Adventures in the Far Future & Tales of Outer Space — page 325: what you’re looking at

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

Stewie pressed the electrode triggers and the arc licked thunderously out to lock through the body. The “thing” closed over the tank, engulfing it and tearing it away from the wall. A gigantic maw was opened and they were sucked into it on the rush of air which, hurricane like, soun them and toppled them down. Gedso flashed on their flood lamps and the interior of the “thing” showed about them in dirty confusion. The tank settled to its gravity side and the tracks churned in the Soggy morass. With a swift change of fuel feeds, Gedso brought the reactionary tubes into play and the tank slammed itself against the inside wall which indented and then snapped back Into place, hurling them across to the far side. “Hold on and try it again,” said Gedso. This time the reactionary blast let them gather momentum. There was a roaring sound as the inner lining of the “thing” ripped. The sides of the wound clamped down and held the tank fast. Stewie shortened the arc to minimum range and played it full blast upon the outside scale wall. Smoke obscured their vision through the ports. “Try her traction now,” said Gedso. The turbine sparked and spewed out ozone. Slowly and then with a charging rush, the tank blasted through. Stewie Steered for the high wall without a backward glance at the death agonies of the “thing.” Drummond was shaking and glassy-eyed, but he held to his nerve. “If you’ve learned enough,” he said with acid- dripping words, “perhaps you might make it back.” “Too many waiting for us back there now,” said Gedso. “There are smaller tunnels they can block completely.” “Then what do you mean to do?” flared Drummond. “Up this incline and through that slit,” said Gedso to Stewie. CORniclooo SS CO