunch." + +"Good or bad?" + +"Bad. All bad. I've got a feeling we're due for a visit." + +As if on cue, a knock came on the office door. Dillon opened it, and +stood aside for the thoroughly bedraggled alien waiting outside. Bila +was a sorry caricature of himself, with his down plastered to his body. +Water dripped from him in a steady stream. + +"Tarsa, starman," he said. + +"Tarsa, Bila," replied Dillon. "I've been expecting you." + +"Oh? Do you then have the powers of foreseeing the future, too?" + +"No," he said, laughing. "It's just that it's been several days since +you were last here. You were overdue for a visit." + +Cassidy cleared his throat, and Dillon turned to him. + +"This is Cassidy, Bila," he said. "He is my brother from the stars, and +has come to visit me for a short while." + +"Tarsa, Cassidy," the native said, gravely. + +"Tarsa, Bila. I have been hoping to meet a member of your people." + +"Oh? Has the fame of Kash spread far through the universe then?" + +"Indeed, all of the civilized worlds talk of Kash and its gentle folk. +It is a common ambition to be able to come here and see you in person. +It is hoped that soon such travel will be most frequent, to the reward +of both of our peoples." + +"Indeed," said Bila. "I thank you in the name of my people. Will you +yourself be here long?" + +"Unfortunately, no. But when I go I will take fond memories as +souvenirs." + +"What is so important that it brought you out in this storm, Bila?" +asked Dillon, breaking into the conversation. "Your troubles must be +pressing." + +"Indeed, they are. The Gods frown heavily on our village this day, and I +have come once more to seek your intercession." + +"What is the matter?" asked Cassidy. + +"Alas, the trouble is in my own household. My wife lies at the door to +death, and I fear she is fast slipping beyond." + +"Haven't you had the priest in?" asked Dillon. + +"Against your great and wondrous magic, Dillon, what is the priest? He +is like a lost little boy, unable to tell North from East, and helpless +in the face of death. Only you have the power to bring her back to the +world of the living, as you did with Kylano and the others." + +"I thank you for your trust," said Dillon. "I only hope it is not +misplaced." + +"You will come?" + +"Of course. As soon as I dress for the storm, and get my bag." He turned +to do so, then was struck by an afterthought. "By the way, do you mind +if Cassidy comes with us? He would appreciate the chance to see your +village." + +"It will be an honor." + +"Good. Get into your togs, Cass." + +They were soon ready. Dillon grabbed up his bag, and he followed the +native out into the storm. The rain blew straight toward them, and they +bent forward, into the wind. The trip to the village was a fight all the +way. + +The village itself had become isolated; an island in the midst of a +shallow lake. They waded across, to the hut that was Bila's. He held the +hangings aside, and the Earthmen stepped into the stink of the alien +crowd. + +The omnipresent lamps were lit, and the smoke hung heavy. Both of the +Earthmen were soon wishing they had protection for their smarting eyes. + +The natives stopped their keening, and made room for the two men. They +both moved forward, and bent over the woman. Dillon could see that she +was as sick as the others, but whether or not it was the same disease, +he could not say. For the eighth such time, he wished he had taken +medical training as a youth, in deference to his family's wishes. + +"It's hot in here," said Cassidy. Sweat beaded out on his forehead, and +he wiped it away with a shaking hand. + +"Small wonder," said Dillon, "with all these people here. They must up +the temperature by twenty degrees." He opened his bag, and dug out a +swab. After cleaning a spot on her arm, he dug out a needle, and filled +it from an ampoule. + +"Dillon!" + +He whirled around. "Cass! What's the matter?" + +"I ... don't know. Woozy. I feel woozy." He staggered, and fell forward, +unconscious. + +"Cass!" He bent over the man, and turned him over. Cassidy's face was +white, and the sweat rolled off in rivulets. Dillon felt for a pulse, +and then pulled out a stethoscope. Baring the other's chest, he listened +for a beat. + +"What is it, Dillon?" asked Bila. "What is wrong?" + +"I don't know. He's sick." He looked worried. + +"Sick?" The natives stared at each other, unbelieving. + +"Yes, sick! Earthmen get sick too, you know!" He bared Cassidy's arm, +and swabbed it clean. Then he pressed home the needle he had prepared +for the woman. + +"He will get well?" asked Bila. + +"I don't know." Dillon felt for a pulse again. Disbelief washed over his +face, and he sank back on his heels. + +"What is it?" + +"He's dead." + +"Dead?" Amazement took hold of them. + +"Dead." The Earthman stood up, shaking his head. "But your wife, Bila. I +must attend to her." + +"No." The native stepped between the man and woman, and held out his +arms. + +"No? Why not?" + +"The Gods have frowned on you, starman. It is obvious that they are +dissatisfied with you, for they took your brother." + +"But just because Cassidy died doesn't mean your wife will." He stared +at the lesser being, dumfounded. "But she might, if not treated." + +"We shall get the priest. We cannot run the risk of offending the Gods +by permitting you to touch her." + +The Earthman stared from face to face, but the same message was written +on all. Hopelessness took the place of question, and he turned, and +stumbled from the hut, and into the storm. + +"Take the man to the post," said Bila. Several of the men hurried to do +his bidding. They carried Cassidy out into the night, without looking +back. + + * * * * * + +"Simple," said Cassidy. "Just like I said." He was hunched over his +coffee, his ham-like hands soaking up the warmth from the cup. + +"Simple," said Dillon. "I don't get it. Just why did they stop me from +treating the woman?" + +"We come from the stars, which the natives associate with the home of +the Gods. We don't look quite like their legends say Gods should, but +they figured we must be close to them, so they credited us with +omnipotent powers. The priests claimed the cures they affected were done +with the grace of the almighty, and the natives figured your cures came +from the same source." + +"I can't figure why they wouldn't even let me touch her," said Dillon. +"It doesn't make sense." + +"Actually, if you had given her the shot without me on the scene, and +she had died, they probably would have accepted it as the will of the +Gods. The priests fail once in awhile, and they just claim that the Gods +have wanted that particular person to die. But when you were unable to +save me, another man from the stars, and therefore presumably a close +acquaintance of the Almighty, they could come to only one conclusion: +The Gods withdrew their blessings from you. After that they wouldn't +have let you touch a sick pig--if they have pigs here." He drained his +cup. + +A roar sounded down from the sky, building up into a wail that scraped +the spines of the hearers. It rose to a crescendo, and then came a +jarring shock that shuddered the whole building. + +"My chauffeur," said Cassidy. "Hot-rodding, as usual." He rose, and +picked up his baggage. + +"You know, Dillon," he said, "You're a jerk. I'll tell my grandchildren +about you. You're a perfect example of what not to do." He shook his +head. "A horrible example." + +[Illustration] + + +END + + * * * * * + +Transcriber's Note: + +This etext was produced from If Worlds of Science Fiction February 1958. +Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright +on this publication was renewed. + + * * * * * + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Feet Of Clay, by Phillip Hoskins + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FEET OF CLAY *** + +***** This file should be named 32724.txt or 32724.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/2/7/2/32724/ + +Produced by Greg Weeks, Graeme Mackreth 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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