diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64071-0.txt | 895 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64071-0.zip | bin | 15672 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64071-h.zip | bin | 468834 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64071-h/64071-h.htm | 1064 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64071-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 250741 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64071-h/images/illus.jpg | bin | 201676 -> 0 bytes |
9 files changed, 17 insertions, 1959 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8e1ae06 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #64071 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/64071) diff --git a/old/64071-0.txt b/old/64071-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index e6c49ab..0000000 --- a/old/64071-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,895 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Open Invitation, by H.B. Fyfe - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Open Invitation - -Author: H.B. Fyfe - -Release Date: December 22, 2020 [eBook #64071] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OPEN INVITATION *** - - - - - OPEN INVITATION - - A Short Story by H. B. FYFE - - The problem was simple--or rather, simply - stated: Zoya Lar-Tul must keep those nasty, - aggressive little _Earthmen_ from - discovering the location of his home-star.... - - [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from - Planet Stories May 1951. - Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that - the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] - - -As Ullo Dah-Gow waddled into the section communications chamber on -Yaradir, second planet of Zillor, two of his four walking tentacles -stuck slightly on a nearly dry spot. - -"Fire and dry sand!" he swore at the technicians. "Can't you two even -keep the footing decently moist?" - -Without waiting for an answer, he made his way to the row of shallow -mud tubs before the television screen. The operators aimed eyestalks -at each other. Finally, Yado Nol-Moz, as junior, rose and went to the -wall controls of the conditioner. - -The assistant supervisor was relieved to see a thin sheet of water -creep across the floor. He never knew when Yado or Viri Nol-Rin might -choose to ignore him. - -_Which comes of old Ahnu loading this section with his nephews_, he -thought bitterly, forgetting that in his own office he already had -a list of his own relatives prepared against the day when he should -succeed to the post of Supervisor of Colonial Scouting for Sector 63. - -The slap-slap of tentacles in the corridor announced the arrival of -his superior. Ahnu Nol-Yev entered and lowered his thick body into the -choicest of the mud tubs, which Ullo had prudently left free. - -"Now, what's this urgent message?" he demanded, pointing one eyestalk -at Ullo and fixing the other upon the screen above Viri's broad, bony -head. - -"A request for orders from scout Zoya Lar-Tul," answered Viri. -"Assigned to ... let me see ... system LL-255-13." - -"Did we have any report on that system?" asked Ahnu. - -Yado produced the tape of a preliminary report and placed it on the -speaker. The list of facts rolled out: number of planets ... number -with sufficient water for colonization ... number of intelligent -species--one, on third planet ... native nomenclature--star, _Sol_; own -planet, _Earth_; others ... and so on. - -"All right," wheezed Ahnu. "I remember now. Get hold -of ... whatsisname ... Zoya!" - - * * * * * - -Viri manipulated his keys and knobs. The brief delay before an -answering image appeared on the screen irritated Ahnu. The loose, -coppery scales around his thick neck glinted with iridescent highlights -as he puffed out his air-sacs. - -"Dessication!" he snarled. "We bridge all those light-years with -subspace waves for his benefit, and he can't be alert enough to--Got -him now, Viri?" - -The technician snapped the tip of a gripping tentacle in assent. -Another Yaradirian looked out at them from the screen. - -This one had obviously been roughing it; his scales were lubricated by -only a minimum film of moisture, and he wore space harness on the lower -part of his body. - -_To keep his walking tentacles wet_, Ullo realized. _He hasn't so much -as a drop of water on the floor of that dive!_ - -"Zoya Lar-Tul!" announced Viri. - -"Stated simply," said Ahnu bluntly, "what is your trouble?" - -"Stated simply, Great One," answered the scout, "I am in imminent -danger of detection by natives of this system." - -Ullo stiffened in his mud tub. He heard the _slurp_ as the Supervisor -splashed more mud upon the oozing floor. - -"How is that?" demanded Ahnu, his throat again beginning to expand -majestically. - -"I fail to see," replied Zoya, "in what manner I could have avoided -it, Great One. The natives, _Earthmen_ in their own speech, have just -discovered an inefficient form of our own interstellar subspace drive. -They have gone exploring." - -_Might have known it_, thought Ullo. _Just when I'm working up to a top -rank, too!_ - -It sounded bad. Should they be unable to think Zoya out of his -predicament, it might well mean new personnel all around. Ullo's only -satisfaction was that Ahnu's relatives would be discharged before his -own resignation was given him to sign. - -Ahnu controlled himself. - -"Give me a picture of your situation!" he commanded. - -"To begin with, Great One, I chose to study the natives from a -distance, as is usual. I left my subspace ship on the largest satellite -of their sixth planet, which has several other moons and a beautiful -set of rings that--" - -"Kindly touch bottom!" Ahnu cut him off. "I am not interested in a -local travelogue!" - -"Even so, Great One. With my short-range rocket, I then established -this base on the seventh moon of their fifth planet. Only this moon's -smallness and insignificance has so far prevented by discovery." - -They listened to the rest of the story in an uncomfortable silence that -was broken only by an occasional squishing of mud as one or another -stirred uneasily. - -Zoya Lar-Tul had observed the _Earthmen_, as well as other bodies in -the system, for a quarter-revolution of his chosen fifth planet. At the -time of his arrival, the natives had reached their own satellite, but -he judged that they would be long in organizing successful