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NY 230 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK EXPEROVIENTER PUBLISHING COMPANY, 230 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK A new big issue of the most remarkable quarterly magazine published is now on the newsstands for you. The new issue of AMAZING STORIES QUARTERLY contains a long list of the most startling, different stories ever written. Tales by the world's most famous authors —a refreshing change from the more or less commonplace literature of the day. Tales of interplanetary communication—of other worlds—of strange people—of the future—this is what each issue of AMAZING STORIES QUARTERLY brings to its readers. The following are a few of the stories that can be found in the new Summer issue: ¡THE SUNKE,N WORLD—Stanton A. Coblentz A Series of Four Short Stories by David H. Keller, M. D. THE MENACE THE GOLD SHIP THE TAINTED FLOOD THE INSANE AVALANCHE TEN DAYS TO LIVE—C. J. F.,ustae OUT OF THE SUB-UNIVERSE—R. F. Starzel

Do not neglect to obtain your copy of this wonderful book of stories. Each issue over 150 pages—completely illustrated with the most astounding drawings that the imagination can picture. Beautifully colored cover— Large magazine size AMAZING STORIES 481 lloWepwits' tse money-Maldvie (liante

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Publishers of SCIENCE & INVENTION, RADIO NEWS, RADIO LISTENERS' GUIDE, TIDBITS, AMAZ- ING STORIES QUARTERLY, YOUR BODY '521 11»

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In Our September Issue: In Our Next Issue:

THE MENACE OF MARS, by Clare Winger The Ambassador from Mars Harris. Most of our readers will note with pleas- ure this announcement of a new story by Mrs. By Hart Vincent 486 Harris. In this tale, the structure of the atom and the analogy of the planetary systems of the universe thereto, and cosmic changes affecting the The Invisible Bubble earth disastrously, are all treated in a mos't in- structive manner. And through it all, in the By Kirk Meadowcroft 508 author's own style, runs a thread of romance.

THE VOYAGE TO KEMPTONIA, by E. M. Scott. Certain irregularities of our moon's motion Unlocking the Past have led some of our astronomers to believe that there is another body—small, to be sure—between By David H. Keller, )‚LD. 513 the earth and the moon. Around the idea of this extra -terrestrial body is woven an absorbing tale of unusual interest. The Great Steel Panic THE ANANIAS GLAND, by W. Alexander. By Ir7. ,in Lester and Fletcher Pratt 522 What determines the extent of our truthfulness? It might very well be glandular action of some kind. Mr. Alexander has given us several unusual stories of psychological import, and in this very The Skylark of Space short story he cleverly works up an idea of ex- (A Serial in Three Parts) Part II treme interest. By Edward Elmer Smith, in Collaboration THE SKYLARK OF SPACE, by Edward Elmer with Lee Hawkins Garby 528 Smith, in collaboration with Lee Hawkins Garby. (A serial in 3 parts) Part III. In the concluding chapters of this story, our author confines the travels of the Skylark to their newly discovered planet, the inhabitants of which seemed to have Our Cover made marvelous strides in mechanical science, but falling short of the advances in atomic theories and this month bears the First Prize Winner in our $300.00 chemistry made by the Earth people. Our author Scientifiction Symbol Prize Contest, which closed on May tells of truly wonderful devices, and very deftly 3rd. Detailed information on the results of the contest will be found on pages 519, 520 and 521. includes the human interest element.

,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,, ,,,,,, mum., mumilmmtem , ummIlmr ttttt OEntennumm nOEUIUMnintiniimennemeloomulommuumnumummuunnumunnumumnumunuinountr tttttt HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO "AMAZING STORIES." Send your name, at special reduced club rates. Send postal for club rato card. Subscripss address and remittance to Experimenter Publishing Co., 230 Fifth Ave., Ilono start with the current issue unless otherwise ordered. New York City. Checks and money orders should be made payable to ON EXPIRATION of your subscription we enclose a renewal blank in your Experimenter Publishing Co., Inc. Mention the name of the magazine you last number to you, and notify you by mail. Then, unless we receive your are ordering inasmuch as we also publish RADIO NEWS, SCIENCE & order and remittance for a renewal, delivery of the magazine is stopped. INVENTION, RADIO LISTENERS' GUIDE, AMAZING STORIES CHANGE OF ADDRESS. Notify us as far in advance as possible, giv- QUARTERLY, YOUR BODY and FRENCH HUMOR. Subscriptions ing your old address as well as the new one to which future magazines are may be made in combination with the other publications just mentioned to go. It takes several weeks to make an address change in our records. ,,,,,,, IOEurmgroccomuung11111111111 ,,,,, IOE1111111111”311 ,,,,,, Emnitrum ,,,,, MIIIIMMITIM10,110. ,0..111111 lllll muumuommummilmmunremmumarrungtzumemoot lllllllll comolumum llllll llllll 111111111111.mummumumnImelimmoinougg...... o.mn,...

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If all the Radio seis I've "fooled" with in my time were piled on top of each other, they'd reach about halfway to Mars. The trouble with me was that I thought I knew so much about Radio that I really didn't know the first thing. I thought Radio was a plaything— that was all Icould see in it for me.

IThought Radio Was a Plaything

But Now My Eyes Are Opened, And I'm Making Over $100 a Week!

Er $.50 a week! Man alive, just one year ago I usually stayed home in the evenings after And to think that until that day Isent for a salary that big would have been the height work, because Ididn't make enough money their eye-opening book, I'd been wailing "I of my ambition. to go out very much. And generally during never had a chance!" Twelve months ago Iwas scrimping along the evening I'd tinker a little with Radio— Now I'm making, as I told you before, on starvation wages, just barely making a set of my own or some friend's. I even over $100 a week. And I know the future both ends meet. It was the same old story— made a little spare change this way, which holds even more, for Radio is one of the a little job, a salary just as small as the job, helped a lot, but I didn't know enough to most progressive, fastest-growing businesses while I myself had been dragging along go very far with such work. in the world today. And it's work that I in the rut so long I couldn't see over the And as for the idea that a splendid Radio like—work a man can get interested in. sides. job might be mine, if I made a little effort Here's a real tip. You may not be as bad If you'd told me a year ago that in twelve to prepare for it—such an idea never entered off as I was. But think it over—are you months' time I would be making $100 and my mind. When a friend suggested it to me satisfied? Are you making enough money, more every week in the Radio business— one year ago, Ilaughed at him. at work that you like? Would you sign a whew! I know I'd have thought you were "You're kidding me," Isaid. contract to stay where you are now for the crazy. But that's the sort of money I'm pull- "I'm not," he replied. "Take a look at next ten years—making the same money? If ing down right now—and in the future I this ad." not, you'd better be doing something about it instead of drifting. expect even more. Why only today— He pointed to a page ad in a magazine, But I'm getting ahead of my story. Iwas an advertisement I's seen many times but This new Radio game is a live-wire field •hard up a year ago because I was kidding just passed up without thinking, never of golden rewards. The work, in any of the myself, that's all—not because Ihad to be. dreaming it applied to me. This time Iread 20 different lines of Radio, is fascinating, I could have been holding then the same the ad carefully. It told of many big oppor- absorbing, well paid. The National Radio sort of job I'm holding now, if I'd only been tunities for trained men to succeed in the Institute—oldest and largest Radio home- wise to myself. If you've fooled around with great new Radio field. With the advertise- study school in the world—will train you Radio, but never thought of it as a serious ment was a coupon offering a big free book inexpensively in your own home to know business, maybe you're in just the same boat full of information. I sent the coupon in, Radio from A to Z and to increase your I was. If so, you'll want to read how my and in a few days received a handsome 64- earnings in the Radio field. eyes were opened for me. page book, printed in two colors, telling all Take another tip—no matter what your about the opportunities in the Radio field plans are, no matter how much or how little When broadcasting first became the rage, and how a man can prepare quickly and you know about Radio—clip the coupon be- several years ago, Ifirst began my dabbling easily at home to take advantage of these low and look their free book over. It is with the new art of Radio. I was "nuts" opportunities. Well, it was a revelation to filled with interesting facts, figures, and about the subject, like many thousands of me. Iread the book carefully, and when I photos, and the information it will give you other fellows all over the country. And no finished it Imade my decision. is worth a few minutes of anybody's time. wonder! There's a fascinatiorl—something What's happened in the twelve months You will place yourself under no obligation that grabs hold of a fellow—about twirling since that day, as I've already told you, —the book is free, and is gladly sent to any a little knob and suddenly listening to a seems almost like a dream to me now. For one who wants to know about Radio. Just voice speaking a thousand miles away. ten of those twelve months, I've had a address J. E. Smith, President, National Ra- Twirling it a little more and listening to the Radio business of my own. At first, of dio Institute, Dept. 9A2, Washington, D. C. mysterious dots and dashes of steamers far course, I started it as a little proposition at sea. Even today Iget a thrill from this on the side, under the guidance of the Na- J. E. SMITH, President, strange force. In those days, many times I tional Radio Institute, the outfit that gave National Radio Institute, stayed up almost the whole night trying for me my Radio training. It wasn't long be- Dept. 9A2, Washington, D. C. DX. Many times I missed supper because fore I was getting so much to do in the Dear Mr, Smith: I couldn't be dragged away from the latest Radio line that Iquit my measly little cleri- Please send me your 64-page free book, printed in two colors, giving all information circuit Iwas trying out. cal job, and devoted my full time to my about the opportunities in Radio and how I I never seemed to get very far with it, Radio business. can learn quickly and easily at home to take advantage of them. I understand this request though. Iused to read the Radio magazines Since that time I've gone right on up, places me under no obligation, and that no and occasionally a Radio book, but Inever always under the watchful guidance of my salesman will call on me. understood the subject very clearly, and lots friends at the National Radio Institute. They of things I didn't see through at all. would have given me just as much help, too, Name So, up to a year ago, Iwas just a dabbler if I had wanted to follow some other line Address —I thought Radio was a plaything. Inever of Radio besides building my own retail realized what an enormous fast-growing in- business—such as broadcasting, manufactur- Town State dustry Radio had come to be—employing ing, experimenting, sea operating, or any one Occupation thousands and thousands of trained men. of the score of lines they prepare you for. 17.. '4 G-72 VOLUME SEPTEMBER, 1928 3 tig No. 6

THE MAGAZINE OF SCIENTIFICTION

HUGO GERNSBACK, Editol WILBUR C. WHITEHEAD, Literary Editor DR. T. O'CONOR SLOANE, Ph.D., Associate Editor C. A. BRANDT, Literary Editor Editorial and General Offices: 230 Fifth Avenue, New York, N. Y.

Extravagant Fiction Today - - Cold Fact Tomorrow

OUR AMAZING UNIVERSE

By HUGO GERNSBACK

F we could imagine for a second that there is no such lifetime, and he possibly could not understand such a term as a thing as our universe, and then re'ad an account of a hundred years. It is, of course, the saine with us. We can never number of important facts about it, written like a comprehend space, due to its tremendous extent; nor can we com- story by a clever scie'ntifiction writer, perhaps, in- prehend the amount of time' it would take us to travel even to our stead of by an astronomer, we would probably greet nearest star Alpha Centauri. This, our nearest star, is four and the volume with jeers and disbelief. For truly, if we three-tenths light-years distant from us. Translated into miles, this come right down to it, the actual facts about our means 26 trillions of miles. A train traveling at the rate of 100 universe are so stupendous and altogether unbelievable, that they mile's an hour, which is a greater speed than any train on earth now often tax our credulity. attains, would require about 30 million years to bridge this distance l A great number of scientists today, for instance, will tell you If we assume the existence of intelligent beings on Alpha Cen- that it seems to be entirely out of the question that creatures like tauri; and if we had a radio transmitter and receiver; and if the human beings are, living on Mars or some other far-away world. people on Alpha Centattri had the sanie equipment that could bridge These scientists point out that everything is against this, because, this space, we would have the following strange experience; they indicate, the chances are not one in a million that the same We would call up a friend in Alpha Centauri on January 1, 1928, combinations which have made it possible for a human being to and the message traveling by radio—which has the same speed as be evolved on this earth could possibly have happened anywhere light, i.e., 186,000 mile's a second—would take four years and else. This logic would seem to have a good deal of weight at three-tenths to get to Alpha Centauri. It would, therefore, arrive first, because it does seem impossible that the same conditions and sometime early in 1932. The friend would promptly answer over circumstances, coupled with evolution and other factors, could pre- his radio telephone, and his answer would be received by us some- vail anywhere else. Yet, the self-same scientist will make a spec- time in 1936. And remember, this is our nearest star neighbor in trum analysis of a star removed maybe a million light years from space. It is only a little over four short light-years away. The the earth—a quite unthinkable and unimaginable distance, and he overwhelming greater portion of stars are thousands, hundreds of will find that that star is made up of practically the same materials thousands, and millions of light-years away from us. as are found in our own earth. Spectrum analysis has shown us Yet, strange and amazing as this may seem, the entire visible that nearly every celestial body is composed of, roughly, the same universe most likely is a very small speck of matter after all. The elements that we find in the earth. Our own sun has the same chances are, that beyond our visible universe, there may be many elements that are found on earth; copper, iron, silver, with the other universes, compared to which, our present universe is only rest of the metals; oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, with the rest of the an atom. Present-day science tends to show that our universe is other gases, are all found on the sun, just as they are found on the probably nothing but a speck of matter itself, and that the stars earth, and just as they are found on the distant stars billions of which give us light may be figuratively termed cosmic electrons. trillions of miles distant from this earth. So we are led to believe Our visible universe to some super-creature is probably only a that the entire universe is very likely one and the same thing. Mat- microscopic atom, the same as the sub-atomic world is only a speck ter seems to be the same throughout the universe, regardless of of matter to our own scientists. It seems likely, that there is no distance. beginning and no end to the entire universe, either downward or Evidently, the same physical laws also hold good everywhere. upward. You can go on splitting up a piece of matter until it is We may, therefore, conclude that somewhere in the universe, per- so small, that even the, finest apparatus can no longer divide it. haps not in our own planetarian system, but somewhere else, the Yet, that is not at all the end of it. You have not even begun. The same conditions that made it possible for thinking human beings same holds true going the other way. It will be found that there to be evolved on earth, probably made such evolution possible some- are universe's within universes, and that there is no end, no matter where in the depth of space at some time. Most scientists forget in what direction you go. The fact is we know very little about the time element, which is an important factor when it deals with such things. evolution. It may be, that there are not many worlds throughout the universe that maintain human life, as we know it at this par- With a speck of radium, and a little zinc-sulphide, we can create ticular moment, but in the universe itself, a thousand, a million or an entire universe with blazing suns; but it will be found that some a billion years have absolutely no meaning at all. A billion years — of the physical laws which we have on earth are entirely different a term which we cannot comprehend at all—means nothing in the elsewhere. \Ve know, for instance, that conditions within our own general universe. It is but a fleeting instant; and the chances are sun are vastly different from conditions anywhere on earth that we overwhelmingly great that back in infinite time, as well as forward, can create by means of heat. The truth is that probably due to namely, in future time—the same conditions that were favorable for gravitational reasons, we cannot create the same conditions on earth the creation of intelligent thinking beings on this planet, probably as prevail on our luminary. As huge a body as the sun, or the have, or will in the future, manifest themselves again on some stars, due to the tremendous pressure set up within such a body, other world. gives rise to entirely different phenomena than those which we can The human mind is constituted on such a peculiar plan, that it cre'ate in the laboratory. For instance, no satisfactory explanation is difficult for us to understand or grasp the full meaning of the has yet been found as to why the sun keeps on going and continues space—time phenomena. We never can grasp the idea of infinite to supply the earth with heat and light, as it has for millions and time, nor can we grasp the idea of space, as existing in the uni- billions of years. Nor are' there visible signs that the sun will slow ve'rse. Everything is relative. The ant probably cannot compre- up very soon. It has only reached its middle life, and is good for hend the size of this planet, which is relatively a small body, as many billions of years of service. celestial bodies go. A bacterium under the microscope, possibly Here then, are physical facts that are astounding, and for which cannot comprehend a greater space fhan a drop of water which, to we cannot account. It is quite possible' that in some super-world, him, must already be a great world. And what is true of size, is, of which we may be a small particle, different conditions prevail, of course, also true of time. A minute in the life of a microbe is a of which we have not the faintest conception.

Mr. Hugo Gernsback speaks every Tuesday at 9.30 P. M. from WRNI7 (326 meters) and 2XAL (30.91 meters) on various scientific subjects. 485 .7he OR.kom By 7f-arl Vincent

Author óf "The Golden Girl of Munan"

CHAPTER I Now as he sat on the hard wooden bench, he gazed T had been a strenuous Saturday for Frank moodily at an elevated train as it made its screeching Chandler. When he closed his office door way around the curve. His life seemed futile. The and started for the elevators he breathed sultriness depressed him. He wanted to smoke and a sigh of relief. It was nearly ten in the to think. He was tired, exhausted in mind and body. evening. All week it had been like this— Impatiently biting the end from a cigar, he flicked a steady grind, sometimes far into the night. And to back the cap of his pocket lighter. As he twirled the what purpose ?he asked himself as the swiftly descend- little wheel, the resulting flare astounded him. It was ing car carried him to the street level. He was a suc- not the usual flame but an intense green light which cessf ul young architect, yes. But he had missed the grew in size with a hiss until it flamed a foot high, fun, the romance, the adventure that his inner being lighting up the park with its weird brilliance. Startled, craved. And to -night he was in a rebellious mood. He he tossed the lighter to the grass. When it struck, was sick of pampering his fashionable clientéle; sick instead of being extinguished as he expected, it exploded of the rich old dowager who wanted a special suite for with a terrific roar. The earth ,shook; his senses reeled. Fifi the Pekingese built into her own boudoir in the He lost consciousness. new Long Island home; sick of the apoplectic ex-con- * * * gressman who wanted plans for a residence, part castle- OICES in an unknown tongue, followed by the on-the-Rhine and part Turkish mosque. He was sick sound of retreating footsteps and the soft closing of himself, of hard work, of everything, as he stepped of a door, brought Frank to the realization that he was into lower Broadway from the skyscraper which housed still in the land of the living. To his mind there came his offices. confused memories of the incident in the park. He :The street was practically deserted. A clanging sur- did not at once open his eyes but concentrated on the face car a few blocks uptown and the tooting of a intervening period of time, which to his memory was taxi horn around the corner were about the only sounds partly lost, partly filled with vague remembrance. He which greeted his ears. It was hot, oppressively so, knew he had been ill, remembered dimly a sweeping for this was New York in August. And Frank wanted rush through space—kind hands ministering to him and to get away from it all. aiding him to his present comfortable bed—strange He strolled toward Bat- faces—strange forms—con- tery Park and decided to fused voices — unfamiliar cool off, if possible, by ERE is one of the most charming Marti= tales that medical treatment. But his lounging on one of the we have printed in a long time. The story is a real head was nov clear and he benches for a while, some- scientifiction jewel and prophetic in many respects. knew that the crisis of his In this story, the author, for the first time, we believe, illness, whatever its nature, thing he had not done in shows you how it will be possible in the future to communi- years. cate between two planets, providing each has a high intelli- had passed. In fact he Frank was thirty-two, not gence. We are all agreed upon the fact that it is impossible seemed to be perfectly well handsome, but rugged and ta communicate with dots and dashes, because we have no and normal. With this virile, good to look at. He basis of contact and not even an expert in code would be revelation, there came the able to decipher a Martian message if we did get it. desire for action. He sat should have been a man's The author has shown a logical way which suggests the man but was not. The possibility of bringing about the desired result. We know up suddenly and opened his many friends of his college you will enjoy this story. eyes. days had one by one given He surveyed the sur- up in the attempt to get roundings wonderingly. His him away from his work and into their social and recre- bed was in the center of a medium sized room whose ational activities. walls were bare and windowless. But one door inter- Frank loved his work. For eight years he had rupted the smooth symmetry of the walls, which were thought of nothing else. While he had gained a meas- of highly polished metal of greenish hue. The room ure of financial independence in that short time, the was permeated with soft light which emanated f rom desire for wealth had not been his incentive. It was the entire ceiling. Two chairs of peculiar workman- the work itself he loved and he now felt that his love ship, a table, and a glass cabinet containing stoppered had proved false. bottles and surgical instruments, were the only visible He had kept himself in good physical trim by the furnishings. The air he breathed held an elusive tang usual method followed in mid-town bachelor apart- of mountain heights, of pine forests. ment life such as his; a rigid series of indoor calis- Hesitatingly, Frank touched the uncarpeted metal thenics followed by a brisk walk through Central Park floor with his toes, stood up. He had not the slightest' each morning before breakfast. sensation of weakness or giddiness. Walking about

486 As they watched in silence, Ky-lin entered the room. He walked to the viewing screen and peered in- tently, waving his hand as a token that he had recognized Frank and could see the company about him.

487 488 AMAZING STORIES

the room, he discovered that his muscles functioned to see. You'll get ás big a kick out of it as I did at perfectly. And he had a feeling of being rested and first." absolutely care free. His body was covered by a long During this conversation, Frank was busy donning garment made from a coppery-colored silk-like material. his own clothes, which Ky-lin had brought from some- But where was he? And what had happened? Seek- where outside the room. Soon he was ready and his ing the answers, he came upon a push button beside old pal led him from the room and down a long cor- the bed. This he pressed and awaited results. ridor. Ky-lin had meanwhile taken his departure and At his ring there came the sound of hurrying foot- the two young men who had roomed, played, and fought steps and the door• flew open, revealing to Frank's together in their college days, walked arm in arm alone. astonished gaze a huge figure of a man, stripped to the waist, and with skin that glistened with the color "E• RANK was led into a spacious dining room which of burnished brass. This super-man, for all his strange reminded him of the first class saloon of an ocean color, had the dignity of poise and the features of a liner. Like the room in which he recovered conscious- Greek god. Never had Frank seen such perfection of ness, it was walled with the polished metal, window- muscular development. He stared agape. less, and lighted by the same soft glow from the ceiling. This imposing and surprising stranger strode into They sat down at a perfectly appointed table and were the room with a kindly smile lighting his face, and immediately approached by a waiter, another of the addressed Frank in perfect English, "Frank Chandler, burnished brass giants, but obviously not of the class I am Ky-lin, and it is with great happiness that I to which Ky-lin belonged. Frank became more and observe your complete recovery. You have been ex- more mystified as his friend ordered the meal in a tremely ill. Had we known you were on the verge of foreign, and guttural tongue. a breakdown, we should not have kidnapped you as we "Now we can talk," he began, as the waiter left did. However, it is probably better as it is, since I silently. "First off, I know you would like to know doubt whether the physicians of Visin would have been where you are and how you got here. Chan, you may able to effect so rapid and entire a cure. I shall not be upset and angry when Itell you, but Ibelieve that explain in person, but a great surprise awaits you. when you have the whole story you will be glad. Iam Please be seated for a moment. Igo, but return imme- talking very seriously now, for it was a serious move diately with one who waits patiently." on my part to bring you without your consent, and Ky-lin left the room with eager quickness while there is a real reason for my action. Please don't be Frank puzzled over the speech he had just heard. alarmed when I tell you that you are now traveling Without doubt, his wishes of the park bench had, in through the intense cold and complete vacuum of space some mysterious way, been granted. This was an at a speed of something like 6,250 miles a minute. You adventure. are three days away from Visin, the world which I In a very few seconds Ky-lin returned and with him used to, and you still do, call the Earth. In other words, was a tall, blond, youthful-looking chap, at sight of you are about twenty-seven million miles from home. whom Frank let forth a whoop of joy. But you shall be returned safely, so don't let that "If it isn't Jack Conway !" he cried, "Why—why, worry you." Doc, we thought you were dead and buried, or lost at The waiter set before them a meal of viands entirely sea or something. Where have you been? Where are unknown to Frank, and retired. He stared at his we now? H—how—?" friend unbelievingly. He could speak no more. The two men wrung each "B—but Doc," he stammered, "I—I don't see—" other's hands ‚until it seemed they must be crushed. "Of course you don't, old man," interrupted Jack, They embraced and capered like school boys, while "but just hear me out, and keep in mind that what I Ky-lin looked on with beaming countenance. have to say is of grave import and that I mean every "All in good time, Chan, old boy," replied his friend. word of it. "Just let me catch my breath, will you? And get into "When I have finished, you will not have many your clothes, pronto. I won't tell you a thing until questions to ask. you do. Lord, but it's good to see you again." "We are in a space flier, built by the people of Uldur, "Good to see me? \Vhat about yourself, you old the planet which on earth is called Mars. cowpuncher? I can't get over it yet. Why, it's six "We are now bound for Uldur, where we shall arrive years now since you disappeared so mysteriously. in another twenty-four hours. Ky-lin„ whom you first Everyone gave you up as a goner, long, long ago." saw when you awoke, is a Randak—a prince—and is "Never mind now, Chan. Get into those clothes and the only son of Ky-mar, the Randenat—the supreme we shall go into executive session. Feel okay?" ruler or king of the Neloia, the surface dwellers of "Never felt better in my life. Can't miderstand it Uldur. Chan, I have been on Uldur over two telani, either, Doc. I must have been in bad shape, and it that is to say about six years as time is reckoned on simply can't be very long that Iwas laid up." earth. In that time Ihave grown to love Neloia; their "Three days. And I must tell you it would have sorrows are mine as are their joys. They are a mar- been three months under the conditions to which you velous race; intellectually, millions of years ahead of are accustomed. But here it's different. And still more our most civilized races on earth; physically most beau- different where you are going. Boy, wait 'til you hear tiful, as you have observed in Ky-lin. Contrary to the what you are going to hear and see what you are going popular superstition on Visin, they are most peaceful THE AMBASSADOR FROM MARS 489 and kind. Of course there are other dwellers on the will hear further details and a much better explanation doomed planet, but these need hardly be considered as of our journey and intentions than I could possibly a race. We shall speak of them later. give. Do you feel all right now?" "Three days ago you were kidnapped at my request. "Fit as a fiddle, Doc. But I am burning with curi- How this was accomplished is not entirely clear to osity and wish to see and hear more. Strange, but I me even now, although I was taken from the earth in have no regret at leaving good old mother earth—at the same manner. The Neloia are in possession of least, not yet. I‚vas just about at the end of my rope secrets which would be of incalculable value to the back there and needed a change and rest badly. Hope war-like countries of Visin. Forces unknown on our my assistant keeps things going properly, though." earth and beyond the comprehension of an ordinary "Yes Chan, Iknew you were in a bad way, although medic like myself are controlled by them. How many Idid not realize that you were so close to collapse. That times have I wished that I had gathered more tech- is one of the reasons Ichose you rather than someone nical knowledge before coming to Uldur so that Imight else ;that and our old friendship and understanding comprehend better. At any rate, there is a force which of each other. But don't worry about that office of the Neloia understand and which was used to bring yours. You shall see for yourself that all is well and you from your bench in the park to our space flier, also see how it was possible for me to keep such close about fifteen miles overhead. Under ordinary cir- track of your movements." cumstances you would have been entirely unharmed. CHAPTER II As it happens, you were extremely ill at the time. You may have had some hallucinations at the instant the HEY had left the saloon and, after passing force acted but it had nothing to do with your illness. through a lounge and writing room, mounted a "Fortunately, between Ky-lin's knowledge of the Trichly carpeted stair which led to a metal door, superior healing art of the Neloia and my own meagre in the center of which was emblazoned a sort of coat- medical experience, we were able to cure you in record of-arms. All this seemed like a dream to Frank; the time. During the three day period, you were also sub- sumptuous furnishings of his new surroundings, the jected to a number of hypodermic injections which unfamiliar colors of all articles, the strange but de- have suited your body for life on Uldur. Changes licious food, and the unnatural silence and solemnity have taken place in your system which make it pos- which prevailed. It was so mysterious; almost a feel- sible for you to breathe the rarefied atmosphere and ing of supernatural and miraculous power carrying him extract from it sufficient oxygen to live normally. Other on without protest or question. drugs have altered the relation between your muscular Jack spoke a word in the strange tongue, directing power and weight, so the widely different gravitational his voice toward a bright disc set into a panel of the effect on Uldur will not be noticeable. In fact, you are metal door. Immediately the door opened and the two now breathing an artificial reproduction of Uldur's entered the quarters of Ky-lin. Here all was as silent atmosphere. The floors in this ship are supplied with as in the larger rooms. They were greeted by Ky-lin energies which simulate the gravity constant of Uldur. with a smile and hearty solicitations as to Frank's Were this not the case you should now be floating in appetite and welfare, after which he led them into his space without apparent weight. sitting room. This was truly a royal suite. The interior "Our space flier is the size of an ocean liner. It is betokened luxury and wealth. The commonest of ar- projectile-shaped, constructed of metal alloys, and is ticles appeared to be of gold, and as Frank noted this, capable of carrying three thousand passengers, though he remembered with a start that the entire table service the crew on this trip consists of but six Neloia. The for the meal he had just left had also been of the same force driving the ship is likewise unexplainable by precious metal, or of some heavy metal greatly resemb- me, but I do know that it is a reactive force of some ling it. sort which propels the flier after the fashion of a huge "You two have had a wonderful reunion, I per- rocket. However, this force operates without sound ceive," said Ky-lin, as the three seated themselves in or vibration, as you can see from the smooth, silent a large room whose furnishings included many mech- progress with the enormous speed at which we are anisms and instruments. These were apparently for traversing space." controlling and navigating the ship. Frank had listened in amazement while eating. So Addressing Frank, Ky-lin continùed, "Jack has un- sincere was his friend in the discourse that he could doubtedly told you where you are and how you came not disbelieve; besides there ‚vas Ky-lin and the silent to be here. Itrust that you will forgive us our drastic efficient bronze waiter to bear out the story. But he action in bringing you as we did. Our dear Jack felt more as if he were in a strangely empty and quiet has observed you at your labors on Visin for some hotel than in a ship such as had been portrayed. time and ‚vas convinced that you would not greatly "Doc," he said, "it is all away over my head. But object. Come, Ishall demonstrate the manner in which if you say it's so, it must be so. I have finished my this ‚vas accomplished before proceeding with my meal and certainly enjoyed it. I sure was starved. story." So now take me through this vessel and show me more Frank ‚vas led to a small table in the middle of the of its interior. \Ve can talk as ‚ve go." room. This table ‚vas provided with a circular plate, "Just what I was going to suggest, Chan. First nearly covering the top and made of some material we shall visit Ky-lin in his quarters. From him you which shone with the blackness of highly polished jet. 490 AMAZING STORIES

Ky-lin manipulated several control levers at the edge "Yes indeed," was Ky-lin's reply. "Many, many of the table, then grasped a knurled adjusting knob things. If we knew all, we should not have sent for which he turned slowly. The luminous ceiling van- you or for Jack. We now come to the reasons for this, ished, leaving them in total darkness with the exception and if you will bear with me for a short period, I shall of a dim glow from the disc. Peering closely, Frank elucidate. saw that the disc pictured a portion of the heavens, with one of the planets larger and brighter than the 46 E\ OR countless ages the planet Uldur has been other bodies. Ky-lin directed him to watch this body dying. The Neloia, who were once a happy and and, as he complied, the heavens seemed to rush toward powerful people, have been slowly reduced in numbers. im through the medium of the wonderful contrivance. and driven to the occupancy of a single city by the "This is the Rulgen," spoke Ky-lin, "infinitely more gradual disappearing of the water supply and vegeta- powerful than the largest telescopes of the obšervator- tion, as well as by the depredations of the Breggia, the ies on Visin. The large orb rushing toward you is creatures who live beneath the surface of Uldur and Visin itself. In a moment I shall stop the apparatus who have multiplied rapidly. Food is so scarce on in order that you may observe your world more closely." the surface that practically all we consume now is either With incredible rapidity the bright orb grew larger grown under ground or is a synthetic product. The and larger until the outlines of the continents of the Breggia, part human, part loathsome beast, have grown western hemisphere became distinguishable. Soon the so bold and so powerful that soon there will be image was fully two feet in diameter and Ky-lin stopped no more Neloia. Life on the surface will be com- the motion. The sight to Frank was strange beyond pletely destroyed. The Breggia thrive on the lesser compare. In plain relief the North and South Ameri- animals which infest the streams and seas beneath. can continents were visible, the principal mountain The Neloia now number less than one million, and for ranges and largest rivers and lakes being easily dis- all of our scientific knowledge and vastly superior cerned. The rush of approach was resumed after a mental power, we are no longer able to cope with the moment. Speedily they seemed to be nearing; swifter increasing multitudes of underground dwellers. and swifter became the motion until Frank was seized "Many telani in the past, my people decided to leave with vertigo. Just as the impression of being dashed Uldur and to take up their abode on another planet. headlong to the earth became acute, the mechanism After much thought and investigation, your world was again halted. Now they were directly over the city chosen as the most logical destination. But we dared of New York apparently at not more than three thous- not descend upon Visin unheralded and unwanted. We and feet elevation. An identically similar view had should have been mistaken for war-like invaders; prob- once been seen by Frank from an aeroplane, but now ably a war would have resulted. The Neloia have the city was stationary, the deep canyons of the finan- nothing but good will for the people of Visin and it cial district just below them. is our desire to prepare the way and obtain the approval Again Ky-lin spoke, as Frank watched in awe, "I of the Visinia, as we call your people, before attempt- shall now actuate the penetrating energy which enables ing this migration. On your planet there is plenty of us to observe objects within the buildings. Do not be food for all, even with the addition of our number, and alarmed at the illusion of rapid descent. You shall ‚ve are sure that the benefits accruing to your world soon see the interior of your own offices." from the introduction of our advanced scientific achieve- As he spoke, the apparent descent re-commenced and ments will more than make up for the increase in Frank grasped the edge of the table to steady his nerves. population. But we desire that complete understanding He recognized his own office building, gasped as the be reached before making the move, and for this reason vision seemed to pass through solid masonry and steel we brought Jack to us to study conditions for a time, girders, cried aloud when the motion ceased, leaving then to return to Visin with the story and with photo- the view in the disc that of his own offices. graphic and other evidence. This was positively uncanny. Before his eyes he "Unfortunately, we have been unable to communi- observed the usual rush and bustle of his force; the cate with the Visinia, although we have been attempt- draftsmen were busy with their lay-outs; the clerks ing this for many telani. We have felt, and Jack has and stenographers were at their appointed tasks; in concurred in this belief, that were he now to return his own private office Jones was deep in conversation alone, his influence would not be sufficient to bring with Mrs. Van Slyke. She smiled and nodded over about the desired result. Communication must be the blueprints of Fifi's suite. Evidently all was well— established and to bring this about we came for you. Frank had a keen feeling of disappointment for a time. Our intention is to keep you on Uldur only until such It appeared that his presence was not as vitally neces- time as we have imparted to you the secret of the sary as he had thought. There was a click; the lumi- Rulgen in its minutest details so that you will be able nous ceiling again flooded the room with its soft light. to return and cause one of the instruments to be con- The vision was gone. In a dazed manner, Frank structed for use on Visin. Then communication will returned to his chair as Ky-lin and Jack laughed over become a simple matter. Jack intends to remain with his wonderment. us until all arrangements between the two worlds are "Marvelous! Unbelievable !" was his comment when consummated. While you and he will not be able to he recovered some measure of equanimity. "Is there communicate in spoken words, we shall be able to anything about science unknown to the Neloia?" show to the people of Visin, conditions as they exist on THE AMBASSADOR FROM MARS 491

Uldur. 'Actual communication will be effected by ently effortless. Near the stern of the vessel were means of the printed rather than the spoken word, about twenty of the large metal spheres which pro- since the printed or written page is made distinctly duced the propelling energy, the outrushing force which visible in the disc of the Rulgen. Jack has kindly drove the flier through space at tremendous speed. Ky- taught your English speech and writing to several of lin explained that this force was controlled from his us, including myself. Thus will the problem of car- own quarters by one of the machines which emitted' rying on negotiations be solved and thus will your directing waves of suitable length for the accomplish- story and that of our dear Jack be substantiated. ment of the desired result. The energy which had Possibly the Neloia are over timid, over fearful. But, brought Frank to the ship ‚vas similarly controlled, as after viewing the horrible results of the last great con- were the gravity-simulating, heating, and atmosphere flict of nations on Visin, you can scarcely blame us for producing forces. The vessel itself was a huge space- using caution. Our mission is one of peaceful coloni- traversing hotel; the individual staterooms, the crew's zation and we shall repay in many ways, if our wel- quarters, everything giving the impression of one of come is assured. Have Imade myself clear?" the palatial ocean liners of Visin, made infinitely more "Indeed you have, Ky-lin," Frank answered at, once, beautiful and comfortable by the unfamiliar furnish- "I feel certain that it will be possible to carry the de- ings and conveniences. Over all hung the silence like sired negotiations to a successful conclusion. But I a pall. Frank shivered at thought of the predicament do have some doubt as to my ability to carry out my of the Neloia, the people doomed unless help came from own part of the program. My knowledge of machinery his own world. and of scientific matters is very slight." "Now Frank, old boy," said Jack when they had seen "My dear Frank, you need have no fear on that about all there was to be seen, "as your physician I score," he was assured by Ky-lin. "By a mental im- must order you to bed for at least ten hours. You pression process known to the Neloia, each detail of know you were a very sick man and, even though you the construction and operation of the Rulgen will be may feel first rate now, you are actually a convalescent so stored in your brain that it will be utterly impos- and must get an extra amount of rest. Nothing further sible for a single thing to escape. All metals and to eat until you awake, either. I know that you are chemicals required are obtainable on Visin, although excited and all that, but it is absolutely necessary that some are rather rare. Certain of your optical instru- you do as I say. Am Inot right, Ky-lin?" ment builders are sufficiently skilled to construct the "What you say is quite true, Jack," Ky-lin responded. apparatus to the specifications to be furnished by you. "It was inexcusable of me to keep your friend on his We anticipate no difficulty in any way. It is most un- feet for so long a time. We shall find a first class fortunate that the force which brought you to us acts stateroom for Frank at once." only on animate objects. Could we use this energy Frank started to protest but changed his mind with otherwise, it would be a simple matter to deposit a the realization that he was, in truth, very tired and completed Rulgen in one of your observatories after beginning to feel weak and dizzy. So, without further you had made arrangements for its reception. But we ado, he permitted them to lead him to bed. Not until know of no energy with which this might be accom- he was between the silken sheets did he fully appre- plished, nor could we land one of our fliers in a remote• ciate the wisdom of Jack's order. Ky-lin brought a spot with the idea of transporting a completed Rulgen hypodermic syringe and gave him another injection, to its place of use. The instrument is too delicate to for what purpose he did not know or much care. Al- be moved in any way. You will note the extreme most instantly he fell into a deep sleep and his two weight and rigidity of its support in this ship. friends, the old and new, tip-toed from the room and "That is enough for the present, Frank. We shall closed the door behind them. continue the discussion after 've meet my father and When Frank awoke, it was with a feeling of re- the Urdia, his counsellors. In the meanwhile I shall freshed vigor and well-being such as he had never be pleased to show you through this flier, if it is your before experienced. He sprang from his downy bed desire to know more of its construction." with alacrity and jumped for the shower bath which "Ky-lin, you are most kind," Frank answered, "I Ky-lin had shown him how to use. The cold bath am in such a state of wonder and amazement that I enlivened him to a degree approaching exuberance and can scarcely absorb all of this now. And Iam deeply quickly he was dressed, and went in search of his interested in this vessel. It hardly seems possible that friends. As he had expected, he found them in Ky-liffs We are moving." quarters. They sat before a circular screen similar to that of the Rulgen. Another of the beautiful bronze EVERAL hours were spent in showing to Frank giants was at the controls. Sthe innermost compartments of the vessel. At "Good morning Frank. How do you feel now ?" each step, each new explanation, his wonder increased. spoke Ky-lin and Jack as one voice. The only visible mechanisms were those in the control "Fine, thanks. Both of you. -How long have I room where the Rulgen was installed. The several slept ?" energies used for various purposes on board were pro- Ky-lin laughed. "Just about fifteen hours," he re- duced silently in spherical retorts and conducted to plied, "but observe the screen before you. See where their destinations without wires or piping. No moving we are." parts were in evidence. All was so silent, so appar- On the screen, like a panoramic motion picture, was 492 AMAZING STORIES presented the rugged contour of a weird country, over tne central square of the city. When the ship was which they were passing at moderate speed. The directly overhead, all motion ceased and they hovered landscape was seamed and scarred; bare; arid. Tow- high above the glistening dome of the white edifice. ering crags, of coppery hue, seemed about to crumble Ky-lin explained that this was the palace of his father, and fall. River beds and canals, long since dry, exposed the Randenat, and that it was to be Frank's home dur- strata of van-colored rock—colors foreign to nature ing his stay, as it had been Jack's. on earth. Not a sign of life or of vegetation was in The square was crowded with Neloia, as were the evidence. Ruins of habitations which had once been radiating streets. All faces beneath them were turned pretentious in size and architectural beauty appeared skyward and great excitement seemed to prevail. As here and there. Long unused roads, which had in the vessel settled slowly toward the surface, the crowd past ages been smooth and heavily traveled, were now drew back from the palace, leaving a clear rectangular broken and twisted by the sub-surface convulsions of space some seven hundred feet long and two hundred a planet in its death throes. Soon they approached the wide. In this space there appeared a large opening as ruins of a large city, passed directly over it. This city a section of the pavement swung back into the cavity had been walled, and still showed signs of a former beneath. The flier dropped into this opening and on high degree of organized civilization. Outlines of the screen the view changed to that of a huge under- public squares, ruins of tall skyscrapers similar to those ground shipyard, where nine more of the machines on earth, still remained. Some of the stone among the rested in their cradles. Slowly the vessel carrying our ruins gleamed with the myriad hues of. mother-of- two Visinia dropped into the one empty cradle and pearl. Over everything brooded the mystery of ages. came to rest without the slightest shock. The winds whipped up and sent into swirling clouds Frank followed Ky-lin and Jack to the disembarking the dust of decay. platform with eager anticipation. All three were ex- Now they were over the bed of a former sea, dry cited and expectant. The immense gathering for their as the ruins they had just left. Fissures in what had welcome betokened something out of the ordinary. The once been the bottom of a large body of water emitted Randak gravely remarked that some occurrence of im- vapors, vicious and searing, some blue as the flame of portance must have taken place during his absence to a blast lamp, some yellow and sulphurous. Ahead in account for the unusual demonstration. the distance could be seen a mountainous coast. Ky- lin explained that Ulderg, the city of the Neloia, lay CHAPTER III just beyond the range of hills and that they would be HEY were greeted at the landing platform by there in less than a half arg, or about twenty minutes, three of the Neloia, who engaged Ky-lin and as time is reckoned on earth. TJack in rapid and excited conversation in their The time passed quickly and soon the mountain own tongue. These were obviously Neloia of high de- range was crossed. A greatly different scene was pre- gree, since they conversed with Ky-lin on a basis of sented to view. A great valley spread before them, close understanding.. Their garb consisted of short blue-green with vegetation, scattered and stunted, yet tunics of cloth of gold, bound about the waist with alive. Networks of irrigating canals stretched as far heavy cords of white. Ky-lin had donned a similar as the eye could follow and patches of partly culti- garment before leaving the ship. These were certainly vated ground made a checkerboard of the landscape. a handsome people, thought Frank, as he watched the At the horizon, directly ahead, clouds of blue vapor expressions of the faces while the animated discourse eddied and drifted. With a momentary clearing away continued. The color of the skin did not detract in of the vapors a second range of mountains became the slightest degree from the classic beauty of body and visible only a few miles away. To the left, almost head. All had curly black hair, close cropped, and in- in the center of the valley rose a lone peak, flat-topped. tense black eyes, which somehow held an expression of On the plateau thus formed was seen the city of the combined joy and sorrow, of peace mingled with fear. Neloia, a cluster of tall buildings arranged with mathe- Ky-lin received the news, whatever it was, with extreme matical precision to provide roadways between. Each gravity and concern, and the six hastened over a long building glinted in the sunlight with the reds, blues, runway toward a point underneath the palace. As the and purples of carborundum crystals. Evidently they pace quickened almost to a run, Jack dropped behind were constructed from a material fused in the crucibles and explained to Frank that a serious misfortune had of nature in the interior of the strange planet. The excited the populace and that they had been waiting in bizarre appearance of the city was further heightened the streets for hours for the retu.rn of Ky-lin, who was by the hemispherical domes that topped all of the greatly loved and trusted by all. buildings. These shimmered and scintillated in the It seemed that one of the four sources of water sup- semi-sunlight with the yellow of pure gold. ply had been closed off by a sub-surface tremor of A central open space surrounded a structure much great magnitude and that several hundred workers had larger than the others, likewise covered by an immense been entombed at the same time. The water supply, dome. But this building was opal white from the Jack stated, consisted of four large underground lakes, ground up and was decorated with spires and minarets, which were originally of great depth but had been as were none of the other habitations. Ky-lin uttered gradually lowering in level due to the demands of the a word of command to the mute figure at the controls Neloia, until it was becoming a matter of grave con- and the speed of the vessel slackened as they approached cern as to how long a time the supply could be expected THE AMBASSADOR FROM MARS 493 to hold out. Now with the loss of one-fourth the num- would justify the hopes that were now placed in him. ber of reservoirs the matter was really one to cause Ky-lin and the three Urdia hurried to Ky -mar's bed- trouble. With the burying of the lake and of several side with the two Visinia a few steps behind. Frank hundred Neloia there had also been destroyed one of was impressed more and more with the ancient grandeur the pumping and purification plants, and as each of of his surroundings. The rooms through which they these had only a definite daily capacity the populace passed were spacious and high-ceilinged, decorated with already found it necessary to curtail their use of the splendor seldom seen on earth. Everywhere were ar- precious liquid. The surface irrigation would have to ticles and fittings of gold. He was later to learn that be abandoned and all food obtained from under ground. gold was actually used in its pure form by the Neloia To aggravate matters further Ky-mar was danger- and was valued solely for its beauty of color, since it ously ill. The public had not been notified of this, since was one of the commonest of metals to be found in the the Urdia feared the result of heaping an added worry mines of Uldur. on the heads of the people. Ky-lin was much upset In reverence Ky-lin and the counsellors approached over the whole affair and wished to see his father im- the canopied bed wherein reposed the figure of the Ran- mediately. The Urdia, however, felt that it would be denat. Propped up on silken pillows in the midst of un- best for him to first appear before the assembled multi- told luxury lay the aged ruler. At his bedside knelt a tude to quiet and reassure them. girl sobbing as the hand of the obviously dying monarch They had now reached the base of an elevator shaft stroked her glossy black hair. Standing at the opposite similar to those in the large buildings on earth. One side of the bed were two court physicians and both of the Urdia directed his voice toward the little bright shook their heads gravely as they were greeted by disc which was set into the wall adjacent to the shaft. Ky-lin, who neared the death bed alone and in silence. The car appeared at once and as the passengers en- Strangely enough, the dying words of Ky-mar were in tered, it arose swiftly and silently at another word of precise English, painfully enunciated. The Randak command uttered by Ky-lin, who had stationed himself knelt beside the girl with his arm thrown over her at the disc in the side wall of the sage. At the halting quivering shoulders. The keen black eyes of the old of the lift the six emerged upon a balcony which over- man softened in tenderness, a kindly smile illuminat- looked the public square, packed with a dense crowd of ing his rugged bronze features. The magnificent head, milling, gesticulating Neloia. When Ky-lin appeared, surmounted by a crinkled mass of snowy white hair there arose a great shout of welcome. "Akra, akra, lay immovable on the pillow. The single hand outside Randak !" Frank made out as the salute to their prince. the coverlet, once strong and sure, now wandered aim- Ky-lin raised his hand in a dignified gesture of com- lessly, alternately stroking the head of the sobbing girl mand and the crowd was stilled. Where, but a mo- and fluttering toward the free hand of Ky-lin. Un- ment before, pandemonium had reigned, all was now ashamed, Ky-lin looked up with great tears coursing as quiet as if the streets were deserted instead of packed down his ruddy cheeks and listened intently as the last to overflowing. A highly-polished crystal sphere was words of his father were spoken, almost inaudibly. placed on the balcony railing before the Randak, and "Beloved children," he gasped, "weep not at my pass- when he commenced speaking in a rather quiet tone of ing. Think rather on the future, the glorious tag:- be- voice, his speech was amplified to the magnitude of a fore you of perpetuating the race of the Neloia, of sonorous but distinct thundering, which rolled forth delivering them from the fears and horrors of exist- over the square and its surrounding streets like the ence on poor ancient Uldur. Ky -lea, Ileave you in the benediction of a deity. This reminded Frank of the care of your dear brother Ky-lin, as I do all of my public address systems in use on earth but was infinitely dear people. Ky-lin, I have every confidence in your more powerful and true to tone. The voice came from ability to carry on with our plans and to wisely, lov- nowhere in particular; it permeated the consciousness ingly guide and protect your people. My sight fails, of the listener as if generated in his own brain. • but I believe that you have brought with you the friend OE The words of Ky-lin's speech were so much jargon to of our dear Jack. Call both of our visitors to me, that : Frank, but it was apparent from the pleased looks of I may look upon their countenances and pass into the the Urdia and from the reactions of the crowd, that the unknown with assurance that all is well." desired result was effected. When he finished, a great Frank now found that he too could not hold back roar came up from the assembly and immediately they the flow of tears. It seemed that he was losing an old commenced to disperse, the Neloia streaming from the and extremely dear friend of his own. As he and square and into the side streets in orderly quiet. Jack Jack approached, the girl Ky-lea arose weakly and whispered that Ky-lin had used the bringing of the sec- rushed into the extended arms of Jack, burying her ond visitor from Visin as a means of encouraging and head on his shoulder. Again Ky-mar beamed and gave reassuring his people, telling them that negotiations the two his blessing. This was a revelation to Frank; with the distant planet were already on the way to a he had not harbored the slightest idea of anything of quick and successful conclusion. He had ascribed al- the sort in connection with his old pal, who had never most superhuman virtues and influence on his own interested himself in the opposite sex at all in their earth to the new visitor. Frank chilled inwardly at younger days. thought of what would now be expected of him by this "Draw near to me, Frank," requested the dying remarkable people, and wondered hopelessly how am, man, "that I may see with my own eyes, that what I action of his own could possibly bring about results that have been told of you is true." 494 AMAZING STORIES

Frank complied, and gazed sorrowingly into the in- with the emblem of his sovereignty, a golden sceptre of tense, but now glazing eyes of the Randenat. Ky -mar curious design, which was placed in his hand by one regarded him earnestly; then smiled in contentment of the Urdia with a simple speech outlining the laws of and closed his eyes. They thought that the great soul succession as handed down through the generations of bad passed, but again he spoke with -a. last painful their ancestors. This ceremony was held in the large effort: Urdesil or throne room of the palace, not more than "I am content. Igo, but I shall watch over you all five hundred Neloia being present. Frank learned after- from that plane where dwell the spirits of our fathers. ward that practically all of the population actually at- Be brave and faithful, my children. Mourn not, but tended the ceremony in the privacy of their homes, in carry on with renewed strength. My gratitude to you the mines, laboratories, workshops, wherever they might two, dear Visinia, knows no bounds. You and your be, through the Tesk, that most perfected of instru- people shall be richly rewarded for receiving the rem- ments which brought the speech and movements of the nants of my once happy and powerful Neloia. Fare- entire scene to them in faithful reproduction. well, all. Farewell." The Neloia returned to their normal mode of living With the satisfied smile still on the face of the de- and to their regular appointed tasks. With the excep- serted body, the spirit of Ky-mar left to join those of tion of the curtailment of the water supply all was as it his forefathers. The emotions of those in the room had been previously. The faith and trust in the new were unrestrained for a time. As the physicians care- Randenat was complete. fully covered the still features, the Urdia stood with Meanwhile Frank learned much of the past history bowed heads, Jack comforted Ky -lea as best he could and existing conditions of Uldur. He was assigned to with his own heart full of sorrow, Ky-lin stood with a suite of rooms in the palace adjoining those of Jack, arms folded over his deep chest and with eyes that and the two were constant companions, often joined by stared unseeingly into the great beyond through a film the beautiful Ky -lea. He learned of the underground of tears. Frank, with a great lump in his throat, looked operations of the Neloia, the filtration and distillation on helplessly. of the scanty water supply, the mining of metals and minerals required by them, the cultivation of certain CHAPTER IV vegetable life which throve only in the dampness far

