1
nAZ i 1 TO Rl E fAUGUST 25
HE VELOCITY OF ESCAPE By Joe W. Skidmorc
' IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE WASP Stanton A. Coblentz
Concluding
LIFE EVERLASTING
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KNOW THE AMAZING TRUTH ABOUT SEX AND LOVE'
WHAT EVERY MAJJ SHOULD KNOW DoQ't be k i/^m to lgn!)«Q« wd ft«ft ilEmbwi H»te.l!s»mVirHii» Ediov [he nnturous deiigoti w ta* p*(* fraBk.diriDg ItDguage. No piudisb S>cr(UcMli( Hontvin*o> Scnol StarviKliHi Cect physical love Mlnr>k.teIE
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: KrwssTAN-D FicnoK Ukit ^ks imwering advertuements Amazing Stories Science Fiction
Vol. 9 AUGUST, 1934 No. 4 CONTENTS Editorial Old-Time Writing—Papyrus and Vellum T. O'Conor Shane, PhJ). 6 Serials Life Everlasting David H. Keller, M.D. 10 (Serial in Two Parts—Conclusion) Measuring a Meridian Jules Verne 42 (Serial in Four Parts—ConclusioQ) Stories Complete in This Issue The Velocity of Escape Joe W. Skidmore 55 In the Footsteps of the Wasp Stanton A. Coblentz 91 North God's Temple Henry J. Kostkos 99 Shot Into Space Isaac R. Natkanson 111 Photo Control Bernard Brown, B.Sc. 121 Science Questionnaire.... 98 Short Article Otto von Guerioke John W. Campbell, Jr. 110 Discussions 136 Our Cover iUnstrateB the spirit of Dr- Keller's heautiful narration conclDded in this issue. We have never publtsbed a story with a more enlightened view of the real needs and longings of human nature. Drawn by Morey
Published Monthly by TECK PUBLICATIONS, INC. 4600 Diversey Avenue, Chicago, 111. Executive and Editorial Offices: 222 West 39th Street, New York, N. Y. Lee Ellmakeri Pres. and Treas. Abner Germann, Soe'y
Copyright, 1934, by Teck Publications, Inc., va United States ard Canada. Registered in U. S. Pat O&cc. All rights reserved. Entered as second-class matter Sept. 8, 1933, at the postoffice at Chicago, liliEois, nnder the Act ot March 3, 1879. 2£c a copy, J2.S0 a year. $J.OO ia Canada. $3.5D in foreign countries. Subscribers are notified that change of address must reach us five weeka in advance of the next date of isBiie.
iTijiied In U.S.A. 2 —
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THE MAGAZINE OF SCIEiNCE FICTION Aujust, 1934 No. 4
T. O'CONOR SLOANE, PhD., Editor Editorial •nd Geoerol Offioo: 222 Wen 3i>lli Slreet. New YoA. N. Y.
Extravagant Fiction Today Cold Fact Tomorrow
Old-Time Writing—Papyrus and Vellum
By T. O'CONOR SLOANE, Ph.D.
is fair to say that (he first ma- each one resembling the cross-section of ITterial used for writing was a a wedge and each one of the same size smooth surface of stone. Clay too, as its neighbor; they were grouped in may have been used, made into a paste various ways and the grouping gave and to be subsequently hardened by fir- them individual values as words or ing. Tablets with some kind of wax on alphabetical characters. These are what them were employed for more or less are called cuneiform hieroglyphics, the temporary inscriptions and memoranda. Latin word for a wedge being cnneus. Then came papyrus, vellum and paper. The tendency to an alphabet can be The most ancient inscriptions in char- traced to Egyptian and Asian inscrip- acters suggesting writing are what are tions. known as ifleographic as far as the The Egyptian remains became an ob- Egyptian nation is concerned. These ject of study before the middle of the were little pictures of human beings, last century, and it certainly seems that animals and other objects and they grad- ChampoUion, the founder of the sci- ually lost much of the pictorial charac- ence, had a very obscure path to fol- ter and developed into a sort of letters. low. His first deciphering goes back to In Asia Minor there originated another 1821, so we have a little more than a type of writing, which seems purely century to look back upon. arbitrary in its characters, as much so The Egyptian hieroglyphs, being def- as our present day letters. This class initely pictorial in origin, it would seem was formed by combinations of marks that the archaeologist who tried to de- —
AMAZING STORIES 7
cipher them would have had an insoluble hour from a single complicated machine. problem, but in 1799 a stone slab, with a It would seem that the cylindrical seal three-language inscription was found of the Egyptians could be modified so near the town of Rosetta at the mouth as to be used for rubber stamps. The of the Nile, and one of the inscriptions rolling motion would be particularly cf-
was in Greek. This is the famous Ro- fartive as tlie pressure would be on such setta stone, a heavy piece of basalt, and a small element of the cylinder at a this ancient monument gave the clew to time that a very excellent impression some of the ancient Eyptian words. One could be looked for. Rubber stamp
of the inscriptions was in what is called printing is relief printing—the old Egyp- the demotic character, which had lost tian seals probably may be called in- or outlived the pictorial hierc^lyphics. taglio printers. Other such monuments have been found, One of the most characteristic plants
which have helped in the difficult work. of Egypt is the papyrus. This is a large A number of students investigated the reed which grows to a height of ten subject, among others Thomas Young, feet and whose interior consists of a
one of the most famous physicists of old very strong pith. Centuries before it times, celebrated for his work on the un- occurred to anybody to make paper, this dulatory theory of light and on the in- pith used to be divided by cutting into terference of light waves. The develop- very thin slices, which were placed to-
roeiit of Young's work in physics has had gether, the sides having been cut very a profound influence on modem astron- true, so as to give a very dose joint omy. Yet in his archccological work he and they were crossed by other strips cmly discovered four letters. similarly cut, so that the finished product The Egyptians made great use of was two layers thick. How they were seals. These were made out of stone, made to adhere is not perfectly clear
often in the shape of beetles and the whether there was some mucilaginous or design or seal was engraved on the flat other adhesive natural sap in them, base under the carving of the body of which held them together, or whether the insect. These were hierc^Iyphs. some additional adhesive was used, is Rubbed over with coloring matter they not known. were used as our rubber stamps are to- The stems as thick as a man's arm at day. It may be taken as the first print- the base, arc triangular with an outer ing unless the Chinese antedate it with shell or bark. Within is the pith. This their block printing. is white and very strong. It can be cut The Egyptians had another type of into slices of various tliicknesses as de- seal which was engraved on the surface sired. So strong is it that boats can be
of a small cylinder one-half inch or built with it. Moses' mother, Jochebcd, more in diameter and an inch or more in in her despair at the legally imposed length and this was used by rolling it slaughter of the male children of the on the surface to be inscribed after the Hebrews, put the infant Moses into cylinder had been coated with a coloring what has been called an "arc of bul- pigment. Here the Egyptians really rushes," which was a little box made of seemed to be ahead of us, as it is fair to papyrus, and set the little creature adrift
say that this is the first attempt at on the Nile. We read of larger papyrus- printing from a cylinder, and to-day cyl- built craft, but this little vessel carried inder printing presses turn out newspa- a more impressive load than any of pers at the rate of many thousands per them. 8 AMAZING STORIES
The area where it was cultivated was them on account of what they thought much larger than the region it now grov/s was the pleasant odor which they pro- in. Its "cii'^H-ation" may have better duced, and of the entire roll one was deserved the name of "conservation." fortunately saved. The manufacture of papyrus for literary The searching for papyri is now be- work was carried on for many centuries. ing systematically conducted by scientific
It is said that it is stil! made in Syracuse. organizations. The rather primitive in-
The material is so strong and amenable habitants of some of the regions, where to shaping that it was often used for excavations are being made, have awak- mummy cases. From these, by careful ened to the fact that papyri have a mar- treatment and straightening, papyri ket vedue, and we are told of their "rob- have been recovered. Papyrus has also bing the grave" in a sense, by carrying been found in Herculaneum, as rolled-up on private excavations of their own in documents, charred in the destruction o£ competition with the governmental and the city, which have been unrolled and university investigators. preserved. If anyone will go to a public libary
The world to-day, is developing a and see the condition to which the paper mania for collecting. Fabulous prices on which newspapers are printed reverts are paid for different objects of the after a few years, he will acquire a virtuoso's fashion—it may be an almost great respect for papyrus. unique postage stamp or a first edi- Therefore, when wc read of Moses tion of a book of no particular literary and the bulrushes, it is papyrus we value and it would be quite curious if should be thinking of, the plant cut up one could make up a list of the "fads" and made into a tittle boat carrying tlie of collectors. And now comes the sad infant who was to be the writer and ex- part of all this. Papyrus was very en- ponent of the law for mankind. And during, far more so than our modem the Pentateuch, the first five books of the news-press paper, and buried in ancient Bible, were probably written on papyrus. ground in Egypt and elsewhere, there The last sixty years have brought to were quantities of papyrus manuscripts, light a quantity of papyrus manuscripts, which were well worth the attention of which have been buried for centuries, the world. It is hard to believe that showing the great endurance of the pa- it was not until the year 1870 or there- per of the ancient world as we may call abouts that collectors of the highest it and the good quality of the ink with class and students of Egyptology and which the words were written. The an- ancient literature including Greek and cient literature thus far recovered has Latin, awoke to the fact that there little literary value. If the lost books were quantities of papyri still to be had of Livys history could be found in in a good state of preservation although the quest, the world would be awakened centuries old. They were perhaps buried in earnest. in the ruins of a building and after pres- In connection with paper made al- ervation for twenty centuries or more most directly from vegetable matter, were rapidly disappearing, not by the bark cloth or tapa should be men- forces of nature, but by the ignorance of tioned. This is made from the bark of man. Thus we are told of one instance several kinds of trees, the outer bark where a number of papyri were found being removed and the inner bark by the ignorant Arabs in a compact roll, beaten out with mallets. This is done and they amused themselves by burning in Africa and in the islands of the Pa- AMAZING STORIES 9 dfic and very beautiful results are at- felt as a rival to papyrus. One great tained. It might be called paper, but effort was to make it thin. The color was never used for writing because the of the two sides differed, one from the people who made it had no written lan- other, so the custom obtained of putting guage. Very interesting ornamental hair side to hair side and the lighter col- patterns were painted upon it, one of ored, inner sides next to and facing the many examples of the fondness of each other. mankind for decoration. Here a curious thing may be noted.
Parchment is made from the skin of Papyrus was a definite width before be- very young animals, sheep, goats, and ing made up ; in wide or narrow pieces. calves. The name vellum applies to the Parchment was completely sheeted and in finest kind of parchment, for some of single pieces from the beginning. But the latter is far from smooth and is modern man when he makes paper first somewhat dark in color. The manufac- reduces the material to the finest shreds, ture of vellum starts with the skin of almost to dust, wet or dry, and then fine quality and thin. Washing, liming, felts it together to an enormous area. dehairing, scraping and paring, repeated Papyrus was made up into rolls also, as often as necessary in each case, gives sometimes of many feet in length, but the final product. About the year 200 never of size to compare with rolls of A. D. parchment began to make itself paper of the present time. EXAMPLES OF CUNEIFORM WRITING DEMOTIC EGYPTIAN WEROGiyPHtt
APPROX. PRO». & MEAN? FORM HEERATIC ORIONAL FORM TiuNscrarnoN
P^no snk tot, irth
ytt. "FfcTMER"
The gradual transforma lion of hieroglyphics into simplified characters are shown above, mhere the name of "Pharaoh" of Egypt and the word "father" ere inscribed in the orisfnal almost pictorial forms {on the right), which were gradually changed to the demotic characters appraximating to handwriting. The word "demotic" is from the Greek and expresses or suggests "simplification" or "popular," The philologist, W. D. Whitney, gives this statement concerning demotic charectefs: "The demotic has lost all relics of a pictorial character, being composed of a limited, though large and unttiieUy, number of arbitrary signs, chiefly phonetic."
Persian £-rf -HK E=fi f^T <'B(Tr Susian m ££T{ iH< Babylonian
These cuneiform inscriptions in the cuneiform alphabets of three regions give the name of Darius the Great, the king of Persia. A number of bilingual and trilingual inscriptions have been discovered: the above is trilingual. The ones illustrated go beck to the era of "Darius great atid good," as the poet Dryden terms him, to between 400 B. C. and SOO B. C. They are from a very famous rock inscription at Behistun in Persia. A limestone mountain rises to the height of 1709 feet, and on its face at a height of 300 feet from the ground is th« famous inscription in the three languages shown in the illustration. The inscription tells of some of the achinemenis of Darius. The little notch in the wide end of the wedge is supposed to have originated with the use of the metal stylus, on soft clay, which was afterward firrd. 10
Life Everlasting By DAVID H. KELLER, M.D.
Conclusion
The second part of the story promises to hold the reader's interest to the
very end, and it would be interesting to know how many will have guessed
what the conclusion of the story is to be. There is a very important moral
in the narration, a good bit of psychology, and human nature comes out on top, for the author never lets his readers be disappointed in this regard.
He is a great believer in mankind.
Illustrated by MOREY
What Has Gone Before: similar to mine, a patient who was con-
We are told of »n allruistic scientist who has sidered to be completely cured thirty be a cure discovered a serum which seemt to days after he received one dose of the for "the thousaad natural shocks that the flesh is heir to." The serum not only removes bodily serum. infirmities, but givet a new cast to the mind as "You are all sick men, I am not ask- well as new life to the body. A poor rooming house affords him admirable subjects for hit ex- ing you to give the diagnosis. This the of a tahloid paper, who periments, and owner is going to be a gift to you and not a Las a crippled son, ts deeply interested in his work and has his son also treated. The result cold-blooded experiment. You know amazing, cripple is cured of bis infirmities, is a what is wrong and you will know if you the morale of others is changed. The tabloid expects to make a great hit when permitted to are benefited. I am suffering from can- for the present publish the story, but which cer and I am going to ask Mr. Biddle is to be kept a dead secret. The inventor, to give the first injection. I who is the hero of the story, after all these me am results, which include the curing of some four- going to have him give it to me in front teen hundred prisoners in Farview Prison in Ohio, meets the President of the United States of all of you. There will not be, as and his cabinet. We now will read of the far as we are concerned, any secrecy. results of the discussion si this important meeting, what was done, and the second and After I am treated I am going to have concluding instalment will tell ui the rest. It a dose given to my dear friend, the bids fair to hold us in suspense to the very end. Vice President. After that the line fonns
on the left. You can lake it or leave giving "^—^ ENTLEMEN, I am it. Think it over, talk it over, come ' M you a secret wluch, unless to a decision. All I ask of you is a "W" something is done soon, will gentleman's promise of secrecy. It will ^ no longer be a secret. Grant not help the stock market to know that died of cancer, Cleveland was I have cancer and that the Vice Pres- operated on for cancer, and I have been ident has angina pectoris and may die treated by radiiun for ever a year for at any moment. Mr. Biddle. will you cancer. It has been a discouraging proceed? Which arm?" year. A week ago my medical advisers There was an air of resistance in the told me that at the most I will die in group. Whisperings of disapproval and six months. At Farview I saw a case negativism. Ignorance of medical mat- LIFE EVERLASTING 11
On the little steamer chugged between high, precipitous cliffs of Laurentian granite, till at last, a thousand feet above them, to the left, they saw a Madonna holding in her arms the Christ Child. 12 AMAZING STORIES
ters made the average man fear the "Nothing !" said Biddle. "If the procedure. The thought of allowing an seriun is of any value, I am willing to
unknown drug to be introduced into the give it to the nation." veins was a difficult one to face. Biddle "Why are you doing this?" had given the serum to the President "I have a sick son." and Vice President and no one stepped "Have you given him the serum ?
forward to be the third patient. Sud- Have you taken it yourself?" denly a little dog walked slowly up to "The answer to both questions is the table leading a blind man. The dog NO." was a seeing friend ; the man, Goresome, "Why?" the sightless leader of Montana. "I do not care to discuss that. It is "Was there a blind man among those personal." convicts?" he asked. "Are you sure you know what the "There was." Biddle answered. serum will do?" '"What happened to him?" "No." *T will answer that," interrupted the "WTiat do you mean by that?"
President. "I saw the man. I talked "I mean that I am not sure of all it will with the eye specialist who studied his do. I only know a part of its power." case. He had perfect vision by the end "Be honest with us. You say it makes of twenty days." the blind see, the criminal an honest
"That is enough," replied Goresome. man, it cures cancer, heart disease, and "This little guide of mine kept urging every disease man can have. You admit me fo move. For tft'elve years he has that. I£ it can do al! that, what else guided me and not made one mistake. can it be asked to do? What other pow-
I was bom blind. I would like to see ers do you think it might have?" the sunshine before I die. Give me the "I do not know." needle." "Have you any suspicions?"
*'No man from the West has any "Yes ; but I will not say wliat they more courage than a New Yorker," ex- are. Anything else?" claimed a Senator from that State. "No. You have said enough." "I have been only half a man since "Just one word more, gentlemen," I had my stroke. I want to be the said the President. "If Congress, in the next man after Goresome." special session, passes the legislation I That started a general movement. At will ask for, Mr. Biddle has promised the end only six men remained untreated. to address a joint session of the Senate Silent, critical, cool, determined, they and the House and at that time ex- refused to be swayed by the group move- plain the theory of the serum and give ment. the formula to a selected group of sci- "Come back to Washington at the end entists and physicians. He tells me that of thirty days, gentlemen," concluded it is easily and cheaply made. He as- the President, "and let us at that time sures me that he wishes to make a gift determine what is best for the Nation." of it to the nation. But he feels that
its general use must be safeguarded by **/^?CE minute, Mr. President," shout- wise and effective laws. I want to thank ed one of the untreated six. those of you who have helped me by '*What does Mr. Biddle get out of this?" personally giving Mr, Biddle a chance "You answer that. Mr. Biddle," whis- to demonstrate the merits of- his serum. pered the President. I am not in any way blaming the six !
LIFE EVERLASTING 13:
gentlemen who refused to experiment ever)' college in America will have to with an unknown drug. Good night dose. There would hardly be enough
and good luck to all of you." money to pay the janitors, let alone the professors. I am not going to do your CHAPTER X thinking for you, but I am going to ask each of you to imagine what effect the The Six Conspirators general use of the Biddle Serum will THE six who liad refused to take have on the business of the life insur- the serum that night met in a Bal- ance companies ! Also the companies who timore hotel. It would be interest- are doing accident insurance
ing, if it could be written into the record, "And here is the second thing I ask that these six were powerful but corrupt you to think about. What two depart- politicians, that they were the recipients ments of every university are the best of large sums from the racketeers of the attended, after the plain A.B. or B.S.
underworld, that they saw in the serum groups? The answer is law and medi- of Biddle the destruction of all forms of cine. Why do our young men study vice. But such was not the case. law and medicine? Because they expect The six men were clean-cut, respec- to make a living. Now, one more ques- table, hard-headed business men, who tion. Suppose the Biddle serum works
considered political office simply as a the way the inventor thinks it will ? necessary adjunct to their business. They What will happen to the practice of were the majority stockholders in some- law and medicine?
of the largest corporations in the United "I do not like to admit it, but the States, and their main interests were life practice of law depends on the weak- insurance, accident insurance, drug man- nesses of men's souls and the practice ufacturing, bonding, hospitals, and the of medicine depends on the weaknesses higher education of the youth of Amer- of their bodies. That must be evident ica. One of them was the president of to all of us. There are over one hun- a large university. dred and twenty-five million persons in The reason for the meeting was not the United States and every day mil- too much disbelief in the experiments of lions of them break some law and have Biddle but too great a belief. They saw. to have the help of lawyers, and every perhaps more clearly than any other six day millions of them break some law men in America, what the general use of health and liave to appeal to the of his serum would result in. They medical profession. I tell you that thirty sat around a table with their coats off days after the Biddle Serum is given to and their shirt sleeves rolled up. They all of these people the income of these wanted to think. two professions will cease and the law- The university man started the discus- yers and doctors will be on the streets sion : selling apples and holding out the tincups "I will imagine that I represent the for sweet charity. No one will want to higher education, not only of one uni- be a student of these professions. Our versity, but of the nation. The income law and medical schools will close their on our endowments pays much of our doors. Who will want to study medi- expenses. That money is invested mainly cine for ten years> at a cost of fifteen in life insurance companies and rail- thousand dollars, when any disease can roads. The railroads have been hard hit. be cured by a single injection of a If the life insurance companies collapse, simple serum that can be made by the ;
14 AMAZING STORIES barrel by any manufacturing chemist! course, The Purple Flash did not give The millions invested in our hospitals her right name, but I am sure the facts
will not jield one cent of income ; every concerning her are absolutely true. Then, drug company in America will go out consider the reports of the psychologists, of business over night. There will be and sociologists who studied those four- no more surgical instruments sold. It teen hundred convicts in Far\'iew Prison. looks bad to me." Take the simple statement of the hard- The other five remained in stolid, boiled Warden. Take the strong words stodgy silence. At last Winston Man- he gave to the press : V have knozt/n ning almost cracked the spell of quiet many of these men for years. Sitice the thinking. He had been Secretary of the giz^iig of the serum they have changed so Treasury under a former President. He for the better Ifiat I would trust any of was said to be one of the ten richest them in any way. I cm seriously con- men in America. sidering approaching the Goz'ernor of "I guess that is all true. At least, the Ohio ivith the suggestion that these men conclusions are correct, once the prem- be released from prison and given one ises are granted. There is another thing more chance to rehabiiitate themselves.' that is disturbing me more than the tot- Does it not seem that in some way this tering of our universities. senun enables men to think more clearly, to live more cleanly, to follow more ac-
'*/~\UR Government is essentially one curately the teaching of the Golden
that is ruled by the Classes for Rule? the Masses. It is highly political. Ever "To-day you saw over a hundred of since it was founded the Common Peo- the leadii^g politicians in the United ple have supported it in taxes and the States step up and take that serum. rulers have lived on those taxes. At I know those men. You know them. times the farmer, the little laborer, the Outside of Welfare Watkins, who is poor, white-collar man have had a hard an emotional, idealistic, asinine sort of time to get along, but, so far, they have a person, I would not trust one of that not done much, because they have had bunch with a five-cent piece. They would no great and outstanding leadership. take the pennies from a dead man's eyes If they had the right kind of leaders, and rob a starving infant of his bottle they would tear the present political of milk. They have liad charge of the machinery to pieces and out of the ruins Government Cow for years and they they would build a government that was have milked that cow dry. They know sympathetic with the under man, the every trick to deceive and rob the public. forgotten man, who does little exc«pt And in their way they are as criminal work like a dog, live as best he can and as the men of Far\'iew ever dreamed pay taxes. of being, only they were too smart to be "Keep that in mind. For the time caught. forget the cases of cancer and blindness "They took the serum. The President and kidney disease that are said to was smart. He wants to come up for have been cured by the Biddle Serum. another term. He thinks that if he
Think what it has done to the souls of gives the populace free health, they will the people who have taken that serum vote for him. He never said a word think of the changes it has made in to those men about curing their souls, their personality. Take the case of the but he was very anxious to give them taxi dancer in New York City. Of healthy bodies, so they could repay him LIFE EVERLASTING 15 with their gratitude. Perhaps they will. the Bishop, "but he did say that he was He may have overlooked what the not sure of just what power the serum damned drug would do to their souls. held. Even suppose that death does
But I tell you this. If the serum works come. His serum robs the world of on those politicians in the same way it sin and I cannot see how the Church worked on those criminals, they will would fimction were it not for sin. I come back to Congress representing the tmderstand his subconscious thought, common people and having the interests and it is one I have had :o combat for of the forgotten man at heart and at the years ; the idea that there is no sin, only next election both the Democratic and disease, and that all crimes are simply the Republican party will be killed, and symptoms of an abnormal body or mind the country will cease to have a political —^that if the disease could be discovered rule but will be governed solely in the and cured, the symptoms would disap- interests of the people. And that will pear and the patient would cease to be mean the death of every large corpora- a criminal. I have had an army physi- tion in America. Laugh about that if cian ai^e that a cocaine fiend was sim- you can." ply a sick man, just like a victim of
Again the sextette remained silent. tj-phoid fever. Now, if all wickedness At last a Bishop broke the silence. He in the world can be done away with just was a combination of Priest and Politi- by giving every person a dose of the cian, and once had swayed a national Biddle Serum, what is going to be the election by an appeal to religious preju- future of my church? And every other dice. church ?" "Biddle knows more about this serum than he is telling," the clergyman whis- "TT is growing late," growled one of pered. "You have talked about the fall the men. "What is the answer? of universities and of political parties, We cannot get anywhere by talking but there is something more serious. about the immortality of the soul and
Suppose he is right in his claim of being the philosophy of crime and religion. able to cure the bodies of mankind ? What are we going to do about it?" Suppose the sick become well and the "We have to see Biddle and buy the well stay well? How are people going secret of the serum from him !" de- to die? Are they going to die? What manded the Bishop. is going to happen if they don't die? "Suppose he won't sell?"
Every religion in the world is based on "He will if we find out his price." the fear and hope of eternity, the fear "But he may be honest." of Hell and the hope of Paradise. But "Then there is only one thing to do," how can there be a future if there is sighed the university professor. "We no end to the present? will talk to him kindly. We will show "Our religious Hfe will smash, our him where he is wrong. We will per- churches close, the contributions to the suade him that the best thing is to form support of the clergy come tg an end." a company for the manufacture and dis-
"You take it too seriously. Bishop." tribution of the drug. We will tell him laughed the university president. "Biddle that he can be president of the com- never said he could give the people im- pany. Tell him anything. Pay him mortality. He does not think so and an)l:hing he aaks. Money, power, rep- no one else thinks so." utation, a trip to Europe to demonstrate "I know he did not say so," argued the drug. :
16 AMAZING STORIES
"We will do that little thing. If he for culture, education, stability, and the refuses to listen to us, we will have to best things of life. We have met take him out for a ride!" and given serious consideration to your "Why Professor I!" exclaimed the pol- discovery. We believe in you, and the
itician. value of your serum. But we are not "And," continued the president of a convinced that the plan of the President noted university, "Congress can then of the United States is the wisest and meet. The blind Goresome may see, our best one, To our mind, there are sev-
beloved President may be cured of his eral objections. As I understand it, you cancer. They will wait, but they will propose to make this medicine available wait in vain for the arrival of Biddle, to every one, rich and poor, wise and the philanthropic inventor of the cureall ignorant, irrespective of color. Am I ?" serum. There will be a lot of talk, and right
then the people will laugh and call it "I really do not know. It may be one of the greatest bluffs of the age and that there will be some restrictions. That say that Barnum died too soon, but left is up to Congress."
worthy followers in Welfare Jones and "Would it not be better to -have at our great President." least an educational limit? You are giv-
And that was the final decision of the ing unlimited health to the world ; would six conspirators. it be wise to give it to all? Should it not be limited to those who can use and CHAPTER XI appreciate such a blessing?" "You think that to those who have shall Fate Intervenes be given and those who have little shall THE six lost no time in making lose their all ?" contact. It was thought best to "Not exactly." have the negotiations opened by "Then what do you think?" the Bishop. He went to Philadelphia, "Just this. The man who receives located Biddle and called on him in his your serum will be endowed with won- laboratory. His name, his position in derful health. He will have a great society made the door to the scientist's advantage over his fellows. Now, to use
office open rather easily, in spite of the that advantage to the greatest good, he fact that the man and every move he should have a corresjxjnding intelligence, made was carefully guarded by Secret be of a good family, have a background Service Men, The President did not of culture. Your experiment with the want anything to happen to the maker criminals was all right as an experi- of the serum. ment, but we carmot approve of it as The Bishop thought he knew his man. routine practice. Do you intend to re^ He had an idea that honesty would be store healthy bodies to the underworld? the best policy; at least sufficient hon- the insane? the mentally defective? and esty to convince his listener that he was turn them loose on society to continue to honest. So, without loss of a second, be a burden, and an additional one be- he opened the conversation cause of their vigorous bodies?" "Mr. Biddle, I represent five other I that there men besides mysel f . When name "T HOPED would be a
those five you will recognize them as be- change in their minds," ing leaders in everything that is tra- "That is impossible. Can a leopard ditionally great in America. They stand change his spots?" LIFE EVERLASTING 17
"Perhaps not. At least, even witli liis President He felt it was important. So spots he will be a happier leopard if he did the President. is a healthy one." The Bishop went back to the pow-
"All right But how about Europe? erful five. Asia? Those nations owe us millions, "I know a man," said the politician, e\*en billions of dollars. Are you going "who can do this little thing for us. to give them universal health? I feel He takes pride in his special abilities. Of that they are waiting for the time to course his price for Biddle would be come when they can crush us. If you high. The inventor has become a na- make a public announcement of the tional personage. But this man would formiila, every country in Europe will do it for a million." start making the serum at once." "Put him to work," said the Bishop. "It will be a fine thing for their sick." "I hope he has better luck than I had." "Oh! I admit that, but think of our That night a sleek, little man, nicely countrj-! Would it not be better to keep dressed and carefully manicured, called, the formula a secret and sell them the by invitation, to see a powerful poli- drug? If you do not want to profit, let tician. He listened to the man's story. a corporation be formed with a large "A million is a lot of cash," he at percentage of profits going to the Gov- last commented, "and this guy Biddle is ernment. That would lower taxes, and, worth it, and maybe more. It can be at the same time, keep the secret as a done, but I do not want to take all the national possession. Would you do grief. Who is back of this?" that?" "Do you have to know?" "No." "I should, I want to feel sure that
"Will you sell it to us?" they have power enough to take care of "No." me. The matter need not be talked
"What is your price?" about. Just have a supper in a quiet "I have none." place and invite me. I know most of "What do you want ? Wealth? Pow- the big guys, and then, after I have a er? Fame? Office? Name it. We chance to look them over, I will give are in a position to give you anything you my answer and my price." you ask for if you go in with us." "I am not sure they would come."
'T do not want an>'thing." "Then I am sure I won't do it." "One more question. Why did you "I'll see them."
want to make a serum like this?" "Better make it to-night, and get a "I have a son." quiet place, and a back room. How "Have you given liim the serum?" about meeting at 'Tony's Place* down on "No. Now Bishop, I feel that we the Avenue? He is a friend of mine understand each other. My time is val- and knows how to keep him mouth shut. uable. Will you excuse me?" Ten to-night, and the six of you had "Five hundred million ?" better be there." "Go. If you do not, I will have to Seven men sat around a small table have you removed." at 'Ton/s Place' that mght. Six of The Bishop left. them ate little and talked less. The sleek little man ate and talked for the BIDDLE sat down and, in long hand, rest. At last be wiped his mouth, wrote a confidential report of the "You want me to take this man Bid-
entire conversation and sent it to the dle for a ride?" 18 AMAZING STORIES
"Something like that," whispered the represented. In refusing to take the politician. serum themselves they paid you a high "How about two million?" compliment. They evidently wanted to
**We will pay it in coin," said the go the limit in blocking any plan leading University President. "No hank notes to its geiieial use. Have you seen the and no checks and no publicity." papers ?" "O. K. with me. But, with your ed- "I have not seen a paper for four ucation, you ought to know that two days. I have been busy working out my million in coin is a lot of metal. You plans for the manufacture of the serum had better arrange to give it to me in in bulk." negotiable government bonds. Suppose "Then, you do not know what hap- one of you meets me here to-morrow pened to the six?" night with them? I'll be going now. I "Oh! That? Yes. I heard about it." don't want to be seen leaving here with "Did you have anything to do with you. I have a reputation to preser^'e." it? I know that is a hard question for He went out of the room. Ten min- you to answer, but I must know. Their utes later the six men left 'Tony's antagonism to my future plans must be Place.' On the sidewalk they were known, and their being killed in front of greeted by a blast of machine bullets. a New York speakeasy has already They were dead before they knew what raised all kinds of gossip. I feel that had happened to them; dead before the the Administration can weather the auto with the closed curtains v^-as a storm, but I should like to know the block away. facts. Would you mind giving them to me ?" CHAPTER XII "You do not think I killed them?" "No. You not impress Biddle Has a Caller do me as a gangster and the crime was that kind TWO days after this Biddle had a of a murder. But you had every rea- visitor. None other than the son to fear them, and I feel sure they President of the United States. intended some harm to you. Probably He came without notice and so secre% not murder, but certainly kidnapping, or that his arrival in Philadelphia did not blackmail. As soon as I received your receive the attention of the papers, un- letter I made arrangements for your til he was ready to return to Washing- protection, but, evidently it was not ton. He asked for a private interview necessary." with the inventor. "No. It was all taken care of."
"I received your letter," he said to the "Do you know how it was done? scientist. "In a way I was not surprised. Who did it?" Those six men have been persistent in "Yes, but just within the last two their efJons to block every effort of hours. In fact, I just said good-bye to mine to have legislation passed tliat the source of my information about would in any way be of benefit to the thirty minutes before you arrived. My people. They were intelligent and felt visitor was none other than Silent Sin- that they had a sacred trust, and that cox. Perhaps you have heard of him? was the preservation of Special Inter- He is a rather powerful force in the ests. They felt that in some way the various rackets of New York. He came general use of your serum would be in- to see me. jurious to the various corporations they "Life, Mr. President, is a rather LIFE EVEiOASTING 19 pecub'ar thing. Millions of people, act- cox used to go and visit him. He was ing and interacting and reacting on each d)nng from tuberculosis. Death was other. Millions who are swayed this just around the comer. He was one way and that way by the tides of life, of the convicts who received the first with no clear perception of where they injection. Sincox knew about that. He are going or why they are going or was not sure of my name, but he made wliy they are doing what they are doing. it his business to do something for me.
"Something of all this happened in He told me that his first thought was to regard to our six leaders. When they buy me a diamond ring. That was co- found they could not bribe me, they de- incidence, number two. cided to kill me. I suppose they had "Now, of all the killers in America, the right idea, and I am not sure that these six men had to go to this man we can blame them. They were a little and ask him to kill a person by the careful in the way they went at it; at name of Biddle. He knew there was least they secured the services of a man more than one Biddle; so, he did a lit- who was never kno^vn to double-cross a tle stalling and learned that the specific customer and who never failed to earn Biddle he was being hired to kill, was the price of taking a man for a ride. the man who had reformed his sister He was so clever that the police so far and cured his friend. He arranged mat- have absolutely failed to pin a single ters, met the six men, walked out of the murder on him. Of all the killers in speak-easy ahead of them, gave the sig- America they could not have selected one nal to his helpers, and that was all there who was more to be trusted in a matter was to it. There was no way at all to like tliat. show that he was at all connected with "But Silent Sincox did not come from the murder. He paid all the e.xpenses
Italy. He came from Shamokin, Pa., and the men who did it are now on and his right name was Peter Casey. their way to Italy in a private seaplane. He had a sister he loved dearly. Her "But he felt that I ought to know name was Mary. He tried to make her about it. If some men wanted to kill behave, but he made a failure of it. She me, there might be others. He wanted came to New York, changed her name to me to be on my guard. So, he called on
Valencia Moore and was one of my first me, and told me the story. He will cases. The serum made a rather re- never kill another man." markable change in her morals. The "How do you know?" case was one of those detailed in the "I gave him a dose of serum just be- Purple Flash, but the name was changed. fore he left." Of course, the brother knew of the change. He knew that in some way I CHAPTER Xin was the one who was responsible for it. The President's Message Rather a coincidence, was it not?" THE Senate Chamber was filled **^J'OV would think that was enough. with Senators and Representa-
But it was not the only odd feature tatives. The visitors' galleries of this story. Silent Sincox had a friend, were jammed with the aristocracy of a boy he had known since childhood. America and Ambassadors and Minis- The friend committed murder, was ters from foreign lands. The press-
caught redhanded and sentenced to life boxes were filled to overflowing. The imprisonment in Farvicw Prison. Sin- President personally was going to open 20 AMAZING STORIES
the special session of Congress and read been increasingly burdened with the his message. care of the abnormal. The care of The Chamber rocked with applause the insane, the mentally deficient, as he walked in, followed by his Cab- the epileptic, the criminal, the psych- inet and Governors from over three- opathic personalities has become one quarters of the States. When the ap- of the main costs of our national plause died away to silence he began, to life. read: "In addition, there has been an in- "To the Senators and Representatives creasing demand that the states of the Congress of the United States. or the nations care for the tubercu- Spe- "I have Asked you to Meet in lous, the caiicer cases, and other cial Session to Consider a Matter of forma of incurable disease. Add to Vital Importance to the Interests and all this the hosfstalization of our ex- This Welfare of Every Citizen of service men and the entire country Country. is loaded to the saturation point, the "At a time when economic simply with discharging its respon-
foundations of our country are being sibility to its sick and disabled shaken, when the deficit is growing citizens. and in spite of all our efforts to "Crime also adds to the cost of balance the budget the nation is rap- government. Remove crime and idly falling in bankruptcy and no you lessen the work of our judiciary system of taxation appears possible, to a minus point and also empty our new hope is given us by a scientific prisons. discovery that may be of such The general use of the Biddle value that it will revive our entire serum promises all this economy and make us again a and more to our nation. Mr. Biddle lias offered prosperous and happy people, it as a gift to the country if we can "I refer, as you probably know, assure him that it will be wisely and to the discovery of a serum by a properly used. He feels that its use scientist named Biddle. This serum should be available to everyone in has been given to five persons in this country, irrespective of race, New York City, to over fourteen wealth or social position. hundred convicts in Farview Prison, Ohio, and, lastly, to over one hun- "I have, therefore, prepared a law
dred of the leading officials of this to be known as the Serwn Bill. I county, including your President am asking you to pass this law with
and Vice President. such amendments as you see fit. If "In every case the giving of the you can assure Mr. Biddle that the serum has been attended with main features of the law as we have
changes so decisive ; so far reach- framed them will be preser%'ed, he ing in the healing of disease and the has promised to address you at recovery of the patient that the once and give to the representatives medical experts feel that a new of the medical profession, who have force has been isolated which will met with us at my invitation the revolutionize the life of the human formula of his serum, full direc- race. tions as to its use and his opinion "For several decades the com- as to just what benefits the country monwealths of cur coxjntry have will derive from his gift." LIFE EVERLASTING 21
His message delivered, the President might cause my little friend much suffer- turned and sat dovm. Instead of ap- ing. He is growing old and will soon plause there was a buzz of conversa- die. For the little while he lives I am tion. The Vice President rapped for going to pretend I am still blind. Just order, and said: to make a little dog happy.
**I am going to call on Senator Gore- "Mr. Biddle, a man who was once some of Montana." blind but who can now see wishes to Down the crowded center aisle walked thank you for his sight The world a little dog, leading a man. The sight was he now sees appears to be a very beau- a familiar one. For years the blind tiful one. When I realize that the same Senator had been led by his faithful gift I received can become the heritage dog. Reaching the rostrum, the dog sat of every blind person in the United down and looked up at his master and States I am filled with awe and won- friend. The man turned, bent over and der. Sir, you are but a human being, patted the animal on the head. The but in your invention of this serum, you dog wagged his tail. have been inspired by a power that is Divine. "Ty^CY friends," began the Montana "In your future you will receive due IVl Senator. "We have all re- praise for your work. Your name will ceived printed copies of the legislation, go down in the history of the Nation as called the Serum Bill, which the Pres- one of its greatest benefactors. But I ident asks us to consider and, if we see cannot wait for the future. I wish to fit, to make it a law. We have read the take this opportunit)' of voicing the bill and approve of it. I have been in thought of a Nation that has not yet conference with the leaders of both Re- awakened to the gift you have given publican and Democratic parties, and them. In the name of every man, woman they assure me that action will be and child, every one who is sick or taken as rapidly as is consistent with afflicted, I thank you. If, at any future the rules of our respective bodies. Mr. time, a grateful Nation can do anything Biddle need have no doubt as to our in- for you, Mr. Biddle, all you have to do tentions in this matter. Both the House is to come to this chamber and ask it and Senate pledge themselves to sup- for help. Again a blind man who can port this legislation. see thanks you for the blessing of that
"Now, I wish to say something that is sight." purely personal. I was bom blind. For He turned to walk back to his seat, the last twelve years my little dog has the little dog leading him. There may led me through the dangers of this have been an uneasy murmur when the world and has led me safely. We have President finished his message, but now become inseparable friends. I think that there was wild applause. The legisla- if he discovered that he was no longer a tures, the audience, the press rose and necessity in my life, he would die of gave to an individual the greatest per- grief. Some weeks ago I received an sonal tribute that the Senate Chamber injection of the Biddle serum. I re- had ever seen. Goresome and his little covered my sight, and now have perfect dog and his simple speech had touched vision. It may have been a coincidence, the human heart more than any flight of but I feel that the serum gave me some- orator)- could ever ha've done. The au- thing I was sure I could never have. dience was cheering Biddle, the inven-
But in gaining my sight I saw that I tor of the serum, but they were also 22 AMAZING STORIES adding their tribute to the great leader lease of this energy, and had finally who could, in his moment of happiness, solved it. Even in the solution he was think of the happiness of his little dog. very much in the dark. He simply knew Biddle stood up and bowed, in re- that the injection of a certain serum or sponse to the insistent clamor of the solution of chemicals gave an extra cheering throng. He went over to function to the individual cell and en-
Goresome and took his hand. Just that, abled it to release this energy just as and not a word from either of them. Just well when it was in combination with a handshake. millions of cells of the human body, as
it could when it was isolated and de- CHAPTER XIV tached from all others Even there he was in doubt as to Biddle Explalas whether he was simply restoring a lost
aN hour later the scientist met twelve power to the cell or giving it a new physicians in the President's power.
office at the White House. The He had experimented with this solu-
President was there, a stenographer, and tion on many forms of multicellular life. one representative of the press. In all instances the effect was the same. The physicians had been carefully It made a sick plant or animal well. Five selected by the American Medical Asso- years ago he had started to experiment ciation. Each was a specialist, and one with sick mammals and had cured vari- was, in addition to being a physician, a ous diseases. His work with the higher noted chemist. After introductions Bid- apes had been most interesting. At last dle began his explanation of the serum. he had felt justified in beginning his He talked at length concerning the one work with the human animal. The re- celled animal, showed how man was sults had been identical with those he simply a collection of such cells. He liad seen in the lower types of animal called their attention to the fact that life. under favorable circumstances the It was more and more clear to him, isolated cell could live indefinitely, he explained, that all conduct that was whereas, in large masses, as in the body selfish and anti-social was simply the of a man, they rapidly died, could not result of sickness. He hoped that future reproduce, starved from lack of proper work with the serum would make this nourishment and .ultimately produced thought a definite scientific fact. H it such a poisoning of the system that the were true, then all sin and evil in the entire mass died. world could be wiped out, and man, He explained that his thought, years follovi-ing the Golden Rule, would lap ago, had been to improve the circulation upward toward the stars. in such a way that the individual cell In his work with aninials he felt that would live longer. Later he found that he had been able to prolong life. That within the cell was a mass of energy, would have to be considered. At pres- capable of providing life indefinitely if ent all that could be said was that the it could be liberated. He was not sure expectancy of life would be increased. what this energy was ; it might be some How much would be added to the span form of radiant vibration, it might be of human existence would have to be energy obtained from the splitting qf the determined by years of observation. The hydrogen atom. He had worked for question of a second dose would also some years on the problcrft of the re- have to be experimented with. Person- LIFE EVERLASTING 23 ally, he felt that the maximum result "Anything at all, but the person will would be obtained from one dose of eat less and less food and drink more and ten cubic centimeters. more water. He may use tlie hydrogen He hoped that there would be an im- atom in the water. I ara not sure." provement in the intelligence of the "I think," said the President of the nation. He was sure there would be A. M. A., "that I have never met a some advance. Certain of the convicts man who knew more about a thing and had shown a remarkable increase in their was less sure of that knowledge. At intellectual quotient. Thai result also the same time, it is not necessary to would have to be studied. know how the drug works so long as
But, even if nothing more resulted than we are sure of the fact that it does. I the improvement of the physical health feel that Mr. Biddlc has done his share. of the nation, it would be worth while. It is now our duty, as members of the He advised that the serum be made in at greatest, most self-sacrificing profession least a dozen laboratories and distributed in the world, to begin the work that will free to every reputable physician. He ultimately make us all hunt another job. understood that the Serum Bill would You are not sure, Mr. Biddle, how much provide for pensioning the medical pro- life will be prolonged?" fession in return for their services. They "I cannot answer that. Certainly would need some pension as, when the some years." entire population was treated, there "Do you think there is a cliance that would be little or no work for either after a person lives a long time, he may physician or surgeon, except in accident gain the impression that he cannot die?" cases. Even in severe accidents a dose "I do not know." of the serum would perhaps cure with- "Have any of the animals you have out an operation. experimented with died?" He ended by giving the compostion of "None of them liave died a natural the serum and the manner of its prep- death. Of course, I killed a number aration. It was not a true serum, but, of them for microscopic study." rather, a watery compond of certain well "Have you considered the great in- known chemicals. He had called it a crease in population if the span of life is serum because that name was best ap- greatly prolonged?" preciated by the laity. When he fin- "Yes, but I do not think we need ished he asked the chemist if he worry about it. Wealth will greatly in- understood and would be able to make it. crease. Life will be easier, liappier. The "Understand? Make it?" asked the healthy man will find new methods of chemist. "Why, it is so simple that socialization. In addition to all this anyone could follow the directions and there will be a decrease in the birth it. too simple. I wonder make It is rate." thought of it before?" why no one ' What makes you think so?"