flights to -the planets. - -"I translated some of their broadcasts and learned that this was their -great current project. Naturally, however, I was unconcerned, and -contented myself with obtaining specimens for my researches by brief, -discreet trips here and there." - - * * * * * - -Ullo snapped his tentacle tip quietly in assent. He remembered from -his history the dreadfully long period of his own race's expansion -throughout the system of Zillor. These _Earthmen_, however, seemed from -Zoya's report to possess certain advantages. Their requirements of air -and water were moderate and more easily stored in a space vessel. If -they _had_ discovered a form of subspace drive, they might be energetic -enough to pop up in the vicinity of Zillor some fine day. - -"You will imagine my amazement," continued Zoya, "when I heard one of -their broadcasts announce that a ship had reached their fourth planet, -and another the second--" - -Ahnu blew out a long, bubbling breath. - -"All this is doubtless interesting," he snorted, "but what is the -immediate emergency?" - -The image of Zoya aimed both eyestalks rather deliberately at the -Supervisor. - -"They reached and passed this group of satellites," he hissed out. "Do -I make clear my dilemma, Great One?" - -He waited while Ahnu's neck swelled dangerously. Just before the -explosion, he continued: - -"Should they discover me, they will also find the specimens I have -collected, except the choicer ones stored on my subspace vessel for -transport home. This is what I mean--" - -Zoya reached out to touch a button, and the scene changed to what was -evidently the dissecting laboratory of his base. Behind a transparent -bulkhead hung several sorts of carcasses in various stages of -dismemberment. Ullo suspected that the storeroom was simply left at the -temperature of the moon's surface. - -"Very well!" exclaimed Ahnu as the scout reappeared. "You seem to be -operating a sort of butcher shop with some of the most ugly specimens -ever seen. What about it?" - -Ullo felt sorry for the scout. Even he--indeed, as he saw by the twitch -of their eyestalks, even the technicians--had realized the problem. -Zoya patiently explained, forbearing to mention that his instructions -were laid out by Ahnu. - -"If you will refer to descriptions in my preliminary report, Great One, -you will see that certain of the specimens are _Earthmen_ themselves. -Should their explorers discover them, I have reason to believe they -would be resentful. It is my opinion that they are a belligerent race." - -Ahnu was silent for a moment. - -"Well ... yes ... that is possible," he admitted. - -"It would appear," he continued in another moment, "that you must -either abandon your base or dispose of your specimens if, as you say, -the _Earthmen_ have so soon reached your vicinity." - -Zoya waited. Ullo stirred in his tub. - -"If I may suggest, Great One--?" - -"Yes?" - -"I believe he should destroy his subspace ship!" - -"_What!_" - -"I am inclined to agree," Zoya Lar-Tul put in. - - * * * * * - -Amazed, Ahnu waited for Ullo's reasons. Encouraged by such -consideration, the latter went on. - -"If these _Earthmen_ are already on their way to the ringed planet, -they will undoubtedly stop first at the largest moon--where Zoya has -left his main ship." - -"And will likely discover it there," Ahnu agreed reluctantly. - -"And from that point," continued Ullo, "they will discover both our -location in space and the interstellar subspace drive in its finished -form. After that, they can get at _us_!" - -"The opposite extreme of my dilemma," confirmed Zoya. - -"Silence!" ordered Ahnu. "Let me think!" - -All of them--Supervisor, assistant, technicians, and the image on the -screen--considered the situation gloomily. The government of Yaradir -would take a dry view of having to combat an invasion, should one -develop from this. The race of Yaradir, because of their personal -requirements and life conditions, were not as numerous as most of -the races they had found in their explorations. The great distances -between their colonies and the growing number of these were due to the -comparative rarity of the type of planet that suited them. - -"Can you reach the ship in your local rocket in time to escape in -it?" asked Ahnu. "After all, subspace ships are costly; if we leave a -deserted base, what can they find out?" - -"It is possible," admitted Zoya doubtfully, "but risky." - -"What do you mean?" - -"They may intercept me on the way, for their ships are faster than my -rocket. They may even catch the big ship before I gain enough speed to -shift into subspace drive." - -"For all we know," interrupted Ullo, forgetting his place, "they may be -able to keep up with you even then." - -Ahnu bubbled angrily at the idea, but they all were silent for another -unhappy period of cogitation. - -"Perhaps," admitted Ahnu in the end, "you will have to destroy the -subspace ship, but only in the last extremity!" - -"I could blow it up from space, if I get within range." - -"Not so fast; that ship is a major item in the budget!" Ahnu told him -angrily. "The first thing is to try to get aboard unseen and return to -pick up what you can from your base." - -"And if these _Earthmen_ are nearby?" Ullo asked. - -"Then Zoya must forget the base and escape with the ship, which is the -main thing." - -"But if they have already found it?" inquired Zoya. - -"All right, all right! _Then_ destroy it! And you had better -start immediately unless you wish to find such action necessary. -Somehow,"--here one eyestalk was deflected rather pointedly toward -Ullo--"somehow, too many mouths always speed up the clocks." - -Ullo did a little neck-swelling himself at this example of bias. - -_Just because he couldn't get my job for his youngest brother_, he -thought resentfully. _Serve him right if I'd resigned! Where'd he be if -I didn't stick here to push his snout into the obvious every time he -slides over it?