HE succeeding days were busy ones inde-ed. beneath Ulderg. Frank was accepted by the Urdia and other mem- He learned of the Breggia, the loathsome creatures Tbers of the court, as if he were an equal and had who were the product of their underground environ- always been among them. He was taken to one of the ment, through ages of living near the sub-surface sea, mental impression laboratories and in a few hours had where their ancestors, who had originally been Neloia, been given the complete language of the Neloia, never had fled in terror during an ancient period of quakes, to be forgotten. The news of Ky-mar's death was re- landslides and other widespread surface disturbances ceived in deep sorrow by his subjects and the burial which had, at one fell swoop, killed off half of the in- rites which followed were touching in the extreme. habitants of the planet. These creatures had degenerated These were an emotional and sympathetic people. They through eons of time into amphibian monsters, retain- had obviously loved the Randenat as no ruler on Visin ing some of the features and brain capacity of the had ever been loved by his subjects. Neloia, but with bodies of reptiles and with eyes that The beauty and stateliness of the Neloia impressed could see only in darkness. Carnivorous they were, of Frank more and more as he came to know them better. necessity, feeding upon the fish and other creatures The men were of magnificent physique, averaging well that abounded in the inner recesses of their realm. The over six feet in height, but of the kindliest and most Neloia feared them not in sunlight, but in darkness the understanding disposition. Their striking beauty of raids of the Breggia were frequent anel sometimes of form and feature was accentuated rather than marred serious consequence in the number of Neloia killed by the color of the skin. The women were marvelous, and in the destruction of considerable areas of the smaller in stature and with exquisitely modeled bodies farm lands in the valley surrounding the city. Their revealed by the filmy garments they wore; much lighter realm was in no wise connected with the underground in color than the males, their skin was of smooth peach- workings of the Neloia, but a constant dread of the like texture. Brilliant black hair was piled high on Breggia finding a means of tunneling through or,of the their heads in soft fluffiness of arrangement. Large, forces of nature opening passages to their stronghold bright, intelligent eyes looking forth with that inde- filled the minds of the harassed people. finable expression of mingled hope and sorrow, made The city of Ulderg was constructed on the plateau them the most appealing beauties it had ever been for safety from the marauders, but during the past Frank's good fortune to come into contact with. Of generation they had found means of scaling the sheer these, Ky -lea was by far the most beautiful, and Frank cliffs and occasional sorties had netted the Breggia told his friend again and again of his good fortune in numbers of the inhabitants, who had been carried away, having won for himself so glorious a woman. screaming, to horrible deaths and ultimate consumption The succession of Ky-lin to the throne and title of by their enemies, as delicacies of food. The dwelling his father was symbolized with little pomp and cere- places of Ulderg were impregnable and the Breggia al- mony. At an assembly of the Urdia and the most im- ways left before dawn, but the Neloia were never sure portant personages among the Neloia, he was presented whether they dared venture from their abodes after THE AMBASSADOR FROM MARS 495 nightfall or not. It was an indescribable reign of terror. to get under cover in time, he was generally killed by Each day Frank spent conšiderable time in one of breaking his neck and carried away when they retired. the mental impression laboratories, having the mysteries Sometimes though, he might be borne away in triumph, of the Rulgen implanted in his mind. Part of this alive, for later subjection to unspeakable horrors of acquisition of scientific knowledge was by his conscious torture. Frank could hear their approach up one of mind, but most of the intricate details were indelibly the side streets, and as Ky-lea shivered with dread she left in his subconscious mind by a process of thought was led inside by Jack, who desired that she be spared transference, accomplished while he was in the trance— the sight so soon after her bereavement. Frank re- which was his daily experience. It was necessary to mained with Ky-lin and watched breathlessly. convey the information piecemeal, since the human A scream rang through the deserted streets from body and brain could not long endure the process with- close at hand as some unfortunate laggard met his fate. out rest from the strain. Very little of mechanical aid Ky-lin paled and clenched his fists. Nothing could be was required by the Neloia who had this in charge. done. The Breggia were so nearly immortal that the After a moment of subjection to the orange rays from efforts of the Neloia had thus far produced no means of some light-producing device, Frank would lose con- exterminating them or of even killing one of the brutes. sciousness, and the Neloia would proceed with the dis- All known energies had been tried. Sometimes they mantling of portions of the Rulgen, giving to Frank had been able to paralyze one of their enemies for a in his state of coma a detailed description of each space but the victim always recovered and escaped be- minute part, including dimensions, materials of con- fore a capture could be made. Huge machines had struction, and the functioning of that particular part been constructed at the rim of the plateau to decapitate in the assembled whole. When Frank left each day, the creatures as they came over the edge. But this did after this experience, he found that he had no recol- no good, since the bodies kept on with their progress lection of what had transpired and he anxiously told and work of destruction, seemingly without missing the his instructors of this. This, they advised him, was the lost appendages. Gases had been used without effect. natural course of events. The material was entirely Penetrating missiles covered with every conceivable stored in his subconscious mind, he was assured, and variety of poison had been tried. All to no avail. The would not be released to his conscious mind until all scientists of the Neloia were at their wits' end. data was completely impressed. Then he should be With a bellow of rage, one of the creatures turned a able to transfer the instructions like blueprints and corner and swung into the square. This was evidently printed description from the unsuspected storehouse of the leader of the horde, and with a shudder of disgust, a certain portion of his brain. This was all very aston- Frank cast his eyes on the first of the Breggia he had ishing to Frank and he had some doubts as to whether seen. The creature was fully forty feet in length and the process was taking effect, even though it had been its body reminded Frank of some of the antedeluvian successful in the case of the language of the Neloia. monsters he had seen in reconstructed skeleton form in the museum back in New York. This was a huge scaly NE evening, as jack and Frank were dining with lizard with a horrible and ferocious human head. Ky-lin O Ky-lin and the charming princess, who was to be drew the now speechless Frank within and bolted the Jack's bride, a shrill wail smote the night air, rising in heavy shutters. They watched the scene in the square swift crescendo until it reached a volume that well nigh through one of the screens, such as was used in the shattered the ear drums. It was the alarm. The Breg- space flier. The leader of the Breggia reared up on its gia were coming! hind legs, bracing itself in a vertical position with its Immediately all was excitement. Dinner was for- massive stumpy tail and clawing the air in ,a frenzy gotten. The four rushed to the balcony and watched with the long curved talons of its forefeet. The huge the scene in the square below. Many Neloia were on head, human, yet indescribably inhuman, swayed from the streets and now, panic-stricken, these rushed in all side to side blindly in the light of a dozen searchlights. directions. Confusion prevailed for a time but very It was áhorrid sight, terrifying in the extreme. Hun- soon the streets were practically deserted. All but a dreds, thousands, of the Breggia swarmed into the few of the inhabitants had reached safety, and those square, packing •it to the utmost. The monsters lum- remaining behind were guards and police whose duty bered about in their blindness, stumbling against the it was to see that none remained in unprotected places. palace walls, but ever feeling, clawing for some poor Fearful silence among the watchers; then a roar and a Nebe who might have been unable to escape. Some quivering of the building with the measured tread of a reared up as the leader had done and clawed at the great army of advancing creatures who must have been palace walls. Frank was trembling with excitement, of enormous weight. From the uppermost portions of and Ky-lin almost wept in helpless rage. the tall buildings shot forth the rays of myriad search- From the globe in the center of the room came verbal lights, illuminating the streets with the brilliance of reports from the outlooks stationed in towers at vari- daylight. The Breggia could not see in such light, but ous points about the city. One by one these turned in were guided by the building walls and carne in such their accounts of Neloia captured and killed. Three numbers that they could not go wrong. They simply here, twelve there, thirty at the entrance to one of the filled the streets, covering every portion of exposed mines. It ‚vas terrible to Frank. How much more so pavement so that nothing in their path could escape. it must have been to Ky-lin. These were his people When they came upon one of the Neloia who had failed and he was powerless to help them. 496 AMAZING STORIES

Jack and Ky -lea had disappeared to one of the inner years there was no contact between the two, and mean- rooms but all through the night Ky-lin and Frank while the Neloia had been still further reduced in num-. watched the screen and listened to the incoming re- bers by the death agonies of Uldur, upheavals which ports. Things were not as bad as they had been dur- have continued with increasing frequency and violence. ing some of the raids, according to Ky-lin's advice, but Eventually, the Breggia, as now existing, ventured forth they were bad enough. As nearly as could be made under cover of darkness and nearly wiped out, in a out from the reports of the look-outs, almost two hun- single night, one of the largest cities of the Neloia. dred of the Neloia had fallen victims this time. Often They were fought against with desperation, but what the number was closer to a thousand. With the first could be done? hint of approaching dawn the Breggia left, lumbering "Apparently the Breggia -cannot be destroyed. away in their speedy awkwardness like the hippopotami Through the ages has this one-sided warfare continued, of Visin. Again the ground shook and snarls of rage until the number of remaining Neloia became pitifully and disappointment filled the air. small and all retreated to Ulderg, the capitol, and im- Jack entered the room with Ky -lea on his arm. She proved and enlarged the old city on the plateau as a was exhausted from her vigil, red-eyed from weeping. last resort. They were safe for many telani, but Jack had kept her from the viewing screens and the two eventually the Breggia learned of their whereabouts and had sat in the library throughout the terrible night. resumed warfare. Fortunately the city is well pro- Frank's heart went out to the sorrow-laden people, and tected by the nature of its habitations, and if all could he swore to himself a great oath that some way, some- be kept within at the time of these raids, none would how, he would pave the way for their migration to perish. But the Breggia come without warning and so his world, and that quickly. speedy is their approach, that always some fall miser- All four were exhausted, and Ky-lin led his sister to able victims, notwithstanding the elaborate look-out and her suite as Frank and Jack repaired to their own alarm system that has been developed. The morale of quarters. Frank was so worked up that he had no the Neloia has become absolutely undermined." thought of sleep in spite of his weariness. He insisted "But, Doc, has everything been tried in an effort to on talking over the situation with his friend. He had discover some way of destroying these revolting crea- not realized what a tremendous force this was with tures? Have the Neloia tried disease germs, for in- which the Neloia must contend, had not appreciated the stance?" dispiriting effect of such horrors as he had just wit- "Chan, diat is ridiculous," he replied. "You have nessed. It had been a surprise to him that so wonder- seen for yourself how far in advance of our own peo- ful a people as the Neloia could be such fatalists, so ple the Neloia are in scientific matters. Of course they resigned to a condition which, as he thought, must have tried everything. Bacteria of every known disease surely be susceptible of some means of remedy. But have been used without effect. Heat energy, explosives, now he understood and he wished to talk about it. all sorts of energies unknown to us, have been experi- Jack was terribly upset over the effect on Ky-lea this mented with and no results of consequence obtained. time, although he had seen many such raids in the past And the worst of it all is that, even after we satisfy and was himself more or less hardened to them. Still the Neloia that they will be welcome, it will take so he was willing to talk and to forego his own sleep, so long a time to carry them all to Visin—thirty thousand the two men remained in Frank's sitting room for the per trip of the fleet—thirty round trips, and all trips can- entire morning, engaged in earnest conversation. not be made as quickly as. was yours. The two planets were almost in conjunction then. Meanwhile the Breg- CHAPTER V gia grow stronger and bolder." He shook his head

44 OC, old man," commenced Frank, as he ner- despairingly. Evidently, Jack's courage was flagging. vously paced the floor before his friend, who "Somehow, Doc, I can't help but feel there is some D sat with his head bowed in his hands, "This way of defeating the brutes," Frank blurted out, "and thing is awful; hideous. Do you mean to say that this I'm damned if I don't find it myself, too. Laugh if sort of terror has been the lot of the Neloia for years?" you wish. I know I am just a narrowed, restricted "Not years, Chan," replied Jack, looking up. "No, planner of fool buildings for fool people, but Ihaven't not years merely. Ages. You must remember that lost my nerve anyway." many generations gone, when our own world was still "No, I won't laugh at you, old man. But I tell you very young, the Neloia were a great people and num- it is hopeless. Had you been here as long as I have bered several billions. They were happy, peaceful, pros- you would readily agree. But go to it. Who knows perous, and had already mastered science to a far but you may be right ?" greater degree than is yet understood on Visin. The "Maybe I was talking a little out of turn, Doc, and cataclysm which reduced the population of Uldur by I haven't a plan of any sort. But just the same I still half and sent millions scurrying to the underground think that a way can be found—by some one." world, occurred more than ten thousand years ago. "Chan, the greatest scientists of Uldur have been Evolution set to work, both on and under the surface. working on the problem for generations and are still The brave souls who remained on the surface developed hard at it. The time is too short for them to do much into an even more advanced and intelligent race. The more. The migration must be accomplished before the under-surface dwellers developed through the ages into race is extinct. Think of what good these people can the monsters you saw last night. For several thousand do for our world. Why, with the combining of the THE AMBASSADOR FROM MARS 497 peoples of the two planets and with the environment of of his well-shaped head; the strong set of his chin. our earth to help the Neloia, Visin will become a verita- From the depths of the cold spray Frank shouted, ble paradise." "Well, Doc, this helps a lot. Cheer up, old man. "Indeed it will, Doc. I can hardly wait until the You'll get back to Texas yet. And believe me, you'll move is consummated. But Ican't get the idea of the show your home town folks a bride to be proud of, too. hideous Breggia out of my head. To think of leaving Wait 'til your folks see the beautiful Ky -lea. And the Neloia to their mercies for a year or more is simply wait 'til some of our old chums see the rest of the gor- out of the question. But, as you say, and as the Neloia geous Neloia girls. Boy, but there'll be some scramble. themselves resignedly repeat, 'What can be done?' " Theatrical and 'movie' magnates will be stricken with "Now Chan, I know how you are broken up over apoplexy." He laughed with his renewed good spirits. the raid. Iwas the same way myself when Iwitnessed "Attaboy, Chan," called his friend, "Now you're talk- the first one. But you must just keep at the mastering ing like yourself again. Lord, but I feel better now, of the Rulgen and get back to Visin to have one con- too. Keep it up." structed as quickly as possible. Ever since Ihave been Frank finished his toilet, whistling, while Jack looked here I have been attempting to persuade the Neloia to on in amusement. Soon he was ready and with a take a chance and land at least one shipload on our cheery 'so long,' and a playful punch to the ribs, he earth—to make their own negotiations in person. They was gone. will not consent. They are too conscientious, too fear- "Well, what do you know about that ?" Jack thought f ul." aloud. "A half hour ago he ‚vas as low as Ihave ever "Oh, I am keeping on with the Rulgen, never fear. seen anyone. And he has been drifting into crabbed Iam told that two more lessons will do the trick. Hope old age for years, too, with his confounded hard work. it works." Ihave a hunch something is going to happen." "It will work, Chan. Ihave no fear of that. Ihave He started for his own rooms, much heartened. seen too many of the same sort of things clone. It is a Frank went through his usual course of instruction marvelous method, don't you think ?" with eagerness, and when he returned to full conscious- "Wonderful," agreed Frank, "Think of how the ness, he questioned his instructors regarding the under- mental status of our own peoples could be improved by ground life of the Neloia. He expressed a desire to such methods. It will revolutionize our world, since see some of the cultivation of edible fungi and vegeta- by its means the Neloia can well be able to impart all tion which was carried on beneath the city. Rete, the of their knowledge when they come to us." chief instructor, offered to take him below for a trip of 'Yes, Chan, that is exactly what they mean., when inspection. Frank was much pleased at the prospect, they say they will repay. They could bring plenty of since he had not seen ani' of the underground activities gold, too, but I think that would be a mistake. It at all, so far. might do more harm than good; it might even unsta- CHAPTER VI bilize the money markets and cause another war on -our fool planet." ETE led him to a small lift and in this way they "Gold !" snorted Frank contemptuously, "What does descended rapidly for what seemed like a long gold amount to when there is a glorious race to save. Rperiod of time. I hope they never bring an ounce of it to our world. "How deep are those workings?" Frank inquired. What they have to offer is far more precious. But Doc, "The portion we are going to visit is some four thou- old friend, don't take my ravings too seriously. I'm sand feet down, as you measure distance," was the re- sorry I've kept you up. And now it is time for me to sponse, "and Ibelieve you will find this spot of extreme leave for the laboratory." interest." "You didn't keep me up, Chan. I told you I was The car stopped suddenly and they emerged into a not going to bed anyway. And besides, Iwas expect- huge cavern, lighted by the same soft glow used every- ing you to be raging after seeing the raid. I stormed where by the Neloia. This light was reflected in count- for days myself the first time." less colors of vivid brilliancy from masses of stalactite Jack ran his fingers through his already badly mussed formations high overhead. The air was damp, but blond thatch as Frank prepared to leave. He sighed pleasantly odorous of life and of growing things. when he thought of Ky -lea. He loved her to distraction Hundreds of Neloia were busy among numberless beds and was mortally afraid for her safety. Now, with the of vegetation strange to Frank's eyes. Here was a coming of Frank though, he was in some unaccountable veritable forest of mushroom-like growths, fully eight way encouraged. He had not spoken of this to Frank, feet in height and with gleaming purple stems the size but whenever memories came to him of the old days of tree trunks. The umbrella-like tops were from seven when his friend had led the Varsity eleven to victory to ten feet in diameter and the undersides of these were time and again, stubbornly fighting against odds which radially pleated and of a roseate hue. Other growths would have discouraged anyone but Frank, he cheered lay close to the rich black soil and consisted of elliptical up at once. Good old Chan, he thought, he seemed to melon-like bodies attached to creeping, leafless vines. be getting back to his old fighting form. As he watched Frank was astounded, as he watched one worker bury his friend disrobe for the sparingly used shower, he a smooth, round article the size of a baseball and cover marveled at the steely muscles that rippled under the it with soil, to see the immediate sprouting and burst- film integument of his back; at the determined poise ing forth of several bright orange plumules. The plant 498 AMAZING STORIES

grew rapidly as he watched, until it reached the height fissure and as he felt along the ledge he found that it of about three feet, when the bright orange color faded extended some four or five feet in the horizontal plane. to a sickly brown and budding fruit commenced to How high this opening went he had no means of know- appear. The rate of growth seemed to slacken then ing, but he decided to make the attempt to get up there and Frank turned to his guide with an exclamation of and investigate. wonder. That was a task in itself, as he soon learned. He "That is intensive cultivation, made necessary by the jumped time and again and obtained a firm finger hold plight of our people," Rete explained. "Not all of our but could not pull himself up on account of the slipperi- food-producing plants grow so fast, but there are sev- ness of the rock. It seemed to be of soapstone, and eral similar to this variety which produce edible fruit whenever he hung his weight from the now weakening in from one to three days. Now, just follow me to the fingers, they slipped and he fell to the floor of the pas- adjoining cavern and I shall show you some further sage. After several such attempts, he gave up and developments of our experts in the line of food pro- started feeling for some loose stones to heap under the duction." opening. With much painful labor, he gathered about a Frank followed his guide to a circular opening in the dozen rectangular and flat blocks of all sizes, some of wall of the cavern. This proved to be the entrance of which were so heavy that it ‚vas all he could do to a long passage through the rock, softly lighted by the move them. From these he built a pile of rock some usual glow from its arched ceiling. Frank was over- two feet high and, climbing this, he found that he ‚vas come with wonder as he examined the sides of this able to get a firm purchase and draw himself up into passage. Veins of pure gold, a foot thick, appeared at the opening. When he had clambered over the ledge, frequent intervals, sandwiched between strata of vol- he was so exhausted, that he lay absolutely still for a canic rock and quartzes. moment, breathing heavily. He had lagged behind his guide and when he re- alized this he hurried to catch up. As he started at a PON investigating further, he found that the fis- run, he was knocked from his feet by a violent concus- U sure was just about high enough for him to crawl sion. The ground heaved and twisted under his feet. through on all fours, which he proceeded to do, feeling A deafening crunching and grinding told of the shifting his way cautiously. This passage must have been of thousands of tons of rock, and Frank found him- opened up by the tremblor or earthquake, which had self lying face down in total darkness. He dragged closed the other. It led slightly downward and the de- .himself to his feet, bruised and sore, and felt his way gree of slope increased as he progressed. After an along the passage in the direction Rete had led him. interminable period of the careful feeling and creep- Not more than twenty paces ahead he came against a ing progress, the passage becoming so low in places barrier of rock which had been forced into the pas- that he was forced to wiggle through on the flat of his sage. That way was blocked. He retraced his steps stomach, he was electrified by the sound of voices with the intention of returning to the cavern they had ahead. He stopped and listened. He could not make just left. Several times he fell, striking some portion out the words at the distance, but he felt sure that these of his anatomy against jagged rocks each time. In less were none of the Neloia. The qualities of the voices than fifty feet he found the passage blocked in that di- were entirely different, harsh and rasping, where the rection also. Frank was entombed! Neloia spoke softly and caressingly. With a start, he He sat down in the darkness and with considerable realized that he must be close to the realm of the effort set about to compose his mind and recover his Breggia and he now moved very cautiously, remember- courage. Possibly he would be compelled to wait for ing that they could see distinctly in the darkness. His hours, even days, to be dug out by the Neloia. The heart thumped so violently, that he feared it would be prospect was not encouraging but he resolved that he heard and his presence betrayed thereby. When he would not lose his head. He was sure that this had drew closer, he found that he could make out the trend not been a far reaching tremor. It was not violent of the conversation. The speech was a corruption of enough nor of long enough duration for that. Quite the language of the Neloia but still understandable for probably the only serious damage had been done in the most part. When he was close enough to hear that very portion of the passage occupied by Frank at plainly, he lay quietly, listening. the time. Two voices were all that he heard, and when he When he was somewhat recovered, he commenced a caught the drift of the conversation, he thrilled with methodical inspection of the walls of his prison with a excitement. Evidently one voice was that of a mother view of locating some other means of escape. The dark- Breggia and she was wailing her grief and berating a ness was complete and he felt along every inch of the dying son for his carelessness. The son gasped ex- walls on both sides of the narrow space. He spent what cuses and apologies and was obviously suffering in- seemed like hours in this manner and was just about to tensely. The voices came from below, and, feeling give up in despair when he felt a breath of fresh air ahead, Frank found that his passage ended at a ledge of wafted in from overhead. He stopped at this point some other large cavern and that the two Breggia were and, stretching on tip-toes, he explored the waIN on directly beneath this ledge. He could see nothing but both sides as high as he could reach with his finger-tips. could hear perfectly and as long as lie kept back from Finally his fingers slipped into an opening and en- the edge it would be impossible for them to see him countered emptiness. This was the lower edge of a either. THE AMBASSADOR FROM MARS 499

So the Breggia were not immortal. He chuckled to the rescue party and his request was granted without himself at the thought and strained his ears in the effort argument. to learn what it was that had brought about the intense Two and a half days of gruelling toil followed, the suffering of the young Breggia and his approaching workers laboring with pick and shovel and rock drills demise. in shifts of three arg each, the equivalent of about two "Heedless son," spoke the mother, "how many times hours. All but Jack. He slept not a wink, nor did he have I warned you of the Edlis, the only living thing rest. His only respites were during the occasional pe- feared by the Breggia. Why did you not heed my riods when one of the workers would urgently request warnings? Now shall you die in torture and your poor hin-i to take a portion of food. Even then he bolted it. mother will be disgraced." How his body stood up under the strain, none of the "But mother," gasped the dying offspring, "no pur- Neloia understood. But they did understand love and ple flowers were on this plant. I did not know." sincere friendship and they realized that this inde- "You should have known. Have I not told you of fatigable leader was kept up by his feelings for his the prickly-edged leaves in groups of five, of the furry friend. stem which none can mistake? Did I not warn you They had removed fully thirty feet of solid rock that a single drop of the sap of the Edlis, if crushed from the blocked passage and it seemed that they would on the skin of one of us, is sufficient to cause death by never break through. Jack's great fear was that his the rapid absorbing of the poison into the blood stream friend had been actually buried by the falling rock and and the carrying of it to the heart ?" crushed, but he worked on with the hope that this was Frank had heard enough. The young lreggie was not the case and that they would find Frank alive. now seized with horrible convulsions and screamed his Just when hope was about to be abandoned, one of last. The mother wailed and moaned in grief, not so the workers uttered a yell of delight. His pick had much over the loss of the son as over what she con- sunk through the barrier to its handle. With a hoarse sidered as her own disgrace in thus losing him. cry Jack thrust the workman aside and tore frenziedly Now if he could only make his way back to the at the rock with his bare hands. Carefully they en- Neloia, Frank felt sure that he had the secret of con- larged the opening until it was of sufficient size to per- quering the dread enemy. He was in high fettle as mit Jack to crawl through. The rest waited anxiously, he carefully retraced his way along the low, slippery but not for long. Soon Jack returned to the opening passage. The way was upgrade now and he experi- and lifted the inert form of his friend to the eager enced considerable difficulty on the return trip. It hands of those outside. As they bore the apparently seemed very much longer going back, and his feeling of lifeless form of Frank through to the main cavern, triumph gave way to one of dejection as he lost strength Jack collapsed and had also to be carried. and remembered that he was trapped underground and Attending physicians pronounced Frank alive, though might never again see the light of day, much less carry very near the point of death. There was great rejoic- the important news to the Neloia. ing as the two men were transported to the palace. Eventually he reached the end of the passage and Frank awoke in his own led in the suite he had oc- felt over the edge preparatory to the drop into the pas- cupied since his arrival on Uldur. Wonderingly, he sageway which had caved in. His only hope lay in the looked from Jack, who stood at the foot of the bed with news of his plight having reached his friends, and in Ky -lea at his side, to Ky-lin, who was watching with their quick action in getting to him. He listened for grave concern. Rete sat at one side of his bed and one the sound of drills and picks working at the rock which of the court physicians stood at the other with his finger closed him off, but heard nothing. He decided to await on the patient's pulse. At the physician's words, "He his fate, whatever it might be, in the original passage- will recover immediately," the expressions of the faces way. As he let himself over the edge, he lost his hold about him changed magically from that of deep depres- and fell heavily to the ground, his head striking a rock sion to great joy. with an impact that mercifully rendered him uncon- Frank smiled wanly. He didn't feel so terribly ill. scious. He attempted to sit upright but fell back with a groan. Every bone in his body ached. His muscles would not EANWHILE turmoil reigned in the palace. respond. But his head cleared instantly and he al- Rete had escaped injury in the underground most shouted with glee as he recalled the disclosures of tragedy and hurried to the surface with the news. He the unwitting Breggia in the strange underground re- had found the passage blocked, and upon communicat- treat. ing with the works in the first cavern, he learned that "Jack! Ky-lin! everybody! Ihave the secret of the it was closed off at the other end also. He reported one vulnerability of the Breggia," he cried. "Doctor, this directly to Ky-lin and the sensation it created was administer a stimulant or something to give me strength instant and electrifying. Ky-lin called for Jack and the to tell the story so that work can be started at once." Urdia at once and all were greatly perturbed at the The physician shook his head but Frank insisted, "I news. Strict orders were given that the story of the am all right I tell you. It is only physical exhaustion disaster be kept from the public, and a force of one now. I'm not raving. Itell you I visited the Breggia hundred workers with tools and provisions was sent in their realm and learned of their one weakness. Please, below at once. please do as Isay." Jack begged for the personal privilege of leading They realized that he was in earnest and in his right 500 AMAZING STORIES

mind. The physician bared the left arm and gave lair of the Breggia had been closed off by solid masonry Frank a hypodermic injection of some sort. Imme- to prevent the possibility of an attack from that quar- diately he felt the blood coursing warmly through his ter. Untold numbers of the Edlis plants had been veins; a new strength suffused his being. He sat up gathered and sent to the surface in large hampers. The and with eyes bright with excitement, told his story to chemical laboratories had extracted and stored in huge the spellbound listeners. At his conclusion, Ky-lin ex- vats great quantities of the sap. Over ten thousand claimed in wonder: of the special rifles had been constructed and nearly "The Edlis," he repeated in astonishment. "Why five thousand men were at work filling and sealing the that is one of our commonest underground growths. capsules to be fired from these weapons. An outer To us it is neither food nor poison. It is a weed ; alarm system had been constructed to warn the de- worthless; a pest that is torn up from our gardens and fenders of the approach of the enemy at an earlier burned in the incinerators. Time and again have our time than had been provided previously. Ramparts biologists analyzed its sap and fibres in the effort to were being constructed around the edge of the plateau, find some use for it. Strange that we have never sus- behind which the defenders might make the first stand pected it might be poisonous to the Breggia. Frank, and give the attackers their initial taste of the doom you have saved the day.. You have relieved my people which was being prepared for them. Wherever Frank from their greatest immediate danger. We shall pro- appeared he was hailed as a great hero, the saviour of ceed at once to prepare for the next raid of the enemy." the Neloia. This embarrassed him greatly and, after He kissed Frank on both cheeks in his excitement the first few experiences, he kept to the palace and the and gratitude. The effect of the stimulant •had now laboratories as much as possible. worn off and Frank sank down in sudden reaction. He His last lesson on the construction of the Rulgen slept. After listening to his heart, the physician pro- had been completed and the final result was even as the nounced him past danger, and all of the visitors left the instructors had predicted. When he concentrated on room silently but with thankfulness in their hearts. the instrument, every detail of its intricate mechanism came to his memory with the utmost clarity. Having CHAPTER VII been a first-class draftsman in his own line, he found Y-LIN called together the Urdia and the most that he could sit at the drawing board and design ac- eminent scientists of the Neloia were sum- curately any separate part, complete with dimensions K moned to the Urdesil. Jack was jubilant. Here and material specifications. Or he could lay out the was a friend to be proud of. The confidence of the completed assembly and dictate minute instructions as Neloia would be supreme. Undoubtedly their own flag- to its operation. In short, he had become a technical ging courage would be bolstered up and the smoulder- wizard—on the one piece of apparatus. ing spark of bravery in defensive warfare be rekindled. With the prospect of a pitched battle with the Breg- Jack loved a fight himself and he felt assured that a gia which could have but one ending, that of their com- real one was coming. The tables would now be turned plete defeat, the need for haste in getting the negotia- and the one-sidedness be shifted to the opposite direc- tions with Visin started- was not so great. It was de- tion. The Breggia would receive their just deserts. cided that Frank should remain until the battle was The scientists received the news with great surprise. over, and he entered into the preparations himself with At first they could not believe that the harmless Edlis zest. Day by clay the supply of weapons and the num- was so greatly to be feared by the Breggia, but so con- bers of trained warriors increased. The enthusiasm of vincing was the story told by Frank and repeated by the Neloia grew with their confidence. their monarch that they could not help believing in the The entire atmosphere of Ulderg was changed. Smil- end. Ky-lin issued his orders with speed and with the ing countenances were the rule rather than the excep- sureness of a born ruler of men. Within the arg all tion. Even the occasional tremblors which shook the plans had been made and the various department heads city and warned of impending disaster had little de- were on their way to set the machinery of preparation pressing effect. The old planet would probably hold in motion. together long enough to permit of the migration to All available workers were sent below to search the Visin. The dread of the Breggia was gone. Their own uncultivated m7lerground passages and caverns for the revered ancestors and their loved ones must be avenged. now precious Edlis. Every chemical laboratory that It ‚vas a wonderful rejuvenation of a wonderful people. could be spared from regular food production was Frank was given command of a division of the new turned over to the process of extracting the sap from army, as was Jack. Ky-lin himself was commander- the fibres of the suddenly important growth. Dozens in-chief and planned to organize the defense and lead of manufacturing establishments were re-tooled and his forces personally in the impending conflict. Great equipped to produce large numbers of compressed air numbers of powerful searchlights had been installed rifles for the hurling of breakable capsules of deadly along the ramparts. Twenty thousand trained and liquid against the thick scaly hides of the Breggia. fully-armed men were in readiness. They must not, Thousands of men began their instruction in the use of could not fail. the new weapons. Patiently the Neloia waited but the Breggia did not. By the time Frank had completely recovered from appear. Frank grew nervous, morose. He craved the effects of his experience, considerable progress had action and told Jack so in the privacy of their quarters. been made. The passage which he had followed to the His friend laughed at his bloodthirstiness but secretly THE AMBASSADOR FROM MARS 501 admired his vigor and restless energy. This was the rumble of their approach could be heard in the dis- Chan of the old days, the same old Frank who had tance. It was like a stampede of crazed cattle on the been carried so many times from the gridiron on the western plains of his own country. He shouted a few shoulders of a howling, hysterical mob. Jack was de- words of encouragement to his men and warned them lighted, knowing that his friend would be a different not to discharge their weapons until his command was and happier man when he returned to his own home. given. This was to be a complete surprise to the enemy Not once for weeks had Frank thought of his old office. and was not to be sprung until there was absolute cer- He had •not even inspected it through the Rulgen, tainty of the effectiveness of the fire. The rumble in- though he spent a great deal of his time exploring creased in intensity and shortly a rippling, rapidly ad- planets other than Visin with its aid. Jack felt sure vancing mass of the attackers could be seen entering that the cure was complete and permanent, and was the field of light produced by the searchlights. On they proud of his achievement in bringing Frank to Uldur. came with the speed of an express train. The front He had no regrets. Apparently his friend had none line spread wide as the fearsome creatures prepared to either. surround the city and attack from all sides. There Ky-lea spent much of her time in the company of must have been fifty thousand of them. This was a the two men and Frank became more impressed with super-raid, many times the usual number were coming. her beauty as the days passed. Not only beauty of face Blindly now as they came into the brighter circle of and body but of character as well. The glorious crea- light, they advanced without slackening speed. The ture simply adored his friend. She watched his every unwonted brilliance must have been a surprise in itself, move with the light of love shining from her incom- but evidently the very light that blinded them guided parable eyes. Her every spoken thought betokened love their advance. and a sweetness of character that was beautiful to see. When the front line was within a thousand yards of And Jack reciprocated this affection with everything in the cliff, the little globe in Frank's hand spoke forth his make-up. He did not attempt to hide his feelings Ky-lin's order to fire. Instantly he repeated the com- from his friend. Suddenly Frank became acutely aware mand to his men, who, with great fortitude had with- of his own need for a companionship of this sort and held their fire and remained steadfast. At his word, he resolved that he would find his own mate among which was carried down the line by his lieutenants, five the Neloia. But that could wait. thousand of the new weapons spat forth their missiles Frank grew deeply interested in the study of astron- of death to the Breggia. Fifteen thousand more of the omy under the efficient tutelage of Rete, who had held weapons all around the rim of the plateau were like- him in great respect since the day of the cave-in. With wise discharged for the first time against an actual foe, the aid of the Rulgen, he was initiated into the mysteries the only foe against whom they were effective. Through of life and civilization on many of the heavenly bodies his glasses, Frank watched e effect on the advancing he had hitherto thought of only as stars. He now saw horde. It was not instant_neous, but suddenly there why the Neloia had chosen Visin as a refuge rather was a break in the front 'inc. Many of the Breggia than some of the others. His own world was not so were clown, clawing the air with their talons and filling bad a place after all. it with raucous screams and curses. "The Edlis! The On the fortieth night after his arrival he sat with Edlis !" they screeched, but the warning seemed to be Rete, observing the progress of a terrific battle of unheeded or unheard by those in the rear. On they giants on the planet Mercury, known on Uldur as came, trampling their dying, squealing fellows under Kevis. As they became greatly wrought up over the their ponderous feet. Again came the command to fire distant events, they were startled by the weird wailing and another break in the rush resulted. of the alarm. The time was at hand! Still the hordes behind pressed on and the struggles and bellowings of the trampled, dying, stricken Breggia OTH ran for the lift and were quickly carried to increased to a bedlam, the clamor echoing and re- B the underground passage that led to Frank's sector echoing from the surrounding hills. Again and again of the line of defense. Hundreds of his Neloia crowded the rifles of the defenders sent forth the little capsules the swiftly moving platform headed toward the ram- of destruction. Fully half of the number attaching parts, and a great cheer arose for Frank as he joined Frank's sector were down. But they IN.:1-e courageous, them. In a trice he had disembarked and, shooting to these dreadful monsters. The writhing mass was within the surface in another lift, he took his place at the head a hundred yards of the cliff now, when with a tre- of his division, which was rapidly forming in perfect mendous rush, a flying wedge of the creatures reached order. its base, directly beneath. The great searchlights covered the valley in every di- A company of Frank's Neloia clamored over the rection, but all was peaceful as yet. The depth to the rampart and, lying face clown at the edge of the preci- valley was about three hundred feet and the face of the pice, fired round after round into the yelling, milling cliff was smooth and sheer. Frank had often wondered group below. The stricken Breggia, piled high in their how the Breggia were able to scale those heights and he scrambling death agonies, clawed at the walls in efforts still could not understand it. No one who had seen them to reach their tormentors. Reinforcements rushed for- do this had survived to tell the tale, and it was as much ward with incredible rapidity, climbing over the dead a mystery to the Neloia as it was to him. and dying in frantic rushes toward the top. The pile Not yet were the Breggia in sight, but soon the had become so great that with a tremendous running 502 AMAZING STORIES leap, one of the largest of them reached the edge and mediate danger of destruction by the forces of nature clawed wildly for a section of the rampart, which broke and that there is left to us plenty of time in which to away in its powerful grasp. It had gained a footing accomplish our move without undue haste. Ere Iap- and Frank rushed to the aid of his Neloia at that pear before the crowd in the square to thank our war- point. This one had enormous resistance, since it had riors, I feel impelled to announce the bethrothal of my been literally spattered with the deadly juice of the dear sister Ky -lea to Jack, who has been with us for so Edlis in the bursting capsules fired from every angle. long a time and is so dearly beloved by all. This will be Frank discharged his own weapon full in the slavering a union that should bring great happiness to all of you mouth of the creature and with a screech and a fright- as it will to me. And it will be another bond between ful curse, it lost its footing, floundered on the rim of the the peoples of the two worlds." plateau, clawed for a new hold. Then, whimpering, At his conclusion, the blushing Ky-lea joined her and with several of the terrified Neloia clasped to its lover and bowed to the applauding audience, while the slimy breast, it tumbled over the edge to join the mass embarrassed warrior at her side grinned sheepishly. of its fellows below. Cries arose for a speech from Frank, but he had already Calmly, methodically, the long line of defenders back made his way to the balcony to observe the gathering of the ramparts continued to pour forth their deadly in the square and to get away from the plaudits of fusillades. The enemy was decisively overcome, but those within. Here he was joined by Ky-lin, and the relentlessly the Neloia continued shooting down the din in the square became tremendous when the multi- survivors. This was a just and long overdue vengeance. tude saw the two for the first time since the battle. A The pent-up fear aiid hatred of the ages now vented holiday spirit prevailed. All were celebrating hilariously itself in the lust for complete extermination of the and cheered the occupants of the balcony with the com- enemy. Very few escaped, and as these sped into the bined power of their thousands of robust lungs. Never outer darkness, not once did they look back on the had the ancient square of Ulderg seen such a joyous scene of the battle. The Breggia would not soon re- demonstration before. turn for another dose of the destruction which had been After a few minutes of this, Ky-lin and Frank with- meted out. drew. With a hearty grip they separated and made for After an interminable period of watchful waiting, their own apartments. Frank found his friend waiting the command to disperse came from Ky-lin and was for him and they had a little celebration all their own pagsed along the line. Cheers and laughter filled the in Frank's sitting room. air as the relieved warriors started for the city, the Far into the night they talked, discussing the battle city which they had so bravely defended. and making plans for the future. With great glee they recounted incidents of the fight as seen in their own sec- RANK made his way to the palace as quickly as tors. Jack had solved the mystery of the scaling of the F possible, and there in the Urdesil he found an im- cliffs and it was really no myštery at all. At one point mense and joyous gathering. Ky-lin and Jack arrived below his troops there had been a section of the front at about the same time and the three mounted the dais line of attackers which was not fully covered by the at the end of the room. Ky-lin stood before the throne fire of the defenders, due to a company of his men not with the two visitors and three of the Urdia flanking having been sufficiently supplied with ammunition. At him. He stilled the crowd with a wave of his hand this place the Breggia had gathered in dense formation, and they listened breathlessly to his short speech. advancing rapidly to the base of the cliff in a solid pha- "Dear people," he said, "we have finally routed the lanx. They had simply built a pyramid of living bodies ages-old foe. Less than twenty of our number were braced against the cliff, and those bringing up the rear killed in the battle, while fully forty thousand of the had scrambled up the pile, reaching the top just in time Breggia now lie in the valley, polluting it with their to be met by a company of reinforcements that Jack detestable bodies. I am certain that we have no more had hurried out. They had been repulsed with the loss to fear from the remaining millions. When the knowl- of but seven Neloia, and only three of the Breggia had edge that we have discovered the secret of the Edlis is been able to obtain a foothold at the top. The slaughter spread among them by the survivors, no more will they had been complete here, the mass at the base of the cliff risk attacking us. Though stubbornly brave in battle, being entirely annihilated by the withering fire of the they are in reality skulking cowards and quite evidently defenders. Oh! but it had been a great fight! fear the Edlis to the extreme. "Our victory is entirely the result of the bravery CHAPTER VIII and quick thinking of our dear Frank, the second visitor OLLOWING a few days of rest, the plans for brought to you from distant Visin. In your name I Frank's return were resumed. He was now an- thank him, as well as in the name of Ky-mar, my la- xious to leave, to get things started on his own mented father. Would that he could have remained world, to arrange for the coming of the Neloia at once. with us to witness the victory of our people. What a story he had to tell to the nations of Visin! "You may now return to your homes in peace and And they could not doubt, once the ,Rulgen was com- with the assurance that the dread of ages has been re- pleted and in operation. He felt like an emissary of moved. Soon will our dear Frank return to his own the gods, and yearned for quick results. Frank was, home to complete negotiations for our migration to even as his friend Jack had observed, his old self once Visin. Our scientists tell me that Uldur is in no im- more. Never would he become the slave of his work THE AMBASSADOR FROM MARS 503

on earm, never again desert the fellowship, companion- ture with faith and hope that all would soon be well. ship and love of mankind. Eventually the vessel came to rest within some ten With Ky-lin bound by his new duties as Randenat, miles of Visin and preparations were made for trans- it was not possible for him to leave his people. Thus porting Frank to his own environment by means of the was it arranged that Rete would command the vessel energy which had been utilized in bringing him to that carried Frank to his own home. Hundreds of the Ky-lin's flier. His many friends on board showered Neloia petitioned the Randenat for permission to ac- him with praise and good wishes—not bidding him company Frank on his journey as far as the flier trav- good-bye but using the Nebe word which is the equiva- eled. Ky-lin issued passes to about one hundred of lent of au revoir. After administering the hypodermic these Neloia who had been most closely associated injections to refit his body for life on Visin, Jack and with Frank during his stay and who had come to love Rete accompanied him to the operating room of the him as one of their own. Jack, of course, was one of energy and, as he lay on the table beneath the great the party and when the day of the start arrived, he bid golden sphere which produced the force, Jack pressed the beautiful Ky-lea a fond farewell in the throne room into his hands a bulky case, which he told him con- of the palace as Ky-lin and Frank looked on with misty tained photographic and written evidence of the life on eyes. Uldur. This he was instructed to grip tightly and to All was in readiness and the group of accompany- use in his preliminary representations to his govern- ing Neloia was aboard one of the space fliers when ment when applying for a staff of experts to construct Jack and Frank were escorted to the landing platform the Rulgen. Jack bid him a fond and cheering farewell, by Xy-lin and several of the Urdia. After receiving a as did Rete, who turned at once to the control board, few words of parting advice from out the wisdom of which was set into the wall of this cubicle. Several the magnificent Ky -fin, and hearty hand clasps and good adjustments were made, whereupon Rete called a warn- speeds from the Urdia, Frank regretfully entered the ing for him to grip the packet tightly and another word flier, with Jack bringing up the rear and bolting the of parting cheer; then he pulled the main switch. entrance door behind them. A brilliant green flash, accompanied by the sensation They proceeded to the control room at once. Here of a terrific explosion, blinded and temporarily stunned they found Rete at the controls, eagerly awaiting their Frank. He closed his eyes to the glare and dimly, arrival. The two Visinia sat beside him at the viewing despairingly, realized that he had dropped the precious screen as the ship swiftly arose from its cradle and case of papers. * * * * * hovered momentarily over the square, where a large gathering had again formed, this time to witness their HROUGH his closed lids came the impression of departure. At high speed the ship traveled over the Ta new and brilliant light striking from the side. surface of Uldar to reach that portion facing toward He had not moved! Something had gone wrong with Visin at the time. Observations had been made in the the energy. He opened his eyes to the new light. It laboratories of Ulderg and the course and timing of was the sun. He sat up with a start and his head the trip had been plotted in advance for the guidance of struck a hard object—the bench in Battery Park! the navigator. It was early morning and the sun, coming up in the On the screen, Frank had his last sight of the deso- east, gleamed and shimmered with familiar brightness. late surface of Uldur and this time he was able to see Much more brilliant it was than the morning sun on a great deal more than he had on his arrival, since the Uldur. But Frank's heart sank as he came to the con- flier passed nearly a third of the way around the globe clusion that he had slept and dreamed in the park like before leaving its atmosphere. The yawning black pit a common vagrant. His adventures had been but a which marked the entrance to the realm of the Breggia vivid dream. He must have rolled under the bench was pointed out to him by Rete, and he shuddered as he when he fell asleep, thus remaining hidden from the visioned the intolerably ugly forms of the creatures. eye of the law and the sight of chance passersby. As the ship headed upward and the speed gradually But, no! He had not dreamed. There lay the increased until the atmosphere of the planet was left pocket of valuable evidence at his feet. He had dropped far behind, Frank left the control room, arm in arm it at landing, not before leaving. Joyfully he picked it with his friend, and in his heart was a mixture of sad- up, hastily opened it. There reposed safely within a ness at leaving the Neloia and of joy at thought of what mulitude of photographs of Ulderg, of the barren he had set out to accomplish in their behalf. wastes of Uldur, of the Neloia, of Jack and of himself The return trip was uneventful as far as outside hap- amongst the eerie surroundings of the distant world. penings were concerned. But within the flier all was Several bulky manuscripts there were, some in the gayety and a continuous round of celebration during all language of the Neloia, some in Jack's own painstaking waking hours of the four and a half days. The Neloia English chirography. With a quick recovery of his feted and entertained Frank in every manner that could good spirits, he started for the street, hailed a passirig be conjured from the recesses of their fertile brains. taxicab and gave the order to drive to his rooms up- Never had one of these space fliers, which had been town. constructed in desperation and in sorrow, witnessed CHAPTER IX

such scenes. The Neloia were a completely rehabili- EARLY two years later a little group- of dis- tated people—the sickness of their minds had vanished, tinguished personages stood ěxpectantly around leaving them fearless and joyous, looking into the fu- N the polished black surface of the Rulgen, which 504 AMAZING STORIES

had been built in accordance with specifications drawn orb which grew rapidly in size as the spectators watched up by Frank Chandler. The most expert optical in- in breathless silence. strument builders of the United States and Europe had "The machine operates to perfection," exulted Frank. labored incessantly to produce and assemble the many "The small red orb is Uldur, the home of the Neloia. delicate parts. Materials from the four corners of the Please observe carefully now." earth entered into its construction. The action became speedier with his manipulation of It was through representations made to Congress by the controls and the watchers gasped as the view of Frank's uncle, Frederick Chandler, then Secretary of the planet rushed toward them and grew in size and the Interior, that a bill was passed authorizing the erec- distinctness. When the image reached nearly the full tion of the small observatory in which the group was diameter of the screen, the focussing mechanism was now gathered. A large appropriation had covered its stopped and exclamations of wonder came from the cost as well as that of the marvelous instrument it observers. The canals and other markings of the planet housed. Through the Secretary's influence several for- were clearly outlined and Frank saw that a dark-colored eign governments had been interested in the project spot obscured a portion of the surface, alternately in- and in the proposed negotiations with far-off Uldur. creasing and decreasing in size. This was evidently the All of these preparations were made in the greatest unusual condition observed by the astronomers. secrecy. It was felt that the time was not ripe for The whirring resumed and the approach became acquainting the world with the momentous undertaking swifter. Frank, with a homesick pang, was reminded until actual evidence was obtained through the medium of his first experience with the Rulgen aboard the of the Rulgen. space flier. The same sensations again assailed him Now, with everything in readiness, microphones were and a hasty glance at the tense faces, eerily lighted by set up in the room and operators from the Terrestrial reflection from the disc, showed him that his audience Broadcasting Syndicate were at their posts, nervously was deeply impressed. awaiting the word when their announcements could One of them, Professor Borden, F.R.A., the famous speed forth to the unsuspecting millions through the physicist, remarked tremblingly, as if to himself, "The three thousand radio stations comprising the chain that wonders of the universe are about to be revealed. How linked together the entire civilized world. Ihave longed for such an opportunity !" Frank left the telephone and approached the group All were greatly excited and impatient to see more. at the Rulgen with ill-concealed excitement. He had Frank moved the focussing control to its maximum po- been in conversation with several astronomical observa- sition and the image literally sprang at them. Only a tories and each had reported strange manifestations small portion of Uldur's surface was now visible. observable on the surface of the planet Mars, which was Canals, valleys, ruined cities, became visible at close then at the point of its orbit closest to the earth. What range. Objects familiar to Frank, but strange in the these indications betokened they did not know, but it extreme to the other observers were distinctly seen. was evident that some unusual activity was in progress. When it seemed that they were but a few thousand Among the group were high officials of the United feet above the surface, the focus was again fixed and States government, including the Secretary of the In- the exploring controls carried them rapidly along the terior, diplomats representing the principal foreign route of one of the twisted, broken, unused, ancient powers, several eminent scientists, and other important highways. Frank was searching for the location of people. the unusual disturbance and his knowledge of the maps Frank bowed and addressed them: he had brought back with him told him the way. He "Ladies and gentlemen," he said. "The moment is knew that the region affected was in the neighborhood at hand when we shall see definite visual proof of the of the entrance to the realm of the Breggia, and he was story with which most of you here are familiar. I proceeding to that place for a close view. have been in communication with three of the large Remembered objects flashed by on the screen and observatories and they report something out of the Frank thrilled to the memories. Exclamations of sur- ordinary on the planet Uldur, which we call Mars. prise came from the spectators at the evidences of With the aid of the Rulgen we shall soon see that former civilization, at the barren appearance of the which they cannot see through their inadequate reflec- countryside, at the huge canyons and crevices from tors. It will be our privilege to know for a certainty which poured the van-colored vapors. Frank worried what their unusual observations indicate. I hope that more and more as it became evident that conditions had in some way they are manifestations of preparations grown steadily worse since his departure. now being made by the Neloia. As you are aware, As he carefully manipulated the controls, searching they have been able to watch our work through their for the unknown new condition, his mind went back own Rulgen, and so have known for some time that we to the words of Ky-lin, when he bid him farewell, just are approaching completion of our task. But with before his return to Visin. your permission Ishall proceed at once." These last words of the magnificent Randenat now He stationed himself at the controls and, at his signal, stood out in his mind as if printed there. "Frank," he .the lights were extinguished. The group gathered closely had said, gravely, "you are of the Visinia, a brave and around the black screen, which was dimly visible in noble man. But you have become one of us and we the darkness. There was a whirring of the mechanism love and trust you. Iknow you will succeed with your and in the center of the screen appeared a small red own people and I now appoint you Ambassador Ex- THE AMBASSADOR FROM MARS 505 traordinary to them from my poor Neloia. Farewell, and Frank guessed that he had started for the labora- dear Frank." tory where Rete would undoubtedly be watching in the "Ambassador Extraordinary !" he thought. "God Rulgen. grant I do not fail in my mission." Again relocating and preparing to refocus, Frank The area covered in the screen showed increasing warned his audience not to be alarmed at the impres- disturbances. They were now very close to the lair of sion of passing through solid building walls and floors. the loathsome beasts that had been the terror of the The view was that of the dome of the building that Neloia. Great convulsions in the interior of the planet housed the Loyal Laboratory, and Frank changed the had torn and scarred the surface very recently. Clouds adjustments to include the penetrating energy. As the of steam and of wind-blown ashes obscured the view apparent descent commenced, the watchers drew con- here and there. Here appeared a river of lava—some- vulsive breaths. Some even started back in alarm as thing Frank had not seen during his visit. A spasm of they seemed to pass through floor after floor of the fear clutched him. building. Frank's warning had been of little avail— Soon the location of the great cavern mouth that the impression was too realistic. had marked the Breggia's retreat was reached. It was The action ceased when the view in the screen became now the crater of a great volcano in full eruption. that of a room similar to the one they themselves oc- Frank's fears were somewhat relieved. At least the cupied. There was a duplicate Rulgen, with several of Breggia were no more. And Ulderg was a consider- the Neloia dimly visible in the semi-darkness of the able distance from the scene of the disaster. But the room, watching its screen intently. In the far-away opening into the interior must be of great depth to replica of their own disc they could see themselves mir- have reached its internal heat. Surely a tremendous rored; their own instrument and a vista of reflections quake had been required to open it up ! and re-reflections were visible. Good old Jack was The watchers, excepting for occasional ,involuntary there, and Rete, and four of the Urdia! As they clucks and whistles of astonishment, were strangely watched in silence, Ky-lin entered the room. He walked silent, spellbound. to the viewing screen and peered intently, waving his Reversing the adjustment of the exploring controls, hand as a token that he had recognized Frank and Frank hastened for a view of Ulderg. The greatest could see the company about him. speed of redirecting was used and, within a short time, Frank was happy—speechless with anticipation—but the view became that of the valley surrounding the city. he saw with sadness that Ky-lin had changed a great Some signs of the blue-green vegetation had still sur- deal since he last saw him. He was thin and haggard. vived when Frank last saw it. Now it was almost Beyond doubt he had been through many worries and entirely barren. troubles in the past two years. "We are not any too soon," he muttered when he Almost instantly a panel in the floor of the distant observed this. room was lighted. This was the panel upon which com- Now the city of Ulderg showed in the screen and munications were to be placed; a duplicate of the one Frank centered this, stopping the motion. Suddenly the in their own observation room. watchers became voluble. Here was proof indeed; The At Frank's signal their own panel was lighted. On public square, the ordered streets, the glistening domes it had been placed the first placard, and when it was of the habitations, even the people moving hither and illuminated they could see the distant watchers smile thither about their tasks like tiny ants, were clearly and nod with pleasure. This placard was inscribed, seen. Frank's spirits mounted. All was well in Ulderg. "Greetings Neloia, from friendly Visin." With the focus readjusted the scene changed to that Negotiations had opened. of the public square before the palace at close range. In the disc of their instrument, the communication Some sort of gathering was in progress. Many of the panel in that little room in Uldberg was brightly visible Neloia crowded there with faces upturned to the bal- as a rectangle about the size of an ordinary sheet of cony from which they were being addressed by Ky-lin. writing paper. All bent their heads over this as one Frank's heart leaped as he macle out the beloved fea- of the Urdia knelt before it and commenced tracing tures of the Randenat, and the interest of the spectators bold characters in English. "Greetings acknowledged grew acute when they saw for the first time the wonder- and returned with gratitude," wrote the hand that ful people they had banded together to aid. stretched out over the panel, "Especial gratefulness to There was some excitement among the assemblage in Frank Chandler, and felicitations from his friend Jack the square and, as Frank focussed still closer to obtain and from all of us. We beg speed. Disturbances on a better view of Ky-lin and of the many upturned faces, Uldur spreading rapidly. Fear little time remains." he judged that the people were being advised by their At that instant the writing shook crazily, the view leader of the fact that the Rulgen had been finished on twisted and broke. The far-off Rulgen tilted and fell, Visin and that negotiations were about to start. carrying with it the surrounding people. Jack's face One of the diplomats present, a woman, leaned close was raised despairingly as he too disappeared in a rain to obtain a good view of Ky-lin and his subjects. With of falling stones and debris. deep emotion she murmured, "Oh! But they are beau- Back in the little observatory in Washington the tiful people—beautiful I" group stood in tense, awed silence for a moment Then The assembled Neloia broke up at a gesture from pandemonium broke loose. The women sobbed, the Ky-lin and commenced to disperse. Ky-lin went within men groaned, and the radio announcers dropped their 506 AMAZING STORIES microphones. They had not spoken a word. Frank the rigid body to a couch in the adjoining room. Frank actually wept. His fingers shook so he could scarcely had fainted. operate the controls. * * * * * Eventually he got himself in hand sufficiently to alter the focus; the view changed to include the entire HOSE of you who are of sufficient age will re- aty of Ulderg. The scene there was indescribable. Tall Tmember that day in 1942 when the newspapers buildings crumbled and fell. The palace itself swayed bore screaming headlines, when the broadcasting system drunkenly, then was literally torn asunder, falling into sent forth the news to the entire world, when the sub- the public square where hundreds of the inhabitants ject of discussion on every tongue was the destruction had fled in their terror. Clouds of dust and of vapors of the planet Mars. Some few of you may even have rose from the doomed city. been fortunate enough to witness such of the phe- "Too late, too late," moaned Frank. "My friends are nomenon as was visible to the naked eye of observers in lost. And we can do nothing." the western hemisphere. You will recall the variance There was no escaping the catastrophe. As they in opinion between the numbers of astronomers who watched, a dreadful chasm opened through the heart observed the event through their poor telescopes. You of the city, carrying into its depths what few of the will likewise recall that one Professor Borden, great- buildings and inhabitants remained after the first shock. est of the scientists of his time, silenced all arguments Almost immediately a burst of flame and billows of red- with the announcement that the thing had been observed at close range through the then unknown instrument, lit steam belched forth, completely obstructing the view. the Rulgen. You may have heard vague rumors of life Frank had again summoned energy and the whirring having been seen on the planet, of a possible war be- of the machine resumed. They were backing away from tween the two worlds, Mars and the earth. Uldur rapidly and soon the disc of the planet was But the actual happenings, of the exploits recorded within the confines of the viewing screen. The dis- herein, you have read for the first time. The reason for turbance could be seen, a little toward one edge, as a this is two-fold. During the subsequent illness of tremendous upheaval. Canals all over the surface be- Frank Chandler, the remainder of the witnesses sol- gan to open up, to widen into huge chasms like the emnly agreed not to divulge the story in detail until all one that had broken through the city. It was horrible! but one member of the party was deceased. Of course The planet disintegrated before their eyes. One of the the professor was privileged to tell of the destruction women fainted, her moan and the thud of her body as as witnessed, but not of the preceding events. In the it slipped to the floor being scarcely noticed by the first place, it was felt that world-wide criticism and con- others, so engrossed were they in the tragedy before demnation might be occasioned if the story of the them. Neloia were published—criticism of the inefficiency and The orb receded rapidly now and, as it grew smaller procrastination of governments, of the many delays dur- on the screen, it suddenly changed shape in a horrible ing the two years required to construct the Rulgen. In manner. Awe-inspiring pillars of flame and smoke the second place, Frank had requested that his efforts burst from all over its surface—a great portion broke be kept a secret during his lifetime. He knew that his away, probably a fourth of its volume, hurtling away diary of the happenings during his visit to Ulclur had into space with terrific speed. Behind it trailed a made him somewhat of a hero to the company who had stream of burning particles. A new comet! But it was knowledge of his exploits there. But he considered that rapidly lost to their view. Another and still more vio- he had failed in his trust and was extremely sensitive on lent explosion rent the remaining portion asunder. It the subject. The company respected his wishes. spread into a huge sunburst, momentarily lighting the In justice to all present on that memorable evening firmament with the glare of myriad fragments hurled be it said that the pact was never broken. The few in all directions and glowing brilliantly as they were rumors that did spread for a time were based on the consumed by the heat occasioned by their ultra-rapid wild fancies of imaginative people, not on fact. passage into space. Professor Borden associated Frank with himself Then all was darkness on the screen. The mechanism after hailing him as the inventor of the Rulgen, the of the Rulgen still whirred on, but Frank did not remarkable contrivance that soon replaced the huge stop it. telescopes in all of our astronomical observatories, and He, too, had slumped to the floor, and when some- has since given us much intimate knowledge of the one snapped on the lights, they saw he was on his heavens and of the various forms of life existing on knees, hands clenched in his hair, staring at them with many of the planets. These two were great friends eyes that did not see. until separated by the death of the professor, and you Gently they helped him to his feet and there he stood will recall the honors that were heaped on the aged a moment, swaying uncertainly. He beat his fists to- scientist at the time. His theory of the cause of the gether in his anguish of spirit. explosions which destroyed the planet was accepted "God! It can't be true !" he almost shrieked at the without cavil. Great fissures, hě had maintained, stricken group, "Poor Jack. Poor Ky-lin. All my opened into the very heart of the planet by severe dear friends there. All gone! I have failed !" quakes, had allowed water from the subsurface lakes Again he tottered, clutched for support. As he fell, and streams of the upper crust to flow down into the Professor Borden and his uncle caught him and bore molten mass within in such quantities as to produce THE AMBASSADOR FROM MARS 507 steam at tremendous pressure, thus blowing the already their sudden and quick destruction in their own homes. weakened globe into fragments. Frank, the youngest of the group, has now left us Frank never ceased mourning for his friends, who also and, as the surviving member, it has been my passed with the passing of Uldur, nor did he ever for- humble privilege to record the happenings as set down. give himself for the failure of his mission. He found I found great interest and not a little of absolute won- happiness and consolation in his work with Professor derment in going through the many manuscripts and Borden, who never tired of reminding him that the fail- photographs carried back to our earth by Frank. Much ure was not his, that the Rulgen could not possibly have of the story was obtained from these records and from been completed in less time, and that even if it had Frank's diary, but a considerable portion has been been only a few of his friends could have escaped the taken from actual descriptions given to me by word disaster. But at this Frank always shook his head of mouth. Rarely could he be induced to talk on the sadly at thought of one or two trips of the fleet which subject, but when he did his words were always of the might have been made had they finished sooner, and of virtues of the Neloia, of Jack, and of the geography the thirty or sixty thousand of his beloved Neloia who and characteristics of Uldur. Of his own deeds he might have been transported to his own world and to never spoke, and those portions of the tale dealing with safety. his achievements were culled from pages in his collec- Perhaps though, in the light of events that transpired tion of manuscripts that had come from the pens of some twenty years later, it is better that this highly- Jack, Rete, or Ky-lin. strung and sensitive people did not reach us. I refer My sole object in setting down the story after these to the terrible war of 1963 to 1966, which is still fresh many years is to convey to you the fineness of charac- in our memories after these fifteen years. Possibly I ter and the unselfishness of him who was called by err in this, but it seems to me that the horrible slaughter Ky-lin, "Ambassador Extraordinary," and to perpetuate and devastation wrought in that period would have his memory. If, in some small measure, I have suc- caused a great deal more agony among them than did ceeded in this, Iam content.