"I do not know. I just feel so. Per- and the egg," re- COLUMBUS haps man will be wiser." marked the President. "And now, "You, evidently, do not want to dis- gentlemen, liave any of you any ques- cuss this point. Why not ?" tions to ask Mr. Biddlc? He is very "Because I k-now anxious to leave the city." so little about it." "How about the diet?" asked one of "Have you anything to tell us? To the doctors. advise us?" 24 AMAZING STORIES
"VT'ES. I would first concentrate on Biddle smiled; it was a rather timid, the abnormals, those who are def- frightened smile. inite charges on the State. Emptying "I do not think that will be neces- the hospitals and then see to it that sary. I think we should tell them how- every citizen of the United States re- to make it and advise them to give it ceives his dose. You will have to be to their entire population. If the serum careful of the criminal class. They will works the way 1 think it will work, there probably try to escape. There is one will never be any more wars, treaties or thing in which I think, the medical pro- no treaties. After all war is simply na- fession should go on record. In regard tional insanity and a form of sickness. to the prisoners, we should feel that The serum ought to help. I believe it every so-called bad man and bad wom- will. Of course, it is a big idea, Mr. an was a sick man and sick woman. President, and it is so big I am afraid
Once they have recovered from that of it, but I would advise you to talk sickness, they should be given liberty. frankly with the various ambassadors You know my argument. The legal and give them the formula without re- profession, the penologists must accept strictions. And, now, I must be going." it. In fact, I had it written into the "Won't you stay for supper? I should Serum law, but you must educate the Hke to give some of my friends a chance public to the point where they will be to meet you." willing to follow cut that provision." "No. My work here is over. I have And, with that, he prepared to leave a son. I want to go and see him." the room. He went into the President's private office for a last word. CHAPTER XV
"I forgot to ask you, but perhaps it The School for Unusual Children was not necessary. How is your throat?" The cancer?" THE Mary Gregory School for Un- "Cured! At least, that is what my usual Children was one of the first specialists tell me." of its kind in America. The super- rich in the past "Good! That is fine." had buih libraries, endowed museums, financed founda- Just then one of the private secre- tions for the eradication of disease, and taries came into the office. had even built monuments to their fam- "The English Ambassador is here. He ily fame in the form of wide roads is demanding an interview with the across an entire state. President and Mr. Biddle," But Mary Gregory, left more mil- "You know what he wants, Biddle?" lions by her family than she or any asked the President. other woman would know what to do
"Certainly. He wants the formula with, built a school to care for fifteen
it country. so he can send over to his hundred unusual children, and after it He is just the first to ask for it. In was built and completely furnished she the next twenty-four hours the world employed the best personnel in the coun- will be knocking at your door." try to go there and work, and set aside an "I have been afraid of that. How endowment sufficient to provide a thou- would it be to effect a compromise? sand dollars income for each child per Tell them they can have the secret, if year. Then, and only then, she gave they promise to disarm and sign a the entire school to the State of Maine. treaty of everlasting peace?" When she was criticized for giving it to LIFE EVERLASTING 25
Maine rather than to New York, she I have a little work to do here and simply smiled and said she feU that the then I intend to go to Canada. I have children of Maine needed it. a little country place up there that I
At the head of the schood she placed believe is safe from reporters." a man who for years had worked with "Up here in Maine," interrupted Dr. the abnormal child. For twenty years Bonchield," we arc very much in the he had studied them, cared for them, backwaters of life. Of course, we read, laughed and cried with them, and had the newspapers; Miss Gregory and I tried to make them happy. He was a have been talking about it. trying to great man, v-ho. in his simplicity, be- decide what it all means. Is it your lieved that after another twenty years thought that the serum will actually of study he would begin to understand change our civilization? Or is that just how to care for the unusual child. the dream of the newspapers?" Dr. Bonchield's motto for the entire "I do not believe that anyone knows school was, "Happiness First." He be- just what it will do," was the scien- lieved that if the children were happy, tist's serious reply. "We are too close the other essentials of life would be to it. I feel that it will take twenty-five supplied them easily, provided, of years at least before the final results course, there was money and intelli- can be analyzed. But there is no doubt gence. that it will improve the health of the na- Slowly fifteen hundred children were tion, lower the tax rate, and, I hope, in- admitted to this school. They were all crease the happiness of the individual." mentally deficient, of all grades, from Mary Gregory sighed, the lowest idiot to the highest moron. "We received your letter and we
But each child, irrespective of his in- have given it serious thought. Of tellectual quotient, was to be given an course, we are going to help you to give opportunity to advance to the limit of our children the serum. It is impossible his ability. They were to be given aca- for us to refuse; but we feel that we demic education, occupational therapy, know more about these children than moral instruction, athletic diversion and you do, and we feel that we should emotional outlet. warn you not to be overconfident of
When Biddle left Washington he went the results. You explain how we look directly to this school. There he met, at it, Doctor Bonchield." by appointment. Mary Gregory and Dr. Bonchield. Both of them knew him, "TT seems to us," said the Doctor, as he made occasional visits to the taking up the thread of the conver- school- Mary Gregory was growing sation, "that you should realize that old, but was still alert mentally. mental deficiency is not a disease, but
"It appears," she said as she greeted a condition ; not a unity, but a scrap- Biddle, "that you have become a per- basket. It arises from many causes. sonage of international renown." Some cases are hereditary, but feeble- The scientist smiled. mindedness can occur as a symptom of
"It seems that way ; and that was a number of other diseases and surgi- the last thing I wanted ; but certain cal conditions. In many instances the things had to be done and in my doing brain is so damaged that the intelligence them people had to find out who I was. is completely destroyed. We feel that
Now that it is al! over, I want nothing there may be an improvement in the more than to sink back into obscurity. general health of the children, follow- 26 AMAZING STORIES
ing the injection of your seram, but "Certainly ! You should be very mudi tliere will not be any noticeable change interested." in their deficiency. They will remain "I am. Fifteen million dollars worth. feeble minded." You realize what this will do to the
"You may be right," admitted tlie School if it is successful? I shall have
scientist. "You certainly know a great to find some other use for it. Of course,
deal more about it than I do. Mental de- some of the children will have to be
fect I could not ex- cared was something for anyway ; they have no families. periment with in the lower forms o f But if these children are given normal life. Some of the convicts were rather minds by your serum, the Mary Gregory low, but there were not enough of them School for Unusual Children will be to make any definite conclusion pos- simply a historical memory." sible. All we can do is to give the serum "And I," added Dr. Bonchield, "will and wait thirty days. I know that the be a man without a job." maximum results will be reached in that "I will take care of you," said Mary
time. I feel sure your own physicians Gregory, "if you will let me do it. Are will be able to do the work. There has you going to give us the serum, Mr. been so much notoriety that I hesitated Biddle ?" asking you to secure additional help. "]f you want me to. I thought we
Of course, there was another reason." might as well give it to you and the "You mean the hoy ?" asked Mary staff, so they can observe my exact tech- Gregory. nique." "Yes. You see, I have been con- "Do you want to take care of your siderably worried about him. The en- little boy yourself?" tire work was done with him in mind. I "No. I have rather definite plans have tried to keep him in the bacl^round for him. I want yoa to give all of your as much as possible. Now, that I can patients the serum. Then wait thirty be a little selfish and devote some tihie days. If, at the end of that time, you to my personal problems, I do not want feel that it is curative, if you are the matter a subject of world gos- pleased with the results, then give the ?" sip. How is the boy regular dose to my boy. I am going "As well as can be expected. You up to Canada to rest and think. In know how those Mongolian cases are? sixty days I will be back for the boy. I thinking of trip iow vitality, poor resistance to infection, am a to Europe with always getting scratches and colds." him. If he is well, he will enjoy that. How old is he now. Doctor?" "You have no idea of the cause of "Nearly twelve." Mongolianisra ?" "Just right to be a dandy companion "No. Nothing new. It just hap- on a walking trip through the Black pens." Forest. Let's get started. You know Biddle stood up, placed a suitcase my plan. Just wait thirty days and on the desk and opened it. then, if the otlier little boys and girls with "I brought the serum alcmg me. are helped as much as I hope they will Some of my own make; I wanted to be be, give him his scrum." ready, suppose sure of it. If you arc "Why not give it now, Mr. Biddle?" yon call in the staff, explain matters to asked the Doctor. with the injections." them and start "Because he is ray son. I have to be "May I watch?" asked Mary Gregory. sure. All this work was done to restore LIFE EVERLASTING 27 him to normal mental health. If I give minutes he was gone. I saw him as it to him and there are no results, life soon as I could, but it was too late." will not mean very much to me. I "Do you mean he is dead ?" asked the promised his Mother before she died puzzled scientist. that I would try to help him. There "Yes. I am terribly sorry." must be no failure. I must be sure. I "And you did not give him the shall be able to pass the sixty days very serum ?" nicely. I have a lot to work over in "No. You see he was dead before I my mind. I know you people ,and I could get to him." trust you to make a correct decision." "I wish you had given it to him any- "Will you give us your address?" way." asked the Doctor. "But I didn't know— You surely do "No. I am giving that to no one. not mean that the drug brings the dead But I will be back in exactly thirty back to life?— Not that, Mr. Biddle? days after you give the boy his injection, Surely not that?" sixty days from to-day, and, now, Miss "I don't know. Perhaps it would
Gregory will you let me give you the have done no good." medicine?" "I am sorry." "That is all right. But I wish you SIXTY days later the scientist walked, had given it to him anyway, even if he unannounced, into Dr. Bonchield's was dead, even though it would not have office. helped him. Perhaps in some way he
"Well, Doctor, how are the children?" would have known about it ; known that he. asked. I had not forgotten him; known that I The specialist looked up. wanted him to have his chance, like the
"Oh! It is you, Mr. Biddle. The rest of the children. Perhaps his The children? Why. they are all well. Mother can e.xplain it to him." In fact, the children arc very well." "Will you stay awhile with us? See "Did the serum work?" the children?" "Something did. Our boys and girls "No." replied Mr. Biddle. "I'll be are normal, physically and mentally. going, back to my place in Canada. You The lame are walking, the blind s^ing, see, I have a lot of things to think the dumb talking. The idiots are learn- about now." ing to read and write. You never saw a healthier, happier, more intelligent, lot CHAPTER XVI of young people." Life Is Different "That's fine. Hurry and get the boy ready. I want to go right back to Que- THE Biddle Serum Bill, passed by bec and take the next boat for France." Congress in record time, provided "Your boy? Oh! I forgot. You that every man, woman and child see, we did not know where you were; in the United States should receive, free of charge, one dose so, there waa nothing to do ; no way' to of the serum. let you know." Where possible to do so, preference "Didn't the serum help him ?" should be given to the sick and aged
"He never received it. We had ar- and the little children. After that ranged to give it on the thirtieth day, everyone should be cared for. night It was anticipated that there would according to your orders. , The before he went into coma, and in a few be resistance from the antivivisectionists 28 AMAZING STORIES
and certain religious organizations. This asylum s and pri sons the f utu re that
opposition was provided for in the bill. opened was such a startling change No one had to take the serum but no one that there was, of necessity, a rather could refuse and continue residence in difficult period of readjustment. Those the United States. It was believed that who had been insane for years recovered the greatest benefit could not be derived perfect health and sanity only to find
from the drug if a residue of the pop- their families de^, scattered or lost. ulation remained capable of contracting Men discharged from prison after years disease, becoming insane, or remaining of servitude found their wives remar- social menaces. ried and their children almost strangers There was, therefore, an exodus of to them. But these were minor inci- conscientious objectors from the States. dents; fortunately, the rejuvenates re- Most of these were good citizens but entered a friendly, kindly world, where poor logicians. In addition, a large the question was, HOW CAN J HELP number of the underworld made every Your rather than, HOW MUCH CAN effort to escape the effect of the purify- YOU PAY FOR MY SERVICES? ing drug. They fared ratlier well, once For the people of the United States across the Mexican Border, but those were growing richer and happier every who tried the Canadian route fared day. They were free from the need of badly. Once caught and identified they supporting the sick, the indigent, the were injected with the Biddle Seruni and crippled, the abnormal, the epileptic, the sent back to the States, better men, in insane, the criminal and the psychopath. spite of themselves. For Canada, in There was neither drunkenness nor drug close spiritual sympathy with the United addiction. The Courts closed for lack States, had cot neglected to avail her- of work, the pohcc force of every dty self of this new medical gift. was decimated. Qear-eyed, steady- handed, free from dckness, the laborer THE actual giving of the serum was was able to perform more work and done by the members of the medical was willing to. profession. As rapidly as they were sup- There bad always been enough wealth plied with the serum the one hundred in the United States. Now, with the and eighty thousand physicians and sur- political leaders taking every opportu- geons in the country started their cam- nity to secure an equal distribution of paign. Once it was made universally the necessities of life to every one, available, the demand for the drug in- poverty ceased to exist. It cost less to creased daily. Long lines of rich and live. There was a gradual decrease in poor stood in front of the ofHce of every food consumption. Hunger became un- physician. Not only the sick, but also the known. Work became joyous, amuse- well, not only the miserable, but those ments pleasurable and sleep a pleasant fairly happy, who wished to stay happy. pastime. Children brought their aged parents, While large masses of industries parents brought their little children. No ceased to exist, those who were thrown longer the question, WOULD IT out of work had no difficult}- in finding WORK? was asked, but the questions, otlier fields of activity'. HOW SOON? and FOR HOW The working day shortened. The LONG? dollar was more easily earned and was To the tens and hundreds of thou- constantly increased in buying value. sands of hopeless cases in hospitals, Everyone had something to do, every- LIFE EVERLASTING 29 one received a living wage for doing it the infants and adolescents simply con- aad all had lots of time for recreation. tinued to make the normal growth for Before the end of eighteen raontlis their age. But no one died. the President was able to announce that That fact, in itself, was not a cause o\-er ninet>--nine percent of the populace for instant alarm. It was considered had been injected. Then began a con- that finally the effect of the serum would certed drive to force the remaining one wear out and that death again would percent to fall into line and to receive appear as a friendly enemy of the their serum. The work now was con- human race. Perhaps old age could be siderably slower, but, at the end of the deferred by repeated doses of the serum, second year, it was thought that every- but eventually the human organism one in the United States had been pro- would wear out and man would die, tected a^nst disease. maybe of no special disease, but simply from a weariness of Hfe. THE Biddle Serum Bill provided for But the thing that was startUng and a Committee of Scientists who were a little difficult to explain was the fact to make constant observations on the that the birth rate was as rapidly efficacy of the new drug and from time diminishing as was the death rate. For to time were to report to the President a while after the giving of the serum of the United States and his Cabinet babies had been born, but as the months concerning the changes resulting in the passed there were fewer of them and social, economic, and hygienic life of the from the thirty-third to the thirty-sixth people. It was provided in the bill month of the experiment there was not that the first report be made one year a single birth reported in the entire after the serum had been given to every- United States. There were still lots of one. Thus, the first report was made little children, growing up, beautiful three years tollo^ving the giving of the little bronzed darlings, learning to walk first serum after the passage of the and talk and do things, but there were biU. no additional babies.
Biddle was supposed to be a member What did it mean? Was the cessation of tliat committee, but Biddle had dis- of death to be compensated for by the appeared. No one had the remotest idea cessation of new life ? Had Biddle of where he was. Certain questions known this? would have been asked him had it been The third factor that was causing in- possible to do so. The thinkers of the terest was the increasing efforts of the nation were beginning to wonder. Other human race to entertain itself. The factors were forcing their way into the long hours of leisure had to be filled in mental Hfe of the nation, results of the some way. Healthy, vigorous, active serum, that no one had foreseen clearly men refused to become idlers simply during the months when the nation had because they were not driven to effort become free from disease. These prob- by the spur of necessity. The dominance lems had to be faced. of production by machine power was In the first place, the death rate had beginning to pall. Mankind began to dropped to a vanishing point. Except use their hands. in cases of destructive accident people had ceased to die. The senile had re- SOCIAL life became fuller and physi- juvenated to a healthy middle age, the cally richer. With the increase of young appeared to grow no older and health and wealth and leisure there came 30 AMAZING STORIES greater opportunities for marriage. It CHAPTER XVII was no longer necessarj' to u-ait till Hiram Smith Takes a Trip a man was thirty or more for him to marry. Fewer women worked and more THE Purple Flash, more than any devoted themselves to the cultiration of other newspaper, had profited by happiness. A life free of illness and the changing social conditions. child-care made marriage an entirely From the first, under the insistent urging different factor in the hfe of the human of its secret owner, Hiram Smith, the race than it had been in tlie pre-serum one time Wolf of Wall Street, it had years. One philosopher said that all been the leading proponent of the neces- of its jobs had been amplified and sity of the world's rapidly adjusting it- elaborated and all of its sorrows and self to the new order of life. burdens minimized to the point of dis- As a tabloid, it had ceased to exist. appearance. It seemed that the human The pabulum on whicb the tabloid pub- race was experiencing the co-relation lications fed, which made possible t!ie and contacts of angels rather than the interest, fleeting and infantile, of the mere union of animals. adenoid moron, was now a thing of the
All these facts should have gone past. Gone were tlie days of murder, far to prolong the iudi\'idual marriage scandal and disclosures of gross im- and cause divorce to disappear as a morality. These conditions ceased to social process. To the astonishment of exist with all other diseases. Of all pub- the students of human behavior, this lishers Smith was the first to sec the result did not follow. The percentage handwriting on the wall and the need of divorce increased in direct propor- for a radical change. His daily was tion to the decrease in the death rate now called The Rosey Dawn, a name and the cessation of childbirth. Every- strikingly symbolic and suggestive of the body was burden -free, everybody was new era. It had become a paper for married, but nearly everj-one divorced the inteUigenisia, the editorials of which his or her mate and tried again to make appealed only to the best interests of a more favorable and happier union. the race. It really did not make much difference Smith saw, with ever increasing in- to a woman who her husband was, so terest and a growing ccracern, the long as she had one. All men were changes in the emotional life of the much alike, all healthy, industrious, country. Most people simply fdt the vigorous and happily kind. All women increasing comfort and happiness and were beautiful, intelligent and true to cared little for the profound biological their husbands of the month. Every- chances back of those changes. Smith body acted in a gentlemanly and lady- was interested. He was not sure that like manner, but the opposite sexes all was well with the new cultural pat- just did not seem to be able to live to- tern of life. gether for any \tngth of time. He wanted to talk things over with And the reason was not hard to find. Biddle. But Biddle was gone. Smith
The family had disappeared. thought about it for one day, talked
Husband and wife remained as ever, it over with his wife for another day, but children had disappeared from the and then issued his order. It was a picture. short command of three syllables, In married life there was no cement- riND biddle!! ing force. As that order had back of it over a LIFE EVERLASTING 31 hundred million dollars there could be HELLO, Biddle!" called Smith. no doubt that Hiram Smith was in "Well! Well!!" replied the as- earnest. tonished scientist. "How did you find Six months and five million were me?" spent in the search and there was noth- "Cost me a lot of time and a lot ing to show for it except failure. It of money, but it was time and money was Sally Fanning, who, with her well spent. What are you doing here? womanly intuition, supplied the neces- Your place is back in the world, receiv- sary clue. She reminded Smith that ing the well-earned applause of the at one time Biddle had used the name nation." of Harry Ackerman. Was it possible "I am not so sure about that. But that he had reverted to the use of that won't you stay? Have you your bag- name? So, Smith issued another order, gage ? I have not heard from the world FIND HARRY ACKERMAN !! for so long that I am interested, and And that order brought results. then, besides that, I want the news from Hiram took the night plane to Quebec, my friends. How are they ? Mrs. and the first boat out of there for Smith and the boy ? and Harry Wild and Chicoutimi. He had to go down the Sally, and everybody?" St. Lawrence River and up the Sague- "You would be surprised. And you nay River. On the little steamer would not be asking that question if chugged between high, precipitous cliffs you were back in the world. No one of T^irentian granite, till at last, a ever says, 'How Are You Feeling?' be- thousand feet above them, to the left, cause the answer is too obvious. The they saw a Madonna, holding in her nation is gloriously healthy, and wealthy arms the Christ Child. Made out of and perhaps, wise, though I am not so wood, painted white and eighty feet sure about that. The Missus is fine ; we high, it seemed little larger than a child are still living together, and the boy is from the river below. almost a man, the finest lad you ever "Go on to the next landing on the saw. Harry Wild and Sally are mar- left," Smith told the Captain, "and let ried, and they are still living together. me off there." I guess we hold the record for lengthy "I do not think there is anyone liv- marriages. But I wanted to see you. ing there now," protested the Captain. I just had to see you." "Better go on to Chicoutimi." "I am glad you are here. How is "No. I know what I am doing." The Purple Flash f" So, he got off at the next landing. For "Has the largest circulation the next hour the rich man toiled up of any paper in the world, a real the mountain path, arriving finally at money maker. I changed the name to The Rosey the top. There he found a little stone Dawn and, believe me, it is real house, with a little stone fence around a mental hygiene, cultural sheet. You would not it, and smoke pouring out of the chim- ney. know it if you saw it." Smith knew that he had come to the "And you are still the Wolf of Wall end of the trail. Street?"
He knocked at the door, and, hearing "In memory only. Wall Street has no reply, opened it. disappeared. When Congress passed the At a table, looking through a micro- Stabilization bill, trading in stocks and scope, was Biddle. bonds became a thing of the past. It 32 AMAZING STORIES
was just like trading pennies, nothing they do it for two or three months and
to it; it was not even good sport." then try it all over again." ?" "So the financial world has changed?" "Seeking happiness "No. Everybody is happy all the time. ''Everything has changed. You wotild Just want a change." not know it for the same place. Come "How is the death rate?" on back with me on the next steamer. "There isn't any. Nobody dies tmless You surely must be interested ?" there is some kind of a terrible acci- "Yes, and, No. I realize that I should dent. You see, there is no disease. Tell be, but I am working on a new problem. me one thing. Biddle. How long are You see, I have a lot of little anima! we going to live?" friends in the next room. I guess I was "I do not know." always happier with unsolved problems "Do you think it is going to be Life than with solved ones. If the world Everlasting?'' is purged from disease, I feel that I "I really do not know." should be satisfied to leave it be that "I hope not. You see, there is not way. So, I just came away and left it. much excitement in life nowadays. For I would have had too many interrup- some reason, the thrill has gone out of tions if I had remained." it. It has too much precision and not "Of course you had your own reasons enough poker. Everybody has enough for isolating yourself?" to eat, enough to wear, enough to hermits But "Certainly! Most do. amuse himself with, enough money to tell about things. What are they me pay his simple expenses. There is noth- York?" doing in little old New ing to worry about. In fact, some of "You mean the men or the women?" my friends say that the young people "Everybody." who were just growing up when they received the serum cannot understand "TTT'ELL, they are all healthy and what we older ones mean when we say W happy. Work about three hours that we used to worry over the problems i day, four days a week and the rest of life. They caimot understand what of the time amuse themselves in all a life filled with sickness and debt and kinds of new ways. That question of struggle, birth and death means. Even
amusement would interest you. All the with the adults the memory is fast old-fashioned cottage industries are fading." weaving and mctal- being revived, like "I guess that is natural," said the worl-ing. Most women are doing their inventor. housekeeping. Not own sewing and "Perhaps." much cooking; you see, people do not "What are the men doing with their eat the way they did, just drink lots of spare time?" water. "Oh! Various fads had their "Everybody is married. All are just day. Jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, as happy as they can be till they decide cross- country walking, and all that to get a divorce and try somebody else. sort of thing. Lately a good many of the It is all a perfectly lovely arrangement, men are whittling?" "and, so far, there seems to be no jeal- "What?" ousy. I have talked to lots of the say they just divorcees and they simply "Just making things out of a piece of R-ant to hve with somebody else; so. wood with a penknife. Did you ever :
LIFE EVERLASTING 33
see a man do that? Take a nice soft "Oh! Just about the way they always piece of white pine without any knots in have. You see, the sexes are rather
it and just make a lot of nice long shav- nice to each other ; not like the old days
ings? If you want to, you can do it when there was so much bickering. I
mechanically, without thinking. The men suppose there is really very little to were making all kinds of little things, quarrel about, the way things are." model rowboats, and napkin rings, and "Unpack your things," suggested Bid- little wooden birds and that sort of die, "and then we will take a walk. We thing. Keeps the women busy at that." will go down as far as the Madonna. "In what way?" You will be intea^ted in that as a work of art." Two hours later they stood in the cold '*\70U see, wDmen always have been chill the afternoon in the shadow of •• sort of clean creatures, but since of the giant Mother. Smith looked at the they are free from disease and family duties and various cares, they have a scientist. "By the way," he suddenly asked lot of time on their hands. It seems "How is your boy?" that the healthier they become the "I think that he is fine." cleaner they want tlieir homes and sur- "Did he get better? You know what roundings to be. So, every woman I mean? were working spends a few hours a day out on the You said you on the serum for his sake." streets of New York, making the town "Yes. I remember I said that." tidy. It would be really comical if
it were not so serious. I bet that for "And he is well and happy?"
every whittler on the sidewalks of New "Yes. I think so. I haven't seen him York there is a woman, and sometimes for some time. You see, he is with two, waiting with a dust-pan and brush, his Mother." to sweep up the shavings when the man Smith bent over, picked up a rock and
gets through. Often they even hold a threw it over the diff into the river, a little bag so the shavii^s can drop right thousand feet below. He looked at the into the bag instead of on the street. inventor. Makes the man nervous and he goes "You arc white, man!" he exclaimed.
somewhere else, but, wherever he goes, "That's odd ! You must have been stay-
a woman is after him, tidying up. I ing in the house too mudi. But all tlie hear there is an exclusive dub in the rest of us are bro^^Ti, a golden brown, a Nineties just for whittlers, and they healthy beautiful hazel brown. The brag that never a woman will enter to Doctors said it was the effect of the disturb them or their shavings." serum. You are not that way; you are
"Well, so long as everybody is white." happy 1" Biddle smiled, as he replied, "You see, I never the "Sure ! What difference does it took scrum my- make! 'Let the chips fall where they self. With the wife and the boy away may,' I smd in an editorial. WTiat dif- from me, somdiow, I thought I would
ference does it make, so loi^ as they be happier if I went without it." will are clean cliips ! But the women arc cer- "But someday you get sick, as we tainly keeping after us men. I don't recall used to; and die!" when they have ever kept us cleaner." "That is why I never took it. It is "How do the men feel about it?" cold. Wc should go back." 34 AMAZING STORIES
animals and birds in my life, outside of CHAPTER XVin a 100. One of the girls even had a de- natured skiuik. The Robot Babies "And dd!s! China, and rag, and GREGORY had nothing MAKY bisque,, black, white and yellow, big and to do. little, prett>' and ugly, fat dolls, dolls with Her School for Unusual spider legs, dolls with hair and without
Children was closed. There were no more hair. Evcr>' >\-oman is collecting dolls. unusual children. "Spending her time making dolHe In fact, there were few children of clothes, and giving tea parties for them. any kind and no babies. And that is not all. Some of them pre- Her restless niind, ber ability as a tend that they are just little girls instead philanthropist and her millions were all of big women. Found one of my friends idle for lack of opportunit>'. She felt playing on a toy piano. Waits till her there should be something for her to do, husband goes to work and then starts someway in which she could benefit her with one or two fingers playing, nation. Deliberately seeking an oppor- 'Pony! Pony! Stepping high, tunity for welfare, she went to New I will ride you bye and bye.' York City. There she called on Hiram Smith. Since her Father's death he had "And that woman can play by the
cared for the Gregory estate, and had hour from Mozart and Beethoven. It
made a good job of it. He had just does not seem to affect the men the same come back from his trip to Canada, and way. One of my old college chums, how-
had come back doing a lot of hard and ever, took me down into the cellar of difficult thinking. their home. They live in a house that actually has a cellar. said "I am glad to see you, Mary," he She that her husband developed the habit of spending said. "I have a lot to do with the in- a good deal of time down there, and at vesting of your money, but it is not last she became so curious that just often you spend the time to come and she had to go down and see what was see me. You look well!" he doing. The man had been whittling dolls, "I am well. I guess we are all well, out of wood, he put black shoe buttons since we took the serum. I came to New in for eyes, and made the mouth red with York a week ago to see you, found you red ink, or it might have been his blood, were out of town and decided to visit she thought. He had bought pieces of some of my old friends till your return." silk downtown and had tried to make "How are they all? Happy, I sup- dresses for tlie dolls and had made little pose?" beds for them to sleep in. She said that "Certainly! Everybody is happy; but in the old days she just knows she would of I will say this. So many ihem have have cried, but, of course, nobody cries of developed the most peculiar way now, because all are too happy. She never spending their time. Of course, that told him she knew what he was doing, thing do, now- seems to be the hardest to only after that, when he went to work finding things to fill in the leisure." adays, she went down in the cellar and played "What are they doing, Mary?" with Ws whittled dolls, She said that in
"Playing with toys, playhouses, little some way it made her feel that she was sets of china, and taking care of pets. I closer to him. They were thinking of a never saw so many different kinds of divorce, but, now, though they do not LIFE EVERLASTING 35
talk about the doUs in the cellar, they "I want you to have some made!"
feel that they had better li^'e on together Hiram Smith threw up his hands in for a few more months." despair.
"How ? Where ? When ? What do you
"QO, that is the way they are spending mean?" ^ their time ?" "Silly! I mean robot babies. Start
"That is the way, I thought and your inventors to work. Fabricate babies
thought about it and finally I decided out of rubber. Put machinery inside of what to do. AU this fuss over dolls and them so they will cry and move their
pets and childish pleasures is just a sub- arms and legs. I just have the general stitution. They are not honest with tliem- idea, but any clever inventor will sup-
selves, for what they really want is some- ply the details. Make babies thai can thing alive, real babies." be washed and fed and dressed and put "It seems that they cannot have them," to sleep. Make different sized babies, so answered Smith. they can be exchanged when the time "It seems that way, but, perhaps, they comes for them to grow older. Put ton- will have them some-time, and if they sils in them to be taken out, and adenoids wait too long, they won't know how to to make them snuffle and intestines to care for them. If this condition of child- give them colic. Start in and make twenty less society keeps up, there will be mil- million of them as fast as you can. Sell lions of women who have never held a them to the women who can pay and give little baby in their arms and would not them away to the women who cannot pay know what to do if they found one there. and send the bill to my estate. Do you You see, a lot of the knowledge of infant see my idea? Get the fathers interested care is transmitted by word of mouth and in it. Have lectures for them. Have such actual practice from the older generation talks as this, 'What to do when your wife of women to the younger. If we wait is sick and the tkree-year-old daughter fifty years before a new lot of babies are complains of the earache.' I wish Biddle bom, they will suffer from lack of actual was available. There is a man who would knowledge on the part of their mothers understand what I mean." to care for them. Even the nurses won't "Biddle is up in Canada. I have just know how. There won't be any nurses been visiting him." anyw-ay and not many doctors. "You ba\-e? Did you talk about the
"So, I have an idea. I want you to take disappeared birth rate?" some of my millions and start a sdiool "I did." for Mothers. Get the best physicians and "What did he say?" nurses you can hire to prepare lectures. "Not much. Something about having Buy a broadcasting station that will reach to pay a price for everything in life. That every part of the countr>-. Give regular nothing was ever given aTv-ay, I suppose lectures on the care of the child at diflfer- he thought that the abecnce of death was ent ages, from birth to the age of six. paid for by the absence of birth, or some- glad thing like that I am sure that every woman will be He did not want to talk to listen to the broadcasting of these talks, about children. Do you know about his and will practice the various lessons on having a boy ? Told me the boy was do- her baby." ing well and was with his Mother." "But the woman will not have a baby, "He said that?" Mary Gregory! That is what the whole "Sometliing like that. Do you under- trouble is. There aren't any babies." stand it?" 36 AMAZING STORIES
"I do. That was just his way of saying till once again they were able to hold they were both dead." little children, real little children, pitiful, lovable, needful, helpless babies, in their HIRAM SMITH started the millions arms. of Mary Gregory to work. He Mary Gregory, she who had never gave the new idea considerable space in known what it was to be a mother, recog- The Rosey Dawn. The novelty spread nized the need more and more clearly. like wildfire. Women discarded their pets She told Smith so. and their fantastic dolls and put in their "You have to find out whether Biddle application for a robot baby. Factories can and will do something to help us," were opened, thousands of men put to she demanded. "He knows more about work. That was an odd thing. Every the serum than any other living man. He invention making the robot babies possi- ought to know what it can do and what ble, every minute of work done on them it cannot do. If he will only tell us that in the factories was masculine. Men al- in twenty-five, fifty years from now the most fought for the right to work in American women can have children, we those factories. Women were turned will be satisfied. It seems that we are away in disdain. This work, said the all going to live a long time and we can men of the nation, was a purely mascu- wait if there is hope during the waiting line one. and babies at the other end of the long Meantime, the series of lectures was years. You have to see him and tell him being prepared. Only the greatest ex- how we feel. See if he cannot help us perts were employed. Experiences were in some way. More women in America exchanged, old books were read, elderly now know how to take intelligent care of women were consulted, and at last two babies than ever before in the history of hundred lectures were written, covering the world. What good is that knowledge every possible situation up to the age of if there are no babies? What good is six years. Then men and women were living without babies! See him. If you carefully tested for their ability to broad- cannot convince him of the need let me cast those lectures. At the end of a year take a number of representative women everything was ready for the start of a up to Canada and state our case to him." six hour daily programme. By that time "I'll go," agreed Smith. "But I am six million women had infant robots and afraid that he will not see this the Mray more were being fabricated at the rate of you see it." a hundred thousand a week. "He will have to see it our way," ex- And from the station the lectures went claimed Mary Gregory. to the waiting women in America. The seven o'clock bedtime lecture was in- CHAPTER XIX stantly popular. The Women Decide Women once agam learned how to care for babies. But, cleverly built as they MARY GREGORY led a company were, they were, at their best, simply of women into Canada. well designed machines. They could be At the last moment Hiram cared for, but they coiJd not respond to Smith refused to undertake the negotia- that care; they could be loved, but they tions with Biddle, the inventor. He felt, could not love. More than ever the somehow, that it was none of his busi- women of America realized thit their ness. He wa5 not sure that he wanted lives were empty and would remain empty to tell where the scientist had his house LIFE EVERLASTING 37
of refuge from the world. But, after ful? Will the individual reach maturity
talking it over with his wife, he deter- and remain there indefinitely?" mined that he would throw the dice and "1 am not sure. My opinion is that
let Fate decide what was in store for the the first dose of serum will last a very
future of the human race. So, he told Icmg time. All tliat it did was to liberate
Mary Gregory where Biddle lived and power, which power is evidently capable how to get there. of splitting the hydrogen atom to make act Biddle was accustomed to have the un- more power. Consequently, it may expccteJ happen in his Ufe, but he was somewhat like perpetual motion. genuinely surprised when twenty-one "If it acts the way I think, no one will \vomen suddenly came up to his stone ever have to take the second dose. But home and knocked at the door. He did if he should take a second dose, he prob- his best to be polite and tried to find ably will receive the same ellect as from seats for all of his visitors. He made tea the first dose. Of course, I may be wrong.
for them and served it with some little It seems that when a person once has the cakes, but they had to take turns drink- serum, he will live for a long time, a full
ing the tea, because no lonely hermit ever grown, healthy vigorous adult. He would had twenty-one tea cups unless he had a die by drowning, or by being cut in two mania for collecting them, and not many by an accident, but, unless something ter- live isolates even had tvventy-one little cakes rible happened to him, he would a
at one time. very long time." "Why have the women of America be- But at last everj'one had a little tea come childless?" and then the women asked Biddle to sit "I am not sure. All I know is that all down and listen to the reason for their the animals I experimented on became visit Mary Gregory acted as the spokes- sterile. Perhaps it is a provision of na- man for the delegation. ture to increase the power of the serum. "\Ve represent the Federated Women's Perhaps there is sometliing in the serum Quhs of North America," the ridi that acts. But I knew it to be true in woman explained. "These women stand the anhnals I experimented with, like for the bcbt of womanhood in every walk mice. I hoped that it would not be true of life. feel that we know what the We in the human race; that was one of the American woman thinks, ho^v she feels, things we had to gamble on." she wants. Our requests to you what "Do you believe that some time, from fifty million mature women; come twenty-five years from now, or fifty action we take will be satisfactory to any years, the conditions will change and sisterhood. Now, that you all of our children will once again be born into the know who we are, may we ask you some world?" questions?" "Probably not I have twelve mice who "You may ask them. I am not sure I have had the serum for nearly five years. can answer them." That is a long time for a mouse to live. "We understand that," said Miss They have never had any little ones." Gregory. "We know that some questions "What is your thought in regard to may be hard, even impossible for you to the problem ?" answer, but, at least, we know that you will tell the truth. First. How long will "TT looks as though it was a kind of ar- the serum last? Will it have to be re- rangement, the only way things cooM nexved ? Will future doses be as power- happoi. Suppose, with the help of the 38 AMAZING STORIES
serum, the average man and woman lives any babies. Two months ago I gave her to be a thousand years old. Suppose that an injection of the antiserum. She pro- every three years each woman gave birth duced a little family, raised them to inde- to a child. Gloriously healthy herself, pendence, started to grow the cancer and fully realizing what the serum did for her, died. In that case the antiserum did all
she would insist that her children receive that could be expected of it." the serum as soon after birth as possible. "Could you give the antiserum to the
In no time at all the world, large as it is, nation, as you gave the serum?"
would be overcrowded with humanity? "Yes, if it became the right thing to >k»w we have a population that can be do."
cared for. It will never grow any larger, "And it is your opinion that if a
and only very slowly will it grow woman received the antiserum, she would smaller." have children?"
"Do you realize what it means to the "Yes. Of course, it would be neces- women of America to face those child- sary for her husband to have the anti-
less years, those barren centuries of serum also. Periiaps not. I am not sure, ?" existence but I tliink so."
"Perhaps. As much so as a lone man "Would you excuse us if we talked can realize a weman's feelings. But you this tiling over privately?"
women have everything else ; health, hap-
piness, ease, the love of your husbands, CERTAINLY. I will \vaJk over to every possible comfort. You have a life the Madonna. You can find me
that is incolnparably easier than the old there. It is only a few oit\- blocks from life ever couM be. It looks as though you here." should be happy." One hour later the women walked over "Is there anything you can do for us to where Biddle was standing in the that will enable us to have families?" shadow of the Madonna. "Perhaps. There again I am not sure. "We have decided," announced Mary But the principle of opposite© is a very Gregory. "The women of America ask strong one in nature. We have light and you for the formula of the antiseriun ?*' darkness, strength and weakness, men "For general distribution?" and women, heat and cold. We used to "No. But we feel that every man and have laughter and tears-, happiness and wife who really want to have a family sorrow, health and sickness, sweet and should be allowed to make the decision. soiy, pure living and sin. And we have Those who wish to remain childless can scrums and antiserums. After I discov- do so." ered the Biddle Serum, I started to dis- "Are you sure you know what you are cover the antidote, or antiserum. I did asking for?"
not want to use it, but I wanted to see "We are." if there wae such a Ih-mg." "It cannot be," declared Biddle. "Did you find it?" "Never, in the history of the human race, "I think so. At least, this is what I did. have women been as free as they are
I found a mouse with cancer, and gave now. They can come and go, free frqm her the serum. The cancer disappeared the chains of a home and family. Their and the mouse lived on, far past the love life is liberated from anxiety. There usual length of life for a mouse. I be- is no longer sickncs? to fear, the death came rather fond of her, and I guess of loved ones to dread. You are happy, she liked me a little. But she never had healthy and able to compete m every way LIFE EVERLASTING 39
on equal terms with the male. Every- "Here is what you are asking for. Any
thing woman has striven for in the past chemist can make it any physician give ; you now have. Do you mean to say that it. Now, may I ask you to leave me here?
yoa are going to give it up? Deliber- I want to be alone once more." ?" ately sacrifice all you have gained They all left except Mary Gregory. "We want our babies!" cried the ''Why do you stay here in the shadow ?" women. she asked. "But in having them you lose your "Because that Woman knows how T
immortality. Having them you no longer feel. She knows what it means to have are eternal. You will become sick, dis- a son die and not be able to save him eased, crippled. Some of you will die in Like her Son died and mine," childbirth. Some of your children will "Wliy did you not take the serum
die ; others will live to become defectives, Sidney Biddle?"
epileptics, cripples. Some of the ones "Because I did not want to live for- who live to maturity will cause you ci'er," he replied. shame; they will become insane, crim- inals. You will see children die in your CHAPTER XX arms. In years to come you will wish Old Lives for New they had died while they were sweet babies. Sickness will come, suffering, sor- BIDDLE h'ved alone for two more row. Your health will break, your hus- years and then determined to go bands will leave you for fresher women. back to civilization. The first per- You will die with one hand on your son he caDed on was Hiram Smith, the brraJdng heart and the other on the bro- secret owner of The Rosey Dofwn. The ken cross. That is what you are asking rich man was delighted to meet his friend
for. Do you mean to tell me that you, again. knowing what the old biological urge for "You look a little older, a few more offspring meant to womankind, want to white hairs, but still very fit. I guess that change your glorious existence of to-day arctic air agrees with you, Biddle."
for that?" "I guess so ; clean living and hard work "We must have our babies!" cried the arc fine medicines. How are you? Not women. quite as browni as when I saw you last Anything happen?" "VT'OU must remember what life was. "Slightly. That boy of ours deaded to Sickness, invalidism, the breaking fall in love. Mighty nice girl, and we back that never lost its ache, etc., etc. were all in favor of their marriage. The Mary Gregory stepped forward. first thing we knew, after the wedding, "Give us the formula, Sidney Biddle. they went and took a dose of your anti- We have decided. Nothing you can say serum, so they could have a child. That will make us change our minds. You just spoiled it all for the wife and me- have not told us a thmg we do not know. We had been making plans to live at We know that we speak for our sister- least for a thousand years but that would hood. Give us the formula, Sidney Bid- mean that we would see our children and die. Give us back our babies." our grandchildren grow old a:id die while Trembling, the scientist took out a note- we were still in the vigorous golden ma- book and wrote slowly on a blank page. turity of the Biddle Senun. So. what did At last he tore the page out and handed we do but go and get some of the anti- it to the nch woman. serum ourselves ! Now, when the grand- 40 AMAZING STORIES
children come to visit us, they will have when I am too busy to amuse her, just the old fashioned kind of grandparents, watching them play around the floor."
just nice, old, white-haired people, who "So, there is a baby?" can try to live tiieir youth again in their "Finest girl you ever saw," said the children's children." newsboy. "Looks just like her Mothra".
"So, you sacrificed everything, not for Glad it was a girl, we should not have the love of a child, but for the love of a known what to do with a boy." ?" grandchild "We are telling her that, so she won't
"That's it. You would think it was think we were disappointed," explained
sacrifice if you had seen me with an at- Sally. "We are sa>ing it now, beiore she tack of rheumatism this last week." knows the meaning of words, so we shall
Biddle laughed, a friendly, sympathetic be sure to say it when she learns to talk. tearful laugh. We want her to be sure we loved her." "Just an old fool, you were, Smith, just They insisted that he come and see the an old fool. By the way. Where are my baby, They made liim say that he had
old friends, Harry Wild ,and Sally never seen a finer baby ; and they fed him Fanning ?" coffee and sandwiches, and made him "They are married. He is back at the promise he would come often to see them. old news stand, and they have a little When he left, Harry went down to the apartment dose to where they both lived front door with him. before you met them. Makes me worry about the boy, seeing Harry nowadays." AS they stood in the doorway, Biddle "Give me the address." looked at the little man curiously.
"Sure; but I do not think I would go "You are lame, Harry," he said. "Have and see them. You remember how they you hurt yourself?" were the time you saw them on the lawn "No. But my old trouble came back, in front of my home? Well, when you my bad leg is short again and my back is remember them, just think of them the slowly growing crooked." way they were then." "Well, well ! That is too bad. But you keep on smiling?" "I shall have to see them the way they "Sure. have ei^erything to live for are now," replied Biddle. "I have to J now. Fine wife, sweet baby, good busi- find out something." ness. Why shouldn't I be happy." He called at the little apartment late "That is fine, Harry. Keep on smil- that night. Harry Wild answered his ing." knock on the door. "I will, Mr. Biddle. Bye the vray, do "It's Ackerman! Sally, it's Ackerman, you know of a good remedy for asthma ? our old friend, and more than welcome. Sally has had some real bad spells since G>me right in, and sit down. Let me have the baby came and I do wish someone your hat. Sir. This is an honor to have knew what to do for her." you come and see us." "I am sorry. I'll send her some stra- echoed Sally. "It is, indeed," monium leaves. Bum them and inhale the "And how are ali the mice?'* asked smoke. That will help her. Asthma is a Biddle. difficult thing to cure. Well, good night, "You should see them," replied Sally. Harry, my boy. I am glad about the Dozens of them, into everything, but I baby." will say this, that the Baby is fond of "Good night, Mr. Biddle, and thanks them. Keeps quiet for an hour at a time for lookii^ us up. Send me your addresa. LIFE EVERLASTING 41
Next week the old Purple Flash is going He put down his bag and walked across to come back on the stands and I want the crest of the mountain to the Madonna. to send you some of the first copies. I Under the shadow a woman sat. As he bet that the Wolf of Wall Street will came near she walked over to meet him. make it a real tabloid. It ought to go big. "Mary Gregory!" he sighed, "What The people are getting hungry for that are you doing here?" kind of a paper." "I wanted to come,'* she replied. "You
It was all too much for Biddle. need a woman. If you had a woman in He took the first train for Quebec and the house with you, you might dq some- the first boat for his mountain home. He thing worth while, invent something that walked slowly up the mountain path. It would be of real help to mankind." was a hard climb. He was not as young "But I am an old man, Mary," he cried. as he had been. He found the house "An old man, growing older. open and a fire burning in the fireplace. "I have taken the antiserum," she said. No one there. ' Now, I can grow old with you."