_ - -"Yes," repeated Ahnu, complacent at having found his solution, "that is -what you must do. If anything goes wrong, you can still use your rocket -to return to your base." - -"Which I hope," sighed Zoya, "to find undisturbed." - - * * * * * - -At that, Ahnu fell silent. After a tense moment, he heaved himself -around to direct both eyestalks at Ullo. - -"Well?" he wheezed. "Have you no suggestions in case he does have to -destroy the subspace ship?" - -Ullo twirled one tentacle tip in the mud of his tub until he collected -a sticky blob. This he flipped away with a snap of the tentacle. He -derived a slight satisfaction from the _splat_ against the far wall. - -"We must try to preserve _one_ of his collections of information," he -said. "It would entail considerable expense--not to mention time--to -replace Zoya and repeat the scouting." - -Ahnu shifted his position irritably. Ullo saw that his reference to -expense had been a shrewd blow. The Supervisor snorted and bubbled, but -finally conceded that much and gestured for Ullo to continue. - -"So it would be unfortunate if he should succeed in regaining his big -ship, only to return to his base and find it occupied by exploring -_Earthmen_." - -"What do you suggest, then?" - -"He should try for _either_ the base or the ship, and arrange to -destroy the other! If he can remain undetected for a short time at the -base, he can dispose of his specimens after forwarding a report on -them. If he gets to the ship safely, why leave behind any clues at all?" - -After considerable wheezing and puffing, it was agreed that Zoya should -take a chance on having his base discovered while he was away, but -provide for the eventuality by arranging a bomb that would be set off -by the approach of any strange ship. He admitted that he already had -one, keyed to be safe only after certain signals from his own rocket. -He had only to hook it up. - -"If you do have to return," advised Ullo, "clean out your dissecting -room and then make friends with the _Earthmen_. Give them some story of -being cast away, and ask help in building a new ship." - -"You mean ... install our kind of drive without their knowing?" - -"Exactly!" said Ahnu, taking to the idea. "Then just drop out of sight -some fine day and leave them wondering which way you went." - -At this point, Viri made bold to request that Zoya leave the televisor -at the base operating, with a continuous view of the main chamber as -now shown. He began to explain that he wanted to be sure not to lose -contact, but Ahnu had heard enough. He cut Viri short by climbing out -of his mud tub. - -"That settles it then," he summed up to Zoya. "If you _are_ forced to -destroy the subspace ship, report from the base when you return and are -ready to contact the natives. Otherwise, report from the ship!" - -He waddled out of the communications chamber without ceremony, followed -by Ullo Dah-Gow. - - * * * * * - -The next day, the latter was kept busy with the many reports of arid -planets he had to file in order to justify the expenses of exploration. - -_He always leaves explaining the budget to me_, he thought. - -He did, however, snatch time to put a copy tape of the last installment -of Zoya's preliminary report on the speaker, having felt ill at -ease for not being completely up to date at the previous evening's -conference. - -Halfway through a listing of sociological and psychological -observations, Ullo stiffened. He ran the tape through again. - -"He'd _better_ get to that ship!" he wheezed to himself. "They sound -like a nest of trouble-makers--resourceful, aggressive, just the sort -to burst into this system some sweet day and tell us Yaradir is _their_ -colony!" - -He ripped the tape out of the speaker and hurried along a dank corridor -to Ahnu's office, not even pausing at his favorite spots to rub against -the cool, dripping walls. He found his chief relaxing in an adjoining -chamber by submitting to a massage. - -"Not now!" complained Ahnu at the first mention of _Earthmen_. "Wait -till we hear from Zoya. I want to enjoy having my scales oiled in -peace!" - -Ullo spitefully dropped the tape into a pot of scale-grease on the way -out, but dutifully returned to his work. - -Late one night, however, he was reminded of the scout in system -LL-255-13. The emergency buzzer beside his sleeping pool awoke him with -an urgent summons. The number on the screen beside it indicated the -communications chamber now reserved for Zoya Lar-Tul. - -Still dripping, Ullo pumped down the corridor, encountering his chief -at the last turn. Ahnu was irritated. - -"What can they have spoiled now?" he demanded, as if he suspected Ullo -of having had a tentacle in it. "It was a perfectly simple arrangement!" - -"Perhaps something unexpected came up," suggested Ullo. - -"What could be unexpected? It was utterly simple!" said Ahnu -explosively. "If he beats them to it, he reports from the ship. -Otherwise he destroys it and goes back to report from his base!" - -He slap-slapped irately into their destination, wondering audibly why -he had to come down here and direct people's eyestalks for them. - -"Because, Great One," replied Viri Nol-Rin, a trifle more abruptly than -was consistent with proper respect for Ahnu's position, "the televisor -at Zoya's base has gone dead!" - -"What? Why? If you can't keep in communication--" - -"There _isn't_ any communication," interrupted Viri. - -Ullo saw that the operator was deeply disturbed. To -interrupt--_actually interrupt_--Ahnu Nol-Yev! Even if one was his -nephew! - -"That is why, if you will remember," Viri went on, "I insisted Zoya -leave his signal in operation. The chance that his base would be -approached by a strange ship sooner than we hoped, and blow up." - -"So the bomb went off?" said Ullo. - -"It must have. And, by the figures Zoya gave me before he left, he is -long, long overdue at the subspace ship." - -"Well, what of it?" demanded Ahnu. "It merely means he will have to -report from the ship when he ... if he ... if _they_ don't--" - -He snorted and wheezed into silence. - - * * * * * - -Ullo traded stares with Viri. Then he looked at Yado, who wore an -equally unhappy expression on his wide visage. - -"Are you _sure_ he would have reached the ship before now?" Ahnu -demanded. - -"Completely." - -The Supervisor swore feelingly, using some of the bleakest and driest -terms Ullo had ever heard. The gist of the diatribe was the delay and -expense. - -"Now it may be yaras before we get his data!" - -"How do you mean?" asked Ullo. - -"It's obvious, isn't it? He must have had to destroy the ship; but -before he got back, some prowling _Earthmen_ set off the charge at -his base. That leaves him with only his rocket. Don't you see what it -means?" - -"Perhaps not," said Ullo. - -"Why, he'll have to make friends with those _things_ from _Earth_, and -get help building a new ship. Until then, we'll have to classify