THE END

LIFE DEAR LIFE, you came so very far DEAR LIFE that carne so very far, • To give your boon to me, You must not leave too soon, From primal cell and ancient worm, For Iwho find your presence sweet And fish that ruled the sea; Am loath to lose the boon. Through saurian that drowsed at noon But, Life, because your creatures fill And mammal lodged in tree; The earth and air and sea, Through apish wight and troglodyte Too well I know that when you go You came so far to me. You cannot grieve for me. By Leland S. Copeland.

What Do You Know? EADERS of AMAZING STORIES have frequently commented upon the fact that there is more actual knowledge R to be gained through reading its pages than from many a textbook. Moreover, most of the stories are written in a popular vein, making it possible for any one to grasp important facts. The questions which we give below are all answered on the pages as listed at the end of the questions. Please see if you can answer the questions without looking for the answer, and see how well you check up on your general knowledge.

1. What is the nature of the force propelling a rocket? 7. Can you explain the stagnation of equilibrium to (See page 489.) which the universe seems to be slowly tending? (See page 512.) 2. What element is it supposed that the great scientist, Madame Curie, discovered in X-Ray tubes? (See 8. In what mineral ore deposits can bacterial influence page 508.) and action be inferred? (See page 526.) 3. What ancient Egyptian monarch in his views on 9. What two properties of matter usually associated sun-worship seems to come close to our theory of in the mind with gravitation, are really independent the atom? (See page 508.) of it? (See page 534.) 10. In the absence of gravitation, what could take its 4. What is the name of the famous ray discovered by Professor Robert A. Millikan? (See page 510.) place in a vehicle moving through interstellar space as regards the actions of the passengers in such a 5. Can you conceive of a hole in the universe or de- vehicle? (See page 544.) scribe it? (See page 510.) 11. In the absence of gravitation, would mass and 6. What law is termed the most inexorable law of weight both be effective in their action? (See the universe? (See page 512.) page 545.) hej SI U By Kirk Meadoweeft

T was with considerable surprise that I re- to repeat the analyses and to verify beyond a doubt the ceived a note from Dr. Sylvester. At col- findings of Mme. Curie." lege our paths had run parallel for a time, I could not repress an exclamation of surprise at only to diverge when later Ihad gone on to hearing actual confirmation of one of the most inspiring the study of medicine and he to an er- researches of this century. With a smile, he showed ratically brilliant career as a physicist. During the years that he shared my enthusiasm. that had elapsed since leaving the university, he had "Let nie outline for you very briefly the principles withdrawn himself even from his closest friends, and underlying our projected experiments. In following it had been rumored that this was due to the sudden the course of modern scientific discovery, you must and unexplained disappearance of his fiancée. Only have been impressed by the strange circle over which, from time to time, with the publication of some of in the sweep of the centuries, we are returning, with his papers, did his name come to us, and always as the ever increasing wonder, to the truths so long cast aside storm -centre of scientific controversy. in ridicule, that the ancient world knew. They had Now when his note to me showed that he had aban- found them not by experiment as we have, but by pure doned to some slight degree his hermitage, Iwelcomed reasoning alone. the opportunity that it afforded and I took care to "The latest investigations into the structure of the present myself punctually at his house on the evening atom have brought us perilously close to the old Greek appointed. I found the address to be in the so-called doctrine of the essential identity of all matter. Our "Old Chelsea" district of New York, where the river- latest studies of electro -magnetic waves have brought breeze from the Hudson refreshed the wide, quiet us to repeat, with only the change of phrase, what streets, and where the brown-stone fronts of the old Akhenaten nearly a thousand years bet ore the Greeks, houses still bore witness to the moneyed comfort of had known and felt in his worship of the Aten.* And their former owners. perhaps there were even earlier peoples that knew what Time touches the scholar only with the brush of a we are beginning to perceive by our studies of radio- light wing and Dr. Sylvester seemed scarcely changed active elements—that matter and energy are inter- from the grave and earnest student Ihad known. We changeable manifestations of one and the same thing. dined with the quiet ceremony that he had always main- But even though we know that there are other space- tained, and not until we were seated in the library over worlds co-existent with ours, we have still been space- our cups of Turkish coffee did he give any hint of the bound. The,limitation that our own bodies impose upon purpose behind his invitation. But after a pause, while us holds us prisoner. the light of the fireplace flickered across the plaster "Yet at all times and places in the world men have garlands of the high ceiling, he said, "I suppose you known that there were strange intrusions of other space- are curious to know why, after all these years, I have worlds into ours. Some things might even make us called upon you?" believe that, sometime, somewhere, there have been Iattempted a polite disclaimer. men that understood the laws that govern these intru- "Familiarity aside, Ineed sions. Men have disap- your help in an experiment peared.. .. Do you remem - that will, without a doubt, ber the strange death of the lead us into fields of knowl- LT ERE is a scientifiction story containing an abundance young interne at St. Fran- edge where man has never 1-1 of good science. If you know even a little about the cis' Hospital a few years ultimate stage of matter, perhaps this story will be the yet trod. In asking your snore plausible. This is the sort of story that grows on you, ago ?" help, I will not conceal as you read on; a story that will be even better next year "He was struck by light- from you that, like all ad- than it is today. We commend it to your attention. ning, was he not ?" Iasked. venturing into places un- "So it seemed," he re- known, it is an `experiment plied. "He was crossing perilous.' " the courtyard of the hospi- "You are no doubt familiar," he continued, "with tal during a heavy thunderstorm. He was in full view the series of experiments in which Mme. Curie dis- of a dozen doctors and nurses at the window when the covered the presence of helium in long-used X-ray flash carne. But no trace of his body was ever found. tubes ?" "Are we not justified in supposing, by the analogy As he spoke of those researches that had for me of the reversibility of reactions in chemistry, that the always held a peculiar thrill of wonder, my interest boundary lines of space and hyper-space may not be and expectation were aroused to the highest pitch. so rigidly drawn as we have supposed? That is the "You know too the analyses in which Ramsey and Rutherford failed to substantiate it. But I am sure *Egyptian Myth. The solar disk, the worship of which that it will interest you to know that I have been able, Amenholep IV (d. ab. 1397 B. C.) sought to make a supreme cult of Egypt; because of this effort, he is sometimes called by the use of a technique far more sensitive than theirs, the "heretic king."—(Webster.) 508 I. e ailee. edit! írleez=l"š, - e4fle,dedhaß elegreeliet 44/relelarni fok ryreireithwa. 4.43 iYh rt-.--viemireelei, relieljLAKIL ,.'

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As we approached the tube, we saw forming in its center a small bubble, black and with no trace of lustre. 510 AMAZING STORIES research that will be the subject of our experiments." words. "At this intensity the rays very nearly approach The clock struck a late hour and carrying with me the magnitude of the 'cosmic rays' of Millikan. They a whirling vision of this great spatial interflow, I left are apparently harmless to life but they seem to be the house, to return next day for the commencement closely associated with the dimensional relations of of our work. matter." As we approached the tube we saw forming in its HE laboratory was a vast room that formed the centre a small bubble, black and with no trace of lustre. Twhole upper floor of the house, and one end of it No light could pass the etherless space that had been was completely filled with what seemed to be a series of blasted apart under such tremendous force. As we giant transformers, of which the heavily insulated tops watched, it grew until it nearly filled the tube. were alm2st lost in the shadows of the ceiling. A great "What is it ?" I exclaimed. switch-panel held a number of meters and on a large "You might call it the "Quintessence of Nothing," table was a complicated arrangement of apparatus, he replied. "It is a Hole in the Universe. Let us most of it totally unlike anything Ihad ever seen before. return to our shelters while I shut off the current." Only a great tube, a yard in diameter, seemed to The tube remained dark. No flickering fluorescence resemble in some sort an X-ray tube, though it was passed over the room. Whatever rays were generated covered all about with what seemed like a fantastic in the dark heart of the bubble were powerless to pass bird-cage of wire. Set near the table were several the space that was other than the space we know, and booths, heavily sheeted with lead, and two or three perhaps their titanic and struggling insulation hastened high screens covered with the same metal. Lastly, the disintegration of that three-foot portion of what in a protected corner, were several hutches of rabbits. had been our three-dimensional world. - "First of all," said Dr. Sylvester, as Iturned to him The afternoon we spent in writing a complete labora- in bewilderment, "let me impress upon you, that under tory record of our morning's work and by evening we no circumstances must you leave the shelter of your were both exhausted, with the nervous exhaustion that booth until Igive the word. The intensity of the rays follows excitement. that will be produced at one stage of the experiment That night a series of terrific thunderstorms swept is tremendous. The concentration of power within the over the city and my sleep, in the intervals between the tube is designed to set up a condition of excessive strain climaxes, was troubled by dreams in which the bubble in the portion of three-dimensional space in which it —now grown large—assumed fantastic shapes and I acts, a strain that Ihave reason to believe, once set up, saw it, as Ihad not in my waking hours, as a menacing will remain more or less permanent. Each booth is pro- thing. But in the morning with the storms gone and vided with a periscope and intercommunication phone." the summer sunlight flooding my room, such thoughts While he spoke he was busy at the door of the rabbit left me. I dressed and met Dr. Sylvester at the little hutch and taking up two wicker baskets he enclosed restaurant he sometimes frequented, breakfasting heart- a rabbit in each. He gave one to me, and pointing out ily and at leisure, as though the day before us were the booth in which I was to stand for protection, he concerned with no important matter. entered his own shelter. On returning to the house we found a crowd gath- I found the interior of my booth by no means so ered about the entrance, with two fire-patrol wagons cramped and dark as Ihad expected. On a little screen at the curb and numerous helmeted firemen moving the image of the room was distinct and bright; a small in and out through the crowd. We hurried. The pilot-light burned above a control-wheel and through crowd was mainly of the curious, but there were some a loud-speaker telephone I could hear the voice of who were recognizable as neighbors and of these, two Dr. Sylvester. or three women, bareheaded, answered our query at "The booths are provided with duplicate controls," the same time. he said. "In case of accident, seven complete turns of "It's the housekeeper's little boy, sir. He's lost and the wheel will shut off the current." no one knows where—but they could hear him cryin'. As Iwatched, the great tube began gradually to glow, "They thought he'd crawled under the stairs or some- at first dully, then with increasing light until the violet where ;—but then he might 'ave gone under the floor— radiance was dazzling; then suddenly it stopped, but it's an old building, sir—and they got the firemen to a moment afterward the whcile room seemed bathed help with their axes and ladders." in fantastic flickering light—light that seemed to ema- I saw Dr. Sylvester's face set with sudden concern. nate from the objects in the room and flow over their As we stood there silent, we could hear from time to surfaces in a play of rippling color. time a faint wailing that seemed to come from very far "Almost all substances seem to fluoresce under the off, or to be muffled by some enclosing barrier. There impact of these rays," said the doctor. was a murmur of sympathy from the crowd. The But this light also passed as the increasing intensity wailing grew nearer, more plain. of current continued to hasten the cycle of the ema- "They must 'ave found him," said a woman. "They nated energy. The tube continued dark. must 'ave found him—but funny he's still cryin'—" "Now the current is at its maximum," came from the The sound grew plainer—seemed for a moment al- telephone. most at our sides, then passed away from us, going I saw Dr. Sylvester's rabbit leap out from the door farther and farther from the building till it died away. of his booth and scuttle across the laboratory floor. "Mother av Moses !" said one of the women. "What "Now we can safely leave our booths," were his next was that ?" THE INVISIBLE BUBBLE 511

Then the firemen came out, empty-handed. The boy_ rabbit that we placed there as a hasty victim in the cause was not to be found. of science. To our wonder we saw the bubble, having "That noise couldn't have been him—must have come« absorbed into its nothingness the living object, slowly from some place else," they reported. lose its dense obscurity and become less and less—saw Gradually the crowd dispersed, and as soon as we it become a shadow—tenuous—saw the beginnings of might, Dr. Sylvester and Iwent upstairs to his labora- translucency, as though by some substance newly dissi- tory. There everything was as we had left it the night pated through it—and then to us in the silent laboratory before—but the bubble was gone. came the screams of the animal, but very faint. "Then whatever is caught in the damned thing must E stood for a moment looking at each other. I be—" began Dr. Sylvester and broke off with horror W think we felt that there was no need to question, in his voice. We were silent. We both understood the that we both understood in a dim way the connection significance of that slow clearing of the bubble. We between the events. But whatever the horrible explana- cautiously loosed it from its retaining current, keeping tion might be, ive knew that in our work lay the imme- ready at a touch sufficient magnetism to recapture it. diate necessity. At it's release the bubble, now only a shadowy gray, Sylvester seemed more shaken by it than I; yet I flattened suddenly,—assumed an amoebic form and could see that his brain ‚vas working more clearly and motion and with a queer flowing, undulating move- more rapidly than mine. Very suddenly he began to ment, sent out strange pseudopodia (a sort of exten- speak, in a voice I had never heard before. sion of the central mass) that seemed to feel and grasp. "I have never told you—nor anyone—how I lost Dr. Sylvester took a small tube of radium, fastened Marjorie. Please to consider this aside from senti- to a glass rod, and with this he drove, as it were, the ment as data for a scientific purpose, nothing more. strange, shapeless thing about the floor. Once he thrust I was walking down the road that led to her house in the rod into its center and for a moment it assumed Hazelton when Isaw her, a hundred yards away, com- again its rounded shape and clung to the rod. ing out of the gate of her front lawn. She saw me Another rabbit was placed near it. As by some and, waving, started to meet me. About half way attraction the bubble moved toward it—a fat pseudo- she seemed to stumble. I thought she had turned her podium seemed to envelope it with a single motion. ankle and ran forward to help her. At that instant she Now the sounds from the bubble were of both the rab- disappeared—vanished—before my eyes. I came up bits but the bubble itself grew clearer and clearer, till to the spot where she had been—there was nothing. it became invisible. Almost as it disappeared, we led The surface of the road ‚vas solid—the edges of the it to its cage and secured it with the current. road were clear of bushes—I had not taken my eyes I do not know how much more Dr. Sylvester under- from her. I ran to the house. Her family from the stood than Ithe strange translation of these solid atoms. porch had seen her leave the gate—else I should have Ionly know that by the evening his face showed a grim thought that Ihad gone a little mad. And when Iwent despair, as by one means and another, physical or back to the road, I thought I heard her calling me. chemical, we had endeavored futilely to penetrate that That was all. What happened afterward does not con- enigmatic space—to render visible those living things cern us now, but this much it is necessary for you to that had so suddenly and so completely been translated know in case you may be obliged to carry on these ex- into it. We photographed with lenses of glass and periments alone. Now you see why we must finish quartz, before screens diffusing every sort of ray. the work." These photographs I took pains to develop and exam- In a few minutes he pulled himself together with ine alone, and Dr. Sylvester, as if accepting the inter- what must have been a tremendous effort. His next vention as kindly meant, made no objection. words were concerned with the technical details of It ‚vas as well that Itook this task upon myself, for our work. at midday of the third clay, among a series of plates "We must, above all," he said, "avoid the possibility hopelessly blank, Icame upon one taken, as the marks of another bubble escaping from its bonds. We must showed, by the light of a powerf ul spark, that showed make a cage that will be sufficiently powerful to hold a thing of horror—bizarre—contorted, grotesquely and it. Ibelieve that we may, by a change in the confining agonizingly misshapen—writhing forms that filled the screen, attain this end." whole space of the bubble. Iscraped and hid the plate That day I remember vaguely as a day of feverish without further ado and reported "No result." work and dreamlike wonder. In irrational sequence From that moment I felt that there could be only came phenomenon after phenomenon—strange, unim- one ending to the affair. And when we had worked agined and inconceivable—till the world in Which we late into the night without result, Isaw that the trans- had lived became remote from our consciousness and fusion of objects into the strange universe was a re- we lost all touch with the reasoning of our accustomed action that could proceed in that one direction only— universe. that some strong balance favored the unknown side. In a quiet haste ‚ve wired a new retaining screen, but this time with additional guards at its intersections— OR three days we worked unceasingly. On the tiny glass spheres containing substances powerfully Fevening before the fourth day ‚ve sat again, with radio-active. With this new screen in place of the old, our eyes burning from fatigue, in Dr. Sylvester's we made a new bubble and with terror saw it engulf a library over 'coffee—much coffee. 512 AMAZING STORIES

He seemed at first almost too wearied to speak but publish it to humanity; that knowledge might produce after perhaps fifteen minutes of silence, he began in events of unnecessary horror—if it were not utterly a tired, quiet •voice, to summarize the results of our disbelieved. I shall, therefore, destroy all our notes work. and tomorrow we shall together demolish my apparatus. "We have discovered by my synthesis the factors It was just as well, perhaps, that you destroyed the one necessary to produce a disturbance of spatial relation. successful plate. I rather fancied that you might. It We see that they may occur in nature; that under cer- was kind though to spare me, but needless. In these tain conditions, by the aid of lightning as well as by last years Ihave known that strange things existed. I my tube, there may be produced the globules of hyper- have watched and sought for them—and I have seen space, which then seek each other out—flow together— them,—beyond the utter limits of horror. and travel in vague and erratic fashion, as they may be "Now let us, in God's name, leave off this unhappy drawn here and there by one influence or another. They experiment for tonight. We are both in desperate need seek each other out, not by any attraction but by the of sleep. Take the couch in the small room and Iwill simple and all-powerful law of chance—the result of take that in the library. Good night and good rest." an infinity of chances—the most inexorable law of any The night passed as a single moment and I slept universe. They seek each other out and flow together; with complete loss of consciousness till next morning —you will remember that. when the sun was high. Isaw at once that it was late "The experiments in which we attempted to reverse and tiptoed to the door of the library to see if Sylvester the disturbances of space were a failure. I now see were yet awake. The room was empty, the couch was more clearly why they could not have succeeded. Ican bare. I thought that he must have gone early to his explain it only vaguely perhaps, for our science has as laboratory. yet but few words to express or explain such phenom- And so he had—for just as Icaught sight of a paper ena, but briefly, it is this: propped against the lamp on the library table, Iheard, "There are in the universe certain motions and re- or thought Iheard, his voice as from far off. actions that are unbalanced—that tend toward a certain "Frank—old man—I've gone—I won't forget--" end from which nothing can divert nor arrest them. The room was empty. I rushed to the laboratory. Sucl is the general rush of the whole known universe It also was empty, but the chemical salts on the shelves, through space from an unknowable start to an incon- still flickering in their luminous activity, showed that ceivable goal. Such is the gradual dissipation of energy the full force of the current had been in use but a throughout the known universe—the slow but inexor- moment before. Ilocked his laboratory and his rooms able reduction of unequal centers of force to an ines- and, somehow, got back to my own house. There I capable stagnation of equilibrium, which no factor of lay for a week, delirious with fever—prey of the most this universe shall ever be able to break. And one unheard-of phantasms. There was no one of those aspect of this is shown by the elements of higher atomic that tended me that did not believe me a little mad. weights. Now the fusion-point is at uranium and On the first clay that Iwas able to go about Iwent radium ;—who can know at what unknown element it alone to Dr. Sylvester's rooms and destroyed all of the was in time past, or at what elements it may lie in the apparatus of his research. He himself must have future, till the reduction shall be complete. burned all his papers on that last morning, for I found "This is.not new;—in this we have found no more none anywhere in his rooms. As Ileft Itold the jani- than others before us have found. Our great discovery tor of the building that Dr. Sylvester had been called —and it is for humanity a hopeless, barren thing,—is suddenly away, that he might clear the rooms of what that, as these great progressions exist in our universe, rubbish was left and re-let them as soon as possible. so there is an interspatial flow—from the Known to Then Iwent out where the air was clear and fresh. the Unknown—as inexorable as the others. But now Iknow that the sound of wind in the trees "And since it is inescapable, it will be inadvisable to at night is not always made by the wind.

THE END

Back Numbers Wanted The publishers need a quantity of back numbers of AMAZING STORIES for April, May and July, 1926 and September, 1927. If you have copies of these issues, and are willing to part with them, please be good enough to communicate with us. It will be appreciated. THE PUBLISHERS N OCKING the AST By David H.lelleglif.12 Author of "The Revolt of the Pedestrians," "The Biological Experiment," etc.

"Of course you wil have to wear a mask also, and probably the treatment will have some effect on you. I th'nk it would be very interesting for you to take it with your daughter."

WILL never permit anyone to experiment we are sure that it is harmless in every detail. Of on my baby!" course the child will be rather unusual for a few years, Anise Howes, the companionate wife of but when it reaches maturity it will at once assume a Robert Howes was speaking. There was position of renown in a scientific and educational world. no doubt that she was in earnest and as a As the first child who has attained to these wonderful result her husband moved restlessly around the room, stages of intelligence, Angelica Howes will make a while the old scientist twiddled his fingers and tried to name for herself that will go down in the history of act as though it were a common experience to face an our universe. Her name will be recalled when mine irate female. has long been forgotten, "I assure you, Mrs. just as millions know the Howes," he said in defense ERE again we have the perfect "different" story. Dr. Venus of Milo, while only H Keller Izas picked a subject which, to the best of our a few have any idea of the of his suggestion, "that the knowledge, has never been used in Scientifiction before, and little one will suffer no it makes a most interesting exposure of heredity in general. mań who carved her from physical harm. I would be Also, the thing described in this tale is not as impossible as the solid block of stone." the last one to injure your you might think, because we do know for a fact that instinct "Mrs. Howes is just a lit- is inherited, and while there may be a gulf between instinct little daughter in any way. tle nervous," said her hus- and the complicated phenomenon that we know as language, Ihave gone over every step yet the gulf may be only apparent. Dr. Keller's story zoill band soothingly, "and it is of the proposed experiment give you a good deal of food for thought. only fair to state that we with my co-workers and have had enough financial

513 514 AMAZING STORIES

trouble lately to make her so. There was sickness and in chronological order. The oldest languages are then our home burned down, and Ibroke my arm and hinted at in the earlier months of life, and as the child the baby was born and we did not have cash to properly grows older the words become more modern, till finally, provide for her nurses and things like that—so, she is at about the age of five or six, there is a complete sur- just a little nervous, and then, Angelica is her first render to the language of the parents, which, in our child, and you know how it is with a first baby. Per- land, is modern English. haps she would feel better about it if you explained the "We have asked ourselves if it is fair to assume the entire procedure to her and showed her positively that it existence of other memories besides that of word would not injure the child in any way. You would sounds? Can experiences be recalled? Emotions re- listen to it all, wouldn't you, dear ?" - lived? Educational developments of the past taken "Oh! I will listen politely, but will make no advantage of ? If so, what a wealth of fact would be promises," said the young wife. It was evident to all added to the knowledge of modern man. There are that she was rather tired. thousands of books which we know existed but of The old scientist settled himself in the leather arm which today we only possess the names. Suppose we chair and started to talk as though he were addressing found a child who was descended from one of the old a class at the University librarians; who could remember the contents of those "The psychologists have contended for years that long lost volumes? How interesting to find a little one there is such a mental process as inherited memory. who could tell us his recollections of the actual building Yet, since the days of Jung of Vienna, many of us of the pyramids! Placing the problem in a modern have believed that everything a man and woman know setting, suppose we were able to have living descend- is transmitted to their children and grandchildren and ants of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison tell us so on through the generations, increasing in intensity, who actually wrote the Declaration of Independence. as each pair of parents add their specific acquired "Even in such a matter as personal family history, knowledge to the previous store of inherited intelli- think of the possibilities of the development of such gence. a memory. Every person so gifted could dictate page "As a hypothesis, this has been hard to prove. All after page of his ancestral line. There would be no of us have experienced the peculiar psychic .sensation guess work then as to what service your ancestors ren- in reading a book that somewhere, sometime, we have dered in the cause of the American Revolution. read it before: Or we feel that we have performed a certain act before, or visited a certain shop in a "D UT let us consider the matter from the stand- European city when we know positively that this is 13 point of the common good. There would be no our first trip across the Atlantic. When these sensa- more need of elementary schools. Think of the time tions are subjected to careful analysis, they become and money spent in teaching each generation to read difficult to evaluate, and can be put to no scientific and write. If every child was born with a perfect mem- proof. ory, the child of literate parents would know all that "In philology, however, we find a valuable aid to his parents knew and could start with that knowledge. prove our thesis. For years we have been making a care- The son of an Edison or Ford could simply continue ful study of the sounds made by babies from the day of where the father had stopped when the child was their birth. It used to be thought that these were just created. haphazard sounds, made accidently, and with no mean- "Invention, science, learning in all its branches ing. This idea was caused by the fact that practically would advance with tremendous strides. Genetics then all parents had only a knowledge of some modern lan- would be more than a theory. A musician married to guage. When the sounds were studied by linguists, a a musician would produce a child having all the ability very astonishing thing was determined; they were not of both parents from its birth. There would be no sounds but words from ancient languages. A baby need of prolonged years of preliminary training. spoke words from languages ;, languages long dead, Specialists could be produced at will. There would be and it was called baby talk because no one had in- families of skilled surgeons, descended from the telligence enough to understand it. We have been able Mayos; large clans of expert aviators of the family to identify words from the old Coptic, Aryan, Semetic, of Lindbergh; authors and poets arousing the enthusi- Grecian, early Latin, German and the English of asm of the world and bearing the name of the great. Chaucer. There were never connected sentences, and "With all this in mind, we worked for some method only occasionally were the words used in appropriate of tearing down the tremendous barrier between the connection, but, nevertheless, the sounds were words past memories and the present consciousness. What and correctly uttered as far as the vocal effort was con- we wanted to do was to enable the child, in some way. cerned. to remember. If it could remember a few words of "Where did these little babies learn those words? Coptic, why could it not recall two thousand? If it Not from their parents, but from ancestors hundreds could speak perfectly one word of ancient Semetic, of years to thousands of years remote from our time. why could it not form connected sentences? If it That is the only logical answer. The sounds came could remember a vocabulary, why could it not recall up from the well of antiquity. Evidently a very small events, campaigns, literature, social life? percent of the memories cross the threshold of con- "Yes! That ‚vas our aim! Give us a dozen babies sciousness. Another interesting fact is that they come able to talk from birth. Have each child constantly UNLOCKING THE PAST 515

attended by trained philologists and skilled typists. mentioning your genteel poverty, but Ican say that we Have every word taken down. If a child of two could are prepared to secure you and your husband a pension speak the Latin of 300 B.C., it could answer ques- of twenty-five thousand dollars per year for the rest of tions in that language. The present gaps in history your life, if you will allow us to study your child. I could all be filled in. The only limitation to our in- can assure you that it will not come to any harm; in crease in knowledge would be our inability to know fact, it will be the constant object of the most profound what to ask next. solicitude. We all do all we can to maintain it in "And after we had shown what we could do with perfect health. It seems to us that you have nothing to one baby, with a dozen, we should be able to have a law lose and everything to gain by giving us the permission passed that would give us the right to give every child we ask to observe your child under these unusual and such a treatment the day it was born. The.first in- phenomenal conditions. articulate cries might go back to prehistoric man. We "Now, Ihave told you all that we have in mind. I might learn of the stone age, the ice age, the age of the have been very honest with you and have concealed missing link. Personally, Iam not so much interested nothing. Surely you two parents will give your per- in anthropology, as Iam in history. We have here in mission and sign these papers?" the United States three hundred persons who are Robert Howes looked across at his wife and he directly descended from Charlemagne. Suppose we thought of the way she had worked since she had be- could get a few babies in those families to tell us just come his wife and of her daily toil and her desire to what the great king actually thought and did? grow beautiful roses rather than cook and wash dirty -"We have worked on the problem from every point dishes, and he said, without much hesitation: of attack, and finally we believe we have found the "I am willing to sign the papers." solution. There are so-called silent areas in every brain. His wife, Anise Howes, who had been a Fannin be- They can be destroyed without seriously injuring the fore her marriage, looked across the room at her hus- mental life of the person concerned. We felt that band and to her mind came the thoughts of the win- these silent areas were really great storehouses of the ters he had passed without a fur coat and of how he facts of the past, enormous libraries on whose shelves had gone without books, and without leisure to write yet reposed, in orderly sequence, these memories so far other books, so that he could keep a house over and inaccessible. The means of connecting them with the around her and their little one, and she realized what active brain seemed to be a matter of molecular vibra- the use of twenty-five thousand dollars would mean to tion. We worked on that and finally one of. us thought him, and how he would try to buy her jewelry while of passing radium-arcturium B rays through a vessel she would actually buy him his long-coveted Casanóva, filled with neon gas. The rays were then focussed on "That would be a wonderful name for my heroine the subject's brain. We found a man who could not married life, the tears came to her eyes, making her all read and write, never having had the advantages of an the more beautiful, as she said: education, but whose grandfather could sign his name. "If it will not hurt the little one, Ialso will sign the In many ways our subject for experiment was an idiot. papers." We had him spend an hour in this special atmosphere, Then the old scientist produced a legal document supporting life in the meantime by oxygen tubes. When which sparkled with whereases and theref ores and he he recovered consciousness, we set him at a table and showed them where to sign; he gave them a copy and' placed a pen and inkwell in front of him. He wrote on carefully replaced the original in his pocket; he told a paper and he wrote his grandfather's name. Not only them that when all was ready he would come for the that, but the signature was identical with his ancestor's. child and that he wanted them to go with him, so they "We felt then that we were on the track of a wonder- could see that nothing of harm happened to it. ful discovery. We were ready to start with a baby, And when he was gone from the house the young and we wanted a baby of whose ancestors we could be man and his wife sat talking it over, and each one lied reasonably sure. We learned of your child. Your to the other as to why each had signed the paper. Rob- ancestral lines are well known for at least five genera- ert said he wanted to have leisure to write his great tions. Here and there have been peculiarly impressive novel, and Anise laughingly said that now she would be individuals, men and women who for some reason able to grow her roses, while a nurse-maid took care stood out in a striking manner above their fellows. We of the baby and a servant prepared the meals. Then wanted to use these ancestors as controls. If the facts they went to the room where little Angelica lay sleeping remembered about them were 100% accurate, it is and they stood by the side of her crib, which had a •reasonable to suppose that the recalled memories of a rabbit eating a carrot painted on it, and the father said: thousand or two thousand years back are equally ac- "She is certainly a beautiful baby." curate. "She inherited her beauty from you," insisted the "We had various social agencies make a thorough in- mother, but Robert silenced her with noiseless kisses. vestigation of your family life. While you had formed So they left the little baby to sleep, while each went on a companionate marriage, it was evident that you his and her way to prepare for the morrow. belonged to the two per cent group of such mar- That afternoon roses came for Anise, and with them riages, who had made a failure of birth control, a Spanish shawl, black, with such red roses as never and had a child before you were financially able to grew in Andulasia. The little wife amid smiles and provide for one. I do not want to embarrass you by tears dressed for supper in her wedding finery, and as 516 AMAZING STORIES a special treat had ice cream and lady-fingers to add to Corona would not worry the baby, for he just had to the usual soft-boiled eggs and fried potatoes. finish a few chapters of his book before he could sleep. "Why did you borrow money to buy more things for This left the mother resting on her bed, while a few me?" she demanded that evening as they sat before the feet away, in the next room, the little Angelica slept. fire. "That was my money," he replied bravely. "It was OTHER Dear !" the gold pieces Isold my story for." 66M Anise sat up on the bed, and wondered if she Thus showing her for the millionth time that he loved had been dreaming. The call was repeated, and this her. time there ‚vas an anxious quality added to the soft Happy but frightened because of the morrow they tone: went to sleep. "Mother Dear !" And the woman knew that it was her baby, starting

"I- WANT you to let me hold the baby while she is to talk in English. She lit a candle and almost ran into 1 receiving the treatment," begged Anise Howes. the nursery, calling as she went: "She is just a little roly-poly but to be alone with the "Mother is coming to her Angelica. Don't cry. Be oxygen apparatus on will frighten her. If I hold her, a brave baby." she will think it is a new kind of game and the only She found the child sitting up in her crib, a look of thing that will bother will be her gurgles of delight." worried maturity on her face. "There will be no objection to your doing that," said "Where is father?" the baby asked. the old scientist. "Of course you will have to wear a "He went out to the kitchen to write. He did not mask also, and probably the treatment will have some want to wake you." effect on you. Ibelieve that it would be very interesting "Is he writing that novel about his great-great-grand- for you to take it with your daughter. It may be of mother in Spain? The one he talked of so often before value to her. You will le able to act as an interpreter you were married?" for us in case she speaks a language we are not prepared "Yes, Iguess so. It must be the sanie one, for he has to understand." begun it fifty times and never finished it." "I am glad my wife asked for this privilege," said the "I wish he would let me help him. -He made so many husband. "Angelica is just a little thing and cannot talk mistakes in it. For example, he always made her a yet but she has lots of common sense and there is no brunette and she was a lovely blonde." use of frightening her if it is not necessary. Can we "How do you know ?" see the treatment ?" "I cannot tell. It is all so strange. Something hap- "Assuredly! But there is nothing to see. Through pened to me and now it seems I can remember every- the observation window you see a chair and a few rub- thing. I was her daughter and somehow I- was great- ber tubes. Later on there will be a peculiar green light great-grandmother also and a lot of other people Iam added to the sunlight. That will be all. In a half hour just beginning to remember. But Iremember her well. we will be through. Then Iwould advise that the three She was born in Sweden and her husband met her while of you keep quiet and let the child sleep as much as she he ‚vas Ambassador from Spain. She was a lovely can for the next twenty-four hours, after which we will lady though she always sighed for the snow-clad moun- start with our observations." tains of her native land." In a short time the three were back in their little "Don't talk any more tonight," begged the anxious home. The man had resigned his position and was al- mother. "Just go to sleep and we will have a wonder- ready happy with his old Corona and a pile of white f ul visit with each other tomorrow." paper. His wife had cleared the dining-rqom table of "I cannot sleep," replied the little baby. "There are dishes and covered it with catalogues of roses. too many things on my mind. A memory comes to my "I am going to order a half dozen Emily Gray roses," consciousness like a wave dashing against a rock-bound she announced to her husband, but he was so busy with shore, and back of that wave are other waves, clamoring the beginnings of his new novel about life in Spain for recognition, and still more, and Iknow that far out that he did not understand her. on the boundless ocean of the past the water is surging "That would be a wonderful name for my heroine on and ever on to nie, as Isit here in my crib, and every from Cordova," he replied, unconscious of what he was year and every moment of the past conies vividly to nie saying. on the crest of the waves like driftage from the Sargasso "It is the name of a rose," she sighed, hopelessly Sea. How can I sleep when there is so much to think wondering why he never could show interest in her love about! Iused to have vague dreams: you recall how I for the beautiful. used to cry in my sleep, but now the dreams are re- Later he cried: alities and it is so easy to talk and tell you Abut them. "Listen to this paragraph." But she murmured: Can you understand nie? Would it be better if Italked "Wait till Ifinish this catalogue." in Spanish or Latin?" So the day passed, and the night came and they put "Where do you get the words from, Angelica, and the little baby to sleep and told her that on the morrow the poetry of it all? How do you know about driftage she was going to have a fine nurse with a starched cap from the Sargasso Sea ?" to nurse her. Then Robert Howes told his wife that he "I thought you knew? About the enclycopedist and would go out to the kitchen, so the noise from his the poet?" - UNLOCKING THE PAST 517

"Of course! My grandfather spent years on the "I won't, Dear." Century Dictionary. Irecall that now, but there never "Can you remember as I do, Mother?" was a poet in our family." "Perhaps, Little One." "Not in yours, mother, but in father's. The daughter "I hope not, Mother. I do not want you to remem- of the blonde from Sweden. Irecall my life in her so ber as I do." well. At sixteen she_spent a summer in Italy and there "Why not ?" she met a poet—and was rushed home to marry a stately "Because it is too horrible. It is life, Mother, but it is Spaniard—it waš a blot on the family but it made us all so brutal. It was the way our ancestors lived, but it poets." was a hard way. You thought Iwas asleep but Iwas "Baby! Baby !" cried the anxious mother, "Please go only keeping still, with my eyes clösed, looking at the to sleep. Such things are too serious for little tow- memories. So many of our people lived unkindly and heads." died unhappy. To see them poisoned and burned and "I will try to sleep, but Icannot help thinking." killed in war was hard enough, but when they had a The mother kissed her baby, tucked her in, and few days when they might have been wonderfully con- walked thoughtfully out to the kitchen to talk to her tent and satisfied, those poor people quarreled—about husband. She found him asleep with his head on the trifles. Iknow all about it because it seems that Iam table, the typewriter pushed to one side. In the ma- always the one who was unhappy. In all those previ- chine was a page of paper, half written. She read it ous lives, Iwas often cold and hungry and ragged, but with interest. The first paragraph described the Span- there was always a possibility of attaining peace and a ish heroine. She was a heavy brunette, with masses of place in the sunshine if we could have kept on thinking black hair—"like midnight, and her eyes were stars in that we loved each other—but we forgot—" The Baby heaven." started to cry. "We forgot, Mother Dear; it was not Anise trembled as she saw that he, at least, was because we meant to be cruel to each other, when every- blessed with the privilege of forgetting, even though body around us was also being cruel to us. It was just the poet ancestor had made his impress on the minds of that we forgot. If we had been able to remember, life all the men who came after him. She softly ran her would have been so different in spite of the storms." fingers through his hair as she whispered: Anise wrapped her soft arms around the softer "Go on sleeping, and when you wake write again baby. about those dream-ancestors, and be thankful that they "Do you think we shall be happy because we re- are as you wish them to be, instead of seeing them as I member ?" am beginning to see mine." "I fear not, Mother Mine. In fact, Iknow that we She went back to the nursery and sat down in the shall not. We will remember too much and besides rocker by the crib. Angelica was asleep but there was the ability to remember will not keep us from mistakes. no sleep for the mother who was beginning to remem- I remember before you married father. Iwas both of ber. The scenes were not clear and there was a good you then. You used to quarrel and kiss again with deal of scatter to them. Some were pleasant and others tears, and you promised that you never would hurt each made her shiver, and start to Tray. It was not only other again, and yet you did. The memory of the past that she saw what had happened to her ancestors, how mistakes was not sufficient to keep you happy all the they lived and loved and died, but in some way she,f elt time. Would a complete memory of the life of five that she herself, in them, was re-living their lives. She thousand years help? No! It would drive the world tried to concentrate on individuals, and it seemed that to despair as it will' you and me, unless we find some she could remember almost everything about them up to way of escape through blessed forgetfulness. the time she had been born, and then she could only re- "For more of our memories will be bitter than sweet. member what she had seen and heard about them. An- Life is like that. There was no golden age in the past. other psychic phenomena that puzzled her was her sex, Our race is climbing heavenward but there is still mud for in some generations she had been a woman and in on our feet and blood on our hands. I wish, Mother other periods a elan, and as she tried to evaluate this, Dear, that Iwas just a little ignorant baby once more." she realized that she was as much male as female, only "And so do I wish it, dear child," echoed Anise for the time being her spirit was in the body of a Howes. woman, and stranger yet, there seemed to be a time She stole back to her bed and tried to sleep, and as when she was both sexes in the same body, only then she lay there she prayed for the thing she wanted most, she was some peculiar kind of reptile, and she prayed and as she prayed she saw an enormous blackboard in in her despair. front of her and on it was written all that her ancestors "Not that, oh, God! Please spare the baby and me had ever known and done and thought, and as she saw that memory. Let us only remember the human and the record, she closed her eyes and refused to look, yet the kindly things about our past." through the closed lids the images burned into her mind. In her anguish she remembered a habit of her youth Finally she looked again, and now the board was clean and knelt to pray, and as she was on her knees by the save only in one little corner, and she knew that record crib, Angelica awoke with a cry. to be her own life; yet here and there on the board were "Mother! Are you there?" little remnants of past centuries. "Yes, Dear." Knowing that her prayer had been answered, she fell "Do not leave me, Mother." asleep. 518 AMAZING STORIES

T was morning when she awoke. Her husband was resign my position. I want to go and see a publisher I deeply dreaming by her side. Stealing out of bed, also and see what Ican do about selling my new book." she went to the nursery. The baby awake, was gurgling The mother looked at the two men in astonishment. and playing with her toes. She laughed as she saw her "I do not understand !" she said. mother corne to the crib. "But don't you remember ?" asked the old scientist. "Goo—ah—goo," said the little Angelica. "You and your husband signed papers yesterday per- The mother picked her child up, laughing and crying mitting nie to perform certain experiments on your tears of joy. baby. Everything is all ready at the laboratory and "Oh! Darling! Iam so glad you are just an ignor- we want to begin at once. Please get the child." ant baby again." The determined woman ran to the nursery and picked "Ah—goo—goo," cooed the little one. up the little Angelica and returned to the front door. For some reason the wife decided to keep the events The mother held the child tenderly but it was a grip of the past night from her husband. Of course the old that only death could have parted. scientist would be disappointed, but no one could blame "You had better go and find another baby. No one her, and the pension was assured even though the ex- shall experiment with my child !" periment had been a failure. The two men looked at each other. Breakfast was as usual. Then the old scientist took the two women and They were hardly finished when the bell rang. Mrs. walked back to the waiting automobile. Howes, servantless, answered the door's summons. Robert Howes looked at his wife. He gave a little There stood the old scientist and a trained nurse and a sigh: very efficient looking female, who suggested a stenog- "I must hurry on to the office, dear. The boss comes rapher. early and always expects to find me there waiting for "Come in, Professor," said Mrs. Howes. him. I wish that you would dust off the Corona and "We have no time," answered the scientist, and it put it back in the case, and put the paper away in the was evident that he was excited. "It is past eight, and bookcase. Good-bye. Take good care of Angelica. I we are all anxious to start the experiment. Please bring love both of you." the baby at once and come with us." "On your way home," said his wife, "stop at the new "I am sorry that Icannot go with you, Anise," said store and get a pound of hamburger. They sell it her husband, "but I have to go down to the office and cheaper there."

THE END

Summer Edition of Amazing Stories Quarterly IS OUT NOW The biggest and best ever. A new collection of truly remarkable scientifiction stories. Don't miss this issue of AMAZING STORIES QUARTERLY. Tales of interplanetarian communication—of strange worlds and queer happenings. Yet, every tale in AMAZING STORIES QUARTERLY has a plausible scientific back- ground. Stories by some of the best known writers of the age Many hours of pleasant reading. Here are some of the immensely interesting stories that the new summer edition contains. The Sunken World—By Stanton A. Coldentz Out of the Sub-Universe—By R. F. Starzl Ten Days to Live—C. J. Eustace A Series of Four Short Stories By DAVID H. KELLER, M.D. The Menace The Insane Avalanche The Gold Ship The Tainted Flood Don't miss your copy of this new summ er issue of AMAZING STORIES Q UARTERLY 150 PAGES—FULLY ILLUSTRA TED—LARGE MAGAZINE SIZE 50c theopy At All Newsstands or Write Direct Experimenter Publishing Company 230 Fifth Avenue, New York, N. Y. Results of $300.00 Scientifiction Prize Contest

N our April issue, we an- Beck; and from the third nounced a $300.00 Prize prize winner, Mr. A. J. /Contest. We stated then jacobson, we borrowed two that AMAZING STORIES extra wheels, these to mesh wanted a symbol for Scienti- with Mr. Kaufman's single fiction. wheel. It was pointed out that In substance, Mr. Kauf - Scientifiction is a new and man's prize-winning design distinct movement in litera- is preserved in the strictest ture that is gaining more sense, except for a few ad- impetus as the months roll ditions. It was our aim to by. There was a time when incorporate as much science a Scientifiction book or novel as possible in the design, so was a scarcity. Now, with the frame of the design, rep- AMAZING STORIES Monthly resenting structural steel, and AMAZING STORIES suggests more machinery. QUARTERLY championing the The flashes in the central cause, Scientifiction has ex- wheel represent Electricity. cited the attention of hun- The top of the fountain pen dreds of thousands of people us a test tube, which stands who never knew what the for Chemistry; while the term meant before. More background with the moon than that, it is a distinct de- and stars and planet, give us parture f rom the sex-in- the science of Astronomy. fested novels and books that We believe you will agree PRIZE-WINNING DESIGN are so prevalent today. with us, that this makes an The success of Scientifiction in general means but ideal trade-mark for Scientifiction, and we also admit one thing, and that is, the public wants a change and that we are happy to have had solved for us a difficult wants it badly. This being so, a symbol representing problem. the idea of Scientifiction was urgently needed, and the A number of designs which are reproduced in these contest in our April issue was originated for that pur- pages were excellent, but none of them lent themselves pose. We mentioned that the design must be descrip- as well for trade-mark purposes, as did the one on which tive of the idea of Scientifiction, and we stressed the we finally settled. point that the important thing was the idea, and not the With our announcement in the April issue we design itself. We mentioned that the prize-winning de- said: sign must be self-explanatory and must be descriptive "AMAZING STORIES Will pay $300.00 in prizes for pf Scientifiction. the best representation of the word `Scientifiction.' A The contest came to a successful close on May 3rd. design—a coat-of-arms—a flag—an emblem, or what- Some 965 designs and entries were received, the prize ever you may call it, is wanted for `Scientifiction.' " winners being shown on the following pages. It should Note particularly the word "emblem." The prize- be noted that the first prize, awarded to Mr. A. A. winning design, therefore, had to be one that could be Kaufman, of 521 East 51st Street, Brooklyn, N. Y., is reduced to a small size, so it could be used as an emblem, reproduced exactly as submitted by Mr. Kaufman. It such as, for instance, a pin or button. These require- was a crude design at best, but it was the idea and not ments are fulfilled in the first prize-winning design, and the artistic effort that counted. next month we will, through the pages of AMAZING Science is represented by the gear wheel, while the STORIES, launch a new activity for Scientifiction fans pen represents the fiction part. Here, then, we have in which the new emblem will, we hope, play a leading Fact and Theory. After we had been satisfied that Mr. rôle. But more of this next month. Kaufman's idea was the best one, we started to amplify In the meantime, we congratulate the winners of the his original idea. In doing so, we borrowed the shape prize contest, and to those who did not win a prize, we of the design of the second prize winner, Mr. Clarence extend our hearty appreciation for their efforts.