The End.
IN THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE
Two new serials begin in this issue. The
one is "Through the Andes " by A. H>^tt Verrill, the eminent archaeologist, and the
other is "The Moon Pirates," by Neil R. Jones, a favorite author with our readers for many years.
A complete story, "The Master Minds of Venus," by William K. Sonneman, will be found most interesting.
There will be a number of other good
science fiction tales in this issue. 42 (J^easuring a Meridian By JULES VERNE Conclusion
The story of the measurement of a meridian of the earth is concluded in this issue. Less of the science of the story appears here, as the earlier portions have given a most interesting detail of the meaning of these measurements. So now we see more of the wild life in Africa and finally the party separates and breaks up.
Illustrated by MOREY
CHAPTER XXI ing their long vigil of some two months. In the course of the day Mokoum per- Let There Be Light ceived an unusual agitation in the Mak- ololo camp. He thought at first that are no worse off," they were about to raise the siege, but, remarked the Colonel in after some contemplation, he discovered WEthe course of the day to that their attentions were evidently hos- his assembled compan- tile, and that they would probably as- ions, "than Arago, Biot sault the mountain in the course of the and Rodriguez were when they were night. measuring the arc from Dunkirk to Toward six o'clock, when the night
they were uniting the Spanish was coming on with its tropical celerity, Ivica ; coast and the island by a triangle of the engineer descended the mountian, and which the sides were more than eighty proceeded to light the boiler fire of the miles long. Rodriguez was installed on steamboat. It was still the Colonel's in- an isloated peak, and kept up lighted tention not to effect an escape until the as- last lamps at night, while the French extremity ; moreover, he was firm in tronomers lived in tents a hundred his determination to abide until the night miles away in the desert of Las was advanced, that he might give him- Palmas. For sixty nights Arago and self the last chance of observing the
Biot w^atched for the si^al, and, dis- signal from Mount Volquiria. The sail- couraged at last, were about to re- ors were placed at the foot of the ram- nounce their labor, when, on the sixty- part, with orders to defend the breaches first night, appeared a light, which it was to the last. All arms were ready, and impossible to confound with a star. the mitrailleuse, armed with the am- Surely, gentlemen, if those French as- mimition that they had in store, spread tronomers could watch for sixty-one its formidable mouth across the em- nights in the interests of science, we brasure. English and Russians must not give up For several hours the Colonel and at the end of nine," Stnix, posted in the narrow donjon, kept The Colonel's companions most heart- a constant watch on the peak of Vol- ily approved the sentiment ; but they quiria. The horizon \vas dark, wliile the could have said that Arago and Biot did finest of the southern constellations were not endure the tortures of hunger dur- resplendent in the zenith. There was no last It was probable that the natives were about to make a attack on the fortress before retiring finally to Maketo. ;
44 AMAZING STORIES
wind, and not a sound broke the impos- fell, he was replaced by twenty more, ing stillness of nature. The bushman, and, after a somewhat prolonged opposi-
however, posted on a projection of rock, tion. Colonel Everest felt that he must heard sounds which gradually became be ve^po^ve^ed. Not only did the na- more distinct. He was not mistaken tives swarm up the south slope of the the Makololos were at length commenc- mountain, but they made an ascent also ing their assault on the mountain. by the side slopes. They did not hes- Until ten o'clock the assailants did itate to use the dead bodies of the fallen not move; their fires were extinguished, as stepping stones, and then even lifted and camp and plain were alike wrapped them up, and sheltered themselves behind in obscurity. Suddenly Mokoxun saw them, as they mounted. The scene re- shadows moving up the mountain, till vealed by the flash of the firearms was the besiegers seemed but a few hundred appalling, and the Europeans saw enough feet from the plateau on which stood the to make them fully aware that they could fort. expect no quarter, and that they were "Now, then, quick and ready!" cried being assaiUted by barbarians as savage Mokoum. as tigers. The garrison immediately advanced to At half-past ten the foremost natives the south side of the fort, and opened a had reached the plateau. The besieged, running fire on the assailants. The who were still uninjured (the natives Makololos answered by a war cry, and, not yet having employed their bows and in spite of the firing, continued to ad- assegais), were thoroughly conscious vance. In the light caused by the flash they were impotent to carry on a combat of the guns, the Europeans perceived hand to hand. The Colonel in a calm, such swarms of natives that any resis- clear voice that could be heard above tance seemed impossible. But still they the tumult, gave the order to retire. trusted that their well-directed balls were With a last discbarge the Httle band doing considerable execution, and they withdrew behind the walls. L.oud cries discerned that not a few of the natives greeted their retreat, and the natives were rolling down the sides of the moun- immediately made a nearer approach in
tain. Hitherto, however, nothing ar- their attempt to scale the central breach. rested them. With savage cries they A strange and imlooked for recep- continued to press on in compact order, tion awaited them Suddenly at first, without e\'en waiting to hurl a single and subsequently repeated at inter\'ais of
assegai. Colonel Ererest put himself at but a few minutes, there was a growling the head of his little troop, who seconded reverberation as of rolling thunder. The him admirably, not excepting Palander, sinister sound was the report of the ex- who probably was handling a gun for al- ploding mitrailleuse, which Sir John most the first time. Sir John, now on had been prepared to employ, and now one rock now on another, sometimes worked with all his energy. Its twenty- kneeling, sometimes lying, did wonders, five muzzles spread over a wide range, and his gun, heated with the rapidity of and the balls, continually supplied by a the repeated loading, began to bum his self-feeding arrangement, fell like hail hands. Mokoum, as ever, was patient, among the assailants. The natives, swept bold, undaimted in his confidence. down at each discharge, responded at But the valor and precision of the be- first with a howl and then with a harm- sieged could avail nothing against the less shower of arrows. torrent of numbers. Where one native "She plays well," said the bushman, MEASURING A MERIDUN 45 approaching Sir John. "Whai you have shout of rejoicing, rushed toward the played your tune, let me play mine." donjon, followed by the intrepid col- But there was no need for Sir John league. Tliere, kneeling down, he put to be relieved; the mitrailleuse was 30on his eye to the telescope, and perceived silent. The Makololos were struck with with the utmost delight the signal, so consternation, and had sought shelter long delayed and yet so patiently ex- from the torrent of bullets, having re- pected. tired under the flanks of the fort, leav- It was truly a marvelous sight to see ing the plateau strewn with numbers of these two astronomei-s work during the their dead. tumult of the conflict. The natives had In this instant of respite the Colonel by their numbers forced the enclosure, and Strtix regained the donjon, and an^ Sir John and the bushman were there, collecting themselves in compos- contending for e^-^ery step. The Euro- ure as complete as i£ they were under peans fought with their balls and hatch- ets, the dome of an observatory, they , kept while the Makololos responded with a constant eye upon their telescope, and their arrows and assegais. scanned the peak of Volquiria. When, Meanwhile the Colonel and Strux in- after a short period of rest, the yells of tently continued their observations, and the Makalolos made them aware that Palander, equally composed, noted down the combat was renewed, they only per- their oft repeated readings. More than severed in their determination, and re- once an arrow grazed their head, and solved that they would alternately re- broke against the inner wall of the don- main to guard their invaluable instru- jon. But their eye was ever fixed on the ment. signal, and reading the indications of the The combat, in truth, liad been re- vernier, they incessantly verified each newed. The range of the mitrailleuse other's calculations. was inadequate to reach all tlie natives, "Only once more," said Strux, slid- who, uttering their cries of mortal ven- ing the telescope along the graduated geance, rallied again, and swarmed up scale. An instant later, and it would every opening. The besieged, protected have been too late for any observations, by their firearms, defended the breaches but the direction of the light was cal- foot by foot; they had only received a culated to the minutest fraction of a few scratches from the points of the as- second ; and at that ver>' instant an enor- segais, and were able to continue the mous stone, hurled by a native, sent the fight for half an hour with unabated register flying from Palander's hands, ardor. and smashed the repeating circle. Toward half-past eleven, while the They must now fly in order to save Colonel was in the thick of the fray, in the result which they obtained at the the middle of an angry fusillade, Mat- cost of such continuous labor. The na- thew Strux appeared at his side. His tives had already penetrated the case- eye was wild and radiant ; an arrow had mate, and might be at any moment ap- just pierced his hat and quivered above pear in the donjon. The Colonel and his head. his colleagues caught up their guns, and
!*' "The signal ! the signal he cried. Palander his precious register, and all The colonel was incredulous, but as- escaped through one of the breaches. certaining the correctness of the welcome Their several companions, some slightly announcement, discharged his rifle for womided, were ready to cover their re- the last time, and with an exuberant treat, but just as they were about to de- 46 AMAZING STORIES scend the north side of the mountain, CHAPTER XXII Strux reraenibered that they had failed to kindle the signal. In fact, for the Palaoder's Last Escapade completion of the survey, it was neces- sary that the two astronomers on Mount WHEN daylight reappeared the Volquiria should in their turn observe vessel was nearing the northern the summit of Mount Scorzef, and were shore of the lake. There was doubtless anxiously expecting the an- no trace of natives, consequently the swering light. Colonel and his campanioas, who had The Colonel recognized the imperative been ready armed, laid aside their guns necessity for yet one more effort, and as the Queen and Csor drew up in a whilst his companions, with almost su- little bay in the rocky shore. The bush- perhuman energy, repulsed the natives, man, Sir John and one of the sailors he re-entered the donjon. This donjon set out at once to reconnoiter the neigh- was formed of an intricate frame work borhood. They could perceive no sign of dry wood, which would readily ignite of Makololos, and fortunately they found by the application of a flame. The Col- game in abundance, Troops of antelopes onel set it alight with the discliarge from grazed in the long grass and in the shel- the muzzle of his gun, and, rushing out, ter of the thickets, and a number of rejoined his companions. In a few mo- aquatic birds frequented the shores of ments, rolling their mitrailleuse before the lake. The hunters returned with them, the Europeans under a shower of ample provision, and the whole party arrows and various missies, were de- could enjoy the savory antelope mrat, a scending the mountain, and, driving back supply of which was now unlikely to the natives with a deadly fire, reached fail them again. the steamboat. The engineer, according The camp was arranged under the to orders, had kept up the steam. great willows near the lake, on the The mooring was cast off, the screw banks of a small river. The Colonel
set in motion, and the Qneejj and Csar and Strux had arranged to meet on
advanced rapidly over the dark and quiet the north shore with the pioneer's little waters. They were shortly far enough party, and the rest afforded by the out to see the summit of the mountain. few days of expectation was gratefully The donjon was blazing like a beacon, enjoyed by all. Palander employed him-
and its light would be easily discerned self in rectifying and adjusting the re- from the peak of Volquiria. A resound- suhs of the latest observations, while ing cheer of triumph from the English Mokoum and Sir John hunted most and Russians greeted the bonfire they had vigorously over the fertile, well-watered left behind. country, abounding in game, with which Emery and Zom would have no cause the Englishman would have been de- for complaint; they had exhibited the lighted, had it been in his power, to twinkling of a star, and had been an- complete a purchase, on behalf of the swered by the glowing of a sun. British government. Three days after, There was no question that the con- on the Sth of March, some gun-shots flagration they had started had given the announced the arrival of the remainder
best possible indication of the position of of the part>- for whom they tarried. Mount Scorzef. The triangle was closed. Emery. Zom. the two sailors, and the The work was completed at the last pioneer, were all in perfect health. Their moment. theodolite, the only instrument remaining MEASURING A MERIDIAN 47 to the Commission, was safe. The young we ought still to adopt some means of astronomers and their companions were testing our previous operations. Let us received with joyous coi^gratulations. continue our triangles until we find a In a few words they related that their place suitable for the direct measure- journey had not been devoid of diffi- ment of a base. The agreement between aalty. For two days they had lost their the lengths of the base, obtainind by the way in the forests that skirted the moun- calculations and by the direct measure- tainous district, and with only the vague ment, will alone tell what degree of ac- indication of the compass they would curacy we ought to attribute to our never have reached Mount Volqiiiria, observations." if it had not been for the shrewd in- Stnix's proposition was unanimousl> telligence of the pioneer. The ascent adopted. It was agreed to construct a of the mountain was rough, and the de- series of subsidiary triangles until a site lay had caused the young astronomers could be measured with the measuring as much impatience as it had their col- rods. The steamboat, descending the af- leagues on Mount Scorzef. They had fluents of the Zambesi, was to await the carefully, by barometrical obser\'ations, travelers below the celebrated Victoria calculated that the summit of Volquiria Falls. Everything being arranged the, was 3.200 feet above the lerel of the sea. little troop, with the exception of four The light, increased by a strong reflector, sailors on board the Queen and Czar. was first lighted on the night of the started the next day at sunrise. Seme
4th ; thus the observers on Mount stations had been chosen to the east
Scorzef had perceived it as soon as it and the angles measured, and, along appeared. Emery and Zom had easily this favorable country, they hoped easily discerned the intense fire caused by the to accomplish their amdliary series. The burning fortress, and with the theodolite bushman had adroitly caught a quagga, had completed the measurement of the of which, willing or unwilling, he made triangle. a beast of burden to carry the theodolite, "And did you detennine the latitude the measuring-rods, and some other lug- of the peak?" said the Colonel to Emery. gage of the caravan. "Yes, most accurately," replied Em- The journey proceeded rapidly. The ery; "we found it to be 19" 37' 35.337V undulating country afforded many points "Well, gentlemen," said the Colonel, of sight for the small accessory triangles.
"we may say that our task is ended. We The weather was fine, and it was not have measured, by means of sixty-three needful to have recourse to nocturnal triangles, an arc of more than eight observations. The travelers could near- degrees in length; and when we have ly always find shelter in the woods, and, rigidly corrected our results, we shall besides, the heat was not insufferable, know the exact value of the degree, and since some vapors arose from the pools consequently of the meter in this part and streams which tempered the sun's of the globe." rays. Every want was supplied by the A cheer of satisfaction could not be hunters, and there was no longer any- repressed amongst the others. thing to be feared from the natives, who "And now," added the Colonel, "we seemed to be more to the south of Lake have only to descend the Zambesi in Ngami. order to reach the Indian Ocean; is it Matthew Strux and the Colonel not sOf Mr. Strux?" seemed to have forgotten all their per-
"It is," answered Strux, "but I think sonal rivalry, and ahhough there was ;
48 AMAZING STORIES
no dose 'mthmcy between them, they since Strux and Mokoum had seen any-
were on the most perfect terms o£ cour- thing of Palander. The little troop were tesy. tra\'eling through thickets of low trees Day after day, durir^ a period of and shrubs, extending as far as the hori- three weeks, the observations steadily zon. It was important to keep together,
proceeded. For the measurement of a as it would be difficult to discover the base the astronomers required a tract of track of any one lost in the wood. But land that should be level for several seeing and fearing nothing, Palander, miles, and the very undulations of the who had been posted, pencil in one hand, soil that were desirable for the establish- the register in the other, on the left ment of points of sight were unfavorable flank of the troop, was not long in dis- for that observation. They proceeded to appearing. the northeast; sometimes following the When, toward four o'clock, Strux and right bank of Cnobi, one of the principal his companions found that Palander was tributaries of the Upper Zambesi, in no longer with them, they became ex- order to avoid Maketo, the chief settle- tremely anxious. His former aberra-
ment of the Makololos. They had now tions were still fresh in their remem-
every reason to anticipate that their re- brance, and it was probably tlie ab- turn would be happily accomplished, and stracted calculator alone by whom they that no further natural obstacles would had been forgotten. The march was
occur, and they hoped that their diffi- stopped, and they all shouted in vain.
culties were all at an end. Tlic coimtry The bushman and the sailors dispersed which they were traversing was com- for a quarter of a mile in each direction, paratively well known, and they could beating the bushes, trampling through not be far from the villages of the Zam- the woods and long grass, firing off their besi which Livingstone had lately visited. gims, but yet without success. They Thus they thought with reason that all became still more uneasy, especially Mat- the most arduous part of their task was thew Strxix, to whose anxiety was joined over, when an incident, of whidi the an extreme irritation against his un-
consequences might liave been serious, lucky colleague. This was not the first almost compromised the result of the time that Palander had served them thus, whole expedition. and if the Colonel had laid any blame Nicholas Palander was the hero, or on him, Strux would not have known rather was near being the victim, of the what to say. Under the circumstances, adventure. the only thing to be done was to en- The intrepid but thoughtless calcu- camp in the wood, and begin a more
lator, unwarned by his escape from the careful search.
crocodiles, had still the habit of with- The Colonel and his companions had drawing himself from his companions. just arranaged to place their camp near In an open country there was no great a glade of considerable extent, when a danger in this, but in woods Palander's cry, unlike anytliing human, resounded abstraction might lead to serious con- at some distance to the left. Almost im- sequences. Strux and the bushman gave mediately, nmning at full speed, ap- him many warnings, and Palander, peared Palander. His head was bare, though much astonished at what he con- his hair disheveled, and his clothes torn sidered an excess of prudence, promised ui some parts, almost to rags. His to conform to their wishes. companions plied him with questions On the 27th, some hours had passed but the unhappy man, with haggard and MEASURING A MERIDIAN 49 distended eye, whose compressed nostrils "Well, then, Europeans?" asked Sir still further hindered his short, jerking John, respiration, could not bring out a word. "No," answered Palander in a stified What had happened? Why had he voice, wandered away? And why did he ap- "Who then?" shouted Strux, shaking pear so terrified? At last, to their re- his clenched fists in Palander's face. peated questions, he gasped out, in al- "They were neither natives—nor white most unintelligible . accents, something men—but monkeys," stammered out Pal- about the registers. ander at last. It The astronomers shuddered ; the reg- was a fact that the unhappy man isters, on which was inscribed every re- had been robbed by a monkey, and if sult of their operations, and which the the consequences of the inadent had calculator had never allowed out of his been less serious, the whole party would possession, even when asleep, these reg- have broken out into laughter. Mokoura isters were missing. No matter whether explained that what had just happened
Palander had lost them, or whether they was of frequent occurrence. Many times, his had been stolen from him ; they were to knowledge, had travelers gone, and all their labor was in vain! been rifled by these pig-headed chacmas, While his companions, mutely terri- a species of baboon very common in fied, only looked at each other, Matthew South African forests. The calculator Strux could no longer restrain his anger. had been plundered by these animals, He burst forth into all manner of in- though not without a struggle, as his vective against the miserable creature, ragged garments testified. Still, in the threatening him with the displeasure of judgment of his companions, there was the Russian government, and adding, no excuse to be made; if he had re- that if he did not suffer under the knout mained in his proper place this irre- he should linger out liis life in Siberia. parable loss would not have occurred.
To all this Palander answered but by "We did not take the trouble." be- a movement of the head; he seemed to Colonel Everest, "to measure an arc acquiesce in all these condemnations, and of meridian in South Africa for a blun- " even thought the judgment would be too derer like you lenient. He did not finish his sentence, con-
"But perhaps he has been robbed," scious that it was useless to continue said the Colonel at last. to abuse the unhappy man, whom Strux '"WTiat matters?" cried Strux, beside had not ceased to load with every variety of vituperation. himself ; "what business had he so far The Europeans were, away from us, after our continual without exception, quite overpowered by warning?" emotion; but Mokoum, who was less
"True," replied Sir John, "but we sensitive to the importance of the loss, ought to know whether he has lost the retained his self-possession. registers or been robbed of them. Has "Perhaps even yet," he said, "some- anyone robbed you, Palander?" contin- thing may be done to assist you in your ued he, turning to the poor man, who perplexity. These chacmas are always had sunk down with fatigue. careful of thar stolen goods, and if we Palander made a sign of affirmation. find the robber we shall find the raster "W^ho continued Sir John. "Na- with him. But time is precious, and tives? Makololos?" none must be lost." Palander shook his head. The bushman had opened a ray of 50 AMAZING STORIES
hope. Palander re\'ived at the sugges- mas are the terror of the Boers, whose tion; he arranged his tattered clothes as fields of corn and maize, and occasion- best he could, and having accepted the ally whose habitations, are plundered by jacket of one sailor and the hat of them. another, declared himself ready to lead Not one of the animals had as yet his companions to the scene of his ad- espied the hunters, but they all coa- venture. tinued their sport, yelpmg and barking
They all started off toward the west, as though they were great, ill-favored and passed the night and the ensuing dogs. The important point for deter- day without any favorable result. In mination was, whether the actual pur- many places, by traces on the ground loiner of the missing documents was and the bark of the trees, the busbman there. All doubt was put aside when and the pioneer recognized unmistakable the pioneer pointed out a chacma vestiges of the baboons, of which Pal- wrapped in a rag of Palander's coat. ander affirmed that he was sure he had Sir John felt that this creature must seen no less than ten. The party was be secured at any price, but he was soon on their track, and advanced with obliged to act with great circumspection, the utmost precaution, the bushman af- aware, as he was, that a single false frrming that he could only count on suc- movement would cause the whole herd cess in his search by taking the chacmas to decamp at once. by surprise, since they were sagacious "Stay here," said Mokoum to the pio- animals, such as could only be ap- neer; "Sir John and I will return to our proached by some device of secrecy. companions and set about surrounding Early the following morning one of the animals; but meanwhile do not lose the Russian sailors, who was somewhat sight of them." in front, perceived, if not the actual The pioneer remained at his post, thief, yet one of his associates. He while Sir John and the bushman re- prudently returned to the little troop, turned to Colonel Everest. The only who came at once to a halt. The Euro- means of securing the suspected culprit peans, who had resolved to obey Mo- was to surround the whole troop. To komn in everything, awaited his instruc- accomplish this, the Europeans divided tions. The bushman begged them to into separate detachments ; one composed remain in quietness where they were, of Strux, Emery, Zom, and three sail- and, taking Sir John and the pioneer, ors, was to join the pioneer, and to turned toward the part of the wood al- form a semicircle behind him; and the ready visited by the sailor, orefully other, comprising the Colonel, Mokoum, keeping under shelter of the trees and Sir John, Palander, and the other three bushwood. sailors, made a detour to the left, in In a short time the bushman and his order to fall back upon the herd from two companions caught sight of one the other side. chacma, and almost immediately of nine Implicitly following the bushman*8 or ten more, gamboling among the advice, they all advanced witli the ut- bushes. Crouching behmd a tree, they most caution. Their guns were ready attentively watched the animals. Their and it was agreed that the chacma with short tails did not reach the ground, and the rags should be the aim for every their powerful muscles, sharp teeth, and shot. pointed claws, rendered them formidable Mokoum kept a watchful eye upon even to the beasts of prey. These chac- Palander, and insisted upon his march- MEASURING A MERIDUN 51
dose to hiniself, lest his un^rd- The bushman, having keenly surveyed edness should betray him into some the spot, asserted that the registers were fresh folly. The worthy astronomer was there concealed, and fearing lest the almost beside himself in consternation at chacma should escape across the trees, his loss, and evidently thought it a ques- he calmly aimed and fired. The animal, tion of life or death. wounded in the leg, fell from branch After marching with the frequent to branch. halts which the policy of being unob- In one of its fore-claws it was seen served suggested, and continuing to di- to clutch the registers, which it had taken verge for half an hour, the bushman from the fork of the tree. considered that they might now fall back. At the sight, Palander, with a leap He and his companions, each about like that of a chamois, darted at the twcnt>' paces apart, advanced like a chacma. and a tremendous stniggle en- troop of Pawnees on a war-trail, without sued. The cries of both man and beast a word or gesture, avoiding even the mingled in harsh and discordant strain, least rustling in the branches. Suddenly and the hunters dared not take aim at the bushman stopped; the rest instantly the chacma for fear of wounding their followed his example, and standing with comrade. Strux, beside himself with their fingers on the triggers of their rage, shouted agam and again that they guns, were ready to raise them to their should fire, and in his furious agitation shoulder. The band of chacmas was he would probably have done so, if it in sight, they were already sensible of had not been that he was accidentally some danger, and seemed on the look- without a cartridge for his gun, which out. The great animal which had stolen had been already discharged. the registers had, to their fancy, an The combat continued ; sometimes Pal- appearance of being especially agitated. ander, sometimes the chacma, was up-
It had been already recognized by Pal- permost. The astronomer, his shoulders ander, who muttered something like an lacerated by the creature's claws, tried imprecation between his teeth. to strangle his adversary. At last the
The chacma looked as if it was mak- bushman, seizing a favorable moment, ing signs to its companions; some fe- made a sudden dash, and killed the ape males, with their young ones on their with one blow of his hatchet. shoxilders, had collected in a group, and Nicholas Palander, bleeding, exhausted the males went to and fro around them. and insensible, was picked up by his The hunters still drew on, one and all colleagues; in his last effort he had recap- keeping a steady eye direct toward the tured his registers, which he was found ostensible thief. All at once, by an in- unconsciously grasping to his bosom. voluntary movement, Palander's gun The carcass of the chacma was con- went off in its hands. Sir John broke veyed with glee to the camp. At the out into an exclamation of disgust, and evening repast it furnished a delicious instantly afterward fired. Ten reports meal to the hunters. To all of them, followed, three chacmas lay dead on the but especially to Palander, not only had groimd. and the rest, with a prodigious the excitement of the chase quickened bound, passed over the hunters' heads. their appetite for the palatable dish, but The robber babooc alone remained; the relish was heightened by the grati- fying knowledge that it darted at the trunk of a sycamore, vengeance was sat- isfied and which it climbed with amazing agility, the records saved. and disappeared among the branches. The work was nearly ended. 52 ABiAZmO STORIES
CHAPTER XXIII sire to embrace, and added that he should indialge the expectation that Zorn would The Task Acconipli§hed at some future time visit the Cape. With these mutual agieeraents they PALANDER'S wounds were not made tlieir plans for future astronomical serious; the bushman dressed the researches, ever reiterating their hopes contused timbs with herbs and the that the war would be at an end. worthy astronomer, sustained by his "Anyhow," observed Emery, "Russia triumph, was soon able to travel. Any and England will be at peace before exuberance on his part, however, was the Colonel and Strux; I have no trust of short duration, and he quickly became in any reconciliation of theirs." again engrossed in his world of figures. For themselves, they could only re- He only now retained one of the reg- peat their pledges of mutual good-will.
isters, because it had been thought Eleven days after the adventure with prudent that Emery should take posses- the chacmas, the little troop, not far sion of the other. Under the circum- from tlie Zambesi Falls, arrived at a stances, Palander made the surrender level plain several miles in extent, and with entire good humor. perfectly adapted for the establishment The operation of seeking a plain suit- of a base. On the edge of the plain rose able for a base was now resumed. On a native village, composed of a few huts the 1st of April, the march was some- containing a small number of inhab- what retarded by wide marshes ; to these itants, who received the Europeans succeeded numerous pools, whose waters kindly. Colonel Everest found the prox- imity spread a pestilential odor ; but, by form- of the natives very opportune, since ing larger triangles, Colonel Everest and the measurement of the base would oc- his companions soon escaped the un- cupy a month, and being without wagons, healthy region. or any material for an encampment, he The whole party were in excellent would have had no resource but to pass spirits. Zorn and Emery often con- the time in the open air, with no other gratulated themselves on the apparent shelter than that afforded by tlie foliage. concord that existed between their chiefs. The astronomers took up their abode Zom one day expressed his hope to his in the huts, which were quickly appro- friend that when they returned to Eu- priated for the use of their new occu- rope they would find that peace had been pants. Their requirements were but concluded between England and Russia, small; their one thought was directed so that they might remain as good towards verifying their calculations by friends as they had been in Africa. measuring the last side of their last Emery replied that he acquiesced en- triangle. tii-ely in the hope; in days when war The astronomers at once proceeded to is seldom long protracted they might their work. The trestles and measuring hope all would be terminated by the date rods were arranged with all the care of their return. that had been applied to the earliest base.
Zorn had already understood from Nothing was neglected ; all the conditions
Emery that it was not his intention to of the atmosphere, and the readings of return immediately to the Cape, and the thermometer, were taken into ac- expressed his hope that he might intro- count, and the Commission, without flag- duce him to the observatory at Kiew. ging, brought. every energy to bear upon This proposal Emery expressed his de- their final operation. :
MEASURING A MERIDIAN 53
The work, which lasted for five weeks, undertaken in the northern hemisphere. was completed on the 15th of May. The value was to be the 1/10,000,000 of When the lengths obtained had been the quadrant of the terrestrial meridian. estimated and reduced to the mean level According to previous calculations the of the sea at the temperature of 51° quadrant, taking the depression of the Fahrenheit, Palander and Emery prcr- earth into account, comprised 10,000,856 seated to their colleague the following meters. Whether this was correct the numbers subsequent labors of the Commission would have to decide. * « * Toises. » »
entirely fin- New bases actually measured . . 5075 . 25 The astronomers had now The same base deduced trigo- ished their task, and it only remained nometrically from the entire for them to reach the north of the series 5075.11 Zambesi, by following inversely the route afterward taken by Dr. Livingstone in Ehfference between the calcula- his second voyage from 1838 to 1864. tion and the observation .14 On the 25th of May, after a some- what laborious journey across a country Thus there was only a difference of intersected with rivers, they reached the less than 1-6 ot a toise, that is to say, Victoria Falls. These fine cataracts fully
the first base justified their name, which sig- less than ten inches ; yet native and the last were six himdred miles nifies "sounding smoke." Sheets of apart. water a mile wide, crowned with a When the meridian of France was double rainbow, rushed from a height measured from Dunkirk to Perpignan, twice that of Niagara, Across the the difference between the base at Melun deep basalt chasm the enormous torrent and that at Perpignan was eleven inches. produced a roar like peal after peal of The agreement obtained by the Anglo- thunder.
Russian Commission was still more re- Below the cataract, where the river markable, and thus made the work regained its calmness, the steamboat, accomplished in the deserts of Africa, which had arrived a fortnight previously amid dangers of every kind, more per- by an inferior affluent of the Zambesi, fect than any previous geodetic operation. awaited the astronomers, who soon took The accuracy of this unprecedented their places on board. result was greeted by the astronomers There were two to be left behind. with repeated cheers. Mokoum and the pioneer stood on the .\ccording to Palander's reductions, bank. In Mokoum the English were the value of a degree in this part of leaving, not only a devoted guide, but the world was 57,037 toises. This was one whom they might call a friend. within a toise, the same as was found by Sir John was especially sorry to part Lacaille at the Cape in 1752 thus, ; with from him, and had offered to take Him the interval of a century, the French to Europe, and there entertain him as astronomer and the members of the long as he pleased to remain. But
Anglo-Russian Commission had arrived Mokoum had previous engagemaits; in at almost exactly the same result. To fact, he was to accompany Livingstone deduce the vaKie of the Tnkter, they on the second voyage which the brave would have to wait the issue of the op- traveler was about to undertake up the erations which were to be afterward Zambesi, and Mokoimi was not a man 54 AMAZING STORIES to depart from his word. He was pre- months they had together experienced sented with a substantial recompense, many trials, and how they had been re- and, what he prized still more, the kind warded by accomplishing a work which assurances of regard of the Europeans, would call forth the admiration of all who acknowledged how much they owed scientific Europe. He could not refrain to him. As the steamer left the shore from giving expression to his trust that to take the current in the middle of the they would feel themselves bound in river, Sir John's last gesture was to the common fellowship of a true alli- wave an adieu to his associate. ance. The descent of the great river, whose Strux bowed slightly, but did not in- banks were dotted with numerous vil- terrupt the Colonel, who proceeded to lages, was soon accomplished. The na- deplore the tidings of the continuation tives, regarding with superstitious admir- of warfare. When he referred to the ation the smoking vessel as it moved by expected capitulation of Sebastopol, mysterious mechanism, made no attempt Strux indignantly rejected the possibihty to obstruct its progress. of such an event, which no union of On the 15th of June the Colonel and France and England, he maintained, his companions arrived at Quilimane, could ever effect. one of the principal towns at the mouth There was, however, it was admitted of the Zambesi. Their first thought was on all hands, a propriety in the Rus- to ask for news of the war. They found sians and English submitting to tlie that it had not yet come to a termina- national status of hostility. The neces- tion, and that Sebastopol was still hold- sities of their position were thus clearly ing out against the allied armies, This defined, and imder these conditions they was a disappointment to the Europeans, embarked in company on board La now so united in one scientific object; Novara. but they received the intelligence in si- In a few days they arrived at Suez. lence, and prepared to start. An Aus- At the moment of separation Emery trian merchant-vessel. La Novara, was grasped 2om's hand, and said: just setting out for Suez; in that they "We are always friends, Michael!" !" resolved to take their passage. "Always and everywhere, William Three days after, as they were on the ejaculated Zorn; and with this senti- point of embarking, the Colonel assem- ment of mutual devotion they parted. bled his colleagues, and in a calm voice The Commission was dissolved. The reminded them how in the first eighteen great work was complete.
The toise is a French unit of length no longer in general use, being sup- planted by the meter. Us length is 2J315 yards, or 63948 feet, or 1S49 meter.
The End ;
55 The Velocity of Escape
By JOE W. SKIDMORE
We have found by long experience that our readers like interplanetary stories. They give a scope for most exciting episodes, and some of our best authors have really, in a sense, made a reputation by this class of work, Mr, Skidmore not only gives us a very good story of the adventures of men on contending space ships, but by introducing plenty of the personal element
makes it a truly exciting narration.
Illustrated by MOREY
CHAPTER I ing. His fine f^re and handsome fea- tures had stirred the heart of many a fair The Fftlcon Swoops maid. It is not to record tluit Millstein aspired to be a Don Juan. Unlimited AVERY much worried group weahh and early scientific training from of famous scientists were a father famed in research had vested gathered together in one of Millstein with every advantage of un- the United States government usual education and physical training. secret underground chambers. The government had called him before The best scientific minds in all the world to destroy plots and intrigues against the had been hastily summoned to this impor- safety of civilization. Many times he had tant conference. From various countries thundered on flashing wing to distant they had been gathered. Swift airplanes parts of the globe, there to solve, after and space cars had been utiliied to gather incredible adventures, some weird plot the great group of the world's keenest against organized society. intellects. "I tell you, Gentlemen," Millstein's Had the meeting not been considering voice rang out clear and strong, "this a mighty problem that concerned the very looks like the work of the Falcon to me." existence of the world itself, it would A murmur of excited comment ran have been highly important for one rea- around the table. It was quite evident son alone—the presence of Donald Mlll- the group did not share Millstexn's opin- stein, famous scientist and adventurer, ion. The latter's dark eyes flashed as he had been requested by none other than hastened to confirm his theory. the President of the United States. Just "It may sound like a crazy theory to now Millstein was speaking, and the you, Gentlemen, but you remember that erudite and bearded gentlemen around the the Falcon has several times before tried -" council table listened hopefully and atten- to overthrow our government. He—— tively. "Who is the Falcon?" interrupted a Millstein was not of the usual type of voice. scientist. He was not aged and bearded "Strange you don't know," said Mill- neither was he bespectacled. Quite the stein. "I ihooght everyone knew about contrary, he was yoimg, virile and upstand- the Falcon. His is a strange, tragic story. 56 AMAZING STORIES
Millsfein iulled a grout of levers while his eyes watched the reftectoscofe. In en instant ten small space cars flashed away on their torn journey toward earth. THE VELOCITY OF ESCAPE 57
Verensky is his name ; a wealthy Russian recall the horrible panics when the mone- scientist. He is tall, incredibly strong, but tary value of gold went to nothing, be- of an aesthetic type—a dreamer. Some cause the gold stored in vaults, banks and ten years ago, in nineteen hundred and jewelry stores dissolved into a gray pow- eighty-one, to be correct, he came to this der when it came within the influence of country with a great plan for new labora- the disintegrating vibrations. Each raa- tories and scientific development. At cliine that Verensky made had an effec- that time he was an altruist, but the mas- tive radius of ten miles. sive brain contained within his herculean "You perhaps recollect that I was in- body became overworked. He had trouble strumental in locating these machines and with our own Internal Revenue Depart- destroying them. At that time I was ment, that made a heavy income tax lien wounded in a duel with the Falcon. He against the Russian, Verensky. The tax was in his fast monoplane. We had qtute assessment developed into a battle that a dog fight at twenty thousand feet. He lingered in our supreme courts. To make shot me in the shoulder and brought me the story short, Verensky lost. Stub- down. About twice a year I receive a bornly he refused to pay the amount in- message signed 'The Falcon.' Here, let volved, and the Revenue Department filed me read this one that came only a week a lien against his immense holdings. Finally a part of the Russian's brain Donald Millstein had spoken frankly snapped. He became a maniac, obsessed without any hint of boast fulness. The with the idea of overthrowing all forms group knew that Millstein was speaking of government; wedded to the idea of de- only the simple truth. They waited stroying all organized society. He disap- eagerly for him to continue. Millstein peared. For the last ten years no one glanced around the assembly as he un- has known of his whereabouts, but his folded a paper and read. evil influence and machinations have been "To my enemy, Donald Millstein. felt. You know full well his handiwork Thrice you have thwarted me in my at- in the poison fogs that spread over Eu- tempt to remove a cruel government from rope some years ago. I had a part in the earth. The Falcon is swooping again. overcoming that terror. You will remetn- Beware!" ber that tlie United States air forces co- "Millstein, where do you think the Fal- operated with me in finding his planes, con keeps in hiding?" that were spreading the deadly fogs. "I have a theory. Gentlemen, that the Falcon lives in a giant space car far out
\7'ERENSKY, or the Falcon, as he beyond the stratascope. There his evil ' smugly calls himself, is a menace to mind plans his schemes of revenge, and the world. His distorted brain will never he must have a marvelous laboratory and stop working until he has destroyed the trained assistants." wdrld, or has been destroyed himself. "But all space ships have been searched. You, Gentlemen, remember, too. the great Each one is numbered and well known," panic of nineteen hundred and eighty- broke in the stubborn voice again. five, when the clever Falcon devised a "Quite true," agreed Donald, "but rt- powerful machine that set up peculiar, raember the Falcon is a resourceful powerful vibrations to destroy the atomic genius. Then, too, perhaps he lives in structure of gold. He built many of some vast cavern of the earth. Lately I these machines and placed them in the have been conducting some experiments great financial centers of the world. You with my radio apparatus to see if I can 58 AMAZING STORIES
locate his sending stations. Such a scien- "In the case of the atmosphere in this
tist as the Falcon will, of course, have secret room, far below the surfaces of powerful sending and receiving stations. the earth in the secret tunnels of the His uncanny wisdom and devilish re- government, our temperature is about
sources are simply amazing. I say this to thirty-two degrees Fahrcnhdt. Rather
you, Gentlemen; I have the feeling that chilly. The small particles of oxygen we
the Falcon is listening to our conversa- are now breathing are bouncing from one tion this very moment." another with an average speed of about
An amazed murmur circled the table, two miles per second. This, however, is and all stared incredulously towards the only the average velocity. Many atoms young scientist. of oxygen strike, bounce and rebound "Now, Gentlemen, as to this terrible again witli a speed many times greater. calamity that is before us. We have dis- If we would heat this room up, that speed
covered lately that the oxygen surround- would increase. It's a curious fact that ing the entire earth is becoming diffused, all atoms do not possess the same speed or shall wc say thinning out In other when heated to the same d^ec. words, something is happening to our Oxygen, nitrogen and water vapor,
oxygen, and human life cannot exist which, as I have stated before, are the
without this precious element. In many chief three gases of our air, all behave sections of the wcn-ld malignant plagues about the same. On the other hand, he- of consumption and other lung diseases lium gas atoms will bounce from one arc increasing in terrific epidemics. Even collision to another with about twice their
now in this room, all of us are breathing velocity. In fact, some helium atoms heavily and swiftly in order to absorb have a speed of tweoty-fivc miles per enough oxygen for our lungs. second- A cannon ball goes up in the air with tremendous force. It leaves the "'T^HE three chief gases of our atnios- earth at the rate of less than a mile per -I- phcre are oxygen, nitrogen and second, and then because of gravity, re-
water vapor. The atoms of oxygen and turns to earth. But if the cannon ball
nitrogen have plenty of elbow room in were to be shot into the air with an initial which to dart about. Although they fre- velocity of about seven miles per second, quently collide with each other, they de- it would never return. For countless
velop a very great speed. We know that millions of years it might wander through
heat is due to the degree of nervousness space like a raeteoroid. of these atoms, or groups of atoms. The "Now, Gentlemen, I'm getting to the air that we inhale into our lungs is full point of my theory. If a cannon ball of swiftly moving protons and electrons. could be shot into the air with a velocity Let us imagine air one hundred degrees of more than seven miles per second, and
below zero, Fahrenheit. In this condi- never return to earth, what is true of a tion the atomic motions would be very cannon ball is also true of an atom. If much more sluggish than they are in the after thousand and millions of collisions,
air we are now breathing. Stretch our an atom finds itself in tlie upper air, it imaginations a bit further and imagine may be going at so great a speed that the
the air so cold that electrons did not re- gravity of earth cannot recall it. Earth volve at all. This temperature would be is so large that no atom can bounce away approximately four hundred and sixty- unl«s it has a speed of more than se\-en nine degrees below zero. This complete miles a second. Our most valuable gases, lack of heat is the absolute zero. oxygen, nitrogen and water vapor, are THE VELOCITY OF ESCAPE 59
slow and seldom exceed that critical is flying away from the earth?"
speed. "That is exactly what I mean," insisted
"Even at the ttjnperature at which MiUstein. "Perhaps it's been going on water freezes, a hydrogen atom has an for a year or more, and, as you know, we average speed of more than seven miles are just beginning to feel the horrible
per second and, of course, many hydro- eflFect of the thinning out process of the gen atoms would have a far greater speed. air." To illustrate more clearly, let us consider A tali figure at the head of the table the planet Mercury. A cannon ball wirti rose; the President of the United States. the velocity of only two miles per sec- Up to this time, that leader of a mighty ond would leave that planet forever. This nation had not spoken. His calm ©yes
state of affairs is due to the smallness of swept over the gathering.
Mercury. Its gravity force is so slight "Donald MiUstein, I have Hstened and
that a body would fall only four feet dur- believe in your theory. Before, in emer- ing the first second. The blinding sun- gencies, the government has called and light of Mercury would make an oxygen depended upon you. I ask you to take atom nervous. Its excitable nature full charge of this investigation. The would cause billions of its comrades to government is behind you. I am remem- dart about, collide and bounce at a speed bering at this moment your past services, much in excess of two miles per second. and pledge you unlimited support. What ?" Thus it was that Mercury lost its pre- can the government do to help you cious air countless millions of years ago. It was typical of MiUstein that he ig-
Even lost all the gases, which from time nored completely the fine compliment and to time have been emitted by its vol- praise from the greatest man in the land. canos. Hie whole mind was concentrated to the "On the planet Mars an atom of air task of solving the mighty problem. Peo- would only have to possess the velocity ple all over the world, gasping for breath, of more than three miles per second to were breathing his name, their words a bounce away and never return. On hopeful prayer.
Venus, 'The Velocity of Escape' is ap- "Mr. President, I thank you, and I will proximately seven miles." call upon your Department of Chemistry
"I cannot understand." intcrrnpted one and Science for their best man ; and if an of the scientists, "what this has to do idea I have proves to have merit, I shall with the Falcon." ask you for power to call out the space fighters of our Air Navy."
*'TT means just this," continued Mill- "It is granted," stated the President.
A stein. "Verensky is a most danger- ous criminal, an insane mian obsessed with CHAPTER ir the idea of wiping out the earth. You must not underrate his powers. In some Atomic Solar Systems manner this insane genius has developed a process, perhaps a machine, that emits DON MILLSTEIN left the meet- exdting rays that increase the speed of ing and was carried in a fast the atoms of oxygen, causing them to act government automobile to the as the hypothetical cannon ball. Already nearest flying field, where he had left his my laboratories arc conducting tests." special plane. MiUstein was most cour- **you mean,*' broke in Doctor Benson, ageous, but the iron-nerved secret service a famous scholar, "that our oxygen operator who tooled the powerful at- !
60 AMAZING STORIES
mored car through Washington traffic cussed and arranged that the diminutive gave Don many a thrill. A few moments solar system of an atom of oxygen was at the airport, and Millstein was thunder- thrown on the screen. The projection
ing through the air at three hundred miles machine was then slowed down so that it per hour. barely revolved. During the taking of the Three hours later he was in his won- pictures, the camera had been operated derful laboratory, well hidden among at a fearful velocity. A most remaAable bleak Vennont hills. Jack Cromwell, miniature solar system was projected on trusted assistant, who always accom- the screen. W'orids—planets revolving panied Millstein on desperate flights and about each other in fixed orbits dangerous espionage, was waiting anx- In spite of the fact that the machine iously. had slowed down their movemaits by "Glad to see you, Milistean. We're many thousand times, always the whirl- getting a mysterious message on the radio ing pairs of the electrons fairly raced on
that's intended for you. It's been repeated the screen. several times, and who do you think is "There you are, Cromwell. Look ai ?" sending it that small solar system all by itsdf. A "The Falcon?" nucleus of oxj^en. See how tlie electrons "Yes, Qiief, and here's what he says." fairly whirl. Much too fast for normal "Never mind what he says. Jack. Go oxygen. Some kind of ray or a magnetic
back to the radio and see if you can find or electrical infiueiKX is increasing the
if the message is coming from near-by normal speed of the oxygen atoms." or from space. Wait a minute. What "Well," mused Jack, who always saw does the message say?" humor in every situation, "perhaps the Jack Cromwell flashed an amused grin Falcon has done something to set them as he read aloud from a slip of paper. on a spree."