his -report 'pending.'" - -He sloshed watery mud about as he heaved himself from his tub -impatiently. Ullo aimed an eyestalk at each of the technicians, -keeping them silent until Ahnu had waddled indignantly from the room. - -"I _knew_ we didn't cover all the alternatives that night!" said Ullo -feelingly. "How could we be so dry inside the skull? How _could_ we?" - -"He certainly doesn't like the delay," commented Yado. - -"Delay!" snorted Ullo. Then he asked, "Is that what it means to you, -too?" - -Viri and Yado fidgeted under his stare. - -"I keep wondering if Zoya reached the ship," said Ullo. - -They stared at him. - -"Say it this way, then: 'If _Zoya_ reached the ship?'" - -Viri sighed. - -"I suppose we may never find out what really happened," he said. - -"I believe I would really rather _not_," Ullo told them, preparing to -leave. "Listen in to a complete copy of the preliminary report Zoya -sent, and you will see what I mean." - -His scales were too dry and needed an oiling, he told himself; but he -knew it was more than that which sent the shudder through him. And -there were _billions_ of them! - -"What shall we do?" asked Viri. - -"I don't know what good it will do," said Ullo, pausing in the doorway, -"but you might make your wills. Personally, I intend to apply for -transfer to some colony lying in the opposite direction from this -_Sol_. Record of us, and a ship to reach us--we might as well have sent -them an invitation!" - - * * * * * - -He remembered their unhappy eyes two yaras later, when the regular -bulletin tapes sent out to the colonies reported Ahnu's dismissal. Ullo -applied for a post at a more distant colony. - -After one yara at the new post, the monthly tapes from Yaradir were -interrupted. Everybody complained about the service. - -Everybody but Ullo. - -He commandeered a subspace ship, and moved on. - -But not ... far ... enough.... - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OPEN INVITATION *** - -***** This file should be named 64071-0.txt or 64071-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - https://www.gutenberg.org/6/4/0/7/64071/ - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law 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. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the - United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where - you are located before using this eBook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/64071-0.zip b/old/64071-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 9d75150..0000000 --- a/old/64071-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/64071-h.zip b/old/64071-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 1869a26..0000000 --- a/old/64071-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/64071-h/64071-h.htm b/old/64071-h/64071-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index e57abfe..0000000 --- a/old/64071-h/64071-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,1064 +0,0 @@ -<!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=us-ascii" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of Open Invitation, by H. B. Fyfe. - </title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1,h2 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; -} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 33.5%; - margin-right: 33.5%; - clear: both; -} - -hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} -hr.tb {width: 45%; margin-left: 27.5%; margin-right: 27.5%;} - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.right {text-align: right;} - -/* Images */ -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; -} - -div.titlepage { - text-align: center; - page-break-before: always; - page-break-after: always; -} - -div.titlepage p { - text-align: center; - text-indent: 0em; - font-weight: bold; - line-height: 1.5; - margin-top: 3em; -} - - </style> - </head> -<body> -<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold;'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Open Invitation, by H.B. Fyfe</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world 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 <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Open Invitation</div> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: H.B. Fyfe</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Release Date: December 22, 2020 [eBook #64071]</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> -<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net</div> -<div style='margin-top:2em;margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OPEN INVITATION ***</div> - - -<div class="titlepage"> - -<h1>OPEN INVITATION</h1> - -<h2>A Short Story by H. B. FYFE</h2> - -<p>The problem was simple—or rather, simply<br /> -stated: Zoya Lar-Tul must keep those nasty,<br /> -aggressive little <i>Earthmen</i> from<br /> -discovering the location of his home-star....</p> - -<p>[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from<br /> -Planet Stories May 1951.<br /> -Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that<br /> -the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]</p> - -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p>As Ullo Dah-Gow waddled into the section communications chamber on -Yaradir, second planet of Zillor, two of his four walking tentacles -stuck slightly on a nearly dry spot.</p> - -<p>"Fire and dry sand!" he swore at the technicians. "Can't you two even -keep the footing decently moist?"</p> - -<p>Without waiting for an answer, he made his way to the row of shallow -mud tubs before the television screen. The operators aimed eyestalks -at each other. Finally, Yado Nol-Moz, as junior, rose and went to the -wall controls of the conditioner.</p> - -<p>The assistant supervisor was relieved to see a thin sheet of water -creep across the floor. He never knew when Yado or Viri Nol-Rin might -choose to ignore him.</p> - -<p><i>Which comes of old Ahnu loading this section with his nephews</i>, he -thought bitterly, forgetting that in his own office he already had -a list of his own relatives prepared against the day when he should -succeed to the post of Supervisor of Colonial Scouting for Sector 63.</p> - -<p>The slap-slap of tentacles in the corridor announced the arrival of -his superior. Ahnu Nol-Yev entered and lowered his thick body into the -choicest of the mud tubs, which Ullo had prudently left free.