FIRST PRIZE $100.00 SIXTH PRIZE $15.00 HONORABLE MENTION A. A. KAUFMAN, JAMES S. KLAR, PURCELL G. SCHUBE, 521 East 51st Street, Brooklyn, N. Y 44 Dartmouth Street, Springfield, Mass. 3444 Listton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio. SECOND PRIZE $75.00 SEVENTH PRIZE $5.00 HONORABLE MENTION CLARENCE BECK, JACK MORGANSTEIN, 1394 Clay Avenue, Bronx, N. Y. J. S. TAYLOR, 108 Seventh Avenue, West Bend, Wis. 142 Richmond Street, THIRD PRIZE $50.00 EIGHTH PRIZE $5.00 Charlottetown, P. E. L, Canada. A. J. JACOBSON, B. WHEELOCK, 400 N. 58th Avenue, W., Duluth, Minn. N. Warren, Pa. HONORABLE MENTION ERIC ALDWINCKLE, FOURTH PRIZE $25.00 NINTH PRIZE $5.00 56 Scarboro Road, CARL G. WILKENHOENER, E. J. BYRNE, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 1429 Ardmore Avenue, Chicago, Ill. 5West 75th Street, New York City. FIFTH PRIZE $15.00 TENTH PRIZE $5.00 HONORABLE MENTION ALBERT SCHILLER, REX TULLSON, PHILIP SANTRY, 1553-46th Street, Brooklyn, N. Y. Grand Haven, Mich. 23 Minerva Street, Swampscott, Mass. 519

AMAZING STORIES 521 SU ENTIFICTION CONTEST

•

NINTH PRIZE E. J. Byrne 5 West 75th Street New York City

TENTH PRIZE Rex Tullson Grand Haven, Mich. HONORABLE MENTION Purcell G. Schube 3444 Listton Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio

OE

HONORABLE MENTION ' J. S. Taylor 142 Richmond St. Charlottetown, P. E. I., Canada „OE, NT FICTIO 1\

HONORABLE MENTION Eric Aldwinckle 56 Scarboro Road Toronto, Ontario Canada

EIGHTH PRIZE HONORABLE B. Wheelock MENTION N. Warren, Pa. Philip Santry 23 Minerva Street Swampscott, Mass. STE 1_4 IC By Irvin Lester -and Fletcher Pratt

Author of "The Octopus Cycle"

ALTER WEYL, A.B., A.M., B.Sc., con- weeks ago one of the painters reported that a small sulting biologist to the New York Police wire cable, way high up, had parted. A new one was Department, snapped his microscope case fitted, but the next day there were a couple more miss- shut with a weary sigh. The day, which ing, and this was followed by a regular series of reports he had planned to spend in the study of a of parted wire cables, always small ones. particularly fascinating group of bryozoans from the "The Department of Plants and Structures, which Azores, was practically ruined. has the bridge in charge, began to get worried, and "Tell him all right," he said to his laboratory assist- sent an engineer down to make an examination. He ant, who was waiting, telephone in hand. "I'll be there reported that the bridge was good for another three in an hour. I suppose somebody thinks he has found centuries, and that there was no reason in the world a new kind of cootie running around the Tombs with- for the parting of the cables unless careless painting had out leash or muzzle." admitted some moisture and they had rusted through. "Why don't you chuck it up?" asked Merrick, the "That was about two weeks ago. Right after his assistant, when he had delivered the message. "You're report, the cables began to go in increasing quantities, too big for this minor bug hunting." and when Plants and Structures ordered another exam- "Never can tell," said Weyl, "might be moře rats. ination, they found that in every case the cables had And Hert's a good fellow and a friend of mine." been cut. Then they came to us. There are police- He was referring to the incident which had led to men on duty at each end of the bridge all the time, his appointment as consulting biologist to a Department who should have noted anything unusual, but I put which would seem to need anything but biologists; the an extra detail on. It looked like the work of a maniac extraordinary plague of giant rats which had infected or some superior bit of Bolshevik frightfulness. You the new municipal tenements and which he had curbed remember the bombs in the subway? in a manner that brought him an international reputa- "But the cables kept going in spite ot our extra tion, his appointment and the fast friendship of Deputy detail. Night before last, I threw a regular cordon Commissioner Hert. of police around each end of the bridge with orders As Weyl left the house he noted a discarded news- to stop all suspicious persons and placed plain clothes paper on the cellar grating. "BROOKLYN BRIDGE men on all the footpaths. Yesterday morning there WOBBLES" the headline announced, and mildly in- were more cables missing and one of those big main terested, he stirred it with his toe to glance at what supporting cables over a foot in thickness, was nearly was below. He 'noted abstractedly that in the place cut through in two places—and not one of the police left vacant when the sheet was moved there were two had seen a thing! Moreover the cuts were so far up jagged, irr egular cuts that they couldn't have been made through the steel bars, reached from the bridge as though they had been floor, without the cutter BRAND new idea in a scientifiction story is well told sawn by an inexperienced A by our new authors. Perhaps you do not believe that climbing high up and being hand, and went on to certain organisms eat metals or at least bore holes in solid sharply outlined against the Hert's office, his mind still metal. A story was published some years ago in SCIENCE light we had on the place. on the bryozoans. AND INVENTION magazine where certain ants had put a tele- "Naturally, we had to phone exchange out of business by eating and boring their "I know what it is," he close the bridge to traffic. way through solid lead sheathing surrounding telephone offered, as he dropped into cables, an exceedingly heavy substance, and from the human We haven't been able to the leather-covered chair by understanding, quite indigestible. Anyway, we are certain accomplish a thing; the that dignitary's desk, you will enjoy this story, and we state with certainty that papers have got hold of it, "You're going to tell me it is not half as impossible as it sounds. and I'll admit, it has me that it isn't exactly in my worried." line, but for goodness' sake, Weyl gave a low whistle. find out whether Mrs. Chandler-Chandler de Poket- "Looks as though someone had made himself invisible broke's pet Pomperanian died of poison or of the blind and were giving a demonstration," he said, "but I staggers." fancy it's simpler than that. How about the painters? "Only fifty per cent on that one," said the Com- Have you thought of one of them introducing some sort Missioner with a grin. "It isn't exactly in your line, of slow-acting acid either into his paint or on the maybe, but it's a really good one this time—almost as cables direct? I'll grant Idon't know of any acid that good as the rats. Here's the story: would act that way, but that's no reason there couldn't "You know Brooklyn Bridge is constantly being be one." painted by a crew which goes over it from one year's "Yes, we thought of the painters, too. The gang end to another, every cable and wire rope getting its only consists of ten men. We have had every one of coat of paint once a year. Well, about three or four them under surveillance since Plants and Structures

522 . .. and that the growing terror should lack no element of horror, a large section of the Third Avenue Elevated came crashing to the street, bearing with it a train loaded with passengers. 524 AMAZING STORIES complained to us, but nothing serious has come of it. With a fine file, he rasped off a little pile of filings "And that isn't all. I've looked at the ends of the from the sawn end of the bar. A pinch of these was severed cables. They have been cut with a regular placed on each of the samples sent him by Commis- hacksaw; no rust, edges sharp and bright. But the sioner Hert, and each sample was placed on a little funniest part of the whole business turned up this porcelain dish and put into the temperature regulator morning just before Icalled you up. You know they're where germ cultures were usually grown. A small tearing down the old post office building opposite the pinch of the filings remained. This was carefully City Hall. The masonry is mostly gone from the upper divided into three parts, and each part mounted on stories and they are getting ready to tackle the steel. a separate microscope slide. One was treated to a bath Well, this morning Plants and Structures, which has in haemotoxylin stain, a second to Wright and Sem- this in charge also, as it's city property, came in with ple's stáin and a third, left as it was, was slipped into a report that some of the steel beams have been sawed the microphotographing apparatus. through just like the Brooklyn Bridge cables. It seems The summer sun went down and the lights were like a senseless act of vandalism." turned on as Weyl worked over his slides, making The scientist was silent for a moment, tapping his adjustments here, comparisons with voluminous note- fingers on the desk. "Tell you what I want you to books and works of reference there, and now and do," said he, "get me samples of mild bar steel, struc- again filing off another tiny sample from a bar of the tural steel, and any other kind of steel you happen to damaged cellar grating for further examination. Half think about and of cast iron and send them over to a dozen microphotographie negatives were drying on the laboratory. I'll see if Ican find what did it. Send the rack, the big X-ray machine was purring softly small samples, please." over another sample and the clock was registering "Want one of the bridge cables?" 3:30 when Merrick came in to find his chief with "No-o-o. Wouldn't have room for it in the house." something like a smile of satisfaction on his face. Weyl reached the street in time to find that the latest "What did you get?" asked Weyl. sensation, an elevator accident in the Municipal Build- "No halogens," was the reply. "I got a tiny trace ing in which several people had been killed, was already of phosphoric acid on one analysis, but it may have eclipsing the threatened collapse of the great bridge, been a mistake. Spectroscope shows strong carbon and reflected that elevator cables are also made of steel lines though; seems to be a higher carbon steel than wire, as he made his way to his laboratory. I had supposed. Shall I carry on?" "In the morning," said Weyl with a yawn. "I think HY clo people saw other people's cellar grat- I've got it, but Iwant confirmatory chemical evidence. sW ings, Merrick ?" Weyl asked his assistant as You had better make quantitative analyses of samples he arranged and ticketed the samples of steel which had from the cut end and from the other end of the bar, been brought in by a policeman. giving especial attention to the carbon content. Let's "To burgle their houses, I suppose," answered the go to bed." young man. They were awakened in the morning by the ring- "But if there is nothing in the house worth burg- ing of the telephone. It was Hert again, anxious and ling? And if the grating is only part cut through? excited. And if nobody could possibly get through even if it "I suppose Ineedn't tell you to use all possible haste were all cut through? And why should anyone want in your work," he said. "This thing is getting out of to burgle the Brooklyn Bridge? Hert thinks it's radi- hand. An elevator in the Municipal Building fell yes- cals, but Hert sees red flannel bogies under every bush. terday and several people were killed." It's all so like 'Alice in Wonderland,'" murmured the "Yes, Isaw the paper," said Weyl. scientist. "Suppose you possess yourself of a hacksaw "But the inspector who examined it said that both and get me one of the bars that somebody has been the ordinary lifting cable and the emergency cable had chewing on out in front." been cut nearly through with a saw, ready to fall at In a few minutes the young man was back. "Look," the first strain. The power cable snapped when the said Weyl. "Whoever cut this must have been a very others went. We raided all known radical haunts last inexperienced hand. The edges are irregular. And night and have every available man working on the see these fine starred lines running up the bar. It's case, but we can't prove anything till we know how almost as though the iron were brittle like .lass and these devils did it. Have you hit on anything yet ?" someone had smashed it." "A little," said Weyl. "Forget about the Bolsheviks, "Chemicals.?" inquired Merrick. Hert. They're not to blame." "I doubt it—but to be on the safe side, you had bet- "But I got an anonymous letter saying Sacco and ter take this end of it and analyze for corrosive acids, Vanzetti were avenged. What makes you think it especially the halogens. You needn't bother about the isn't the radicals? What can we do?" oxydizing agents. There seems to be no trace of rust. "Well, you might give the other elevators in the You might try the spectroscope, too. But I have a municipal Building a bath in carbolic acid," said Weyl, peculiar idea—" and hung up while the commissioner was still begging With this indefinite statement he handed Merrick him to be serious. one end of the broken bar and drawing on a pair of surgical gloves began to treat the other in a manner EW YORK—and the world—will long remem- that would have astonished any metallurgist. N ber that day as the beginning of a grim reign THE GREAT STEEL PANIC 525

of terror. It was about half-past nine in the morning him, for he had returned to his office with a more when Hert called Weyl up, and some millions of New cheerful expression than he had worn for many days Yorkers, perusing their morning papers were pleased and that night an observer would have seen his window to learn that the anarchistic radicals who had systematic- lighted till near dawn. ally weakened the Brooklyn Bridge and sent people to The morning of the fifth day of the reign of terror, their deaths in Municipal Building elevators had been counting from the fall of the Municipal Building ele- caught in the general round-up of hard cases and were vator, brought with it further tidings of disorganiza- now cooling their heels in the Tombs, where they would tion and wreckage. An outside fire escape on a crazy be confronted with the anonymous letter one of them old building in Chinatown had slid to the street, bury- had written to Deputy Police Commissioner Hert. ing half a dozen Orientals in the wreckage. The ele- But by noon the disquieting tidings that saw-cuts vated roads, after a second collapse, had been declared had appeared in cables of the Manhattan Bridge leaked unsafe and had ceased operations. The intelligence out somehow, and an hour later came the first of those of a track-walker had averted another subway wreck really serious catastrophies that shook the great city by the discovery of a rail neatly cut in two. in the next week—a terrible subway wreck due to a But the morning also brought with it some feeling broken—or cut—rail that had precipitated the speed- of relief to the harassed Police Commissioner, in the ing train from the tracks and crushed it against the shape of a telephone call from Weyl, asking him to stone walls of its tunnel, with an appalling loss of life. come to the laboratory and bring with him the execu- Nobody thought of connecting the unusual number tives of several leading electrical firms. "Appeal to of auto smashes due to the failure of some essential them," said the scientist. "Tell them they are the part (all, like the previous occurrences, in the down- only men who can save the situation. I'll explain why town district) with this, or with the singular accident and how when you bring thern." in which a man was injured when an iron electric light standard suddenly toppled over on him. OMMISSIONER HERT sat not too comfortably Police reserves were mobilized for duty and vaca- C on the edge of a laboratory table, on which were tions cancelled as in times of extreme emergency, but displayed a row of the samples of iron and steel sent even police reserves, it seemed could not prevent the to Weyl, together with the compound microscope and sudden collapse of a surface car on lower Broadway a sheaf of microphotographs. Before him stood the early the next morning, or a second subway wreck biologist, like a showman displaying his wares, and in that afternoon. And when the towering steel pinnacle the five chairs the laboratory afforded were grouped of a new thirty-story skyscraper on Nassau Street the executives of as many electrical companies. swayed gently and then came thundering down into "You will pardon me," said Weyl, "if I seem long the narrow traffic-crowded thoroughfare, carrying with and discursive. I have found the criminal whó has it in its fall a smaller building, and spreading death made all this trouble, but it is necessary to prove his and destruction, something like a panic began to appear. guilt. That evening, too, the New York World failed to "I will start by reminding you that Commissioner appear for the first time in its history, and hastily run Hert called me into the case in the matter of Brooklyn single sheets carried an explanation that due to serious Bridge. He believed that the cables had been severed breakdowns in the great presses, it had been impossible by the radicals as an act of terrorism, but wanted me to print the paper. to find out how it was done. The next day—the third from the radical round-up "Now it at once struck me that if a human agency and Hert's telephone call to Weyl—the New York had been at work it was to say the least a very unusual American joined the World in silence. Two more ele- human agency, for the bridge had been brilliantly vator falls were reported, and the whole elevator sys- lighted and under the care of a large number of trained tem of several skyscrapers was declared unsafe upon observers when some of the cutting took place. A inspection. Subway trains weré running dead slow slow-acting acid either in the paint or applied to the throughout the city; traffic was paralyzed. The police, cables, was suggested, but the action of any acid would driven frantic, were wringing confessions obviously be revealed by a trace of its salts, and chemical analysis false from the jailed radicals under the impetus of a showed no such thing. Besides Ihad noted that morn- growing popular clamor for finding the culprits—and ing that some of my own cellar-gratings had been cut that the growing terror should lack no element of in a similar peculiar fashion, and there was no reason horror, a large section of the Third Avenue Elevated whatever why any radicals should want to waste time came crashing to the street, bearing with it a train on my coal-hole. loaded with passengers. "So Ihad to hunt further afield. As the manifesta- Repeated telephone calls from Commissioner Hert tions of this terror spread, several singular facts began had been answered by Merrick with the information to appear. In every case, the accident was due to the that Weyl was "out" until the final one brought the failure of some piece of iron or steel. The accidents information that "The line has been temporarily dis- were, in the beginning, confined to a comparatively connected" from Central. The scientist, in truth, had narrow area around Brooklyn Bridge—hand me tha,t abandoned his laboratory work on the second day, satis- map, will you, Merrick? Thank you. On this map fied with the result, and had gone to poke about lower of New York I have made a red dot at the scene of New York examining the wreckage left by the growing each of these steel failures. You see they are clustered list of catastrophes. What he saw seemed to satisfy thick around Brooklyn Bridge, and thin out gradually 526 AMAZING STORIES in all directions, except that there seems to be another make short work of much harder substances. The small center here in Brooklyn. whelk, to mention one, lives on oysters, which it ex- "In every case the iron or steel that failed had been tracts from boring through the extremely hard shell cut through—not in a clean, straight cut, but in a some- surrounding the bivalve. Some worms bore rock, and what jagged fashion, and with lines radiating out from —well, I could multiply instances, but it would be the cut almost as though the metal were brittle and unnecessary. had been shattered by the blow of some blunt and "So for the time, Iaccepted the hypothesis that the heavy cutting instrument. steel was attacked by bacteria of this new type; in "The failures were in all sorts and kinds of iron or other words, was diseased, was sick. I set myself to steel, causing accidents that ranged from the terrible prove it by experiment. From the diseased end of my to the absurd. There were broken subway rails and cellar grating I took some filings and placed them on broken typewriters; half-built skyscrapers collapsing each of these samples of steel sent me by Commissioner and iron fences, like that around the City Hall, devel- Hert. oping cuts. If this were due to any human agency, I "That was five days ago. Look at them now." He argued, it was certainly the work of an insensate pointed to the little blocks of steel, each on its por- maniac. celain dish. Each had melted as a lump of sugar melts "But maniacs, proverbially cunning though they are, when touched by water, some from the center, some could hardly have cut the cables on the Brooklyn Bridge from the edges, till hardly anything of them was left. while they were under observation or clambered up "If your policemen hadn't been so busy hunting for into elevator shafts to sever wire rope hanging in radicals, Hert," the scientist went on, "they would have vacancy, many feet above the bottom of the shaft. This noticed that after every break the broken steel kept on was conclusive to me of the inhuman agency of the melting away from the point where the break occurred. phenomena. Ihope it will be so to you as well. "Well, Ihad my criminal, or rather my disease. The "But Ihad one fact to go on. All the accidents took next thing was to prescribe a remedy. Carbolic acid place in some place where the iron or steel was exposed kills these bacteria as it does many others—I was per- to the air. fectly serious when I told you to give the Municipal "Then Igot a piece of the steel from my cellar grat- Building elevators a bath in it, Hert—but of course, ing and set to work on it. The chemical analysis showed it would be almost impossible to apply carbolic acid to only a rather higher percentage of carbon than usual, all the infected places in the city. Moreover, while we. for which there was no adequate explanation. But were doing it, new centers would develop. the microscope gave me something. There are always "These bacteria multiply very rapidly and spread a certain number of bacteria—germs—floating around with phenomenal speed. in the air and resting on things. Filings from the cut "Their action consists in uniting the iron with place on the grating bar showed the normal bacteria, carbon dioxide and some material they secrete, form- but also a large, a perfectly extraordinary number of ing a compound that is very soluble, and hence leaves a hitherto uncatalogued type of bacteria, ladder-like in the edge of the diseased steel with a bright appearance form and perfectly amazing in activity. If you will as the compound dissolves in a little moisture. There- examine these microphotographs you will see some of fore the iron or steel they work on must have free them." He passed around the pictures amid an inter- access to the air (which contains a certain amount of ested silence on the part of the electrical men and a carbon dioxide) for them to exist. I fancy that is the fidgety silence on the part of Commissioner Hert. reason why we have not heard of any steel giving way, "Could this cutting of steel, then, be due to bacterial except where it is exposed. It would be terrible indeed, action, I asked myself ?" continued Weyl. "Every if all the steel in New York's skyscrapers were open other fact fitted in with it. Bacteria could work with- . to their attacks. out being seen on Brooklyn Bridge; bacteria could get "During the past few days Ihave been working along into elevator shafts, bacteria would not care whether the line of excluding the steel from air. No really it was a typewriter or a skyscraper they were wrecking. satisfactory way presented itself. To give only one "It is perfectly true that iron and steel seem to be instance, the subway rails could not well be covered unusually hard and difficult objects for bacterial action, by any kind of protective coating. but then I began to remember the geological history "Then I observed something else. In the subway of iron. and elevated breakages, it was always the running rails "As you know, bacterial activity has occurred in ore and not the power rails that were attacked; in the ele- deposits in many parts of the earth. But how' did vator failures the supporting cables but not the power bacteria get into these deposits? According to geolo- cables gave way; telephone cables were undamaged. gists, working in the light of modern biological science, It occurred to me that these bacteria found steel which the ore deposits are the work of algae and iron bacteria. was near to an electric current decidely unhealthy. In other words, there were, far back in geologic ages, "So I experimented again, first with high voltage bacteria—germs--which secreted and deposited iron and gradually with reduced voltage, and I found that oxide, just as the bacteria of disease secrete and de- not only do the bacteria not attack steel near to which posit poisons. an electric current is passing, but that even the mildest "They lived on iron, in fact. Now this may appear electrical shock is fatal to them. If you will come to peculiar, but it is not at all incredible when one con- the microscope—" piders that there are many animals in nature, which He attached a small dry cell to one of the dissolving THE GREAT STEEL PANIC 527- steel samples with .copper wire and placed it in the that .civilization is faced with a terrible danger, and object piece of the big microscope, with a small switch that you electrical men are the only ones who can save breaking the circuit. "Now Hert—" said Weyl, and us. A current, no matter how weak, must be passed the police commissioner, looking through the glass, saw through every piece of exposed iron or steel in the city! the metal swarming with a monstrous growth of ladder- It's up to you." like shapes that swam slowly. It was Howells of the New York Light & Power, "Now I'm going to close the switch," said the sci- who was first on his feet, with the words that marked entist, and instantly the moving shapes were still. the beginning of the end of the terrible steel sickness In silence the electrical men followed him to the glass and the accidents it had brought about. "Mr. Weyl and saw the miracle repeated. and Commissioner Hert," he said, "our resources are "Now I do not profess to know how these bacteria at your disposal. One of the pleasures of being head developed or how they got here. That is a subject of a large corporation is that one can take part in for future investigation," said Weyl. "But I do know large movements."

THE END

A New Scientifiction Story

The Vanguard of Venus

by Landell Bartlett

This story will not be published in any magazine but we have arranged to give it to our readers in attractive book form— ABSOLUTELY FREE. Turn to page 459 and learn all about this big Free offer. Remember! This is the only way that you will ever be able to read this remarkable tale. ?he S ofS By Edwcad_Elmer- Smith

In Collaboration with Lee Hawkins Garby

What Went Before:

URING an experiment for the Government Bureau of some of this solution was taken out of it. They are later led to Chemistry, in which Richard Seaton, a clever chemist, suspect DuQuesne, because he is the only chemist who would D had been electrolyzing his solution of "X," the unknown know anything about the solution, and who would dare to ex- metal, he accidentally discovered the enormous power of this periment with it, butt they cannot "get" him. Following Du- solution when acted on by the electric current. When the Quesne with a special compass which Seaton had invented, they steam-bath, upon which he had been experimenting, suddenly know that somehow Steel is connected with him. They can do flies out of its place, through the air, and beyond the range of a nothing bltt become extra cautious and wary. Steel, who is now powerful telescope, he realizes that he has discovered the means willing to give DuQuesne anything he wants, and DuQuesne, for liberating intra-atomic energy. Luckily for him, the energy have made several attempts at stealing the solution, but so far was given off slowly that time. have been able to get nothing but some plans and a small vial of A demonstration in the government laboratories the following diluted solution. day proved unsuccessful on account of a flaw in the electrical Steel, in building the ship for Crane, uses faulty material, connection, so Seaton leaves the government employ and takes which they hope will not be noticed, until the ship is out in inter- his solution with him for some personal experiments. stellar space. However, Seaton and Crane discover (lue faulty Mr. Reynolds Crane, a millionaire friend of Seaton, becomes material and are secretly having another ship built, much larger interested, and they decide, together, to build first a space-flier, and better equipped, unknown to Steel. to be propelled by this intra-atomic energy, and later a power During a consultation with Perkins, a super-criminal detec- plant to supply the world with all its necessary power. tive, they decide that they might make Crane or Seaton "talk" Mr. Marc DuQuesne, a fellow chemist in the government if they kidnap Dorothy Vanentan, daughter of a prominent employ, is certain that the unsuccessful demonstration was lawyer, and Seaton's sweetheart. "faked" when he learns that Crane is helping Seaton. He goes to Brookings, head of the Steel Trust, and offers to help them Margaret Spencer, Brookings' secretary, has obtained some get the solution and utilize it. He had nefarious dealings with damaging evidence against Steel, particularly in relation to them before. He asks an enormous sum in return. Brookings some inventions originated by her father which that company refuses DuQuesne his offer and gets some of the solution of swindled him out of. To make her surrender that evidence, "X." Their own chemist is sent to a lonely spot to experiment they decide to abduct her also, when they take Dorothy Vane- with a few drops of the solution, and very shortly after that the man to another planet for awhile. world hears of a mysterious explosion that takes with it the Just before Seaton and Crane are ready for their initial big chemist and a considerable amount of the surrounding ground flight, Seaton hands Mr. Vaneman a sealed envelope containing and property. instructions, in reference to the solution and its practical use, When Seaton and Crane learn of the explosion, they con- now in invisible sympathetic ink, between the lines of a typed clude that someone, somehow, has gotten hold of "X," and a manuscript. This is to be used in the event that both Seaton test of the con_tents of their vial which contained it, proves that and Crane are killed.

Part II

CHAPTER VIII far too small to be the Skylark. She turned in flight, Indirect Action but the stranger caught her in three strides. She found herself helpless in a pair of arms equal in strength to HE afternoon following the homecoming of Seaton's own. Picking her up lightly as a baby, Du- the Skylark, Seaton and Dorothy returned Quesne carried her over to the space-car. Shriek after from a long horseback ride in the park. shriek rang out as she found that her utmost struggles After Seaton had mounted his motorcycle were of no avail against the giant strength of her cap- Dorothy turned toward a bench in the tor, that her fiercely-driven nails glanced harmlessly off shade of an old elm to watch a game of tennis on the the heavy glass and leather of his hood, and that her court next door. Scarcely had she seated herself when teeth were equally ineffective.against his suit. a great copper-plated ball alighted upon the lawn in With the girl in his arms DuQuesne stepped into the front of her. A heavy steel vessel, and as the door door snapped open and a clanged shut behind them powerful figure clad in avi- T OE HE author of this story, being a chemist of high stand- Dorothy caught a glimpse ' ing and an excellent mathematician, gives its a rare gem ator's leather, the face com- of another woman, tied iii (luis interplanetary tale. For one thing, lze suggests an pletely covered by the hood, interesting use of the action of acceleration. In, this instal- hand and foot in one of the leaped out. She jumped to ment it is made to take the place of gravity when the inter- side seats of the car. her feet with a cry of joyful planetary vehicle is out in open space. In order to get the "Tie her feet, Perkins," surprise, thinking it was gravity effect, a positive or negative acceleration could be DuQuesne ordered brusque- given out. Seaton—a cry which died This instalment retains its easy flow of language and con- ly, holding her around the suddenly as she realized tinues to develop surprise episodes with a remarkable degree body so that her feet ex- that Seaton had just left her of realism. tended straight out in front and that this vessel was of him. "She's a wildcat."

528 The great tree standing on the farther edge of the island suddenly bent over, lashing out like a snake and grasping both. It transfixed them with the terrible thorns, which were now seen to be armed with needlepoints and to possess barbs like fish-hooks. 529 530 AMAZING STORIES

As Perkins threw one end of a small rope around her As the ship darted off in the new direction with all its ankles Dorothy doubled up her knees, drawing her feet old acceleration, he was hurled against the instrument- as far away from him as possible. As he incautiously board, tearing one end loose from its supports and fall- approached, she kicked out viciously, with all the force ing unconscious to the floor on the other side. After a of her muscular young body behind her heavy riding- time, which seemed like an eternity, Dorothy and the boots. other girl felt their senses slowly leave them. The sharp heel of one small boot struck Perkins With four unconscious passengers, the space-car squarely in the pit of the stomach — a true "solar- hurtled through empty space, its already inconceivable plexus" blow—and completely knocked out, he stag- velocity being augmented every second by a quantity gered back against the instrument-board. His out-flung bringing its velocity near to that of light, driven onward arm pushed the speed lever clear out to its last notch, by the incredible power of the disintegrating copper bar. throwing the entire current of the batteries through the bar, which was pointed straight up, as it had been when EATON had gone only a short distance from his they made their landing, and closing the switch which Ssweetheurt's home when over the purring of his threw on the power of the repelling outer coating. engine he thought he heard Dorothy's voice raised in a There was a creak of the mighty steel fabric, stressed scream. He did not wait to make sure, but whirled his almost to its limit as the vessel darted upward with its machine about and the purring changed instantly to a stupendous velocity, and only the carefully:planned staccato roar as he threw open the throttle and ad- spring-and-cushion floor saved their lives as they were vanced the spark. Gravel flew from beneath his skid- thrown flat and held there by the awful force of their ding wheels as he negotiated the turn into the Vaneman accelleration as the space-car tore through the thin grounds at suicidal speed. But with all his haste he layer of the earth's atmosphere. So terrific was their arrived upon the scene just in time to see the door of speed, that the friction of the air did not have time to the space-car close. Before he could reach it the vessel set them afire—they were through it and into the per- disappeared, with nothing to mark its departure save fect vacuum of interstellar space before the thick steel a violent whirl of grass and sod, uprooted and carried hull was even warmed through. Dorothy lay flat upon far into the air by the vacuum of its wake. To the her back, just as she had fallen, unable even to move excited tennis-players and the screaming mother of the her arms, gaining each breath only by a terrible effort. abducted girl it seemed as though the great metal ball Perkins was a huddled heap under the instrument- had vanished utterly—only Seaton, knowing what to board. The other captive, Brookings' ex-secretary, was expect, saw the line it macle in the air and saw for an in somewhat better case, as her bonds had snapped instant a minute dot in the sky bet ore it disappeared. like string and she was lying at full length in one of Interrupting the clamor of the young people, each the side-seats—forced into that position and held there, of whom ‚vas trying to tell him what had happened, he as the design of the seats was adapted for the most spoke to Mrs. Vaneman. comfortable position possible under such conditions. "Mother, Dottie's all right," he said rapidly but She, like Dorothy, was gasping for breath, her strain- gently. "Steel's got her, but they won't keep her long. ing 'muscles barely able to force air into her lungs be- Don't worry, we'll get her. It may take a week or it cause of the paralyzing weight of her chest. may take a year, but we'll bring her back," and leaping DuQuesne alone was able to move, and it required upon his motorcycle, he shattered all the speed laws on all of his Herculean strength to creep and crawl, snake- his way to Crane's house like, toward the instrument-board. Finally attaining "Mart!" he yelled, rushing into the shop, "they've his goal, he summoned all his strength to grasp, not the got Dottie, in a bus made from our. plans. Let's go l" controlling lever, which he knew was beyond his reach, as he started on a run for the testing shed. but .a cut-out switch only a couple of feet above his "Wait a minute !" crisply shouted Crane. "Don't head. With a series of convulsive movements he fought go off half-cocked. What is your plan?" his way up, first until he was crouching on his elbows "Plan, hell!" barked the enraged chemist. "Chase •and knees, and then into a squatting position. Placing 'em !" his left hand under his right, he made a last supreme "Which way did they go, and when?" effort. Perspiration streamed from him, his mighty "Straight up, full power, twenty minutes ago." muscles .stood out in ridges visible even under the heavy "Too long ago. Straight up has changed its direction leather of his coat, his lips parted in a snarl over his several degrees since then. They may have covered a locked teeth as he threw every ounce of his wonderful million miles, or they may have come back and landed body into an effort to force his right hand up to the next door. Sit down and think—we need all your switch. His hand approached it slowly—closed over it brains now." and pulled it out. Regaining his self-possession as the wisdom of his The result was startling. With the mighty power friend's advice came home to him, Seaton sat down and instantly cut off, and with not even the ordinary force pulled out his pipe. There was a tense silence for an of gravitation to counteract the force DuQuesne was instant. Then he leaped to his feet and darted into his exerting, his own muscular effort hurled him up toward room, returning with an object-compass whose needle the center of the car and against the instrument-board. pointed upward. The switch, still in his grasp, was again closed. His "DuQuesne did it," he cried exultantly. "This baby shoulder crashed against the levers which controlled the is still looking right at him. Now let's go—make it direction of the bar, swinging it through a wide arc. snappy !" THE SKYLARK OF SPACE 531

"Not yet. We should find out how far away they through his teeth as he started straight for the door. ?re; that may give us an idea." "Not yet, Dick," Crane remonstrated. "We can go Suiting action to word, he took up his stopwatch and down to Wilson's in a few minutes, and Iknow we can set the needle swinging. They watched it with strained get it there if he has it. The "Skylark" is all ready to faces as second after second went by and it still con- travel." tinued to swing. When it had come to rest Crane read No more words were needed. They hurried into the his watch and made a rapid calculation. space-car and soon were standing in the office of the About three hundred and fifty million miles," he plant in which the vessel had been built. When they stated. "Clear out of our solar system already, and had made their wants known, the iron-master shook his from the distance covered he must have had a constant head. acceleration so as to approximate the velocity of light, "I'm sorry, Crane, but Ihave only a few pounds of and he is still going with full .. •" copper in the shop, and we have no suitable furnace." "But nothing can possibly go that fast, Mart, it's Seaton broke out violently at this, but Crane inter- impossible. How about Einstein's theory?" rupted him, explaining their inability to get the metal "That is a theory, this measurement of distance is a anywhere else and the urgency of their need. When he fact, äs you know from our tests." had finished, Wilson brought his fist down upon his "That's right. Another good theory gone to pot. desk. But how do you account for his distance? D'you sup- "I'll get it if I have to melt up our dynamos," he pose he's lost control ?" roared. "We'll have to rig a crucible, but we'll have "He must have. I do not believe that he would will- your bars out just as soon as the whole force of this ingly stand that acceleration, nor that he would have damned scrap-heap can make 'em !" gone that far of his own accord. Do you ?" Calling in his foreman, he bellowed orders, and while "I sure don't. We don't know how big a bar they automobiles scoured the nearby towns for scrap cop- are carrying, so we can't estimate how long it is going per, the crucible and molds were made ready. to take us to catch them. But let's not waste any more Nearly two days passed before the gleaming copper time, Mart. For Cat's sake, let's get busy !" cylinders were finished. During this time Crane added "We have only those four bars, Dick—two for each to their already complete equipment every article he unit. Do you think that will be enough? Think of could conceive of their having any use for, while Seaton how far we may have to go, what we may possibly get raged up and down the plant in a black fury of impa- into, and what it will mean to Dottie if we fail for lack tience. Just before the bars were ready, they made of power." another reading on the object-compass. Their faces Seaton, though furiously eager to be off, paused at grew tense and drawn and their hearts turned sick as this new idea, and half-regretfully he replied: second followed second and minute followed minute "We are so far behind them already that I guess a and the needle still oscillated. Finally, however, it came few hours more won't make much difference. It sure to rest, and Seaton's voice almost failed him as he read would be disastrous to get out near one of the fixed his figures. stars and have our power quit. I guess you're right, "Two hundred and thirty-five light-years, Mart. we'd better get a couple more—make it four, then we'll They're lost, and still going. Good-bye, old scout," have enough to chase them half our lives. We'd better holding out his hand, "Tell Vaneman that I'll bring her load up on grub and X-plosive ammunition, too." back or else stay out there myself." "You must be crazy, Dick. You know Iam going." HILE Crane and Shiro carried additional pro- "Why? No use in both of us taking such a chance. W visions and boxes of cartridges into the "Sky- If Dottie's gone, of course I want to go too, but you lark," .Seaton once more mounted his motorcycle and don't." sped across the city to the brass foundry. The manager "Nonsense, Dick. Of course this is somewhat of the plant took his order, but blandly informed him farther than we had planned on going for our maiden that there was not that much copper in the city, that it voyage, but where is the difference? It is just as safe would be a week or ten days before the order could be to go a thousand light-years as only one, and we have filled. Seaton suggested that they melt up some copper power and food for any contingency. There is no more cable and other goods already manufactured, offering danger in this trip than there is in one to Mars. At all ten times their value, but the manager was obdurate, events, I am going whether you want me to or not, so saying that he could not violate the rule of priority of save your breath." orders. Seaton then went to other places, endeavoring "You lie like a thief, Mart—you know what we are to buy scrap copper, trolley wire, electric cable, anything up against as well as I do. But if you insist on coming made of the ruddy metal, but found none for sale in along, I'm sure glad to have you." quantities large enough to be of any use. After several As their hands met in a crushing grip, the bars were hours of fruitless search, he returned home in a tower- brought up and loaded into the carriers. Waving good- ing rage and explained to Crane, in lurid language, his bye to Wilson, they closed the massive door and took failure to secure the copper. The latter was unmoved. their positions. Seaton adjusted the bar parallel with "After you left, it occurred to me that you might not the needle of the object-compass, turned on the coil, and get any. You see, Steel is still watching us." advanced the speed-lever until Crane, reading the pyro- Fire shot from Seaton's eyes. meters, warned him to slow down, as the shell was I'm going to clean up that bunch," he gritted heating. Free of the earth's atmosphere, he slowly 532 AMAZING STORIES advanced the lever, one notch at a time, until he could he discovered that no bones were broken, although he no longer support the increasing weight of his hand, was terribly bruised. He then glanced around to learn but had to draw out the rolling support designed for how his companions were faring. He saw that they that emergency. He pushed the lever a few notches were all sitting up, the girls resting, Perkins removing farther, and felt himself forced down violently into the his aviator's costume. seat. He was now lying at full length, the seat having "Good morning, Doctor DuQuesne. What happened automatically moved upward so that his hand still con- when Ikicked your friend?" trolled the lever. Still he kept putting on more power, DuQuesne smiled. until the indicator showed that more than three-quarters "Good morning, Miss Vaneman. Several things hap- of the power was in operation and he felt that he could pened. He fell into the controls, turning on all the stand but little more. juice. We left shortly afterward. I tried to shut the "How are you making it, Mart?" he asked, talking power off, and in doing so I balled things up worse with difficulty because of the great weight of his tongue than ever. Then Iwent to sleep, and just woke up." and jaws. "Have you any idea where we are?" "All right so far," came the response, in a hesitating, "No, but I can make a fair estimate, I think," and almost stammering voice, "but I do not know how much glancing at the empty chamber in which the bar had more Ican take. If you can stand it, go ahead." been, he took out his notebook and pen and figured for "This is enough for awhile, until we get used to it. a few minutes. As he finished, he drew himself along Any time you want to rest, tell me and I'll cut her by a handrail to one of the windows, then to another. down." He returned with a puzzled expression on his face "Keep her at this for four or five hours. Then cut and made a long calculation. down until we can walk, so that we can eat and take "I don't know exactly what to make of this," he said another reading on distance. Remember that it will thoughtfully. "We are so far away from the earth that take as long to stop as it does to get up speed, and that even the fixed stars are unrecognizable. The power we must be careful not to ram them. There would be was on exactly forty-eight hours, since that is the Efe nothing left of either car." of that particular bar under full current. We should "All right. TaIking's too darn much work, I'll talk still be close to our own solar system, since it is theoreti- to you again when we ease down. Isure am glad we're cally impossible to develop any velocity greater than on our way at last." that of light. But in fact, we have. Iknow enough about astronomy to recognize the fixed stars from any CHAPTER IX point within a light-year or so of the sun, and I can't see a single familiar star. Inever could see how mass Lost In Space could be a function of velocity, and now Iam convinced

OR forty-eight hours the unconťro-lled atomic that it is not. We have been accelerating for forty- motor dragged the masterless vessel with its four eight hours !" Funconscious passengers through the illimitable He turned to Dorothy. reaches of empty space, with an awful and constantly "While we were unconscious, Miss Vaneman, we increasing velocity. When only a few traces of copper had probably attained a velocity of something like remained in the power-plant, the acceleration began to seven billion four hundred thirteen million miles per decrease and the powerful springs began to restore the second, and that is the approximate speed at which we floor and the seats to their normal positions. The last are now traveling. We must be nearly six quadrillion particle of copper having been transformed into energy, miles, and that is a space of several hundred light- the speed of the vessel became constant. Apparently years—away from our solar system, or, more plainly, motionless to those inside it, it was in reality traversing about six times as far away from our earth as the space with a velocity thousands of times greater than North Star is. We couldn't see our sun with a tele- that of light. As the force which had been holding scope, even if we knew which way to look for it." them down was relaxed, the lungs, which had been able to secure only air enough to maintain faint sparks of T this paralyzing news, Dorothy's face turned white life, began to function more normally and soon all four A and Margaret Spencer quietly fainted in her seat. recovered consciousness, drinking in the life-giving "Then we can never get back?" asked Dorothy oxygen in a rapid succession of breaths so deep that it slowly. seemed as though their lungs must burst with each At this question, Perkins' self-control gave way and inhalation. his thin veneer of decency disappeared completely. DuQuesne was the first to gain control of himself. "You got us into this whole thing !" he screamed as His first effort to rise to his feet lifted him from the he leaped at Dorothy with murderous fury gleaming in floor, and he floated lightly to the ceiling, striking it his pale eyes and his fingers curved into talons. In- with a gentle bump and remaining suspended in the stead of reaching her, however, he merely sprawled air. The others, who had not yet attempted to move, grotesquely in midair, and DuQuesne knocked him clear stared at him in wide-eyed amazement. Reaching out across the vessel with one powerful blow of his fist. and clutching one of the supporting columns, he drew "Get back there, you cowardly cur," he said evenly. himself back to the floor and cautiously removed his "Even though we are a long way from home, try to leather suit, transferring two heavy automatic pistols remember you're a man, at least. One more break like as he did so. By gingerly feeling of his injured body, that and I'll throw you out of the boat. It isn't her THE SKYLARK OF SPACE 533

fault that we are out here, but our own. The blame for slender form was thin, her. face was haggard and worn. it is a very small matter, anyway; the thing of impor- The stranger broke the silence. tance is to get back as soon as possible." "But how can we get back?" asked Perkins sullenly 44j 'M Margaret Spencer," she began abruptly, "f or - from the corner where he was crouching, fear in every mer secretary to His Royal Highness, Brookings feature. "The power is gone, the controls are wrecked, of Steel. They swindled my father out of an invention and we are hopelessly lost in space." worth millions and he died, broken-hearted. Igot the "Oh, Iwouldn't say 'hopelessly,' "returned the other, job to see if I couldn't get enough evidence to convict "I have never been in any situation yet that I couldn't them, and Ihad quite a lot when they caught me. I liad get out of, and I won't be convinced until I am dead sorne things that they were afraid to lose, and I had that I can't get out of this one. We have two extra them so well hidden that they couldn't find them, so power bars, we can fix the board, and if Ican't navigate they kidnapped me to make me give them back. They us back close enough to our solar system to find it, I haven't dared kill me so far for fear the evidence will am more of a dub than I think I am. How about a show up after my death—which it will. However, I little bite to eat ?" will be legally dead before long, and then they know "Show us where it is !" exclaimed Dorothy. "Now the whole thing will come out, so they have brought me that you mention it, Ifind that Iam starved to death." out here to make me talk or kill me. Talking won't do DuQuesne looked at her keenly. me any good now, though, and I don't believe it ever "I admire your nerve, Miss Vaneman.- Ididn't sup- would have. They would have killed me after they got pose that that animal over there would show such a the stuff back, anyway. So you see I, at least, will wide streak of yellow, but I was rather afraid that you never get back to the earth alive." girls might go to pieces." . "Cheer up—we'll all get back safely." "I'm scared blue, of course," Dorothy admitted "No, we won't. You don't know that man Perkins— frankly, "but hysterics won't do any good, and we sim- if that is his name. I never heard him called any real ply must get back." name before. He is simply unspeakable—vile—hide- "Certainly, we must and we will," stated DuQuesne ous—everything that is base. He waS my jailer, and I calmly. "If you.like, you might find something for us utterly loathe and despise him. He is mean and under- to eat in the galley there, while I see what I can do handed and tricky—he reminds me of a slimy, poison- with this board that I wrecked with my head. By the ous snake. He will kill me; Iknow it." way, that cubby-hole there is the apartment reserved for "But how about Doctor DuQuesne? Surely he isn't you two ladies. We are in rather cramped quarters, that kind of man? He wouldn't let him." but Ithink you will find everything you need." "I've never met him before, but from what I heard As Dorothy drew herself along the handrail toward of him in the office, he's even worse than Perkins, but the room designated, accompanied by the other girl in an entirely different way. There's nothing small or who, though conscious, had paid little attention to any- mean about him, and Idon't believe he would go out of thing around her, she could not help feeling a thrill of his way to hurt anyone, as Perkins would. But he is admiration for the splendid villain who had - abducted absolutely cold and hard, a perfect fiend. Where his her. Calm and cool, always master of himself, appar- interests are concerned, there's nothing under the sun, ently paying no attention to the terrible bruises which good or bad, that he won't do. But I'm glad that disfigured half his face and doubtless half his body as Perkins had me instead of 'The Doctor,' as they call well, she admitted to herself that it was only his ex- him. Perkins raises such a bitter personal feeling, that ample, which had enabled her to maintain her self- anybody would rather die than give up to him in any- control in their present plight. As she crawled over thing. DuQuesne, however, would have tortured me Perkins' discarded suit, she remembered that he had impersonally and scientifically—cold and self-contained not taken any weapons from it. After a rapid glance all the while and using the most efficient methods, and around to assure herself that she was not being watched, I am sure he would have got it out of me some way. she quickly searched the coat, bringing to light not one, He always gets what he goes after." but two pistols, which she thrust into her pocket. She "Oh, come, Miss Spencer !" Dorothy interrupted the saw with relief that they were regulation army auto- half-hysterical girl. "You're too hard on him. Didn't matics, with whose use she was familiar from much you see him knock Perkins clown when he came after target practise with Seon. me ?" In the room, which was a miniature of the one she "Well, maybe he has a few gentlemanly instincts, had seen on the Skylark, the girls found clothing, toilet which he uses when he doesn't lose anything by it. articles, and everything necessary for a long trip. As More likely he merely intended to rebuke him for a they were setting themselves to rights, Dorothy electing useless action. He is a firm Pragmatist—anything that to stay in her riding suit, they surveyed each other is useful is all right, anything that is useless is a crime. frankly and each was reassured by what she saw. Dor- More probably yet, he wants you left alive. Of course othy saw a girl of twenty-two, of her own stature, with that is his real reason. He went to the trouble of kid- a mass of heavy, wavy black hair. Her eyes, a singu- napping you, so naturally he won't let Perkins or any- larly rich and deep brown, contrasted strangely with body else kill you until he is through with you. Other- the beautiful ivory of her skin. She was normally a wise he would have let Perkins do anything he wanted beautiful girl, thought Dorothy, but her beauty was to with you, without lifting a finger." marred by suffering and privation. Het: naturally "I can't quite believe that," Dorothy replied, though 534 AMAZING STORIES a cold chill struck at her heart as she remembered the loon, and I feel awfully weird inside. If we have no inhuman crime attributed to this man, and she quailed weight, why does it hurt so when we bump into any- at the thought of being in his charge, countless millions thing? And when you throw anything, like the Doc- of miles from earth, a thought only partly counteracted tor did Perkins, why does it hit as hard as ever ?" by the fact that she wa's now armed. "He has treated "It's mass or inertia or something like that. A thing us with every consideration so far, let's hope for the has it everywhere, whether it weighs anything or not. best. Anyway, I'm sure that we'll get back safely." Dick explained it all to me. I understood it when he "Why so sure? Have you something up your sleeve?" told me about it, but I'm afraid it didn't sink in very "No—or yes, in a way I have, though nothing very deep. Did you ever study physics?" definite. I'm Dorothy Vaneman, and Iam engaged to "I had a year of it in college, but it was more or the man who discovered the thing that makes this space- less of a joke. I went to a girls' school, and all we car go. .. ." had to do in physics was to get the credit; we didn't "That's why they kidnapped you, then—to make him have to learn it." give up all his rights to it. It's like them." "Me too. Next time I go to school I'm going to "Yes, Ithink that's why they did it. But they won't Yale or Harvard or some such place, and I'll learn so keep me long. Dick Seaton will find me, I know. I much mathematics and science that I'll have to wear a feel it." bandeau to keep my massive intellect in place." . "But that's exactly what they want !" cried Margaret During this conversation they had prepared a sub- excitedly. "In my spying around Iheard a little about stantial luncheon and had arranged it daintily upon two this very thing—the name Seaton brings it to my mind. large trays, in spite of the difficulty caused by the fact His car is broken in some way, so that it will kill him that nothing would remain in place by its own weight. the first time he tries to run it." The feast prepared, Dorothy took her tray from the "That's where they underestimated Dick and his table as carefully as she could, and saw the sandwiches partner. You have heard of Martin Crane, of course?" and bottles start to float toward the ceiling. Hastily "I think I heard his name mentioned in the office, inverting the tray above the escaping viands, she pushed together with Seaton's, but that's all." them back down upon the table. In doing so she lifted "Well, besides other things, Martin is quite a won- herself clear from the floor, as she had forgotten to hold derful mechanic, and he found out that our Skylark herself down. was spoiled. So they built another one, a lot bigger, "What'll we do, anyway ?" she wailed when she had and Iam sure that they are following us, right now." recovered her position. "Everything wants to fly all "But how can they possibly follow us, when we are over the place !" going so fast and are so far away ?" queried' the other "Put another tray on top of it and hold them to- girl, once more despondent. gether," suggested Margaret. "I wish we had a bird- "I don't quite know, but I do know that Dick will cage. Then we could open the door and grab a sand- find a way. He's simply wonderful. He knows more wich as it flies out." now than that Doctor DuQuesne will ever learn in all By covering the trays the girls finally carried the his life, and he will find us in a few days, I feel it in luncheon out into the main compartment, where they my bones. Besides, Ipicked Perkins' pockets of these gave DuQuesne and Perkins one of the trays and all two pistols. Can you shoot an automatic ?" fell to eating hungrily. DuQuesne paused with a glint "Yes," replied the other girl, as she seized one of of amusement in his one sound eye as he saw Dorothy the guns, assured herself that its magazine was full, trying to pour ginger ale out of a bottle. and slipped it into her pocket. "I used to practise a lot "It can't be done, Miss Vaneman. You'll have to with my father's. This makes me feel a whole lot bet- drink it through a straw. That will work, since our air ter. And call me Peggy, won't you? It will seem good pressure is normal. Be careful not to choke on it, to hear my name again. After what I've been through though; your swallowing will have to be all muscular lately, even this trip will be a vacation for me." out here. Gravity won't help you. Or wait a bit—I "Well, then, cheer up, Peggy dear, we're going to be have the control board fixed and it will be a matter of great friends. Let's go get us all something to eat. I'm only a few minutes to put in another bar and get enough simply starved, and Iknow you are, too." acceleration to take the place of gravity. He placed one of the extra power bars in the cham- HE presence of the pistol in her pocket and Dor- ber and pushed the speed lever into the first notch, and Tothy's unwavering faith in her lover, lifted the there was a lurch of the whole vessel as it swung stranger out of the mood of despair into which the long around the bar so that the floor was once more perpen- imprisonment, the brutal treatment, and the present dicular to it. He took a couple of steps, returned, and situation had plunged her, and she was almost cheerful advanced the lever another notch. as they drew themselves along the hand-rail leading to "There that's about the same as gravity. Now we the tiny galley. can act like human beings and eat in comfort." "I simply can't get used to the idea of nothing having "That's a wonderful relief, Doctor !" cried Dorothy. any weight—look here !" laughed Dorothy, as she took "Are we going back toward the earth?" a boiled ham out of the refrigerator and hung it upon "Not yet. Ireversed the bar, but we will have to use an imaginary hook in the air, where it remained mo- up all of this one before we can even start back. Until tionless. "Doesn't it make you feel funny?" this bar is gone we will merely be slowing down." "It is a queer sensation. I feel light, like a toy bal- THE SKYLARK OF SPACE 535