"To Donald Millstein. Beware, my "Whatever it is. Jack, it's most seri- enemy. Do not attempt to thwart my ous. The world is about to be deprived plans. From the Falcon." of its oxygen and will soon become a "That settles it," stated Millstein. dead, hopeless sphere. As yon perh^s
"There's no doubt of it. The Falcon is know, oxygen is the eighth element. Its back of this terrible oxygen starvation. atomic number is e^ht, and its atomic After you work with the radio, come to weight is sixteen. Therefore each nu- the laboratory. You and I are going to cleus of oxygen has eight free or orbital do some microscopic work." electrons and eight bound electrons. For many hours Millstein and his "There are only a few of the known trained assistants did not rest. Involved elements that are so exactly and evenly experiments were conducted. Tired, divided as to free electrons and boimd weary eyes strained through powerful electrons. Perhaps this is the reason that lenses. From time to time Millstein, it is possible for the Falcon to accelerate whose eyes were fairly glued to his in- by some means the speed of the electrons strument, would call out details and in- in this element. structions to his assistants.
"Come here, Cromwell," from Mill- ""qY the way. Cromwell, did I ever
stein, after a long, studied silence. "Look D give you this very important rule ? at these films we've developed." To discover the make-up of any clement, A microxopic motion picture projec- take the full number of the atomic tion machine was fitted up and so fo- weight That represents the number of THE VELOCITY OF ESCAPE 61 protons in the nucleus. For instance, gold "Yes, it is." Millstein's face was has one hundred and ninety-seven of slightly pale. "This message from the them. Now the number of free electrons government states that thousands are
is represented by the atomic number, in dying in the regions of high altitudes. thb case of gold, sev-enty-nine. The nu- Urges me to speed up investigation. The cleus, therefore, consists of one hundred message is more of a prayer than a com- and ninety-seven protons. Of the elec- mand. I tell you, Jack, things are des- trons within an atom of gold, seventy- perate. I'm certain now that the Falcon nine would be free or orbital electrons, is back of all of this. By the way, Jack, while one hundred and eighteen would be when his message came in on the radio, bound electrons." do you think the sending station was Trained assistants at Millstein's direc- close or far?" tion next placed an atom of oxygen so "It must have been from a great dis- that it could be bombarded with hig^ volt- tance, for the reception wavered, and was ^c. This device, called an "Alpha Ray" very faint until I amplified it, and it had machine, projected charges of several a great deal of static." million volts of potential directly into the For a moment Millstein remained si-
little solar system of the oxygen nucleus. lent. Then a light broke over his face. Millstein, worn and tired, sighed at the "Do you know. Jack, I believe that if result. we could find the Falcon and net him, "It's no use. It's not electricity that is this problem might be solved. By Jove! speeding up the atoms. See. That little I'm sure he's sending those messages solar system was exploded in a normal from space. Ill bet he has a space car of manner, and we know for certain that immense size and practically lives in it.
it's not a rise of temperature that's That's why the best brains in the world affecting their speed. Lefs try a mag- have been unable to find him." netic influence." "Great Cosmos!" shot out Cromwell,
It took hours to make this test, but it "Do you mean to say that one scientific revealed nothing. The orbital electrons crook can lick the whole world ?" of the oxj^en atoms performed normally, Millstein sprang erect with an excited except that they continued to rotate at exclamation as Cromwell spoke. their mad, unusual speed. "Do you suppose," from Cromwell in COSMOS. Why do you say 'Cos- a studied tone, "that the positive and mos'? Don't you get it? Cosmic negative charges of the electrons have rays!" Millstein's voice rose to a high, been reversed by some means ?" excited pitch as he went on. "Cosmic "I thought of that," replied Millstein. rays are considered by some scientists to "It's my theory that if charges were re- be the signals sent out through the ether, versed, the atoms would not have acted annoimdng the continuous creation of the as they did under the test of the voltage heavier metals out of the lighter. Many bombardment. No—it's not that." j-ears ago it wa? thought that cosmic rays Just then there was an interruption originated from the fierce energy of the from a trusted assistant. sun, generated in that mighty globe of "Mr. Millstein, here is a very impor- gas by the exploding atoms that provide
tant message that just cajne from govern- its boundless energy. Later it was found, ment headquarters." however, when machines called electro- "Bad news, Chief?" a«ked Jack anx- scopes were lowered into deep lakes, that iously. the cosmic rays still had their effect. This 62 AMAZING STORIES machine was originally trum. Then it was proven that each of course. the spectrum bands of the cosmic rays He suddenly spoke- corresponds to the production of a par- "Chief, I bdieve you've got it. tiailar kind of atom, as when the atoms "The Falcon is fooling with die cosmic of helium gas are being built in sky space rays." there is released a definite band of cosmic "Yes," muttered Millstein, his mind rays, called the heJiura cosmic ray bands. filled with a thousand details. "We're Again, when an oxygen atom is being going to fly back to Washington at once. made, another sort of cosmic ray is dis- Then we're taking my space ship, *Ne- charged. The generation of silicon and mesis,' out into space. We're going to iron atoms causes the emission of very look for the Falcon. different and distinct ray bands. "He's doing something to the cosmic "Now nitrogen and carbcm are so dose days, and that is causing all of the to oxygen in their atomic pattern, the trouble that is over us." THE VELOCITY OF ESCAPE 63 CHAPTER in In the control room Millstein gave out detailed instructions while the ship was The Space Trail being checked with painstaking care. Millstein was in a studious mood. JACK CROMWELL was an excel- "You know after all, Jack," he said lent pilot, and while they were fly- quite dubiously, "we're going out on ing back to the government port for rather a wild goose chase. It's just a space ships, Millstein managed to get two hunch." needed hours of sleep. It was well that "Somehow I feel, Chief, that we're on Cromwell was a skilled pilot and that the the right track. Your hundies never sturdy little plane was equipped with a fail." very powerful motor, for he found diffi- Word came that the two gpvernment culty in maintaining any safe altitude scouts were ready to take off any second. in the thin air. Finally, however, after Millstein, connected to the two govern- making proper signals, they circled and ment space ships by radio telephone, gave came to a perfect three-point landing. them detailed instructions as to their For miles great hangars stretched, flight and course. Then he turned his towering high in the air. Great steel eyes to the control board of his space towers rose at different places. These car. His hands lovingly caressed the towers were built for the launching of levers, instrmnents and gauges, as a space ships. These elongated derricks skilled artist at a piano. acted as guides to launch space ships into "Ready!" snapped Millstein in the the blue vault of the sky. mouthpiece of the phone. While flying from their laboratory, With a careful glance at the gaugei, he Cromwell, at Millstein's direction, had pulled a lever. The top of the great radioed ahead to government headquar- hangar opened up. and a steel guide slid ters, requesting that two of the finest and noiselessly, high into the air ; a guide such fastest United States space fighters be as a tremendous sky rocket would use for assigned to Millstein. The government its initial impetus. had wired back its instant approval, with "Power!" snapped Millstein, pulling the information that the two ships and another lever. For a moment the two crews would be ready when Millstein felt as though some relentless force vras arrived. squeezing their bodies to an unbearable The scientist and his asastant were degree. Acceleration was taking its toll. soon in the great hangar that housed "Well, Jack, we're beyond the strata- Millstein's personal space ship, the 'Nem- scope. Do you realize that it did not take esis.' Millstein had spent years de- as much power as usual to leave the veloping the space ship, flie fastest atmosphere? It must be thinning very man-made thing that ever rocketed rapidly." through space. The craft possessed new "What arc your plans?" and strange, powerful weapons, that "I have a theory that if the Falcon is were known only to Millstein and a few in some way affecting the cosmic rays, of his highly trusted assistants. Many then he will be only a few thousand miles times he had used this craft on dangerous from the surface of tlie earth; so 111 tell interplanetary expeditions, and it was a you what I'm going to do. I'm going to mark of distinction and favor that he start making circles around the earth at could house his private ship at the gov- about one thousand miles from its sur- ernment port. Our first circle we'll make at a 64 AMAZING STORIES velocity of five thousand miles per hour. "Do you know, Cromwell," there was Then well proceed outward to an addi- a mysterious light in Millstein's ej'es, "I tional one thousand miles from the sur- love my 'Nemesis.' 1 beheve she is the face of the earth and circle the globe fastest thing that was ever built by man. again. Next time we'll run the speed up Some day I'm going to build a projec- to ten thousand miles per hour. Don't tile that will fly at the speed of light." yoa see, Jack, that if we keep circling "But no one will ever be able to fly the globe and gradually work outward, at the speed of light, for you know that increasing the velocity of our flight, I Einstein, that great scientist who lived figure that in twenty hours well have many years ago, was the first to discover reached a point where the Falcon might that if an object were to travel at the be located? This way we cannot miss speed of light, it would cease to exist." him. Provide the men in the forward "How can anjthing cease to exist?" lookouts with the high-powered tcle- argued Millstein. "There's no limit to sc»pes, and tell them to search the heav- the smallness of things, as there is no ens at all times. Keep our best men at limit to the largeness of things. You and the radio detectors to sec if they can lo- I know we're now traveling at a velocity cate any ship. We'll investigate every that in a slight degree reduces our size ship we meet. I have full government that we possessed on earth. We don't authority, and the government has asked feel any discomfort, and I believe that the other planets to cooperate in our need. when man comes to travel at the speed of Venus has agreed to have her space craft light, he will continue to diminish in size investigated." hut will suflfer no ill efiect, and not realize "Chief, it's a big job to search the the difference ; his surroundings would be whole universe." proportionately decreased in mass." "That fiend is some place in our own "You're talking too deep for me, planetary system," insisted MiUstcin reso- Chief. But say, there's one thing I do lutely, "and I'm going to find him." want to know. You've been working for months on this ship, secretly installing HOURS passed, and the "Nemesis" some new weapons. Tell me about thera. was many thousand miles from the This craft already had the most pow- eajth, which now glowed like a moon. erful armament in the universe." Both Jack and Millstcin had obtained a "I'm glad you mentioned that, Crom- needed rest, leaving the control of the well. Here's a little device that's gomg ship to efficient officers. to spring a surprise on the Falcon. It "Cromwell, are the two governmait has sights like the turret guns of the old, ships keeping in close contact with us?" obsolete battleships. When these levers "Yes, Chief. They're directly in our are moved, a tube is thrust from the nose rear. Number sevcn-H-five is a hundred of our ship and can be pointed at any miles to our right, and Number seven-H- other space ship or object in spaoe by six is two hundred miles in the rear to merely aligning the pointer on this the left. We are at all times in constant smoked glass ag»inst the reflected object." communication with them. They report "V-ry ingenious," agreed Crcanwell, that their ships are operating in wonder- "but what good does it do ?" ful shape, but say they're running at full "Well, it's connected to powerful power of their atomic tubes to keep up motors and transformers in the engine with us. We can't increase our speed un- rooms of our ship. When you pull this less we want to leave the ships behind." lever," Millstein indicated a small lever — THE VELOCITY OF ESCAPE 6S like a trigger of the obsolete Colt 45, "it leuses within that space ship, the whole releases a ray that literally bathes itself structure is certain to fall apart." over any space ship at which it might be "But there are lots of elements used in pointed. This energy ray reverses the a space ship, such as copper, aluminum, direction of the flow of electrical energy lead and others," argued Cromwell. through the protons and electrons in any "These have no iron in their composition." clement it caresses. It will disintegrate "Yes," agreed Millstein, "but all tliose some of the denser metals almost in- elements are always fastened to steel, stantly, setting up a "discontented" ele- which has iron content. Think of the ment condition among the electrons and steel shell of a space ship going to pieces." protons, such as exists in radium, except "You're right. The expansion ray is that the process of disintegration would going to be tough for the enemy. Have be greatly speeded. Naturally, too, it you any other nice little things up your would have the lesser but devastating ef- sleeve?" fect of instantly burning out all the "Just two more," answered Millstein. enemy's electrical circuits and motors "This third device, which points its pro- radios—in fact all electrical equipment. I jection tube similar to the others I have am anxious to try this device out on the explained, shoots out vibrations which Falcon, Cromwell. There was no place travel on a beam of light. When this on earth I could make a safe test without beam, carrying the deadly rays, strikes a damaging too much surface." space ship, it has a powerful effect on "Well !" exclaimed Cromwell, wide- the atomic structure of all elements. I eyed, "you have got a surprise for the don't know ju.^t how I discovered it. Falcon ! I don't know what earth would Stumbled on it quite by accident, but have done the last ten years without your this ray, combined with the vibration, in- talent. You've developed practically stantly stops the orbits of electrons in every new weapon they have." any element. This of course produces close to absolute zero, and unless tlie oc- "XT EVER mind the bouquets. I want cupants of a space car had sometliing to ^ to tell you about this weapon overcome these rays, they would be frozen here," said Millstein, pointing to a device, instantly." the controls of which were similar to the "You've been working lately. Why first. "This operates in practically the have you been keeping these tfun^s same m.anner, except that I call it my secret?" expansion ray. When its fearful energy "I wanted to have a chance to try floods itself over any element, it causes them' first." the orbits of the electrons within that "Well," grinned Cromwell, "let's find element to suddenly enlarge the circles of the Falcon and test 'em out. What's the their orbits many million times. This, of other pop-gun you were talking about?" course, has the same effect as an explo- "This apparatus produces vibrations so sion of T.N.T. Unfortunately, so far shrill and intensely rapid they will pene- I've been unable to affect anjthing but trate many feet of most elements and the electrons within an iron nucleus, but instantly paralyze the bmin of any human of course almost every metal in a space or living creature. I have managed to ship has some iron in its composition. project it on a beam of light, and by So if we can maneuver our projection turning this other switch, I can produce tubes to bathe this ray over a space ship, the vibrations all around our space ship, and explode all the billions of iron nuc- but of course in using this latter method. 66 AMAZING STORIES the vibrations weaken very rapidly as enough. There's a sight you mustn't miss, they widen into space. This device is a —the great star cluster of Hercules. Let last card to play. Suppose, for instance, me point your glass. What a magnificent we could succeed in darting our ship close sight! From earth these thousands and to an enemy, and flooded them with these thousands of stars that make up the clus- vibrations. I calculate that this weapon tre of Hercules appear as a single very will be active up to a ten mile radius blurred star. Just think. Jack. The light, around our ship." by which we see these stars at this mo- "I've heard enough technical stuff," ment, left the cluster before the Cro- be^ed Cromwell. "You've got my brain Magnon race entered Europe and began going around in a whirl. How far are to draw his wonderful pictures of bison we now from earth?" and horses in the famous ca\'Cs of France. The light that's "We've made our tenth revolution," leaving that cluster now, and starting its stated Millstein, "and we're only a hun- on long journey towards earth, will meet our dred thousand miles from earth. Let's remote descendants in the year Thirty-eight step into the observation room. The thousand. I won- der, Jack, what kind of wonderful heavens are unusually clear. No cosmic a race those light beams from Hercules will clouds; perhaps we can do a bit of adven- find." turing with the telescopes." "I suppose it's hopeless to try and get The two seated themselves in comfort- you to talk about anything but scientific able chairs, their eyes adjusted to power- things," sighed Cromwell. "I'd rather ful glasses. talk about the Falcon." Cromwell knew even though Millstein was discoursing on '"T^ HERE'S a sight for you, Crora- scientific matters of a technical nature X well. Look at that smaller group of that his keen brain was shrewdly analyz- the clouds of Magellan. Those billions of ing and testing every theory relating to stars are a hundred thousand light years the problem at hand. This was their tra- away from earth. They appear as a ditional way of working together on a little cloud that had blown away from difficult problem. Cromwell had learned the Milky Way. Once I was on an expe- by long experience to fall into Millstein's dition at the South Pole, and on very mood. It seemed to stimulate the scien- clear nights that group was visible to the tist's brain to give out information. naked eye. If all the lights in that group "Say, Chief, in the laboratory the other were concentrated in one point, they day, you spoke about photons. What are would be about as bright as the North photons ?" Star. Their faintness is due to the enor- "Well, Cromwell, I guess you've got mous distance, yet thousands of stars in me cornered at last. I've said enough to that cloud of billions of stars are two you about cosmic rays for one time, but hundred thousand times brighter than our photons are closely associated with cosmic sun. If the sun suddenly acquired such rays, light and color. We scientists are brightness, all life on earth would be still groping at the bottom of a vast sea instantly burnt to a crisp, or the earth of yet undiscovered wonders. The sim- and all on it might be vaporized." plest way to put it would be to say that "Very interesting," snorted Cromwell, photons, sometimes called "quanta," are find the "but we're out here to Falcon." a series of light waves, consisting of "Oh, I know you're anxious for a countless billions and billions of tiny bul- genuine scrap, but that will come soon lets of energy. Laboratory experiments THE VELOCITY OF ESCAPE 67 have proven that the difference between GREAT SCOTT, Millstein! What violet and red color is in the number of is that great, white mass to the microscopic waves of light, which enter right? It looks like someone had poured your eyes in a second of time. If seven a gob of sour milk in a bowl of thick hundred and fifty-six millions of millions chocolate and then stirred it violently." enter your eyes in a second, your nerves Milistein did not reply for some time. are affected in such a way that you call Finally he spoke with a chuckle in his the sensation violet. These waves cannot voice. be seen io a microscope. For your edifi- "That group of stars, Jack, is the great cation, my embryo scientist, the number Nebula of Andromeda. It's barely visi- of waves per inch in each color in the ble from the earth, and considering our rainbow has been counted. Fifty-five own planetary system, it's incomprehen- thousand waves to the inch give us the sibly prodigious in size. That Nebula is sensation of blue. Forty-eight thousand forty-five thousand light years in diam- vibrations, green ; forty-four thousand, eter and a million light years from the yellow ; thirty-eight thousand, red. When earth. Scientists believe that the nebulas the waves become so long that less than of the sky, such as the Nebula of Andro- about thirty-three thousand occur, we meda and the great Whirlpool of Canis would be unable to see them. For exam- Venatici, are vast whirlpools or mael- ple, alcohol flame does not send out waves stroms of stars, planets, moons and suns that can make any but a minute impres- of uncountable numbers. Perhaps some sion on the nerves of the eyes. Invisible near celestial collision distorted them to light also comes at the other extreme, the the spiral shapes ; but unlike a whirlpool, ultra-violet, where the waves are so short the stars are not moving toward the cen- and crowded together they don't give our ter. Obserrations of many years indicate eyes any sensation at all. You can com- that they are travelling out from the cen- pare this to the piercing shrieks of some ter, as the entire group revolves around laboratory apparatus, or some insects that its nucleus. Nebulas are one of the un- produce vibrations so shrill that they solved mysteries of the universe." don't affect our eardrums at all. If the A phone buzzed at Millstein's elbow, waves of color are so short it takes over and for a moment he listened intently; sixty-six thousand of them to make an his eyes took on a keen glitter. inch, they are totally invisible to our eyes, "Well, Jack, I guess your wish has and are called ultra-violet. come true. Lookout Number seven, in "Thus it has been that scientists, the port bow. states he has sighted an searching the void with their telescopes, immense object about five hundred miles have been able to tell from the various straight ahead on our course. Let's go colors of the spectrum out in space just back to the control room. Number seven how the cosmic rays are vibrating, and says that the object is apparently a space what particular element is being born in ship because of its cylindrical shape, but the cold spaces. Temperatures of the sun that it's nearly a mile in length. That's md stars are thus readily determined, just the sort of a craft the Falcon would for many colors invisible to the naked have." eye can be detected and classified in the They repaired quickly Lo the compli- laboratory." cated control room with its thousands of It is doubtful whether Cromwell had reflectoscopes, gauges and instruments, been Hstening to this technical discourse. and seated themselves at their respective Suddenly his body stiffened. controls. This room was the heart of the 68 AMAZING STORIES swift little space fighter. Millstein was spread over his countenance. Cromwell always in direct with comnmnication every stared with wondering eyes ; he knew his part of the ship. Cromwell, always effi- chief was receiving some highly impor- cient, adjusted one of the reflectoscopcs tant news. Finally an impetuous nature so tliat the area of the newly discovered could restrain itself no longer. space ship showed on the screen in front of him. He started back in surprise as '^VI/HAT is it. Chief? What are you the image of a inighty space vessel was • * getting?" reflected on the glass. "Oh, nothing much," chuckled Mill- "I'll say it's a mile long, Chief. It must stein. "Just a friendly little message from be the Falcon. Who ever heard of a ship the Falcon. The strange space ship is ?" so vast in proportions the 'Avenger,' so the Falcon calls it. He Millstein did not hear, or at least he sighted us and is warning me to stay did not heed, for he was phoning to the away." radio room. "What does he say?" burst out Crom- "Send a message to the strange ship. well. Give the customary salute. Ask their "Wait a minute," snapped Millstein. name and from what planet, and their Then into the mouthpiece of the phone, destination. Make it plain that we are on "Turn on all protective rays full power. government duty and mean business." We may be subject to attack at any mo- All the while the 'Nemesis' was slip- ment." Then turning to Cromwell. "The with incredible ping through space speed. Falcon says about as follows : 'I've lo- Pressing a button, Millstein spoke into cated you, Millstein, and your three ships. another receiver. This time he was con- I'll give you just five minutes to leave nected with the power rooms of the ship. this part of space, or I'll blast you out of Here were located the apparatus that existence. I've some new weapons to try " broke up atoms of mercury, transform- out.' ing the energy of whirling electrons into "Yes, and we've got some new weapons enormous power. Converted electrons to try out also," broke in Cromwell, now were discharged through the impellant ready for fight. tubes in the rear and nose of the fighter. Just then the 'Nemesis* shuddered The converted electrons roared out into through its tough, steel frame. The air space through the tubes with vast en- vibrated, and there was the faint odor of ergy, forcing the space ship in any de- short-circuited electrical current. !" sired direction. At least they would have "Treachery ! Just as I thought roared had there been any atmosphere to snapped Millstein. "He is trying out convey the vibrations of sound. But in some sort of a deadly ray on us. Didn't space all is silence. even give us the five minutes, but our "Slow down the ship to barely cruising protective screen rays are working fine." speed. Circle the stranger at five hundred "Look !" shouted Cromwell, pointing to miles distance. Radio the two govern- the screen in front of them. "Look at ment scouts of our discovery. Tell them the government scout ship." to keep circling till further orders. Wait. Like a tragedy unfolded on a motion Here's something, Cromwell." picture screen, a horrible catastrophe was With agile fingers Millstein arranged disclosed to the two. The leading gov- levers and his phone connection so that ernment space fighter that was next to he was receiving direct a message coming the 'Nemesis' had suddenly exploded from the ether. A taut but amused grin with fearful force. Its millions of frag- THE VELOCITY OF ESCAPE 69 merits were streaming in all directions It is difficult to describe a batde of through space. There the fragments space ships. Such encounters are strange- would drift for millions of years, to be- ly unlike the dog-fights of airplanes, that come satellites to the planet earth. circle each other, with vicious machine "It's a fight to the death," snarled guns spewing out lead and death. Space Millstein. "This time the Falcon will not ships in combat circle and dart about each escape. . Think of all those poor devils in other a thousand miles apart, testing the the government scout. Jack, radio the other's protective screens with destruc- other scout to retreat a thousand miles. tive rays and rending vibrations. They Their protective screens are not as strong circle and plunge about each other like as ours, and no doubt the Falcon has in- boxers, trying to exhaust the power of vented some new, deadly weapon." the other's weapons. Strange weapons, "Xo use, Chief," muttered Cromwell, those. Rays that burn and explode atoms. after a busy moment. "Our radio room Vibrations that disintegrate metals. Rays says the other scout doesn't answer. of liglit, carrying sudden heat, that melt Look!" Crorawell's finger pointed to the steels like butter. screen in front of them. ' The other gov- Millstein realized he possessed the fast- ernment ship is disabled. It's darting tor- est ship and could thus maneuver more ward out of control!" quickly. In his wisdom and experience he also knew his immense enemy had "\TES," muttered Millstein anxiously, more power. In other words, more ergs JL "by some devilish means, the Falcon of energy to hurl at him per minute in has paralyzed or killed every human life various forms. Millstein's position might on the fighter. Thank Heavens we have be compared to that of a very skilled better types of protective screens on this swordsman, armed with a light rapier, craft." pitted against a herculean athlete, armed "Yes, but our power rooms report that with a heavy cutlass. all dynamos and machines are being badly Millstein and Cromwell were both in affected. Perhaps we'd better fly off a their element. Neither spoke. Every few thousand miles and reconnoiter." sense was concentrated on their great This was Cromwell's way of taunting task—to annihilate the Falcon. Every Millstein to start the combat. nerve on edge, every cell of their brains "Retreat!" grated Millstein. "I'U say alert. Messages were coming to them we won't. Let's go. Here's where we constantly from the various departments fight to the finish I" of the ship. Their eyes turned from gauges to instruments, and to the screens CHAPTER IV that were constantly and adroitly turned by Cromwell to reflect that portion of The Battle of Space space occupied by the Falcon. "Give them a shot from one of our Millstein did flash away a thou- rays," pleaded Cromwell. BUTsand miles from the other ship, "No, not yet. They're using lots of where he knew the vibrations and power now. Did you feel that? For a rays of the "Avenger's" weapons would moment my senses fairly reeled. I won- be lessened in power; but it was not a der what strange weapon the Falcon is retreat. Merely a strategic move to gain trying out on us. Look! It even affects time for planning, and to study the enemy the space compasses. See how they vi- with powerful telescopes. brate and oscillate," Then into one of the to AMAZING STORIES phones connected to the power room. would not have realized, except for the "Bill, throw on every atom of power tense and slightly excited mood of the you've got on al] protective screens. two men, that a terrific tattle of incredi- We're being bombarded." ble enei^es and super-wits was taking Then to Cromwell's supreme disgust place, except, of course, from the distress Millstein ordered the ship into a man- of sudden acceleration and deceleration, euver that flung it away from the scene caused by the diving and swooping of of conflict a full five hundred miles; at the craft, the sharp commands of Mill- such a speed the acceleration was very stein into the various phones, and the painful. lightning-like play of the pair's agile fin- " ^'Say. what the gers Uke skilled operators at some vast Cromwell's voice was cut off as he switchboard. gasped for breath, for Millstein had Countless billion ergs of energy were stopped the ship so suddenly that de- expended by the two space fighters; de- celeration almost pushed their bodies structive energies, conveyed on deadly through the instrument table. Then quick rays, to be partly absorbed, dissipated or orders, and the ship turned in space so turned aside by protective vibration abruptly that their bodies seemed flat- screens. The ancient Thor of mytholog- tened out. Millstein, the master pilot, ical tradition, hurling his thunderbolts of the fighter of spaces, was at his best, for lightning, would have gloried in such a with full speed, and the maximum endur- conflict. able rate of acceleration, the 'Nemesis' plunged toward the Falcon, "/^ ET ready," ordered Millstein. "Are we going to ram him?" "When I say the word, bathe them "Ko!" shot out Millstein, "but I'm go- with the ray." ing to show you some action. Get ready. They were flashing ten thousand miles Jack. We're going to give him a taste of an hour toward the "Avenger." Not my new ray Number one." much time had elapsed since Millstein had "Yes," muttered Cromwell in delight, turned the ship for his daring attack, but fingering the controls of that deadly wea- their brains and fingers worked with in- pon. Already he had aligned the muzzle credible speed, and to the two highly of the tube that projected the deadly rays trained men, the swift seconds were long. that would reverse the direction of elec- Millstein, carefully watching the gauges tricity in its energy flow in any metal that indicated the strength of the rays that the ray encountered. and vibrations of the enemy's weapons, "Wait!" shouted Millstein, with one of shrewdly waited until there was slight his sudden inspirations that come to such pause in the power registered on the geniuses in moments of stress and dan- instruments. ger, "I believe. Jack, that he's tried that "Now, Jack, give it to them! We'll same weapon on us, so he must have flash by within fifty miles!" built up a protective screen. Give htm Cromwell carefully moved the sighting two, disintegrator." ray Number the apparatus, keeping it aligned with the It was but the work of a second for enemy sliip. Comparatively simple, that Cromwell to align the tubes of the dis- pointing, it would have appeared to a integration ray by use of the screen show- casual observer, for the image of the ing so clearly the position of the "Aven- enemy ship appeared on the smoked glass ger." An observer seated in the control screen of the reflectoscope before Crom- room of that marvelous space fighter well, and he had apparently but to point THE VELOCITY OF ESCAPE 71 an indicator, like tracing a line, to keep about them fairly crackled with some Ills ray guns aligTied. Rut in spite of the fierce energy. The gauges registered apparent simplicity, there was an infinite crazily, and some showed no reading skill and detail ; a precise accuracy accom- whatever. With a great mental struggle plished by Cromwell, He was the best Millstein roused himself and hastily ray-pointer of space. His keen, brown slapped Cromwell smartly on either side eyes held the light of some religious de- of his face. votee, as his agile fingers moved indica- "Snap into it, Cromwell, We didn't tor and levers. hurt the Falcon much. He just gave us "Good work. Cromwell. I believe a sample of some new. horrible weapon. you've hit them hard. The gauges show- Do you know I believe he has tumbled on ing the power of their weapons are regis- my idea of the vibration ray carried along tering nothing. Maybe we've disabled a stream of light. I'm still tingling." them. I don't know, though. We're up against the shrewdest brain all the uni- "T'M Okay now. Chief, but I feel as verse. It may be a trick." though a million hornets had stung Again that strange, intuitive sense oE me." warning came to Millstein, and in a sud- Millstein noted with great relief that den decision he turned the ship and shot the instruments were now registering away with a frightful velocity that tested normally, and again he turned the ship even the skill of Cromweli to keep the to swoop toward the Falcon. They had ray tubes aligned on the other ship. rocketed away from the enemy a full two Then a most amazing, near-catastrophe thousand miles in the last maneuver. occurred! On the screen before them For a few minutes he drove his attack appeared the government space ship that at an angle. had dashed off into space, coming straight "Keep a sharp lookout for the crazy toward them ! It was only by an insanely government ship," telephoned Millstein quick maneuver that Millstein avoided the to another part of the space ship. "Keep berserk craft. full power on all protective screens. !" "Great Scott muttered Millstein, Have the emergency crew inspect the en- "did you see that, Cromwell? The gov- tire ship and report back. Give me report ernment ship is runmng amuck. Radio on our energy -storage and let each man officers says they don't reply to our sig- be prepared against unusual body nals. The ship is circling the heavens in stresses." weird, uncontrolled circles at full velocity. As they neared the 'Avenger' the I've an idea. The Falcon has devised 'Nemesis' began to shudder, the air to some sort of a devilish ray or vibration vibrate, and for a few moments MilLsfein that lias made the commander and men studied the gauges carefully. of the ship insane. Perhaps he has gained "Well, here's something, Cromwell, control of their minds by some hypnosis that will delight your heart. The energy or mental projection, and caused the gov- rays of the "Avenger's" weapons are not ernment commander to think we're his registering so strongly. Wc are depleting enemy. You know the Falcon is an adept even their vast power plants. Of course in mental control, Watcli carefully, it may be a trick." Cromwell. The government space ship "Careful !" shouted Cromwell. "There tried to ram us. We have two ships to comes the government scout again, ap- " fight now. We have proaching us from the rear, twenty-five Millstein's voice trailed off as the air degrees to the starboard." 72 AMAZING STORIES Again it took alt of the shrewd and tenseness, "we've just one more card to trained flying instinct of Millstein to play. I'll dive close to the Falcon at full avoid the plunging govermnent scout. speed. As I come to within one hundred "There's no question about it. The miles, I'll start to make a swooping orbit Falcon has obtained mental control of the around his ship." government scout. Our disintegration ray "One hundred miles!" exclaimed CrtMO- " is a failure. Apparently the Falcon has well. "That's too close. Chief. We some sort of a screen. Wait, here comes "We have only one shot left in our a mess^e from Number ten power room. locker." interrupted Millstein. My three Great Scott, Cromwell! Engineer Kelly new weapons have failed, even the beam reports three of his men have suddenly of rays, that slow up the electronic speed gone crazy, and he has had to knock them within atoms to produce absolute zero. oirt with a paralyzing ray pistol. Don't I had counted on that weapon." you see, Jack, the cursed fiend has de- "Going to give them Number four. vised some way to shoot a ray of energy Chief? The shrill soimd vibrations?" that affects one's mentality. In some mys- "Yes," snarled Millstein. "That's the terious way the Falcon can project his reason I want to go that close to make evil mind and dominate that of a weaker the force as strong as possible. I don't one. Well, here goes." think the Falcon has thought of this With that Millstein became a fiend him- weapon." self, a madman obsessed with the idea The daring evolution was safely exe- of removing this menace to civilization. cuted, although the sturdy little craft The fast space ship dove and plunged trembled and vibrated with the power of and shot out deadly rays at its larger destructive rays in which it was literally enemy. Many times it barely avoided the bathed by the 'Avenger' as it circled at plunging rushes of the government scout. full speed. Millstein spoke no word. His fingers It was characteristic of Millstein when played over the instrument with incredi- he looked up, after shooting away to a ble speed and certainty. All weapons safer distance, although his last weapon were brought into play, and with incom- had failed, that there was no discourage- prehensible skill the larger .ship was ment on his lean face. bathed and bombarded with every kind "Well, Jack, the Falcon had even of destructive ray, of vibration, heat and thought of that. He has a protective energy. It was plain that the enormous screen against our sound vibrations, and power of the "Avenger" was growing it must be a good one." weaker. Finally, after hours of risky, Cromwell, brave as Theseus slaying daring evolutions and shrewd dodging of the Minotaur, spoke without a tremor in the whirling governmenL scout ship, Mill- his voice. stein glanced at Cromwell. There was a "Chief, let's ram them." strained expression on Milistein's face, For a moment Millstein sat silent, con- the look of an athlete winning a mara- sidering mightily. thon race, but not finished, for in the "No, Jack. That won't do. I've an coal black eyes there was implacable de- idea. You know in my past encounters termination. Don Millstein was not with the Falcon, I have discovered his defeated. one weak point. I mean his egotistical pride. He is vain and boastful of his CROMWELL," his voice was almost physical valour. He is a mighty man in mechanical in its coldness and strength and thinks that he can outdo any THE VEtOCITY OF ESCAPE 73 other human with primitive weapons. I cept that portion used by Millstein, and believe I can trap him." allowed to escape through the release "What are you going to do?" asked valve. In fact the space suit was strangely Cromwell in an awed voice. similar to the cumbersome armor used by "I'm going to challenge him to a duel. deep sea divers. The metal part of the Here, radio this message. To the Falcon. suit was made of an extremely light but I, Donald Millstein. challenge you to a very tough metal. Its composition was duel with swords. My ship is unharmed. similar to the aluminum alloys of many If you do not accept, I am going to ram years past. The inside of the suit vras you. Thus both of us and all our men lined with gold-beaters skin. Very will perish. I dare you to don your space strange that these scientists of a super suit and meet me. Bring- no weapon but age would go to nature for such a mate- propulsion pistols and one sabre. I will rial, but the gold beaters skin was found bring my ship to within five miles of to be an excellent material to control yours. We will each leave our ships and leakage. It is the outer membrane of the fight it out in space. May the best man large intestine of the ox. win. (Signed) Your sworn enemy, Mill- The suit was provided with small " stein.' atomic energizers to produce heat, for in Cromwell choked a bit, but his voice the absolute zero of space the occupant rang strong and steady as he sent the of a space suit would freeze in an instant message. In a few moments came the unless artificially warmed. reply, short and tense. It was with great difficulty that Mill- "Terms accepted. Get ready, my en- stein, in spite of his extraordinary emy. I am coming gladly. ( Signed) The strength, moved about when he had Falcon." donned the suit. Just before screwing on the helmet, Cromwell made another CHAPTER V earnest plea. "Let me go in your place, Chief. A Strange Duel You're too important to lose your life in this fool stunt. The Falcon won't know **T KNEW that ruse would work," the difference. The space suit will dis- exulted Millstein. "The Falcon is guise me. Let me go out and cross swords I very proud of his skill with the with the devil. Anyway, I think he will swords. In Russia he gained quite a send a substitute. He's too smart to risk reputation as a duelist. It is said that his neck." a dozen men died before his deadly "No, Jack. This is my affair. I believe blades. That challenge to his pride is his I can overcome the Falcon. Your duty weak point." is here at the ship, and don't you worry While MiUsteiu was talking, he was be- about the Falcon coming himself. My ing assisted into the heavy and bulky hunch about his sensitive pride is a good space suit. The heavy suit, made of pres- one." sure resisting material, encased his body With that Millstein clumped forward like a huge diving outfit. The material into a round airlock in the side of the was of sufficient tensile strength to pre- ship. With a resigned sigh, Cromwell vent the vacuum of space from expanding placed in Millstein's awkward-looking his body. Also it was air tight that the hand, that was clumsily gloved with precious oxygen stored in small cylinders strangely flexible metals, a heavy old- inside the space suit could not escape, ex- fashioned army cutlass. 74 AMAZE^G STORIES *'/^HIEF, I've sharpened that meat stantly was several hundred feet from the ^— ' knife till it's like a razor. Don't 'Nemesis.' It was a strange sensation get too close to the Falcon. Try and floating out in that vast void, while the pierce his suit and let his oxygen out. "Nemesis" and the "Avenger" were Goodbye, Chief. Good luck!" "standing still." In reality the whole "Wait a minute," laughed Millstein, mass, in fact all the imiverse is moving "you act like I'm going out to meet his in one direction at a vast rale of speed. Satanic majesty. I'm coming back. But But as each object in space retains its —but—Jack, if I don't come back, do relative position unless given inertia, it the best you can with the ship. You'll appeared to Millstein that the two ships be in full command in case anything hap- and himself were motionless. He slowly pens to me. And don't forget this. If raised his right arm that held the sabre. the Falcon should overpower me, and if The structure of the material that cov- because of any treachery on the part of ered and protected that strong arm was the enemy ship I should be captured, you extremely heavy, and Millstein moved know what to do. You know that trick like a figure on a slow motion picture we talked over, the emergency ruse. screen. Screw the helmet on." For a moment or two he practised Millstein pushed forward to the end of wielding the sword, for he knew his life the steel lock that was like an iron coffin. depended upon his skill and quickness There he adjusted his oxygen valves and with that weapon. The movement of tested the heat generators. Perspiration raising his arm caused his body to turn instantly streamed from his body, and he over out of balance, so that his face was turned the apparatus off, realizing it was away from the enemy ship. That would operating efficiently. He could not speak not do. Swinging the sword violently in now, for the helmet was tight over his the opposite direction, he succeeded in head, but through its clear quartz lens he turning his grotesque looking body. In winked insultingly at the anxious Crom- space an object will move forever at the well. With a nod of his head, Millstein rate of its initial inertia. This is because signalled for the inner lock-door to be of the complete vacuum, no air and no closed. Cromwell turned the lever, and a resistance. In %ace acceleration and its serrated door of the toughest steel, two rate are affected only by the mass of the feet thick, slowly closed in front of body to be accelerated. This effect is due Cromwell, leaving a perfectly smooth to what is termed inertia, Etj-mologically wall. speaking, inertia can be termed the "lazi- Cromwell yearned with all the fiery ness of matter," for in human life laziness ardor of his adventurous young heart and is sometimes the deadest kind of resis- an adoring love for his chief to be in the tance. struggle to come. His duty was to re- main as instructed, and with grim deter- '^OW that Millstein was out of the mination depicted upon his countenance, ^ ^ space ship, he had to be extremely he pushed another lever. This he knew careful not to accelerate any movement opened the outer steel door of the lock, too quickly. Tests on earth had shown and Millstein was free to push out into that humans could attain a speed of two the vast void of endless space. hundred and fifty miles an hour in one Millstein, wise to the uncaimy condi- second o f acceleration without inj urv, tions of space, gave a slight push against providing the person was in perfect phys- the wall of the airlock and almost in- ical condition. The principal danger that THE VELOCITY OF ESCAPE - 75 confronted Millstein in Us coming due! encounter. He was keenly aware of tlie with the Falcon was the risk of sudden mental powers and resources of his clever turning while travelling at high speed. antagonist. This would generate centrifugal force, an Glancing about in four dimensions and effect similar to that of acceleration, and searching the void carefully, he could see which has a tendency to drive the blood no trace of the goverrmient scout ship, violently from one side to the other, and that had been plunging dizdly about in risking the rupture of blood vessels. But the sky. the learned and skilled scientist was 'That's positive proof," muttered Mill- aware of all these hazards. stein, "that the government scout-ship Once more he checked off the condition Commander's brain is under the control of his oxygen valves and heat units and of the Falcon," found them to be operating perfectly, Glancing again toward the rapidly ap- Then he looked carefully toward the proaching figure of his opponent, Mill- cigar-like shape of the mighty "Avenger." stein could see the other was advancing After a few moments his eyes made out warily, circling as if to study his foe and a tiny figure floating between himself and plan a proper attack. Then a very clever the enemy ship. thought came to the young scientist. For "The Falcon!" a few moments he closed his eyes and With his left hand Millstein pulled one concentrated his mind on the task before of the propulsion pistols from his belt him, summoning to his immediate control and fired it in a direction exactly opposite all his mental faculties and physical en- from that portion of space occupied by ergies. He made his mind a complete the Falcon. Instantly Millstein's body shot negative as far as all other problems were forward, and for a moment his breath concerned. For the moment he forgot came painfully. Clumsily, like a man his own space ship, the 'Nemesis,' Crom- trying to pick up a thin dime with boxing well and the brave men he had left be- gloves, he adjusted the energy charge of hind. In moments of great emergencies the pistol by means of a large-handled Millstein always followed this rule, for screw on the side of the pistol. he knew his enemy, vast and far-reaching "Charges are too strong," he muttered. though his intellect was, would have an The propulsion pistols were not wea- incredible amount of detail on his mind. pons of offense or defense. They were It was well that Millstein suddenly simply the means of propulsion in space. opened his eyes after his mental concen- By firing the pistol, which discharged a tration, for scuttling toward him at terri- very small burst of atomic energy rays, fic velocity came the huge, crab-like figure its recoil pushed Millstein in the desired of the Falcon. Shrewdly and tensely direction. Inasmuch as he would move Millstein awaited the bull-like charge. forever at the rate of his initial inertia, Then at the last split second, propelled by it was necessary to stop by firing a charge a heavy charge from his propulsion pis- in the opposite direction. tol, he barely eluded the fearless rush of Again he looked toward the "Avenger" the other. and noted that the other human figure, if "That was close !" muttered Millstein. it could be tenned a human figure, was Like two grotesque crustaceans, now very much closer. This was to be weighed down with the vast pressure of the supreme test of Millstein's flashing a mighty but transparent water, the two career. He realized full well the des- fighters maneuvered. Their attacks and perate odds against the success of this dodges were surprisingly quick, yet their — 76 AMAZING STORIES arms moved with painful slowness sudden charge, he immediately twisted to moved like Sisyphus toiling up the eternal protect his rear. To his consternation the mountain. Time after time the Falcon Falcon was directly behind him and forc- charged, but always Millstein dodged like ing his acceleration at a dangerous rate. a very clever bull fighter, who slips aside It was then that Millsteiri displayed the when it seems he will be impaled upon peak of his fighting skill and bravery. the horns of a furious bull, Shrewdly noting his position, he fired Millstein was employing a very clever several atomic blasts against the direc- plan of attack. He was saving his tion of his travel, holding the pistol to strength. The effort of moving heavily one side that his body might be turned to protected arms and legs took a tremen- meet his foe. He was infuriated. It was dous lot of energy in the mysterious realm to be a battle to the death. Humanity of nothing, Millstein wisely figured that would be well served if Millstein could the Falcon was using up his propulsion die and wipe out the dangerous Falcon. pistol charges very rapidly. It was a soundless battle. If either spoke or cursed, THEY were together! Millstein found the sounds only thundered in their own his chance, and risking all, he re- ears. leased his hold on his propulsion pistol, Suddenly as the Falcon vras circling and with his strong left hand grasped for another charge, Millstein keeping his the left shoulder of the other. They were propulsion pistol well concealed, fired a too close now to use their swords, and sudden blast, and was hurtled directly to- as they slowly turned, clutched together, ward the Falcon. It was a propitious the evil eyes of the Falcon glared through moment for Millstein's attack, as the Fal- his quartz lenses into Millstein's eyes. con's body was turned in air so that he Millstein suddenly felt a great pulling could not present his sword in defense. at Ills right shoulder and saw that the For a moment it looked as though they Falcon had also released his propulsion would collide, and the Falcon be pierced pistol and grasped him with his clumsy through and through, for Millstein held hand. Millstein knew he must act quickly, his heavy blade directly in front of him. for he could feel the fearful strength of He did not try to wield or swing it, for the other trying to twist his arm and tear it might have turned his body, and he his space suit. Like a man in a dream, might then be placed in a position where he watched the sword arm of the Falcon he could not defend himself. It was a creep upward and raise the sword point. bitter moment for Millstein, who had The clever Russian was maneuvering his waited long and patiently through the shorter weapon that he might pierce Mill- weird struggle for this moment. The stein's space suit. Falcon could not raise his pistol in time Millstein suddenly felt as though a to fire and dodge away, but he succeeded deadly gas had entered his brain—that in meeting the attack, and with a move- he did not care what happened. Stub- ment that must have taken incredible bornly he fought against this sluggish- strength, swung up his sword and parried ness, for he knew that the Russian was the thrust of Millstein's sword. trying to use a hypnotic or mental influ- Up to this