</p> - -<p>"Now, what's this urgent message?" he demanded, pointing one eyestalk -at Ullo and fixing the other upon the screen above Viri's broad, bony -head.</p> - -<p>"A request for orders from scout Zoya Lar-Tul," answered Viri. -"Assigned to ... let me see ... system LL-255-13."</p> - -<p>"Did we have any report on that system?" asked Ahnu.</p> - -<p>Yado produced the tape of a preliminary report and placed it on the -speaker. The list of facts rolled out: number of planets ... number -with sufficient water for colonization ... number of intelligent -species—one, on third planet ... native nomenclature—star, <i>Sol</i>; own -planet, <i>Earth</i>; others ... and so on.</p> - -<p>"All right," wheezed Ahnu. "I remember now. Get hold -of ... whatsisname ... Zoya!"</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Viri manipulated his keys and knobs. The brief delay before an -answering image appeared on the screen irritated Ahnu. The loose, -coppery scales around his thick neck glinted with iridescent highlights -as he puffed out his air-sacs.</p> - -<p>"Dessication!" he snarled. "We bridge all those light-years with -subspace waves for his benefit, and he can't be alert enough to—Got -him now, Viri?"</p> - -<p>The technician snapped the tip of a gripping tentacle in assent. -Another Yaradirian looked out at them from the screen.</p> - -<p>This one had obviously been roughing it; his scales were lubricated by -only a minimum film of moisture, and he wore space harness on the lower -part of his body.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/illus.jpg" alt=""/> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><i>To keep his walking tentacles wet</i>, Ullo realized. <i>He hasn't so much -as a drop of water on the floor of that dive!</i></p> - -<p>"Zoya Lar-Tul!" announced Viri.</p> - -<p>"Stated simply," said Ahnu bluntly, "what is your trouble?"</p> - -<p>"Stated simply, Great One," answered the scout, "I am in imminent -danger of detection by natives of this system."</p> - -<p>Ullo stiffened in his mud tub. He heard the <i>slurp</i> as the Supervisor -splashed more mud upon the oozing floor.</p> - -<p>"How is that?" demanded Ahnu, his throat again beginning to expand -majestically.</p> - -<p>"I fail to see," replied Zoya, "in what manner I could have avoided -it, Great One. The natives, <i>Earthmen</i> in their own speech, have just -discovered an inefficient form of our own interstellar subspace drive. -They have gone exploring."</p> - -<p><i>Might have known it</i>, thought Ullo. <i>Just when I'm working up to a top -rank, too!</i></p> - -<p>It sounded bad. Should they be unable to think Zoya out of his -predicament, it might well mean new personnel all around. Ullo's only -satisfaction was that Ahnu's relatives would be discharged before his -own resignation was given him to sign.</p> - -<p>Ahnu controlled himself.</p> - -<p>"Give me a picture of your situation!" he commanded.</p> - -<p>"To begin with, Great One, I chose to study the natives from a -distance, as is usual. I left my subspace ship on the largest satellite -of their sixth planet, which has several other moons and a beautiful -set of rings that—"</p> - -<p>"Kindly touch bottom!" Ahnu cut him off. "I am not interested in a -local travelogue!"</p> - -<p>"Even so, Great One. With my short-range rocket, I then established -this base on the seventh moon of their fifth planet. Only this moon's -smallness and insignificance has so far prevented by discovery."</p> - -<p>They listened to the rest of the story in an uncomfortable silence that -was broken only by an occasional squishing of mud as one or another -stirred uneasily.</p> - -<p>Zoya Lar-Tul had observed the <i>Earthmen</i>, as well as other bodies in -the system, for a quarter-revolution of his chosen fifth planet. At the -time of his arrival, the natives had reached their own satellite, but -he judged that they would be long in organizing successful flights to -the planets.</p> - -<p>"I translated some of their broadcasts and learned that this was their -great current project. Naturally, however, I was unconcerned, and -contented myself with obtaining specimens for my researches by brief, -discreet trips here and there."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Ullo snapped his tentacle tip quietly in assent. He remembered from -his history the dreadfully long period of his own race's expansion -throughout the system of Zillor. These <i>Earthmen</i>, however, seemed from -Zoya's report to possess certain advantages. Their requirements of air -and water were moderate and more easily stored in a space vessel. If -they <i>had</i> discovered a form of subspace drive, they might be energetic -enough to pop up in the vicinity of Zillor some fine day.</p> - -<p>"You will imagine my amazement," continued Zoya, "when I heard one of -their broadcasts announce that a ship had reached their fourth planet, -and another the second—"</p> - -<p>Ahnu blew out a long, bubbling breath.</p> - -<p>"All this is doubtless interesting," he snorted, "but what is the -immediate emergency?"</p> - -<p>The image of Zoya aimed both eyestalks rather deliberately at the -Supervisor.</p> - -<p>"They reached and passed this group of satellites," he hissed out. "Do -I make clear my dilemma, Great One?"</p> - -<p>He waited while Ahnu's neck swelled dangerously. Just before the -explosion, he continued:</p> - -<p>"Should they discover me, they will also find the specimens I have -collected, except the choicer ones stored on my subspace vessel for -transport home. This is what I mean—"</p> - -<p>Zoya reached out to touch a button, and the scene changed to what was -evidently the dissecting laboratory of his base. Behind a transparent -bulkhead hung several sorts of carcasses in various stages of -dismemberment. Ullo suspected that the storeroom was simply left at the -temperature of the moon's surface.</p> - -<p>"Very well!" exclaimed Ahnu as the scout reappeared. "You seem to be -operating a sort of butcher shop with some of the most ugly specimens -ever seen. What about it?"</p> - -<p>Ullo felt sorry for the scout. Even he—indeed, as he saw by the twitch -of their eyestalks, even the technicians—had realized the problem. -Zoya patiently explained, forbearing to mention that his instructions -were laid out by Ahnu.