S the meal progressed, Dorothy noticed that Du- who calmly took the pistol from her pocket, jerked the A Quesne's left arm seemed almost helpless, and slide back, throwing a cartridge into the chamber, and that he ate with great difficulty because of his terribly held the weapon up on one finger, admiring it from bruised face. As soon as they had removed the trays all sides. she went into her room, where she had seen a small medicine chest, and brought out a couple of bottles. ON'T worry about his knife. He has been "Lie down here, Doctor DuQuesne," she com- 46D sharpening it for my benefit for the last month. manded. "I'm going to apply a little first-aid to the He doesn't mean anything by it." injured. Arnica and iodine are all Ican find, but they'll At this unexpected show of resistance, Perkins stared help a little." at her for an instant, then glanced at his coat. "I'm all right," began the scientist, but at her im- "Yes, this was yours, once. You needn't bother perious gesture he subMitted, and she bathed his bat- about picking up your coat, they're both gone. You tered features with the healing lotion and painted the might be tempted to throw that knife, so drop it on worst bruises with iodine. the floor and kick it over to me before Icount three. "I see your arm is lame. Where does it hurt ?" "One." The heavy pistol steadied into line with his "Shoulder's the worst. I rammed it through the chest and her finger tightened on the trigger. board when we started out." "Two." He obeyed and she picked up the knife. He He opened his shirt at the throat and bared his shoul- turned to DuQuesne, who had watched the scene un- der, and Dorothy gasped--as much at the size and moved, a faint smile upon his saturnine face. power of the muscles displayed, as at the extent and "Doctor!" he cried, shaking with fear. "Why don't - severity of the man's injuries. Stepping into the gal- you shoot her or take that gun away from her ? Surely lery, she brought out hot water and towels and gently you don't want to see me murdered ?" bathed away the clotted blood that had been forced "Why not ?" replied DuQuesne calmly. "It is noth- through the skin. ing to me whether she kills you or you kill her. You "Massage it a little with the arnica as I move the brought it on yourself by your own carelessness. Any arm," he directed coolly, and she did so, pityingly. He man with brains doesn't leave guns lying around within did not wince and made no sign of pain, but she saw reach of prisoners, and a blind man could have seen beads of perspiration appear upon his face, and won- Miss Vaneman getting your hardware." dered at his fortitude. "You saw her take them and didn't warn me?" "That's fine," he said gratefully as she finished, and croaked Perkins. a peculiar expression came over his face. "It feels one "Why should Iwarn you? 'If you can't take care of hundred per cent better already. But why do you do your own prisoner she earns her liberty, as far as I ani it? I should think you would feel like crowning me concerned. I never did like your style, Perkins, espe- wiťh that basin instead of playing nurse." cially your methods of handling—or rather mishandling "Efficiency," she replied with a smile. "I'm taking a —women. You could have made her give up the stuff leaf out of your own book. You are our chief engineer, she recovered from that ass Brookings inside of an you know, and it won't do to have you laid up." hour, and wouldn't have had to kill her afterward, "That's a logical explanation, but it doesn't go far either." enough," he rejoined, still studying her intently. She "How ?" sneered the other. "If you are so good at did not reply, but turned to Perkins. that kind of thing, why didn't you try it on Seaton and "How are you, Mr. Perkins? Do you require medi- Crane?" cal attention ?" "There are seven different methods to use on a "No," growled Perkins from the seat in which he woman like Miss Spencer, each of which will produce had crouched immediately after eating. "Keep away the desired result. The reason I did not try them-on from me, or I'll cut your heart out !" - either Seaton or Crane is that they would have failed. "Shut up!" snapped DuQuesne. "Remember what Your method of indirect action is probably the only Isaid ?" one that will succeed. That is why Iadopted it." "I haven't done anything," snarled the other. "Well, what are you going to do about it?" shrieked "I said I would throw you out if you made another Perkins. "Are you going to sit there and lecture all break," DuQuesne informed him evenly, "and I meant day?" it. If you can't talk decently, keep still. Understand "I am going to do nothing whatever," answered the that you are to keep off Miss Vaneman, words and scientist coldly. "If you had any brains you would see actions. Iam in charge of her, and I will put up with that you are in no danger. Miss Spencer will undoubt- no interference whatever. This is your last warning." edly kill you if you attack her—not otherwise. That "How about Spencer, then ?" is an Anglo-Saxon weakness." "I have nothing to say about her, she's not mine," "Did you see me take the pistols?" queried Dorothy. responded DuQuesne with a shrug. "Certainly. I'm not blind. You have one of them An evil light appeared in Perkins' eyes and he took in your right coat pocket now." out a wicked-looking knife and began to strop it care- "Then why didn't you, or don't you, try to take it fully upon the leather of the seat, glaring at his victim away from me?" she asked in wonder. the while. "If I had objected to your having them, you would "Well, / have something to say .. ." blazed Dor- never have got them. If I didn't want you to have a othy, but she was silenced by a gesture from Margaret, gun now, I would take it away from you. You know 536 AMAZING STORIES that, don't you?" and his black eyes stared into her the blood to circulation in their suffering bodies. The violet ones with such calm certainty of his ability that power was not reduced for sleep; everyone slept as she felt her heart sink. best he could. "Yes," she admitted finally, "I believe you could— Dorothy and Margaret talked together at every op- that is, unless Iwere angry enough to shoot you." portunity, and a real intimacy grew up between them. "That wouldn't help you. I can shoot faster and Perkins was for the most part sullenly quiet, knowing straighter than you can, and would shoot it out of your himself despised by all the others and having no outlet hand. However, Ihave no objection to your having the here for his particular brand of cleverness. DuQuesne gun, since it is no part of my plan to offer you any was always occupied with his work and only occa- further indignity of any kind. Even if you had the sionally addressed a remark to one or another of the necessary coldness of nerve or cruelty of disposition— party, except during meals. At those periods of gen- of which Ihave one, Perkins the other, and you neither eral recuperation, he talked easily and well upon many —you wouldn't shoot me now, because you can't get topics. There was no animosity in his bearing nor did back to the earth without me. After we get back Iwill he seem to perceive any directed toward' himself, but take the guns away from both of you if Ithink it de- when any of the others ventured to infringe upon his sirable. In the meantime, play with them all you ideas of how discipline should be maintained, Du- please." Ouesne's reproof was merciless. Dorothy almost liked "Has Perkins any more knives or guns or things in him, but Margaret insisted that she considered him his room?" demanded Dorothy. worse than ever. "How should I know ?" indifferently; then, as both When the bar was exhausted, DuQuesne lifted the girls started for Perkins' room he ordered brusquely: sole remaining cylinder into place. "Sit down, Miss Vaneman. Let them fight it out. "We should be nearly stationary with respect to the Perkins has his orders to lay off you—you lay off him. earth," he remarked. "Now we will start back." I'm not taking any chances of getting you hurt, that's "Why, it felt as though we were picking up speed for one reason Iwanted you armed. If he gets gay, shoot the last three days !" exclaimed Margaret. him; otherwise, hands off completely. "Yes, it feels that way because we have nothing to Dorothy threw up her head in defiance, but meeting judge by. Slowing down in one direction feels exactly his cold stare she paused irresolutely and finally sat like starting up in the opposite one. There is no means down, biting her lips in anger, while the other girl of knowing whether we are standing still, going away went on. from the earth, or going toward it, since we have noth- "That's better. She doesn't need any help to whip ing stationary upon which to make observations. How- that yellow dog. He's whipped already. He never ever, since the two bars were of exactly the same size would think of fighting unless the odds were three to and were exerted in opposite directions except for a one in his favor." few minutes after we left the earth, we are nearly stationary now. I will put on power until this bar is HEN Margaret had returned from a fruitless something less than half gone, then coast for three or W search of Perkins' room and had assured herself four days. By the end of that time we should be able that he had no more weapons concealed about his per- to recognize our solar system from the appearance of son, she thrust the pistol back into her pocket and sat the fixed stars." down. He again advanced the lever, and for many hours "That ends that," she declared. "I guess you will silence filled the car as it hurtled through space. Du- be good now, won't you, Mr. Perkins?" Quesne, waking up 1 rom a long nap, saw that the bar "Yes," that worthy muttered. "I have to be, now no longer pointed directly toward the top of the ship, that you've got the drop on me and DuQuesne's gone perpendicular to the floor, but was inclined at a sharp back on me. But wait until we get back! I'll get you angle. He reduced the current, and felt the lurch of- then, you. .." the car as it swung around the bar, increasing the angle "Stop right there !" sharply. "There's nothing I many degrees. He measured the angle carefully and would rather do than shoot you right now, if you give peered out of all the windows on one side o'f the car. me the slightest excuse, such as that name you were Returning to the bar after a time, he again measured about to call me. Now go ahead !" the angle, and found that it had increased greatly. DuQuesne broke the silence that followed. "What's the matter, Doctor DuQuesne?" asked Dor- "Well, now that the battle is over, and since we are othy, who had also been asleep. fed and rested, Isuggest that we slow down a bit and "We are being deflected from our course. You see get ready to start back. Pick out comfortable seats, the bar doesn't point straight up any more? Of course everybody, and I'll shoot a little more juice through the direction of the bar hasn't changed, the car has that bar." swung around it." Seating himself before the instrument board, he ad- "What does that mean?" vanced the speed lever slowly until nearly three-quar- "We have come close enough to some star so that ters of the full power was on, as much as he thought its attraction swings the bottom of the car around. the others could stand. Normally, you know, the bottom of the car follows For sixty hours he drove the car, reducing the accel- directly behind the bar. It doesn't mean much yet ex- eration only at intervals during which they ate and cept that we are being drawn away from our straight walked about their narrow quarters in order to restore line, but if the attraction gets much stronger it may THE SKYLARK OF SPACE 537 make us miss our solar system completely. Ihave been take an hyperbolic orbit around that body instead of looking for the star in question, but can't see it yet. falling into it." We'll probably pull away from it very shortly." "What good will that do us?" asked Margaret, striv- ing for self-control. "We will starve to death finally, E threw on the power, and for some time watched won't we?" H the bar anxiously, expecting to see it swing back "Not necessarily. That will give us time to figure into the vertical, but the angle continually increased. out something else." He again reduced the current and searched the heavens "You won't have to figure out anything else, Doctor," for the troublesome body. stated Dorothy positively. "If we miss that moon, Dick "Do you see it yet ?" asked Dorothy with concern. and Martin will find us before very long." "No, there's apparently nothing near enough to ac- "Not in this life. If they tried to follow us, they're count f cr all this deflection." both dead before now." He took out a pair of large night-glasses and peered "That's where even you are wrong !" she flashed at through them for several minutes. him. "They knew you were wrecking our machine, so "Good God! It's a dead sun, and we're nearly onto they built another one, a good one. And they know a it! It looks as large as our moon !" lot of things about this new metal that you have never Springing to the board, he whirled the bar into the dreamed of, since they were not in the plans you stole." vertical. He took down a strange instrument, went to the bottom window, and measured the tpparent size uQ UESNE went directly to the heart of the mat- of the dark star. Then, after cautioning the rest of the ter, paying no attention to her barbed shafts. party to sit tight, he advanced the lever farther than it "Can they follow us through space without seeing had been before. After half an hour he again slackened us ?" he demanded. the pace and made another observation, finding to his "Yes—or at least, Ithink they can." astonishment that the dark mass had almost doubled its "How do they do it?" apparent size! Dorothy, noting his expression, was "I don't know—I wouldn't tell you if Idid." about to speak, but he forestalled her. "You'll tell if you know," he declared, his voice cut- "We lost ground, instead of gaining, that spurt," he ting like a knife. "But that can wait until after we get remarked, as he hastened to his post. "It must be in- out of this. The thing to do now is to dodge that conceivably large, to exert such an enormous attractive world." force at this distance. We'll have to put on full power. He searched the vessel for copper, ruthlessly tearing Hang onto yourselves as best you can." out almost everything that contained the metal, ham- He then pushed the lever out to its last notch and mering it flat and throwing it into the power-plant. He left it there until the bar was nearly gone, only to find set the bar at right angles to the line of their fall and that the faint disk of the monster globe was even larger turned on the current. When the metal was exhausted, than before, being now visible to the unaided eye. Re- he made another series of observations upon the body vived, the three others saw it plainly—a great dim cir- toward which they were falling, and reported quietly: cle, visible as is the dark portion of the new moon— "We made a lot of distance, but not enough. Every- and, the power shut off, they felt themselves falling thing goes in, this time." toward it with sickening speed. Perkins screamed with He tore out the single remaining light-wire, leaving mad fear and flung himself grovelling upon the floor. the car in darkness save for the diffused light of his Margaret, her nerves still unstrung, clutched at her electric torch, and broke up the only remaining motor. heart with both hands. Dorothy, though her eyes looked He then took his almost priceless Swiss watch, his like great black holes in- her white face, looked Du- heavy signet ring, his scarf pin, and the cartridges from Quesne in the eye steadily. his pistol, and added them to the collection. Flashing "This is the end, then?" his lamp upon Perkins, he relieved him of everything "Not yet," he replied in a calm and level voice. "The he had which contained copper. end will not come for a good many hours, as I have "I think I have a few pennies in my pocketbook," calculated that it will take at least two days, probably suggested Dorothy. more, to fall the distance we have to go. We have all "Get 'em," he directed briefly, and while she was that time in which to think out a way of escape." gone he searched Margaret, without result save for the "Won't the outer repulsive shell keep up from strik- cartridges in her pistol, as she had no jewelry remain- ing it, or at least break the force of our fall?" ing after her imprisonment. Dorothy returned and "No. It was designed only as protection from me- handed him everything she had found. teorites and other small bodies. It is heavy enough to "I would like to keep this ring," she said slowly, swing us away from a small planet, but it will be used pointing to a slender circlet of gold set with a solitaire up Icing before we strike." diamond, "if you think there is any chance of us get- He lighted a cigarette and sat at ease, as though in ting clear." his own study, his brow wrinkled in thought as he "Everything goes that has any copper in it," he said made calculations in his notebook. Finally he rose to coldly, "and Iam glad to see that Seaton is too good a his feet. chemist to buy any platinum jewelry. You may keep "There's only one chance that Ican see. That is to the diamond, though," as he wrenched the jewel out of gather up every scrap of copper we have and try to its setting and returned it to her. pull ourselves far enough out of kne so that we will He threw all the metal into the central chamber and 538 AMAZING STORIES

the vessel gave a tremendous lurch as the power was smoking innumerable cigarettes, his keen mind grap- again applied. It was soon spent, however, and after pling with its most desperate problem, grimly fighting •the final observation, the others waiting in breathless until the very last instant of life—while the powerless suspense for him to finish his calculations, he made his space-car fell with an appalling velocity, faster and curt announcement. faster; falling toward that cold and desolate monster of "Not enough." the heaven. Perkins, his mind weakened by the strain of the last few days, went completely insane at the words. With CHAPTER X a wild howl he threw himself at the unmoved scientist, The Rescue who struck him with the butt of-his pistol as he leaped, the mighty force of DuQuesne's blow crushing his skull EATON and Crane drove the Skylark in the di- like an eggshell and throwing him backward to the op- rection indicated by the unwavering object-com- posite side of the vessel. Margaret lay in her seat in a Spass with the greatest acceleration they could dead faint. Dorothy and DuQuesne looked at each stand, each man taking a twelve-hour watch at the other in the feeble light of the torch. To the girl's instrument board. amazement, the man was as calm as though he were Now, indeed, did the Skylark justify the faith of her safe in his own house, and she made a determined effort builders, and the two inventors, with an exultant cer- to hold herself together. tainty of their success, flew out beyond man's wildest "What next, Doctor DuQuesne?" imaginings. Had it not been for the haunting fear for "I don't know. We have a couple of days yet, at Dorothy's safety, the journey would have been one of least. I'll have to study awhile." pure triumph, and even that anxiety did not prevent a "In that time Dick will find us, Iknow." profound joy in the enterprise. "Even if they do find us in time, which I doubt, "If that misguided mutt thinks he can pull off a stunt what good will it do? It simply means that they will like that and get away with it, he's got another think go with us instead of saving us, for of course they coming," asserted Seaton, after making a reading on can't pull away, since we couldn't. I hope they don't the other car after several days of the flight. "He went find_ us, but locate this star in time to keep away off half-cocked this time, for sure, and we've got him from it." foul. We'd better put on some negative pretty soon, "Why?" she gasped. "You have been planning to hadn't we, Mart? Only a little over a hundred light- kill both of them! I should think you would be de- years now." lighted to take them with us?" Crane nodded agreement and Seaton continued: "Far from it. Please try to be logical. I intended "It'll take as long to stop, of course, as it has taken to remove them because they stood in the way of my to get out here, and if we ram them—GOOD NIGHT! developing this new metal. If I am to be out of the Let's figure it out as nearly as we can." way—and frankly, I see very little chance of getting They calculated their own speed, and that of the out of this—I hope that Seaton goes ahead with it. It other vessel, as shown by the various readings taken, is the greatest discovery the world has ever known, and and applied just enough negative acceleration to slow if both Seaton and I, the only two men in the world the Skylark down to the speed of the other space-car who know how to handle it, drop out, it will be lost for when they should come up with it. They smiled ať perhaps hundreds of years." each other in recognition of the perfect working of "If Dick's finding us means that he must go, too, of the mechanism when the huge vessel had spun, with a course Ihope that he won't find us, but Idon't believe sickening lurch, through a complete half-circle, the in- that. I simply know that he could get us away from stant the power was reversed. Each knew that they here." were actually traveling in a direction that to them She continued more slowly, almost speaking to her- seemed "down," but with a constantly diminishing self, her heart sinking with her voice: velocity, even though they seemed to be still going "up" "He is following us, and he won't stop even if he with an increasing speed. does see this dead star and knows that he can't get Until nearly the end of the calculated time the two away. We will die together." took turns as before, but as the time of meeting drew "There's no denying the fact that our situation is near both men were on the alert, taking readings on the critical, but you know a man isn't dead until after his object-compass every few minutes. Finally Crane an- heart stops beating. We have two whole days yet, and nounced: in that time, Ican probably dope out some way of get- "We are almost on them. Dick. They are so close ting away from here." that it is almost impossible to time the needle—less than "I hope so," she replied, keeping her voice from ten thousand miles." breaking only by a great effort. "But go ahead with Seaton gradually increased the retarding force until your doping. I'm worn out." She drew herself down the needle showed that they were very close to the other upon one of the seats and stared at the ceiling, fighting vessel and maintaining a constant distance from it. He to restrain an almost overpowering impulse to scream. then shut off the power, and both men hurried to the Thus the hours wore by—Perkins dead; Margaret bottom window to search for the fleeing ship with their still unconscious; Dorothy lying in her seat, her powerful night-glasses. They looked at each other in thoughts a formless prayer, buoyed up only by her amazement as they felt themselves falling almost di- faith in God and in her lover; DuQuesne self-possessed, rectly downward, with an astounding acceleration. THE SKYLARK OF SPACE 539

"What do you make of it, Dick?" asked Crane FTER an interminable silence, DuQuesne drew calmly, as he brought his glasses to his eyes and stared A himself out of his seat. He took a long inhala- out into the black heavens, studded with multitudes of tion, deposited the butt of his cigarette carefully in his brilliant and unfamiliar stars. ash tray, and made his way to his room. He returned "I don't make it at all, Mart. By the feel, Ishould with three heavy fur suits provided with air helmets, say we were falling toward something that would make two of which he handed to the girls, who were huddled our earth look like a pin-head. Iremember now that I in a seat with their arms around each other. These noticed that-the bus was getting a little out of plumb suits were the armor designed by Crane for use in with the bar all this last watch. Ididn't pay much at- exploring the vacuum and the intense cold of dead tention to it, as Icouldn't see anything out of the way. worlds. Air-tight, braced with fine steel netting, and Nothing but a sun could be big enough to raise all this supplied with air at normal pressure from small tanks disturbance, and I can't see any close enough to be by automatic valves, they made their wearers independ- afraid of, can you?" ent of surrounding conditions of pressure and tem- "No, and I cannot see the Steel space-car, either. perature. Look sharp." "The next thing to do," DuQuesne stated calmly, "is "Of course," Seaton continued to argue as he peered to get the copper off the outside of the ship. That is out into the night, "it is theoretically possible that a the last resort, as it robs us of our only safeguard heavenly body can exist large enough so that it could against meteorites, but this is. the time for last-resort exert even this much force and still appear no larger measures. I'm going after that copper. Put these than an ordinary star, but I don't believe it is prob- suits on, as our air will leave as soon as Iopen the door, able. Give me three or four minutes of visual angle and practically an absolute vacuum and equally abso- and I'll believe anything, but none of these stars are lute zero will come in." big enough to have any visual angle at all. Further- As he spoke, the ship was enveloped in a blinding more .. ." glare and they were thrown flat as the vessel slowed "There is at least half a degree of visual angle!" down in its terrific fall. The thought flashed across broke in his friend intensely. "Just to the left of that DuQuesne's mind that they had already entered the constellation that looks so much like a question mark. atmosphere of that monster globe and were being It is not bright, but dark, like a very dark moon—barely slowed down and set afire by its friction, but he dis- perceptible." missed it as quickly as it had come—the light in that Seaton pointed his glass eagerly in the direction indi- case would be the green of copper, not this bluish-white. cated. His next thought was that there had been a collision of "Great Cat!" he ejaculated. "I'll say that's some meteors in the neighborhood, and that their retardation moon! Wouldn't that rattle your slats? And there's was due to the outer coating. While these thoughts DuQuesne's bus, too, on the right edge. Get it?" were flickering through his mind, they heard an in- As they stood up, Seaton's mood turned to one of sistent metallic tapping, which DuQuesne recognized deadly earnestness, and a grave look carne over Crane's instantly. face as the seriousness of their situation dawned upon "A machine-gun !" he blurted in amazement. "How them. Trained mathematicians both, they knew in- in .. ." stantly that that unknown world was of inconceivable "It's Dick !" screamed Dorothy, with flashing eyes. mass, and that their chance of escape was none too "He's found us, just as Iknew he would. You couldn't good, even should they abandon the other craft to its beat Dick and Martin in a thousand years!' fate. Seaton stared at Crane, his fists clenched and The tension under which they had been laboring so drops of perspiration standing on his forehead. Sud- long suddenly released, the two girls locked their arms denly, with agony in his eye , and in his voice, he spoke. around each other in a half-hysterical outburst of re- "Mighty slim chance of getting away if we go lief. Margaret's meaningless words and Dorothy's in- through with it, old man. .. . Hate like the devil .. . coherent praises of her lover and Crane mingled with Have no right to ask you to throw yourself away, too." their racking sobs as each fought to recover self-pos- "Enough of that, Dick. You had nothing to do with session. my coming; you could not have kept me away. We DuQuesne had instantly mounted to the upper win- will see it through." dow. Throwing back the cover, he flashed his torch Their hands met in a fierce clasp, broken by Seaton, rapidly. The glare of the searchlight was snuffed out as he jumped to the levers with an intense: and he saw a flashing light spell out in dots and dashes: "Well, let's get busy!" "Can you read Morse?" In a few minutes they had reduced the distance until "Yes," he signalled back. "Power gone, drifting they could plainly see the other vessel, a small black into .. ." circle against the faintly luminous disk. As it leaped "We know it. Will you resist ?" into clear relief in the beam of his powerful search- light, Seaton focused the great attractor upon the fugi- "Have you fur pressure-suits?" tive car and threw in the lever which released the full "Yes." force of that mighty magnet, while Crane attracted the "Put them on. Shut off your outer coating. Will attention of the vessel's occupants by means of a mo- touch so your upper door against our lower. Open, mentary burst of solid machine-gun bullets, which he transfer quick." knew would glance harmlessly off the steel hull. "O. K." Kg'

•OE

fe r

DuQuesne seized her and tossed her lightly through the doorway in such a manner that she would not touch the metal, which would have frozen instantly anything coming into contact with it. 540 THE SKYLARK OF SPACE 541

ASTILY returning to the main compartment, he "I've heard that your word is good " briefly informed the girls as to what had hap- "It has never been broken." pened. All three donned the suits and stationed them- "Will you give your word to act as one of the party, selves at the upper opening. Rapidly, but with unerring for the good of us all, if we don't iron you?" precision, the two ships were brought into place and "Yes—until we get back to the earth. Provided, of held together by the attractor. As the doors were course, that I reserve the right to escape at any time opened, there was a screaming hiss as the air of the between now and then if Iwish to and can do so with- vessels escaped through the narrow crack between them. out injuring the vessel or any member of the party in The passengers saw the moisture in the air turn into any way." snow, and saw the air itself first liquefy and then freeze "Agreed. Let's get busy—we're altogether too close into a solid coating upon the metal around the orifices to that dud there to suit me. Sit tight, everybody, at the touch of the frightful cold outside—the absolute we're on our way !" he cried, as he turned to the board, zero of interstellar space, about four hundred sixty de- applied one notch of power, and shut off the attractor. grees below zero in the every-day scale of temperature. The Skylark slowed down a trifle in its mad fall, the The moisture of their breath condensed upon the inside other vessel continued on its way—a helpless hulk, of the double glasses of their helmets, rendering sight manned by a corpse, falling to destruction upon the useless. bleak wastes of a desert world. Dorothy pushed the other girl ahead of her. Du- "Hold on !" said DuQuesne sharply. "Tour power Quesne seized her and tossed her lightly through the is the same as mine ‚vas, in proportion to your mass, doorway in such a manner that she would not touch isn't it ?" the metal, which would have frozen instantly anything "Yes." coming into contact with it. Seaton was waiting. Feel- "Then our goose is cooked. Icouldn't pull away ing a woman's slender form in his arms, he crushed her from it with everything Ihad, couldn't even swing out to him in a mighty embrace, and was astonished to feel enough to make an orbit, either hyperbolic or elliptical movements of resistance, and to hear a strange, girl- around it. With a reserve bar you will be able to make ish voice cry out: an orbit, but you can't get away from it." "Don't! It's me! Dorothy's next !" "Thanks for the dope. That saves our wasting some Releasing her abruptly, he passed her on to Martin effort. Our power-plant can be doubled up in emer- and turned just in time to catch his sweetheart, who, gencies, thanks to Martin's cautious old bean. We'll knowing that he would be there and recognizing his simply double her up and go away from here." powerful arms at the first touch, returned his embrace with a fierce intensity which even he had never sus- 40`THERE is one thing we didn't consider quite pected that she could exert. They stood motionless, 1 enough," said Crane, thoughtfully. "I started locked in each other's arms, while DuQuesne dove fo faint back there before the full power of even one through the opening and snapped the door shut behind motor was in use. With the motor doubled, each of us him. will be held down by a force of many tons—we would The air-pressure and temperature back to normal, all be helpless." the cumbersome suits were hastily removed, and Sea- "Yes," added Dorothy, with foreboding in her eyes, ton's lips met Dorothy's in a long, clinging caress. "we were all unconscious on the way out, except Dr. DuQuesne's cold, incisive voice broke the silence. DuQuesne." "Every second counts. I would suggest that we go "Well, then, Blackie and I, as the huskiest members somewhere." of the party, will give her the juice until only one of us "Just a minute !" snapped Crane. "Dick, what shall is left with his eyes open. If that isn't enough to pull we do with this murderer ?" us clear, we'll have to give her the whole works and Seaton had forgotten DuQuesne utterly in the joy let her ramble by herself after we all go out. How of holding his sweetheart in his arms, but at his friend's about it, Blackie?" unconsciously falling into the old words, he faced about and his face grew stern. Bureau nickname, "Do you think ‚ve can make it stop "By rights, we ought to chuck him back into his at unconsciousness with double power on?" own tub and let him go to the devil," he said savagely, DuQuesne studied the two girls carefully. doubling his fists and turning swiftly. "With oxygen in the helmets instead of air, we all "No, no, Dick," remonstrated Dorothy, seizing his may be able to stand it. These special cushions keep arm. "He treated us very well, and saved my life the body from flattening out, as it normally would once. Anyway, you mustn't kill him." under such a pressure. The unconsciousness is simply "No, I suppose not," grudgingly assented her lover, a suffocation caused by the lateral muscles being unable "and I won't, either, unless he gives me at least half to lift the ribs—in other words, the air-pumps aren't an excuse." strong enough for the added work put upon them. At "We might iron him to a post?" suggested Crane, least we stand a chance this way. ‚Ve may live through doubtfully. the pressure while we are pulling away, and we cer- "I think there's a better way," replied Seaton. "He tainly shall die if we don't pull away." may be able to work his way. His brain hits on all After a brief consultation, the men set to work twelve, and he's strong as a bull. Our chance of get- with furious haste. While Crane placed extra bars in ting back isn't a certainty, as you know." He turned each of the motor's and DuQuesne made careful obser- to DuQuesne. vations upon the apparent size of the now plainly visible 542 AMAZING STORIES world toward which they were being drawn so ir- that DuQuesne was still able to move his lever. His resistibly, Seaton connected the helmets with the air- brain reeled. His arm seemed paralyzed by its own and oxygen-tanks through a valve upon the board, by enormous weight, and felt as though it, the rolling means of which he could change at will the oxygen table upon which it rested, and the supporting f rame - content of the air they breathed. He then placed the work were so immovably welded together that it was strange girl, who seemed dazed by the frightful sensa- impossible to move it even the quarter-inch necessary tion of their never-ending fall, upon one of the seats, to operate the ratchet-lever. He could not move his. fitted the cumbersome helmet upon her head, strapped body, which was oppressed by a sickening weight. His her carefully into place, and turned to Dorothy. In an utmost efforts to breathe forced only a little of the instant they were in each other's arms. He felt her life-giving oxygen into his lungs, which smarted pain- labored breathing and the wild beating of her heart, fully at the touch of the undiluted gas, and he felt that pressed so closely to his, and saw the fear of the un- he could not long retain consciousness under such con- known in the viOlet depths of her eyes, but she looked ditions. Nevertheless, he summoned all his strength at him unflinchingly. and advanced the lever one more notch. He stared at "Dick, sweetheart, if this is good-bye .. ." the clock-face above his head, knowing that if Du- He interrupted her with a kiss. Quesne could advance his lever again he would lose "It isn't good-bye yet, Dottie mine. This is merely consciousness and be beaten. Minute after minute went a trial effort, to see what we will have to do to get away. by, however, and the acceleration of the ship remained Next time will be the time to worry." constant. Seaton, knowing that he was in sole control "I'm not worried, really .. . but in case .. . you see of the power-plant, fought to retain possession of his ... I... we ..." faculties, while the hands of the clock told off the in- The gray eyes softened and misted over as he pressed terminable minutes. his cheek to hers. After an eternity of time an hour had passed, and "I understand, sweetheart," he whispered. "This is Seaton attempted to cut down his power, only to find not good-bye, but if we don't pull through we'll go to- with horror that the long strain had so weakened him gether, and that is what we both want." that he could not reverse the ratchet. He was still As Crane and DuQuesne finished their tasks, Seaton able, however, to give the lever the backward jerk fitted his sweetheart's helmet, placed her tenderly upon which disconnected the wires completely—and the the seat, buckled the heavy reštraining straps about her safety straps creaked with the sudden stress as, half slender .body, and donned his own helmet. He took his the power instantly shut off, the suddenly released place at the main instrument board, DuQuesne station- springs tried to hurl five bodies against the ceiling. ing himself at the other. After a few minutes DuQuesne revived and slowly "What did you read on it, Blackie?" asked Seaton. cut off his power. To the dismay of both men they "Two degrees, one minute, twelve seconds diameter," were again falling! replied DuQuesne. "Altogether too close for comfort. DuQuesne hurried to the lower window to make the How shall we apply the power? One of us must stay observation, remarking: awake, or we'll go on as long as the bars last." "You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din." "You put on one notch, then I'll put on one. We "Only because you're so badly bunged up. One can feel the bus jump with each notch. We'll keep it more notch wopld've got my goat," replied Seaton up until one of us is so far gone that he can't raise the frankly as he made his way to Dorothy's side. He bar—the one that raises last will have to let the ship noticed as he reached her, that Crane had removed his run for thirty minutes or an hour, then cut down his helmet and was approaching the other girl. By the power. Then the other fellow will revive and cut his time DuQuesne had finished the observation, the other off, for an observation. How's that?" passengers had completely recovered, apparently none "All right." the worse for their experience.

HEY took their places, and Seaton felt the vessel ID we gain anything ?" asked Seaton eagerly. Tslow down in its horrible fall as DuQuesne threw up "I make it two, four, thirteen. We've lost his lever into the first notch. ,He responded instantly by about two minutes of arc. How much power did we advancing his own, and notch after notch the power ap- have on ?" plied to the ship by the now doubled motor was rapidly "A little over half—thirty-two points out of sixty increased. The passengers felt their suits envelope possible." them and began to labor for breath. Seaton slowly "We were still falling pretty fast. We'll have to turned the mixing valve, a little with each advance of put on everything we've got. Since neither of us can his lever, until pure oxygen flowed through the pipes. put it on we'll have to rig up an automatic feed. It'll The power levers had moved scarcely half of their take time, but it's the only way." range, yet minutes now intervened between each ad- The automatic control is already there," put in Crane, vance instead of seconds, as at the start. forestalling Seaton's explanation. "The only question As each of the two men was determined that he is whether we will live through it—and that is not would make the last advance, the duel continued longer really a question, since certain death is the only alterna- than either would have thought possible. Seaton made tive. We must do it." what he thought his final effort and waited—only to "We sure must," answered Seaton soberly. feel, after a few minutes, the upward surge telling him Dorothy gravely nodded assent. THE SKYLARK OF SPACE 543

"What do you fellows think of a little plus pressure when he had advanced the lever for the last time. on the oxygen?" asked Seaton. "I think it would help "Thirty-three." A giant hand shut off his breath a lot." completely, though he was fighting to his utmost for "I think it's a good idea," said DuQuesne, and Crane air. An intolerable weight rested upon his eyeballs, added: forcing them backward into his head. The universe "Four or five inches of water will be about all the whirled about him in dizzy circles—orange and black - pressure we can stand. Any more might burn our and green stars flashed before his bursting eyes. lungs too badly." "Thirty-four." The stars became more brilliant and The pressure apparatus was quickly arranged and of more variegated colors, and a giant pen dipped in the motors filled to capacity with reserve bars—enough fire was writing equations and rnathematico-chemical to last seventy-two hours—the scientists having decided symbols upon his quivering brain. He joined the cir- that they must risk everything on one trial and put in cling universe, which he had hitherto kept away from enough, if possible, to pull them clear out of the influ- him by main strength, and whirled about his own body, ence of this center of attraction, as the time lost in tracing a logarithmic spiral with infinite velocity—leav- slowing up to change bars might well mean the differ- ing his body an infinite distance behind. ence between success and failure. Where they might "Thirty-five." The stars and the fiery pen exploded lie at the end of the wild dash for safety, how they in a wild coruscation of searing, blinding light and he were to retrace their way with their depleted supply plunged from his spiral into a black abyss. of copper, what other dangers of dead star, planet, or sun lay in their path—all these were terrifying ques- T N spite of the terrific stress put upon the machine, tions that had to be ignored. 1 every part functioned perfectly, and soon after Seaton had lost consciousness the vessel began to draw t-OUESNE was the only member of the party away from the sinister globe; slowly at first, faster who actually felt any calmness, the quiet of the and faster as more and more of the almost unlimited others expressing their courage in facing fear. Life power of the mighty motor was released. Soon the seemed very sweet and desirable to them, the distant levers were out to the last notch and the machine was earth a very Paradise! Through Dorothy's mind exerting its maximum effort. One hour and an ob- flashed the visions she had built up during long sweet server upon the Skylark would have seen that the hours, visions of a long life with Seaton. As she apparent size of the massive unknown world was breathed an inaudible prayer, she glanced up and saw rapidly decreasing; twenty hours and it was so far Seaton standing beside her, gazing down upon her away as to be invisible, though its effect was still great; with his very soul in his eyes. Never would she forget forty hours and the effect was slight; sixty hours and the expression upon his face. Even in that crucial the Skylark was out of range of the slightest measurable hour, his great love for her overshadowed every other force of the monster it had left. feeling, and no thought of self was in his mind—his Hurtled onward by the inconceivable power of the care was all for her. There was a long farewell caress. unleashed copper demon in its center, the Skylark flew Both knew that it might be goodbye, but both were through the infinite reaches of interstellar space with silent as the violet eyes and the gray looked into each an unthinkable, almost incalculable velocity — beside other's depths and conveyed messages far beyond the which the velocity of light was as that of a snail to power of words. Once more he adjusted her helmet that of a rifle bullet; a velocity augmented every second and strapped her into place. by a quantity almost double that of light itself. As Crane had in the meantime cared for the other girl, the men again took their places and Seaton started the motor which would automatically advance the CHAPTER XI speed levers, one notch every five seconds, until the Through Space Into the Carboniferous full power of both motors was exerted. As the power was increased, he turned the valve as before, until EATON opened his eyes and gazed about him the helmets were filled with pure oxygen under a pres- wonderingly. Only half conscious, bruised and sure of five inches of water. Ssore in every part of his body, he could not at Margaret Spencer, weakened by her imprisonment, first realize what had happened. Instinctively draw- was the first to lose consciousness, and soon afterward ing a deep breath, he coughed and choked as the undi- Dorothy felt her senseŚ leave her. A half-minute, in luted oxygen filled his lungs, bringing with it a corn- the course of which six mighty surges were felt, as -plete understanding of the situation. Knowing from more of the power of the doubled motor was released, the lack of any apparent motion.. that the power had and Crane had gone, calmly analyzing his sensations been sufficient to pull the car away from that fatal to the last. After a time DuQuesne also lapsed into globe, his first thought was for Dorothy, and he tore unconsciousness, making no particular effort to avoid off his helmet and turned toward her. The force of it, as he knew that the involuntary muscles would even that slight movement, wafted him gently into the function quite as well without the direction of the will. air, where he hung suspended several minutes before Seaton, although he knew it was useless, fought to keep his struggles enabled him to clutch a post and draw his senses as long as possible, counting the impulses himself down to the floor. A quick glance around he felt as the levers were advanced. informed him that Dorothy. as well as the others, was "Thirty-two." He felt exactly as he had before, still unconscious. Making his way rapidly to her, he 544 AMAZING STORIES placed her face downward upon the floor and began cer," replied Crane, "but as Ihave been guilty of one artificial respiration. Very soon he was rewarded by or two things along that line, I may be the man he tbe coughing he had longed to hear. He tore off her meant." helmet and clasped her to his breast in an agony of "Pardon me if Iseem to change the subject," put in relief, while she sobbed convulsively upon his shoulder. Seaton, "but where's DuQuesne?" The first ecstacy of their greeting over, Dorothy started "We came to at the sanie time, and he went into the guiltily. galley to fix up something to eat." "Oh, Dick !" she exclaimed. "How about Peggy? "Good for him !" exclaimed Dorothy. "I'm simply You must see how she is !" starved to death. I would have been demanding food "Never mind," answered Crane's voice cheerily. long ago, but I have so many aches and pains that I "She is coming to nicely." didn't realize how hungry I was until you mentioned Glancing around quickly, they saw that Crane had it. Come on, Peggy, Iknow where our room is. Let's already revived the stranger, and that DuQuesne was go powder our noses while these bewhiskered gentle- not in sight. Dorothy blushed, the vivid wave of color men reap their . beards. Did you bring along any of rising to her glorious hair, and hastily disengaged her my clothes, Dick, or did you forget them in the arms from around her lover's neck, drawing away excitement ?" from him. Seaton, also blushing, dropped his arms, "I didn't think anything about clothes, but Martin and Dorothy floated away from him, frantically clutch- did. You'll find your whole wardrobe in your room. ing at a brace just beyond reach. I'm with you, Dot, on that eating proposition—I'm "Pull me down, Dick !" she called, laughing gaily. hungry enough to eat the jamb off the door!" Seaton, seizing her instinctively, neglected his own . anchorage and they hung in the air together, while FTER the girls had gone, Seaton and Crane went Crane and Margaret, each holding a strap, laughed A to their rooms, where they exercised vigorously with unrestrained merriment. to restore the circulation to their numbed bodies, "Tweet, tweet—I'm a canary !" chuckled Seaton. shaved, bathed, and returned to the saloon feeling like "Throw us a rope !" new men. They found the girls already there, seated "A Dicky-bird, you mean," interposed Dorothy. at one of the windows. "I knew that you were a sleight-of-hand expert, "Hail and greeting!" cried Dorothy at sight of them. Dick, but Idid not know that levitation was one of your 9 hardly recognized you without your whiskers. Do specialties," remarked Crane with mock gravity. "That hurry over here and look out this perfectly wonderful is a peculiar pose you are holding now. What are you window. Did you ever in your born days see anything doing—sitting on an imaginary pedestal?" like this sight? Now that I'm not scared pea-green, "I'll be sitting on your neck if you don't get a wiggle I can enjoy it thoroughly !" on with that rope !" retorted Seaton, but before Crane The two men joined the girls and peered out into had time to obey the command the floating couple had space through the window, which was completely in- approached close enough to the ceiling so that Seaton, visible, so clear was the glass. As the four heads bent, with a slight pressure of his hand against the leather, so close together, an awed silence fell upon the little sent them floating back to the floor, within reach of group. For the blackness of the interstellar void was one of the handrails. not the dark of an earthly night, but the absolute black Seaton made his way to the power-plant, lifted in of the absence of all light, beside which the black of one of the remaining bars, and applied a little power. platinum dust is pale and gray; and laid upon this The Skylark seemed to jump under them, then it velvet were the jewel stars. They were not the twink- seemed as though they were bã"ck on Earth—everything ling, scintillating beauties of the earthly sky, but minute had its normal weight once more, as the amount of points, so small as to seem dimensionless, yet of dazz- power applied was just enough to equal the acceleration ling brilliance. Without the interference of the air, of gravity. After this fact had been explained, Dor- their rays met the eye steadily and much of the effect othy turned to Margaret. of comparative distance was lost. All seemed nearer "Now that we are able to act intelligently, the party and there was no hint of familiarity in their arrange- should be introduced to each other. Peggy, this is ment. Like gems thrown upon darkness they shone in Dr. Dick Seaton, and this is Mr. Martin Crane. Boys, multi-colored beauty upon the daring wanderers, who this is Miss Margaret Spencer, a dear friend of mine. stood in their car as easily as though they were upon These are the boys I have told you só much about, their parent -Earth, and gazed upon a sight never before Peggy. Dick knows all about atoms and things; he seen by eye of man nor pictured in his imaginings. found out how to make the Skylark go. Martin, who Through the daze of their wonder, a thotight smote is quite a wonderful inventor, made the engines and Seaton like a blow from a fist. His eyes leaped to the things for it." instrument board and he exclaimed: "I may have heard of Mr. Crane," replied Margaret "Look there, Mart! We're heading almost directly eagerly. "My father was an inventor, and Ihave heard away from the Earth, and we must be making billions him speak of a man named Crane who invented a lot of miles per second. After we lost consciousness, the of instruments for airplanes. He used to say that the attraction of that big dud back there would swing us Crane instruments revolutionized flying. I wonder if around, of course, but the bar should have stayed you are that Mr. Crane?" pointed somewhere near the Earth, as I left it. Do "That is rather unjustifiably high praise, Miss Spen- you suppose it could have shifted the gyroscopes r THE SKYLARK OF SPACE 545

"It not only could have, it did," replied Crane, turn- "The first thing to do is to find a place to land." ing the bar until it again pointed parallel with the object- Seaton picked out a distant star in their course and compass which bore upon the Earth. "Look at the observed it through the spectroscope. Since it was board. The angle has been changed through nearly found to contain copper in notable amounts, all agreed half a circumference. We couldn't carry gyroscopes that its planets probably also contained copper. heavy enough to counteract that force." "Don't know whether we can stop that soon or not," "But they were heavier there—Oh, sure, you're right. remarked Seaton as he set the levers, "but we may as It's mass, not weight, that counts. But we sure are in well have something to shoot at. We'd better take one fine, large jam now. Instead of being half-way our regular twelve-hour tricks, hadn't we, Mart? It's back to the Earth we're—where are we, anyway?" a wonder we got as far as tbis without striking another They macle a reading on an object-compass focused snag. I'll take the first trick at the board—beat it upon the Earth. Seaton's face lengthened as seconds to bed." passed. When it had come to rest, both men calculated "Not so fast, Dick," argued Crane, as Seaton turned the distance. toward the engine-room. "It's my turn." "What d'you make it, Mart? I'm afraid to tell you "Flip a nickel," suggested Seaton. "Heads Iget it." my result." Crane flipped a coin. Heads it was, and the worn- "Forty-six point twenty-seven light-centuries," re- out party went to their rooms, all save Dorothy, who plied Crane, calmly. "Right ?" lingered after the others to bid her lover a more inti- "Right, and the time was 11:32 P. M. of Thursday, mate good-night." by the chronometer there. We'll time it again after a Seated beside him, his arm around ber and her head while and see how fast we're traveling. It's a good upon his shoulder, Dorothy exclaimed: thing you built the ship's chronometers to stand any "Oh, Dicky, Dicky, it is wonderful to be with you kind of stress. My watch is a total loss. Yours is, again! I've lived as many years in the last week as we too?" have covered miles !" "All of our watches must be broken. We will have Seaton kissed her with ardor, then turned• her fair to repair them as soon as we get time." face up to his and gazed hungrily at every feature. "Well, let's eat next! No human being can stand "It sure was awful until we found you, sweetheart my aching void much longer. How about you, Dot?" girl. Those two days at Wilson's were the worst and "Yes, for Cat's sake, let's get busy !" she mimicked longest I ever put in. I could have wrung Martin's him gaily. "Doctor DuQuesne's had dinner ready for cautious old neck! ages, and we're all dying by inches of hunger." "But isn't he a wiz at preparing for trouble? We sure owe him a lot, little dimpled lady." HE wanderers, battered, bruised, and sore, seated Dorothy was silent for a moment, then a smile Tthemselves at a folding table, Seaton keeping a quirked at one corner of her mouth and a dimple ap- watchful eye upon the bar and upon the course, while peared. Seaton promptly kissed it, whereupon it deep- enjoying Dorothy's presence to the full. Crane and ened audaciously. Margaret talked easily, but at intervals. Save when "What are you thinking about—mischief ?" he asked. directly addressed, DuQuesne maintained silence—not "Only of how Martin is going to be paid what we the silence of one who knows himself to be an intruder, owe him," she answered teasingly. "Don't let the but the silence of perfect self-sufficiency. The meal debt worry you any." over, the girls washed the dishes and busied them- "Spill the news, Reddy," he commanded, as his arm selves in the galley. Seaton and Crane made another tightened about her. observation upon the Earth, requesting DuQuesne to She stuck out a tiny tip of red tongue at him. stay out of the "engine room" as they called the par- "Don't let Peggy find out he's a millionaire." tially-enclosed space surrounding the main instrument "Why not?" he asked wonderingly, then he saw her board, where were located the object-compasses and the point and laughed: mechanism controlling the attractor, about which 'Du- "You little matchmaker !" Quesne knew nothing. As they rejoined DuQuesne "I don't care, laugh if you want to. Martin's as in the main compartment, Seaton said: nice a man as I know, and Peggy's a real darling. "DuQuesne, we're nearly five thousand light-years Don't you let slip a word about Martin's money, that's away from the Earth, and are getting farther at the all!" rate of about one light-year per minute." "She wouldn't think any less of him, would she?" "I suppose that it would be poor technique to ask "Dick, sometimes you are absolutely dumb. It would how you know ?" spoil everything. If she knew he was a millionaire It would—very poor. Our figures are right. The she would be scared to death—not of him, of course, difficulty is that we have only four bars left—enough but because she would think that he would think that to stop us and a little to spare, but not nearly enough she was chasing him, and then of course he would think to get back with, even if we could take a chance on that she was, see? As it is, she acts perfectly natural, drifting straight that far without being swung off— and so does he. Didn't you notice that while we were which, of course, is impossible." eating they talked together for at least fifteen minutes "That means that we must land somewhere and dig about her father's invention and the way they stole the some copper, then." plans and one thing and another? I don't believe he "Exactly. has talked that much to any girl except me the last five 546 AMAZING STORIES years—and he wouldn't talk to me until he knew that Steel crowd and with DuQuesne," Crane said slowly. I couldn't see any man except you. Much as we like "We have no evidence that will hold in law, but some Martin, we've got to admit that about him. He's been day DuQuesne will over-reach himself. We could con- chased so much that he's wild. If any other girl he vict him of abduction now, but the penalty for that is knows had talked to him that long, he would have been too mild for what he has done. Perkins' death was off to the North Pole or somewhere the next morning, not murder, then ?" and the best part of it is that he didn't think anything "Oh, no, it ‚vas purely self-defense. Perkins would of it." have killed him if he could. And he really deserved it—Perkins was a perfect fiend. The Doctor, as they OU think she is domesticating the wild man?" call him, is no better, although entirely different. He «iy "Now, Dick, don't be foolish. You know what is so utterly heartless and ruthless, so cold and scientific. Imean. Martin is a perfect dear, but if she knew that Do you know him very well?" he is the M. Reynolds Crane, everything would be "We know all that about him, and more. And yet ruined. You know yourself how horribly hard it is Dorothy said he saved her life?" to get through his shell to the real Martin underneath. "He did, from Perkins, but . I still think it was be- He is lonely and miserable inside, I know, and the cause he didn't want Perkins meddling in his affairs. right kind of girl, one that would treat him right, would He seems to me to be the very incarnation of a fixed make life Heaven for him, and herself too." purpose—to advance himself in the world." "Yes, and the wrong kind would make it •. ." "That expresses my thoughts exactly. But he slips "She would," interrupted Dorothy hastily, "but occasionally, as in this instance, and he will again. Peggy's the right kind. Wouldn't it be fine to have He will have to walk very carefully while he is with Martin and Peggy as happy, almost, as you and I are?" us. Nothing would please Dick better than an excuse "All right, girlie, I'm with you," he answered, em- for killing him, and Imust admit that Ifeel very much bracing her as though he intended never to let her go, the same way." "but you'd better go get some sleep—you're all in." "Yes, all of us do, and the way he acts proves what Considerably later, ;when Dorothy had finally gone, a machine he is. He knows just exactly how far to Seaton settled himself for the long vigil. Promptly at go, and never goes beyond it." the end of the twelve hours Crane appeared, alert of They felt the Skylark lurch slightly. eye and of bearing. "Oh, Mart !" called Seaton. "Going to pass that star "You look fresh as a daisy, Mart. Feeling fit ?" ‚ve were headed for—too fast to stop. I'm giving it "Fit as the proverbial fiddle. I could not have a ‚vide berth and picking out another one. There's a slept any better or longer if I had had a week off. big planet a few million miles off in line with the main Seven hours and a half is a luxury, you know." door, and another one almost dead ahead—that is, "All wrong, old top. I need eight every night, and straight down. We sure are traveling. Look at that I'm going to take about ten this time." sun flit by!" "Go to it, twelve if you like. You have earned it." Seaton stumbled to his room and slept as though in HEY saw the two planets, one like a small moon, a trance for ten hours. Rising, he took his regular Tthe other like a large star, and saw the strange morning exercises and went into the saloon. All save sun increase rapidly in size as the Skylark flew on at Martin were there, but he had eyes only for his sweet- such a pace that any earthly distance would have been heart, who was radiantly beautiful in a dress of deep covered as soon as it was begun. So appalling was bronze-brown. their velocity that their ship ‚vas bathed in the light "Good morning, Dick," she hailed him joyously. of that sun for only a short time, then 'vas again sur- "You woke up just in time—we are all starving again, rounded by the indescribable darkness. Their seventy- and were just going to eat without you!" two-hour flight without a pilot had seemed a miracle, "Good morning, everybody. I would like to eat now it seemed pntirely possible that they might fly in with you, Dottie, but I've got to relieve Martin. How'd a straight line for weeks without encountering any it be for you to bring breakfast into the engine room obstacle, so vast was the emptiness in comparison with and cheer my solitude, and let Crane eat with the the points of light that punctuated it. Now and then others?" they passed so close to a star that it apparently moved "Fine—that's once you had a good idea, if you never rapidly, but for the most part the silent sentinels stood, have another !" like distant mountain peaks to the travelers in an ex- After the meal DuQuesne, who abhorred idleness press train, in the same position for many minutes. with all his vigorous nature, took the watches of the Awed by the immensity of the universe, the two at party and went upstairs to the "shop," which was a the window were silent, not with the silence of em- completely-equipped mechanical laboratory, to repair barassment, but with that of two friends in the presence them. Seaton stayed at the board, where Dorothy of something beyond the reach of words. As they joined him as a matter of course. Crane and Margaret stared out into the infinity each felt as never before the sat down at one of the windows. pitiful smallness of even our whole solar system and She told him her story, frankly and fully, shuddering the utter insignificance of human beings and their with horror as she recalled the awful, helpless fall, works. Silently their minds reached out to each other during which Perkins had met his end. in mutual understanding. "Dick and I have a heavy score to settle with that Unconsciously Margaret half shuddered and moved THE SKYLARK OF SPACE 547 closer to her companion, the movement attracting his "Taking notes is the best thing I do !" she cried, and altention but not her own. A tender expression came called for a pad and pencil. into Crane's steady blue eyes as he looked down at the Stationed at the window, they fell to work in earnest. beautiful young woman by his side. For beautiful For several hours Crane took observations, calculated she undoubtedly was. Untroubled rest and plentiful distances, and dictated notes to Margaret. food had erased the marks of her imprisonment; Dor- "The stars are wonderfully different !" she exclaimed othy's deep, manifestly unassumed faith in the ability to him once. "That planet, I'm sure, has strange and of Seaton and Crane to bring them safely back to lovely life upon it. See how its color differs from Earth had quieted her fears ;and a complete costume most of the others we have seen so near? It is rosy of Dorothy's simple but well-cut clothes, which fitted and soft like a home fire. I'm sure its people are her perfectly, and in which she looked her best and happy." knew it, had completely restored her self-possession. They fell into a long discussion, laughing a little at He quickly glanced away and again gazed at the stars, their fancies. Were these multitudes of worlds peopled but now, in addition to the wonders of space, he saw as the Earth? Could it be that only upon Earth had masses of wavy black hair, high-piled upon a queenly occurred the right combination for the generation of head; deep down brown eyes half veiled by long, black life, so that the rest of the Universe was unpeopled? lashes; sweet, sensitive lips; a firmly rounded but "It is unthinkable that they are all uninhabited," dimpled chin; and a perfectly-formed young body. mused Crane. "There must be life. The beings may After a time she drew a deep, tremulous breath. not exist in any form with which we are familiar— As he turned, her eyes met his. In their shadowy they may well be fulfilling some purpose in ways so depths, still troubled by the mystery of the unknowable, different from ours that we should be unable to under- he read her very soul—the soul of a real woman. stand them at all." "I had hoped," said Margaret slowly, "to take a Margaret's eyes widened in startled apprehension, long flight above the clouds, but anything like this but in a moment she shook herself and laughed. never entered my mind. How unbelievably great it is! "But there's no reason to suppose they would be So much vaster than any perception we could get upon awful," she remarked, and turned with renewed interest earth! It seems strange that we were ever awed by to the window. the sea or the mountains .. . and yet .. ." Thus days went by and the Skylark passed one solar She paused, with her lip caught under two white system after another, with a velocity so great that it teeth, then went on hesitatingly: was impossible to land upon any planet. Margaret's "Doesn't it seem to you, Mr. Crane, that there is association with Crane, begun as a duty, soon became something in man as great as all this? Otherwise, an intense pleasure for them both. Taking notes or Dorothy and I could not be sailing here in a wonder seated at the board in companionable conversation or like the Lark, which you and Dick Seaton have made." sympathetic silence, they compressed into a few days more real companionship than is ordinarily enjoyed in INCE from the first, Dorothy had timed her wak- months. Oftener and oftener, as time went on, Crane Sing hours with those of Seaton—waiting upon him, found the vision of his dream home floating in his preparing his meals, and lightening the long hours of mind as he steered the Skylark in her meteoric flight his vigils at the board—Margaret took it upon herself or as he strapped himself into his narrow bed. Now, to do the same thing for Crane. But often they assem- however, the central figure of the vision, instead of be- bled in the engine-room, and there was much fun and ing an indistinct blur, was clear and sharply defined. laughter, as well as serious talk, among the four. Mar- And for her part, more and more was Margaret drawn garet was quickly accepted as a friend, and proved a to the quiet and unassuming, but utterly dependable and delightful companion. Her wavy, jet-black hair, the steadfast young inventor, with his wide knowledge and only color in the world that could hold its own with his keen, incisive mind. Dorothy's auburn glory, framed features self-reliant and strong, yet of womanly softness; and in this genial OMETIMES, when far from any star, the pilot atmosphere her quick tongue had a delicate wit and a Swould desert his post and join the others at meals. facility of expression that delighted all three. Dorothy, Upon one such occasion Seaton asked: after the manner of Southern women, became the "How's the book on astronomy, oh, learned ones?" hostess of this odd "party," as she styled it, and uncon- "It will be as interesting as Egyptian hieroglyphics," sciously adopted the attitude of a lady in her own home. Margaret replied, as she opened her notebook and Early in their flight, Crane suggested that they should showed him pages of figures and symbols. take notes upon the systems of stars through which "May Isee it, Miss Spencer ?" asked DuQuesne from they were passing. across the small table, extending his hand. "I know very little of astronomy," he said to Seaton, She looked at him, hot hostility in her brown eyes, "but with our telescope, spectroscope, and other instru- and he dropped his hand. ments, we should be able to take some data that will be "I beg your pardon," he said, with amused irony. of interest to astronomers. Possibly Miss Spencer _After the meal Seaton and Crane held a short con- would be willing to help us?" sultation, and the former called to the girls, asking "Sure," Seaton returned readily. "We'd be idiots to them to join in the "council of war." There was a mo- let a chance like this slide. Go to it !" ment's silence before Crane said diffidently: Margaret was delighted at the opportunity to help. "We have been talking about DuQuesne, Miss 548 AMAZING STORIES

Spencer, trying to decide a very important problem." finding that it weighed five and a half pounds, thus Seaton smiled in spite of himself as the color again ascertaining that the planet was either somewhat larger deepened in Margaret's face, and Dorothy laughed out- than the Earth or more dense. The ground was almost right. hidden by a rank growth of vegetation, but here and "Talk about a red-headed temper! Your hair must there appeared glade-like openings. be dyed, Peggy !" Seaton glanced at the faces about him. Tense inter- "I know Iacted like a naughty child," Margaret said est marked them all. Dorothy's cheeks were flushed, ruefully, "but he makes me perfectly furious and scares her eyes shone. She looked at him with awe and pride. me at the same time. A few more remarks like that 'I "A strange world, Dorothy," he said gravely. "You beg your pardon' of his and Iwouldn't have a thought are not afraid ?" left in my head !" "Not with you," she answered. "I am only thrilled Seaton, who had opened his mouth, shut it again with wonder." ludicrously, without saying a word, and Margaret gave "Columbus at San Salvador," said Margaret, her him a startled glance. dark eyes paying their tribute of admiration. "Now Ihave said it !" she exclaimed. I'm not afraid A dark flush mounted swiftly into Seaton's brown of him, boys, really. What do you want me to do?" face and he sought to throw most of the burden upon Seaton plunged in. Crane, but catching upon his face also a look of praise, "What we were trying to get up nerve enough to almost of tenderness, he quickly turned to the controls. say is that he'd be a good man on the astronomy job." "Man the boats !" he ordered an imaginary crew, and and Crane added quickly: the Skylark descended rapidly. "He undoubtedly knows more about it than I do, Landing upon one of the open spaces, they found and it would be a pity to lose the chance of using him. the ground solid and stepped out. What had appeared Besides, Dick and I think it rather dangerous to leave to be a glade was in reality a rock, or rather, a ledge of him so much time to himself, in which to work up a apparently solid metal, with scarcely a loose fragment plan against us." to be seen. At one end of the ledge rose a giant tree, "He's cooking one right now, I'll bet a hat," Seaton wonderfully symmetrical, but of a peculiar form. Its put in, and Crane added: branches were longer at the top than at the bottom, "If you are sure that you have no objections, Miss and it possessed broad, dark-green leaves, long thorns, Spencer, we might go below, where we can have it dark, and odd, flexible, shoot-like tendrils. It stood as an out- and all three of us see what we can make of the star- post of the dense vegetation beyond. Totally unlike gazing. ‚Ve are really losing an unusual opportunity." the forests of Earth were those fern-like trees, tower- Margaret hid gallantly any reluctance she might ing two hundred feet into the air. They were of an have felt. intensely vivid green and stood motionless in the still, "I wouldn't deserve to be here if I can't work with hot air of noonday. Not a sign of animal life was to the Doctor and hate him at the same time." be seen; the whole landscape seemed asleep. "Good for you, Peg, you're a regular fellow !" Seaton The five strangers stood near their vessel, conversing exclaimed. "You're a trump !" in low tones and enjoying the sensation of solid ground beneath their feet. After a few minutes DuOuesne E"‘ INALLY, the enormous velocity of the cruiser was remarked: sufficiently reduced to effect a landing, a copper- "This is undoubtedly a newer planet than ours. I bearing sun was located, and a course was laid toward should say that it was in the Carboniferous age. Aren't its nearest planet. those trees like those in the coal-measures, Seaton?" As the vessel approached its goal a deep undercur- "True as time, Blackie—there probably won't be a rent of excitement kept all the passengers feverishly human race here for ages, unless we bring out some occupied. They watched the distant globe grow larger, colonists." glowing through its atmosphere more and more clearly Seaton kicked at one of the loose lumps of metal as a great disk of white light, its outline softened by the questioningly with his heavy shoe, finding that it was air about it. Two satellites were close beside it. Its as immovable as though it were part of the ledge. Bend- sun, a great, blazing orb, a little nearer than the planet, ing over, he found that it required all his great strength looked so great and so hot that Margaret became un- to lift it and he stared at it with an expression of sur- easy. prise, which turned to amazement as he peered closer. "Isn't it dangerous to get so close, Dick? ‚Ve might "DuQuesne! Look at this !" burn up, mightn't we?" "Not without an atmosphere," he laughed. uQUESNE studied the metal, and waš shaken "Oh," murmured the girl apologetically, "I might D out of his habitual taciturnity. have known that." "Platinum, by all the little gods !" Dropping rapidly into the atmosphere of the planet, "We'll gral) some of this while the grabbing's good," they measured its density and analyzed it in apparatus announced Seaton, and the few visible lumps were installed for that purpose, finding that its composition rolled into the car. "If we had a pickaxe we'could chop was very similar to the Earth's air and that its pres- some more off .one of those sharp ledges down there." sure was not enough greater to be uncomfortable. "There's an axe in the shop," replied DuQuesne. When within one thousand feet of the surface, Seaton "I'll go get it. Go ahead, I'll soon be with you." weighed a five-pound weight upon a spring-balance, "Keep close together," warned Crane as the four THE SKYLARK OF SPACE 549 moved slowly down the slope. "This is none too safe, overwhelming relief, the adventurers huddled together Dick." as from the wilderness without there arose an appalling "No, it isn't, Mart. But we've got to see whether we tumult. can't find some copper, and I would like to get some more of this stuff, too. I don't think it's platinum, I OE'r_ HE scene, so quiet a few moments before, was believe that it's X." instantly changed. The trees, the swamp, and the As they reached the broken projections, Margaret air seemed filled with monsters so hideous as to stagger glanced back over her shoulder and screamed. The the imagination. Winged lizards of prodigious size others saw that her face was white and her eyes wide hurtled through the air, plunging to death against the with horror, and Seaton instinctively drew his pistol as armored hull. Indescribable flying monsters, with be whirled about, only to check his finger on the trig- feathers like birds, but with the fangs of tigers, at- ger ana lower his hand. tacked viciously. Dorothy screamed and started back "Nothing but X-plosive bullets," he growled in dis- as a scorpion-like thing with a body ten feet in length gust, and in helpless silence the four watched an un- leaped at the window in front of her, its terrible sting speakably hideous monster slowly appear from behind spraying the glass with venom. As it fell to the ground, the Skylark. Its four huge, squat legs supported a a huge spider—if an eight-legged creature with spines body at least a hundred feet long, pursy and ungainly; instead of hair, many-faceted eyes, and a bloated, globu- at the extremity of a long and sinuous neck a com- lar body weighing hundreds of pounds, may be called a paratively small head seemed composed entirely of a spider—leaped upon it and, mighty mandibles against cavernous mouth armed with row upon row of car- poisonous sting, the furious battle raged. Several nivorous teeth. Dorothy gasped with terror and both twelve-foot cockroaches climbed nimbly across the girls shrank closer to the two men, who maintained a fallen timber of the morass and began feeding voraci- baffled silence as the huge beast passed his revolting ously upon the body of the dead dinosaur, only to be head along the hull of the vessel. driven away by another animal, which all three men "I dare not shoot, Martin," Seaton whispered, "it recognized instantly as that king of all prehistoric crea- would wreck the bus. Have you got any solid bullets ?" tures, the saber-toothed tiger. This newcomer, a "No. We must hide behind these small ledges until tawny beast towering fifteen feet high at the shoulder, it goes away," answered Crane, his eyes upon Mar- had a mouth disproportionate even to his great size— garet's colorless face. "You two hide behind that one, a mouth armed with four great tiger-teeth more than we will take this one." three feet in length. He had barely begun his meal, "Oh, well, it's nothing to worry about, anyway. We however, when he was challenged by another night- can kill him as soon as he gets far enough away from mare, a something apparently half-way between a the boat," said Seaton as, with Dorothy clinging to him, dinosaur and a crocodile. At the first note the tiger he dropped behind one of the ledges. Margaret, her charged. Clawing, striking, rending each other with staring eyes fixed upon the monster, remained stand- their terrible teeth, a veritable avalanche of blood- ing until Crane touched her gently and drew her down thirsty rage, the combatants stormed up and down the beside him. little island. But the fighters were rudely interrupted, "He will go away soon," his even voice assured her. and the earthly visitors discovered that in this primi- "We are in no danger." tive world it was not only animal life that was dan- In spite of their predicament, a feeling of happiness gerous. flowed through Crane's whole being as he crouched be- The great tree standing on the farther edge of the hind the wall of metal with one arm protectingly around island suddenly bent over, lashing out like a snake and Margaret, and he longed to protect her through life as grasping both. It transfixed them with the terrible he was protecting her then. Accustomed as he was to thorns, which were now seen to be armed with needle- dangerous situations, he felt no fear. He felt only a points and to possess barbs like fish-hooks. It ripped great tenderness for the girl by his side, who had at them with the long branches, which were veritable ceased trembling but was still staring wide-eyed at the spears. The broad leaves, armed with revolting suck- monster through a crevice. ing disks, closed about the two animals, while the long, "Scared, Peggy ?" he whispered. slender twigs, each of which was now seen to have an "Not now, Martin, but if you weren't here I would eye at its extremity, waved about, watching each move- die of fright." ment of the captives from a safe distance. At this reply his arm tightened involuntarily, but he If the struggle between the two animals had been forced it to relax. awful, this was Titanic. The air was torn by the roars "It will not be long," he promised himself silently, pf the reptile, the screams of the great cat, and the "until she is back at home, among her friends, and shrieks of the tree. The very ground rocked with the then .. ." ferocity of the conflict. There could be but one result There came the crack of a rifle from the Skylark. —soon the tree, having absorbed the two gladiators, There was an awful roar from the dinosaur, which was resumed its upright position in all its beauty. quickly silenced by a stream of machine-gun bullets. The members of the little group stared at each other, "Blackie's on the job—let's go !" cried Seaton, and sick at heart. they raced up the slope. Making a detour to avoid the "This is NO place to start a copper-mine. I think writhing and mutilated mass, they plunged through the we'd better beat it," remarked Seaton presently, wiping opening door. DuOuesne shut it behind them and in drops of perspiration from his forehead. 550 AMAZING STORIES