time the movements of the ence. After a moment's concentration, combat had been comparatively slow, but while he watched the point of the sword now they seemed lo move about like two slowly move upward, a great mental and infuriated monsters of the deep ocean. physical strength came to Millstein; he As Millstein plunged by his enemy in a knew that he was the other's master. — ! THE VELOCITY OF ESCAPE 77 Concentrating all his mnscular effort brother of sleep—^was clutching for him. and energy into one mighty effort, he Just as Millstein's mind slipped into struck violently with the hilt of his sword unconsciousness, he saw a tiny space at the wrist of the Falcon, It was a des- fighter shoot from the "Avenger's" stern, perate blow, and while the movement and he realized with a last hopeless con- seenied to travel with infinite slowness, sciousness that, through treachery, he had yet the heavy heel of the cutlass struck been defeated by the Falcon. the Russian's arm with stunning force long before the point of the deadly sword CHAPTER "VI crept upward to Millstein's body. With a great exultation Millstein saw the heavy The Falcon Gloats cutlass of the Falcon drift away from a grasping hand, and soon the sharp wea- DON MILLSTEIN struggled pain- pon was many feet away from them. fully back to the realm of con- Millstein had conquered the Falcon, hut sciousness. The uncanny instinct he must be careful, infinitely careful, for that had carried him safely through many he knew full well the vast resources and incredible perils, functioned even before treachery of the distorted mind. As his brain had cleared away the deadly fog. quickly as possible and still holding his Slowly memory returned to him. The mental concentration, Millstein raised the weird batde of swords in space—^how he inserted its sharp had point of his cutlass and overpowered the Falcon ; a realiza- point under the shoulder plate of the tion of the trickery and treachery used to other's space suit. The Falcon glared overcome him. He was lying on some with malicious hatred into Millstein's soft substance, probably a couch, and now eyes. The Falcon was defeated, for with knew he was a captive on board the a powerful, cutting thrust, Millstein's "Avenger." Millstein kept his eyes closed, sword could he slipped through the while his still reeling brain recovered armor's joint and allow the oxygen in the normahty. Falcon's space suit to escape. He decided he would pretend he was unconscious, until his strength had fully BUT the evil powers of the Falcon returned. He could plainly feel that the were not expended. Still grinning space suit had been removed from his with a horrible hate, he raised his right body. He wondered if he was bound, but hand sluggishly above his head. It was did not dare to move as a test. terrific tingling some sort of a signal ! A He heard a voice close by; the cruel, broke out over Millstein's body. His harsh voice of the Falcon mind became numbed. His muscles would "Millstein will recover in a few mo- not function. ments. The paralyzing rays must have Treachery! They were sending out a hit him severely. I could feel them in powerful, paralyzing ray from the ".Aven- spite of the protective screen I had." ger" upon seeing that the Falcon had Millstein yearned to spring to his feet been defeated. and strike the Falcon down as he heard Millstein made a desperate mental the foul treachery disclosed in a cool, struggle against this terror. It seemed that hard voice. He lay quiet, his agile brain he was slipping into a dark abyss of ob- scheming—plannii^—every sense alert. livion—slipping with clutching fingers The harsh voice of the Falcon again that would not hold at an icy, slippery grated loudly giving technical instructions precipice. Thanatos—the god of Death to some member of his crew. 78 AMAZING STORIES "And see that the lenses that convert Millstein felt that although the Falcon the cosmic rajs are adjusted that the was cruel and remorseless, his own life changed rays strike the earth from lati- was safe ; at least for the time being. He tude forty to sixty as the cursed planet reasoned Cromwell would not attack with revolves," the 'Nemesis' for fear of injurying him. There was an insane chuckle in the Simulating a vast nonchalance, Mill- Falcon's voice as he continued. stein sat back comfortably on the couch "That path will play the clianged rays and looked squarely and fearlessly into over London, Germany, Russia, Salt Lake the blazing eyes of his enemy. He could City, Chicago, New York and Boston. If feel the hypnotic influence of those bright, only Millstein had not discovered what I evil orbs, but confident in the strength of am doing. Another six months, and the his own powers he gazed unflinchingly. world will mine dead, lifeless globe. After a moment the Falcon spoke in a be ; a Then after all life has ceased, I will re- sneering tone. store the oxygen strata. Then, my chil- "The great Millstein is brave, but be- dren, we will take earth. I will be the fore I am finished you will wish you supreme ruler. I will start a new civili- could die." zation." Millstein planned to again attack the Millstein controlled himself with great weak spot in the Falcon's armor—his difficulty, but succeeded, when the im- egotism. portant information he was seeking came "Fine ship you have, \'erensky/' from from the lips of the Falcon. Millstein's Millstein appraisingly, as he glanced ner\es tensed for an ordeal when he coolly about the well arranged little room. heard the Falcon drawing closer. Finally He tried a daring thrust. he could feel the Russian's hot breath on "I suppose your ship has some ap- his cheek, as a rough finger pulled his paratus that's changing the cosmic ray eyelid down for examination. A shrewd, vibrations before they reach earth." calculating look crept into the Russian's It required all of Millstein's courage face as he placed two fingers upon Mill- and fortitude to remain unflinching as stein's wrist. Millstein made a strong the Falcon sprang forward, drawing mental effort to control his heart action, from his belt a deadly ray gun. On the but he knew his pulse had accelerated and Russian's face was a demoniacal expres- that his simulation of unconsciousness sion. His eyes blazed hate and anger, was discovered. and for a moment he lost his composure "Ah, so!" exulted the Falcon. "The and caution. great Millstein, the world's hero, feigns "So!" he snarled, "you think you have unconsciousness like a cowardly 'pos- discovered what I am doing? Well, you sum. Come, my enemy. I want a little will never profit by it. You can't stop me. will talk with you!" I not be stopped ! I liave you in my power. I have a fate in store for you REALIZING that his subterfuge was more terrible than even your clever imag- discovered, Millstein rose to a ination can picture. I am going to rule sitting posture on the couch. Deliberately the world!" The Falcon's voice rose to and coolly he executed a great, gaping a berserk scream. yawn, like a man awakened from a long and hearty sleep. He was dealing with " A FTER I have conquered the world. an insane man and decided he would I will conquer the other planets. humor him in every possible way. Come with me! I will show you the de- THE VELOCITY OF ESCAPE 79 rice that changes the cosmic rays. There's Millstein in an insulting tone. "My will- no risk in showii^ you. You will live, power is stronger than yours." !" but I win rule your brain The Russian trembled with rage, but Millstein rose to his feet, scarcely able in a short second gained control of his to restrain his eagerness. He had taunted emotions, and Millstein's blood ran cold the Falcon into a reckless anger, and ap- at the deadly tone in his enemy's voice. parently he was going to see the device. "Yes, of course, Millstein. Your brain His mind raced. Perhaps he could de- is strong. Ypur will is mighty. That's stroy the device that changed the cosmic the reason I want them." Insane chuckles rays. First, however, he must see how came from the corded throat of the giant it was constructed. Cleverly he fanned Russian. "Don't you see, my fine, heroic the flame of the Russian's anger. altruist—you who pose as the savior of "Verensky, I think you are bluffing. the world—you who bask in the warm My reference to the cosmic rays was but light of the public favor. Don't you see, a ruse. As far as my personal safety is fool? I want your brain because it is a concerned, do what you like. I would not fine brain. In your present condition you expect you to play fair after our space could resist my hypnotic influence for battle with swords. By the way, Veren- some time, but I have methods of my sky, I have heard you're very clever with own. These men standing back of you the blades. Why not give me the satis- with drawn weapons are under my influ- faction of crossing swords with you right ence. See the dull, meaningless stare in now in this room?" their eyes, their hopeless expressions. I Widi a crafty look on his face, the own their souls! I do their thinking. I Russian's sudden rage in a great measure am their brains. They are mine!" dissipated, and his usual cunning re- With that the Russian beat his breast turned. with mighty blows. !" "You are indeed clever, my enemy. Oh, "I am the Falcon no! I will not fight a duel with you. I have other plans. You are going to be |\yff ILLSTEIN turned and looked in- one of my lieutenants." tently at three tall, strong men "What !" exclaimed Millstein. "I work who stood directly at his back with drawn with you—the most dangerous criminal ray guns. They were like mechanical in all the universe? It's a war to the men, yet depicted upon their countenances death, Verensky, and while you have me was a tense watchfulness. Millstein knew in your power, I would advise you to kill the slightest movement on his part to me." attack the Falcon would mean his instant Millstein was cleverly tr3'ing to lead death. He turned again to the Russian, out from the Falcon some idea as to his who was continuing his wild oration. fate. Millstein was gaining valuable informa- "But I am not going to kill you," tion and continued to taunt the Russian laughed the Falcon in derision. "I am in the hope he might see the apparatus going to obtain control of your mind and affecting the cosmic rays. take from your brain all its information, "Well, why don't you go ahead and just as I would squeeze a sponge." try to hypnotize me?" goaded Millstein. Millstein could see the anger rising in The Falcon studied Millstein intently the crazed criminal. for some moments, then he came closer, "You can't get control of my mind by wrmging his hands like a miser counting hypnosis or any other method," stated gold pieces. — AMAZING STORIES "Not yet. my enemy, not yet. There is looked a room of circular shape, some a way to weaken your resistance. You five hundred feet in diameter. In this will go without food for many days. room were hundreds of intricate ma- When the body weakens, eventually the cliines—dynamos, condensers and various will-power weakens. Then, too, you shall kinds of complex electrical devices. The have a very special treatment. You shall Falcon stared into that vast, circular room have heshi, the drug that I discovered on filled with whirling machinery with the Venus, A nice big dose tw-ice a day, and look of a religious devotee worshipping after a week you will not have will-power an idol. His thin, cruel lips drooled an enough to claim your own soul. It will insane prayer of hate and vengeance, as be mine." though the Devil were praying. With his It spoke well for Millstein's courage vicious eyes bulging from their sockets, tliat he showed not the slightest fear at he glared at Millstein. the mention of heshi. He knew of that "There it is, my enemy. For years I fiendish drug that weakened men's resis- have worked. Look at my marvelous ma- tance, stupefying the brain and causing chines whirling—breaking up atoms them to be subservient to a stronger will. —changing \ibrations!" The Falcon had no suspicion of the tu- Millstein did not reply. His keen mind mult in Millstein's breast as the young strove to analyze the devilish machines in scientist laughed. the mighty room. He noted one incredi- "I should not think the great Falcon bly large dynamo with a giant flywheel would have to resort to a drug to best his revolving at terrific speed. This dynamo enemies. Where is your boasted power? was connected to a long series of ma- I am amused." Then Millstein tried a chines that appeared to be huge trans- bolder play. "I do not believe you have formers. The air in the center of the any machine or device to aft'ect the cos- room was filled with blue and violet rays. mic rays." These color rays seemed to form like a "All right !" snarled the Russian. "You large cloud that weaved and contorted shall see, and then you will be confined about the room, twisting and whirling in and start your education as a drug ad- a mighty whirlpool of energy. It would dict." expand and assume grotesque shapes, us- The Falcon gave instruction to the ually rounded like some protoplasm. Mill- three guards in some strange language, stein knew he could not analyze the and the mechanical men instantly formed apparatus without a close and lengthy ex- behind Millstein. The group progressed amination, and he felt sure that the Fal- through a long corridor and passed many con would give him no technical infor- rooms filled with whirling machinery and mation. He regretted that he had not active operators. concealed some high-powered explosive Millstein was impressed with the mag- to hurl among the machines. nitude of the ship. He yearned to ask the Falcon where the ship had been built. ""^TICE little workshop," he com- It must have taken years to construct ^ mented, "but tliose machines can't !" such a craft Trained though he was in affect the cosmic rays. It's ridiculous the operation and meclianical features of For a moment the Russian swelled with space ships, yet there were many devices red rage, then his caution gained the up- and machines unfamiliar to Millstein. per liand. Finally, turning through a side corri- "I must be careful. You are clever, dor, they came to a balcony that over- but I will not tell you how it's done. ; THE VELOCITY OF ESCAPE 81 I won't! I won't T" His voice rose to a desperate, and he hastened his steps scream. "I'll tdl you this much. This closer to the rapidly striding Verensky. apparatus is built in the center of my It seemed, however, that the Falcon could space ship. This room is five hundred see through the back of his head, for feet across. It changes the cosmic rays without turning and grunting out a hor- as they flash toward earth. The great rible chuckle, he gave quick orders to lenses at the top of the ship focus them the bodyguard directly behind Millstein. to the center, where the interesting little The guard moved up closer, and two rap- ball of color rays gives them my secret idly stepped in front of Millstein so that treatment. Then the changed rays are re- he was practically surrounded. As they fracted and transmitted through the walked along Millstein looked intently lenses in the bottom of the ship. The into each room. He was fixing in his converted rays go on to earth, where they mind the plan of the ship. do queer tricks with oxygen electrons. I The resourceful young scientist had have been unable to change the cosmic often been in desperate situations, but rays to affect other elements as they do none so hopeless as the present. In each oxygen. But I am working on that, and room or compartment he could see robot you are going to help me. You have a men working on intricate machinery. The fine mind. When I've gained control of 'Avenger' was without question a it, you are going to be my assistant. You mighty space fighter equipped with every have a lot of knowledge I can use. Come possible means of offense and defense. now, Millstein. You are going to be An officer who appeared to be of a locked in a cell and the only food you higher mental type than the others came will get is the pleasant drug." out from one of the side corridors and "There is just one thing you have over- spoke respectfully to the Falcon. On the looked," shot out Millstein defiantly. "I officer's face was the same vacant, set left instruction with my space ship to expression, but his features were more attack in two hours if anjthing happened finely chiselled, and it was plain he pos- to me." sessed more initiative than the others. "Is that so ?" sneered the Russian, "and Still the resigned, hopeless expression in you prate about treachery." He laughed the dull eyes showed the mind belonged long and loudly. "In two hours, you said, to the Falcon. my enemy. You don't know how long "Great Cosmos!" muttered Millstein, you were under the effects of the paralyz- "the Falcon has all his officers and crew ing ray. Listen I You have been on board under mental domination. He takes no !" the 'Avenger' for twelve hours chance of treachery or disobedience." Millstein made no reply, but in his Then he dared a few more rapid steps dark, brave eyes crept a more determined that he might hear what the officer was expression. conveying to the Falcon. Whatever the message was Millstein never knew, for CHAPTER VII the conversation was in a strange tongue but whatever it was the Falcon was great- A Mental Duel ly pleased, for he turned to chuckle gloat- ingly at his prisoner. THE Falcon led the way back along "Here's some news for you, my enemy. the corridor until Millstein knew My radio officer reports that for some they must be close to the stern of hours there has been no message coming the mighty 'Avenger.' Millstein was from your ship. Just for your informa- ! — 82 AMAZING STORIES tion rU say we have been turning a new, used before—^an incredibly simple, yet deadly ray on your ship. It is one of my strangely effective strategy. new weapons, and I know that your ship The Falcon's cruel heart was gladdened has no protective screens for this ray." to note Millstein's look of dejection be- The crazed Russian beat his breast like cause of the startling information about an infuriated gorilla. "No one but the the paralyzing ray. A most clever bit of Falcon would liave thought of it. It took acting. To the Falcon it seemed Mill- me two years to perfect it. I have pro- stein was making an effort to appear non- duced a high sound-vibration that travels chalant—not to show he was greatly along a beam of light and instantly para- perturbed. lyzes every human within the radius of "Ah ha!" croaked the Falcon. "That its active range. Your men will be un- gets under your skin. I warned you not conscious and disabled for many hours. to interfere with my plans. Now you are The weaker ones will die. Some brains ray prisoner with a horrible fate in the disintegrate from the terrific vibrations. future for you. Your fine space fighter I killed a hundred men before I perfected is disabled; your men paralyzed. I have it. But what is a man's life compared to destroyed one of the government scout the plans of the Falcon? I, who will rule ships. I have gained control of the com- the world and all the planets." mander's brains in the other. Now do you know what I am going to do? I am /COURAGEOUS and quick-witted going to order the commander in the though he was, Millstein nearly be- government space ship to dash his craft " trayed liis sudden exultation. There was into the 'Nemesis.' now a desperate hope ;^ a fighting chance! A sudden partial sanity returned to the He knew the Falcon had discovered the Falcon. !" sound vibration ray, the same he had him- "No ! No he screamed, his lips work- self perfected. His heart boimded with ing crazily. "That would not do. That a wild hope. He knew Cromwell was is foolish—is it not, Millstein? I can use playing the trick—the daring ruse they both those ships in my warfare against " had used before in seemingly hopeless earth. I shall take them back to situations Millstein had been listening intently "Of course," Millstein reasoned, "the eagerly— for he had gained important in- Falcon, having discovered the sound vi- formation from the rambhng Russian. bration ray, has no doubt built up a pro- He had admitted the government space tective screen for the same ray if used ship was under his mental control and against his 'Avenger.' That's the reason had nearly told Millstein where his vast " my weapon did not affect the 'Avenger.' workshop was located. Millstein now A most disturbing thought came into knew the Falcon's mighty factories were his mind. Perhaps Cromwell had forgot- on some dead or unknown planet far be- ten to turn on the defensive screens to yond the solar planetary system—some neutralize rays and vibrations. Perhaps uncarmy place in the endless realms of si- his gallant lieutenant had been lured into lent space, where the fantastical plans of a sense of false security during the battle a distorted mind were developed. Again of swords in space. Millstein instantly a surge of confidence swept over Mill- put the thought aside as unworthy; Crom- stein like an engulfing wave, to give him well had never failed him in any detail. a mighty confidence in his own powers. He suddenly felt confident that his young By some uncanny instinct he knew he Heutenant was trying the ruse they had was the mental master of the Falcon, that THE VELOCITY OF ESCAPE 83 his wits were keener, his will more factor to mankind with your skill and re- powerful. He tried another rare strategy. sources. Why, you could change the ro- "But no one knows how to operate the tations of the earth at will and make cli- 'Nemesis' but myself. Its controls are mates to fit man's need. You could put known only to myself and to my brave life into the dead planets; cool off those lieutenant, Cromwell, who is now para- too hot for habitation ; warm those that lyzed." are too cold. There is no limit to the With that Millstein managed to look good you could accomplish. Why, you very sad and hopeless as he continued. could be next to the Master Mind. There "You will never use the 'Nemesis,' are none so powerful as you. If you will Verensky, for built within its compart- give up your mad idea of universal de- ments are explosives, and any attempt struction, I, Donald Millstein, will work to operate it by one not knowing the Con- at your side. Together we will do all cealed secret devices would blast it into these things. I ask this of you in the eternity." name of humanity." For a moment during the impassioned "T THINK you lie!" snarled the Fal- appeal of Millstein, a strange, uncanny con. light glowed in the face of the mad Rus- "Oh, very well. Think as you like," sian. Calm reason seemed to be strug- taunted Millstein, "but you will never use gling to shine in the glittering eyes, and the 'Nemesis.' Why don't you go over for a brief second Millstein fancied that and try to operate the ship ?" he had gained a point. But suddenly This last bolt struck a responsive cord with the wild scream of a madman, the in the Russian's twisted mentality. Russian beat on his breast till it sounded "That is just what we will do, Mill- like a drum. Incoherent words puled stein. You and I, and of course a group from his twitching lips. of my trained men, will board the 'Nem- "Now you will die a thousand deaths, esis.' There I will drug you and keep my enemy! How dare you ask me, the you prisoner until your weakened mind Falcon, the sworn enemy of the world, gives me the secret of the controls." to be an altruist. Altruism! Bah! Say Millstein could have shouted for joy. no more, or I will turn a ray gun on The trick had worked ! 1 f he could only you." get aboard the 'Nemesis.' The Russian was trembling in a fit of !" "I'll never do it he screamed. "You uncontrolled anger, as he turned to ihe can't make me do it. It's horrible to waiting officer. think of your using my 'Nemesis' against the world!" "/^ ET ready a squad of fifty of my Then Millstein used his cleverest soph- best engineers. We are going to board I istry—played a seemingly poltroonly part the 'Nemesis.' will wring from to gain his point. Millstein the secrets of his ship. We "Verensky." he began, in a voice plead- will keep him captive, and I will torture ing and almost servile, "you are the him with my bare hands and drug him greatest mind in the universe. You pos- until I am his master." sess the most marvelous fund of scien- Millstein put his head in his hands and tific learning. I beg of you to give up bowed as though broken. He could this wild idea of conquering the world. scarcely control his emotions. He real- You could be great with your mighty ized joyously that he had tricked the power and intellect. You could be a- bene- madman. ! 84 AMAZING STORIES They were going to board the 'Nem- glowed with some strong and static esis !' energy. At the moment Millstein did not consider this of unusual importance, and CHAPTER VIII he put the thought out of his mind. The steel door of the space projectile was On Board the "Nemesis" closed. Verensky uttered sharp, gutteral commands in that weird tongue, and THE Falcon, accompanied by a Millstein knew they were floating in greatly increased number of offi- space. Soon he felt the slight grating cers, moved with Millstein to the contact against his own ship. He knew exti'eme stern of the great ship. Millstein they had entered one of its carrier tubes. appeared a broken man as he walked His heart thrilled, and the strong muscles along, but his shrewd, trained mind was of his body tensed for action. He bent noting every detail and analyzing every his head and concentrated all his mental opportunity. He observed keenly the capacities on the coming test. movements of every man, keeping a care- He was rudely pushed through the ful observation of the Falcon's move- open door of the little space carrier into ments. the launching and boarding tube of his They finally entered a large tube at own ship. The Falcon craftily took a the end of the ship, a tube about thirty place at the rear of the group. feet in diameter. In this long tube re- "Open the inside door, Millstein," or- posed a small space ship. As Millstein dered the Falcon, in hard,, dangerous was being pushed into this tiny projectile, tones. he noted the Falcon had suddenly dis- Millstein stepped forward. None but appeared. This was a cause of worry to he in the group knew how to operate the Millstein, ior he wished with a mighty strong steel doors that would admit them hope that the Falcon would accompany directly into the 'Nemesis.' The cleverly the group on the trip to his own ship. constructed doors of incredibly tough Minutes passed, and the crew were each steel slid silently back. Millstein in the at their particular pes: ready to launch lead of the entire group stepped directly the little carrier ship, Millstein noted into one of the power rooms of the 'Nem- that each man was heavily armed with esis'. He glanced about and a cleverly ray guns and equipped with some sort of faked moan escaped his tense lips. protective armor ; a strange, metallic fab- Slumped over at the seats of their oper- ric that glowed with the light of dancing ating chairs and lying in grotesque heaps colors. Millstein reasoned the suits were on the floor were his fine, trained assis- resistive screens against ray guns of all tants. Then Millstein acted the part of a sorts. madman, and he turned like an infuriated To his great relief the tall figure of the tiger to glare at the Falcon. Falcon suddenly entered the little craft "My good men ; You have killed them and took a place at the main controls. You crazy fiend! You murderer of !" Millstein, standing only a few feet from worlds the Falcon, studied his enemy with in- The Falcon laughed throatily, and his finite care. The Russian returned his words gurgled with joy. searching scrutiny with a baleful glance. "No, they are not all dead, my enemy. For some reason the madman appeared Some of the strongest will no doubt live. to be a bit thinner in spite of the fact he A clever weapon, my new paralyzing also wore the strange metal garment that sound vibration. Perhaps I'll try it out ! THE VELOCITY OF ESCAPE 85 on you in a mild way to help weaken your his assistant's shoulder. "Good old wiU." Jack," he muttered happily. "Our trick Knowing that it pleased the mad Fal- worked beautifully." con, Millstein continued to sob loudly, as "It sure did. Chief. When they turned he bent over the men lying sprawled upon the paralyzing ray on us, we fortunately the floor. Suddenly he stopped at one liad our protective screens working. I limp figure, with sprawled arms hanging did what you told me just before you left. down over a radio table. We adjusted the ship to be neutral and "And you have killed Jack Cromwell, dead, and the Falcon thought we were my best assistant!" Millstein frothed, paralyzed." leaping wildly towards the Falcon. "Just an old western gun fighter's Several of the guards clutched Mill- trick," grinned Millstein happily. stein and seemingly subdued him. Like "Great Scott!" shot out Cromwell. an actor enjoying a dramatic moment on "Look at the Falcon!" the stage, the Falcon strode about. Millstein, however, before looking at his defeated enemy glanced carefully SHACKLE Millstein," he ordered. about the room to note that each of the "Fasten him securely. I will admin- enemy was safely subdued. Then he di- ister drugs and torture him to learn the rected his attention toward the Falcon. secrets of the ship." The mad Russian had dropped to his "Wait a minute!" shouted Millstein in knees, his face uplifted. There was a the voice of Stentor. He had decided to strained, hopeless expression on the cruel play his trump card—he would spring countenance. His eyes were closed, and the trick! he appeared to be in a trance. The Falcon looked up intently, a queer "What's he doing. Chief?" expression spreading over his face as he "Keep ray guns trained on him," suddenly sensed danger—a trap, snapped Millstein. "He's a tricky rogue. With a panther-like spring Millstein I think he is trying to project his mind, suddenly leaped from the grasping hands perhaps trying to give mental orders to of his captors and uttered a loud shout. the crew on board his 'Avenger.' Well, "For Earth!" Cromwell, I guess the Falcon's days are A most amazing thing occurred. Mill- over. Subdue him with paralyzing rays. stein's men, who had seemingly been un- Iron him securely. Give him drugs to conscious or dead, suddenly leaped to keep him asleep until we reach earth. their feet as if actuated by one spring! Of course we will destroy the 'Avenger' Each brave and trained assistant held in first. That should not be so hard now, his hand a deadly ray gun. Like a swiftly with the master mind missing." moving and intricate mechanism, each The crazed eyes of the Russian opened. man jumped to an invader and covered He began to creep on his hands and knees him with the ray pistols they had held towards A^illstein, who held a ray gun under their bodies as they lay about the ready against trickery. But in the eyes room. The invaders, who possessed no of the advancing madman there was a wills of their own, were no match for dog-like look, the look of a beaten ani- Millstein's men, even had the numbers mal. There was a frantic prayer on the been equal. ' now sagging face. The Falcon was brok- Jack Cromwell had leaped to a position en—defeated directly in front of his beloved chief. Frothing and puling at the mouth the Millstein threw an affectionate arm over massive figure advanced, came close to " 86 AMAZING STORIES the young scientist, and with trembling CHAPTER IX limbs struggled erect. Heroism and Tragedy "Wait, Millstein ! Wait [ Don't drug me. Don't take me to earth i" greatly worried, Then even Millstein was astounded, MILLSTEIN, but more determined than ever and for a moment greatly disconcerted as to destroy the Falcon, was at the crazed Russian suddenly snatched the control board of the 'Nemesis.' The from his face a false beard and mus- fast space fighter had been rocketed away tache. With incredulous eyes Millstein one thousand miles from the "Avenger." watched the cruel features of his enemy For some time Millstein listened to tech- relax into softer lines. nical information coming from various "Don't you see, Millstein?" pleaded the compartments of the space car. The fear- beaten figure. "The Falcon is uncanny less young scientist was in his element at in his wisdom. It was the Falcon you the control instruments. talked to on the 'Avenger.' But I am not The Falcon had escaped—outwitted the Falcon ! I am only his wretched tool. Millstein for the moment. One of his many doubles. He drugs us "Well, Chief," said the ever present with a strange drug. He holds our lives and efficient Cromwell, "a message has in his hand. Only he knows the antidote just come in from our port forward hold for the horrible drug he gives us. Even that all the crew from the 'Avenger' have at thi.s moment I must have the antidote died. Even tliat tall, husky bird who was or I will die. Don't you see? That is the the Falcon's double has croaked. He was way he keeps us in submission. He takes right about the poison in his body." our brains, poisons us, and keeps us alive "That's the Falcon's way," answered with the antidote." Millstein. "He knew tlie men wouldn't Millstein stood speechless amazed, as — live to talk much if they were captured. the had acted the part of the man who A clever fiend to trick me as he did. But Falcon went on. The deception had been after all I was lucky to get back to the more than perfect. 'Nemesis.' "The Falcon has sent me to my death. "What next. Chief?" asked Cromwell. He knew in his uncanny wisdom this "Shall we attack the 'Avenger'?' visit to your ship meant a possible trap. "In due time," from Millstein in sharp He cannot be defeated. I must have the tones. "I want to plan a sure attack antidote 1 that will not fail. I am certain the Fal- !" "I am not the Falcon can has a defensive screen for every Becoming alert with a mighty mental weapon we have. The 'Avenger' is a most jerk. Millstein turned to Cromwell and amazing ship. That crazed Russian is gave the order. tlie smartest scientist in the universe." "Quick! Turn full energy on all pro- tective screens and rocket away full speed '*CXCEPT yourself," hastened Croni- for five hundred miles. XI well. "We may be attacked by the 'Avenger' "If the remaining government ship at any moment from this on." could help us, we could attack and to- Then more grimly, "The Falcon is gether wear down the power storage of aboard his ship, and it's a battle to the the 'Avenger'. Jack, we've got to destroy !" death the Falcon and his super-craft in order to It was at last to he decided. save the world. The commander of the a THE VELOCITY OF ESCAPE 87 government ship is under the control of wondering men to the small space car- the Falcon's evil mind; so lhat ally is riers in the bow and stern of the 'Nef- helpless. There's only one thing left esis.' to do." It spoke well for the crew's careful A worried look crept into Cromwell's training that it was only a few moments face as he divined the portent in Mill- when Cromwell turned sadly to Millstein. stein's voice. "They're In the carriers, Chief. Every "You don't mean, Chief, that you're one." going to ?" "Everyone but you, Cromwell." "Yes, Jack," interrupted Millstein. "Let me stay, Chief. I want to dash to "I'm going to ram the 'Nemesis' at full glory with you. It will be a big kick. " speed into the 'Avenger!'" Please, Chief. I "I'm ready. Chief," stated the brave Millstein reached out and grasped Cromwell, gulping a bit. "Let's go. CrcmweH's hand in a bone-cracking grip. Shall I tell the crew ? We are all ready to die if we can wipe out the Falcon!" GOODBYE, Cromwell. Get out "Good old chap," praised Millstein. "I now, old chap. Take the crew to knew you would do it. but you see, Jack, earth. They need you." " you and the crew are not going" "Goodbye, Chief. I "Xot going, Chief?!" Cromwell's voice broke into a sob, and "No, Jack. You and the crew are to with a last despairing, pleading look, he take to the space carriers and return to leaped away. earth. As soon as you are all clear a After a moment Millstein spoke into a ihousand miles, I will—well—I'll do the phone. job up right." There was a slight break "All set, Jack? Okay! I'm releasing in Millstein's voice as a mighty emotion you all from the launching tubes." flooded him. Millstein pulled a group of levers while "It's the only way. Jack. We can't de- his eyes watched the reflectoscope. In an stroy the 'Avenger' with our equipment, instant ten small space cars flashed away and there's no time to de\xlop new on their long journey toward earth. They weapons. The oxygen is rapidly leaving were grouped in formation like homing earth. I've made up my mind. Get the geese. crew together, and let's get it over." With quick adjustments Millstein Cromwell started to protest, but a tuned a radio to make contact with Crom- glance at the determined expression on well. In a trice he had atturied the his beloved chief's face told him words wave. were futile. "High tail for home, Cromwell. You With swimming eyes, the courageous may take my laboratories and personal yoimg Cromwell managed a sickly, lip- effects. Now goodbye! and quit sending trembling grin. that mushy stuff. I'll be too busy." "Righto, Chief, and crash him hard Millstein grimly fingered the controls I would say about two hundred feet to- as he tooled his space-fighter further away ward the bow from center. That's where from the 'Avenger.' He wanted dis- you say the lenses are located, that are tance—five thousand miles—to gather full clianging the cosmic rays." velocity ! He was a machine now— Speaking hurriedly to smother his feel- nerveless, unfeeling meclianism, with just ing, Cromwell phoned urgent orders to one idea in mind. He was utterly de- all parts of the ship—orders that scurried void of fear. ! ! ! ! 88 AMAZING STORIES Carefully his eyes studied instruments locked them out of the control room. and the reflectoscopes. He noted with a They are trying to crash the door. I'm start that the government space ship was lost, Millstein. I'm going to ram the flasWng along with his craft. Very close 'Avenger' I !" it came—too close. The risky proximity The voice in the phone ceased, and of the government ship set Millstein Millstein watched the other craft with thinking. He watched it carefully. Per- anxious eyes. Suddenly it turned with haps the Falcon had divined his purpose startling speed and was gone and was sending the craft to defeat his "I guess lus crazed crew broke the door purpose. Millstein did not fear the down." mused Millstein sorrowfully, as heavier and clumsier ship. His better he bent every energy and faculty to the equipped ship could easily evade the task at hand—his last flight. other, and the protective rays and screens Turning the "Nemesis" in a wide, of the ' Nemesis' were vastly stronger swinging circle, Millstein adjusted the re- than those of the other ship. flectoscope to show the huge reflected Then the sudden, uncanny intuition image of the far distant 'Avenger.' He that had so often saved Millstein came gradually fed full power to the atomic again to him. He steered the 'Nemesis' propulsion tubes. The 'Nemesis' became dangerously closer to the other a long, hurtling meteor streaking through Millstein knew the government ship the heavens. was now in the effective area of his own Faster and faster sped the 'Nemesis' protective ray screens. The strange in- straight toward the 'Avenger.' that grew tuition told him the move might develop larger and larger before Millstein's something important. gleaming eyes. It would soon be ovtr] It did! A mighty crash—and disintegration Almost instantly the radio phone near Millstein—a believer—moved his grey, Millstein's ear began to operate. The tense lips in prayer. government space commander of the Suddenly he tensed ! On the reflecting fighter was speaking! screen showed another flashing shape In a few terse words Millstein ex- "The government ship!" gasped Mill- plained the situation to the gallant officer. stein, realizing now that the courageous Millstein learned the commander had officer was far in front of him and indeed suddenly gone under some mental influ- attempting to crash the "Avenger." ence at the start of the battle. The offi- Millstein savagely turned on the last cer did not know what had happened, bit of his energy to increase his speed and he was deeply grieved to hear of the His eyes were grued to the screen. He loss of the' other government fighter and saw unfolded a most horrible tragedy. the result of the attack on the 'Avenger.' With a vast explosion the two ships Millstein did not tell the ofiicer of his ahead of him suddenly became a revolv- intention to ram his ship into the enemy. ing mass of hurthng, mangled parts! Un- told miles of the void were instantly T Y crew are all dead or mad. I filled with broken steel and fabric—^to am the only normal soul on drift forever in endless space! board." The government officer's voice The sinister Falcon and his hell-ship, was a prayer. "What shall I do, Mill- the 'Avenger,' was destroyed! Many stein ? My crew are madmen. They are gallant men had perished, and a brave now trying to kill me. They are observed officer had carved deeply his name in the by some terrible mental influence. I have halls of fame. But Earth was saved! ! THE VELOCITY OF ESCAPE 89 MILLSTEIN was badly shaken and " QTRANGE. Cromwell, that you impressed by the horror. But new ^ should mention Sirius. I was think- perils for hini now required his full men- ing of that star. Sirius, the Dog Star, tal concentration. His terriffic speed had as the ancients called it." carried his ship directly among the whirl- Cromwell grinned; he knew Millstein ing, hurtling fragments—many of the would give out information and thus fragments larger than the "Nemesis." A stimulate his thoughts. Sure enough. collision would mean disaster. Millstein began in a far-away voice. his disintegration and atom ex- Playing "The ancients built temples, and pic- hoses, Millstein in a ploding rays like fire tured Sirius, the Dog Star, rising from the void of the large few hours cleared the eastern horizon. They thought the fragments. With a fer- and dangerous star affected their happiness and the heroes of the govern- vent prayer for the weather." Millstein w?nt on academi- fighters, he flashed away from the ment cally and in an absent-minded tone. harrowing scene. "The astronomer, Bessel, discovered in Already he had radio connection with Eighteen hundred and fifty that Sirius the frantically happy Cromwell, who was moving among the stars in a wobbly would soon be at his chief's side, path. This vast star is extremely heavy "Cut out that raving, Cromwell. I'm " for its size. It's all right. Slow up and get ready to come Millstein suddenly stopped speaking as on board. I'm tired." a strange light broke over his face. Millstein's voice seemed to hold all the suffering of the ages. He had seen a "Jack, I've a hunch. The Falcon's fac- man die grandly tories are on that star ! In a few weeks "It won't be long now, Chief. We'll we will take a trip to Sirius and look soon be home, and what a home-coming around." for you!" Cromwell, at the controls Cromwell was not heeding. His ears with Millstein, was happy. were fastened to phones connected to a "The whole world is waiting to fete powerful receiving radio. A look of in- you. By the way, the last radio from credulous wonder had spread over his earth states the oxygen is already becom- face. His eyes were bulging with amaze- ing normal. What a relief to know the ment. Falcon is dead." "Listen, Chief, by the great cosmos! For some time Millstein did not reply. Here's a message from space. I'll re- He had been thinking—intently studying peat it." some mighty problem. He spoke slowly. "To my enemy, Donald Millstein. You "Jack, I wonder about the Falcon. thought me dead. I sensed a trap and Why did he not attack us after I got back escaped in a space carrier while you were to our ship? It's uncanny. Not like being taken to your ship. You fool. Do him. It worries me a bit." not think I am finished. Beware! The Sensing his chief was in an analytical Falcon will swoop again. It is war to the mood, Cromwell resorted to their old cus- death !" Signed, The Falcon. tom to help Millstein think. Cromwell choked and sputtered. "Say, Chief, look there ! High in the "Chief, what do you think of that? !" hwivens. The mighty star Sinus." The Falcon is alive The End 90 On every side of them, in orderly receptacles, long rows of coffin-shaped boxes were resting on shelves—so many that it made one dizay merely to loek at them. ; 91 In the Footsteps of the Wasp By STANTON A. COBLENTZ Mr. Cohlentx is one of the best liked authors with whose works we have been favored. In the present story he appears in the role of a short story teller and very ingeniously brings everything to a happy conclusion where a whole nation is rescued from tyranny and almost extinction. We are sure that our readers will enjoy it. Illustrated by MOREY it not been for the ex- lentless use that was to be made of his HADample of the htmting wasp, discovery, the unparalleled abuses and the the whole extraordinary epi- vast upheavals that were to follow, prob- sode would never have oc- ably he would promptly have hurled the curred. As professor of formula into the ocean. entomology at a South American Uni- In any land other than South America versity and specialist in the ways of of the twenty-first century, however, the the h}-menoptera. Dr. Andres Mandano, formula might not have been perverted to had given prolonged study to those wasps sinister uses. But it will be recalled that which, as everyone knows, are able to a series of revolutions had but recently paralyze their victims and leave them in convulsed Dr. Mandano's home country a state of suspended animation, so that of Peravia; that a military dictatorship they may eventually form succulent liv- had been established ; and that there ing morsels for still undeveloped, reviv- existed just that degree of popular sub- ing larvae. By what leap of the imagina- ordination which made the so-called tion the professor bridged the gap from Mandana Man-Preserver a logical de- insect to human and thought of applying velopment. It will be recalled how public waspish methods to mankind, is a ques- liberties had been curtailed following the tion that will perhaps never be answered rise of the revolutionary government of but at all events we know that, after years Rodrigo Querzal; how free speech had of research, he had solved the secret of been eradicated, how labor unions had the insect poison, and was able to brew been destroyed, how Communists and it in considerable quantities and to apply non-conforming religious groups liad it in a practical way to mankind. been persecuted, how military demands In the beginning, it appears, Dr. Man- and organizations had been strengthened, dano's motives were wholly laudable; for and how, finally, a compulsory steriliza- it had been his hope to develop a new an- tion decree had been adopted to cut off aestlietic which would supplant ether and the progeny of undesirable elements of make it possible to perform operations the population—in a word, elements op- without inconvenience or danger to tbe posed to Querzal. patient. Could he have foreseen the re- What was more natural, accordingly, ! 92 AMAZING STOKIES than that the Mandano Man-Preserver be precisely as one would preserve and utilized as the culminating check upon the store so many hams, herrings or dill liberties of the masses? pickles. Why not build huge warehouses, he argued, where all excess human beings BUT before going on to describe the could be kept and filed away for refer- actual use of the new invention, ence ? Why not take all beggars and vaga- perhaps I should say a word as to its na- bonds, and put them into a state of sus- ture. It was literally what the name im- pended animation until the dawn of a plies—the means of preserving men, and better day? Why not seize all unem- o£ preserving them over inde-finite lengths ployed workers and their families, and, of time. Not a mere method of keeping instead of allowing them to become a bur- their mummified corpses ! a method of den on the community, quietly paralyze keeping the men themselves in a state them and leave them in registered com- between sleep and death. An injection of partments, until their services should be less than one cubic centimeter of Dr. required, when they might be immediately Mandano's paralyzing fluid, based on the awakened? And why not, in the same formula learned from the wasps, would manner, build up a vast and irresistible cause a man to collapse into a state of army? Why not train as many soldiers possible, seeming Hfelessness : he would cease to as and then, instead of continu- breathe, there would be no sign of heart ing to feed and quarter them, put them action, his face would take on a waxy pal- into a state of inexpensive paralysis until lor which would show no sign of change the advent of war should make theni during the course of days, weeks or even necessary? In this manner Peravia might years ; and yet, at any time, upon the in- build up a matchless military machine at jection of the proper antidote, he might a minimum of cost. be revived, feeling a httle drowsy, like It is needless to add that these argu- one awakened from deep slumber, but ments, though appealing to the principles otherwise unaffected. of the Querzal government and though The secret of suspended animation, in acted upon without delay, were carefully a word, had been mastered kept from public knowledge. Indeed, it is But having, been mastered, it was not now believed that several political offend- empbyed, as it might have been, for hu- ers, who in 2034 were summarily sen- manitarian and surgical purposes. In- tenced to the noose, had been guilty of stead, as the world in this good year 2054 nothing beyond some inadvertent sugges- is well aware, it became the nefarious tool tions hinting at the government's new of a political and social class. project. Browbeaten and docile as the It is not certain whether Dr. Mandano Peravian people had long been, there was himself was involved in the misuse of his no reason to suppose that they would invention; or whether, beneath the iron countenance this un-heard-of, latest compulsion of the Querzal dictatorship, atrocity of their leaders ; hence none but he bent reluctantly to the will of the gov- a few high government officials, a few ernment and delivered over the paralyz- military chieftains, a group of medieal ing fluid into hands less scrupulous than advisers, a handful of great industrial- his own. In any case, the result is in no ists and Dr. Mandano himself, had any doubt at all. Some evil genius, in an un- suspicion of what was in contemplation. lucky hour, conceived of the idea of pre- serving and storing the nation's excess VEN when the plan had actually been man-power: of preserving and storing it ' put into operation, the law of abso- ! IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE WASP 93 lute secrecy prevailed, and the govern- and then their suspicions were aroused, ment proceeded by means of ruses and would find that a word, indiscreetly ut- subterfuges designed to throw dust into tered, would send them to a Concentra- the eyes of the people. The only public tion Camp if not to the executioner. pronouncement was directly misleading: Meanwhile, in spite of the ferocious that, in the interest of the public health, restraints of the Censorship Bureau, a State medical examination of all citizens strange rumors were making their way was to be undertaken, beginning on a through carefully guarded underground particular date. In the systemmatic man- channels. Tales were told that made the ner characteristic of the Peravians, all hair of the listeners literally stand on individuals and families were to appear end; tales that brought muttered oaths at various assigned times before duly and curses to many an indignant lip, and constituted Boards, who were to compile that caused many eyes to stare in amaze- the most thoroughgoing "health census" ment or incredulity. One heard reports ever known to history. Little did the un- of intricately winding galleries which, suspecting common man realize that he like modern catacombs, were laden with was being made to walk into a trap inmanerable bodies—^and one was told In a majority of cases, it is true, that that these were the bodies not of dead the trap was not allowed to spring ; merely men, but of living. One heard wild stories for the sake of appearance, millions of of torture-rooms, where physicians, hav- men were put through a superfluous phys- ing stripped their unwary patients for ical examination. But in hundreds of physical examination, would slyly inject thousands of instances—and eventually in a h3rpodermic which caused the victims to millions—the citizen, in his ignorance, reel over like men stricken suddenly dead. walked to a fate he would not knowingly And one was assured that, by means of have accepted without a struggle. a carefully arranged card system, the Hence it would occasionally happen multitudes of slumbering individuals were that some man—more often than not an all placed and catalogued, each with his unemployed artizan or laborer—would appropriate designation : for example, disappear after being summoned for ex- -1964 XW 2/17/34, automobile me- amination, and would not be heard of chanic, unemployed, 25 yrs. old at time of again. Or some stout and brawny youth, suspended activities" ; or, "4456 VT who had been undergoing military train- 3/ 11/35, trained infantryman, proficient ing in a private or public corps, would in rifie practice, 22 yrs. old at time of S. vanish as if swallowed up by the earth ; or A."; or, again, "TYU 1154, 1155 and a whole family—always of the poorer 1156, 12/18/36, man, wife and son, dan- classes, and often previously dependent gerous radicals, 43, 37 and 13 at time of upon charity—would fail to return from S. A." its appointed examination, and neighbors would inquire in vain as to its where- THERE was still another report abouts. Officials, when questioned, would which, more ghastly than the others, merely shake their heads with a "know- was heard now and then in secluded quar- nothing" expression ; the police would ters safe from the ears of government prove either unwilling or unable to be of eavesdroppers. This concerned a secret help ; the public press, being dominated incinerating chamber, where each day by the Querzal party, would never so scores of unfortunates were brought for much as mention any of the missing; and cremation. For Mandano's Man- Pre- the rank and file of the populace, if now server, if these tales were to be believed, ; 94 AMAZING STORIES did not always accomplish its purpose. one great overwhelming sweep, was to Now and then some patient, either be- subdue both neighboring nations. At the cause of a weak heart or nervous shock same time, multitudes of slumbering la- or an excessive dose o£ the drug, would borers were to be brought back to activity, go beyond the stage of mere suspended so that wartime industry might be prop- animation, and the remains, consequently, erly manned ; and the nation was accord- would have to be disposed of as quietly ingly to have a strength beyond anything as possible. But such cases, it was said, dreamed of by her enemies or indicated were exceptional, and caused the officials by her census reports. little worry; in fact, they were scarcely Such was the project; and there is rea- in excess of one per cent of the total! son to believe that it might have suc- But although ominous whispered re- ceeded—had it not been for an unex- ports continued to be circulated ; although pected factor. mysterious disappearances continued to That unexpected factor was to be found multiply and although such cases were in the person of Captain Juan Cardenzos, mostly confined to the humbler or non- perhaps the most persevering foe that the possessing classes, the great majority of Querzal regime had ever encountered. the citizens remained placidly unaffected. The record of Cardenzos had been a So severe was the censorship that many, curious one. Decorated for heroism dur- perhaps, never heard the rumors at all ing the Equadorian War nearly thirty others, hearing them, refused to believe, years before, he had become violently or, believing, tacitly approved, since the anti-militant after the Armistice, he had new policy had sharply diminished the publicly destroyed his badges and decora- burden of unemploj-mcnt and of public tions, and had worked ardently in the charity; while the majority reduced to cause of international understanding and the meekness of a jelly by the fury of disarmament. Following the rise of political repression and well knowing the Querzal to power, he was condemned to consequences of an unchecked tongue, a Concentration Camp, from which he chose not to inquire too closely into the escaped after harrowing adventures, reports. seeking refuge in the United States, And so the years from 2034 to 2043 where he remained for several years. But slipped by and nothing had been done to feeling that his native country needed him, restrain the use of the Man- Preserver. he smuggled himself back over the bor- But in the latter year there occurred a der, and, living the existence of a hunted series of events which not even the wisest creature, carried on secret propaganda at could have foreseen. the daily risk of his life. By means of * * spies and underground emissaries— for he Ir was in July of this year that, ac- had s>-mpathizers even in the highest cir- cording to plans since disclosed, the cles he gradually made himself the head Querzal War Department contemplated of a vast organized ring, the so-called its Great Offensive. It was in July that League of Free Men, which, working the usefulness of Man-Preserving was through subterranean channels, was to receive its culminating test; it was in vowed to overthrow the reigning tyranny. July that Peravia, picking an excuse for A strangely assorted group they war simultaneously with the neighboring were—disgruntled clerics, Comtnunists, lands of Argenzela and Bolador, was to thwarted laborers, disinherited intellec- revive millions of soldiers now waiting in tuals, women disenfranchised, and adven- a state of suspended animation, and, by turers ready to clutch at any straw ! Yet, ; IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE WASP 95 though they were so motley a cro^vd; numbers will never be known; but it is though they seemed to have undertaken conservatively estimated that they were a hopeless task, and met with discourage- not more than five hundred in all when, ment after discouragement ; though many on the evening of that memorable day, of their members were seized by the police they quietly gathered before the gates of and summarily executed, they were held a huge building on the outskirts of the together by the force of their convictions Capital—a building which, covering and became a greater power than the many acres with its huge squat form, authorities were able to realize. But it bore the simple designation, "Government was Captain Cardenzos that was their Warehouse." Ordinarily, armed sentries guiding spirit, and he it was that set off were parading before the entrance, but the spark wliich precipitated the explo- on this occasion they were conspicuously sion. lacking; indeed, the gate itself, by what might have seemed a bit of official care- EVER since its formation, the League lessness, swung invitingly ajar, and when of Free Men had been investigating Cardenzos and his band strode in there rumors concerning the Man-Preserver; was no one to restrain them. indeed, it was probably through members But mumbled passwords were quickly of the League that most of the rumors interchanged with a waiting party within started. But at first its efforts had borne and the newcomers, as they surged little fruit other than in the martyrdom of through the passageway, cast casual several League members by the execu- glances at a dozen sentries strewn about tioner's noose. It was not until 2043 that them in a state of insensibility, and any decisive action became possible; for pressed hastily on to accomplish the it was not until that year that Cardenzos night's mission. was in possession of the now-celebrated "Devil's Secrets." How the knowledge GUIDED by maps and blueprints, came to him—whether through spies of they made their way through tortu- the League, or through betrayal of the ously winding, electrically lighted pas- government by its own servants—has sageways through labyrinthine corridors case, filled never been disclosed ; but, in any he that not only the building but did gain information of the most reveal- stretched underground in a long succes- ing kind, and was moved to passionate sion of basements; and into apartments indignation by word of the impending suffused with vile-smelling concoctions war with Argenzela and Bolador. And, reminding one of a mortuary chamber. at the same time, his secret agents ac- On every side of them, in orderly recep- quired other information which made it tacles, long rows of coflin-shaped boxes possible far him to plan a way to block were resting on shelves—scores of them, the war, and incidenrally to accomplish hundreds, thousands, ten of thousands !