</p> - -<p>"If you will refer to descriptions in my preliminary report, Great One, -you will see that certain of the specimens are <i>Earthmen</i> themselves. -Should their explorers discover them, I have reason to believe they -would be resentful. It is my opinion that they are a belligerent race."</p> - -<p>Ahnu was silent for a moment.</p> - -<p>"Well ... yes ... that is possible," he admitted.</p> - -<p>"It would appear," he continued in another moment, "that you must -either abandon your base or dispose of your specimens if, as you say, -the <i>Earthmen</i> have so soon reached your vicinity."</p> - -<p>Zoya waited. Ullo stirred in his tub.</p> - -<p>"If I may suggest, Great One—?"</p> - -<p>"Yes?"</p> - -<p>"I believe he should destroy his subspace ship!"</p> - -<p>"<i>What!</i>"</p> - -<p>"I am inclined to agree," Zoya Lar-Tul put in.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Amazed, Ahnu waited for Ullo's reasons. Encouraged by such -consideration, the latter went on.</p> - -<p>"If these <i>Earthmen</i> are already on their way to the ringed planet, -they will undoubtedly stop first at the largest moon—where Zoya has -left his main ship."</p> - -<p>"And will likely discover it there," Ahnu agreed reluctantly.</p> - -<p>"And from that point," continued Ullo, "they will discover both our -location in space and the interstellar subspace drive in its finished -form. After that, they can get at <i>us</i>!"</p> - -<p>"The opposite extreme of my dilemma," confirmed Zoya.</p> - -<p>"Silence!" ordered Ahnu. "Let me think!"</p> - -<p>All of them—Supervisor, assistant, technicians, and the image on the -screen—considered the situation gloomily. The government of Yaradir -would take a dry view of having to combat an invasion, should one -develop from this. The race of Yaradir, because of their personal -requirements and life conditions, were not as numerous as most of -the races they had found in their explorations. The great distances -between their colonies and the growing number of these were due to the -comparative rarity of the type of planet that suited them.</p> - -<p>"Can you reach the ship in your local rocket in time to escape in -it?" asked Ahnu. "After all, subspace ships are costly; if we leave a -deserted base, what can they find out?"</p> - -<p>"It is possible," admitted Zoya doubtfully, "but risky."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"They may intercept me on the way, for their ships are faster than my -rocket. They may even catch the big ship before I gain enough speed to -shift into subspace drive."</p> - -<p>"For all we know," interrupted Ullo, forgetting his place, "they may be -able to keep up with you even then."</p> - -<p>Ahnu bubbled angrily at the idea, but they all were silent for another -unhappy period of cogitation.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps," admitted Ahnu in the end, "you will have to destroy the -subspace ship, but only in the last extremity!"</p> - -<p>"I could blow it up from space, if I get within range."</p> - -<p>"Not so fast; that ship is a major item in the budget!" Ahnu told him -angrily. "The first thing is to try to get aboard unseen and return to -pick up what you can from your base."</p> - -<p>"And if these <i>Earthmen</i> are nearby?" Ullo asked.</p> - -<p>"Then Zoya must forget the base and escape with the ship, which is the -main thing."</p> - -<p>"But if they have already found it?" inquired Zoya.</p> - -<p>"All right, all right! <i>Then</i> destroy it! And you had better -start immediately unless you wish to find such action necessary. -Somehow,"—here one eyestalk was deflected rather pointedly toward -Ullo—"somehow, too many mouths always speed up the clocks."</p> - -<p>Ullo did a little neck-swelling himself at this example of bias.</p> - -<p><i>Just because he couldn't get my job for his youngest brother</i>, he -thought resentfully. <i>Serve him right if I'd resigned! Where'd he be if -I didn't stick here to push his snout into the obvious every time he -slides over it?</i></p> - -<p>"Yes," repeated Ahnu, complacent at having found his solution, "that is -what you must do. If anything goes wrong, you can still use your rocket -to return to your base."</p> - -<p>"Which I hope," sighed Zoya, "to find undisturbed."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>At that, Ahnu fell silent. After a tense moment, he heaved himself -around to direct both eyestalks at Ullo.</p> - -<p>"Well?" he wheezed. "Have you no suggestions in case he does have to -destroy the subspace ship?"</p> - -<p>Ullo twirled one tentacle tip in the mud of his tub until he collected -a sticky blob. This he flipped away with a snap of the tentacle. He -derived a slight satisfaction from the <i>splat</i> against the far wall.</p> - -<p>"We must try to preserve <i>one</i> of his collections of information," he -said. "It would entail considerable expense—not to mention time—to -replace Zoya and repeat the scouting."</p> - -<p>Ahnu shifted his position irritably. Ullo saw that his reference to -expense had been a shrewd blow. The Supervisor snorted and bubbled, but -finally conceded that much and gestured for Ullo to continue.</p> - -<p>"So it would be unfortunate if he should succeed in regaining his big -ship, only to return to his base and find it occupied by exploring -<i>Earthmen</i>."</p> - -<p>"What do you suggest, then?"</p> - -<p>"He should try for <i>either</i> the base or the ship, and arrange to -destroy the other! If he can remain undetected for a short time at the -base, he can dispose of his specimens after forwarding a report on -them. If he gets to the ship safely, why leave behind any clues at all?"</p> - -<p>After considerable wheezing and puffing, it was agreed that Zoya should -take a chance on having his base discovered while he was away, but -provide for the eventuality by arranging a bomb that would be set off -by the approach of any strange ship. He admitted that he already had -one, keyed to be safe only after certain signals from his own rocket. -He had only to hook it up.</p> - -<p>"If you do have to return," advised Ullo, "clean out your dissecting -room and then make friends with the <i>Earthmen</i>. Give them some story of -being cast away, and ask help in building a new ship."</p> - -<p>"You mean ... install our kind of drive without their knowing?"</p> - -<p>"Exactly!" said Ahnu, taking to the idea. "Then just drop out of sight -some fine day and leave them wondering which way you went."