"I think so," acquiesced Crane. "We found air and space, "we've got enough copper to visit several more Earth-like conditions here; we probably will elsewhere." worlds—several more solar systems, if necessary. But "Are you all right, Dottie?" asked Seaton. there's a nice, hopeful-looking planet right in front of "All right, Dicky," she replied, the color flowing back us. It may be the one we're looking for." into her cheeks. "It scared me stiff, and I think I Arrived in the belt of atmosphere, they tested it as have a lot of white hairs right now, but Iwouldn't have before, and found it satisfactory. missed it for anything." She paused an instant, and continued: CHAPTER XII "Dick, there must be a queer streak of brutality in The Mastery of Mind Over Matter me, but would you mind blowing up that frightful tree? I wouklift mind its nature if it were ugly—but look HEY descended rapidly, directly over a large and at it! It's so deceptively beautiful! You wouldn't imposing city in the middle of a vast, level, beau- think it had the disposition of a fiend, would you?" Ttifully-planted plain. While they were watching it, the city vanished and the plain ivas transformed into GENERAL laugh relieved the nervous tension, a heavily-timbered mountain summit, the valleys falling A and Seaton stepped impulsively toward Du- away upon all sides as far as the eye could reach. Ouesne with his hand outstretched. "Well, I'll say that's SOME mirage !" exclaimed "You've squared your account, Blackie. Say the Seaton, rubbing his eyes in astonishment. I've seen word and the war's all off." mirages before, but never anything like that. Wonder DuQuesne ignored the hand and glanced coldly at what this air's made of? But we'll land, anyway, if the group of eager, friendly faces. we finally have to swim !" "Don't be sentimental," he remarked evenly as he The ship landed gently upon the summit, the oc- turned away to his room. "Emotional scenes pain nie. cupants half expecting to see the ground disappear be- Igave my word to act as one of the party." fore their eyes. Nothing happened, however, and they "Well, may Ibe kicked to death by little red spiders !" disembarked, finding walking somewhat difficult be- exclaimed Seaton, dumbfounded, as the other disap- cause of the great mass of the planet. Looking around, peared. "He ain't a man, he's a fish !" they could see no sign of life, but they felt a presence "He's a machine. I always thought so, and now I near them—a vast, invisible something. know it," stated Margaret, and the others nodded agree- Suddenly, out of the air in front of Seaton, a man ment. materialized; a man identical with him in every feature "Well, we'll sure pull his cork as soon as we get and detail, even to the smudge of grease under one eye, back !" snapped Seaton. "He asked for it, and we'll the small wrinkles in his heavy blue serge suit, and the ()lye him both barrels !" emblem of the American Chemical Society upon his "I know Iacted the fool out there," Margaret apolo- watch-f ob. gized, flushing hotly and looking at Crane. "I don't "Hello, folks," the stranger began in Seaton's char- know what made me act so stupid. I used to have a acteristic careless speech. "I see you're surprised at little nerve." my knowing your language. You're a very inferior "You were a regular little brick, Peg," Seaton re- race of animals—don't even understand telepathy, don't turned instantly. "Both you girls are all to the good— understand the luminiferous ether, or the relation be- the right kind to have along in ticklish places." tween time and space. Your greatest things, such as Crane held out his steady hand and took Margaret's the Skylark and your object-compass, are merely toys." in a warm clasp. Changing instantly from Seaton's form to that of "For a girl in your weakened condition you were Dorothy, likewise a perfect imitation, the stranger con- wonderful. You have no reason to reproach yourself." tinued without a break: Tears filled the dark eyes, but were held back bravely "Atoms and electrons and things, spinning and whirl- as she held her head erect and returned the pressure ing in their dizzy little orbits. . . " It broke off of his hand. abruptly, continuing in the form of DuQuesne: "just so you don't leave me behind next time," she "Couldn't make myself clear as Miss Vaneman—not returned lightly, and the last word concerning the in- a scientific convolution in her foolish little brain. You cident had been said. are a freer type, DuQuesne, unhampered by foolish, Seaton applied the power and soon they were ap- soft fancies. But you are very clumsy, although work- proaching another planet, which was surrounded by a ing fairly well with your poor tools—Brookings and dense fog. Descending slowly, they found it to be a his organization, the Perkins Café and its clumsy wire- mass of boiling-hot steam and rank vapors, under less telephones. All of you are extremely low in the enormous pressure. scale. Such animals have not been known in our uni- The next planet they found to have a clear atmos- verse for ten million years, which is as far back as I phere, but the ground had a peculiar, barren look; and can remember. You have millions of years to go before analysis of the gaseous envelope proved it to be com- you will amount to anything; before you will even rise posed almost entirely of chlorin. No life of an earthly above death and its attendant necessity, sex." type could be possible upon such a world, and a search The strange being then assumed form after form for copper, even with the suits and helmets, would with bewildering rapidity, while the spectators stared probably be fruitless if not impossible. in dumb astiinishment. In rapid succession it took on 'Well," remarked Seaton as they were again in the likeness of each member of the party, of the vessel THE SKYLARK OF SPACE 551 itself, of the watch in Seaton's pocket—reappearing as "That is a childish defiance. It speaks well for your Seaton. courage, but ill for your intelligence," the animal said, "Well, bunch," it said in a matter-of-fact voice, and vanished. "there's no mental exercise in you and you're such a A moment later Seaton's hair almost stood on end low form of life that you're of no use on this planet; as he saw an automatic pistol appear upon the board so I'll dematerialize you." directly in front of him, clamped to it by bands of steel. Paralyzed by this unlooked-for demonstration of the PECULIAR light came into its eyes as they mastery of mind over matter, unable to move a muscle, A stared intently into Seaton's, and he felt his senses he lay helpless, staring at the engine of death in front reel under the impact of an awful mental force, but he of him. Although the whole proceeding occupied only fought back with all his power and remained standing. a fraction of a second, it seemed to Seaton as though "What's this?" the stranger demanded in surprise, he watched the weapon for hours. As the sleeve drew "This is the first time in history that mere matter— back, cocking the pistol and throwing a cartridge into which is only a manifestation of mind—has ever re- the chamber, the trigger moved, and the hammer de- fused to obey mind. There's a screw loose some- scended to speed on its way the bullet •which was to where." blot out his life. There was a sharp click as the ham- "I must reason this out," it continued analytically, mer fell—Seaton was surprised to find himself still changing instantaneously into Crane's likeness. "Ah! alive until a voice spoke, apparently from the muzzle Iam not a perfect reproduction. This is the first mat- of the pistol, with the harsh sound of a metallic dia- ter I have ever encountered that I could not repro- phragm. duce perfectly. There is some subtle difference. The "I was almost certain that it wouldn't explode," the external form is the same, the organic structure like- stranger said, chattily. "You see, I haven't derived wise. The molecules of substance are arranged as they that formula yet, so Icouldn't make a real explosive. I should be, as are also the atoms in the molecule. The could of course, materialize beside you, under your pro- electrons in the atom—ah! There is the difficulty. tective screen, and crush you in a vise. I could ma- The arrangement and number of electrons, as well as terialize as a man of metal, able to stand up under this positive charges, are entirely different from what Ihad acceleration, and do you to death. I could even, by a supposed. I must derive the formula." sufficient expenditure of mental energy, materialize a "Let's go, folks !" said Seaton hastily, drawing Dor- planet around your ship and crush it. However, these othy back toward the Skylark. "This dematerializa- crude methods are distasteful in the extreme, especially tion stunt may be play for him, but I don't want any since you have already given me some slight and un- of it in my family." expected mental exercise. In return, Ishall give you one "No, you really must stay," remonstrated the chance for your lives. I cannot dematerialize either stranger. "Much as it is against my principles to em- you or your vessel until I work out the formula for ploy brute force, you must stay and be properly de- your peculiar atomic structure. If I can derive the materialized, alive or dead. Science demands it." formula before you reach the boundaries of my home- As he spoke, he started to draw his automatic pistol. space, beyond which I cannot go, I shall let you go Being in Crane's form, he drew slowly, as Crane did; free. Deriving the formula will be a neat little prob- and Seaton, with the dexterity of much sleight-of-hand lem. It should be fairly easy, as it involves only a work and of years of familiarity with his weapon, drew simple integration in ninety-seven dimensions." and fired in one incredibly rapid movement, before the other had withdrawn the pistol from his pocket. The ILENCE ensued, and Seaton advanced his lever to X-plosive shell completely volatilized the stranger and Sthe limit of his ability to retain consciousness. Al- hurled the party backward toward the Skylark, into most overcome by the horror of their position, in an which they fled hastily. As Crane, the last one to agony of suspense, expecting every instant to be enter the vessel, fired his pistol and closed the massive hurled into nothingness, he battled on, with no thought door, Seaton leaped to the levers. As he did so, he saw of yielding, even in the face of those overwhelming a creature materialize in the air of the vessel and fall mental odds. to the floor with a crash as he threw on the power. "You can't do it, old top," he thought savagely, con- It was a frightful thing, like nothing ever before seen centrating all the power of his highly-trained mind upon any world; with great teeth, long, sharp claws, against the intellectual monster. "You can't demateri- and an automatic pistol clutched firmly in a human alize us, and you can't integrate above ninety-five di- hand. Forced fiat by the terrific acceleration of the mensions to save your neck. You can't do it—you're vessel, it was unable to lift either itself or the weapon, slipping—you're all balled up right now !" and lay helpless. For more than an hour the silent battle raged, dur- "We take one trick, anyway!" blazed Seaton, as he ing which time the Skylark flew millions upon millions threw on the power of the attractor and diffused its of miles toward Earth. Finally the stranger spoke force into a screen over the party, so that the enemy again. could not materialize in the air above them and crush "You three win," it said abruptly. In answer to the them by mere weight. "As pure mental force, you're unspoken surprise of all three men it went on: "Yes, entirely out of my class, but when you come down to all three of you got the same idea and Crane even matter, which Ican understand, I'll give you a run for forced his body to retain consciousness to fight me. your money until my angles catch fire." Your efforts were very feeble, of course, but were 552 AMAZING STORIES enough to interrupt my calculations at a delicate stage, as he plucked at his hair ruefully. "It nearly did us. every time. You are a low form of life, undoubtedly, "Let's test this stuff out and see if it's X, Mart, while but with more mentality than I supposed at first. I DuQuesne's out of the way. If it is X, it's SOME could get that formula, of course, in spite of you, if I find!" had time, but we are rapidly approaching the limits of Seaton cut off a bit of metal with his knife, ham- my territory, outside of which even I could not think mered it into a small piece of copper, and threw the my way back. That is one thing in which your mechani- copper into the power-chamber, out of contact with the cal devices are superior to anything my own race de- plating. As the metal received the current the vessel veloped before we became pure intellectuals. They started slightly. point the way back to your Earth, which is so far away "It is X! Mart, we've got enough of this stuff to that even my mentality cannot grasp the meaning of supply three worlds the distance. Ican understand the Earth, can visualize "Better put it away somewhere," suggested Crane, it from your minds, but I cannot project myself any and after the metal had been removed to Seaton's cabin, nearer to it than we are at present. Before Ileave you, the two men again sought a landing-place. Almost in I will say that you have conferred a real favor upon their line of flight they saw a close cluster of stars, each me—you have given me something to think about emitting a peculiar greenish light which, in the spectro- for thousands of cycles to come. Good-bye." scope, revealed a blaze of copper lines. Assured that their visitor had really gone, Seaton "That's our meat, Martin. We ought to be able to reduced the power to that of gravity and Dorothy soon grab some copper in that system, where there's so much sat up, Margaret reviving more slowly. of it that it colors their sunlight." "Dick," said Dorothy solemnly, "did that happen or "The copper is undoubtedly there, but it might be have I been unconscious and just had a nightmare?" too dangerous to get so close to so many suns. "We "It happened, all right," returned her lover, wiping may have trouble getting away." his brow in relief. "See that pistol clamped upon the "Well, our copper's getting horribly low. We've got top of the board? That's a token in remembrance of to find some pretty quick, somewhere, or else walk back him." home, and there's our best chance. We'll feel our way Dorothy, though she had been only half conscious, along. If it gets too strong, we'll beat it." had heard the words of the stranger. As she looked When they had approached so close that the suns at the faces of the men, white and drawn with the were great stars widely spaced in the heavens, Crane mental struggle, she realized what they had gone relinquished the controls to Seaton. through, and she drew Seaton down into one of the "If you will take the lever awhile, Dick, Margaret seats, stroking his hair tenderly. and I will go downstairs and see if we can locate a Margaret went to her room immediately, and as she planet." did not return, Dorothy followed. She came back pres- After a glance through the telescope, Crane knew ently with a look of concern upon her face. that they were still too far from the group of suns to "This life is a little hard on Peggy. I didn't realize place any planet with certainty, and began taking notes. how much harder for her it would be than it is for me His mind was not upon his work, however, but was until Iwent in there and found her crying. It is much completely filled with thoughts of the girl at his side. harder for her, of course, since I am with you, Dick, The intervals between his comments became longer and and with you, Martin, whom Iknow so well. She must longer until they were standing in silence, both staring feel terribly alone." with unseeing eyes out into the trackless void. But it "Why should she?" demanded Seaton. "We think was in no sense their usual companionable silence. Crane she's some game little guy. Why, she's one of the was fighting back the words he longed to say. This bunch! She must know that !" lovely girl was not here of hcr own accord—she had "Well, it isn't the same," insisted Dorothy. "You been torn forcibly from her home =I from her friends, be extra nice to her, Dick. But don't you dare let her and he would not, could not, make her already difficult know Itold you about the tears, or she'd eat me alive !" position even more unpleasant by forcing his attentions Crane said nothing—a not unusual occurrence—but upon her. Margaret sensed something unusual and his face grew thoughtful and his manner, when Mar- significant in his attitude and held herself tenso, her garet appeared at mealtime, was more solicitous than heart beating wildly. usual and more than brotherly in its tenderness. At that moment an asteroid came within range 3f the shall be an interstellar diplomat," Dorothy whis- Skylark's watchful repeller, and at the lurch cf the pered to Seaton as soon as they were alone. "Wàsn't vessel, as it swung around the obstruction, Margaret that a beautiful bee I put upon Martin ?" would have fallen had not Crane instinctively caught Seaton stared at her a moment, then shook her gently her with one arm. Ordinarily this bit of courtesy would before he took her into his arms. have gone unnoticed by both, as it had happened many times before, but in that heavily-charged atmosphere HE information, however, did not prevent him it took on a new significance. Both blushed hotly, and Tfrom calling to Crane a few minutes later, even as their eyes met each saw that which held them spell- though he was still deep in conversation with Mar- bound. Slowly, almost as if without volition, Crane garet. Dorothy gave him an exasperated glance and put his other arm around her. A wave of deeper crim- walked away. son swept over her face and she bent her handsome "I sure pulled a boner that time," Seaton muttered head as her slender body yielded to his arms with no THE SKYLARK OF SPACE 553 effort to free itself. Finally Crane spoke, his usually directly beneath them—an ocean of a deep, intense, even voice faltering. wondrously beautiful blue, which the scientists studied "Margaret, I hope you will not think this unfair of with interest. Arrived at the surface, Seaton moistened me ... but we have been through so much together that a rod in a wave, and tasted it cautiously, then uttered a I feel as though we had known each other forever. yell of joy—a yell broken off abruptly as he heard the Until we went through this last experience I had in- sound of his own voice. Both girls started as the vi- tended to wait—but why should we wait? Life is not brations set up in the dense air smote upon their ear- lived in years alone, and you know how much I love drums. Seaton moderated his voice and continued: you, my clearest !" he finished, passionately. "I forgot about the air-pressure: But hurrah for Her arms crept up around his neck, her bowed head this ocean—it's ammoniacal copper sulphate solution ! lifted, and her eyes looked deep into his as she whis- We can sure get all the copper we want, right here, but pered her answer: it would take weeks to evaporate the water and re- "I think I do ... Oh, Martin!" cover the metal. We can probably get it easier ashore. Presently they made their way back to the engine- Let's go !" room, keeping the singing joy in their hearts inaudible They started off just above the surface of the ocean and the kisses fresh upon their lips invisible. They toward the nearest continent, which they had observed might have kept their secret for a time, had not Seaton from the air. promptly asked: "Well, what did you find, Mart?" CHAPTER XIII A panicky look appeared upon Crane's self-possessed Nalboon of Mardonale countenance and Margaret's fair face glowed like a peony. s th9 Skylark approached the shore, its occupants "Fes, what did you find?" demanded Dorothy, as she heard a rapid succession of heavy detonations, noticed their confusion. Aapparently coming from the direction in which "My future wife," Crane answered steadily. they were traveling. The two girls rushed into each other's arms and the "Wonder what that OE racket is?" asked Seaton. two men silently gripped hands in a clasp of steel ; for "It sounds like big guns," said Crane, and DuQuesne each of the four knew that these two unions were not nodded agreement. passing fancies, lightly entered into and as lightly cast "Big guns is right. They're shooting high explo- aside, but were true partnerships which would endure sive shells, too, or I never heard any. Even allowing throughout the entire span of life. for the density of the air, that kind of noise isn't made by pop-guns." PLANET was located and the Skylark flew to- "Let's go see what's doing," and Seaton started to A ward it. Discovering that it was apparently situ- walk toward one of the windows with his free, swing- ated in the center of the duster of suns, they hesitated; ing stride. Instantly he was a-sprawl, the effort neces- but finding that there was no dangerous force present, sary to carry his weight upon the Earth's surface lift- they kept on. As they drew nearer, so that the planet ing him into the air in a succession of ludicrous hops, appeared as a very small moon, they saw that the Sky- but he soon recovered himself and walked normally. lark was in a blaze of green light, and looking out of "I forgot this two-fifths gravity stuff," he laughed. the windows, Crane counted seventeen great suns, scat- "Walk as though we had only a notch of power on and tered in all directions in the sky! Slowing down it goes all right. It sure is funny to feel so light when abruptly as the planet was approached, Seaton dropped we're so close to the ground." the vessel slowly through the atmosphere, while Crane He closed the doors to keep out a part of the noise and DuOuesne tested and analyzed it. and advanced the speed lever a little, so that the vessel "Pressure, thirty pounds per square inch. Surface tilted sharply under the pull of the almost horizontal gravity as compared to that of the Earth, two-fifths. bar. Air-pressure about double that of the Earth, while a "Go easy," cautioned Crane. "We do not want to fine-pound weight weighs only two pounds. A peculiar get in the way of one of their shells. They may be combination," reported Crane, and DuOuesne added: of a different kind than those we are familiar with." "Analysis about the same as our air except for two "Right—easy it is. We'll stay forty miles above and three-tenths per cent of a gas that isn't poisonous them, if necessary." and which has a peculiar, fragrant odor. Ican't analyze As the great speed of the ship rapidly lessened the it and think it probably an element unknown upon distance, the sound grew heavier and clearer—like Earth, or at least very rare." one continuous explosion. So closely did one deafening "It would have to be rare if you don't know what it concussion follow another that the ear could not dis- is," acknowledged Seaton, locking the Skylark in place tinguish the separate reports. and going over to smell the strange gas. "I see them," simultaneously announced Crane, who Deciding that the air was satisfactory, the pressure was seated at one of the forward windows searching inside the vessel was slowly raised to the value of that the country with his binoculars, and Seaton, who, from outside and two doors were opened, to allow the new the pilot's seat, could see in any direction. atmosphere free circulation. The others hurried to the windows with their glasses Seaton shut off the power actuating the repeller and and saw an astonishing sight. let the vessel settle slowly toward the ocean which was "Aerial battleships, eight of 'em!" exclaimed Seaton, 554 AMAZING STORIES

"as big as the Idaho. Four of 'em are about the same upon the side of the hideous body. There was no smoke, shape as our battleships. No wings—they act like no gas or vapor of any kind—only a huge volume of helicopters." intolerable flame as the energy stored within the atoms "Four of them are battleships, right enough, but of copper, instantaneously liberated, heated to incan- what about the other four ?" asked Du uesne. "They descence and beyond all the atmosphere within a radius are not ships or planes or anything else that I ever of hundreds of feet. The monster disappeared utterly, heard of." and Seaton, with unerring hand, reversed the bar and "They are animals," asserted Crane. "Machines darted back down toward the fleet of airships. He never were and never will be built like that." reached them in time to focus the attractor upon the As the Skylark cautiously approached, it was evident to wrecked and helpless plane in the middle of its five- the watchers that four of the contestants were undoubt- thousand-foot fall and lowered it gently to the ground, edly animals. Here indeed was a new kind of animal, an surrounded by the fleet. animal able to fight on even terms with a first-class bat- The Skylark landed easily beside the wrecked ma- tleship! Frightful aerial monsters they were. Each chine, and the wanderers saw that their vessel was com- had an enormous, torpedo-shaped body, with scores of pletely surrounded by a crowd of people—men and prodigiously long tentacles like those of a devil-fish women identical in form and feature with themselves. and a dozen or more great, soaring wings. Even at They were a superbly molded race, the men fully as that distance they could see the row of protruding eyes large as Seaton and DuQuesne; the women, while along the side of each monstrous body and the terrible, smaller than the men, were noticeably taller than the prow-like beaks tearing through the metal of the war- two women in the car. The men wore broad collars of ships opposing them. They could see, by the reflection metal, numerous metallic ornaments, and heavily- of the light from the many suns, that each monster was jeweled leather belts and shoulder-straps which were apparently covered by scales and joints of some trans- hung with weapons of peculiar patterns. The women parent armor. .That it was real and highly effective carried no weapons, but were even more highly deco- armor there could be no doubt, for each battleship rated than were the men—each slender, perfectly- bristled with guns of heavy caliber and each gun was formed body scintillated with the brilliance of hun- vomiting forth a continuous stream of fire. Shells dreds of strange gems, flashing points of fire. Jeweled bursting against each of the creatures made one con- hands of metal and leather restrained their carefully- tinuous blaze, and the uproar was indescribable—an un- groomed hair; jeweled collars encircled their throats; interrupted cataclysm of sound appalling in its intensity. jeweled belts, jeweled bracelets, jeweled anklets, each added its quota of brilliance to the glittering whole. The HE battle was brief. Soon all four of the battle- strangers wore no clothing, and their smooth skins shone Tships had crumpled to the ground, their crews ab- a dark, livid, utterly indescribable color in the peculiar, sorbed by the terrible sucking arms or devoured by the unearthly, yellowish-bluish-green glare of the light. frightful beaks. They did not die in vain—three of Green their skins undoubtedly were, but not any shade the monsters had been blown to atoms by shells which of green visible in the Earthly spectrum. The "whites" had apparently penetrated their armor. The fourth was of their eyes were a light yellowish-green. The heavy pursuing something, which Seaton now saw was a fleet hair of the women and the close-cropped locks of the of small airships, which had flown away from the scene men were green as well—a green so dark as to be al- of conflict. Swift as they were, the monster covered most black, as were also their eyes. three feet to their one. "Well, what d'you know about that?" pondered Sea- "We can't stand for anything like that," cried Seaton, ton, dazedly. "They're human, right enough, but ye as he threw on the power and the Skylark leaped ahead. gods, what a color !" "Get ready to bump him off, Mart, when I jerk him "It is hard to tell how much of that color is real, away. He acts hard-boiled, so give him a real one— and how much of it is due to this light," answered fif ty milligrams !" Crane. "Wait until you get outside, away from our Sweeping on with awful speed the monster seized the daylight lamps, and you will probably look like a largest and most gaily decorated plane in his hundred- Chinese puzzle. As to the form, it is logical to suppose foot tentacles just as the Skylark came within sighting that wherever conditions are similar to those upon the distance. In four practically simultaneous movements Earth, and the age is anywhere nearly the same, de- Seaton sighted the attractor at the ugly beak, released velopment would be along the same lines as with us." all its power, pointed the main bar of the Skylark di- "That's right, too. Dottie, your hair will sure look rectly upward, and advanced his speed lever. There gorgeous in this light. Let's go out and give the natives was a crash of rending metal as the thing was torn loose a treat !" from the plane and jerked a hundred miles into the "I wouldn't look like that for a million dollars !" re- air, struggling so savagely in that invisible and incom- torted Dorothy, "and if I'm going to look like that I prehensible grip that the three-thousand-ton mass of the won't get out of the ship, so there !" Skylark tossed and pitched like a child's plaything. "Cheer up, Dottie, you won't look like that. Your Those inside her heard the sharp, spiteful crack of the hair will be black in this light." machine-gun, and an instant later they heard a report "Then what color will mine be?" asked Margaret. that paralyzed their senses, even inside the vessel and in Seaton glanced at her black hair. the thin air of their enormous elevation, as the largest "Probably a very dark and beautiful green," he X-plosive bullet prepared by the inventors struck full grinned, his gray eyes sparkling, "but we'll have to wait THE SKYLARK OF SPACE 555 and see. Friends and fellow-countrymen, I've got a sounded like "See Tin, Bass uvvy Rood." Instantly hunch that this is going to be SOME visit. How about every right arm in the assemblage was aloft, that of it, shall we go ahead with it ?" each man bearing a weapon, while the left arms snapped Dorothy went up to him, her face bright with eager- into the peculiar salute and a mighty cry arose as all ness. repeated the name and title of the distinguished visitor. "Oh, what a lark! Let's go !" Seaton turned to thé Skylark, motioning to Crane to open the door. VEN in DuQuesne's cold presence, Margaret's eyes "Bring out one of those big four-color signal rockets, E sought those of her lover, and his sleeve, barely Mart !" he called. "They're giving us a royal reception touching her arm, was enough to send a dancing thrill —let's acknowledge it right." along it. "Onward, men of Earth !" she cried, and Seaton, HE party appeared, Crane carrying the huge stepping up to the window, rapped sharply upon the Trocket with an air of deference. As they ap- glass with the butt of his pistol and raised both hands proached, Seaton shrugged one shoulder and his cigar- high above his head in the universal sign of peace. ette-case appeared in his hand. Nalboon started, and In response, a man of Herculean mold, so splendidly in spite of his utmost efforts at self-control, he glanced decorated that his harness was one blazing mass of at it in surprise. The case flew open and Seaton, tak- jewels, waved his arm and shouted a command. The ing a cigarette, extended the case. crowd promptly fell back, leaving a clear space of sev- "Smoke?" he asked affably. The other took one, but eral hundred yards. The man, evidently one in high showed plainly that he had no idea of the use to which command, unbuckled his harness, dropping every it was to be put. This astonishment of the stranger at weapon, and advanced toward the Skylark, both arms a simple sleight-of-hand feat and his apparent ignorance upraised in Seaton's gesture. of tobacco emboldened Seaton. Reaching into his Seaton went to the door and started to open it. mouth, he pulled out a flaming match, at which Nalboon "Better talk to him from inside," cautioned Crane. started violently. While all the natives watched in "I don't think so, Mart. He's peaceable, and I've got amazement, Seaton lighted the cigarette, and after half my gun in my pocket. Since he doesn't know what consuming it in two long inhalations, he apparently clothes are he'll think I'm unarmed, which is as it swallowed the remainder, only to bring it to light again. should be; and if he shows fight, it won't take more Having smoked it, he apparently swallowed the butt, than a week for me to get into action." with evident relish. "All right, go on. DuQuesne and Iwill come along." "They don't know anything about matches or smok- "Absolutely not. He's alone, so I've got to be. I ing," he said, turning to Crane. "This rocket will tie notice that some of his men are covering us, though. them up in a knot. Step back, everybody." You might do the same for them, with a couple of the He bowed deeply to Nalboon, pulling a lighted match machine guns." for his ear as he did so, and lighted the fuse. There Seaton stepped out of the car and went to meet the was a roar, a shower of sparks, a blaze of colored fire stranger. When they had approached to within a few as the great rocket flew upward; but to Seaton's sur- feet of each other the stranger stopped. He flexed his prise, Nalboon took it quite as a matter of course, salut- left arm smartly, so that the finger-tips touched his left ing as an acknowledgment of the courtesy. ear, and smiled broadly, exposing a row of splendid, Seaton motioned to his party to approach, and turned shining, green teeth. Then he spoke, a meaningless to Crane. jumble of sounds. His .voice, though light and thin, "Better not, Dick. Let him think that you are the nevertheless seemed to be of powerful timbre. king of everything in sight." Seaton smiled in return and saluted. "Not on your life. If he is one king, we are two," "Hello, Chief. I get your idea all right, and we're and he introduced Crane, with great ceremony, to the glad you're peaceable, but your language doesn't mean Domak as the "Boss of the Skylark," at which the a thing in my young life." salute by his people was repeated. The Chief tapped himself upon the chest, saying dis- Nalboon then shouted an order and a company of tinctly and impressively: soldiers led by an officer came toward them, surround- "Nalboon." ing a small group of people, apparently prisoners. These "Nalboon," repeated Seaton, and added, pointing to captives, seven men and seven women, were much himself : lighter in color than the rest of the gathering, having "Seaton." skins of a ghastly, pale shade, practically the same color "See Tin," answered the stranger, and again indicat- as the whites of their eyes. In other bodily aspects they ing himself, "Domak gok Mardonale." were the same as their captors in appearance, save that "That must be his title," thought Seaton rapidly. they were entirely naked except for the jeweled metal "Have to give myself one, Iguess. collars worn by all and a massive metal belt worn by "Boss of the Road," he replied, drawing himself up one man. They walked with a proud and lofty car- with pride. riage, scorn for their captors in every step. The introduction made, Nalboon pointed to the Nalboon barked an order to the prisoners. They wrecked plane, inclined his head in thanks, and turned stared in defiance, motionless, until the man wearing to his people with one arm upraised, shouting an order the belt, who had studied Seaton closely, spoke a few in which Seaton could distinguish something that words in a low tone, when they all prostrated them- 556 AMAZING STORIES selves. Naloon then waved his hand, giving the whole the spaces between the buildings being park-like areas, group to Seaton as slaves. Seaton, with no sign of his evidently laid out for recreation, amusement, and sport. surprise, thanked the giver and motioned his slaves to There was no need for streets; all traffic was in the rise. They obeyed and placed themselves behind the air. The air seemed full of flying vehicles, darting* in party—two men and two women behind Seaton and all directions, but it was soon evident that there was the same number behind Crane; one man and one exact order in the apparent confusion, each class of woman behind each of the others. vessel and each direction of traffic having its own level. Seaton then tried to make Nalboon understand that Eagerly the three men studied he craft, which ranged they wanted copper, pointing to his anklet, the only in size from one-man helicopters, little more than sin- copper in sight. The chief instantly removed the trin- gle chairs flying about in the air, up to tremendous ket and handed it to Seaton; who, knowing by the multiplane freighters, capable of carrying thousands of gasp of surprise of the guard that it was some power- tons. ful symbol, returned it with profuse apologies. After Flying high over the city to avoid its congested air- trying in vain to make the other understand what he lanes, the fleet descended toward an immense building wanted, he led him into the Skylark and showed him the just outside the city proper, and all landed upon its remnant of the power -bar. He showed him its original roof save the flagship, which led the Skylark to a land- size and indicated the desired number by counting to ing-dock nearby—a- massive pile of metal and stone, sixteen upon his fingers. Nalboon nodded his compre- upon which Nalboon and his retinue stood to welcome hension and going outside, pointed upward toward the the guests. After Seaton had anchored the vessel im- largest of the eleven suns visible, motioning its rising movably by means of the attractor, the party disem- and setting, four times. barked, Seaton remarking with a grin: He then invited the visitors, in unmistakable sign "Don't be surprised at anything I do, folks. I'm a language, to accompany him as guests of honor, but walking storehouse of junk of all kinds, so that if oc- Seaton refused. casion arises Ican put on a real exhibition." "Lead on, MacDuff, we follow," he replied, explain- As they turned toward their host, a soldier, in his ing his meaning by signs as they turned to enter the eagerness to see the strangers, jostled another. With- vessel. The slaves followed closely until Crane re- out a word two keen swords flew from their scabbords monstrated. and a duel to the death ensued. The visitors stared in "We don't want them aboard, do we, Dick? There amazement, but no one else paid any attention to the are too many of them." combat, which was soon over; the victor turning away "All right," Seaton replied, and waved them away. from the body of his opponent and resuming his place As they stepped back the guard seized the nearest, a without creating a ripple of interest. woman, and forced her to her knees; while a man, Nalboon led the way into an elevator, which dropped adorned with a necklace of green human teeth and rapidly to the ground-floor level. Massive gates were carrying a shining broadsword, prepared to decapitate thrown open, and through ranks of people prostrate her. upon their faces the party went out into the palace "We must take them with us, Isee," said Crane, as grounds of the Domak, or Emperor, of the great nation he brushed the guards aside. Followed by the slaves, of Mardonale. the party entered the Skylark, and the dark green peo- Never before had Earthly 'eyes rested upon such ple embarked in their airplanes and helicopters. scenes of splendor. Every color and gradation of their Nalboon rode in a large and gaily-decorated plane, peculiar spectrum was present, in solid, liquid, and gas. which led the fleet at its full speed of six hundred miles The carefully-tended trees were all colors of the rain- an hour, the Skylark taking a placing a few hundred bow, as were the grasses and flowers along the walks. yards above the flagship. The fountains played streams of many and constantly- "I don't get these folks at all, Mart," said Seaton, changing hues, and even the air was tinted and per- after a moment's silence. "They have machines far fumed, swirling through metal arches in billows of ahead of anything we have on Earth and big guns that ever-varying colors and scents. Colors and combina- shoot as fast as machine-guns, and yet are scared to tions of colors impossible to describe were upon every death at a little simple sleight-of-hand. They don't hand, fantastically beautiful in that peculiar, livid light. seem to understand matches at all, and yet treat fire- Diamonds and rubies, their colors so distorted by the works as an every-clay occurrence." green radiance as to be almost unrecognizable; emer- "We will have to wait until we know them better," alds glowing with an intense green impossible in earthly replied Crane, and DuQuesne added: light, together with strange gems peculiar to this "From what I have seen, their power seems to be strange world, sparkled and flashed from railings, all electrical. Perhaps they aren't up with us in chem- statues, and pedestals throughout the ground. istry, even though they are ahead of us in mechanics ?" Isn't this gorgeous, Dick?" whispered Dorothy. "But what do Ilook like? Iwish Ihad a mirror—you look LYING above a broad, but rapid and turbulent simply awful. Do Ilook like you do?" Fstream, the fleet soon neared a large city, and the "Not being able to see myself, I can't say, but I visitors from Earth gazed with interest at this metro- imagine you do. You look as you would under a polis of the unknown world. The buildings were all the county-fair photographer's mercury-vapor arc lamps, same height, flat-roofed, and arranged in squares very only worse. The colors can't be described. You might much as our cities are arranged. There were no streets, as well try to describe cerise to a man born blind as to AMAZING STORIES 557

TO OUR READER S "I would greatly appreciate it if every reader of AMAZING Abe:lard fgnus STORIES would read this per- sonal message." absolutely FREE Editor "Amazing Stories' fflor to all T WISH to present you with a new and 1 unpublished scientifiction story of the interplanetarian type, entitled "The Van- readers guard of Venus, by Landell Bartlett. This is a full-length story, such as we of usually publish in AMAZING STORIES, but this particular story will never be pub- lished anywhere else, and the only way you NG 5311E5 can get it is to write for it. There are no strings to this unusual offer. All Iask is that you sign the coupon below. There is no charge of any kind connected with this offer. I do not even ask you to spend one cent for return postage. Just sign the coupon, forward it and the book is yours, write by return mail. WHY DO WE DO THIS ? Now! It is necessary, for circulation purposes, DONT that we know where our readers are lo- cated, in what cities, and from what news- dealers they buy. Perhaps you do not realize it, but magazines are sold unlike WAIT any other commodity. We put out 150,000 magazines a month, and trust to luck that they will all sell, every month. Very fre- quently we do not sell more than 125,000 copies. The balance will then go to waste, which we have to take back and credit the news- dealers for. In order to cut down this waste, we must know just where our readers are located, and supply the newsstands with only those copies where we know a demand exists. This will save us thousands Your Full Name Occupation of dollars a year, and in turn, we can well afford to present you with a free copy of "The Vanguard of Venus." Your Street and Number This story, by the way, Iassure you, is one of the best I have ever read. It is a real interplanetarian Your City and State scientifiction story, and is different from most others of this kind. I therefore ask you to sign the coupon printed below to take ad- If you are a subscriber, put an "X" here D vantage of this great offer. No strings to it. If you are a subscriber, we will not discriminate against you. You Name of Newsdealer from whom you buy AMAZING STORIES can have the book by filling out the coupon, just as if you were a news- stand reader. But act quickly. The Magazine supply of these books is limited.

AMAZING STORIES Dealer's Street and Number 230 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK, N. Y. A. S. 9 558 AMAZING STORIES try to express these colors in English, but as near as I goblets—was approved by the chemists, and the dinner can come to it, your eyes are a dark sort of purplish was brought on. There were mighty joints of various green, with the whites of your eyes and your teeth a kinds of meat; birds and fish, both raw and cooked in kind of plush green. Your skin is a pale yellowish many ways; green, pink, purple, and white vegetables green, except for the pink of your cheeks, which is a and fruits. The majordomo held each dish up to Sea- kind of black, with orange and green mixed up in it. ton for inspection, the latter waving away the fish and Your lips are black, and your hair is a funny kind of the darkest green foods, but approving the others. color, halfway between black and old rose, with a little Heaping plates, or rather metal trays, of food were green and .. ." placed before the diners, and the attendants behind "Heavens, Dick, stop! That's enough !" choked Dor- their chairs handed them peculiar implements—knives othy. "We all look like hobgoblins. We're even worse with razor edges, needle-pointed stilettoes instead of than the natins." forks, and wide, flexible spatulas, which evidently were "Sure we are. They were born here and are accli- to serve the purposes of both forks and spoons. mated to it—we are strangers and aren't. Iwould like "I simply can't eat with these things !" exclaimed to see what one of these people would look like in Dorothy in dismay, "and Idon't like to drink soup out Washington." of a can, so there !" "That's where my lumberjack training cornes in ALBOON led them into the palace proper and handy," grinned Seaton. "With this spatula I can eat N into a great dining hall, where a table was already faster than Icould with two forks. What do you want, prepared for the entire party. This room was splen- girls, forks or spoons, or both ?" didly decorated with jewels, its many windows being "Both, please." simply masses of gems. The walls were hung with a Seaton reached out over the table, seizing forks and cloth resembling silk, which fell to the floor in shim- spoons from the air and passing them to the others, mering waves of color. while the natives stared in surprise. The Domak took Woodwork there was none. Doors, panels, tables, a bowl filled with brilliant blue crystals from the major- nd chairs were cunningly wrought of various metals. domo, sprinkled his food liberally with the substance, Seaton and DuQuesne could recognize a few of them, and passed it to Seaton, who looked at the crystals but for the most part they were unknown upon the attentively. Earth; and were, like the jewels and vegetation of this "Copper sulphate," he said to Crane. "It's a good strange world, of many and various peculiar colors. thing they add it at the table instead of cooking with it, A closer inspection of one of the marvelous tapestries or we'd be out of luck." showed that it also was of metal, its threads numbering Waving the copper sulphate away, he again reached thousands to the inch. Woven of many different metals, out, this time producing a pair of small salt- and of vivid but harmonious colors in a strange and intri- pepper-shakers, which he passed to the Domak after cate design, it seemed to writhe as its colors changed he had seasoned the dishes before him. Nalboon tasted with every variation in the color of the light; which, the pepper cautiously and smiled in delight, half-empty- pouring from concealed sources, was reflected by the ing the shaker upon his plate. He then sprinkled a few highly-polished metal and inumerable jewels of the grains of salt into his palm, stared at them with an lofty, domed ceiling. expression of doubting amazement, and after a few "Oh .. . isn't this too perfectly gorgeous?" breathed rapid sentences poured them into a dish held by an Dorothy. "I'd give anything for a dress made out of officer who had sprung to his side. The officer studied that stuff, Dick. Cloth-of-gold is common by com- them closely, then carefully washed his chief's hand. parison !" Nalboon turned to Seaton, plainly asking for the salt- "Would you dare wear it, Dottie?" asked Margaret. cellar. "Would I? I'd wear it in a minute if I could only "Sure, old top. Keep 'em both, there's lots more get it. It would take Washington by storm !" where those came from," as he produced several more "I'll try to get a piece of it, then," smiled Seaton. sets in the same mysterious way and handed them to "I'll see about it while we are getting the copper." Crane, who in turn passed them to the others. "We'd better be careful in choosing what we eat here, Seaton," suggested DuQuesne, as the Domak him- HE Meal progressed merrily, with much conversa- self led them to the table. Ttion in the sign-language between the two parties. "We sure had. With a copper ocean and green It was evident that Nalboon, usually stern and reticent, teeth, I shouldn't be surprised if copper, arsenic, and was in an unusually pleasant mood. The viands, though other such trifles formed a regular part of their diet." of peculiar flavor, were in the main pleasing to the "The girls and I will wait for you two chemists to palates of the Earthly visitors. approve every dish bet ore we try it, then," said Crane. "This fruit salad, or whatever it is, is divine," re- Nalboon placed his guests, the light-skinned slaves marked Dorothy, after an experimental bite. "May standing at attention behind them, and numerous ser- we eat as much as we like, or had we better just eat a vants, carrying great trays, appeared. The servants little?" were intermediate in color between the light and the "Go as far as you like," returned her lover. "I dark races, with dull, unintelligent faces, but quick and wouldn't recommend it as a steady diet, as I imagine deft in their movements. everything contains copper and other heavy metals in The first course—a thin, light wine, served in metal noticeable amounts, and probably considerable arsenic, THE SKYLARK OF SPACE 559

but for a few days it can't very well hurt us much." moved them. Almost stripped, Seaton stretched vigor- After the meal, Nalboon bade them a ceremonious ously, the muscles writhing and rippling in great ridges farewell, and they were escorted to a series of five under the satin skin of his broad back and mighty arms connecting rooms by the royal usher, escorted by an and shoulders as he filled his capacious lungs and entire company of soldiers, who mounted guard out- twisted about, working off the stiffness caused by the side the doors. Gathered in one room, they discussed days of comparative confinement. sleeping arrangements. The girls insisted that they The four slaves stared in open-mouthed astonish- would sleep together, and that the men should occupy ment at this display of muscular development and con- the rooms at either side. As the girls turned away, the versed among themselves as they gathered up Seaton's four slaves followed. discarded clothing. Their leader picked up a salt- "We don't want these people, and Ican't make them shaker, a couple of silver knives and forks, and some go away !" cried Dorothy. other articles, and turned to Seaton, apparently asking "I don't want them, either," replied Seaton, but if permission to do something with them. Seaton nodded we chase them out they'll get their heads chopped off. assent carelessly and turned to his bed. As he did so, You girls take the women and we'll take the men." he heard a slight clank of arms in the hall as the guard Seaton waved all the women into the girls' room, was changed, and lifting the blind a trifle he saw that but they paused irresolutely. One of them went up to guards were stationed outside as well. As he went to the man wearing the metal belt, evidently their leader, bed, he wondered whether the guards were guards of and spoke to him rapidly as she threw her arms around honor or jailers; whether he and his party were honored his neck. He shook his head, motioning toward Seaton guests or prisoners. several times as he spoke to her reassuringly. With Three of the slaves, at a word from their chief, his arm about her tenderly, he led her to the door, the threw themselves upon the floor and slept, but he him- other women following. Crane and DuQuesne having self did not rest. Opening the apparently solid metal gone to their rooms with their attendants, the man belt, he took out a great number of small tools, many wearing the belt drew the blinds and turned to assist tiny instruments, and several spools of insulated wire. Seaton in taking off his clothes. He then took the articles Seaton had given him, taking "I never had a valet before, but go as far as you great pains not to spill a single grain of salt, and set like if it pleases you," remarked Seaton, as he began to work. Hour after hour he labored, a strange, ex- to throw off his clothes. A multitude of small articles ceedingly complex instrument taking form under his fell from their hiding-places in his garments as he re- clever fingers.

END OF PART II

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1 In this department we shall discuss, every month, topics of interest to readers. The editors invite correspondence on all subjects directly or indirectly related to the stories appearing in this magazine. In case a special personal answer is required, a nominal fee of 25c to cover time and postage is required.