— the avowed purpose of the League by so many that it made one dizzy merely crushing the Querzalists forever. to look at them. And beneath the cello- The never-to-be-forgotten thirtieth of phane covering of each box one could July, 2043, was the date set for launch- distinguish a wax-like human face, silent ing the League Revolution. One gasps and still as if in slumber. even in recollection to think by what Working according to prearranged means and against what seemingly in- plan, and yet iilled with the fury of des- superable odds Cardenzos and his fol- peration, the rebels set about completing lowers began the revolt. Their exact their victory. Several of their number 96 AMAZING STORIES were posted at various entrances as sen- life! Then we will all join forces and !" tinels; for the danger was not at all re- march upon the oppressors mote that their intrusion would be dis- covered, that they would be surrounded, TN some such words the League mem- imprisoned, and sentenced to death. * her would appeal to each reviving Given a few hours leeway, however, and man. Sometimes the individual would be they would liberate the country. So they immediately convinced, and would en- believed; and, firm in this conviction, thusiastically join his saviors ; sometimes several hundred of the insurrectionists he could be persuaded only with diffi- drew, each drew from his pocket, little culty; but in every case the sight of the vials filled with a black fluid, and set to long, dimly lighted, sepulchral corridors, work over the corpse-like forms lying be- with the innumerable coffin-likc boxes neath the cellophane. neatly packed on shelves in the alcoves, Strange beyond all words were the re- was enough to fill the restored person sults. A single drop of the liquid, forced with indignation against his betrayers and into the veins of the sleeper, would pro- with a desire to join the League. duce an almost magical effect. Instantly In the course of one brief night, ob- the patient's frame would be shaken with viously, a few hundred unassisted workr a convulsive shudder, his Hps would draw ers would not have been able to revive a apart in a yawn, his eyes would slowly great many thousands of sleepers. Yet, open, and he would look up with a like the proverbial snowball rolling down- drowsy, bewildered expression, from hill, their efforts expanded from a small which he would revive gradually into full nucleus until all things were swept be- consciousness. "Where am I?" would be fore them. Each awakened slumberer was his first astonished exclamation ; and then, provided with a vial of the black fluid, by after an effort, his mind would go back means of which he restored dozens of liis to tlie moment of his official examination, fellows to life; and each of these, in turn, the sudden stab of pain as the physician, resurrected others, who resurrected taking him unawares, had injected the many more : so that, before morning, the hyperdermic . . . and the ensuing black- halls and corridors of the whole vast ness. building and its underground annexes "Where am I?" he would repeat, in were black with great surging masses of growing wonder and dread. "Who are men. you? . . . Where am I? . . . What lias And all these great masses, newly con- happened to me?" verted to the cause of Captain Cardenzos, "You are with friends," the League were loudly uttering the war Bolador; it must be remembered, also, have any record. No sooner had he been that abundant weapons and uniforms established at the head of the League were at hand in great underground ar- government, no sooner had he announced mories, conveniently placed near the man- the restoration of the Peravian Republic storage chambers, so as to avoid unneces- and been elected President by an over- sary delay in case of hostilities. And whelming majority, than he proposed and when it is recalled that the revived men, carried out the punishment of "Scientific by virtue of their very numbers, could Incarceration" upon all leaders of the de- easily batter down the doors of the armor- feated party, upon the generals and in- ies and take possession, one should have dustrialists who had urged the use of the no difficulty in understanding how Cap- Man-Preserver, and upon the physicians tain Cardenzos, on the fateful first of who had lent their aid in paralyzing mil- July, was able to place himself at the lions of unwilling victims. head of so great an army. His military experience, acquired dur- OUT what, precisely, was "Scientific irg the War a generation before, was now Incarceration"? Nothing more nor to serve him well. And yet his triumph less than Man-Preserving: the paralyzing was hardly a matter of military skill. of the culprit and his preservation in a Wherever he went, he was hailed, urged state of suspended animation. In accord- on and supported by crowds of people, ance with the Presidential decree, fifty long groaning beneath the Querzal des- thousand men and women were con- potism, and long powerless to defend demned to this novel penalty; and all of themselves. And wherever he went, the them, undergoing a sentence of indefinite enemy fled like rats hounded out of their duration, were stored in those under- holes by terriers. Only in a few fortresses ground labyrinths where their former vic- and army strongholds did tliey dare to tims had been secreted. defend themselves, and even there they And there to this day they remain. All could not long withstand the popular of them, it is said, have been systematic- fury; for they were deserted by the ally checked, numbered, and registered in regular army on which they had placed a card catalogue, so that one can easily tell reliance. After one or two battles in in what particular box and alcove to find which the masses, though ill organized, Senor de Mattas, one-time baron of the prevailed by virtue of their irresistible en- armament makers; or General Fernandez thusiasm, the surviving Qucrzalists scur- de Leon, who planned the never-to-be- 98 AMAZING STORIES consummated campaign; or Chancellor to any human being. And it is believed Manuel Carranza, long regarded as the that they may be left undisturbed for an- "iron man" of the Querzalist regime; or other hundred years, or perhaps even for Dr. Andres Mandano, who, on general a thousand, since the Cardenzos regime principles, was sentenced to teste the is still ruling successfully, and no one has effects of his own invention. any further desire to experiment with For eleven j-ears already these notables the Man-Preserver or to revive any per- and many others have been quietly slum- sons who know too much of its dread bering where they will never do diroage secrets. Tbb End. What Do You Know? READERS of Amazikg Stories have frequently commented ufwn the fact that there is more actual knowledge to be gained through reading its pages than from irany a text-book. Moreover, most of tlie stories arc wTitten in a popular vein, making it possible tor anyone to grasp important facts. The Qtiestioos 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 gaieral knowledge of science. 1. What does the practise of law and of medicine depend on? (See page 13.) 2. How would tlie absence of crime and of sickness affect professi(mal life and business related to it? (See pages 13-14.) 3. Can you give a theory about the connection of conduct and sickness? (See page 22.) 4. How is war defined by the author of "Life Everlasting"? {See page 24.) 5. Is mental deficiency a disease? (See page 25.) 6. How long were the sides of the southern triangle uniting Spain with the Balearic Island in the work of Arago, Eiot and Rodriguez in measuring the arc from Dunkirk to Ivica? (See page 42.) 7. How long did the French observers watch for the light on a peak one hundred miles away? (Sec page 42.) 8. How fast would a vertical moving body have to go to escape from the earth's gravi- tation? the same for Mercury? (See page 58.) 9. Can you give a theory to prove that the planet Mercury has lost its atmosphere? (See page 59.) 10. How are the electrons disposed in the oxygen atom? (See page 60.) 11. What are the rates of vibration of different light rays? (See page 67.) 12. What is goldbeater's skin? (See page 73.) 13. How does the wasp provide living food for its yonng to be kept intact for long periods? (See page 91.) 14. What is the operation of the poison injected by the wasp into its victims? (See page 91.) 15. What is the function of the magnetograph ? (See page lOl.) 16. What are the diaracteristics of the magnetic north pole? (See page 109.) 17. Where is it now located? (See page 109.) 18. What suggestion is made for increasing braking power on automobiles? (See page 125.) 19. What human factor affects rapidity of action? (Sec page 130.) 2). How do the human cyci realize and estimate distance? (See page 131.) : 99 North god's Temple By HENRY J. KOSTKOS This is distinctively a sfory of the cosmic order; not only that, but the composition of a planet this side of Jupiter is brought in, making us think of the asteroids or planetoids as they are properly called. Those who like tales of true adventure and of amazing happenings on this earth of ours, will specially enjoy this tale. Magnetism plays an important role in its plot. We have sciences devoted to the small and to microscopic organisms, while sometimes the very earth itself is taken as the basis of a narration, and here it is mother earth that gives us the story. Illustrated by MOREY of the north came the and followed it to its arctic source. OUTcall, strong and clear and It was on a quiet Sunday afternoon compelling. Straight into the of a lovely June day—one of those mind of Professor Darius rare days when the restless body and Norton it penetrated as he mind of the professor was in tune bent low over a specially designed mag- with the peaceful world. He dozed off netograph in his laboratory at the Cos- momentarily on his laboratory stool, then mopolitan Museum of New York. For awoke with a jar to find himself many days he had been tantalized by sprawled on the floor. Not only was the undecipherable impulses that came he upset physically, but his mental equi- from the instrument to agitate his brain librium became a seething turmoil as cells with weird bits of intelligence. the message surged into his inner con- Then, as if his nervous system had sciousness, rising and fading spasmodi- become attuned to the flashes or waves cally as it conveyed these enigmatic emanating from the device, his senses thoughts suddenly grasped the message, and, hav- "We are the historians of the People ing once learned its import, he could not of the Magnetic God . . , from a far rest. It gripped him in its power with planet we were hurled . . . penetrated an impulse as primordial and compelling the crust of the earth . . . entrance in as the urge to live. Tana Fiord , . . into an ocean under Could he believe his senses? Yes! the ocean . . . our race is dying fast In the mind of Darius Norton there . . , in the Temple of the Magnetic " was no doubt of the authenticity of that God message. It came straight from the It wasn't the message alone, which far north, from the base of the magnetic came as a translation of a strange, high- pole. And it would not give him pitched foreign group of syllables into peace, not until he obeyed its command understandable thought waves, but a 100 AMAZING STORIES water Just as his iumblins hands finally focused his binoculars, a geyser of shot up into the air for what must have been a height of a hundred feet, completely enveloping the boat. NORTH GOD'S TEMPLE 101 compelling urge, a liypnotic power that too lightly on those same toes by sub- gripped him and drew him to the mys- jecting all of their shortcomings to ruth- terious and little understood regions of less yet just criticism. the north magnetic pole. Darius Nor- Now he had to gain their support ton was a man transformed with de- and co-operation, for in these depressed sire; his serenity had been caught in a times expeditions could not be authorized, cyclone that tore it to shreds. Into the even by the director of the world's larg- chemistry of Professor Norton had been est museum, without reasons more sub- poured a reagent that took complete con- stantial than the desire to follow ethereal trol of him. From that day on there was thought waves coming from nowhere. but one meaning of life for him—ex- He would have to resort to a subter- plore this mystery—and do so at once. fuge. Professor Norton's eyes swept over HE operated the magnetograph again the faces of his staff and he placed his and again, but the instrument was long index finger on a map of the Arctic mute except for its orthodox function of regions and boomed: "This was the recording the strength and direction of location of the north magnetic pole the magnetic force. But he had enough during the Archaeozoic Era two thou- to go by. A sixth sense told him that sand million years ago, when the great he must first reach Tana Fiord, on the planet that moved bet\veen the orbits of northern coast of far-off Norway. An Mars and Jupiter disintegrated into what expedition? That was it. And with- we now call the asteroids." out further delay Professor Norton set His colleagues waited in silence for about to do something that, under ordi- their director to continue. nary circumstances, his integrity would "As you know, my observations and never have permitted him to consider. calculations prove that during the period He summoned his staff to the confer- of disintegration, countless niiilions of ence room. First and foremost was particles were violently hurled into space, Raymond Cullen, his assistant and per- and their path was such that many of haps the only man in whom he had them were carried within the orbit of ever fully confided. The gigantic frame the earth. They struck our planet at of Darius Norton, his flaming red beard, some heretofore unknown spot, but now, his eyes that flashed out to the world, since my calculations and magnetograph the fanatic impulses of pure genius that observations have definitely fixed the lo- motivated the man, plus a tongue ever cation of the shifting magnetic pole dur- ready to cast forth acid irony, made it ing that period as the northernmost part exceedingly difficult to find any one pos- of Norway on the shores of the Arctic sessing sufficient courage and tolerance Sea, it is there that I expect to find to penetrate to the man's inner self. fragments of that once great planet." As director of the Cosmopolitan Mu- "But what has the magnetic pole to seum he had a staff of archeologists, do with these meteorites.*'" Raymond paleontologists and other scientists, who Cullen puzzled. had been acclaimed the world over for achievements in their respective fields. pROFESSOR NORTON pointed his Yet it was always the professor's theory bristling red beard toward liis ques- that the best way to further develop tioner. "The meteorites, as you call good men was to constantly keep them them, are composed of highly magnetic on their toes, and, in fact, to tread none metals that were once a part of this : — 102 AMAZING STORIES disintegrated planet." His booming voice the lure of many fascinating discoveries. was tinged with sarcasm that never Professor Norton held up his hand failed to exasperate his listeners. "And for silence. "We are scheduled to leave as you know, CuUen, magnets have the in ten days, gentlemen," he boomed. peculiar property of attracting other ***** magnetic substances, as a simple experi- THE rusty old tramp steamer "Sea- ment will convince you." horse" rounded North Cape after Cullen reddened, but he did not ap- twenty-two pitching and groaning pear oifended ; the others chuckled softly days across the Atlantic and up into to themselves. So long as Norton hadn't the Arctic Sea. Professor Darius Nor- directed his shaft of sarcasm at them, ton, who had irritated himself into a they could enjoy his sallies at the black gloom, from which not even his expense of some one else. But the next own witty flashes of irony served to moment they glanced wryly at one an- elevate him, now became more tractable other when the director stared fixedly as the end of the voyage loomed into at each of them in turn, and, in the sight. He had taken Ray Cullen and tone of voice he would have used in four other associates from the museimi, inquiring into the cause of some un- and, in addition, Dr. Zuggler of the pleasant phenomenon that perplexed him, University of Copenhagen had joined growled: "I wonder, gentlemen, why it the expedition at Stavanger, Norway. is that I was destined to be endowed There was also a group of technicians with the most stupid staff ever assem- and artisans, as well as laborers, who bled under the roof of any museum? were to attend to the mechanical de- But you will undoubtedly be glad to tails of the heavy excavation work that know that I will not be compelled to Norton anticipated. rely upon your brains to produce any In spite of the director's dour manner epoch-making ideas when we rearch the and his ever-ready sarcasm, be had site of our excavations. All we will endeared himself to all on board, from need there is some brawn. Here, here! laborer to distinguished scientist. There Don't look at me with those bovine ex- was something lovable about the man's pressions. I'll make it plain: you guys idiosyncrasies, backed as they were by will have to spit on your hands and his superb intelligence. They all noticed dig!" how fanatic he was in his eagerness to For a moment there was no sound reach the site of the excavation, and except the sharp intaking of breaths by long before the "Seahorse" steamed into the eight men around the table. Then the mouth of Tana Fiord his geologist's a babble of excited voices broke out tools and instruments were packed in a How soon _were they to leave? How bag and on deck, ready to be taken many of them were to go? Would ashore. they be finished before winter locked "Cullen"—his voice rumbled loudly in the northland in its icy hold ? They the silence of the lonely sea, and re- were young again, alive with the en- echoed from the bleak shore line thusiasm of youth for adventure in far "there's something here that's big—I feel lands. There was not an individual it, can't keep my mind thinking ration- who had not roamed back and forth ally; it wanders to all sorts of im- over the world many times in the per- possible and crazy notions. "I feel" formance of his work, yet each expedi- he pitched his voice low until it was tion was a fresh adventure, holding on no louder than a hoarse whisper—"that NORTH GOD'S TEMPLE 103 there is something pulling me to these rail not an instant too soon. The pro- " shores and that I will discover fessor had strained his body far beyond the limits of safety, and even as he BEFORE Norton could finish, he lurched toward the water, the two men was hurled off his feet, along with clutched his legs and hauled him in- every one else on deck, by the sudden board. The fact that he did not strug- stopping of the vessel, which halted its gle, or even take notice of his rescuers, headway as effectively as if a giant hand indicated that suicide had never entered had clutched its keel. There was no his mind. It was some dreadful fascina- impact, as would have been the case tion, some unknown and terrible force if a subterranean reef had been struck, that had almost drawn him into the or even the soft drag offered by ground- seething white waters. Toward what, ing on a bank of mud. Instead, the Cullen wondered. vessel was sucked down until her rails They hurried him to his cabin, with- were awash, then released to bob up out being able to make head or tail of like a cork, while the propellers churned his mutterings. Even after he had the water futilely. Slowly the unseen been given a stiff jolt of Scotch, he force swung the vessel around until her remained inarticulate and groped with bow pointed in the direction from which unseeing eyes at the bed-clothes in his she had come, and, as mysteriously as berth. she had stopped, she churned ahead "Go call the doctor to look—him over** again. —Cullen drew Gregg aside "and then It aU happened so fast that no cry we had better take turns to see that of alarm had been raised by those on he stays put until we get ashore.** board. Now the men on deck rushed to the stern to gaze shudderingly at a WHEN the expedition disembarked seething maelstrom of boiling water on the rocky coast and set up from which the vessel had emerged. camp, Professor Norton became quite "What in the name of the devil could normal in his actions. He directed the that have been?" Cullen asked Arche- work of erecting the tents and preparing olc^ist Gregg, alongside of him. the equipment for excavating. Only by Gregg shook his head in bewilderment, Iiis recurring fits of moodiness* did he then pointed excitedly toward a figure give evidence of something weighing on leaning out over the stem. his mind. And on frequent occasions "Good God, Cullen, is that Professor he stole away from the camp, carrying Norton?" he whispered, not daring to his magnetograph, and made for the believe his eyes. headland, from which he stared fixedly It was indeed the professor. But the out over the fiord toward the spot where man had been transformed into a strange the ship had been held fast by that mys- creature; his huge frame had dwarfed terious force. It was during these pe- into the malformed body of a hunch- riods that Ray CuUen so worried about back, his defiantly flowing red beard the red-bearded giant that he invariably hung like a tattered curtain from a stalked him to the bluff, managing to trembling cbin, while the deeply tanned keep out of sight, yet staying close color of his face had blanched into the enough to be able to reach the profes- whiteness of the snow on the distant sor's side almost instantly if needed. mountain peaks. Whether by design or coincidence, Cullen and Gregg reached the taff- about a week after the party had landed 104 AMAZING STORIES on the bleak northern shore, Norton boat was directly over the spot where dispatched Cullcn with a group of labor- the "Seahorse" had been held helpless, ers to start the excavation work at a verified his suspicion. point he designated some distance in- land. As Gregg was also assigned to JUST as his fumbling hands finally the group, there was no one to whom focused his binoculars, a geyser of CuUen could confide his fears for the water shot up into the air for what professor's safety. So it was with mis- must have been a height of a hundred giving that he got under way with his feet, completely enveloping the boat- men and equipment. No sooner had the When the geyser subsided in a seething partj' disappeared from sight beyond the whirlpool, the boat and its red-bearded ridge of the hill, than Norton hastened occupant had vanished from sight! for the shore, where the metal rowboat "Good Lord !" Cullen exclaimed, then belonging to the expedition, was beached. ran like mad toward the camp for help He hunched his giant frame to the in launching the heavy motor boat that task and hauled the heavy craft down was lying far up on the beach. The over the rock-strewn beach into the. entire population of the camp rushed water. With sinewy arms he sped the down and hauled the vessel out into the boat over the waves straight for the spot fiord. For two hours the boat chugged upon which he had focused his gleam- its way back and forth across the stretch ing eyes for many days. In his eager- of water where Cullen last saw Norton, ness to reach this mysterious location but without any results. Not a smgle he timed his strokes in a loud booming drifting object could they find which voice that penetrated the silence of the had belonged to the ill-fated professor. bleak north. "One, two, one, two, one, It was a sorrowful group of individuals two ..." he chanted as his oars flew that dragged slowly back into camp to over the water. mourn the mysterious loss of their Back beyond the hill Cullen stopped leader. to Hsten. ***** "Hear that, Gregg?" WHEN Professor Norton reached "It's Prafessor Norton," the archeolo- the mouth of the fiord, his mind gist cried with comiction. suddenly became rational. The Cullen glanced at the man signifi- mysterious force, this obsession, that had cantly. "I'm going back there ; some- numbed his sound reasoning and trans- thing's up." And he was ofiE on a run formed his mind into a thing of blind without waiting for Gregg's reply. Gregg impulse, the inexplicable power that had joined him. drawn him to this horrible, yet fasci- Panting for breath, Ray reached the nating spot, now left him. At once he headland and scanned the choppy waters realized the danger of his position, but of the fiord. Almost a mile out he spot- it was too late to do anything. ted a tiny object bobbing up and down With a hiss like the bursting of a as it rose on the crest of a wave, then hundred water mains, a geyser of spray disappeared into the trough of the sea. and water shot up all around him, as There was no doubt in his mind that an irresistible whirpool caught his boat it was the rowboat with Norton in it, in its vortex and twirled it around with as there was no other human being in the speed of a swift moving centrifuge. that vicinity, who could have been out The cry of anguish that escaped from upon the water. And the fact that the Norton's lips was drowned in the cres- NORTH GOD'S TEMPLE 105 cendo of swirling waters that sucked his graph he fished out of the locker, along vessel down into its funnel. with a box of crackers, with which he The scientist's mind went blank as had secretly stocked the row boat for he saw himself sinking into a bottomless just such an adventure. pit of green water. When he came to his senses, Norton was still in the metal "T T M. the magnetic force is stronger row boat, but he could see absolutely * than I had estimated. Proves nothing either ahead, behind or above. that slide-rule jugglery doesn't always In fact, were it not for the swish of pull the right number of rabbits out of water against the sides of the boat, he the hat." would have sworn that he had landed in He amused himself, while leisurely a coal bin in a dark cellar at midnight. crunching a cracker, by flashing the He groped his way cautiously toward search-light around and studying the the bow and then did an amazing thing. changing character of the subterranean From a locker under the forward seat passage. There was no fear that the he pulled out a dish shaped object with light would be extinguished for lack of wires dangling from it, then felt around power, as he had provided an ingenious in the dark until his fingers touched generator that operated when the swift- a switch. As he snapped it, a beam shot moving field coils in the boat cut the from the reflector he held and flooded intensive magnetic lines of force in the the course of his boat with a brilliant tunnel. Green, slime-covered walls white light. Stretching into the distance dripping with moisture, jutting rocks as far as the powerful rays could pen- that reached out their sharp points to etrate was a broad body of inky water, tear at him, the echoes of the lapping black and foreboding. As he swung waters, black slimy shapes that rose to the searchlight, the beams played upon the surface, then disappeared into the rocky walls and a high vaulted ceiling. inky water—all these would have un- Professor Norton was in a subter- nerved a man made of less stout stuff ranean sea, moving along at a tremen- than the red-bearded giant who impas- dous rate of speed, the walls flashing sively studied every passing character- past him like the sides of a tunnel istic on his strange journey. The tem- through which an express train was perature of the water was delightfully speeding! warm to his touch. He threw some chips of wood over- "Probably volcanic origin," he mused. board. In an instant they dropped be- "It's bound to become steaming hot be- hind and were lost to sight. There fore long." was no doubt about it, his vessel was But in this he was mistaken. The beii^ attracted by a powerful magnetic temperature of the water dropped stead- force, as there was absolutely no cur- ily, the air in the passage became chilly, rent drift in the direction he was and finally frost appeared on the rocky traveling. ledges. Professor Norton donned thft Professor Norton chuckled softly to parka he had previously removed and himself: "H I had told Cullen and the was thankful for its comforting warmth. rest of the gang that I expected all this Soon slabs of floating ice appeared, they would have had me in a strait- first as white patches in the distance, jacket before I could have finished my then the floes became denser until Nor- story.** ton peered with some alarm ahead of Then he consulted a portable magneto- him to see a solidly frozen sheet stretch- 106 AMAZING STORIES ing blue-white into the remote distance. ice and sailing beyond into open water. It was only a matter of seconds be- The frozen sheet had terminated, and fore he would be hurled at express his course now lay through water once speed against this sheet of ice which again. But a new element entered to would surely crumple the thin metal disturb his equilibrium. The hours of hull as if it were an egg shell. He had friction over the ice had worn the keel to act quickly ; no time to lose now. of the boat down until it traveled along Just as the little vessel reached the on the unprotected plates of the bottom, solid ice, he threw his weight into the wearing the metal so thin that the water stern, and the bow of the craft shot squirted into the boat in a heavj- spray. high into the air. The bottom struck Norton seized a scoop and began to with a sickening thud that threw Nor- bail furiously, not daring to stop even ton's head forward until he thought that long enough to take his bearings. How it had parted company with his spine; long he had slept, or how far he had then, at slackened speed, the boat con- traveled during that time he had no way tinued over the rough ice pack to the of determining. smooth frozen surface, over which it It was nip and tuck now between the fairly zoomed like a swift flying bird. rise of the water in the bottom of the The powerful force had converted the boat and the speed with which he metal craft into an ice-boat that slid could work the scoop. Hour after hour along on its keel strips. Norton took he kept bailing, but it was a losing fight. a deep breath of relief, then huddled Slowly the water rose, first to his in the bottom with the searchlight pressed ankles, next half way up his leg—th^n close to his body for warmth. the light went out. The generator, which he had failed to inclose in a waterproof HE consulted his black note book. housing, had been short-circuited. True, Yes, at the estimated rate of sev- there was his pocket flashlight, but he enty-five miles an hour in a westerly must conserve the precious batteries for direction he would reach his destination future emergencies, for only God knew in about fifty hours, after passing be- when he would be able to find his way neath the Arctic Ocean, glacier-covered out of this dismal subterranean chamber. Greenland, Baffin Bay, Baffin Land and the Gulf of Boothia. But fifty hours ^ITITH head bent low and his mind spent in this weird, lonely place, speed- ' ' on the immediate task of bailing, ing like mad toward an unknown des- Norton did not see the dark solid mass tination, was not any too pleasant to that loomed up ahead. Steadily the contemplate, even for such a staunch- boat bore down upon this obstruction. A hearted scientist as Norton. If be had collision was inevitable. As the bow of only taken Cullen into his confidence the vessel crashed into an unyielding he was sure that his good friend would substance, the professor jerked his head have joined him without an instant's around and tried to jump. But it was too hesitation. But now it was too late. late. With irresisiible force the boat tele- The song of the runners over tlie ice scoped itself into buckled and twisted made him drowsy ; he dozed off, and steel plates. Norton's body fetched up finally fell into a deep sleep. hard against a hard substance and every- "Crunch, splash !'* thing went black. His slumber was brought to an abrupt Slowly consciousness returned to the end by the boat breaking through the man. Living fires were searing his ! ! NORTH GOD'S TEMPLE 107 frame; warmfi red blood oozed from a When he attempted to walk he found dozen cuts and scratches; one arm himg his back glued to the wall. He tugged immobile and useless, with a broken col- and pulled frantically, but to no avail. lar-bone protruding through the torn Then he grinned sheepishly and reached flesh. around for an object in his hip pocket. Looking around with dazed eyes, Nor- The heavy automatic pistol he pulled out ton found himself on a narrow plateau immediately flew from his grasp, crashed above the reach of the water. What re- solidly against the wall, and stuck there mained of the boat had probably sunk It was the steel of the pistol which had from sight when he was hurled clear held him. He was now released and of the wreckage. free. Cautiously he stretched out one leg, "Magnetite; although a thousand then the other. They, at least, were times more powerful," he exclaimed, ex- intact. After a half dozen exhausting amining the substance closely, ''yet it is attempts, he was able to raise his body different from any mineral found on on his shaky legs, and hold himself erect our earth. Yes, I am positive that this by leaning heavily against a cold, hard structure was hurled from some far wall. Now he became curious. The planet." And he whispered in an awed scientist within him had taken control voice : "The message was right, it must over the obstacle of physical pain and be the Temple of the Magnetic God!" mental fatigue. He ran his Iiand up Working his way cautiously around and down the side of the massive ob- the base of the structure, which he ject. It was glass-smooth to the touch. found to be octagonal and approximately With his good arm he managed to reach fifty feet across, he came to the entrance the flashlight in his pocket. Luckily it he was seeking. A circular doorway, had escaped destruction. gloomy and uninviting led to the inside He swept the beam upward. There, of the temple. He had left his pistol towering some two himdred feet above adhering to the outer wall, yet without him was an obelisk-like tower of gleam- any thought of fear, he boldly entered ing ebony! A hundred windows cut and flashed his light around. The next its smooth surface, while at the top, moment he regretted his lack of caution. crowning the summit, was a huge ball studded with crystal windows that AS he turned his head he drew back flashed back his light in a cascade of ** with a jump, to stare right into spectral colors. the vacant eye sockets of a monstrous Norton's eyes gleamed with a fanatic skull! And strewn about within the fire. Here was his goal, the proof that chamber were hundreds of other skulls his researches and experiments had not and bones of the creatures who had been misdirected worshipped and died here. The air was The base of the obelisk flared out to dank with the odor of death and decay, the platform on which he stood, and the walls were festooned with rotted then disappeared from sight under the draperies, the floor slimy from the ebb inky water. How much of it was below and flow of the water that had flooded the surface Norton had no means of the place periodically. knowing, but he judged that at least He nerved himself to examine the re- seventy-five feet would be needed to mains more closely. The hones were stably support the mass of the huge green with mould and crumbled to pow- tower. der at his touch. It was evident at a 108 AMAZING STORIES glance that the creatures who had used ascent. After considerable scratching the temple for worship were not human around he found the combination, and beings in any sense o£ the word as ap- as he pushed a button the trap-door sank plied upon the earth. down slightly then slid aside, revealing The skull was massive, measuring a car tliat resembled a huge iron pot. more than a foot across and shaped not Boldly he stepped into it, and taking a unlike that of a huge bird, yet it had a chance, pulled a lever that projected high and deep cranium, denoting the from its side. At once the released possession of an enormous degree of in- vehicle shot up into the air and entered telligence. The thorax was short, and the opening like the plunger of a the thigh bones of the four legs un- solenoid. Up it went, until it came to believably small; but the two arms, rest at the first level. terminating in delicate phalanges in- Eagerly Norton stepped out into a dicated that the creature had twelve ex- laboratory that was filled with strange tremely sensitive fingers that could only looking machinery and instruments. have been possessed by a race skilled in With the eagerness of a small boy in performing precision work or operating a toy shop, the red-bearded scientist complicated machines. minutely examined ever)' item and with fond hands caressed the fine mechanisms. Glancing up from the bones at his Some of them he understood, but there feet. Professor Norton's eyes riveted was much more that puzzled him. themselves upon a circular opening in The problem of descending in the the middle of the vaulted roof. The elevator was solved when after trying the opening appeared small to him below, various controls in the car, he discovered but it was undoubtedly large enough the one that served to neutralize the mag- to admit the priests of the temple to the netic force, permitting the car to drop chambers where they had Hved and by gravity. worked. The shaft was as smooth as On an upper level he found the elec- the bore of a shot gun, and he could trical generating plant in an operative detect no means of reaching it to gain condition. Fortunately all the metals access to the upper part of the temple. used by these creatures were non-cor- "They might have used ladders," he rosive, which accounted for the perfect mused, "but creatures possessing the preservation of the equipment. He intelligence of these surely must have threw a switch, and at once the room, employed a more efficient system—some and in fact the entire tower, lit up tj-pe of elevator, perhaps." with a soft sea-green light that illum- This thought gave him an idea. He inated perfectly without dazzling the took out his pocket knife held it in and eyes. Now he had sufficient light to his "Whizz ! It was the palm of hand. continue his search for the thing that aloft straight into the shaft. whisked had lured him into making this perilous "That's the answer, a magnetic ele- journey—the Records of the Magnetic vator! Now, to find the car." God which he instinctively felt must be He kicked away some rubbish and hidden somewhere in this very tower. bones and discovered a circular trap door directly below the shaft. At first TT was three days before his search he imagined that it led to the basement was rewarded by finding the records of the structure, but he now realized that in a sealed chamber at the summit of it had some bearing upon the mode of the temple. The records consisted of a NORTH GOD'S TEMPLE 109 strip of metal tape, wound on a reel, like once moved majestically between the a motion picture film. The tape ran orbits of Mars and Jupiter, harboring a through a complicated looking apparatus race of intelligent and scientifically ad- composed of coils of wire and tubes, to vanced people who chose for their god reappear on a take-up reel at the other that fatlier of all power. Magnetism. end. And near by was the fast disinte- Then came the catastrophe , . . the fierce grating remains of the last of the Mag- terrifying temblors of their plaaet . . . netic people. Judging by the condition its cleavage into a million fragments, of its body it must have been alive not which were hurled far into space . . . many months ago. the landing of the temple upon the "This device must be the one that planet earth in what was now called translates the magnetic impressions into Tana Fiord. Deep into the bowels of thought waves, and was apparently the earth, into a subterranean sea, the majestic carrying operated recently by this creature to temple bored its way, its load of creatures. During its swift send out the very waves that I was able highly to intercept with my magnetograph back passage, the magnetized temple induced its magnetism into the body of in the museum ! Now to get it working again ..." iron ore through which it passed, and it was this force that held the "Seahorse" This, however, was no easy task. Day in its grip and pulled Professor Norton's after day he drove his pain-racked body boat into the passage, For on the earth to the almost helpless problem of dis- there was no magnetic force prior to the covering the riddle of this complicated coming of the Temple of the Magnetic piece of apparatus. It was not until God ; this was the beginning, the origin three weeks that the tape gave up its of the mysterious terrestrial magnetism. secret. But in his weakened condition Gradually the creatures adapted them- Norton felt but scant triumph. His selves to the strange underground ex- wounds pained excruciatingly and the istence and managed to survive. They broken collar-bone was an added source soon discovered that their huge magnetic of worry, although he had managed to temple appeared to change its location bind his arm securely to avoid moving periodically. This was explained by it. the tendency of the magnetic drag, At first he had faced starvation with created by the tower, to hold it station- a stoical calmness, but the pangs of ary, while the earth whirled around and hunger had driven him to swallow some away from it on its axis. The drag pills that appeared palatable, whereupon served to retard it so that it apparently he discovered that they contained all the made a complete circle around the nourishment he would need for many north axis of the globe every 480 days. years.* the brain of the red-bearded Now into "Exactly the same period as the sec- scientist the machine flashed the story ular change of declination of the mag- worshipped of the great race who had netic pole!" Norton exclaimed. "I won- " in the Temple of the Magnetic God. And der these thought-waves impressed upon his * It b38 been long known ibat the raafnetic north pole mind the struggles, the triumphs, the does not coincide, with the true north pole, or the end ot the earth's axii. This affects the course of ships at sea, ultimate disasters that will always be and is^ calied declination or variation. Not only does thin variation differ ia yarioua parts of the earth, but it is the lot of all creatures of the universe. constantly shifEinK in a westerly direclioO at the rate of one Complete cycle in 480 yean. At present the north magnetic pole is on Boothia Peninsula records told of a far planet that in Canada, The proximately 70° north latitude and 96* west longitude. ! : —:! 110 AMAZING STORIES Lr IS musings were interrupted by maelstrom to disappear with a horrify- an awesome swirling sound. He ing scream . . . * * looked down from the window at the top of the temple to see the black water CULLEN stood on the bridge of surging upwards at an alarming rate. the "Seahorse" when she slowly Down in the lower chambers the re- steamed into a cove on Boothia mains of the magnetic creatures, the Peninsula. Tucked away in Professor machinery and the debris were already Norton's duffle bag he found a hastily swishing about. Now the water reached scrawled note. It read the generators; the lights grew dim and "It is futile to try to find me as by went out. Norton climbed up high in the time you read this I will be dead or the dome of the temple, clinging to a many miles from here. There is one projecting ledge with his good arm. chance. Leave here at once and proceed With blood-shot eyes he watched the to Boothia Peninsula, to site of present black, inky fluid rush in through the magnetic north pole and wait. Norton." elevator shaft, wash away the translator Now CuUen was taking readings of machines and the precious Records of the force from the near-by magnetic pole the Magnetic God and reach relentlessly with a unifUar magnetometer, when the upward to gather him in its clutches. needle of the instrument began to swing wildly. In his excitement he yanked the Suddenly Norton held his breath and whistle cord to call his colleagues. The listened. Clearly he could hear it! Or screech of the whistle reverberated over was it a delusion? Coming from far the silent wastes and re-echoed from the off was the screech of the "Seahorse's" distant ice caps. It reached into the far whistle corners of the north countrv-. and deep The Temple of the Magnetic God into the bowels of the earth where the swayed dangerously as Darius Norton man who had discovered the secret of struggled desperately to maintain his the magnetic pole, sank with his secret, precarious hold. Then the water reached into the waters that buried him forever for him and sucked him into the seething within the North God's Temple. The End OTTO VON GUERICKE-PHLOGISTON We publish a most interesting letter from "And here is an interesting point on the old Mr. Johii A. Campbell, Jr. Some months ago 'phlogiston' theory that I read recently. Re- in an editorial we spoke of an "error" in me- member that 'phlogiston' didn't really flourish chanics which was perpetrated by von Guericke after the weight experiments, so the futile at- in having one team of horses pull against an- tempts made to carry it over aren't true criteria other in demonstrating the Magdeburg hemis- of its worth. pheres. Eight horses would have done as well "But—for 'phlogiston' substitute the phrase as sixteen, if he had tied his hemispheres to a 'potential energy' and the old boys were dead tree. right. They would say Carbon phlogiston "Your editorial interested me, as usual, but — carbon dioxide. While we now agree that / disagree with your point on von Guericke's Carbon—potential energj'—carbon dioxide. In hemispheres. I always felt the old boy was a other words, 'phlogiston' was potential energy darned good showman as well as a scientist. Hitching sixteen horses, against each other, is "As a hobby, mainly, I'm working on a fuel at least twice us spectacular as eight horses and battery. I have one made up in a water glass that will give as high as per a tree. If I hai been in his place, I would do 8 watts cell, and three cells run fcshlight the same. There is tnore energy in a pint of a bulb.