</p> - -<p>At this point, Viri made bold to request that Zoya leave the televisor -at the base operating, with a continuous view of the main chamber as -now shown. He began to explain that he wanted to be sure not to lose -contact, but Ahnu had heard enough. He cut Viri short by climbing out -of his mud tub.</p> - -<p>"That settles it then," he summed up to Zoya. "If you <i>are</i> forced to -destroy the subspace ship, report from the base when you return and are -ready to contact the natives. Otherwise, report from the ship!"</p> - -<p>He waddled out of the communications chamber without ceremony, followed -by Ullo Dah-Gow.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>The next day, the latter was kept busy with the many reports of arid -planets he had to file in order to justify the expenses of exploration.</p> - -<p><i>He always leaves explaining the budget to me</i>, he thought.</p> - -<p>He did, however, snatch time to put a copy tape of the last installment -of Zoya's preliminary report on the speaker, having felt ill at -ease for not being completely up to date at the previous evening's -conference.</p> - -<p>Halfway through a listing of sociological and psychological -observations, Ullo stiffened. He ran the tape through again.</p> - -<p>"He'd <i>better</i> get to that ship!" he wheezed to himself. "They sound -like a nest of trouble-makers—resourceful, aggressive, just the sort -to burst into this system some sweet day and tell us Yaradir is <i>their</i> -colony!"</p> - -<p>He ripped the tape out of the speaker and hurried along a dank corridor -to Ahnu's office, not even pausing at his favorite spots to rub against -the cool, dripping walls. He found his chief relaxing in an adjoining -chamber by submitting to a massage.</p> - -<p>"Not now!" complained Ahnu at the first mention of <i>Earthmen</i>. "Wait -till we hear from Zoya. I want to enjoy having my scales oiled in -peace!"</p> - -<p>Ullo spitefully dropped the tape into a pot of scale-grease on the way -out, but dutifully returned to his work.</p> - -<p>Late one night, however, he was reminded of the scout in system -LL-255-13. The emergency buzzer beside his sleeping pool awoke him with -an urgent summons. The number on the screen beside it indicated the -communications chamber now reserved for Zoya Lar-Tul.</p> - -<p>Still dripping, Ullo pumped down the corridor, encountering his chief -at the last turn. Ahnu was irritated.</p> - -<p>"What can they have spoiled now?" he demanded, as if he suspected Ullo -of having had a tentacle in it. "It was a perfectly simple arrangement!"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps something unexpected came up," suggested Ullo.</p> - -<p>"What could be unexpected? It was utterly simple!" said Ahnu -explosively. "If he beats them to it, he reports from the ship. -Otherwise he destroys it and goes back to report from his base!"</p> - -<p>He slap-slapped irately into their destination, wondering audibly why -he had to come down here and direct people's eyestalks for them.</p> - -<p>"Because, Great One," replied Viri Nol-Rin, a trifle more abruptly than -was consistent with proper respect for Ahnu's position, "the televisor -at Zoya's base has gone dead!"</p> - -<p>"What? Why? If you can't keep in communication—"</p> - -<p>"There <i>isn't</i> any communication," interrupted Viri.</p> - -<p>Ullo saw that the operator was deeply disturbed. To -interrupt—<i>actually interrupt</i>—Ahnu Nol-Yev! Even if one was his -nephew!</p> - -<p>"That is why, if you will remember," Viri went on, "I insisted Zoya -leave his signal in operation. The chance that his base would be -approached by a strange ship sooner than we hoped, and blow up."</p> - -<p>"So the bomb went off?" said Ullo.</p> - -<p>"It must have. And, by the figures Zoya gave me before he left, he is -long, long overdue at the subspace ship."</p> - -<p>"Well, what of it?" demanded Ahnu. "It merely means he will have to -report from the ship when he ... if he ... if <i>they</i> don't—"</p> - -<p>He snorted and wheezed into silence.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Ullo traded stares with Viri. Then he looked at Yado, who wore an -equally unhappy expression on his wide visage.</p> - -<p>"Are you <i>sure</i> he would have reached the ship before now?" Ahnu -demanded.</p> - -<p>"Completely."</p> - -<p>The Supervisor swore feelingly, using some of the bleakest and driest -terms Ullo had ever heard. The gist of the diatribe was the delay and -expense.</p> - -<p>"Now it may be yaras before we get his data!"</p> - -<p>"How do you mean?" asked Ullo.</p> - -<p>"It's obvious, isn't it? He must have had to destroy the ship; but -before he got back, some prowling <i>Earthmen</i> set off the charge at -his base. That leaves him with only his rocket. Don't you see what it -means?"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps not," said Ullo.</p> - -<p>"Why, he'll have to make friends with those <i>things</i> from <i>Earth</i>, and -get help building a new ship. Until then, we'll have to classify his -report 'pending.'"</p> - -<p>He sloshed watery mud about as he heaved himself from his tub -impatiently. Ullo aimed an eyestalk at each of the technicians, -keeping them silent until Ahnu had waddled indignantly from the room.</p> - -<p>"I <i>knew</i> we didn't cover all the alternatives that night!" said Ullo -feelingly. "How could we be so dry inside the skull? How <i>could</i> we?"</p> - -<p>"He certainly doesn't like the delay," commented Yado.</p> - -<p>"Delay!" snorted Ullo. Then he asked, "Is that what it means to you, -too?"</p> - -<p>Viri and Yado fidgeted under his stare.</p> - -<p>"I keep wondering if Zoya reached the ship," said Ullo.</p> - -<p>They stared at him.</p> - -<p>"Say it this way, then: 'If <i>Zoya</i> reached the ship?'"</p> - -<p>Viri sighed.</p> - -<p>"I suppose we may never find out what really happened," he said.</p> - -<p>"I believe I would really rather <i>not</i>," Ullo told them, preparing to -leave. "Listen in to a complete copy of the preliminary report Zoya -sent, and you will see what I mean."</p> - -<p>His scales were too dry and needed an oiling, he told himself; but he -knew it was more than that which sent the shudder through him. And -there were <i>billions</i> of them!</p> - -<p>"What shall we do?" asked Viri.</p> - -<p>"I don't know what good it will do," said Ullo, pausing in the doorway, -"but you might make your wills. Personally, I intend to apply for -transfer to some colony lying in the opposite direction from this -<i>Sol</i>. Record of us, and a ship to reach us—we might as well have sent -them an invitation!"