BRICKBATS AT LAST refers to, i.e., page 245, 250 and 249; these state- THE QUESTIONNAIRE—OUR ARTISTS ments as to the rotation of the moon-satellites of AND A SUGGESTION Editor, AMAZING STORIES: Mars are correct. ‚Ve refer our correspondent There were never so many mistakes in AMAZING to any text book on astronomy, and if he will Editor, AMAZING STORIES: STORIES monthly as in the June issue. The editing reflect a little bit, he will find that the statements and proofreading of your scientifiction magazine I am an old "friend" of the publication, AMAZING must be correct, strange as they sound. STORIES, having read it since its debut. I not is simply fierce, misprints on every page, bad Regarding the other quotations, there seems to be, only read the first numbers, but have them all grammar and worst of all, the most ridiculous to us, nothing wrong with them. The author on file, with an index by authors names too. contributions, for instance, on page 245, in the simply wz.nted to point out that although Mars is I do not like the majority of the short stories, fourth paragraph, "Although it means it revolves much further removed from the sun than is the agreeing with Prof, Hatch that it is "impossible in the same direction as Mars and the rest of earth, still, astronomers today believe that the mean to work out adequately . .. the implications con. the planets, namely, from west to east, on account temperature of the two planets does not vary very tamed in a new situation." of its greater speed it appears as it were moving much. On the earth, where we have a very thick The questionnaire is all right, but the questions from west to east." atmosphere, we also have many clouds, which are might be better chosen. Page 245 again—"(for this and other reasons)— non-existent on Mars. These clouds reflect and Absolutely, we want more illustrations. At least we find that light and heat are practically the intercept a good deal of the solar-radiation, and if one to every two pages. Paul is a fine artist, but same on the two n lanets (Mars and Earth) with this were not so, the earth would be a great deal I think that he might divide the cover with one several points, etc." hotter than it actually is. Then again, the thick of the others occasionally. You might pair artists Now turn to page 250—"and for that reason the atmosphere of the earth, while it retains the heat and authors, that is, have an artist draw the pic- nights on Mars are extremely cold. This is true better than the thin Martian atmosphere, does not tures who will create an atmosphere much the of the temperate, etc." allow so much of the solar radiation to strike the sanie as that of the story. By the way, your new Page 245—"A great deal more heat is absorbed surface of the earth, because the atmosphere absorbs artist, Lawlor, is very fine, and his picture for and retained on Mars than on earth." much of this heat. The difference between the two A Story of the Days to Come was a masterpiece, Page 247—"Naturally such a thin blanket of planets is, that on Mars the sun heats up the even if a little too futuristic for II. G. Wells. air (speaking of Mars) cannot retain the solar surface directly; while on earth, the process is HOWARD CAMPAIGNE, heat." indirect, to a greater degree because the surface 8740 S. Wood St., Chicago, Illinois. The other articles are full of such nonsense. is heated largely by the atmosphere. Any treatise You must admit that the editing of your AMAZING on physics will show that where light passes [As regards the length of stories, we feel STORIES is very deficient, and the proofreader through a thick medium (in this case the atmos- that we should give more than two or three stories likewise. phere), a great deal of the energy is absorbed. in an issue, and are glad to have some short ones GEO. SANDERS, That is the case on earth. We therefore find that to put in, for, we find the tendency of authors is 184 Foye Street, Bronx, N. Y. City. the Martian days are probably as hot or hotter to give long rather than short texts. We realize [This is the first letter that reached us, where than those on earth, but the Martian nights are our own imperfections and know that the ques- complaint is made that the proofreading for the probably much cooler than those on earth, because tionnaire might be better, but for its length, it is magazine is "simply fierce," and that there are Mars, having no protecting atmosphere, radiates the most difficult article, if we may so term it, misprints on every page. We were not aware of the accumulated heat of the surface out into space in the magazine. It interests us very much to get this, and wish our correspondent would send us quickly during the night. Our correspondent should such intelligent criticism of our artists' work as a copy mirked up with such mistakes. We shall distinguish between mean temperatures, surface you give. We will see that Mr. Lawlor is in- gladly pay him for his trouble. temperatures and atmospheric temperatures.—EDI- formed of your appreciation of his work. — As to the other remarks which our correspondent TOR.] EDITOR.] 560 AMAZING STORIES

OUR NAME ;DETECTIVE STORIES they are printed prevents me from having them NOTES ON THE COMET IN "TEN MILLION bound, but nevertheless they are a valuable addi- MILES SUNWARD "—THE INTELLECTUAL OB JECTED TO tion to my scientific library. Well, this is an excessively long letter from PROCESSES OF ANTS— EVOLUTION an eighteen year old high school boy, does not Editor, AMAZING STORIES: contain much, and will eventually reach the pro- Editor, AMAZING STORIES: verbial waste basket. Mr. Editor, if you or your Since the inception of AMAZING STORIES yOU Your magazine is O.K., and of all the magazines have not had a more devoted reader than myself. readers can find at least a little constructive criti- cism in this letter, my efforts will not have been I have ever read, it is my favorite. Your stories Having been a reader of practically all of your are practically all good; although I think that publications since 1917, I am in a position to in vain. JOHN J. KELLY, JR. some of A. Merritt's. such as The Moon Pool commend your company on its almost strictly edu- and The Face in the Abyss run a trifle too strong cational program which it has followed. „AMAZING St. Paul, Minn. on the impossible order, with little or no science, STORIES is no exception to this. FRENCH HUMOR [The poet, Horace, says, "What forbids a laugh- and without even the redeeming feature of a happy was the first departure from what one might term ending. They could very well have been left out rigid educational lines. But then what would the ing man to tell the truth?" Perhaps you will find a lot of truth told in the humorous pages of TIDBITS. without lowering the standard of the magazine. world be without humor? As regards detective stories, they admit of the I cannot understand why anyone should object Getting down to the purpose of this letter, I have introduction of a great deal of science. Those to Jules Verne's and H. G. Wells' stories. Some a few suggestions which may or may not be con- which we have published, in many cases show of 'their tales are, I understand, considered world sidered constructive criticism; yet they have given more science than many others. Science is being classics; and both of these authors are, I believe, me much thought, and I think that calling them applied more and more to police methods. Perhaps pioneers in this type of fiction. I remember well to your attention is the obvious thing to do if some time in the future, science may operate to reading Wells' War of the Worlds when it first anything in the way of materialization is to be eliminate torture as it is now applied in the so- came out about forty years ago. If I remember brought about. called "third degree." rightly, it was published in the Cosmopolitan as a serial, running through several issues. I missed First: Eliminate the detective type of stories It is rather a serious thing to change the name from AMAZING STORIES, as it has no place in a the last number, and was glad to get the whole of so widely known, and we flatter ourselves, so story complete in AMAZING STORIES. publication which claims to be THE magazine of admired a magazine as AMAZING STORIES, scientifiction. In Geoffrey Hewelcke's Ten Million Miles Sun- Many of our correspondents, not wishing to cut ward he fails to explain just how the shifting of Second: The name AMAZING STORIES should be out the vote coupon, write us their preferences as a considerable part of the earth's weight to another discontinued, and it should be changed to Sorg Nri- you do. part of its surface would cause the earth to move FICTION M AGAZINE. Upon asking for a copy of Almost all magazines are now staple bound. The some millions of miles nearer the sun. I believe A MAZING STORIES at the news stand, I was in- that scientists are agreed that this would have a formed that it had not yet been received, and the perfect binding we formerly used, was objected to by many correspondents. tendency to retard the earth's rotation on its axis. newsdealer promptly told me that he had Weird But in order to cause the earth to move nearer And now finally, we must thank you for all Tales and Ghost Stories. I was mortified. If the sun, it would be necessary to lessen the speed your good wishes and for what we are pleased to there is anything that humiliates nie, and I think in our journey around the sun; when the earth that is typical of many people, it is anything that consider constructive criticism, and thank you for your interest in our circulation. —EDITOR.) would naturally travel in a smaller orbit on account tends to give the impression that I am stimulated of offering less resistance to the force of gravity. by superstitious hair-raising ghost stories, et cetera. Another oversight of Mr. Hewelcke's—According to This would lie quite a revolutionary change, and Dr. Farintosh's calculations, the heat from the I don't expect to see it carried out. comet would "kill everything on earth weeks before Third: The readers vote of preference coupon it hits it," and yet toward the end of the story is entirely misplaced. One may find it anywhere the author says: "The comet is now only eighteen in the magazine. It is quite obvious why it is "BOU QUETS " AND "CABBAGES " FROM AN million miles distant and is still approaching at not used by all of your readers. No one wants APPRECIATIVE READER the rate of about thirty thousand miles a second." to mutilate his magazine by cutting a large portion According to the figures—two weeks, over 36 billion of a page. AMAZING STORIES is a small scientific Editor, AMAZING STORIES: miles distant, near enough to destroy all life upon education in itself, and it is an excellent addition the earth—yet at 18 million miles, a good part to a library. The voting slip should be placed I am, and have been for over a year, an en- of the earth's inhabitants still survived. on the last page of each issue where there is no thusiastic reader of your incomparable magazine. Mr. Gernsback's editorial on "Amazing Thinking" text. I was promoted last month from fifteen to sixteen is truly amazing. I would be pleased to learn Fourth: You should include the date and a years of age—I mention this in order that you may where he got his information and authority as concise biography of the author with the stories know the age of some of your readers. In my to the ants' "very high order of thinking and published in AMAZING STORIES SO that the reader vicinity, practically all of your readers are about relatively high order of reasoning." It seems may know and appreciate the insight and imagina- my age. Isou may also know just how seriously to me that plants in selecting proper plant food, tion of the author, i.e., Twenty Thousand Leagues to receive the following "bouquets" and "cab- sending out their roots in search for this food Under the Sea, by Jules Verne is a good example, bages." and water, hurrying the time of maturity (as many in which the author's idea became a fact, and a Baron Münchhausen's space-traveler (you told plants do in the time of a short season), the re- great one at that, in the space of fifty years or us) was surrounded by a network screen of "mar- building of the cells and tissues in- the human less. You printed a picture and biography of A. conium." If we look at Group I of Mendelejeff's body, and the functions of the minute organisms 'Hyatt Verrill in one issue. It was a laudable periodic table, we notice that the melting points in removing waste material, combating diseases, act on your part, but none have appeared since. of the alkali metals become lower as we go from repairing broken bones and destroying injurious More would be appreciated by your readers. top to the bottom of the table; thus: sodium has germs that find their way into the system appar- a lower melting point than lithium, potassium's ently display much, if not more intelligence and Fifth: Your staple method of binding is not melting point is lower than sodium's; rubidium's reasoning power than the ant does, who has the as convenient for the readers as the former method lower than potassium's and caesium's melting point added gift of brain and locomotive power. Yet which was used, because the book is much harder is not far above room temperature. The only ele- one would hardly credit these organisms with to hold. Also the quality of paper in A MAZING ment not discovered in the alkali list is below thinking and reasoning powers, which, science tells STORIES bas deteriorated. caesium; therefore, I assume that this element us, are functions of a brain only. Now that I have unburdened myself of this— which you—or rather Münchhausen has named I think there is a great deal of truth in Mr. would you call them brickbats or constructive "marconium," must be a liquid at ordinary (not Gernsback's statement that we do very little real criticism—I shall try to write something which standard perhaps) conditions. If Münchhausen thinking. The great majority of the human race will counterbalance the premises. had managed to construct a network of this liquid seem content to let others do their thinking for It may be of interest to you to know that after around his space-traveler, he would probably have them. This is quite apparent in the credulity of careful deliberation, I have chosen the following been confronted with the problem, since "mar- the general public in regard to the various re- as the six best stories appearing in AMAZING conium's" place on the table would make it the ligious beliefs throughout the world. STORIES, including the QUARTERLY and the ANNUAL: most active of all metals, of keeping it from chem- Commenting on the letter of T. A. Netland of ically reacting with the nitrogen, oxygen, water Oakland, California, published in the March edi- 1. Station X. content, etc. of the air. tion—I believe that most of our fiction writers 2. Moon Pool. Mr. Thornkins and Mr. Wait beat me to a aim to make their stories true to life as they see 3. A Story of the Stone Age. criticism I intended to make on the Disintegrating it, and in line with public opinion. The spirit of 4. Master Mind of Mars selfishness and other inhuman char acter isti cs which 5. Columbus of Space RaZir. Paul I consider an infinitely superior illus- still seem to dominate the human race are traits 6. The Second Swarm trator to his rival artists. Sometimes an incon- inherited from our animal ancestors, without which gruity finds its way into his drawings, such as a evolution would have been impossible. The con- I have done all a loyal reader of AMAZING ridiculously out-of-proportion head compared to the tinual struggle for existence and the survival of STORIES could do to promote the publication. I rest of the man. (I think I deserve congratulation the fittest, resulted in the weeding out of the have influenced at least six boys at our high school for successfully resisting that impulse, so common unfit, and was the means of bringing man up to to purchase AMAZING STORIES by introducing it among your criticizers and authors, to say "mem- the present standard. The human race is still far to them, having purchased the introductory copies bers of the genus homo.") from true civilization. The martial spirit and myself. Of course this was not encouraging, Science! Give us science! Save the list of other inhuman traits are relics of barbarism, and financially, to _me, hut I gain a sort of satisfaction undiscovered and remarkable elements; such as may take thousands of years yet to eradicate. The in knowing that the circulation is increasing. I "crysinium" and "munium," which will probably "Flowers of Humanity" Mr. Netland mentions, never lend my copy because I want it in such a never be discovered. You noticed that I did not such as Buddha, Jesus, Confucius, etc. were, I condition so that it can be incorporated into my include "marconium" on this list, and for a reason: believe, born thousands of years ahead of their continually increasing number of bound volumes you, althougg you ascribe to it prodigious powers, time, and may be considered as forerunners of of AMAZING STORIES. gave us the name of the family to which it what the human race may he in time to come; with belonged. the exception that superstition and fanaticism will I think that some of your readers are more or If the "cabbages" have hopelessly outnumbered be replaced in the new civilization by logic and less prejudiced against certain authors when they the "bouquets," be assured that the very fact that good sound sense. can not find some good qualities in them. The I so avidly read your AMAZING STORIES each month When we consider the progress man has made purpose of the Discussions Column should not be to proves that I think highly of it. in the few thousands of years since the highest find fault with theories or apparatus advanced by' HAROLD SCOTT, type on the earth was the cave man, and the the authors, but should be given to discussions P. 0. Box 522, Sebastopol, Calif. handicaps with which he had to contend, we must substantiating theories, processes, and findings in [You must realize that imagination had to be admit that he has done remarkably well. The the stories, with criticism of style also. If every- drawn on, to some extent, in the adventures of height that may be attained by the end of the thing must be restricted to fact, then it ceases to Münchhausen. The very gist of Münchhausen is next million years is perhaps beyond our com- be fiction. The fact that one can get good prac- this element of imagination, and we will have to prehension. tical science, natural and applied, in fiction makes forgive him for not sticking more rigorously to In regard to the difference between sleeping it preferable to technical discourses on the various the periodic table. Most people have admired his and waking consciousness—I believe that scientists scientific subjects. adventures greatly. are mostly agreed that the conscious mind domi- Here are tWo more things I wish to state before Mr. Paul, as an illustrator, fits our magazine nates the brain during our waking moments, and closing: Mr. Paul is really the best artist on wonderfully well. He has had many years ex- the subconscious during sleep. As the brain is your staff; his drawings are clear and lifelike, perience in scientific illustration, and we certainly always more or less engaged in thought during and he certainly has an imagination. More luck to hope that we will never part company with him. consciousness, it is necessary to lose consciousness him; he is an asset to your publication. Mr. Gems. His modesty would be perturbed if he saw the in sleep in order to give the brain the rest which it hack's editorials appearing in both AMAZING letters which we get in commendation of his work, needs, as do the other organs of the body. STORMS, SCIENCE AND INVENTION and RADIO NEWS and we flatter ourselves that his severest critics are intellectual tutors themselves. I have them are right in this office. We thank you for your A. A, W., all separate in a folio used for the sole purpose "cabbages" as well as for your "bouquets." — Bo, 134, San Simon, Arizona. d keeping them intact. The varied sizes in which EDITOR.) (Continued on page 562) AMAZING STORIES 561

W at These Have Done YOU CAN DO! "Since Ihave been studying with your school Ihave been appointed chemist for the Scranton Coal Co., teeing all the coal and ash by proximate analysis." F you are dissatisfied with your present —Morlais Couzens. work, if you wish •to earn more money, if —I also have some news for you. Ihave been made Iyou want to get into a profession where the assistant chemist for the concern Iam working for." demand for trained men is increasing as the —A. G. Delwarte. Chemist plays a more and more important role 'I am now cleaner and dyer for the above named in the industrial life of this country, let us company. My salary is almost doulle what it was when Istarted the course." teach you Chemistry. —E. H. Lasater.

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"Since beginning your course of study I have received an increase in my pay check, and as I To qualify for this remarkable calling requires elaborate progress my work becomes lighter through a specialized training. Formerly it was necessary to attend a better understanding." university for several years to acquire that training, but —M. C. Cole. thanks to our highly perfected and thorough system of in- struction, you can now stay at home, keep your position, "I am mighty glad Itook this course. My salary and let us educate you in Chemistry during your spare time. has been increased several times, and different in- Even with only common schooling you can take our course dustrial plants are coming to me for a little advice and equip yourself for immediate practical work in a on different things, netting me a fair side income." chemical laboratory. Dr. Sloane gives every one of his —M. E. Van Sickle. j students the same careful, personal supervision that made him celebrated throughout his long career as a college professor. Your instruction from the very beginning is made interesting and practical, and we supply you with ±= č;z3g apparatus and chemicals for performing the fascinating analyses and experimental work that play such a large part in our method of teaching, and you are awarded the J Institute's official diploma after you have satisfactorily completed the course.

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41111BIBMINIZIIIIMBIMIZIMMEINIZIM 562 AMAZING STORIE S

(Continued from page 560) [Regarding Mr. Gernsback's editorial, "Amazing Thinking," the correspondent would like to know where Mr. Gernsback got his information and authority as to the ants' "very high order of thinking and relatively high order of reasoning." Mal MR IBM While a large number of works could be men- Read toned which Mr. Gernsback uses constantly, as references on ants, the two following books will probably give our correspondent excellent insight into ants, and their civilization: The Ant People by Franz Ewers. The Life of the White Ant by Maurice Maeter- RADIO linck. Both of these books are written in popular vein, and can be easily understood by anyone. There is no question, today, that the ants do NEWS think, and think very well at that. —EDITOR.)

it APPRECIATION AND CRITICISM FROM THESE You Must Have Spent A YOUNG READER Years on Shorthand" Editor, AMAZING STORIES: SPECIAL SECTIONS I have been an interested reader of your maga- "No; ILearned it in 6WEEKS!!' zine since its publication. The EXPERIMENTER was FOR EVERY FAN a fine magazine and the scientifiction which ran ER employer laughed aloud. "Six weeks! in it, as well as in SCIENCE AND INVENTION and Besides the latest set construction articles You're joking, Miss Baker. No one could Rnoto NEWS was fine. I have always enjoyed and editorial matter covering each new H your publications, and I know I will continue learn shorthand in six weeks. You have been development, there are many sections that to do so. make RADIO NEWS especially attractive with us about a month and you are by far I am only 14; in September I will be a Junior to all radio enthusiasts. the most competent secretary I ever had. in high school. In my classes A MAZING STORIES Surely you don't expect me to believe that you has received severe comment. I uphold the maga- zine and can always quiet a scoffer by asking him THE LISTENER SPEAKS gained your present speed and accuracy in only to prove "impossibilities" in the stories or by This section belongs to the readers of RADIO six weeks! Why—a great many of our stenog- showing that the story under comment is written NEWS. Its purpose is to provide a common raphers have studied shorthand ten months or by some famous author. As for criticisms, Terence "stamping ground" for the views of the radio once said: "Quoi homines, tot sententiae" (As public. Here the readers discuss among them- a year or more and still they make a great many men, so many opinions). The stories, as well selves all questions of interest to radio. many errors." as other material in your magazine, are of extreme interest to me. BROADCASTICS "That isn't their fault, Mr. Chapman. Old- In the story, The Master Ants (May issue of fashioned shorthand requires months of hard A page devoted to humor of purely radio interest. AMAZING STORIES) the author describes the world All contributions published are paid for at the study and practice, and even when it is mastered of the future. The future world is overrun and rate of $1.00. There is many a hearty laugh in it is difficult to read. But Speedwriting is very dominated by insects, mostly of the arthropode each issue. branch, class insecto. Man is inferior to these easy. I--" animal classes. TELEVISION "Speedwriting? What's that?" The Time Travelers after being rescued by the "Scientians" send a message via a time machine, A section in which the latest developments of For answer the girl handed the big business to our present. The future world is overrun by television are reviewed each month. This com- man her notebook. ants. How, then, by sending a warning to our paratively new industry is fast gaining popu- present, could the actual future, as described, be larity. It opens a new field for experimenting "Why, this is remarkable, Miss Baker. It's changed? The actual future would be different to our friend, the "fan." in simple A, B, C's!" if the warning were heeded, but the actual future is not changed, so why send a warning? WHAT'S NEW IN RADIO "Yes, surely. That's how I learned it so I am glad to know that The Invisible Man by Wherein all new radio apparatus is fully quickly. Any one can learn Speedwriting. Wells will run in AMAZING STORIES. I have read described and its use explained. This section There are only a few easy rules. There are no it before and will read it again. is especially valuable to set builders. hooks or curves; every 'character' you use is a Again I wish to say that I enjoy AMAZING STORIES because it is worthwhile. THE RADIO BEGINNER letter you already know—one that your hand ARTHUR ENGELDER, needs no special training to make." Warren, Ariz. As its name signifies, this section is devoted to the radio beginner. All the elementary "Well, that's the most remarkable thing I [The views expressed by one of our younger principles of radio are discussed and full con- readers are very interesting and coincide closely ever heard of. Icould use that myself at board structional data for the simpler sets given. with ours. You can tell your associates to "go Full-sized blue prints of the circuits treated meetings and a dozen other places. You can slow," as some say, about the idea of impossibility. are FREE. write it rapidly, too!" Professor Simon Newcomb, one of the greatest astronomers that America has produced, asserted RADIO WRINKLES "One boy I know who studied Speedwriting some decades ago that it was absolutely impossible in his own home took court testimony at the rate for man to fly by heavier-than-air machines. More- This department contains many suggestions helpful to the radio enthusiasts. Each con- of 106 words a minute after only 15 hours of over he "pro‘ed" it mathematically! We are living in an age of miracles of invention and achievements tribution published entitles the author to a study." and the best scientists are those who are slow to year's subscription to RADIO NEWS or, in pronounce anything to be an impossibility. Some cases where he is already a subscriber, a year's "Miss Baker, where can Iget some literature subscription to either SCIENCE AND IN years ago, a doctrine called the "Conservation of or AMAZING STORIES. on Speedwriting? Ireally believe I'll take it up Force" was promulgated and a curious little book myself!" was published giving views of different scientific RADIO TICS Two months later Mr. Chapman and all his authorities on this doctrine. It is interesting to see how Faraday, in his modesty, while he could A humorous page of misprints contributed by stenographers were Speedwriters! not accept it, seemed reluctant to pronounce it our readers. For each one published $1.00 will wrong. In the course of time, it was found to be be paid, provided that the actual article in which absurd and untrue and the doctrine of the "Con- the misprint occurs is enclosed with a few servation of Energy" took its place. This, for humorous words from the reader. Wri 'OE= many years, was almost a test of what may be ..T.he 'NATURAL SHORTHAND called scientific sanity. Anyone who rejected it RADIO NEWS LABORATORIES was regarded as outside the pale, and now, there's In this section all apparatus was awarded the Tens of thousands have been freed from the drudgery an inclination to believe that the conservation of RADIO NEWS LABORATORY CERTIFICATE of the old-fashioned methods of learning and writing energy may not be as absolutely true as it has OF MERIT in the month past, is listed, and shorthand by this marvelous new system, which may been taken to be. a technical description given of its purpose and be written with a pencil or on a typewriter; can be Your letter is very interesting, however, and characteristics. learned in a third the time needed to master any other your presentation of the problems of present and system; is more accurate, and can be written with future is certainly very well put. We hope you I WANT TO KNOW amazing rapidity. will continue to enjoy AMAZING STORIES. —EDITOR.] Mail the coupon tonight. It will bring you an illus- This department is conducted by Mr. C. W. trated book full of examples and stories of successful Palmer. Its purpose is to answer the difficulties Speedwriters all over the world. No matter what your of our readers. The value in which the "fans" hold this section can be better realized when need for shorthand may be—you can fill that need A QUESTION OF ORIENTATION better with Speedwriting. one considers that there are over 5,000 letters Editor, AMAZING STORIES: received from readers each month. Naturally only the more important ones are printed in In Dr. Keller's story, The Yeast Men, it seems BRIEF ENGLISH SYSTEMS ,I nc. RADIO NEWS. to me he has overlooked one important point. Ile 200 Madison Avenue, Dept. J94, New York City states that the embryo yeast men when projected Do not neglect to obtain your copy of from the guns would start their movement directly RADIO NEWS. Each issue over 100 pages. forward from where they dropped. The law of kg, Fully illustrated—large magazine size. BRIEF ENGLISH SYSTEMS, INC. averages weuld indicate that at least fifty per Dept. J94, 200 Madison Avenue, New York City cent of them would alight facing Moronia instead of Eupenia, in which case they would walk right I do want to know more about Speedwriting. You back into Moronia. This would have proved a THE COPY may send me the free booklet without obligation on 25c boomerang indeed. my part. In spite of the inevitable inaccuracies in some of the stories, I enjoy AMAZING STORIES very much and have seldom missed a copy. ATIIALL NEWSSTANDS OR WRITE DIRECT Name S. N. M OBERLEY, Hotel London, London, Ky. EXPERIMENTER PUBLISHING CO.,1 INC. [Similar criticism about The Yeast Men has Address 230 FIFTH AVENUE - - NEW YORK, N. Y. been voiced by others, so we'll have to suppose that their alighting was arranged in sonic way to keep City Sete them headed away from the Moronians. EDITOR.] AMAZING STORIES 563

A CHARMING LETTER FROM TWO YOUNG SCHOOL GIRLS Editor, AMAZING STORIES: /OE There's We, two fourteen-year-old schoolgirls, are taking the liberty of writing to the Discussions Column of your popular magazine. We read your Discussion section as well as the rest of the magazine with great interest every month, and have not noticed letters from many girls in the 'teen age. This certainly cannot be because girls clo not read A MAZING STORIES. Whenever we bring our magazine to school, everyone wants to borrow it at once. Before giving our own criticism, we would like to say a word or two about the letter written by R. F. De Britt. He complains about everything concerning the magazine which it is possible to complain about. Such letters as that of Mr. De Britt only go to prove the worth of your magazine, as Mr. De Britt plainly is of the class of persons who do not buy anything unless it is well worth the price. In one of your recent issues, we read a story by II. G. called Pollock and the Porroh Man. We don't see how this story fits in your magazine. Follow There is no science in it, but may we say that it is more interesting than most of H. G. Wells' stories? We like the other authors very well. As we are taking a science course at High School, and are in our second year, we sometimes find your magazine this Man! very helpful. We read in "Discussions" something about a Science Club. If possible, we would like to know Secret Service Operator more about this club. We have nothing to say about AMAZING STORIES You Get THOROUGH 38 Is on the Job! other than that we certainly think the magazine is worth its meagre price. Wishing the magazine Training NOW! every success in the future, we remain, AVIATION—the fastest-growing industry in the OLLOW him through all the ex- ViviAN CHUDOM and citement of his chase of the world today—offers unlimited opportunities as LOTTIE PITMAN, a commercial pursuit as well as unsurpassed Fcounterfeit gang. See how a Kelvin School, Winnipeg, Man., Can. pleasure. Learn aviation NOW and be one of crafty operator works. Telltale finger [It is a pleasant thing for an editor to picture to the leaders a few years hence. Don't wait until prints on the lamp stand in the mur- himself his correspondents and to wonder how it aviation becomes overcrowded. Our courses would seem to meet them face to face. This letter give you ALL the training you need. They dered girl's room! The detective's is so charged with kindness and good will that it cover EVERYTHING about planes, motors, their cigarette case is handled by the un- makes us feel a very warm friendship toward the maintenance and construction, etc. EVERY- suspecting gangster, and a great voting writers. There is one thing we wish to say: ¡THING a pilot or mechanic must know to Wells story, Pollock and the Porrolz Man, is charged secure a good paying position. mystery is solved. Better than fiction. with psychology and is a very interesting bit of It's true, every word of it. No obliga- ethnology. We are glad to see, however, that while tion. Just send the coupon. you did not realize how much science was there, it (lid please you as a story. As regards the cor- respondent you speak of, we wish to publish what are technically termed "brickbats," and we certainly cannot hope that all our correspondents will be as FREE! appreciative as you are of our erlorts.—Eorroa.) The Confidential Reports A 15-YEAR-OLD ENTHUSIAST AND HIS VIEWS ON THE FUTURE OF SCIENCE No. 38 Made to His Chief Editor, AMAZING STORIES: I am so enthused over the A MAZING SroarEs And the best part of it all is this. It that when I received a letter giving me a chance may open your eyes to the great to read more of the kind of stories that are issued future for YOU as a highly paid through the best magazine in the world I imme- diately filled out the caril without looking what Finger Print Expert. More men are I was buying. I knew that A MAZING STORIES needed right now. This school has would give me stories not only thrilling in fictMn We Give PRACTICAL Training' taken men just like you and trained but full of education. I think now that I can look the world more in the face and say "I know Short Courses—Low Cost them for high official positions. This you and your secrets, and if you have secrets Our school Registered. All Instructors Licensed Trans- is the kind of work you would unsolved I will try and solve them in some of my port Pilots or Licensed Mechanics. All Airplanes Licensed by U. S. Government, Aeronautics Branch, like. Days full of excitement. Big wild dreams. Is it not 'Extravagant Fiction today. Dept. of Commerce. We teach you by actual Hying and salaries. Rewards. . . . Cold Fact Tomorrow'; yes, old world, you practical ground instruction. We guarantee sufficient cannot fool me today: 'There is a reason for hours in the air to make each student master of his ship. everything.' I am just a 15-year-old amateur Our Pilot Courses give you all the dual instruction, all the solo hours, all the theoretical and practical knowledge to scientist with some wild ideas and funny actions. Qualify for License Examinations upon completion. No But if my parents and neighbors call me crazy, extras. We require no student bond for breakage. Can You Meet "goofey" and any other popular nickname I know Tuition includes everything. Cost is low considering some people that will stand by me, they are the daily flying and thoroughness of instruction on latest modern planes. Wright Whirlwind and other standard devout readers and editors of A MAZING STORIES. motors. Our new book, -Aviation and You," tells all This Test? I feel no enmity or fear toward them because the the facts! age is fast coming where truth will dominate. And Can you read and write? Are you ambitious? personal things will be everyday talked about, and VON HOFFMANN AIRCRAFT SCHOOL Would you give 30 minutes a day of your spare I have also realized after reading Wells' Research 709 Lambert-Saint Louis Flying Field (Lindbergh's time preparing yourself for this profession? Magnificent that fear is "the first limitation of Own Field), Angium, Missouri Would vou like a life of excitement, thrilling man." So you see, truth is fast becoming domi- adventures and high pay ? Answer yes and nated. If you do not understand what I mean, I'll show you how to attain all this. read this last paragraph through slowly. I am making up a story, a scientifiction story Send the coupon and I'll send the Free Re- that shows my ideas vividly and truthfully, it deals ports — also a wonderful illustrated book with the future of this universe, nearly all of the telling of the future awaiting you as a planets are involved. I base it upon my own Finger Print Expert. life. I tell . the misfortunes and tryings of my T. G. COOKE, Pres. younger life what I think now, and the many wild- est dreams of what I might do, what is possible University of Applied Science for me to do in the future, and how I save my earth from the most complicated and inexplicable 1920 SunnysideAve.,Dept.11-96,Chicago,I11. scheme ever thought up from a villain mind. I MAIL do not know whether I will make it of book-length or into a group of short stories sequeling each other. COUPON University of Applied Science, Dept. 11-96 I am very interested in the new Science Club, 1920 Sunnyside Ave., Chicago, Ill. and hope that the age limits are lowered. NOW! Gentlemen :—Without any obligation whatever, send AMAZING STORIES shall not discontinue. It has me the Free Reports of Operator No. 3.3 and your proved my place in this world, and as long as new, fully illustrated Free book on Finger Prints. there is life in me I will not see the best magazine VON HOFFMANN AIRCRAFT SCHOOL - in the world go to pieces. I say this simply 709 Lambert-Saint Louis Flying Field and truthfully for what good is there keeping (Lindbergh's Own Field), Anglum, Missouri Name something secret that is useful and truthful to Send me your big, new book, "AVIATION AND the world? YOU," giving all the facts about your ground and flying courses. Iassume no obligation. YOUES for a big and better AMAZING STORIES. THADDEUS W HALEN, Cheat ... Iam interested in GROUND COURSE Addreaa 3812 No. Madison, Tacoma, Wash. Here ... Iam interested In FLYING COURSES [This letter, by one of our younger readers, tells its story so well that we can add little or nothing Name City and State Ave. thereto. We certainly do not propose to let A MAZ- ING STORIES discontinue and we thank you for Address Age your very pleasant good wishes.—Eorroal Town State 564 AMAZING STORIES

Houdini's Spirit Exposés and Dunninger's Psychical Investi*ations

Stilled by death but a short time ago, rthe voice of Houdini lives again in this book to carry on the work so prema- turely cut short.

ZOE.//Ts‘ 'more realistic, Houdini was able to explain and dupli- cate by perfectly natural means. With his death the work of exposing the practices of spiritualistic mediums slackened in a very noticeable degree. In consequence, mediums, each day, have grown This book has been written bolder until now the voice of Houdini, as if called from by Joseph Dunniger, chair- man of the Science and In- the grave, has returned and can be heard to echo vention Investigating Com- mittee for Psychical Re- throughout the pages of this amazing book, "HOU- search. DINI'S SPIRIT EXPOSÉS." Here Houdini lives again to crush the swelling number of mediums para- sitically bleeding their victims of their most cherished OUDINI was deeply interested in spiritualism. possessions while posing in the guise of the living dead. He spent years in the study of this fascinating All should read this tremendously interesting book. The en- H subject. When he had fully mastered every tire treatise has been written from the personal notes of Hou- angle, he turned his attention to exposing the fraudu- dini—a startling exposé on one of the biggest frauds of the lent practices of mediums. Mysterious voices in the day. Do not fail to get your copy-112 pages—fully illustrated. air, unearthly tappings on the table, weirdly moving furniture, floating figures, hands, lights—every trick The 50e Copy employed by mediums in order to make their séances all Newsstands or Write Direct EXPERIMENTER PU LIMING CO., 230 Fifth Ave., New York, N. Y. AMAZING STORIES 565

BARON MUENCHHAUSEN AND "THE SKINDERVIKEN RETURN OF THE MARTIANS" Editor, A MAZING STORIES: Transmitter Units I have just finished reading the second instal- ment of Baron Münchhausen's Scientific Adven- tures, also The Return of the Martians, by Cecil B. White, in the April issue of AMAZING STORIES, 95c Did you borrow your ideas from Mr. White; vice versa; or have you been collaborating? Now don't sue me for libel, Mr. Gernsback: —I just asked that question to set you thinking, as the "Discussions" Editor says. Have you ever noticed how persistently the law (or is it laws?) of coincidence manifest their (or its) power in the affairs of everyday life? During the course of my own life I have noticed it time and again. I might cite a few typical cases to illustrate my meaning better. For in- stance, about eight years ago, while making a trip down through the Middle Atlantic States and South- Two for ern States of the Atlantic Seaboard, with a couple of "pals" of about my age, one of them accidentally became separated from our little trio, in Pennsyl- $1.75 vania. However, the two of us continued on our journey southward as we had planned to do. We Have hundreds of uses. Every amateur should have saw no more of him for two months. On our two or three of these amplifiers in his laboratory. return to New York State from the South we A FEW USES FOR THESE UNITS had to change trains in Scranton, Pa. Imagine our surprise when we chanced to meet our missing Il ----7•i.nuo sPEAKEIT T OTOOAN, I+ tt Al A ...OE..cc pal, who had likewise done a lot of roaming and You Want PETRANSmISSION. was returning homeward (without the slightest idea Ill of meeting us). Again, I can cite another incident which savors Popularity;Bie Pay ..r., strongly of coincidence: --A while ago, while ex- •. perimenting with ultra-violet rays, I developed a rather severe case of conjunctivitis (due, of course, LE A to carelessness on my part). Shortly after my eyes had nearly recovered from the bad effects eurro. of this peculiar and painful derangement, my QUICK! GAUL. fiancée asked me if my eyes were strong enough to attend a movie. I asked her if she had any special preference and she replied negatively, so " you a red-blooded, we drove to Syracuse and entered a moving-picture A daring he-man? Do 04.011 AGN emporium in that city, with no foreknowledge of you crave adventure, % «cone li Ida lr'jta" the bill they were then presenting. Again, imagine OE.....L. -AmPtinta. popularity, admiration, •Oliti Um- my surprise to find that the hero of the pieture and the applause of great is a rather young inventor who (in the play) be- ...... crowds? Then why not -RA010 AMPLIFIER. comes blind temporarily, while experimenting with ...... a supposedly new form of electric rays. My own get into the Aviation In- eyes were swollen shut for two days while afflicted dustry—the greatest ad- with conjunctivitis, and so, you see, I could sym- ...... pathize with the poor young inventor in the play. venture since time began ...... M...... I could name many other cases but for lack of -—the greatest thrill ever -ONE STAGE space and so must curtail this narrative. offered to man? AMPLIFICATION - Oh, yes! Last, but not least, there are two se nems Martian Stories in one issue of a magazine. Is Think what Aviation offers you. The praise and teme that not a good example of a coincidence? plaudits of the multitude. And a chance to get in C. II .O SROUR NE, on the ground floor where rewards may be unlimited! 17 N. 5th St., Fulton, N. Y. Aviation is growing so swiftly that one can hardly • - [Co -incidence has played a very curious part in keep track of all the astonishing new developments. the world. It has made people believe in spiritual- Air-mail routes have just been extended to form a L. Is eutite ism, in premonitions and has been responsible for vast aerial network over the entire U. S. Many Com- euTTO0 a good deal of what we may term plain super- mercial Airlines and airplane factories are now being stition. You cite a coincidence, yet wait and see organized. Men like Henry Ford are investing mil- 01AOSOAOM TO 6.0,40 how many years will pass without any more of OE-TALKING LIGNT -OCTECTOS lions in the future of commercial Aviation for they them. The reason why there are two Martian see its great possibilities. -Coe( PAACTICmo revICE- .411•••• A.A.S•eol• eldemi stories in one issue of a magazine, is because we •OENA mto • 1.... OE . tsOE.A•10 .0 smme som, otst ,ts• have found that our readers like them and so we Easy to Get Into Aviation By "." tole.' put them in. The two stories were written at This Home Study Method --- roots. mr,t different periods. Mr. Gernsback's story was first published in 1915. Each story is independent of Get into this thrilling ,,,‘ ''2'2 g the other —EDITOR.] profession at once while PICK YOUR •• Oa 10,1. the field is new and un- JOBS ...... ,“... " crowded. Now — by a unique new plan—you can Flying • U '...«."."‘"..". ''' • BALOVAN ONONC AA101:11101. A VERY AMUSING LETTER; SUICIDE quickly secure the basic Airplane Instructor 12 PAGE INSTRUCTION BOOKLET THREATENED I and preparatory training Airplane Engineer Airplane Repairman containing suggestions and diagrams for innumerable Editor, A MAZING STORIES: at home, in spare time. uses, furnished with each unit. Experts will teach you the Airplane Assembler Although I am only seventeen years old I think secrets and fundamentals Airplane Mechanician I have something of interest to tell you in regard of Practical Aviation— Airplane Inspector WE PAY $5.00 IN CASH to "time-traveling." give you all the inside Airplane Builder for every new use developed for this unit It all began about three weeks ago with the facts that are essential to Airplane Salesman and accepted and published by us. appearance in my science class, of an old man who your success. And, the Exhibition Manager said he was gathering material for a book on study of Aviation by this Airplane Contractor "Student Psychology." He appeared there quite remarkable method is al- AirplaneMotorExpert P. G. MICROPHONE TRANSFORMER often and I soon grew to be on intimate terms most as fascinating as the Airplane Designer A Modulation Trans- witlt him. From the very first he seemed to know actual work itself. former specially de- all about my personal and private affairs without Send for FREE signed for use with my having told him anything of them and he the Ski nderviken Trans- seemed to take a special, almost exclusive interest .• Book! Sena coupon for our new mitter Unit. Has many in me. I asked him how he happened to know all free book, Just out— Oppor. other uses. Primary these things about me when I was sure he had t'inities in the Airplane In. resistance, s not been pumping my friends to obtain his in- dustry. It is vitally interest- ,V2 ohni; sec- formation, and he said: readslikea romanceand ondary, 5,5 "Well, I'm just conceited enough to tell you. tells you things about this astonishing profession you ohms. As I count myself a pretty smart man it naturally never even dreamed of. follo-ws that you're a fairly bright boy and can Write ror your copy today. For Sale at Leading Dealers be trusted with what I am about to tell you. Now my real name is Nabours, Don H. Nabours to AMERICAN SCHOOL OF AVIATION Or Order Direct, Using Coupon Below be exact, and—" 36os Michigan Ave., Dept. 9386 Chicago "But that's my name too!" I cried in surprise. 1••••Mll 111.1 SEND NO MONEY ''Correct. Except that the adverb "too," is

When the postman delivers your order you pay him for superfluous, for we are one and the same person." AMERICAN SCHOOL OP, AVIATION whatever you have ordered, plus a few cents postage. When he (or I) said that, Mr. Editor, I was 3601 Michigan Ave., Dept. 9386 , Chicago, so surprised you could have knocked me over with Without obligation, please send me your FREE book, PRESS GUILD, INC. A-9-28 a pick-handle, but as I am a confirmed reader of Opportunities in the Airplane Industry, Alsoinformation I6-18 -A—East 30th St., New York, N. Y. AMAZING STORIES, even this didn't stun me for Iabout your Home Study Coursein Practical Aviation, Please mall me at once as many of the following items long and I soon recovered my breath and begged as Ihave indicated. him to go on. ....Skinderviken Transmitter Units at 95c. for 1; $1.75 for 2: $2.50 for 3; $3.20 for 4. "Well," he continued slowly so that I might be IName Age ....P. G. Microphone Transformers at $2. sure to follow what he was saying. "You see I When delivered I will pay the postman the cost of the have invented a method of time traveling, and items specified plus postage. naturally one of my first visits would be back to Address my boyhood days, just for the sake of curiosity and I Name also to interview you for my autobiography as you will doubtless refresh my memory." b y State Ile had his nerve, interviewing me! Why if Address it hadn't been for me he couldn't have even been in the future, much less come back to the present, City State but I said nothing and he continued: 566 AMAZING STORIES

"I am the professor of Biological Chemistry at Rice Institute and being an ardent reader of AMAZING STORIES my thoughts kept turning to time-traveling as the most worthwhile adventure of them all and so I set my talents along this line. I wasted six years trying to build a fourth

•••••IMIP dimensional machine but failed, then turned my attention to drugs. I have now developed a drug •••••• which does not kill the body, but allows the soul or spirit, that is, the intelligence which functions through the brain, to go free and leave the body completely, and as space and time are only en- cumbrances of the mortal, physical body, I can go any place and get there any time I wish." "But you don't look like a ghost," I told him. "Ah, indeed I am not," he replied. "my soul came back to the year 1928, and seeking a healthy idiot in the state asylum, I usurped his perfectly healthy body and as it had no mind, only instinct, the job was easily done. On my good and sane behaviour I was soon let out and then I came to see you, and my, or maybe I should say OUR body now (or, I mean it will be in thirty-three years) rests in a vault locked from the inside, in Houston, Texas. "In a few more days I shall concoct another potion of my drug, you see I can't very well take it with me, so I have to make it fresh every time, and go see what's happening in 3028 A. D." I asked him to foretell some things for me but he said no, the surprises are what make life interesting. Now Mr, Editor, I have always planned to he an artist and thought I would be too, but it seems that I ans to be a school teacher, and, as I have an artistic temperament and the weather is warns today I think I'll commit suicide as soon as I finish this letter. Will you be so good as to in- form my parents that my body can probably be The funniest comic in America,'Smatter found a short way downstream from the Walker l'op? will keep you in stitches from the Street Bridge? Thanking you, I remain moment you open it until you have read and reread every page time and time Yours truly, DON NABOURS, again. Fifty full-page comics iss this 425 W. Park Place, Oklahoma City. edition of 'Smatter PopP—Ilundreds of P.S. Since this "me of the future was evidently alive I am just beginning to wonder if my suicide real laughs. C. M. Payne sure knows will be a success. how to get under your skin and bring [Your letter is what the boys call a "puzzle." out every laugh in your system. As we have had to say in other cases, we think it will speak for itself and the old gentleman you refer to is undoubtedly a crank. Don't you think that instead of committing suicide you'd better form a partnership with your old friend and take a nice trip into the hereafter, and then come back and tell the readers of AmiszING STORIES what happened? —EDITOR.] 111cetVPop," "DesperatelrAmbrose," and Pop's little family. They can make you laugh when everything else has failed. Ask your newsdealer or, if he can't A CORRESPONDENT WHO REALIZES THAT supply you, fill in_ the coupon and snail to us. The TASTES OF READERS VARY— funniest comic ever written. Don't miss it I Cet your SCIENCE CLUB copy nosv Barrels of FUN I Editor, AMA Z/ NG STORIES: Ever since A MA ZI NG STORIES has been first pub- lished I have beets a regular reader. Inasmuch as I have never written you before, I am taking the liberty of writing you now on two subjects. The first is the magazine itself. It is extremely EXPERIMENTER PUB. CO" difficult for me to criticize the text appearing in ,230 FIFTH AVE.. it because I am one of those who keep all criticisms NEW yoRK.CITV to himself. Suffice to say, however, I find no fault and even if I did find any, then I would have to keep them to myself for it is a well-known fact ri..iSSE-N--- .SMATTER- poP- išVitiAT that what one likes another may dislike and vice versa, or as the Romans used to say, "De gustibus wet* FOR. 'SMATTER POP ISAY/ So von est disputando ni.'' oorrr HOLD ME UP. DON'T HOLD ME UP The second subject is the proposed Science Club, about which I have read in several issues. The MAIL: MY COPY NOW-- NOW I SAV---- idea that prompted me to write you was that one HERES MY QUARTER-- MY TWENTY- proposal by Mr. D. Mason in the April 1928 issue. I think that his idea is the best so far. What Five CENTS SO RUSH :P. surprised me was that no action has been taken to promote such an extremely interesting club. It NAME - — _ seems to me that outside of the educational advan- ADDRESS._ ------tages of such a club, it would be the most enjoy- able way of advancing the interests of science. AyoloGIES TO C. M.PAYM CITY. ... STATE . I, personally, would like to get lis touch with Mr, Mason so that we could put our heads together and see what we could do about starting this club on its way. If Mr. Mason wishes he cats write • nie and we'll "write" it over. My idea for putting the "Science Club" into action is as follows: I. To have a-representative of Canada and the United States. 2. To have a representative from each state and province. ( AY. Mail Clerk ( )Steno-Typist 3. To have a representative from each city in ( )P. 0. Laborer ( )ImmigrantInspestor the two nations. BE A MAN OF MYSTERY! ( ) R. F. D. Carrier ( )Seamstress 4. These representatives will handle all cor- ( )Special Agent ( )Auditor Amaze and Mystify ! (investigator) ( ) Eteno-Seeretary respondence and direct the activities of their centers, ( City Mail Carrier ( ) U. S. Border Patrol reporting the state or provincial representative every Fool your friends. Earn Money at Clubs and ( ) Meat Inepeetor ( )Chauffeur-Carrier thing that is being done. This state or provincial Parties. No skill required. Easily learned. ( )P. G. Clerk )Watchman representative will in tuns report to the national Our book, Fu Mag yste ry," tells ( )File Clerk )Skilled Laborer representative who will see to it that anything of how and explains many tricks you can do. ( )General Clerk )Postmaster Also catalogs over 700 Mystifying Tricks— ( )Matron 1 Typiet interest is made public so that every member may Illusions—Jokes—Puzzles—Books, and Eur- Ozment's Instruction Bur.. 141. St. Louis. Mo. know of the whole club's activities. opean Novelties, at Reduced Prices. New Send MO FREE particular/ How To Oscilei forpow. tie» marked "X". Selene*. loc•Uons, opportuneiee, This is my idea for keeping the club up. The 1928 Edition, profusely illustrated, sent next thing is to see that all those interested make postpaid, only itie. NAME known their interest and do something about it. LYLE DOUGLAS, Station A-9, DALLAS, TEX. The best way that I think this could be brought ADDRESS PROMPT SERVICE— LOW PRICES about is for all would-be-members to send in their names and addresses to the editor and let the editor publish them in the Discussions. M. M. PERELSTEIN, Insure your copy reaching you each month. Sub scribe to AMAZING STORIES—$2.50 a year. 4271 Laval Avenue, Montreal, Canada. Experimenter Publishing Co., Inc., 230 Fifth Ave nue, New York City. [This letter, from a viewpoint which, we are i glad to say, fits a number of others, is a comfort. AMAZING STORIES 567

The correspondent says that it is difficult for him to criticize and goes on to intimate that if he did find fault, he would have to keep it to himself because tastes vary. And this variation of tastes is precisely the basis of the editorial problem. So ow-Make Your Radio many thousand people read AMAZING STORIES that it is absolutely impossible to please all and the editors are not conceited enough to want to force their views on anybody. We certainly appreciate ‚Clear as a BellPOE your letter. As regards the Science Club, we will have a most interesting announcement regarding this very shortly.—Eorroa.] 'with MarvelousNew

/pi , GROUND AERIAL! AN ADMIRER OF KELLER, WELLS AND M INH i it VERNE—CRITICISM OF TIME SUB-AERIAL ENDORSED BY EXPERTS MACHINE STORIES May 8th 1928 Editor, AMAZING STORIES: "I am very glad to state that after testing many Aerials in my Laboratory I find your Get Amazing Distance I have read AMAZING STORIES since its first is- Sub-Aerial is the best for clarity of tone and sue, and have kept every copy ever published, in- elimination of static, also for greater volume Greater Volume and Finer cluding the ANNUAL and QUARTERLY issues, for and selectivity. Your Sub-Aerial will fill a long-felt want future reference. And I will remain one of your among the Radio Fans." ardent supporters just as long as it is possible to —A. B. JOHNSON. Radio Engineer Selectivity without Distortion do so. The best stories, I believe, are written by Dr. Why go on listening to terrible static and other maddening outside David H. Keller. He has the knack, which very few of your writers possess, of combining science, noises? Now you can get the real music your present Radio is capable romance and pathos, all in the same gripping story. of giving, by hooking your set on to the clear, practically static-free For example, take The Revolt of the Pedestrians ground waves with Sub-Aerial. The air is always full of static and and A Biological Experiment. your overhead aerial picks it up and brings it to your speaker. So As for the critics of Wells and Verne. I like both, and anybody who doesn't is probably not on a why stay in the air—when you can use the whole earth as a static and high enough intellectual plane to understand them noise filter with Sub-Aerial? with sufficient clarity. They say Wells' stories are slow and too long drawn out. But does he say any more than is necessary to put across his idea? LOW ORIGINAL COST—NO UPKEEP COST And in addition, a reader of Wells, or Verne, will SUB-AERIAL costs no more than an overhead or loop aerial and less get more out of their stories from a grammatical standpoint than the readers of stories written by than many. It's first cost is the only one. SUB-AERIAL is permanent many of the "favorites," who murder the "King's No trouble—no hard work, or risking your neck on roofs. English" atrociously. When we went to school we read Milton's "Paradise Lost" and "Paradise TRY IT FREE' We know so well the surprising results you'll get Regained," and Burke's "Conciliation of The • that we'll let you put in a Sub-Aerial entirely at our American Colonies," and poems by Burns, Shelley, Risk. You be the Judge. Don't take down your overhead Aerial. Pick a summer night when static and noise interference on your old Aerial are "Just Keats, etc., to gain a command of our native lan- Terrible." If Sub-Aerial doesn't Sell Itself to You Right Then on Performance— guage. Was anything ever more drawn out than you needn't pay us a cent. Send for "all the Dope on Sub-Aerial." You'll those first-named books? So, if your readers find be surprised. Do it NOW. Wells too slow for them, I believe the benefit they would obtain grammatically would pay for the time spent in the reading. 25-YEAR GUARANTEE Regarding these time machine stories, they make good reading, but it is one example of pseudo. UNDERGROUND AERIAL SYSTEMS science which will never, never become real science. st. Clair Bldg., Dept. 976-MS, Some time ago one of these stories was published in which the inventor had three, I believe, small Cor. St. Clair and Erie Sts., Chicago, W. samples of his machine which he sent into the pest or future. Now, supposing this gentleman was giv- ing a demonstration of these machines to some friends. He has three working models. He tells his friends that in ten minutes, by the clock (and Ground Out you can't ignore the time as recorded by the chronometer), he is going to send one of these models into the past five minutes. That is, five minutes before the time ten minutes hence, or five Static with minutes in the future from the present time. In other words, the clock says 8:30. At 8:40 the in- ventor intends to send into the past, to 8:35, one of his machines. All right, the clock ticks on and at 8:35 a model of this machine makes its appear- ance on the table. Now let's see, at 8:30 he had three models, and at 8:35 he has four, one more Can be installed than was ever manufactured. The original three, $LIK-AEKIAL in a few minutes because he hasn't sent the one into the past yet, and will not until 8:40, and the one which appeared `OEIN MMMMMMMMMMMMM NMI Iffl Ian MI Mal Ma at 8:35. He has these machines, four of them, for five minutes. Now the gentleman's intentions UNDERGROUND AERIAL SYSTEMS, Dept. 976 -MS St. Clair Bldg., cor. St. Clair and Erie Sts., Chicago, Ill. are good, he fully expects to send this machine into the past at 8:49. But at 8:37 something hap- Send me complete information on Sub-Aerial, Proof and Free Trial Offer, 11 No obligation. pens which prevents him sending this machine into the past. You say that's foolish, that the machine wouldn't have appeared at 8:35 if something was to Name happen to stop his sending it back at 8:40. Is that any more foolish than the fact that he was in pos- AC idtdyress session of four machines for five minutes, when only three were ever made? If he didn't send the ma- chine back at 8:30, he would be possessor of four State machines forever. Is it any more foolish to own four machines for all times, than it is to own them for five minutes, when only three were made? Now, as to sending a larger machine into the Trading or Speculating future. The clock says 9:00. The inventor says FREE to BOYS Sample copy of OPEN ROAD he will go into the future ten minutes, that is until FOR BOYS Magazine-50 pages For a thorough comprehensive com- 9:10. He disappears. His machine stops. The thrilling stories, pictures, sports. parison and explanation of the dif- clock registers 9:10 to him, because he is ten min- mystery, etc. Free membership utes in the future, or ten minutes later than 9:00 In WINNIT CLUB, badge button, big outfit, ferent methods employed, write for o'clock. To his companions the clock says 9:00. catalog and new plan for getting easy money and our free booklet. swell prizes. Big surprise, too. ALL FREE! The same clock, remember, registers both times obligation. Write today to (an example of the same thing being in two places PAUL KAYE li W. 42nd St., New York WINNIT CLUB - - Open Road for Boys at once). The inventor now will have to wait ten 130 Newbury St. Dept. 34 Boston, Mass. minutes until his companions catch up. But can he wait? The clock ticks on. Five, ten minutes past. New Model To the companions of the inventor, the time is now 9:10 and the traveler into time should appear. But MONEYFORYOU Men's Two yearn does he? No! In the meantime, ten minutes have Men or women can earn $15 to $25 weekly Strap written passed for him. Not the same ten minutes, but ten in spare time et home making display cards. Watch g7w:etiheth: future minutes. While the inventor waited ten Light. pleasant work. No canvassing. We this full jeweled minutes, the clock was not idle, and at 9:10 to the instruct you and supply you with work. ., .,.64.5 .7r. 311. elerantSwgisivsew" Yourchoicein square, friends, it was 9:20 to the inventor, and he was Write to-day for full particulars. tonneau or cushion abase still ten minutes in the future. The only way he The MENHEN1TT COMPANY Limited —.some price. Radium dial, 5 ,. tells time mn dark. Accurate could see his friends again would be to journey 248 Dominion Bldg.,Toronto, Can. $38—.•. MMMM ". ,-;„,4-.order.• timekeeper, Quanti tested and adjueted. Rush your back ten minutes. ty limited. Send no money. Pair This idea of no such a thing as time, because of voatman $3.86. JENKINS, 621 Broadway, New York, Dept. 65F 9 its infinity, 'is the bunk." And the idea that we Dice, 85.00; Cards, $1.25; Inks, 81.50; cannot measure time, that everything happens simul- Magic Fluid /or "ransparents,T 83.00; taneously, and is registered on our brain in BE A DETECTIVE Slick Ace Cards, 8E25; Factory Readers, sequence, is more bunk. Because space is infinite, Earn Stir Stoney. Work home or travel. Make secret in- MAGIC 81.00. Sales Boards, etc. Catalog, 10e, doesn't say it is a compact thing, and all in one vestigations. Errerlence unnecessary. Write Dept. S. A., CENTRAL NOVELTY COMPANY place, and then registers on our brain as millions American Detective System, 2190 Broadway, N. Y. 740 West Madison Street Chicago, Ill. 568 AMAZING STORIES

INRitge,I•••••••••.R.NPRIOEM. and billions of light-years, does it? Space, in- finite space, can be measured. Time, infinite time, can be measured, and we use a clock to measure it. HUMOR, COMIC ART, AMUSE- Therefore, in all treatises on time, the clock, or MENT, PUZZLES, CONTESTS, measurer of time, must enter into the calculations. Is it not so? As for happenings registering on our ENTERTAINMENT, WIT. brains in sequence. Why should they register in order? Seems to me there would be an awful jumble. And there would be quite a few examples of two, or an infinite number, of things being in the same place at the same time. And I know that I, myself, would be in an awful large number of places at the same time. Without this theory of no time, the time machine stories would fall flat. Now, if there is anything wrong with my reason- ing, I would like to know wherein the error, or 3 errors, lie. -g LESTER A. M APLE, Box 643, Lisbon, Ohio.