—It polarizes gasoline than in a stick oi dynamite—but most though—but nevertheless it is a fuel battery." people don't believe it. —Joa.N W. Campbell, Jt Ill Shot Into Space By ISAAC R. NATHANSON This is a very interesting story of what might happen in the future to a high- speed rocket plane. A runaway horse is really a pretty serious thing in many cases, but he covers his mile at a mere fraction of the rate of a rocket plane, and this ^or^ tells us the adventures of some brave men who were rocketed off into space. lUustrated by MOREY ROOSEVELT FIELD was a Meteor, her shining wings proudly poised scene of buzzing excitement. hke some huge bird ready for flight ; on A vast multitude had gathered her glistening sides emblazoned the con- ^to witness the daring pioneers fident legend, "America to Europe in take off in their new rocket- Three Hours." Near the entrance stood plane on the widely heralded flight to the two men who were about to make "Europe in three hours." history: Joshua Malcolm, inventor and From all sides they came; on foot and pilot of the Meteor, and his aid and co- by motor, by train, by airplane and every pilot. Edward King. other conveyance ; crowding the highways The great moment had arrived ; every- and byways and every approach to the thing was in readiness. With a wave of famous laudlng-ficid, eager and curious the hand to the expectant multitude, the to be on hand for the epochal event. An brave aviators stepped inside and closed army of guards were heroically battling the hermetically sealed entrance to the to keep the turbulent masses from over- double-shelled body. The faint hum of running the entire field. Itching fingers, the air-conditioning machinery inside idle hands were with difficulty kept at a could be heard; the two aviators at the proper distance from the precious plane. controls were visible through the quart- Three hours to Europe! A Combina- zite ports. A strange silence fell on the tion rocket-plane under full control, that immense multitude. was to cleave through the rarified atmos- At the signal, the propellers began to phere twenty to fifty miles above the spin. The Meteor moved forward, gath- earth's surface at unheard of speed 1 ered momentum, took off lightly as a It had never been tried before. Could feather; and, engines roaring, sailed they do it? Would they burst to pieces? away. Would they land alive? On every hand A thousand feet up and rising steadily, doubts and wonder were freely expressed; her stem rocket tubes suddenly flared. the tense excitement attaining a high Up, up and away the Meteor shot, leav- pitch, as the moment for the great take- ing behind a long blazing trail from her off drew near. fiery rockets ; and soon disappeared into At one end of the field, carefully the azure deeps of the sky. cleared of all obstructions, rested the Fifty miles up, the powerful liquid 112 AMAZING STORIES Slowly ke backed away and stood in the corner of the cabin, cots^ed into furious submission by the levelled automatic in the hands oj his companion. SHOT INTO SPACE 113 propellant, hissing from the rocket tubes in which the other lay struck him as with explosive force, was driving the ludicrous in the extreme; face turned vessel toward its goal in distant France sideways on the floor, knees grotesquely at a speed of upwards of twelve hundred drawn up under him; his position against miles per hour. Soon they were far out the corner of the wall preventing him over the billowing Atlantic; the steady from rolling over. A pool of blood thrust of their rocket tubes speeding them trickled on the floor. on and on, higher and faster than any Collecting himself, Josh tried to walk human being had ever gone before. toward his fallen comrade; felt himself They had been on the way half an queerly light, swayed dizzily and fell hour, Josh Malcolm and Ed King, as they featherlike to the floor. Everything was sat at the controls, thrilling at their suc- swimming and turning, Yet, oddly cess so far. Inside their vessel every- enough, he had a sensation of utter calm thing was perfectly comfortable; the and rest, as if they had landed some- means for controUing the air pressure where. and temperature necessary to withstand He closed his eyes for a few moments; the conditions which obtain at such ex- then, feeling better, raised himself to a treme heights were operating perfectly. sitting position and looked around. He Suddenly a frightful explosion shook was strangely puzzled by what greeted the machine. As if some giant hand had his eyes. Outside, the sky was a dead all at once picked them up, they felt black, brilliantly studded with stars that themselves hurled forward like a shot. blazed as he had never seen them blaie The two men were thrown headlong, before. And yet—and this puzzled him stunned into blank unconsciousness. the more—brilliant sunshine was stream- ing in through the qiiartz-glass ports on FOR a long time they were totally the startboard side. Otherwise, outside oblivious to all that was transpiring. of the soft purring of the air-conditioning Had an observer been present, he would machinery, everything was quiet as a have thought both had been killed by tomb. the sudden shock. Still puzzled, and wondering whether Josh Malcolm was the first to come to he was still in the flesh or only in thit his senses. Dazedly he stirred and looked spirit, he made his way unsteadily, with about him out of blood-shot eyes. A a feeling of utter weightlessness, to where fearful bump showed on his forehead. his companion lay. Ed was breathing. Blood was oozing from an ugly gash in From a frightful gash on his head and the Kalp, head aching abominably, an from battered mouth, blood was flowing. excruciating pain in his right shoulder. Quickly as he could Josh stanched the He found it hard to collect his thoughts, flow. The unconscious man slowly re- and strove to rise, but fell back with a vived, his eyes rolling wildly with pain groan. and fright. Gradually his senses came back ; he re- Presently with clearing minds, they membered. He sat up, supporting him- took stock of themselves. Both were still self unsteadily and looked around. weak and dizzy from the shock and loss Heaven, what had happened ! Everything of blood; but otherwise they suffered inside the Meteor seemed as before. His from no broken bones nor serious injury. eyes roved to where Ed King was lying Upon looking out of the ports, they all in a heap, still unconscious—or dead. beheld an amazing sight. Aft of the To Malcolm's dazed senses, the position Meteor, looming indescribably large, was ! — 114 AMAZING STORIES a brilliant globe, many times larger than "What do you mean?" the full moon; the wanly shining lunar "I mean that we are in His hands orb by its side dwarfed and paled into God help us." insignificance by the size and briUiancy Ed stared at Josh in an uncomprehend- of the larger globe. In unbelieving amaze- ing manner, a look of terror gradually ment they stood and gazed on the won- bulging his eyes wide open. derful spectacle; the truth beginning to "We are now about thirty thousand dawn on their surprised senses. miles from the earth," explained Josh "Heavens!" exclaimed Josh Malcolm; to his terrified companion, "and still re- "it looks as if we have shot away from ceding with the rate due to an initial the earth altogether 1" velocity of 6.95 miles per second. As near as I can figure out, the sudden ex- A STRANGE unlocked for thing had plosion of an enormous amount of the happened indeed. Something had liquid propellant, coming just as we were gone wrong, causing an enormous amount already moving through the vacuous at- of the liquid propellant to explode all in mosphere at twelve hundred miles an hour one charge instead of firing steadily and clip, shot up far out into space. Lucky under control, hurling the speeding Me- we weren't killed outright—perhaps un- teor far out into space away from the lucky," he added gloomily. "A trifle earth. The terrific force of the explosion larger explosion, or at the rate of 6.98 tore away a large portion of the stern, miles per second, and we should have inchiding some of the rocket tubes, but left the gravitational pull of the earth fortunately leaving intact the air-right forever—although we are just as bad off cabin and other vital parts. either way. The Meteor is now a satellite Experienced scientist and navigator of the earth—at least for a time." that he was, it did not take Josh Malcohn "But isn't there some way we may very long to calculate within fairly close guide her back to the earth?" came croak- limits, their true position in space, and ingly from Ed, who seemed to shrink whither they were going—and they were within himself. not heading for the earth Josh shook his head mournfully. "None "Well—?" questioningly from Ed that I can see. This vessel was not de- King, who stood near, as the other pushed signed for that purpose. If I start the back the sheets of paper on which he rocket tubes again we'll only shoot along had just completed a long series of math- faster, and leave the earth altogether. At ematical calculations. "How do we present I can see no way to change our stand ?" line of movement." Josh looked up, stared steadily at his The expression of wild terror in Ed's companion, a serious expression in his countenance heightened, and he turned dark brown eyes, seemingly hesitant about away. "God, but I'm thirsty," he ex- speaking his thoughts. claimed presently; "I must have a drink." "Well, what have you figured out?" Ed "Wait, Ed; go slow," Josh cried, jump- spoke up impatiently ; "are we on the way ing up excitedly; the effort bouncing him ?" to Heaven, or— clear to the ceiling, from which he fell "Ed, I'm afraid we're in for it. I'm slow-motion-like, back to the floor, be- loth to tell you where we are going; but wildered and surprised at his inability to we're not bound for our world. In fact, control his motions. "You know our we're not going an}'\vhere in particular supply is very limited. We've got to cot- " —^just going." serve, or SHOT INTO SPACE 115 "T DONT give a damn—^the sooner shrinking in size, hung in the dark depths X over with it the better. Besides I'm of space; so tantalizingly near it seemed. terribly thirsty and I've got to have a It loomed big and beautiful, the ever drink." He looked belligerently at his changing outlines on its surface appear- companion, ing, disappearing; now becoming sharp, "Well, you know what I mean, Ed. here and there hazy and melting. The I realize you're thirsty after your loss of smaller ball of the moon seemed pale and blood; and so am I. But we must ration insignificant beside the kaleidoscopic as- our supply sensibly. Otherwise " with pect of the brilliantly colorful primary. this, Josh with some difficulty got be- But the two doomed pioneers now had tween Ed and the all too mournfully no eye nor thought for the magnificent small container. Carefully he drew a spectacle thus vouchsafed to no other small quantity of the precious fluid and living men. Hunger and thirst were tear- handed it to Ed, who drank eagerly. Josh ing at their vitals. Stark fear and linger- drew an equally small portion and drank ing death within; pitiless, cold space with- himself. out. Then they ruefully examined their all Of the two, Josh Malcolm was hold- too meager larder. Not counting on an ing out better, as men of stronger mind extended trip, they had taken along a and nerve usually do. He took the dread- limited quantity of food. In fact, Ed had ful predicament with remarkable stoicism. thought it foolish to take along anything The other, however, was becoming in- but a few sandwiches at the most. But creasingly restless; stark terror stamping Josh, who was of an extremely provident him with its indelible mark. nature, had decided it prudent, in the Carefully and meticulously Josh ra- possibility of a forced landing, to take tioned out their dreadfully fast dwindling along a small supply of food and water. supply of food and water; the while his A careful analysis of their dreadful companion watched his every move with situation disclosed that, with extreme hus- jealous eyes. Morsel by morsel, drop by banding, they had food for a few days, drop; the tiniest crumb carefully re- water for only about a week, and, pro- trieved, their tongues licking the smallest viding nothing went wrong with the air- drop. conditioning machinery, enough air and "I can't stand this confounded thirst reserve oxygen to last twelve days at the any longer," Ed exclaimed often and very outside! again, an insane look in his eyes. More than once Josh forcibly had to FARTHER and farther from the restrain the thirst-maddened man from planet circled the two unfortunate draining the pitifully limited supply still men in their craft, their little world on hand. At times they came near to an infinitesimal speck in the immensities blows. Josh slept fitfully with one eye of space. literally open, the precious remainder of For days it had now been going on; food and water at his side. More than the same cramped life, the same dreadful once he barely prevented the other from doom clutching at their hearts. To the helping himself while he slept, awaken- despairing aviators it seemed that they ing just in time to frustrate Ed's selfish were besieged—the mighty power of the attempt. The last time he was forced infinite outside grimly waiting for their to strike the maddened man a sharp blow end. on the face to cause hira to desist; and The huge ball of the earth, gradually a fight was narrowly averted. 116 AMAZING STORIES "We might as well eat and drink what false hopes, Ed," he spoke sadly ; "but I is hit," Ed said, "and end it all the guess I rejoiced too soon. I find that sooner. I can't stand it." though our centrifugal force is not equal To these demands Josh was adamant. to the gravitational pull of the earth, and His was the type of character that holds though as a consequence we are now be- out unflincliingly to the end, never giv- ginning to fall back to it—I fear too ing up. He continued a close watch on slowly to save us. It will take about a his companion. week before we approach the upper at- Interminably the long minutes and the mosphere, close enough for our wings to hours dragged by: each minute a day; take hold and maneuver a landing. By each hour a year. Would the end never that time ... I don't think we shall be come? alive." It was true. At first imperceptibly, THREE days since their last crumb then at an accelerating rate, the Meteor had been consumed. They were was drawing closer and closer to the famished and weak from hunger. A few earth. The initial momentiun of its small rations of water still remained to radial component was exhausted. Gravita- them, and when that was gone . . . Al- tion was now forcing it earthward; at ready they were drawing on their last first slowly, then faster and faster; until reserve of compressed air and oxygen. it would approach the planet with the The air inside was none too pure. same velocity of 6.95 miles per second Every plan of forcing their living tomb with which it departed. earthward was futile; in fact there was Josh took careful stock of their remain- no way for them to do so. They had no ing few drinks of water and small supply equipment even for going outside—no of air. "Only enough air for five days such contingency had been counted on by at the most, Ed. We may last without tlie inventor. The end now could not be food—but the water and air . . . Not far off. enough for two. We are doomed!" Josh still kept up his daily observa- "You mean—our present supply is tions, doggedly making calculations. He just enough for—for—that one could ?" found that tiie radial velocity of the survive Meteor was gradually diminishing to Josh nodded. "I think so." to about "But no chance for the of zero ; by this time having receded two us?" 300,000 miles from the earth—fortunate- The other shook his head negatively. ly in a direction away from the orbit of Silently he turned to one of the ports the moon. and stood staring long and hopelessly at Then one day, as days were counted by the pitiless emptiness without his chronometer, his face llghlcned up. He heard a movement behind him, and Eagerly he went over his equations. wheeled around. "Ed, he shouted joyfully, "we are drawing closer to the earth." 'VE just got to have a drink of that Ed stirred himself from his torpor; water." advanced eagerly toward Josh. "Are you "Not time yet, Ed ; in three hours." sure, are you sure?" His hands opened "But I tell you I must have a drink." and closed spasmodically. "In three hours we shall each take two And then, after a further look at his swallows. For God's sake, Ed, keep your calculations. Josh's face fell in hopeless senses," dejection. "I'm sorry to have raised "Well then, let's toa up: it's either you SHOT INTO SPACE 117 or I. There is not enough air and water that, locked in each other's arms; their for two; that would give one of us at mightiest blows landing feather-like, their least a chance to come through." And quickest motions ridiculously slow. It he looked craftily at Josh, greed and was like some silly dream, without con- mad cunning playing on his features. trol or effectiveness. In their ineffectual "Let's draw; and whoever loses can put struggles Ed happened to bounce clear to himself out with your automatic. I'd the other end of the cabin, and Josh re- rather die than go on any longer where trieved the automatic. there is no hope." Ed rose slowly to his feet, eyes blood- Josh shook his head. "I'll not commit shot, features distorted with meanness. murder or suicide. It's share and share Slowly he backed away and stood in the alike to the last drop and the last breath." comer of the cabin, cowed into furious "You're a fool and a coward," hissed submission by the levelled automatic in Ed. the hands of his companion, who was Josh refrained from answering, and facing him with set jaw and glinting eye. turned to look out of the window port. "Stand still and don't move, Ed; or, Suddenly Ed threw himself upon him by Heaven, so long as you are determined and snatched at his automatic, the only that one of us shall pass out—you will firearm in their possession, which Josh be the one. You're a dastardly coward, had been guarding carefully. They grap- a treacherous hyena. For shame: I pled and, both being etherially light and thought you were a man!" imsteady of foot, fell to the floor. In the Ed cowered sullenly, somewhat brought struggle which ensued. Josh wrenched to his senses. "Oh, all right ; have it the automatic from the other's hand, and your way. Soon we'll see each other in it fell like a feather to the floor out of hell anyway." the reach of either. "Yes, I will have my way. The least Weak though both were, they battled we can do in our terrible circumstance is with frenzied energy, each striving to to die like men, not like wolves. And pick up the fallen weapon. They were now let us imderstand each other : At about evenly matched for weight and the least sign of treachery on your part strength. Josh drove a hard right at Ed, again, I'll not hesitate, but shall shoot to who dodged the blow which was absurdly kill." inefTective due to their lack of weight, causing the former, however, to slip to TT^ROM then on it became a strange one knee. In a flash tlie other leaped for contest, almost a curious form of the automatic, but was tripped headlong siege. The two men kept a wary eye on as Josh entwined his arms football fash- each other, speaking but little, coming ion around the frenzied man's legs. near only when it was time for Josh to Over and over the two men rolled, pass out the scanty swallow or two of bouncing, cursing and yelling, striving for water. Ed would gulp his portion; then mastery. The none too fresh air made greedily look on as Josh slowly sipped them gasp for breath. Their struggle was his own portion, allowing the precious a tragi-comedy- farce, ludicrous in the ex- liquid to trickle slowly drop by drop past treme; for at their distance from the his swollen lips into his parched system. earth they were practically weightless, The lack of sufficient food and water their weight being only about 1/5S00 as was telling heavily. Their mouths and much as at its surface. They jumped and throats were leathery and burning dry. bounced and floated about this way and To speak even was an effort. Faces were ! 118 AMAZING STORIES gaunt and drawn; bodies thin and weak he done to deserve such a horrible fate! from hunger and thirst. All his hopes and ambitions, all the won- At times, and with increasing fre- derful things he had planned to do, to quency, Josh himself felt that something enjoy. He looked down at his feet, his within him must snap. Often he caught legs; he studied his fingers, his hands; himself shpping into momentary lapses felt of his chest, his face—what precious of consciousness, only to arouse himself things they were. And now, he would with a jerk. soon be forced to gite up his body, so For he could not trust the slowly gath- full of life and vibrant desire. ering insanity of the man before him. In their desperate phght the true charac- ED sat sullenly on the opposite side, ter of the other was showing itself—^his mumbhng and cursing to himself. selfishness, his greed and ruthlessness. Josh, too, was too weak to do more than One never knows what lurks in a man sit and hope—hope for what! What until put to the test. miracle could happen! That Ed King was determined to sur- Perhaps he was a fool. Perhaps . . . vive if possible at his expense Josh now he ought to save himself, the only last knew only too well. Except when asleep desperate thing to do. Had he not al- or in a stupor, the half insane man ways heard it said that self-preservation watched Josh's every move, never taking is the first law of nature? Assuredly the his eyes ofif him, although pretending to other would not hesitate a moment if the disinterested. well appear Full Josh knew automatic weie in his tiand ! Why not ? that even if he did agree by lot as to Did not the other, by his very act of who should remain alive with the last of treachery, forfeit his life?—he, himself their water and air, the other would not win the right to live ? Was it wrong un- abide by the draw. der the circumstance?—what would the As things stood their situation was ab- world have to say about it? what would solutely hopeless. If only they had pro- anybody else do if he were in his place? vided themselves with a slightly larger Or was he a fool to save his soul and supply of water and oxygen, just a few lose his life! more days supply—foolish if—^there Confusedly his tortured mind spun would have been strong hope for both of round and round the treadmill of his them. But now, a horrible death for the thoughts; his soul bitter as gall, his heart two was inescapable, days ere their craft full of rebellion at his terrible fate. crashed to the earth with no one alive No! He could not do it. The instinct to control its downward plunge—unless of self-sacrifice and mutual aid, developed —unless one or the other. . . . through the ages, and which had made Horrible thought! He could not bear man ^reat, setting him above the beasts, it. His fibre was not made of that stuff. was very strong in him, stronger than the Countless of his forebears, long since instincts of the tiger and the wolf. He gone and forgotten, had died for their would not purchase his life at the expense comrades and for each other, for their of another's ! He would die like a man country, for a cause. Into his innermost nature heroism had been burned on many T T E was very weak and tired. He a battlefield. He could not turn coward dared not allow himself the recup- now. erative powers of undisturbed sleep. In And yet, life was sweet. He was so that he was much worse off than his young. He hated to die thus. What had companion who perforce slept more than SHOT INTO SPACE 119 he. Josh had to snatch his sleep in fitful ishment. Josh lay down and fell into a dozes, automatic always in hand, weak- long needed sleep. ened senses on edge. During his dozes he dreamed a great ALONE in his silent tomb. A mo- deal. Always he was drinking great tionless figure, the upper part of drafts of cold water, breathing deeply of his lifeless body and his face covered, was fresh air, or feasting luxuriously. He outside, moving with the Meteor. Poor dreamed he was at home. Through the Ed. From the sunward side, the fierce open windows, looking out on their beau- rays of the sun illumined every nook and tiful garden, delightful breezes blew, cranny of the interior; oddly enough it wafting to his nostrils the sweet smell of seemed, for the brilliantly star-studded green and growing things. In front of blackness o£ space showed against the him, piled high, was a table full of food, ports. the huge pile on his own plate seemingly Inside, the air was close and fetid, growing bigger as he gorged and gorged, although, thanks to the radiant energy his wife urging him to eat, saying there of the sun, comfortably warm. He was was plenty more. And at his side was a on his last reserve of compressed air tall goblet of sparkling water which he and oxygen. emptied continuously, yet somehow ne\'er Two days since his swollen dry lips seemed to have enough. had drained the very ultimate, last drop Something made him open his eyes, he of water. Not a bit of food had passed knew not what. He had forgotten him- his mouth for over a week. Yet this he self, had fallen asleep. Over him, loom- did not mind so much. But that dreadful ing huge and gigantic to his startled thirst ! Sometimes he was tempted to senses, stood King, hand upraised, clutch- open the outer exit and let the inrushing ing a large wrench, ready to strike. cold end it all in merciful instantane- Instinctively he ducked, and received a ousness. blow on the shoulder. Before his enemy Two days yet ere the Meteor would could deliver another blow, he grappled reach the outermost molecules of the with him, striving to pull his automatic; earth's atmosphere. He must husband but the other was too quick for him, and his fast-ebbing strength; felt he could prevented him from firing. Arms wound hold out if only the air would last that around each other, they began to enact long. He knew that when his vessel be- the same tragi- farcical dance ; Ed strug- gan rushing through the outer confines of gling to free his right arm which held tlie the vaaious atmosphere, he must have wrench, the other striving to employ his sufficient strength to start the motors, firearm. must guide the craft safely to solid land Josh fought desperately with the fren- —^must not allow too swift a rush through zied half-mad King, who kicked and the heavier layers of air to prevent burn- clawed and gouged and bit. In their ing up hke a meteor. His great velocity struggles the automatic was discharged; must be retarded slowly, gradually, while a stream of bullets pierced the madman's still scores of miles up. body. He husbanded every ounce of his Josh tore himself loose. His enemy lay strength, lying perfectly still most of the quite still. He never regained conscious- time to conserve the vitiated air. Now ness. and then he continued his observations. Exhausted from the desperate struggle The Meteor was now approaching the for his life, and weak from lack of nour- earth on a fast in-running spiral. The — 120 AMAZING STORIES huge body of the planet now filled more and wings gradually reduced his velocity, than a quarter of the sky. Soon, soon, he allowed the vessel to settle lower and the crucial process of landing would tax lower. his knowledge and skill. Slowly he settled; still going at five thousand miles an hour—three thousand WHILE still miles above the surface, —two thousand — steadily decreasing. he had started the engines—a su- Lower and lower, slower and slower; the preme effort for his lone and wasted now cloudless vistas beneath drawing strength. But they were now going ; the near. Thank God I propellers spinning. He was over land ; too weak and dizzy He made ready in plenty of time. to care where; anywhere so it was a The very sound and feel of the throb- safe place to land. Green fields, trees, bing motors was like sweet music to his roofs of houses, the landscape melting ears, a sweet caress to his tortured nerves. and swimming before his eyes. His knees Not a drop of water for nearly four sagged. . . . Ah, a large open field. He days. He was gasping for the air, which must land—land. . . . was now almost unbreathable. Any un- A heavy thud. As if in a dream he locked for delay in landing would be felt the Meteor bump along the ground fatal. and come to rest . . . blessed land! Summoning all his remaining reserve He felt himself going. With his last of strength through sheer power of will, remaining strength he reeled drunkenly he stood tense at the controls. Under- to the' exit. With his last shred of will he neath, the surface of the earth loomed unsealed the locks—shouts, voices . . . welcomingly, immense and wide, bathed funny; things were getting dark ... the in brilliant sunshine. He could make out floor rising toward him. . . . no details even with his glass. Every- thing was completely obscured by a vast ASTRANGE face was bending over storm-area; the outerside of the cloud him; two faces—no, several. Who banks reflecting the dazzling rays of the were these people? What was he doing sun. in that bed? He was moving through the silence He heard murmuring voices. Funny with frightful speed. Any moment he he could not understand a word; such odd would begin to feel the retarding pres- words. He turned his head and looked sure of the outposts of tlie planet's around. White room; white clothes— atmosphere. He must be careful . . . where in the devil was he I careful . . . descend lower slowly, when Someone was holding his hand, feeling resistance against the body and wings his wrist. A pleasant-faced man, with a shall have reduced his terrific velocity to closely cropped beard, was leaning over within safe limits; then proceed under him, talking with such senseless-sounding his own controlled power to a safe land- words in a strange language. ing place . . . life and happiness. . . . He closed his eyes; inhaled deeply of At last he began to feel the cushioning the blessed air; luxuriated in the sweet- effect of the resisting atmosphere. Mov- smelhng sheets. He opened his eyes ing as he was at the residual enormous again: the smiling face of a white-clad velocity, the wings of the Meteor met girl; a glass tube at his lips-—cooling sufficient resistance, even in the all but water ... he sucked greedily. empty space, to control his rate of He was in Holland, after thirteen days descent. As the friction against the body and twenty-one hours in space. The End. 121 Thoto Qontrol By BERNARD BROWN, B.Sc. This contribution from an English author, picturing the London of future days, and telling of Robots, has an application at the present time when automobile accidents are so frequent. We are always very glad to receive stories from abroad. It is so interesting to see how the science fiction world is treated by those whom we conceive, justly or unjustly, to be the more conservative English, Illustrated by MOREY SLOWLY the bent old man when the streets of the cities of the trudged along the broad avenue world ran with blood. which still bore the name of At length he reached Remembrance the Strand—that inadequate and Square—some stilt connected it with traffic-glutted thoroughfare of Nelson and Trafalgar—and paused to the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. survey the assembled throng. Many But the rows of shops had long since thousand there must have been, but vanished and in thdr place one found they seemed strangely silent, and not a boulevard refreshment gardens and rest few bowed their heads as though in rooms. Where Charing Cross station sorrow. used to rear its ugly head was now the No longer surly lions guarded the em- entrance to a park, with streams and blem of the victor. Instead, a circular shady walks and all the green pl^ures pool rippled, cool and inviting. In the that Nature could offer. middle of the pool was a tiny islet, Down the middle of the avenue tall and in the middle of the islet a single trees waved softly in the summer breeze, tall pillar of green, rising to a great and here and there a bird chirped. height, overshadowing the buildings. For London was changed. Gone were For towering skyscrapers had long since the narrow roadways, gone the noisome passed away and the sun of heaven food palaces where hundreds clamored again illumined the earth. for their portion of preserved edibles; Qose by stood a group of young but, most of all, gone was the deafen- people, excited yet hushed. Someone ing roar of traffic, of harshly applied whispered "A minute to the hour," and brakes and the occasional morbid crowd, Williams turned his head. They were betokening that some unfortunate had young; they did not remember. A tremor been unsure of foot. shook his frame and he would have But the old man, whom we will Call stumbled but for the help of a stranger Williams, saw none of these things. who looked at him curiously. Each painful step brought hira nearer "It is all right," he mumbled; "quite the end of his yearly pilgrimage. For all right, tliank you," and the young each of the sixty years he had made man smiled and rejoined his friends. But the journey ever since the first year in that instant Williams heard again the 122 AMAZING STORIES Violent braking, violent acceleration, sudden swerve, spin round a corner, stopping, starting, all were carried out with utter precision. And there were no accidents. ; PHOTO CONTROL 123 mad laugh of Stewart md saw those —a robot for every job, and at a price slender fingers hurl a hundred million which every household could efford. No to perdition. longer would the rich alone be able to Suddenly a curious silence fell upon enjoy the infallible service of mechan- the multitude. It lasted but a moment ized brains. Huge factories were pour- then the air became filled \vixh a clarion ing them out in thousands a day. burst as of bugles. They beat into the In short. Bob Williams rejoiced in brain and woke wonder and fear and the day of the cheap robot. slowly died away while the slender pillar "Nonsense, my boy," remarked Stew- of green in the center of the islet pulsed art; merely a passing craze." to a blood red. But Bob was too young to bow to Silence—to the old man, death itself. superior knowledge, and argued. .A.nd yet it brought back memories more "The robot or mechanical man is an vivid than life. absurdity," pronounced Stewart. "If * * * * * you have a dish-washing machine oper- While still at college Bob Williams ated by a handle, do you buy a robot had met Vera Stewart and, like most to turn the handle ? Of course not, others, immediately fell in love with you change your w^her for an elec- her. It seemed, however, that Bob trically motored article. was to be the lucky one. "The same thing applies everywhere. Soon she took him home and there In the machine shops, do they use robots he met her father, Jason Stewart, even to operate hand screw machines? No; then famous as an electric light engi- they junk the screw machines and in- neer. It so happened that Bob was spe- stall automatics. cializing in light and electricity, and "A robot as people know it is a he found much of interest in Stewart's redundant device. Certainly it makes an conversation. obsolete machine, requiring manual ad- As a matter of fact they became fast justment, free from that disadvantage. friends over a protracted argument. But that is just its fault and why it Just about that time there was a boom cannot last. When anything becomes in robot manufacturing, and Bob was out of date it should be scrapped and enthusiastic over what he was certain not given a new lease of Ufe by another promised to be the greatest era of mass invention. Redesign, lad, and don't try production. There had always seemed to patch up!" to be definite periods when production But Williams argued that a mechan- along one particular line held the field. ical servant could be set to do many The first was that of the early auto- things, while an automatic machine per- mobile; then of radio, though he could formed only one function. Stewart never really understand how people could countered by pointing out that special- enjoy the voices of artists they could ization was the greatest modern ten- not see. Others came afterwards—the dency. And so they went on for a aeroplane, the televisor, the rocket car. long time, while Vera fretted with the But between each boom was a lull, when televisor and doubtless promised herself huge factories lay silent awaiting a a fitting revenge. Still, at the end they fresh advance of civilization. became fast friends, which ended in Now from every poster and every Bob gratefully accepting Stewart's offer sky-sign flared advertisements for ro- of a position in his research workshops bots. Secretaries, kitchen maids, porters when he had graduated. — 124 AMAZING STORIES The work was interesting and he may increase to almost any figure, the showed such promise that within a year limiting factors for safe driving are he became Stewart's chief assistant. Be- braking distance and brain reaction, sides carrying out routine research for starting from the instant of danger. several large corporations, Stewart was Cars to-day can travel three times as always working on his own and derived fast as they could in 1930, but their a steady income from several patents braking distance has remained the same. on photoelectric relays, which were his The best you can do with a wheeled especial forte. vehicle is to lock your wheels. As a Bob found life increasingly good. matter of fact maximum braking effort, During the day he was absorbed in his which means the relative coefficient of work, and in the evenings enjoyed the friction between the wheels and the company and friendship of Vera. Nat- road, peaks just before actual locking urally their acquaintance had developed, takes place." and one evening, after a jaunt to Brit- Bob nodded. tany in Stewart's rocket plane, they "A case of dynamic and static fric- made the age-old vows. tion," he suggested. Vera, besides keeping house for her "Exactly. I can't think why the au- father, a widower, spent much of her thorities have taken no hand in the time in welfare work. Slums and such- matter, which has been growing worse like sordid appendages of early civiliza- and worse for the past decade. Speeds tion having long since disappeared, have grown out of ail proportion to leisured feminine society had to turn to braking power and individual reaction. fresh fields of endeavor. Lately the In the old days the average person craze had been the providing of ambu- driving at forty miles an hour was able lance depots and cars along the lesser to avoid accidents by quick application roads. Every day scores of accidents of his brakes or a swerve at the wheel. occurred,' and often the injured re- Now speed is quicker than thought, and mained beneath the wreckage for hours, so safety becomes a matter of prob- since the regular ambulance authorities ability. Of course the roads are better were far too busy with the troubles and automatic police signs help a lot. of the highways to be able to tend the But accidents do not happen at cross wants of sportsmen who chose to roar roads. It's only on the flats that auto- around country corners at eighty miles mobiles show their astounding increase an hour. in maximum velocity. In fact 'catch- Her father did not approve of this ing at the word,' that is the cause of side of her activities, but, as usual, gave all the casualties. What used to be in to her deands. At dinner one eve- a variable speed has degenerated into ning he was expounding to Bob his ideas straight line velocity because there is on the subject. no time to deviate. "If fools treat the roads as racing "Vera is late this evening." Bob tracks they deserve to break their necks. essayed to change the subject into more For years engine performance and chas- pleasant channels. sis design has been improving. Speed "Yes"—Stewart seemed to ponder has crept up until a hundred miles an "she tells me her infernal club has hour along the mainways is considered appointed her Lady Guardian of the quite normal. But the fools seem to Northern Byways." forget that, although maximum speed "Ah, well," laughed Bob, "I expect — PHOTO CONTROL 125 she won't be long, for wc*ve arranged application to synthetic rubber prepara- to slip over to the Yarmouth coast to tions. Literally hundreds of dynamom- watch the sunset" eter tests were carried out and curves But Vera did not come home that plotted. But, strive as they would, the evening, and it was late before the visa- very best adhesion they could obtain phone told the tragic tale. She and two gave results only seven or eight per cent of her friends had been tending the above the normal. injured at a corner ambulance—one of One day, after many hours protracted the transportable t>*pe—when a huge car work, Jason Stewart suddenly flung driven apparently by a madman had down his slide-rule. skidded at the curve and flung its two- "It's no use," he cried bitterly. "The ton weight full at the little caravan. thing is impossible." Two girls had been killed immediately "Impossible?" Bob stared; it was so Vera was one of them. unlike Stewart to use such a word. Bob heard the fateful news from one "The maximum coefficient of friction of the servants, for Jason Stewart had is unity, and in practice it cannot, of locked himself in his room. "It was course, be attained. I had thought by terrible, sir," the white-faced butler suitable preparation of materials and stammered. "I thought Master would surfaces to cause extra adherence have gone mad. He swore and stamped through suction. But, no; it is impos- about the room. Spoke about revenge. sible." And then cried like a baby. I daren't "Is that the problem, sir?" asked Bob, call him, sir." looking him straight in the eye. Bob Williams in those few words saw Jason Stewart turned and stared ottt his pleasant world spin into utter space. of the window and then spoke in a His mind seemed broken from its an- metallic voice. chorage and for a moment he thought "I intend to make traffic safe. The of suicide. But even the deepest sor- first factor is that of more efficient row passes quickly in youth. He flung braking. To obtain greater grip on himself to work, wrestled with his prob- the road surface I must raise the co- lems till he was too tired even to think, efficient of friction between the tires and then often fell asleep at the lab- and the road metalling. Under favor- oratory bench. able conditions we have managed to do It must have been three weeks after so by a few per cent. That is useless the terrible accident before he saw Jason for my purpose. I must enable vehicles Stewart again. He seemed to have to stop in one-tenth their present dis- grown ten years older. His face was tance. white and drawn with suffering, but Metal on metal has a coefficient of his eyes shone curiously bright. Not a about .3. Leather on metal is about word did he say to Bob, only patted him .4. Ordinary tires on road surface give on the shoulder. .6. We have raised it to .7. Use- Not only did Stewart appear to have less " His voice trailed off almost changed physically—his whole outlook in despair. had been refocused. He spoke little, Bob Williams stared at him. Not but Boh soon discovered that the nature that the idea was new, but because he of their experiments was undergoing had never before heard Stewart speak a change. Stewart had grown greatly in so unscientific a manner. He had interested in friction, and especially its touched only one factor of the problem 126 AMAZING STORIES and despaired because he had been fore- gripped the rails magnetically and could doomed to failure by a physical law. stop in a very short distance. Couldn't Stewart was not good to argue with in something after that style be brought these days, so it was with decided ner- out?" vousness that Bob gave his opinion. "Rubber being practically nonmagnetic "Surely, sir, there are other aspects it is out of the question, even if we of the problem?" built the roads of iron." Stewart smiled "Yes"—^tonelessly. sourly. "The adhesion between two surfaces Bob thought for a moment then. depends upon the coefficient of friction "If it were possible to add to the between them, and on the force with weight of an automobile without in- which they are pressed together." creasing its inertia, tliat would solve Again Stewart intoned metallically: the problem?" he queried. "It is approximately independent of ''Y'es." And Stewart turned slowly the contacting surface area and decreases away. with an increase of speed, its culminat- All that night Bob wrestled with the ing maximum being the friction of re- question—^to add weight without inertia. pose, which theory I have elaborated. It seemed a paradox, but at the back I am already aware of such things, my of his mind he was sure there must be boy." a solution apart from the question of Bob flushed but still pursued his ob- a gravity attractor. Even that itself jective. was bound to be done some day, but "So far we have worked only on all experiments up to that time had been the actual coefficient. What about the fruitless. He racked his brains weight other variable, the pressure of the two — without inertia almost as bad as mass surfaces one against the other?" — without weight. "If you increase the weight of a moving vehicle," stated Stewart, "you Eventually he rose from his bed, and, increase the braking effect, but at the slipping on a dressing gown, strode out same time the inertia of the whole to the veranda. A fierce wind howled moving body increases to a like degree around the building and caused him to and one factor nullifies the other. Were shiver. Strangely enough, the sky was this not the case, heavy automobiles clear and he stared mechanically at a would have a much smaller braking dis- Transatlantic Helicopter majestically the tance than lighter ones. As it is, there sweeping along to west. Wind is practically no difTerence except what had no terrors for that monster of the is due to decrease in wheel bounce, a skies, which held steadfast in the teeth mere three or four per cent." of the fiercest hurricane. Man had con- "But to increase the pressure without quered the air, but was defeated by prob- adding to the weight," persisted Bob. lems of his natural medium, the earth. A faint smile crossed the features of A fresh gust of wind caught him, and Stewart. he was forced against the railings. Still "You would require a gravity at- the Helicopter held its way, with its tractor, I am afraid," he replied, "and score of giant vertical screws roaring in so far this has resisted attack. Gravita- defiance. Of course, it was the screws tional force cannot be generated with- which held it steady—their gyroscopic out mass." action steadied the craft after the style "But the old-time electric rail cars once employed in ocean-going ships. ; PHOTO CONTROL 127 Suddenly Bob gripped the railings hard. speed. I forgot that. About 100,000 The gyroscope! revs per minute, but that's easy using Back in his room he worked feverishly mercury bearings. Besides, it would until he was called for breakfast ; then, take hardly any power from the car." ignoring the meal, made haste to Stew- Stewart nodded. art's laboratory. "We'U get to work on a design "I believe I've got it, sir," he greeted immediately. This is the first step." the engineer. ***** "What?" After several weeks' work, in which "Weight without inertia was all elementary tests had shown the prac- wrong." ticability of the idea, their first full- Stewart raised his brows. sized model was completed and ready "We do not even want to increase the for trial. An ordinary type of road actual weight of a body. What we do automobile had been adapted for the want is something, some pivot to use purpose. In the first place the idea as a fulcrum for a lever to force down had been to place a gyroscope both at the wheels. The weight of the car the front and at the back, so that both does not matter if we can get a rigid sets of wheels would be affected. Ex- pivot Wait a minute, sir," he pleaded periments had shown, however, that with "I'm not mad. The gj^roscope will do a relatively small gyroscope slung in the it!" middle of the chasis, levers could be Stewart wheeled round. arranged to transmit the pressure to "The gyroscope?" His brows puck- back and front alike. ered in thought, then smoothed out. The brakes themselves were of the "I wonder I" ordinary hydraulic type, operated by a "Don't you see, sir; once you set single small foot brake, much after a heavy wheel spinning, it strongly re- the style of the earlier automobile. sists a change in its plane of rotation. Both Stewart and Williams were fully Take a gyroscope big enough and fast aware that this arrangement would have enough. Couple one side of its cradle to be modified before the design could to the axle of a car and then, as you be put to commercial application, but apply brakes, increase the length of the it would serve for the time being. coupling arm by any sort of toggle. From the main oil pressure cylinder, The gyroscope refuses to change its whence brake shoes took their feed, an- plane, and so the wheels are forced other pipe passed to an extra plunger down by the toggle lever and you get as operating in another cylinder. One !" much friction as the tires will stand end of the latter was pivoted to the Stewart's eyes were blazing. cradle carrjTng the gyroscope, while the "If dimensions worked out, that cer- plunger itself was linked through tog- tainly would do it, lad." gles to the front and rear axles, which "Yes, but I've worked it out for an had been modified for this purpose. On average car, sir," waving a sheaf of depressing the brake lever besides the papers excitedly. "An 18-inch wheel brakes acting in the ordinary manner, with a plane centroid at 8 inches radius a terrific pressure was exerted on the and weighing about 40 pounds would gyroscope, tending to throw it angularly be sufficiently rigid to squash flat the from its plane of revolution. Due to tires of any ordinary car inflated to the persistence with which the gyroscope 30 pounds per square inch. Oh, the retained its plane, a high degree of 128 AMAZING STORIES pressure was exerted through the tog- diately by the shrill scream of harshly gles upon the four wheels, which there- applied brakes. fore were driven down hard on the road. A terrific force seemed to take hold The completed machine was wheeled of Bob and flung him forcibly against out of the workshops, and Stewart and the dash. At the same time something Williams stood eyeing it speculatively. ripped away at the back, flinging their Dynamic friction tests had been satis- car broadside on. factory, but both were curiously dubious Bob struggled back to his seat and about its road performance. found Stewart nursing his wrists. The rear "D'you think I'd better 'phone over of their car had been crumpled like so for a test driver?" suggested Bob. much matchboard by a huge roadster behind. Stewart shook his head vigorously. "What the devil's happened?" Bob "Certainly not; the machine is all right, glared furiously at the other driver, and I see no reason why we should not who sat at the wheel, a dazsd ex- make the tests ourselves. Come along." pression on his face. With these words he took the driver's Stewart gripped his arm excitedly. place and Bob clambered after him. "It works 1" he ejaculated. As the magnetic clutch came into op- For the moment Bob was completely eration and the car shot forward with nonplussed. the customary violent acceleration, Bob "What?" he demanded. felt a sinking doubt about the advisa- "The brakes. Don't you see what's bility of Stewart doing the driving. happened. I put 'em on immediately, Normally Jason Stewart was level- the same as the rest of the drivers headed and calm, but now the very when they heard the crash ahead. We devil seemed to have seized hold of stopped too quickly for the fellow be- him, and throwing caution to the hind, who has done us a bit of damage. winds, he swung round a turning and Still, that doesn't matter. The great headed for the Great North Main Way thing is the idea's all right." leading to the Metropolis. But the driver behind had a different It was about 9 o'clock in the morning opinion on the subject, and it was some and the real traffic crush of the day considerable time before the usual for- had not yet commenced. Nevertheless malities were concluded and once again they rarely had more than 40 or 50 feet they maneuvered themselves into the dear before them. Hundreds of cars stream of traffic, which between times all sizes and shapes roared their way of had grown to much greater dimensions. towards London. After the first misadventure Stewart rather high this morning," "Speed's was more careful, but even so found it meter, remarked Bob, glancing at the very difficult not to pull up in too short which hovered between 80 and 90 miles a space. an hour. Passing through London in this man- Stewart made no answer, but, de- ner, they drew away to the South. pressing the throttle further, passed "We'll take to some of the country between two cars with a bare inch or ways," remarked Stewart, *'so that we so to spare at the sides. They had can carry out a few trials without fur- proceeded in this dizzy manner for some ther mishap." minutes when suddenly a metallic crash Considering the fact that the weather smote their cars, followed almost imme- was delightful, the country roads were : PHOTO CONTROL 129 comparatively free of traffic. They drove The human element is far too great to along for some miles and were shooting cut down strength to the very minimum down hill at a good pace when Stewart which after all is the object of true de- jerked out quickly sign" "Hold tight; I'm going to brake." Bob nodded. "We shall have to make Bob clung on for all he was worth, a good many changes before we try out which wa5 not much. Again he felt that that old bus again. Have you any unpleasant sensation, as if someone had 'definite ideas?" butted him in the stomach, and he and "Yes. We shall be able to lay down Stewart extricated themselves from the a few principles and get Smithson to front of the car. work on an entirely new model. I am "Not bad," murmured Stewart, clam- afraid we shall have to re-design the bering out. From his pocket he drew chassis. We can probably make use of a large roll of tape and between them the existing motors, although their accel- they measured up the braking distance. eration is far too low for our purposes." Stewart had depressed the lever as "Too low?" Bob raised his eyebrows. they passed a particular gate, so that "Why, only the other day I thought you there should be no doubt about the were complaining that acceleration was stopping distance. far away in advance of the rest of de- "Just over 17^4 feet," he announced. sign." "What was the speed?" asked Bob. "Yes, it was" rejoined Stewart curtly, "Exactly 94 and on a down gradient "but let's go over the points in ques- of 1 in 7, but we must check this tion which our mishap this morning has again." brought to our notice. After entering up the particulars they Back in the office they talked the mat- bacl The greatest problem of all was the ings under his arm and called Bob to elimination of the human element of his side. braking together with its inevitable time "I tliink the problem is pretty well lag. It was all very well to design and cleared, my lad,*' he said in a curiously develop super-efficient brakes, but even tense voice. they would be of very little use in pre- Bob was full of questions, but Stewart venting accidents it put under the con- was unduly reticent. trol of any Tom, Dick or Harry, who "We'll let Smithson get busy with had enough money to buy a car. these drawings and incorporate them in In the weeks that followed. Bob spent the new model, and see how it works." most of his time in the workshops, With this Bob had to be content. Days supervising the construction of the new passed quickly and days into weeks and machine with its strengthened brakes and slowly the new machine grew. chassis members. Experiments on the At last came the day when it was com- * synthetic rubber had been entirely satis- pleted. It resembled the ordinary road factory and they had decided on a ma- car, except possibly its construction ' terial composed of the usual elastic bond- seemed a trifle sturdier and the wheels ing agent and floculated asbestos which were, of course, novel. To tht front two gave astonishing results on dynamometer curiously shaped headlamps were placed tests. at the lateral extremities on a compli- Stewart had retired to his private lab- cated swivelling arrangement. Bob noted oratory whence he issued only at meal further that these apparent lamps were times. He was hard at work on the twisted slightly inwards and instead of PHOTO CONTROL 131 pointing towards the ground were di- driver to see the source of danger, trans- rected straight out. mit this to his brain and from the brain He was examining the foreign parts to the various nerves and muscles down of the car when Stewart came along. to his toe on the pedal. Good braking "You're due for a little explanation, alone would only make the whole ques- I think." tion of driving control more dangerous, "Well, to tell you the truth, I had be- much after the style that acceleration has gun to wonder when you were going to worked havoc in the past years." His tell me." eyes shone brightly. "But I'm getting Stewart patted his shoulder. "I'm away from the subject. You know, of scrrj', my lad, but I have been very busy course, how we are able to judge dis- and very worried, but that's past now. tance T Let's have a look at the *b»s." "I suppose because we have two "What's the idea of these head eyes," suggested Bob. lamps?" asked Bob. "E-xactly. Our eyes are set apart and "They're not headlamps, of course," so when we look at an object they point rejoined tlie other. ".'Vtually they are inwards and tlie subtended angles gives carefully prepared and focussed tele- us immediate indication of the distance lenses at the back of each of which is that the object is away. Not exactly, situated one of the new ribidium photo- of course, but at least to a degree. On electric cells. But perhaps I'd better my arrangement, I duplicate these con- start at the beginning." ditions by what you refer to as head- Bob nodded. lamps. These are always trained ahead "Well, it's like this," proceeded Stew- of the car and Inwards to an extent de- art "From the first it was clear that pending on the speed. Actually tlieir it was out of the question to leave the mountings are coupled indirectly to the direction of a car fitted with these new road wheels so that the faster the wheels brakes to the varying abilities and re- rotate the lesser is the angle subtended actions of a human driver. The ques- between the two sets of lenses. In tion was then to replace personal control other words the faster the car goes the by something mechanical or, to be more further away is the point of intersection correct, electrical, since this is somewhat of the two beams. This distance is on outside the sphere of mechanics. A Httle this particular model four feet greater consideration of the question showed than the minimum braking distance at that each car when driven at a particular the particular speed- speed required a zone of safety in Immediately we are afforded a means front of it extending just over the width of noting whether the distance between of the car and to a distance slightly the front of our car and the rear of the greater than the stopping distance at the vehicle in front of us is safe. I had speed at which the car was driven at that thought in the first place to build an ap- particular moment. By some means or paratus after this style giving an audible other this speed zone had to be main- or visible indication, but, after all, it tained. You see with your gyroscope we would have been practically useless, for can pull up a car driven at 90 miles the brain-lag would come into the ques- an hour in, say, 15 feet. Good enough, tion again when tlie brakes had to be but the time taken in braking and bring- applied immediately. ing the car to a standstill is very much "As the thing stands now photo-elec- less than the actual time taken for the tric cells are placed behind the tenses 132 AMAZING STORIES and as soon as any body falls within the speed of the car at the time. Tliis the zone of safety the photo-cells are is adjusted so that road grip under worst affected and, operating on a relay, apply conditions is sufficient to counteract the the brakes to the full." inevitable centrifugal action of the mass Bob thought for a moment. "It seems of the car. Later on, we can probably a very good stunt," he admitted at last, arrange that wheel pressure is increased "but does it take into consideration the while taking turns, so as to permit faster speed of any object? What I mean to and safer—cornering." say is—supposing you arc driving to- "Again "Stewart continued, "but no, wards a building, I can see then that a demonstration will be better than all your trained photo-cells snap on the this talk. However, I can tell you brakes and prevent you crashing, but straight away that all factors of road supposing instead of its being a building conditions have been taken into consid- it was another car coming in the opposite eration. You can visualize the action of direction at a speed about the same as the safety zone quite easily. Besides yours. You might pull up in time, but being connected with the brakes, it also what about the other fellow?" acts on the accelerator, so you can im- "Oh! of course," he laughed uncom- agine tlie traffic of the main roads and fortably. "I forgot that all the cars the city itself. Speeds raised even high- would be fitted in this manner. Still," er than they are to-day—all cars he went on, "I'm not sure that I see it mechanically controlled by their photo- yet." zones. As soon as any object or any "Steady, steady, you're quite right," other car or a pedestrian gets within Stewart assured him, "but I'd thought of the zone so soon do the brakes come on. this already. When I said tliat the As soon as the object is removed the car photo-cells operated as soon as any ob- accelerates to its maximum. If the ob- ject was brought within their field, I was ject does not move the zone swerves first only stating the action roughly. As a to the left and then to the right seek- matter of fact, although they do operate ing out its own path. At corners the in that manner, they are also sensitive to driver flips his switch and the zone infra-red beams, which you have proba- swings round accordingly seeking a safe bly guessed are used through the lenses." path. As it rounds a comer the gyro- "I see," Bob nodded. "That seems all pressure is applied automatically depend- right. I suppose it works though?" ing on the speed. This particular piece "Of course it works, or will work!" of apparatus will be fairly easy to de- Stewart was rather tart. "There are one vise and we shall probably profit by ex- or two points that I have not mentioned. perimenting on the mercury pendulum.'