</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>He remembered their unhappy eyes two yaras later, when the regular -bulletin tapes sent out to the colonies reported Ahnu's dismissal. Ullo -applied for a post at a more distant colony.</p> - -<p>After one yara at the new post, the monthly tapes from Yaradir were -interrupted. Everybody complained about the service.</p> - -<p>Everybody but Ullo.</p> - -<p>He commandeered a subspace ship, and moved on.</p> - -<p>But not ... far ... enough....</p> - -<div style='display:block;margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OPEN INVITATION ***</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0;'>This file should be named 64071-h.htm or 64071-h.zip</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0;'>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in https://www.gutenberg.org/6/4/0/7/64071/</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law 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. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away—you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. -</div> - -<div style='margin:0.83em 0; font-size:1.1em; text-align:center'>START: FULL LICENSE<br /> -<span style='font-size:smaller;'>THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE<br /> -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK</span> -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg™ License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;font-size:1.1em;margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg™ -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg™ electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person -or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the -Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg™ -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg™ name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg™ License when -you share it without charge with others. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg™ work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg™ License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg™ work (any work -on which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the -phrase “Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: -</div> - -<blockquote> - <div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most - other parts of the world 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 <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you - are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws - of the country where you are located before using this eBook. - </div> -</blockquote> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg™ -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg™ License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg™ -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg™. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg™ License. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg™ work in a format -other than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg™ web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original “Plain -Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg™ License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg™ works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -provided that -</div> - -<ul style='display: block;list-style-type: disc;margin-top: 1em;margin-bottom: 1em;margin-left: 0;margin-right: 0;padding-left: 40px;'> - <li style='display: list-item;'> - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg™ works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, “Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation.” - </li> - - <li style='display: list-item;'> - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™ - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™ - works. - </li> - - <li style='display: list-item;'> - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - </li> - - <li style='display: list-item;'> - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg™ works. - </li> -</ul> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg™ electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.F. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg™ collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain “Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right -of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg™ electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg™ work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg™ work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;font-size:1.1em;margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg™ -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg™’s -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg™ collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg™ and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;font-size:1.1em;margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -The Foundation’s principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation’s web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -For additional contact information: -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em;'> -Dr. Gregory B. Newby<br /> -Chief Executive and Director<br /> -gbnewby@pglaf.org -</div> - -<div style='display:block;font-size:1.1em;margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state -visit <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/donate">www.gutenberg.org/donate</a>. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate -</div> - -<div style='display:block;font-size:1.1em;margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg™ concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg™ eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg™, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. -</div> - -</body> -</html> diff --git a/old/64071-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/64071-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 578417e..0000000 --- a/old/64071-h/images/cover.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/64071-h/images/illus.jpg b/old/64071-h/images/illus.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index bec6d33..0000000 --- a/old/64071-h/images/illus.jpg +++ /dev/null |