[We are not so sure that we know all about time at the present state of science. While our corre- spondent gives a seemingly lucid explanation of certain mechanics of time, we append herewith the modern Einstein conception, which we take from the book, Glavitation vs. Relativity by Charles Lane Poor, Professor of Celestial Mechanics of Columbia University: "The time interval being larger, a clock must run JKLNINOPQ more slowly, or as Einstein puts it: 'As a conse- RUDYARD K/PLING quence of its motion the clock goes more slowly than when at rest' (44). Now, this statement, or assertion, or assumption of Einstein in regard to wOE tte time and time intervals is in direct opposition to our fundamental concepts, it violates our whole mode and method of thinking. Heretofore, time has been thought of as being independent of every- one and everything; time was the same for all por- tions of space, for all bodies, whether in motion or EW eggAdverfeviißters at rest; a minute was a minute the world around and everywhere in space. This identity of time and time intervals Einstein denies: according to his ILLUST dn. all the World relativity theory, time depends upon motion, and THERE M NO LOUD SPEA/MR LIKE TRIS every body has its own particular time: 'unless we are told the reference-body to which the statement OVER 41150.00 young of time refers, there is no meaning in a statement of the time of an event' (32). The faster the body married woman moves, the longer become the time intervals. The IN PRIZES earth travels about the sun at a rate of 19 miles POE2PUZAA AqCwAVICI. OEZO oisif. per second, Mercury at from 23 to 35 miles per EACH ISSU( OZARHA A0V second, depending upon its place in its orbit, and LIBERT); MAR 3. Mat ZONITE ADZ Neptune at only 3 1/3 miles per second. To an SUBMITTED Bv observer on Neptune, therefore, the interval of time, ART RAMEA. EAILWAUKEE,W15. which we know as a year, would appear shorter, while to an astronomer on Mercury the year would appear longer. While the speeds of the planets thus TIDBITS is new—is like no other maga- differ greatly, yet they are all very small fractions zine! A long procession of widely diversified of the speed of light, and hence the variations in topics created for your enjoyment parade time intervals will be very minute, only about one part in a hundred million. The lengths of the year, before you thru its many pages. Namystics as measured on the earth and on Mercury, would Phoney Patents, Right the SDNcium dither by only a couple of seconds or so. Advertwisters, Show Me, News Blunders, "This basic idea of the relativity of time should CooKoo Nuts, Radiocrostics—each of these be thoroughly understood, and a further illustration is a new form of entertainment designed to may aid one in forming a conception as to what help you while-away many pleasant hours. relativity, as enunciated by Einstein, really means. A CLOCK GOES MORE SLOWLY WHEN IN egelhey11110,45 Pages of spicy illustrations all drawn by MOTION THAN WHEN AT REST; TnE French artists. Zestful tales and jokes. There FASTER A BODY MOVES THE LONGER THE is a million dollars' worth of laughs in each TIME INTERVALS. As the speed of a body in- creases, therefore, a clock runs more and more PLANNING A TRIP TO EUROPE issue of this fifteen-cent magazine. Go to slowly, and each minute and second becomes longer your newsdealer now and obtain your copy and longer. Supposing that as I write these words, My Maryland, my native home, of this new, different magazine of mirth. my room could be sealed up and shot off into space In Rain or Shine I'll ne'er forget, with a speed approaching that of waves of light, Nor Lovely Lady Rosalie, one hundred and fifty, or one hundred and eighty the 15e copy thousand miles per second. As the speed of my And Rio Rita—gay Coquette. room increased, my desk clock would run more At all Newsstands, or Write Direct to and more slowly, each tick would represent the But now Imust Keep Shufflin' on, passing of an hour or a day, perhaps even of a For soon I'll be for Paris Bound; EXPERIMENTER PUBLISHING CO year of ordinary earthly time. I would not know the difference, my heart would beat regularly, but Parisiana Imust see— 230 Fifth Ave., New York, N. Y. each beat would mark the passing of months. At Artists and Models all around. the end of half an hour my clock, and before this paragraph could be completed, my room would have traversed the depths of space and been returned again to my island home. But, as I glance up from my paper, what a change of scene! The peaceful , bay on which my windows give, would be filled with strange craft, alien peoples would troop OE 0,,,,stwee-',,•:„., around, and I would learn that America had fellen, as Rousse fell, centuries before. The name of Ilard- ing, Lloyd George, Poincaré would be meaningless; the World War even would have been forgotten, or remembered only to plague some schoolboy with the histories of past and long forgotten races. This is what relativity of time really means. • "Now motion takes place in space and, if rela- tivity be true and time varies with motion, time and space can no longer be considered as independent: \N g: - they are bound together its some way, neither can exist without the other. A point in space cannot OCOECU v. vrJ eft \-°)' be thought of without predicting a time, and an in- wgTpOp‘po. 5.1„s terval of time has no meaning except in connection with a definite moving body in space. It is per- fectly true, if such a phrase be allowable its a dis- mission of relativity, that, even under the old con- cepts of time and space, it is extremely difficult to %iefea Raul! Ji acre stic,5,Mil conceive of time without space, or of space without time; yet the essential point of the old concepts, THIS ISSUE'S S5 00 PRIZE WINNER-, the independence of space and time, is easy to VV E understand: that an instant of time is the same in- stant throughout all space, that an interval of time WEMC r„T,'1-a_TE•t is the saine whether measured in one part of co BWEBS space or in another, upon a body at rest or upon SUBMITTED BY MR IRIS L TOND, YONKERS,N.Y a body in motion. It is this essential point in the old theories that the relativitist denies. Time, az. AMAZING STORIES 569

cording to the new theory, is relative, relative to position in space and to the motions of bodies PERSONAL therein. An interval between two events is not a fixed, definite interval; it is longer or shorter, de- Appearance pending upon the speed with which the observer is Is now more than ever moving through space." the key note of suc- Perhaps this will give those of our readers who cess, bath in social and business life. have not read this book, a good deal of food for Bow - Legged and thought.—Eorroa.] Knock - Kneed men and women, both young and old, will be glad to hear that my new appliance will BOB OLSEN AND THE FOURTH successfully straight- en, within a short DIMENSION time, bow-leggedness and knock-kneed legs Editor, AMAZING STORIES: safely, quickly and I am a sixteen year old boy, a Junior in high permanently, wi lout pain, operation or discomfort. school. I am interested in Science and am a Worn at night. My new ..Lim-Straltner" Model 18, regular reader of your magazine, because the U. S. Patent, is easy to adjust; Its results will soon save you from further humiliation, and improve your per- meagre course offered by our school does not satisfy sonal appearance 100 per cent. (Model 18 is not like old- my craving foř science. Your magazine fills the fashioned splints or braces, with bothersome straps, empty place perfectly. hard to adjust, but a scientific, modern device of proven I have no "kick" to register about your stories merit, used and recommended for the last 7 years bY because I realize how hard it is to please everyone physicians everywhere.) Write today for particulars, testimonials, and sny free and so, when I come to a story I don't like, I just copyrighted physiological and anatomical book which pass it up. tells you how to correct bow anil knock-kneed legs with- However, I do like to go through the stories out any obligation. Ene ose a dime for postage. and see what faults I can find. Here are a few . 1656 L. W. U. Building, things I wish you would set me straight on. M. TRILETY, Specialist Binghamton, N. Y. In Bob Olsen's Great Fourth-Dimensianal Rob- beries he describes a cube as seen in the fourth dimension or rather a fourth dimensional cube. If this were to be two cubes exactly the same di- mension, according to solid geometry, they would coincide and appear exactly as one. I can't un- derstand what perspective has to do with fourth nten dimension. e My other "kick" is about the Blue Dimension First Pilot to FbrAtlantic UrniiSh by Francis Flagg. Mr. Flagg says that there are $10Y0 Camera and • several planes of vibration which cannot be seen by our eyes. Now everything is composed of each 'You How-S"OE atoms (needless statement) and if this other Is Now Ready Or Neo eixf Women Everywhere! Make Ind NolieyJ "plane" were to be really substantial and existent, Write for FREE BOOK. Be a Movie it would have to be composed of atoms and mole- Explains opportunities as Operator cules. These are not affected by vibration, but to trainYOU Motion Picture Camera Man, Welfurnish pro- are first existent. Granted that they would be Portrait, News or Commercial jector and teach invisible, would this writer have us believe that Photographer. You can learn at you at home. Get the atoms and molecules become non-existent when home or in our New York Studios. a good Pay Job ftoine with Movie or the experimenter moves from one plane to an- Spare or full time. Vaudeville other? I would be very glad if you could explain N.Y. Institute of Photography Theatre. Write this to me. IEUTENANT WALTER HINTON— for folder. IO W. 33rd St., N. Y., Dept.103 I really don't care if this letter ever sees the pilot of the famous Transatlantic Discussion Column, but I would like you to answer L my question, because there is no one in my town NC-4 flight—is ready to train you at home 99 n cdt. Eitar.k that has the required knowledge to do so. for a future in the greatest industry of the AUtOillaik '24-17: TAMES PHELAN, age. Through a Course that covers Avia- 4 224 N. Main St., Edwardsville, WITH You need no Scene., or NOPetrre tion from A to Z—the cream of his broad [To carry out the fourth dimension pictorially loo rgreutto'4219.22;1 Required experience and careful study—Hinton CART- fun or seit.detence.keeps away tramps. would be quite a puzzle in Mr. Olsen's story, brings you the opportunity to quickly mas- which makes your criticism perhaps ample on this POEDGE leFaareatri/nrs'atsoMsday2r12e37.-: ter the "ground work" of Aviation. He /Sarno aa an expeneive automatic in conetrug. attempt. Many who think that they understand the Freeohm, finial!, appearance. durability; automatic mega:ins loading and ejection of cartridge., fourth dimension and claim to be familiar with thoroughly trains you for any one of the Instantly and powerful report. Guaranteed absolutely all that Einstein tells us, consider that they know Safe. Send no money. Pay expreearnan $4.99 for automatic with 100 fifty trades and professions upon which the cartridges. JENKINS, 621 Broadway, New York, Dept. 65-J-9 the shape of a "tessaract" but their attempts at drawing it always seem confused. As regards Industry depends. No matter,which branch atoms; keep in mind that the old word "atom" you specialize in later, you must know the SCIENTIFIC MARVEL expressed the smallest possible quantity of any- fundamentals of the business. LIGHTER—WINDPROOF thing, and that not so very long ago in cosmic Hinton is ready to give them to you now times this idea was succeeded by that of the mole- What Makes It Light? cule and the word "atom" relegated to a new con- —quickly and SUCCESSFULLY. ception, and that very recently, as time goes, the All guaranteed. Sample 25 Better Jobs, Better cents. Sample Gold or Silver atom itself has been torn up, as it were, and is plated, $1.00. Does the work now pictured to us as principally vacuum and Pay—on the Ground Designers and Engineers of expensive Lighters. as a very composite body. We have got down —in the Air Pilots now to mat- Agents "Write for Prices electrons and protons as the basis of Far-sighted men who get into Engine & Plane ter. And where we will be five years from now Aviation now will grow up Mechanics NEW METHOD MFG. CO. in the scientific conception of matter, it is abso- to the positions of foremen, Riggers Box A. S. 9 Bradford, Pa lutely impossible to say. Do you not think, in superintendents, managers and Wire Workers PILOTS during its period of Electricians view of all these changes in the past and of un- fastest development. Isn't it Welders doubted changes imminent in the future, that your just plain COMMON SENSE Instrument Print Your Own criticisms are not quite valid ?—EDITOR.] for you to tie up with the Makers Cards, Stationery, Circulars, Paper, etc. Save Industry now—while the field Wood and Metal money. Print for others, big profit. Complete is wide and open and BEFORE Workers o.4 outfits $8.85. Job press $11. $29. Rotary $149. All the best positions are filled? Draughtsmen easy, rules sent. Write for catalog presses type Plane & Motor etc. THE KELSEY CO., P.45, Meriden, Conn. TIME AND THE FOURTH DIMENSION Get Hinton's Inspectors FREE Book Airport 0 perat's Editor, AMAZING STORIES: Radio Experts Send now for Hinton's FREE Assemblymen I Peculiar that a letter like that of Mr. D. L. Book. Investigate his plan for Aerial Survey & 'Cummings of Elizabeth, N. J. could disturb my putting his experience right Photography peace of mind to the extent of forcing me to do into your hands, ready to use Aerial Transport Managers a thing that I most detest and that is writing let- and turn into cash. Learn exactly how and why he can Salesmen ters. Of course his ideas are very much different open up a wondeCul future for from mine. In his first paragraph he tells of YOU In Aviation'. Get the our interest in "our magazine," so far so good, hut, book—the facts. Rush the stories in which time is turned backward or for- coupon today. ward are not impossible. Anything can be tampered Aviation Institute with, on paper, in laboratories or shops. of U.S.A. Beside the present we also have the past, the future, no. But leave the future alone, it will 1115oonn.Ave. take care of itself. Speaking dimensionally, a Washington U.S. GOVERNMENT JOBS fourth dimension is just as plausible as a first, sec- D. C. ond or third dimension. A fourth dimension is just --- as plausible as time and propagation. The idea of defining Time as a fourth dimension is not a Railway Postal / INSTITUTE bad one. Considering the fact that time in itself r•sks. Clerks Dept. G183 is infinite, time as we know it is merely a medium Rochester, N. Y. of measure. Time measurement is definite in the fact that Mail Carriers / Sirs: Rush to me, with- out charge, (1) 32-page solar movement is confined to space and motion. book with list of U. S. Motion in space is restricted to periods. Time Government Jobs obtainable Le. is motion in space between the same periods. It Post Office 1.) and sample coaching; (2) Tell me how to get one of takes so long to go from here to there, and it takes Walter Hinton, Pres.; ••-, these jobs. so long to get back! Aviation Institute of U. S. A. Clerks ; 1115 Conn, Ave.. Washington , 1) - C . It is just as plausible that the fourth dimension I Dear Lieutenant Hinton: Send me your FREE can be located in time. (This was an unintentional Book telling how you train men right at home I Men—Boys 1 Name pun.) Why not? Are we to let the third ¡dimen- I for Aviation. sion confuse and warp our line of reasoning? 18 up - / Then again, "Can a thing be said to exist without Name Address mass ?" or as he further states, without time? Street Age Mail Coupon As I have said, time is infinite. Be it eternal or City. Sta te todny sure City State instant. m• -•••• -•”..111WIRILlie 570 AMAZING STORIES

Glancing through the advances macle in science, of electricity, chemistry and physics within the past few years, one is really dumbfounded at the rapid strides that have been taken. For just an example, The electron. It exists, it has almost Hotel no mass, its life defies all conception of time as we know time. It is there. Indisputably there. Unharnessed energy. What is it? It is there. It has been measured into our third dimension as mt.0 Wyman far as its molecular construction is concerned. But the plane that it moves in has not been; when that is done I am sure that we shall be a great step nearer to the fourth dimension. Then again it would hardly be worth while to mention atoms quart and molecules. These are not abstract terms Mr. Broadway Cummings; in some cases these have been drawn and classified, but they have never been touched. The immaterial can and will be associated with 70th to 71st Street, New York City material bodies in time. Of cosiese the imperfect Between Park asid River association of the sciences causes many and con- flicting theories. Future, according to the science Only 3 Minutes to Times Square of medicine can be attained only through the medium a propagation. The science of Theology tells us Only 12 Minutes to Wall Street that the future can be attained only in after-life. The science of Sociology tells us that there is no Situated in the Midtown Section after-life, and that in some cases propagation as Away from the Noise Modern in all Details a medium to the future is not absolutely needed. All very incomprehensible as the editor tells us, Very Large Rooms There's the Man Who's very confusing but good reading. I read all my stories with a grain of salt, take them as they are Room and Bath meant, as fiction and nothing else. I most cer- Holding You Down tainly enjoy every minute of A MAZING STORIES. $2.50 Per Day Up This is a good long one for one so out of prac- Yes, sir! There's the man. You tice and I hope that it will be taken in the spirit For 2 Persons see him every time you look in the meant, merely pitting opipion against opiniosa. Just hang right on to Paul; he could hardly be $3.50 Per Day Up mirror. His name isn't Brown or replaced on a moments notice for the type of Smith or Jones but Y-O -U. He's work that you require. Keep up the good work. your real boss. He's the man who ALBERT J. H ADVIGAR, Suites $6.00 Per Day and Up 'decides whether your salary will 122 Winter St., Bridgeport, Conn. [As you say, anything can be tampered with Handsomely Furnished be $35 a week or $100 or $150. on paper. One of the troubles of humanity, is Ir vou want to get ahead there's just one sure way that too much has been so tampered with that a A Restaurant of Unusual Excellence bewildering number of theories are formulated and to do it—tram yourself to do the day's work better Moderate Prices, than any other man in the office. Ability is bound each formulator is what we may call "offensively" to count. Your employer will be glad to pay you certain of his own veritude.—Eorroa.] more money if you show him you deserve it. A home-study course with the International Corre- spondence Schools will prepare YOU for the position you want in the work you like best. All it takes is an A YOUNG EXPERIMENTER IN TELEPATHY Foreigneork!. Like to Travel—Does Romantic.Wealthy Booth Amer- hour a day of the spare time that now goes to waste. * Ica call pnul Unusual opportunities for young men. At least find out how by marking and mailing the Editor, A MAZING STORIES: American employers. Fare and topentee furnished. coupon that has meant the difference between Failure BIG PAY. Write for Free 'jet. I am only thirteen years of age, hut I would like SOUTH AMERICAN SERVICE BUREAU and Success to so many other men. It doesn't obli- 14600 Alma A Detroit. Michigan gate you in any way to fill in this coupon, yet it may be to say a few words on the time-four-dimensional the means of changing your entire life. Do—it--now! theory that you have played up so much in the stories you have published. Write for Free Booklet If you insist on there being a fourth dimension, why pick on time? You might as well use weight, INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOLS temperature, and hardness, etc., all of which would "The Universal University" be a lot of "bunk." True, all are factors, but they Box 7137.0. Scranton, Penna. are not dimensions. Dimensions are concerned with The Without cost or obligation, please send me a ropy of linear measure. your booklet, "Who Wins and Why," and full particulars Let us assume that we are transported to a two- about the subject before which I have marked It: dimensional world. A circle, flat on the ground, BUSINESS TRAINING COURSES would appear as a straight line, being on a level nBusiness Management 0 Advertising with the eye. Thus, we would be inconvenienced by not seeing the circumference. With our three- FUTURE ti Industrial Management O English Li Personnel Management fl Business Correspondence dimensional senses, we are enabled to see only half LI Traffic. Management . [IShow Card and Sign a sphere, so with four dimensions we should be fl Accounting and C. P. A. Lettering Coaching OStenography and Typing able to see the entire area of a sphere. When we Clcost Accounting OCivil Service can use this dimension, we will be able to see the by D Bookkeeping El Railway Mall Clerk other side of the moon without going there. U Salesmanship DI Common School Subjects Mental telepathy is not impossible, as you think. El Secretarial Work OHMS) School Subjects Another boy and I came to talking about the sub- El Spanish D French ['Illustrating D Cartooning ject, and we decided to give it a tryout. I closed Professor A. M. Low TECHNICAL AND INDUSTRIAL COURSES my eyes and made my mind as complete a blank as nElectrical Engineer El Architect I could, while the other tried to transmit a thought HElectric Lighting DI Architects' Blueprints "THE FUTURE" is one of the most Mechanical Engineer D Contractor and Builder to me. I received the same thought that he sent, El Mechanical Draftsman D Architectural Draftsman and that was a picture of a Yeast Man! We tried remarkable books of the age. Professor Machine Shop Practice O Concrete Builder ibis out on each other about twenty times, using Low, the author, 'is a scientist of interna- O Railroad Positions D Structural Engineer different thoughts, and six trials were successful. Daas Engine Operating flChessistry fl Pharmacy tional reputation, also an experimenter D Civil Engineer D Mining ['Automobile Work 'Try it out yourself, some day. D Surveying and Mapping D Airplane Engines LEONARD M AY, and inventor in the many branches of El Plumbing and Heating 13 Agriculture and Poultry 133 Lexington -Ave., Jersey City, N. J. science. This book written by him has DSteam Engineering O Radio ['Mathematics [Regarding the fourth dimension, many scientists aroused wide-spread interest. It deals today are in accord, that the fourth dimension Name really haust be time. The following excerpt, taken with the world of the future, certainly an from the book "Gravitation veisus Relativity," by unusually absorbing subject. Written in Etreet Address Charles Lane Poor, Professor of Celestial Me- the popular, non-technical fashion, "The chanics of Columbia University, should be of in- Future" reveals the many advances and City State terest to you: changes that are in store for humanity in If you reside in Canada, send this coupon to the laterno - "If space and time are thus connected, it should henal Correspondence Schools Canadian, Limited. Mantreui be possible to express the connection in terms of a new life to come. mathematical symbols and equations. Tt is at this point and for this purpose that the formulas and This book has received favorable com- methods of Four Dimensional Geometry are intro- ment in book reviews the world over. Do New Summer Issue of duced into the relativity theory. To most people, not neglect to read this treatise on the the very words, four dimensions, are enough: RADIO LISTENERS' GUIDE everything at once becomes incomprehensible and future by Professor A. M. Low. It is a absurd. Yet there is no reason for this too preva- literary treat for everyone. AND CALL BOOK lent idea: in the broad sense of the words, there is nothing new or startling in the font- dimensional Mail your order now! Don't wait, every- Just Out! idea. It is a matter of common, every-day knowl- edge that, in order to describe fully an event, we body is reading this remarkable book. Be sisee and obtain your copy of this big book must tell not only where the event took place, but of radio. A new, revised list of the call letters when. To speak of the Battle of the Marne does Price—$2.00 tos every broadcasting station in the country not definitely fix the event, for more than one together with a list of all the short-wave stations battle was there fought; in the World War there ..... (an innovation) are just two of the many inter- were at least two distinct battles on the Marne. esting features for the radio enthusiast. Full The when, the date, is essential if we are to par- Exoerimenter Publishing Co. constructional details for building the latest, ticularize a certain definite battle, or event. To 230 Fifth Ave., New York, N. Y. improved radio receivers. fix definitely the place at which an event occurs Onntlemen: Enclosed find ...check or... money order reouires three elements, or coordinates, for all (cheek which) for 52 00. 'Kindly semi met o, ropy of Prof. A. M. Low's new book "THE FUTIITtE". 50 CENTS objects in space have three dimensions, length, breadth, and thickness. To locate the place of the THE COPY Name battle the three place elements, or coordinates are, the surface of the earth, the latitude, and the At all newsstands, or write direct Address loneitude of the point on the river at which the battle was fought. But to identify the First Battle, City State CONSRAD COMPANY, INC. or the Second Battle, or any particular event of 230 Fifth Avenue New Yor14 N. Y. either we must have a fourth element, the date on AMAZING STORIES 571

which the event happened. That is, to completely identify any event, a battle on the earth's surface, "Where'd You Get the fall of a meteor, the collision of two stars, we must have four elements; three to fix the posi- the New Car, Bob?" tion in space, and one to fix it in time. Thus, in the broad, general sense of the words, we live and have our being in a world of four dimensions, and "Say, Mac, You mathematically speaking it requires four numbers, statement, or coordinates, to identify fully, in space May Not Believe and time, an event or happening. "There is nothing new in all this. But what is Me, But I Got new, what is startling, is the point emphasized in the relativity theory, the introduction of a definite It Out of This mathematical relation between the space coordinates and the time coordinate. This relationship is intro- Can of duced through the adoption of the Lorentz trans- formation equations, heretofore fully explained, and was specifically brought out by Minkowski." ReNUZit! As TO mental telepathy, A MAZING STORIES' Sister magazine, SCIENCE AND INVENTION, maintains that there is no such thing and that mental telepathy has never been proved. The magazine is willing to pay a large cash prize for absolute proof of mental telepathy. If you actually have such proof, Miraculous Fluid Renews Original you can make a good deal of money by demon- strating it to the Editors of that magazine. — E DITOR.] Finish of Old Cars in 30 Minutes!

Sounds like a Miracle! It IS a Miracle—a scientific Miracle that is astonishing the motor world! If YOU had seen Bo b' s car before he found out about ReNŮZit, and TURNING THE "YEAST MEN " AROUND could see it NOW—you'd hardly believe your eyes! It's as snappy looking as on the Editor, A MAZING STORIES: day he bought it. Yes, without doubt—ReNLIZit is proving one of the great sensations of the motor age. I have just finished reading the April issue of A MAZING STORIES and found it very interesting. The Miracle of the Lily was great. Another one that I enjoyed very much was The Yeast Men. AGENTS $50.00 a Day There was one point I could not understand. I, for So like a Miracle is this wonderful Fluid that agents all over the country can make one, cannot see how the Moronians could have won almost unbelievable profits. Full or spare time—ReNlIZit sells like the wind. Car the war with the Yeast Men. The author describes owners simply can't resist it! One glance at what it does—and they are more than eager how the Yeast Men were shot out of machine guns to try it. And our proposition is so GOOD that no one could help making money with it. and started walking in the direction in which they Live wires should make $50.00 and up a day without any trouble. It costs nothing to were shot. Very possible. He also states that the investigate. You can't afford not to. Moronians led some Yeast Men around in a circle. The Eupenians knew this was possible because Herr ' How This Astonishing Discovery Works Schmidt had a Yeast Man draw a buggy through You just flowReNUZit onto any automobile with a piece of cheesecloth, and immediately theORIGINAL the streets. Each machine shot 172,000 men per color and lustre of that car isllike new again. It's not a polish, cleaner, wax or paint—but a marvelous day. Five hundred guns could shoot 86,000,000 chemical discovery that restores the original color and glowing lustre of any painted, enameled men per day. Instead of trying to cut the Yeast or lacquered surface. No tiresome polishing or rubbing. Harmless—Lasttag—Sure. MAIL Men to pieces with swords, the Eupenian Premier _ could have ordered out the 50,000 men that he had Test ReNUZit Free! • COUPON ready, to turn the Yeast Men about and start them You have the privilege of trying ReNUZit yourself right now without risk in the direction of Moronia. Each man would have or obligation Prove to yourself what miracles it accomplisheS. CURTAN MFG. CO, See your own car being transformed to a thing of glistening had to take care of about 1,700 Yeast Men, which 154 E. Erie Street beauty! Send coupon TODAY for full details and Free would not have been a very hard task. Test Offer. Dept. 976-M.R. Chicago, Illinois I heartily agree with John F. Macaloffer, Port- Rush full details of ReNITZit, with Free land, Me., about the Wells and Verne stories, and CURTAN MFG. CO. Trial Oiler. NO Obligation. the reprints in the Annual. With the exception of 154 E. ERIE STREET Name very few I find Wells and Verne stories dry. How about some more stories by the author of Address Dept. 976-M.R. The Moon Pool and The Face in the Abyss. These City State two were about the best stories I have read in the CHICAGO, ILL. A MAZING STORIES Magazine, but since they ap- peared in an issue of at least six months ago, I HOW TO OBTAIN have never seen another like them. ec80ECOuMENANTEXAPERNT T. Now that I have found everything wrong with the A MAZING STORIES Magazine, I don't suppose A Perfect Looking Nose there will be much chance of this letter being put My latest improved Model 25 corrects now ill-shaped noses quickly, painlessly, in "Discussions." permanently and comfortably at home. JACOB SCHWARTZ, It is the only noseshaping appliance Executive AcčOuntanťs ‚aid C, P. A.'s earn 83,000 to $1C1,000 a year. .'7! Thousands of firme need them. Only 9,000 Certified Public Account- 1474 Park Place, Brooklyn, N. Y. of precise adjustment and a safe and guaranteed patent device that will ac- ants in the United States. We train you thoroly at home M spare time [Perhaps the Eupenian soldiers would have found for C.P.A. examinatione or executive accounting poeitione. Previone tually give you a perfect looking nose. wizi, menf3amil ec.erzry.. ATrizinie it was quite a difficult problem to turn the vast Write for free booklet which tells you number of Yeast Men, and it would have taken bow to obtain a perfect looking nose. A.'e, Including membern of th; American Inetibite of Accountnits. them many months to handle the 86,000,000 you Write for free book, "Accountancy, the Profemon that Pape." d M. TRILETY, Pioneer Noseshaping LaSalle Extension University, Dept. 9464-H hicago speak of, one by one, and individually. "The Moon Specialist, Dept. 3107, Binghamton, N.Y. The World's Largest Business Training iňšlituticTir - Pool" has met with wide approval. More of Mr. Merritt's work will appear in our columns soon. — E DITOR.] IPositively Guarantee to increase your arms one-half inch In size, chest one full inch, strength SIMMERS A VIVID TRIBUTE TO A . MERRITT 25 55,, health, 100% in one week's time, by following my instructions Men, get Forest Ranger job; $125 -$200 and using my exerciser 10 minutes month and home furnished; hunt, Editor, A MAZING STORIES: mornings and at night. Send $1 for fish, trap, etc. For further details, write I am writing to acknowledge receipt of your ex- complete course and exercisers. Sat.. isf action guaranteed or $1. refunded. cellent annual issue containing The Master Mind NORTON INST. PROF. J. A. DRYER of Mars. The story is marvelous; the magazine it- 1572 Temple Court, Denver,Colo. self, a little jewel in its own way. Particularly was Box 1850-F Chicago, Ill. I enthralled by Merritt's The Face in the Abyss, and even more, by the announcement that the author is at work on a sequel. I know not how your other NEW YEAR -NEW IDEA 4 0 readers may feel about it, but for myself, in view of his lyric and epic masterpiece, The Moon Pool— PATENT YOUR IDEAS TruAL. for it is evident to any who read it intelligently •Call or send me a sketch of that Merritt has Miltonic visions, vast shadowy EVERY WEEK. 13 WEEKS youri invention. Phone Longaere 3088 splendors, which he has the power to express in L Your neighbors $1 A YEAR_ IS CENTS know the Pathfinder and you will like it-the every- undeniably poetic prose with dashes of Keats and FREE cvOEnerTi`J inerdrvlRecording Blank week news digest from the Nation's Center. Bright, Shelley—as I say, in view of that achievement, intermitter .dependable. different—nothing elm like U. S. -and Foreign Patents secured by It. Washington goselp. politic., acience, travel, as well as The Metal Monster, a pure epic poem, fun, lota of pictures instruction. entertainment. 'tis clear that if he is encouraged, he will produce Trial 13 weeke-13 'hl g immee—only IS. Cents. Z.H.POLACHEK RegConsult.' PatentA"°rneY Engineer or Si for full year. Send now. Address : • an abiding contribution to the literature of imagi- 1234 BROADWAY. NEW YORK Pathfinder, Dept. 13 Washington, D. C. nation in the promised sequel to The Face in the Abyss. Please do let me know whether he has finished the sequel or, if not, when I may look for it in TRAVEL FOR "UNCLE SAM" A MAZING STORIES. I am a Senior at the University of Wisconsin Railway (major in History) and relieve my eyes, tired with $158 TO $225 MONTH "watching o'er man's mortality," as displayed in Postal Clerk the dolorous if colorful pageant of the world, by Mail Coupon Before You Lose It journeying to the realm of dreams via the pages ens am mu /MNIIIMfflfflMMM of your priceless publication. FRANKLIN INSTITUTE, Dept. G180 ROCHESTER, N. Y. ROBERT C. SCHALLER, 7045 Main Street, Janesville, Wis. Sirs: Rush to me, without charge, copy of your 32-page book, "How to Get U. S. Government Jobs," w ith sample [Mr. Merritt's stories have won great enconiums I coaching, lists of positions obtainable, and full particular8 from our readers and we hope that his hitherto telling how to get them. happy vein of literature will continue to flow. Your Steady Work—No Layoffs—Paid Vacations. college work seems to have increased your appre- Travel—See Your Country Name ciation of this author , whom we, jointly with you, Many U. S. Government Jobs Open to Women admire —EDITOR.] Common Education Usually SufficPmr • Address 572 AMAZING STORIES

ABOUT REPRINTS IN AMAZING STORIES iPr, Ir. filth 0.7- ii;••II.'llt Editor, AMAZING STOR/ES: I have been a reader of AMAZING STORIES since High School about Volume 1, No. 3. I like the magazine, but I have one criticism—too many reprints. Just finished the May number, and out of a »ALL Course in total of 76 pages of reading matter, 31 were de- voted to reprints. — tirderededitle.a..erser.L. 2Years Don't misunderstand tne. I like to read both Poe and Wells (can't say so much for Baron This simplified, complete High School AEOUT Course—szecial ly prepared for home study Muenchhausen") but, when I buy a new maga- by leading professors—meets all require- zine, I like to feel that I'm getting new stories. ments for entrance to college, business, and And practically every story you have reprinted is E available in every large and many small libraries or leading professions. 20 Other book stores. Over 200 noted Engineers, Bus. I am college trained, and so perhaps have ac- TELEVIISHA quired the unusual idea of obtaining my facts di- Courses ipnretpsaMreeiťhe specialeEcdiau f instruhcetl os ipoend which you need for success. No matter what rect rather than second-hand. For instance, ‚Vil- your inclinations may be, you can't hope liam Lornell is a far more instructive authority' Television is becoming more and to rincceed without apecialized training. Let on Mars than is Baron Münchhausen. And Edgar =give you the practical training you need. Rice Burroughs is certainly more entertaining. more popular every day. Get in American School I read scientifiction, not as a prophecy of the fu- on the ground floor. Remember Drexel Ave. & 58th Street ture, but as entertainment. Why not stress that Dept. H 6294 Chicago side of it more. Your present attitude smacks too it was just a few years ago that much of attempting to justify yourself because your stories are not chronicles of fact. You aren't Radio was going through the Manton School, Dept H-6294 Drexel Ave. and 58th St., Chicago conducting a personal tour through the pages of same stages of development that Send me full infonnabon on the subject checked and Euclid or anything of that sort. So please stop how you will help me win success in that line. telling us to look upon these stories as prophesying Television is today. It is the ex- Architect Electrical Engineer the future, and permit us to enjoy them as fiction. Building Contractor General Education And don't feel impelled to use any more "filler" perimenters of the old "fan" Automobile Engineer Lawyer like Mentiroso and IlIztenchhausen." If you can't days that are now reaping the Civil Engineer Mach. Shop Practice get good stuff, cut down on the size of the maga- Structural Engineer Mechanical Engineer zine. rewards of the successful in the Business Manager Steam Engineer Give us more stories like The Moon of Doom. radio field. In Television there C. P. A. & Auditor Sanitary & Heating Yours for an all-new, no -reprint magazine. Bookkee per Surveyor 8. Mapping is the same chance for success— ....Draftsman & Designer High Paul Graduate TED CAMERON, Frankfort, Ky. the same field for experimenta- [If our correspondent knew the number of let- kam. ters we get highly approving of the limited number tion that Radio afforded. Those of reprints which we use, he would feel that we owe Address our readers no apologies for them. Whether you who come out on top of this enjoy our stories as fiction, pure and simple or not, infant industry will be the ones certainly, if you will look a little further, you will find a prophetic value in some of them, and we are who, realizing its possibilities Complete, practical home-study sure that ten years from now many of them will be courses prepared by some of the read like true prophecy. We have no desire to pub- grow with it. Television will un- best-known chemists in this lish in the Discussions Column, only the letters of doubtedly attain the proportions, country, including those who throw flowers in our path. We believe ALLEN ROGERS, B.S., it is good for a person to get a few brickbats, and as an industry, that radio enjoys M.S., Ph.D.—Head of so we are very glad to publish your letter, which Department of In- you will find a contrast to many others.—Entrox.] today. This is your opportunity dustrial Chemistry, Pratt Institute; L. —it knocks but once—take ad- M .T OLhIAN, Ph.D., vantage of it. Send for the book Vice-president, United Chemical A YOUNG APPRECIATIVE CRITIC "Television" written by accepted 2, and Organic Prod - dr" uCtS Co.; BRADLEY Editor, AMAZING STOR/ES: authorities on the subject treated.

-W- 1 SHeadTOUGHTON, of the B.S .— I am a constant reader of AMAZING STORIES, and De- have found this type of literature more to my liking partment of Metallurgy, Lehigh University, and than any other. I feel that many of the critics of MILD AN EXPERIMENTAL OWEN L. SHINN, Ph.D. — Professor of Applied your magazine have been a little too narrow in Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania. their views. They severely criticize an author, even TELEVISION SET Mai/ Coupon for Free Booklet to the extent of asking for his banishment, never considering that this same author might appeal im- INTERNATIONA4 BCHOPL OF CH EMISTR71 Build yourself an experimental í Division of e mensely to many others. This world is made up of International Correspondence Schools people of widely differing temperaments, and it is Television outfit. In "TELE- Box 7I 38-D. Scranton. Penna. necessary that we be broadminded and understand- I Without cost or obligation, please send me full ing in our perspective. VISION" you will find complete details of your home-study course in I will now attempt to criticize the magazine D Analytical Chemistry 12 Metallurgical Chemistry proper, realizing that my views are probably wrong, information for the construction D Chemical Engineering D Short Chemistry Course I D Industrial Chemistry D Pharmacy nevertheless I am human, and so desire to express of an experimental outfit. Every my opinion. Name Dr. Mentiroso has received much scorching criti- phase in the construction and de- cism in the Discussion Columns. This fact proves velopment of Television is fully LA(keess the value of the story. Any story that induces so much original and constructive thought certainly and comprehensively explained. deserves a place in your magazine. This story was not meant to suggest a means of time traveling, Mail this coupon today. Don't but to produce thought and to show facts concerning wait! Over 112 pages—fully il- time which probably never occurred to us. The humorous stories have brought forth much lustrated—large magazine size. Co beautiful uncalled-for criticism, so it seems to me. Why so proportions.. many people object to humor is hard for me to while you sleep; understand. After reading such a story as The Talking Brain or such narratives as those of Wells At All Newsstands nniTA nosE ADJUSTER and Verne, which are interesting but hard reading, is SAFE, painless, comfortable. I find that a little snappy humor clears my brain or Write Direct Speedy, permanent results guar- for better thought on these. anteed. Doctors praise it. No I do not consider Wells your best author, but he Cold Medal metal to harm you. Small cost. certainly has a place in your magazine. I would eliminate such of his stories as Pollock and the Woo 19211 Write for FREE BOOKLET BEFORL-Af1L17 Porroh Matz. They seem to me to contain little or ANITA INSTITUTE. 949 ANITA 81dg., NEWARK, N. J. no science. I think his best story so far is A THE 51ID (11, COPY Story of the Stone Age, S Sections One of the critics has advised the elimination of 8Power romance. I think you have the happy medium right See Miles Away./ now. This critic evidently believes that science with Big A, It Telescope and love do not mix. If this world is to become a Brings distant people and objecto purely material and scientific world, as many EXPERIMENTER PUBLISHING CO, close to your eyes. Wonder Read prophecy, I certainly am glad I live now. telontiope open. over EH ft. numberoon 230 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N. Y. freight car mile In my opinion, the best stories so far are: A OEOEtrtfr;d6.bteerverFr:Cerer" s avvey.—A. C Palmer. Ideal for ‚ports. Columbus of Space, Green Splotches, Station X, mooing, FREE cAMENG The Second Deluge, The Red Dust, The First Men travel. AND SHOULDER STRAP ist the Moon, The Land That Time Forgot, The EXPERIMENTER PUBLISHING CO. SEND NO MONEY Moon Pool, The War of the Worlds, ArOund• the On arrival par nozurien SI.85. PIUS poetatre (I 230 Fifth Ave., New York, N. Y. for $9.60). Or ‚end $1.85 and wo nay poetage. Try S Universe, Treasures of Tantalus. Robur the Con- deys. Money refunded if not delighted. Send try. queror, Below the Soufra Red. The Comet Doom, FERRY ak CO.. DEPT. 108C CHICAGO, U. S. A. Gentlemen: Kindly send me a copy of The Master of the World, The Master Ants, Bob "TELEVISION." Enclosed find 50 cents. Olsen's fourth dimensional stories, and The As- 22 Cal-Blank tounding Discoveries of Dr. Mentiroso. sHOf All OUARTERLY stories were of the best. Name Automatic The lest story to date is Baron Muenchhausen's Scientific Adventures. I realize that in scienti- 1°E31/111nr`tiř..e2:2.2 Address .REQUIIIED fiction it is very hard to picture some superior in- radar...athwart, Medea aft *rape PIS tbleresadd eearedurps array. Idenned wrr.r. vention without making it seem impossible. You conarnon and appearance go genuine Arno. certainly have succeeded, not only in overcoming City State „ode Para. Loud reran. Nu blur ace! .bbernedk Seed wroreede-y.Parrearreezeman $1.aa. this, but also in bringing an abundance of scien- exper. charges 3 ro, ants HIM tific facts. Its snappy humor adds immensely to its 391e.DO&T 01411, DARYA sag B18 seamy*. Fs attractive interest. AMAZING STORIES 573

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Stories I Do Not Like: You Can Learn At Home! (2) Here is your big oppor- tunity! Our graduates are earning big money (1) as radio designers, as radio executives, in broadcasting work, as Do you want the questionnaire to continue? skilled service men and radio dealers. We have Do you like the illustrations as we have them now? R. L. DuNcAN. trained thousands to Director, R. I. A. become successful ra- Do you favor more illustrations than we have now? dio operators on ships and in shore sta- Would you rather have no illustrations at all? tions. And now opportunity is knocking at your door. Are you going to plod along Name at a thirty-five dollar a week job when REAL MONEY is waiting for you in radio? Address City A New Course This is YOUR magazine. Only by knowing what stories you like can we please you. After years of experience, the Radio In- Fill out this coupon or copy it and mail to AMAZING STORIES, 230 Fifth Avenue, stitute of America has evolved a new and New York City. revolutionary course in radio—right up to the minute and abreast of the most recent developments in the radio industry.

In regard to the magazine as a whole, I would P. S. —I have included nothing concerning the It starts with the very fundamentals and advise a change of cover and name. At present, fourth dimension since I know so little about it. takes you through every phase of radio— these give the impression that the magazine is of Ilowever, I would like to ask this question: What the purely sensational type and therefore does not foundation or evidence is there for such a theory? right through television, photoradio- appeal to the better class of people. Those persons Scientists, in propounding a theory, do so because grams and airplane radio equipment. who crave that type of literature, upon opening of evidence pointing toward it. So far I have been AMAZING STORIES, immediately reject it because it able to find no such evidence suggesting a fourth The instruction is the work of radio ex- is not what they want. Furthermore, I am sure dimension, perts, and its clearness and. simplicity are this is not the kind of customer you are reaching [We claim that we publish indifferently, letters of such that you can master every point with for. The result is, you get neither, except by derogatory as well as those of favorable criticism. ease. You take examinations—your papers chance. If you would change the cover and name, The reason a larger number of appreciative letters keeping the contents the same, more of the intel- are published than of the others, is because com- are corrected and all your questions lectual class would buy it. paratively few of the first class are received by us. answered by men with years of radio This letter is longer than I intended, but I hope This letter from a young reader tells its story so it has not proved tiresome. My criticism may seem experience. childish (I am 15 years of age), and in many cases well that criticism on our part is not required. It mistaken, but it is my first attempt as a literary is Einstein who has used the fourth dimension in A-1 Equipment critic. KENNETH R. JonNsoN, his work mors than other theorists. See also Prof. 247-7th Ave. \V., Clinton, Iowa. Poor's text on page 568-569.—FatToa.] A large kit of first-quality equipment is included in the cost of the course—with- out extra charge—parts for making a hundred different radio circuits and the Peerless Signagraph and key and buzzer set for code instruction. R. I. A. backed by RCA, G-E and Westinghouse Conducted by RCA and enjoying the ad- vantages of RCA's associates, General Elec- tric and Westinghouse, the Radio Institute GETS FARAWAY STATIONS LOUD AND CLEAR of America can and does give the finest ra- REGARDLESS OF STATIC CONDITIONS dio instruction obtainable anywhere. 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The sex instinct, preven- tion and cure of diseases, the senses, all the nor- mal functions of nature—read about them in the big, interesting and instructive quarterly maga- zine, "YOUR BODY"; a magazine devoted to the welfare of the human body. YOUR BODY treats on everything most vital in your life, physiology, sexology, personal hygiene. YOUR BODY is not a "health maga- zine." It is entirely new—different from any other magazine published. To neglect to read it is to do yourself a grave injustice.

Over 112 pages—Each article fully illustrated—Large magazine size.

EXPERIMENTER PUBLISHING CO. 230 Fifth Ave., New York, N. Y. AMAZING STORIES 575

SOME CRITICISMS AND VIEWS OF A YOUNG READER ON MARRIAGE Editor, AMAZING STORIES: OPPORTUNITY AD-LETS flaying finished reading the June issue of your magazine, I offer the following comments for what This column will appear monthly they may be worth: in AMAZING STORIES The Invisible Man: An exceptional story, even for \VeIls. The sequence of events is orderly, Rate—six cents a word. 10% discount for 6 issues and 20% for 12 logical, and lifelike. This is what gives his issues. Cash should accompany all advertisements unless placed by an (Wells') stories their quality of realness. Every- accredited advertising agency. Advertisements for less than 10 words thing moves along in such a natural manner that not accepted. one feels it might actually have happened. Baron Muenchhausen's Adventures: Although I EXPERIMENTER PUBLISHING CO. must give it second place, this is good for the same reason as the above. Nothing phenomenal is in- 230 Fifth Avenue New York City troduced without reason, simply to make the story Amazino. The Blue Dimension: Very good to the denoue- AGENTS WANTED MISCELLANEOUS ment, where it falls with a dull, sodden flop. \Vhy couldn't the very stupid assistant have passed a Agents—Big Pay Selling the New Ouickmend FORMS to cast Lead Soldiers, Indians, Marines, long rope or piece of cloth through the machine, Tube Patch and Rubber Repair. Vulcanizes tires Trappers, Animals, 151 kinds. Send 10e for which the Doctor could have grasped and so have and tubes without heat or tools. Quickmend been pulled back through? The author ruined a illustrated catalogue. 11. C. Schiercke, 1034 72d Rubber Company, Box 26, Dept. 3, Lincoln, St., Brooklyn, N. Y. good story here by his anxiety to give it a dreary Nebraska. ending. A Biological Experiment: Interesting, and well Men and women wanted to sell subscriptions PRINTING,ENGRAVING & MULTIGRAPHING written, but it seems to me that the primary postu- in their own communities. Can make a dollar late of the story is fallacious. lt seems that mother- an hour in spare time. Two leading magazines. hood is much more a necessary evil than a blessing Help given to beginners. Write for information 200 I.etterheads and 100 Envelopes, $1.10, post- to the race. Sex is one of the largest causes of at once. Agency Dept. Experimenter Publishing paid. Sherman Company, Box 989, Los Angeles, crime, and if it could be eliminated the race should Co., 230 Fifth Ave., New York City. Cal. be much happier instead of the opposite. As the author seems to advance the argument that it is BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES God's will, I refer bins to the words of the Master, PRINTING OUTFITS AND SUPPLIES that "There will be neither marriage, nor giving Free Book. Start little Mail Order business. in marriage in Heaven." Hadwil, 5A-74 Cortlandt Street, N. Y. In order that you may properly value the above Print Your Own Cards, Stationery, Circulars, outburst, will state that I am 18 years of age, Want to make a dollar an hour in your spare Advertising, etc. Complete outfits, $8.85; Job and have been reading A MAZING STORIES for two time? Send for full information Agency Dept. l'resses, $11, $29; Rotary, $149. Print for others; years. Experimenter Publishing Co., 230 Fifth Ave., big profit. Easy rules furnished. Write for J. B. Dixox, New York City. Catalog Presses, Type, Paper, etc. Kelsey Com- Box 501, Fort Smith, Ark. pany, J-67, Meriden, Conn. [We shall have to evaluate what you call your CORRESPONDENCE COURSES "outburst" on the basis of your age. Nothing SALESMEN WANTED would please us better than to hear from you some Used Correspondence School courses sold on re- time in the future as being blessed with a good Purchase basis. Also rented and exchanged. wife and numerous offsming. Your quotation about Money-back guarantee. Catalog free. (Courses Sell us your spare time. Solicit subscriptions marriage, you will observe, applies to heaven. In bought). Lee Mountain, Pisgah, Alabama. for two leading magazines in your city. You spite of prohibition,, the earth is far from being can make a dollar an hour easy. Write for full a heaven. If sex could be eliminated, as you say, DETECTIVES information. Agency Dept., Experimenter Pub- whether the race would be happier or not, it cer- lishing Co., 230 Fifth Ave., New York City. tainly would dwindle very rapidly. DETECTIVES Earn Big Money, Travel. Make We've always said that we would not attempt secret investigations. Experience unnecessary. to publish selected favorable letters from our readers Particulars free. Write, American Detective Sys- SONG POEM WRITERS to the exclusion of unfavorable ones. The only tem, 2190 Broadway, N. Y. reason so many agreeable letters are published and so few condemnatory ones, is that our correspond- Song Poem Writers—Have bonafide proposition. HEALTH ents seem to be a very appreciative body, and even Hibbeler, D165, 2104 N. Keystone Ave., Chicago. you end your letter, after all your criticisms, say- ing that you read "our AMAZING STORIES" each TOBACCO or SNUFF habit cured or no pay SONG Poem Writers, Write Sequoia Song- month. Your letter and its criticisms are highly $1.50 if cured. Sent on trial! FRANCES ‚VIL. writers' Service, Sherman Branch, Los Angeles, LARD, Box 796, Los Angeles, Calif. appreciated.—Eouroal Calif.

MAGIC AND GAMES If you write song poems, address M. Paul ANOTHER OF OUR YOUNGER READERS Manganella, Suite 3, 4695 Hollywood Blvd., Los Spook Mysteries, Magic, Mind Reading, etc., Angeles, Cal. PRAISES OUR WORK easily learned. 13e a Master Magician. Two Editor, AMAZING STORIES: great card mysteries and catalogue 25e. Bagley Magic Service, Dept. 5A, 828 Garfield, Port- STAMPS AND COINS This is my fourth attempt to get into print. I land, Ore. am 14 years old and have been a reader of AMAZING STORIES since July 1927. $10 for 25c! A choice assortissent of 500 all INSTRUCTION II. G. Wells is the best author you have. Those different stamps guaranteed to catalog over who criticize Mr. Wells should stop to think that $10.00, offered to approval applicants for only Mr. Wells has studied under Professor Huxley. Men, get Forest Ranger job; $125-$200 month and home furnished; hunt, fish, trap. For details, 25e. Edgewood Stamp Co., Dept. C., Milford, As a writer he is classed with Scott and Shakes- Connecticut. peare. As to his stories I have liked every one write Norton Inst., 1571 Temple Court, Denver, of them. I have not one word of criticism on Colorado. any of his works. YOUNG MEN The War of the Worlds was without question MALE HELP the best story you ever printed. Baron Münchhausen's Scientific Adventures is Big Pay; South American Work. American Intelligent semi-outdoor work in own city. No a very good story. The whole narrative is based firms pay fare, expenses. South American Serv- selling or canvassing, whole or part time. P. 0. on sound scientific reasoning. ice Bureau, 14,600 Alma, Detroit, Mich. Box 10, Fordham, N. Y. C. Now as to your short stories. Ten Million Miles Sunward was an excellent story, but what happened to the earth at the end of the Ice Age when the Mediterranean valley filled with water from the Atlantic? This was about 25,000 years ago. Pos- sibly the earth's rate of rotation, its orbital speed, or its orbit was changed. The Astounding Discoveries of Dr. Mentiroso Don't Miss the New Edition of Amazing Stories Quarterly was an excellent story. It brings out Einstein's theory to a striking degree. The whole story was quite possible from a mathematical standpoint. Readers of the AMAZING STORIES MONTHLY can find many The Machine Man of Ardathia was of superior hours of pleasant reading in the NEW, BIG ISSUE OF THE merit and showed very strikingly what changes in man, evolution might bring about. AMAZING STORIES QUARTERLY. Off the press in a few days, The covers are masterpieces of genius and im- agination on the part of Mr. Paul. The one in the this issue vies with the last in an effort to surpass. Tales by world- April 1928 issue should have a place in the famous authors. The same kind of exciting narratives that have so Art Gallery. GEORGE H UDSON, pleased you in the past. Stories of the future, of weird happenings— Pine City, N. Y., R. D. 3. [‚Ve are glad to hear your good words about startling adventure, of other worlds and of other people. II. G. Wells and what you say about him is no more than he deserves, although we could not BE SURE AND GET YOUR COPY class him with Shakespeare. ‚Ve have never ceased to uphold Dr. Mentiroso as being an instructive OF THE NEW SUMMER ISSUE figure. It's hard to say why it puzzles one but it is astonishing what difficulties many people have in assimilating the laws of the difference of time. THE 50c COPY As to the changes in man which evolution might bring about, nothing very startling has happened in the last five or six thousand years, judging by At all newsstands or write direct ancient books and archaeoleic remains. The poems of Homer, written or composed or recited EXPERIMENTER PUBLISHING CO. thousands of years ago, still hold a place in litera- ture above almost any other things written by man. 230 Fifth Avenue New York, N. Y. We are -sure that Mr. Paul will be gratified by your appreciative renfarks' abc-ut his work.—Entroal 576 AMAZING.STORIES

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Deal with factory at Rubber practical path to writing for prat. advance: exclusive territory: big outfit. 175 Center. $90 weekly la easy. Credit given. " N.Y. Copy-Desk Method. Assignments, crit- Depend Importers - Established 111175 rapier... free. J. B. Simpson, 843 Adams, Write for Catalog and Free Outfit Offer. icisms. Ask for catalog. Newspaper loot. of Ida() BROADWAY DEPT. 2509 N. Pt. 1503, Chicago., Xristee Mfg. CO., 88 Bar St., Akron, Ohio, America. Dept.C, 2,5 W. 45th Street, N. Y. C. Z'IASPTHE FATHER OF SCIENTIFICTION $ ma" GREATEST OFFER EVER MADE 10 Volumes Never before has it been possible Cloth Bound to obtain the complete works of America's greatest author and OVER 2000 PAGES genus, Edgar Allan Poe, for the amazingly low price that we now The complete works of Edgar offer them to you. Allan Poe are published in 10 Edgar Allan Poe has come to be beautiful volumes. Handsome looked upon as the greatest liter- red cloth cover. Special egg-shell ary genius that America has ever paper, made to order for this set. produced. He is the originator Printed from plates made for the of the first "Scientifiction" stor- well-known Richmond Edition. ies—fiction with a plausible sci- Each volume contains an average entific background. Tules Verne of 200 pages. Size of type is long and H. G. Wells freely acknowl- primer, which is easy reading and edge him as the originator of restful to the eyes. The volumes modern scientifiction.* In addi- are handy in size, 4 x 6% inches. tion, there is little doubt but that the well known SHERLOCK The greatest offer ever made. HOLMES is the product of the This is the chance of a lifetime. Like a razor also, the pendulum was Take advantage of this astound- inspiration that Sir Arthur Conan massy and heavy, it was appended to Doyle found in the works of Poe. a weighty rod of brass, and the whole hissed ing low price offer. Fill in the as it swung through the air. I saw that Take advantage of this special the crescent was designed to cross the coupon now. Send no money— introductory offer. There is just region of the heart. Down—steadily down pay the postman $2.75 on deliv- it crept. The rats were wild, bold, raven- a limited number of copies in this ous, their red eyes glaring upon me. And ery. We pay the then edition. From "The Pit and the Pendulum." mailing charges. CONTENTS OF THE SET "All Scientifiction Stories in list Mystery of Marie Roget. of contents are identified with 'The Balloon Hoax Fall of the House of Usher. VOLUME FIVE a atar and printed bold face. 'MS. Found In a Bottle. Silence—A Fable. "The TeII.Tale Heart. "The Oval Portrait. VOLUME FOUR 'Berenice. Lieds. Eleanora. Morelia. VOLUME ONE VOLUME THREE The Masque of the Red Death. •A Tale of the Bagged Mountain,, The Cask of Amontillado. 'The Spectacles. Memoir of Wm. H. Rogers. 'The Purloined Letter. *The Imp of the Perverse. Eulogy by James Russell Lowell. King Pest. 'One Thousand and Second Tale of The Island of the Fay. Notice by N. P. Willis. 'Three Sundays in a Week. Scheherazade. The Assignation. The Devil in the Belfry. "Adventures of Hans Nall •A Descent into the Maelstrom. 'The Pit and the Pendulum. 'The Gold But. Lionizing. 'Von Nempelen and His D isMir/. Tite Premature Burial. X-Ing a Paragrab. Four Beasts in One. 'Mesmeric Revelation. Tite Domain of Arnheim. VOLUME TWO 'Facts in Case M. Valdemar. Lander's Cottage. VOLUME SIX Murders In Rue Morgue. 'The Black Cat. William Wilson. 'Narrative of A. Gordon Pym. VOLUME SEVEN Metzengerstein. The System of Dr. Tarr and Prof. Felber. The Literary Life of Thingumbob, Esq. How to Write a Blackwood Article. Predicament. The Angel of the Odd. Mystification. *Meilonta Tauta. Diddling. The Due de L'Omelette. VOLUME EIGHT VOLUME TEN "Sonnet to Selene.. The Oblong Box. Complete Poems. `Al Aaraaf. 'Lass of Breath. The Haven. Tamerlane. "The Man That Was Used Un. The Bells. Etc. The Business Man. The Landscape Garden. SEND NO MONEY! •Maelzers Chess Player. Poems of Words. The Colloquy of Monas and Una. Popular Book Corporation, The Conversation of Eros and Char- mian. 100 Park Place, New York City. Shadow—A Parable. Philosophy of Furniture. Gentlemen:— A Tale of Jerusalem. Please send me at once, the complete works of 'The Sphinx Edgar Allan Poe, comprising of 10 volumes, as VOLUME NINE per your advertisement. I will pay the postman $2.75 upon arrival of the books. There are no Slop Frog. extra charges of any kind. whatsoever. If the The Man of the Crowd. books are not as represented, t will return them Never Bet the Devil Yeur Read. to you within three days and you are then to Thou Art the Man. return me my money. Why the Little Frenchman Wears His Hand in a Shag. Bon Bon. Name *Some Words with a Mummy. The Poetic Principle. The Philosophy of Composition. Address Old English Poetry. 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The above is the "Pledge of Secrecy" every prospective Tarbell Student must sign before he is permitted to enroll in the great Tarbell Course in Magic. Dr. Tarbell demands this ,to keep faith with the magic profession, who jealously guard their age-old magic secrets. Otherwise he will NO 'Is reveal or teach any man or women the secrets of real professional magic.

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