Judge — October 27, 1923 — page 7: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

and so bright that it seemed to give out heat. There was no eyelid, but that was not necessary, as the eye did not wink. The mouth was large, and resembled the mouths on ancient Greek masks. There was no hair on the head, which was covered with knobs that) would have driven a phrenologist to drink. As he thought afterward, Squibb never noted whether the apparition was clothed or not, or what the body looked like. The solitary, unblinking eye transfixed his ga: He pinched himself tom sure he was awake. He sought n solace from his cigar, but it had gone out. Squibb never before had lacked words, but at the moment there was no ion in him—not even a “Good He felt that what little hair he had was erect, and his clothing was irksome. first time in his memory he was in a funk. 1, I assume,” said the yoice rumbled like thunder far away, and there was a creaking as though something needed oil as the figure moved a bit, but enunciation was plain. Squibb pulled himself together, as there was no sign of physical violence, and wonderingly said: “Then you speak English!” “L speak all tongues. I absorb all knowledge in every atmosphere in which [am cast. And I can read all thought. re speculating as to whence I come ‘Ilventure.”” Squibb’s of conviction, He had not studied in vain. “You know nothing of Mars, Squibb. Ido. [stopped there on my way. Tam making a tour of the worlds. Not be- cause T desire to travel, but because Iam forced to do so.” visitor. QUIBB was so amazed to be called by ‘JD his name that for a space he was silent. hen do you mind telling me where you are from?” “ Iguese.”” In view of the marvels of that great celestial body that Squibb had read about, he trembled. “You must make speed!” he ventured at last. “You measure space hy minimums, Squibb, I go millions of miles while you draw a breath yes, billions.” “You can’t observe much on your way! May I ask why you why you are some a penance. The ape I assume | i an infinite my mate ation on Betelguese. As much smaller as a gnat is smaller than an elephant. I speak in terms that fit your puny understand- ing. “But why—"” Bobby (coming out of retirement)—Sister, shall I start a dance record? “T was banished because Twas a grouch, finding fault with things that were well enough as they existed. I wa: ish. IT abused those who served n I spoiled the pleasure of others. [am doomed to go on and on until T find some creature more despicable than IT have been.” The voice halted, but the b ne smed to Squibb to wither him. “I ing other worlds, and when I find such a creature I am to discover another -some model character upon whose attributes I may build a new life for my- self. When I am reformed, I can return Neg “Why don't you help the lady up?” “Father told me never to pick up women!” to Betelguese. I have encountered in space millions billions —of ttures of diverse shapes from various planets a from what you call the earth, an insign These creatures wan- der in expiation of their sins, in search of redemption. They ha ived their first lives, and are paying penalties.” “Why did you seareh me out?” “Because vou are a terrible exe Squibb. [know that anthrope- a killjoy human pest a disturber of the content of better men and women —a monumental groucher. 1 terms you may understand. It remains to be seen whether you profit my visit.” “How?” Squibb’s teeth were chattering. “Determine — that yourself, Squibb.” And the vision, or whatever it was, resolved itself again to vapor and 1 ared through the by which ithad - nple, are a mis- tyrant a vou a SOF use for entered. SQUIBB rubbed his SS) eyes, looked about, and puffed at his « which, strangely, was now alight. His hands shook and he was in a cold sweat. He touched comicbooks.com