* ?" For instance rounding corners. I sup- "Can't you see them Stewart's voice pose you have noticed that the car has rose, "hundreds of cars, thousands of no steering wheel?*' cars, mechanically controlled driven down "No?" the main roads and through the cities, all "This has been replaced by a simple the cities of the world, driven at break- right and left key switch. When the neck speed 90, 100, 200 miles an hour. driver wishes to take a turn to the All mechanically controlled. No danger, right he throws over the switch just be- no accidents, mechanical perfection every- fore coming to the turn. Immediately where. The human factor entirely elim- the photo-visor lamps swing to the right, inated. No cries of the broken and their angular speed being dependent on crushed. No ambulances. Absolute PHOTO CONTROL 133 safety with maximum speed. The traffic was impossible in that tear of traffic for problem smashed at last. My God, if an humble brain to respond quickly only we had done this before—before enough to avoid almost instant anhi- . . his voice trailed off. hilation. Abruptly he turned away and Bob was The three years which had passed left staring after him. since their first test had gone quickly. Bob felt older, indeed looked older, but * * » * » the time had gone in a flash. Bob Williams stood alone in the Stewart, too, had aged. Now at his temporary tele-visor studio at Transport day of triumph it seemed that the fires House. Curiously he inspected the ap- of life were almost spent. He had paratus. Much of it was known to him, grown thin, emaciated, but, with a de- but this branch of science had progressed clining physical strength, his eye had at such a pace that it needed a special- grown brighter, his brain more alert than ist eye to comprehend the functioning of ever, albeit there had been strange each detail. He moved towards the lapses. He had grown fond of his own great windows and stared down the company. Sometimes he would shut Strand with its turmoil of traffic. himself in his room for days and see It was a great day for the world. Per- no one. Something was wrong with haps the greatest day for a hundred Jason Stewart. Bob felt it, was sure of years. At 12 o'clock that morning traffic it, but he could do nothing, for a curious all over the world was to be "synchro- sort of barrier had grown between them. nized" as tlie news bulletins called it. They were still friendly, the best of Synchronize d—brought into time friends ever, hut still the barrier was brought into step with the times. there. Bob stared again at the traffic. A tur- Bob was afraid that the loss of his moil truly, but an ordered turmoil, not daughter was still pre>'ing on Stewart's the bustling blundering of human hands mind. A lump rose in his throat as he but the steady, infallible rush of me- thought of the girl who might have been chanised science. Each of those thou- his wife. sand vehicles below him were travellii^ "This day shall be consecrated to her at high speed, but none crashed, none memory. The world shall ring with were in danger of crashing. Violent her name. They shall remember. Ah, ." braking, violent acceleration, sudden they will remember. . . swerve, sfnn round a comer, stopping, Curious words these, but stranger still starting all were carried out with utter coming from the lips of Jason Stewart. precision. And there were no accidents. An official entered the room an en- London had been like that for nearly quired whether Mr. Stewart had arrived. a year, as had New York, Paris, Berlin "No," Bob shook his head. "He said and the other great cities of the world, he would probably be late. He has but on that day the safety zone and the much work on his hands as you are gyrobrakes were to be made compulsory probably aware." for every veliide on the face of the "Yes sir, but he will be here half- earth. Heavy penalties, brought to the an-hour before the time. You see," he equivalent of attempted manslaughter, went on, "it is not very often that a were to be applied to any one found world tele-broadcast is carried out, apart driving manually-controlled machines. from the main studios and it requires a Not that anyone would have dared. It little adjustment beforehand, althot^h 134 AMAZING STORIES we have made tests for the past week or combined with his brooding sorrow had so. Most of them have been satisfac- been too much. tory, but they have had some trouble Two minutes to go. One minute. over in China due to the recedence of The silence indicator snapped into a red the Heavyside layer around that quar- glow, the televisor was working. ter." Jason Stewart scrambled up to the Bob nodded. He was not greatly in- instrument and stared at the all-seeing terested in China or the Heavyside layer. eye. Ten million people were watching Like Jason Stewait, he too was think- him, were listening to the wheezy gasp ing of Vera. from his lips. The second indicator The official came closer. "I suppose, clicked and Stewart cleared his throat. sir," he said, "Mr. Stewart will be using "Peoples of the world, to-day, at this his apparatus to-day?" very minute, traffic is synchronized. You "Apparatus? What apparatus?" know what it means. You know what "Oh, I thought you knew, sir. In the it can do. Therefore I will not elabo- next room Mr, Stewart has been ex- rate. Instead I wish to lell you a story." perimenting for a month or so on some His voice shook a little. "Three years new idea. He mentioned once that he ago, I liad a daughter, as many of you would probably be using it to-day." have daughters. She was all I had. Bob shook his head. "I'm afraid I She was killed, killed by some sportsman don't know anything about that. I driver, while she was tending the injured haven't seen Mr. Stewart much lately." at the wayside. She was killed by A quarter of an hour later Stewart traffic—^man-driven traffic. entered. He shook hands with Bob "Since then I have worked, I and the nervously and avoided his gaze. Without lad who might have been my son. We a word he made to a side door, unlocked have worked together, day and night, it, and disappeared within. The whine to make traflfic safe. At this instant a of generators broke through the silence million new cars are on the road, con- of the room, rose in phch and disap- trolled not with the clumsy murderous peared as it passed the hmit of audible hand of man, but by the infallible power frequency. Ten minutes, twenty min- of science—of mathematics. They are utes isissed and the crystal indicator safe, your daughters are safe. My God ." showed five minutes to the hour, A . . Stewart paused for breath. door opened and Stewart reappeared, his Williams, standing just aside, thought face flushed and of staring eye. he would have fallen. "Five minutes. In five minutes I shall "Take it easy, sir," he suggested in a speak lo the world. In five minutes I whisper. shall tell them the story of Vera, All Stewart glanced at him and made the world will know." His lips twitched. some adjustment on the table. What "AH the world will know. Ah! and was he doing? they'll never forget." His voice rose to Bob Williams stared. A switch, a a scream. small, simple, black switch in bakelite. "Steady, sir, steady!" Bob did not Probably only a bell or some signal. like the look of things. There was some- Mechanically, Williams' eye followed thing about the old man which made the switch down and saw a long trailing him think t!iat proud reason was al- wire passing along the side of the room. ready tottering on its throne. The ef- It was simple enough, it must be some fort and endeavor of the past three years sort of indicator. PHOTO CONTROL 135 Stewart went on : "Pardon me, peoples Again Williams seized him round the of the world, but I am an old man. To- arms, but Stewart's first caught him in day I feel it more than ever." Sudden- the throat and he crashed to the floor ly he laughed. "If I had a daughter I striking his head. Before uncon- might feel better, peoples of the world, sciousness claimed him, he saw Stewart but you and your traffic took her away deliberately depress the little switch and from me. Look what I have given you almost simultaneously a roar burst from in return ! Safety for yourselves, safety the Strand below. for your daughters. D'you think I'm Driven at a dizzy speed all the photo a fool, yes, an old fool?" He grew controlled cars were suddenly deprived rigid. "The safety of your traffic de- of their guiding power. In the fraction pends on my photo-zones. The wave of a second, where all had been order, length of the infra-red beams in 66.3 was confusion, chaos, death. The streets microns. You will not understand it. of London, New York, the cities of all You only care for maddening speed, for the world were in that moment converted trafific, for mad traffic, for murderous into a shambles. Literally the pave- traffic. In your hearts you don't care ments ran with blood, whether it is safe or not. Safe! Listen, In that moment Jason Stewart had in ten seconds I shall blot out the safety revenge. zones all over the world. You can hear ***** me, but you have no time to act. In ten Once again sounded the bugles and seconds I cut off those safety zones. the crimson pillar in Remembrance You shall remember my daughter. The Square faded gradually to a peaceful traffic of the world has ten seconds to green. The multitude stirred uneasily, !" live lingered a few minutes longer and then Suddenly truth burst upon Bob Wil- stragged away in awkward groups to liams and he flung himself at the old their homes or occupations. Only the man, but the strength of a maniac Stew- old man remained behind on this, his la»t art thrust him away. They closed. pilgrimage. Tke End 136 AMAZING STORIES August, 1934 glg'j-e^u s s I o N s In thli depirtmaat «« A»a dlMUu ivtry nanth toplci »t InUrett ta narim. Th* tdltan Invin ««rrttg»adine« m all wblect* directly or Indlnttly relsUd ta Uit ttarlH appcarlna la ml* mai*ilii*. in mm • tsttlti serMnal tntwir li raquirttl. a DBffllBal if St 2St Is vover time and floitsg* li mgulrtd. ComiDon Sense vs. Optimism—A Letter of I thoroughly enjoyed "Tlie Lost City," but Excellent Criticism it was a shameful trick of the author's to break Editor, Amazing Stories: off just when "Things Began to Happen." Talk- whose Tlianks for "squashing" Mr. Rawson, ing of breaking off, the piece pulled out of the letter appeared in the May issue of Amazing middle of "Dr. Grimshaw's Sanitarium" pre- Stories. His remarks about Poe, Wells, etc. vented an excellent story from becoming well- made me indignant, and it did me good to see nigh perfect. In spite of the preponderance of your opinion was the same as mine. Although those old spoilers 'ultra, super, sub, wave and already the so eloquent Mr. Rawson may have ray,' the Jameson stories have me cheering for space," read what he terms "a waste of valuable them. Even if they have their faults, they are myself and all the newer readers have not. As So unusual and interesting in plot that they sim- A. S. is becoming more popular every month, ply refuse to be ruined. "The Lost Language" it is probable that the majority of the present was a wonderful story. Mr. Wolheim's letter readers have not read "lliose old stories." If on the subject was also interesting. "The many letters like the one I have mentioned come Regenerative Wonder" and "The Death Proto- in. with hs talk of nightmares and phony e.K- zoan" were two very good stories. I think that cuses, you certainly have a lot to put up with. the time travelling idea is getting somewhat out- then I stell sympathize with you once more, worn, unless it is used simply as the instrument start criticizing your magazine. It really is too for telling a more interesting narratitm. This bad that you cannot express your thoughts about was done in "The Mentanicals" and in "Time's space-flying without being so severely criti- Mausoleum" to a certain extent. "The Theft of cized. My common sense agrees with you about the Washington Monument" and "The Time such stories as "Triplanetary," but my opti- jimipers" were just undiluted time-travelling mism is up in arms. and as a result were not nearly as good as the The cover on the May issue is, however, first two. There was one humorous time-travel- much better than any yet, so much better that ling story that I believe was called "The I scarcely recognized the magazine. The pres- Island." That I found very interesting and ent size is convenient and makes the magazine amusing. Why not get the author to write a easier to hold while reading. I might sug- sequel to it? "The Supermen'' might have been gest smooth edges to the pages. After all, fairly good when the author first got the idea, what does the format matter, an>'way? but he completely ruined it for me by v.-ritiiig it Having defended the reprints, I should praise in diary form. Two other stories that were them. "The Diamond Lens" was fine and so outstandingly well written and interesting was the story (I forgot what the title was) of were "Cat's Eye" and "Peril Among the Driv- the clockmaker that thought he could create ers." Readers interested in the latter story life much better. I liked seeing the "Gold might find the book "Insect Behaviour" by Bug" in our magazine, although I had read it Cheeseman excellent reading. before; it was like meeting an old friend. Con- I have just one more suggestion to offer, (I tinue the reprints, they rest one's mind after know that you must be tired of suggestions, but the stress and strain of nltra-space, sub-ether, how are you to know what we readers want inertia-less matter, green emanation, red heat- and don't want unless we tell you?) Auazing rays, blue disintegration rays—and pink ele- SxtMilES could be made more interesting to phants. At one time I liked interplanetary stories, people who can only get it occasionally if only but now there is so little story and so much one serial were given each month and the rest ray. wave, new kinds of ether and vile forms of tlie fiction space were devoted to short of life, that they all leave the same impression: stories. In this way there would be more confusion. "Terror Out of Space" started out variety in each copy of .A. S. Well, I have fine, but in the end it deteriorated until it fol- gassed long enough, so 111 close with a re- lowed the same old formula as all the others. quest for letters to me from any readers of that By lliis time, the indignant reader will have wonderful magazine Amazing Stories. gathered that I did not particularly like "Tri- Donald E. Bunyan. planetary" or "When the Universe Shrank." Box 1072. In apite of my aversion to waves and rays, I Nelson B. C, liked "The Ultra-Gamma Wave," because it had Canada. only one wave and the reader did not get (We sometimes feel as if the short letters mixed up. require the longest acknowledgements. Such a ! — — — August, 1934 AMAZING STORIES 137 letter as tlie present one indicates throughout medicine, as there is a lot of enjoyment in its careful thought and a refreshing optimism. study.—Editor.) The two reprints which you mention, the latter one by Jules Verne, deserve all the praise you The Jules Verne Monumeot on the May give them. We could not pretend to say how Cover—Notes on "The Metal Doom" Amazing Stories; many times your Editor has read the "Gold Editor, Just a line to let you know that I received Bag." It was as fresh as ever when we were pre- the February and March issue of Amazing paring it for the magazine. In first class work Stories on the 25th of April. Also I wish to there is an indefinable something, that makes it congratulate you on the new publication of the possible for one to read it over and over Issue. The frontispiece portraying Jules again. One o£ the highest class magazines of May Verne's immortalit>' is certainly a ma-iterpiece. the day has from its inception been quite de- stories seem quite different from what voted to reprims of old favorites. We do not The they used to be a few years ago, but, however, ask authors to write sequels because our pres- one mUst be content and take life as it comes. ent stock of stories awaiting publication is not any of the stories, as, sufficiently depleted. Editor.) I shall not comment on if one has a mind and uses it, in a manner, one learn to like all stories that Reprints of Verne and Poe Objected To can and know how A Tribute to "The Lost City"—A Good are published in your Amazing Stories Maga- Word for Morey zine. Editor, Ayi\zn If we only get deep enough into it, our knowl- A. S. for life. edge and understanding of it will be the best Russell E. Farrell, sugar-coating, but don't call natural science Box t.50. Bremerton, Wash. — — 138 AMAZING STORIES August, 1934 (This letter needs no answer. The author is although your new covers are improving. I perfectly well able to take care of himself. We also like the old print and type. are sure that he wIU reconsider his threat of not I saw in another magazine a discussion on logking at Amazing Stories again for the re- the color of space. One person maintained that mainder of his life. Editor.) it was black, but another said that it was dark purple. Can you tell us which is correct? A Delightful aod Well-Put Letter from Lately there have been articles in various ao Eleven-Year-Old Girl magazines and papers about the new telescope Editor. Amazing Stories : which is being constructed for the California Congratulations on the May issue 1 The Institute of Technology. The mirror will be stories from cover to cover were wonderful I 200 inches in diameter. How large would a shouldn't speak out that being Maybe I way, body need to be, if it was absolutely black or only eleven years old, and a girl at that, but nearly so, to be seen on the moon with this I couldn't restrain a prolonged shout of joy, be- new telescope? ginning with the blue and cream cover (which If anyone would like to correspond with me was swell) and lasting to the very advertise- by mail on science and science-fiction. I will be ments. glad to discuss anything which I can by letter. The story "Dr. Grimshaw's Sanitarium" Mr. Editor, I have a terrible statement to was the cream of the crop, but the cream was make. Since I started reading Amazing not confined to one story. "The Lost City" Stories in 1930, I think that science-fiction in was all I could wish for. Hope it keeps up as general is getting worse. Not Amazing good. "The White Dwarf," "Ultra-Gamma Stories in particular; I think that Amazing Wave"—in short a perfect issue (as far as I'm Stories is still the best magazine published. concerned). To more scientific-minded people, But some others are getting worse each month. it not who are always looking for flaws, may If it weren't for the few veteran authors who been. have contribute stories, it would be a low grade for the "kickers" seem I have a word which science-fiction magazine. But I hope that they to be so profuse in the Discussions columns. will cease having new and amateur authors that kickers never try to better the issue you You ; don't compare with the veterans. Of course, if hear yell about this and that, but do we any a new author's stories are good, then I approve helpful comments? I mean really helpful ones? of printing them. Let us hope that this slump that want the edges cut even. Nol You Do in the value of s. f. stories will soon be over you ever stop to think that you have a perfectly {ditto the depression). good pair of scissors which might be put to Well, now that I have stopped slinging brick- useful purpose? I'm afraid I use too much bats, I will say that good old (8 years) — pain in that authority—but ^they give me a Amazing Stories tops them all. Keep up the part of the body which connects the head with good work. the rest I Harold Garrett. Here's hoping I can see my name in print 1320 East 7th Street, the next time Dad buys a swell, all around Sedalia, Missouri. magazine. (He never misses an issue.) (We cannot predict what will be the smallest Eleanor Jones, object that the great telescope with its 200-indi 3623—34 W., mirror will show. Science-fiction should not Seattle, Washington. run down, because science proper is always (This letter gives us special pleasure as it developing something new, while topics of the is the composition of a girl eleven years old, authors of purely fictional stories would seem which is a charming period in the life of that to liave been exhausted years ago. Space is interesting being whom we term woman. The black. We thank you for your concluding sen- work of the Editor of such a magazine as ours tence.—EDiTOR.) is extremely interesting, but we could let it attack the editorial nerves if we took the "kickers" you speak of, too seriously. A little Interesting Remarks on Serial Stories appreciation is most welcome, especially when Jules Verne's Stories—Our Best Authors it comes from such as you are, we mean in age Considered Editor, Amazing Stories : and sex. It is quite a triumph to have both old It's rather hard for and young in the one family appreciate Amaz- me to make up my mind ing Stories.—Editor.) whether I like the new format of the maga- zine or not. It was rather a blow to me when Notes on the Old and New Format of I first saw the reduced size. I always liked the Amazing Stories—A Plea for Well-Known receding title; and, too, the larger magazine Authors seemed to possess more wordage. However, Editor, Amazing Stories; when I think of the fact that so far the covers Well, here I am again. I don't mean to use have been 100% perfect, in contrast to many of tip so much space in your Discussions, but I the older magazine covers, and the magazine have some criticisms and questions to offer. itself much better bouiKj, I think the new format First, I much prefer the old type of covers, is almost as good. Particularly I like the idea ! — — August, 1934 AMAZING STORIES 139 of more than one serial in a magazine. A story remarked in Discussions. What you've got to written up to book length always seems to me do is to print unpublished stories that will rival to be better written than the short story, possi- Poe'sCwliat's more, sometimes you've done it bly because there is always the chance that a witness "No More Tomorrows." "Omega the iong story will be made into a book, while the Man," "The Mentanicals." and even "Dr. short story lives only a short while; conse- Grinishaw's Sanitarium" which I liked very well quently the author spends more time and art on —perhaps I shouldn't have mentioned this last the longer one. Now I see that you have three a; it doesn't quite leave the land of harum- aerials, and witli me thai registers o. k. I scarum for the land of 'that indefinable some- thought I had either read or knew the titles thing'.) of all of Verne's fantaslics, but "Measuring a In spite of all my criticisms. I'm with yon to Meridian" is one I never heard of. It's good. the end. With the advent of three serials and I wonder if you couldn't reprint "Hector Ser- a good story like "Terror Out of Space." my vadac, or The Chase of the Golden Meteor." enthusiasm is runjiing almost on the top line of One of the readers slated that it was probably our enthusiasm chart, only at infrequent, but his best work in that line. Contrary to many sudden, intervals sagging all the way id the zero opinions, it is practically impossible to secure line, only to pop right up again. Get more any of Verne's work. I beiieve they are out of from E. E. Sniith right away! Get Keller print. busy! Make Stephen Hale, author of "The For many years I had pronounced the name Laughing Death" and "Worlds Adrift" a staff Jules Verne the way it was spelt, but then I writer! Keep three serials! Get more Charles discovered Jules was pronounced 'JooV. Perhaps Tanner—am waiting impatiently for his serial. many of your readers have been fooled similarly, With Forest Ackerman—keep Discussions up- .^nd while on the subject of pronunciation, I to-date : I have been pronouncing 'Martian' the way it is Paul Cahendon. spelt, but on reflection discovered that it prob- 222 W. 4th St.. ably is pronounced 'Marshian'. Am I right in Cincinnati, Ohio both these counts? Whether right or wrong, I (We really thank you for liking the covers. will have a hard time breaking my habit of We can assure you that a great deal of thought mis-pronouncing in both cases. is expended on them and the artist has ever** Your best author, and I am in accordance motive to make them good with a view to his with most of your readers, is Dr. Edward Elmer progress in art in the future. Serials are a Smith. "Triplanctary" was fine, but some- bone of contention. Some like them and some how did not hit the level set by "Spacehounds". do not, but we really think that you put the U is strange about Dr. Smith. No. no, don't thing about right in taking the ground thai print his picture, I may be disappointed. It is the long story is apt to be a more solid pieci- rather terrible the way you treat Dr. Keller, of literature than llie short one. The second with only three stories in a year. Of the bunch, pronunciations which you give are correct. Wi- he is the only real literaieur. It is doubly will not attempt to describe anybody's cast oi i;trange you do not print more of his stories, as countenance so we will leave Dr. Smith to your I have a fancy that Amazing Stories editorial imagination. As you may Imagine, he is quite chair also favors Keller above the others. Is it ati impressive looking personality. We have true stories of his have been translated into many real literatcurs. We are giving now one toreipn languages? of Dr. Keller's best stories which puts tiim Many years ago, Dr. Breuer, author of an- high in that class. We are rather amused a: other story that shduld have had more ap- your wanting three serials, when a number of planse than it got, namely "Paradise and Iron," our correspondents object to any. Editor.) wrote a letter to Discussions mentioning a scrap- hook of outstanding stories culled from Amaz- A Letter About Reprints mr, ST0Rn=:s. Wouldn't it be a good idea to let Editor. AiSAZiKc SroKiEs: him name them for our perusal? He also puts I am writing lo let you know my ideas upon the literary touch to some of his stories. In the subject of reprints. fact, I used to class Keller and Breuer together. During the last few months you have been Think it over. Breuer is a good judge of giving us reprints, mainly of Poe's works. itnries, Sometimes you disappoint me. In Now, as you remember, one of your chief ar- past years you have continually remarked on guments against reprints was that they were ihe fact that you were over supplied with too obtainable in public libraries. This is incor- many good stories to even consider reprints. rect at least so far as the section in which I Then in addition to giving us a host of maiiy live is concerned, I have never found any science very poor stories, you had lo follow it up with fiction except one or two stories by Verne. But reprints of Edgar Allan Poe. I can get them, of all the science fiction that you could reprint, without exception, at the public library. Be- Poe's are the only ones which are present in sides, reprinting stories with a literary taste practically every library. And also, I do not to them will not bring our magazine anywhere consider Poe's tales, although Ihey are very near the Atlantic Monthly, as you half jokingly fine, as science fiction, — — 140 AMAZING STORIES August, 1934 You are now running a serial by Jules Verne. where the writer says he cannot get any of This is all right, and I believe. I will enjoy Jules Verne's books. We will repeat in closing, reading it, but I think that in publishing it that we hope to hear from you again.—EDnoR.) you are more or less evading the issue. I do not think the reprints you are giving us are Riding the Editor— (He Wishes More Would the ones that are wanted by those who de- Do It, II They Do as Well as This sired this class of stories. Iti my opinion they Correspondent Does) wanted stories like "Treasures of Tantalus," Editor, Amazing Stories; "The Sk>'Iark of Space," "Station X," etc. I Jules Verne's monument looks good on the could list many more but these are representa- cover, tlianks to Morey's masterful touch. tive of the type I think your readers want. I like the way you are making up the Con- Roy F. Phillips, tents Page now. 70O Jefferson St., "Terror Out of Space" ends good and the Martins Ferry. Ohio. new serial starts out good. Winstead. M.D., F. Pratt and Lewis Burtt have (If you ever read Poe's storj- called "Three J. good con- tributions in this issue too. Why are Wednesdays in a Week" you would find it a you putting two serials in think mode! of a science fiction story with a definitely now? I one is enough. humorous touch in Poe's inimitable manner. I seem to have gotten the Editor The story entitled "Measuring a Meridian" is into no little bit of trouble one which will stand very careful reading. over his answer to a ques- tion of mine regarding the possibility of trip However, wfe will have to let the subject of a to the moon. But the Editor reprints go for the present. We have some should be quite immune to all kinds of very good stories awaiting publication, which brickbatz and slams by this time. are not reprints. Editor.) Anyway, I'm glad we all don't feel the way he does about it. It's too bad we can't live long enough to find he's been wrong. The Jules Verne Monument Cover—Reprints Anyway, the Editor has a nice editorial in this Not Favored—A Letter from a Lady number. Maybe he will forgive me for riding Editor, Amazing Stories: him after this compliment. Although I have been a constant reader of Olon F. Wiggins, Amazing Stories for years, in fact since its 2418 Stout Street inception, I have never written in before. I Denver, Colorado. am writing now mainly for two reasons. First, let me congratulate you on your May (Many people think that two serials are cor- rect, some even like three. cover—it is absolutely the best looking cover The Editor, as you I've ever seen on any Sf. magazine, and should suggest, is somewhat immune to attack, but not be the answer to every Science Fiction reader's perfectly so, and when attacked it is a great prayers. Why not print some with no printing pleasure to be able to confute the attacker as he has on to be framed?—I'll buy one. done this very day out of Webster's Second, I want to register my protest against Unabridged. We also fail to see anything per- reprints, and such reprints as Poe and Verne. sonal or offensive in conflicting views about Any one at all interested in S.f. has probably trips to the moon. Editor.) read them. I know I read them years ago, and if I felt like reading them again, all I A Letter of Excellent Criticism from a would have to do is walk a couple of blocks to Careful Resder nearest library. you must have the public If Editor, Amazing Stories : reprints, why not some that aren't so well Would like to enter this letter in "Discus- known? Otherwise I have no complaints to sions" If ye would be so kind. I vrill admit I make. I enjoy the magazine as a whole very have a knock, or two, to thrust down thine much. honorable throat. Thanking you for many hours of pleasant It seems passing strange to me that an Editor recreation, should be so persistently against the thought Mrs. Elizabeth Hicks, of interplanetary travel, especially in the light 580-l5th Avenue, of past and present discovery. I wonder if it San Francisco, Calif. could be professional jealousy of some sort. (This correspondent says, "I have never I have noticed, that in a great many cases, written in before." As she is a lady, that alone learned men have denounced strenuously the is a good reason from our standpoint that she strange and new as false and impossible. Why should write again. We want letters from her is this trait so pronounced in mankind? Let charming and highly interesting sex. As far us hear from the editor and see what he has to as we have ascertained, Verne's story, "Measur- say. David H. Keller should have a chance at ing a Meridian," which would tempt any Editor this, as a psychologist, to express his opinion of a science fiction magazine on account of its on the subject of "Doubt." information about the measurement, has been The story "The Terror Out of Space," in read by very few of our readers. We have one way, could be considered excellent; but in had one letter, which you will probably see, another, very dull. It is good as far as charac- — : : August, 1934 AMAZING STORIES 141 ter portrayal is concerned, but the story is weak Flint & Hall, "Out of the Moon," by Flint, when it comes to gi%ing the readers something "Ship of Ishtar" and "Seven Footprints to new. Satan," by Merritt, and "On the Brink of "The Lost City" is fair; but the author must 2000," by Garret Smith. These arc now prac- have a sadistic mind, at one point anyway, when tically unobtainable, and I'm sure we readers he remarks on the humor of Cheops. Maybe would like them. What stories have you se- there were a couple of Cheops and I'm thinking lected for the nest quarterly? Is it a reprint? of another. If it was the one that built the Below, I've listed the best story you've pub- great pyramid in Egypt, then his humor was lished each year (1926 to 1934) very touching ... on a lot of people, if yon 1926—Second Deluge understand what I mean. I'll let it pass with- 1927—Moon Pool out any further remarks. Hope Peril doesn't 192&-Skylark of Space feel hurt. 192^Into the Green Prism Cut down on the number of serials to two at 193G~Skylark Three the most in one issue. If there arc a lot of 1931—Stone from the Green Star them cn hand, why not print them in a Quar- 1932—Swordsman of Sarvon terly. You could get rid of eight short novels 1933—Into the Hydrosphere in a year in this manner; two in each Quarterly. 1934—Triplanetary (so far) The Monthly could handle about seven others Quarterly during a year. Fifteen in all 192S—Sunken World Would like to hear from anyone who is 1929—After 12,000 Years inclined to write; and if anyone is interested 1930—Paradise & Iron in finding out interesting things about authors, 1931—Islands of Space drop me a line and I'll see what I can do. 1932—Voice Across the Years If, by this time, the Editor feels I have let 1933—Man from To-morrow him down, I will say I have a complete file of Where are: Williamson, Hamilton, Meek, all Amazing Stories since the first, and am Harris, Starlz, Clouksy and Schachner. The looking forward to the tenth birthday of this last named is, in my opinion, one of the best patriarch of Science Fiction with no little science fiction authors. anticipation, How about a forecast of next month's stories, at the of the stories, or on the last Kenneth E. Pritchard, end pase? Would some reader please oblige on how to 82 Second Street, bind issues ? I would appreciate this, as I have Pittsfield, Mass. now about 85 A. S., making up about all you (You need not be afraid of knocking an have published, which I would Hke to bind. Editor, that poor individual spends his hfe I notice a letter from John Russell Fcarn in m an atmosphere of knocks. You speak of Discussions; have you any stories by him on something seeming "passing strange" to you. hand? Man's efforts to rise from the surface of the the whole, I believe your mag. has reached earth become very messy when he reaches ten On a new high, surpassing the very high standard miles of elevation and the moon is, in round set in 1932. There is one fault, however, numbers, twenty-four hundred times as far you the uneven edges. With these, the mag. tears away as this. Such figures as this should take easily. hope you remedy this as I think most out any element of personality which curiously I readers want them cut even. enough some correspondents put into their realize that this rather a let^thy letter, judgment of our views on space. Editor.) I is but I hope you will print it, as I enjoy seeing my name in print- A Valuable Letter from a Young Reader Editor, Amazikg Stories: William H. Kennedy, Jr., The minute my copy of the May A- S. came, 31 Wellesley Park, Dorchester, Mass. I just had to sit down and write you a letter. of stories is most interesting for The cover is superb; I'll bet it will double (Your list years. give your circulation. The editorial is excellent, and us, taking us back so many We a stories of special interest to me now, as I am reading forecast of the next month's when we Eddington's "Expanding Universe." The stories can find room for it. We have two stories by Fearn on hand. certainly appreciate your —I'll have to give up classifying them. They're We flattering success all so good that I can't decide, especially "The judgement of the of our efforts-—Editor.) White Dwarf," by J. Lewis Eurtt. In your blurb for "The Lost City" you say Mr. Peril is a new author. If I remember More About Reprints—How to Select Them rightly, he wrote "Dynasty of Blue-Black Rays" Editor, Amajing Stories: in 1930. Are you going to run three serials This must be the umpteenth letter you've regularly? I notice one is a reprint. Keep this received requesting reprints. Now, when I say up. Some you could publish are "Explorers reprints I don't mean the moth-eaten archaic Into Infinity," "Fire People," and "Man on the stories by Poe, Verne and Wells that j^u'vc Meteor," by Ray Cummings, "Blind Spot," by been dishing up to us lately (one can almost — 142 AMAZING STOKIES August, 1931 smell the odor of mothballs about them) but does good work he will be displeased within the interesting, really entertaining stories taken himself, yet he runs the chance of not pleasing from €arly issues of 'Argosy,' 'Science and In- his readers. So you see the Editor is really vention' and our own magazine. Certainly it between two fires in wanting to do what im- would be just as easy ajid convenient to use presses one as right and also in wisiiing to pub- these as the ones you are now using. Some of lish what his readers will like. You are a the old favorites I think would make good little too hasty in your criticism of such dis- reprints are "The Blind Spot," "The Nth Man," tinguished authors as the ones you name. H. G. "The Moon of Doom," "The Mad Planet," Wells is a very live writer to-day, Edgar "The Red Dust,"' "The Runaway Skyscraper," Allan Poe is world-famous. It is curious that "The Green Splotches'* and "The Ark of the while you object to the reprint, "A Decent Covenant." To my mind the above represent Into the Malestrom", you say it has been re- some of the finest science fiction ever printed printed about fifteen times already. Does not and beat Poe's and Verne's stuff all hollow. I this indicate that at least fifteen Editors have don't suppose you'd ever think of doing it, but agreed with us ? It is a long time since we if you wanted a way to increase circulation published a story by Wells. In 1927 and 1928 figures, why not reprint A. Merritt's greatest we gave a number of them and we consider story, "The Metal Emperor," which ran se- that they were well received. None has been rially ill Science and Invention ! You know. published in recent years. Within a few weeks I'm fairly spoiling for a chance to read that George Bernard Shaw has pronounced Poe stor}'. the greatest American author. We are glad to Now for a few comments on recent issues publish your request about back issues. You of A. S. The new serial by Doctor E. E. Smith might address our Circulation Manager who is better than average, but in my opinion it's may be able to supply your needs. Editor.) pretty far below his usual standard. I guess the pace he set in the Skylark stories and A Letter of Complaint—But Others Like Spacehounds was a fait too hot to keep up. What You Object To Slill I got a tremendous kick out of the battle Edilor, Amazing Stories: between earth's superspaceship and the Nevian This is for the Discussions Columns. Any- described in the third installment of vessel as way lets get away from formalities of letter "Triplanetary". say Hamilton is with- They openings. This is a letter of protest so there out a peer as a writer of space battles, but take is no use beating around the hush. First of all word for it, he can't hold a candle to my I wish to protest loudly about tJic printing of this department. "Peril the Smith in Among Edgar Allen Poe's stories in our mag. There Drivers" was an excellent adventure novelette is nothing worth while in the way of science va by Bob Olsen. I thoroughly enjoyed every them. You are always commenting upon the it. it sort sequel to line of I suppose was a of fact to your readers that you are over-stocked Victor End- "The Ant with a Human Soul". with stories. Do you mean Poe's stories? If pretty ersby's story, "A Job of Blending" was you insist on his stories why not publish another good but was much, much too short as was magazine containing his complete works. Oh Stopped the Earth". The new "The Man Who well, maybe by the time this letter is printed Hill, is really serial by H. Haverstock who (if it is) you will have gotten over your mania English novelist, is just fair. J, M. Walsh, an for Poe stories. I would like to see in the Rather mediocre, run-of-the-mill stock, I'd call Discussions Columns the opinion of some of the it. "A Descent into the Maelstrom", by Edgar other readers of your magazine on this sub- Allen Poe was terrible. It was only about the ject. across it in different fifteenth time I'd come I heartily agree with another reader when books and magazines. he says that since you have joined the NRA In closing let me say that I am in the market why not raise the price a little and then maybe for back issues of Amazing Stories from we could have smooth edges. By the way the 1930 back to the beginning. Anyone having otlier reader I refer to lives in tliis same town. such to sell at a fair price please get in touch I shall have to meet him. with me. There seems to be a great amount of con- Robert Tufts, troversy on this subject of reprints. I think you 61 Rathbun Ave., told some of your readers that you were think- White Plains, N. Y. ing favorably of giving us some of your former ( It is well to specify numbers in some cases. stories. I have not seen any yet. I notice We receive so many letters about the contents around this town that a good many of the of Amazing Stories that we do not kiww what people have very little interest in science. to do to please everybody, and this is a task Whenever I try to tell my friends anything for a Napoleon. The proverb says, "Please scientific tliey class me as an idiot or something. yourself and you will please one person." However tiiere is one fellow that will listen to The trouble with an Editor is that he has to me without laughing. I try to interest some please a multitude of people, yet has to please of the rest of tliem but they just don't like himself in a sense. This is because unless he it I guess. By the way what has happened — — August, 1934 AMAZING STORIES 143 wanted issues such to John \V, Campbell, Jr. He is a fine writer, I have a number of much Smith's stories, but I don't see him anymore. Maybe I am as a complete set of Edward E. "Skylark Three," wrong but it seems to me that the magazine "Spacehounds.of I. P. C." and I have been is declining in the last two issues. See if you not to mention plenty of others, as three a half years, can't come up a bit. reading your "mag." for and Quarterly. Unfortunately Why does it take the letters so long to get both the Monthly and disposing of quite in the Discussion Gjlumns. Because there arc circumstances necessitate my of yoiu" so many? Why not have one issue devoted a sizeable pile of magazines. Some such high merit that I to letters or perhaps one half an issue would stories have been of four be enough. have read a number of them as many as G. Hunter, or five times. Some of these are "Invaders from 604 Preston Road, the Infinite" and the other Arcot Wade and Morgantown, W. Va. Morey yarns. "When the Dark Star Passed," the Green Star," Modern (This letter is a good example of what we "The Stone from "A "Television Hill" and so on ad may almost cal! scolding. You speak of us Prometheus," upstairs to look up the taking a long while sometimes to get in let- infinitum. I just went of story I came across "Invaders ters. Many of them however, are published in name a and Three." Well very good time. You suggest that we should from the Infinite" and "Skylark so while I bury nose in the doings of raise the price a little. What we are working long my and Morey. Hoping to see this for is to increase the circulation so that wc will Arcot, Wade letter in your magazine, I feel authorized to introduce various improve- am Robert Wilde, ments. You are mistaken if you have any idea 3821 N. Darien Street. that the magazine is declining for it definitely Philadelphia, Pa. is not- Wc are certain also that our readers list of good stories is quite interesting would not like having an issue of the magazine (Your enlightening for us letting us devoted to letters or even half an issue devoted and is in know which our thereto.—Editor.) what authors do tlie work pleases readers. There are quite a number of letters correspondents of having issues Back Numbers To Be Disposed Of for Foreign in which tell Postage Stamps for sale and some of these will certainly meet Editor, Amazing Stories : with customers and we hope the same will come From time to time there have been letters to you.~EDiTOE.) from foreign readers asking where they could obtain back copies of .\mazinc Stories. I A Canadian Correspondent Asks About the have quite a number of back issues extending "Ways of the Moon" Editor, Amazing Stories : as far back as 1926 and 1927. I would be will- Your stories have always appealed to nic and ing to exchange these for postage stamps of so you may imagine my surprise pleasure their respective countries. Although foreign and when I saw Amazing Stories reappear in readers are In a better position than readers in De- cember on Canadian newsstands. I have not the U. S. A,, I will answer all letters, regard- missed a copy since. The two serials were both less of their origin. Edwin Rothousc, great stories and well written, but "The I-ost City" 4713 N. 9th Street. promises to excel both of these. The Philadelphia, Pa. short stories are very interesting and cover a great deal of ground. In "The Copies of Amazing Stories for Sale, Man Who Stopped the Earth" by with Covers Henry Kostkos, the moon streaked off from the Editor, Amazing Stories: earth at a tangent when the earth was stopped. I wisli to offer for sale, the following issues If the earth was stopped would it still not re- of Amazing Stories. With covers—^January, tain its influence on the moon and still cause it February. March, May. October and Novem- to circle around it? However, it is only a de- ber, 1933. January and April. 1934. Price tail in a good story. twenty-five cents. Without co\'ers—July and Wishing you all the success December, 1932. April, June, July and August- John O'Connell. September, 1933. Price fifteen cents. Glanford Avenue, Watson Fulks, Victoria, B. C, Route 2, Canada. Conway, Arkansas. (Our magazine now is published in Canada so you will have no trouble hereafter in pur- AM^iZlNG Stories of the Last Three and a chasing it. We will leave your question about Half Yesra for Sale—Notes on Stories the story by Mr. Kostkos to be answered by Editor. Amazing Stories: him. Canada is not very far away from this Noticing in your Discussions column letters part of the world, but it is another country requesting choice back issues of "our" maga- and we are glad to get a little touch of the zine, I am sending this letter in the hopes that cosmic effect, meaning readers all over the you will publish it hi the Discussions Columns. world in our magazine. Edxtob.) 144 AMAZING STORIES The FaU 1934 Would You Give 15/ AMAZING STORIES For A $2.00 Novel? QUARTERLY Of course you would! And, that's exactly what you do, every time you buy a copy of On Sale July 10th COMPLETE DETECTIVE NOVEL with MAGAZINE! "The Sunken World" Each issue brings a brand-new, complete by Stauton A. Coblenlz detective novel by a well-known writer • • which later appears in $2.00 book-form. "Barton's Island" But, the magazine sells for I5c! by Harl Vincent The August issue of COMPLETE DE- • • TECTIVE NOVEL MAGAZINE, now on "Malignant Entity" sale at all newsstands, features "The Grey by Otis A. Klein Death" by Kenneth U'TiippIe. Make sure • • And Other Worth-While you get a copy—it's a story dealing with Science-Fiction! disintegrating rays and death rays that will appeal to every reader of AMAZING Order Yuar Copy IVowI STORIES! Amazing Stories Quarterly 222 W. 39th St, N. Y. C. Complete Enclosed find 50c. Send me the Fall W34 AMAZING STORIES QUARTERLY immediately upon Detective Novel Magazine publication. (Canada 75c.) Read ''Renegade Riders" OPPORTUNITY AD-LETS by Claude Rister These colnmns will appear moBlkly i» for Amazing Stories Rale— Eight cents a word. Cash should accom- Drama t Romanee! pany all advertisements nnless placed by an »c- credited advertising agency. Advertisements of less than 10 words not accepted. Thrills! Quick Action! TECK PUBUCATIQNS. INC. 222 W. 39* Si.. New York, N. Y. "" In the August BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 250 LTnusually SucceVsiiil Money-Miking Idea^i many new; from GovCTTuncnt recordi. Only 35c coin or atara:>5- WUd West Stories Lnterprise Bureau, Tower AS. Syracuse, N. V, CHEMISTRY and FREE Chemical catalog, l.<:west pric«. Enclose stamp. Bresal Chciiii^tfl, 157 Leonard, New York City. COREESPONpENCE COURSES Complete IVovel USED correspondence courses and educational books 6ol3 or rented. Inexr^nsive, Money-back agreement. Catalog listing 3,000 bargains—FREE (Courses bought). Lee Magazine Mountain, Pisgah, Alabama. SCIENCE FICTION ^ 25c At All Newsstands BACK NUMBERS, all Science Fiction M^zincsl Write for new list o( Argosies containing Science Fiction Stories. DaJe, 2JI N. Illinois St„ Indianapolis, Indiana. 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