Astounding Science Fiction (British Edition) — page 65: what you’re looking at

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

BELIEF 63 must ask you, with all the firmness at my command, never to repeat your. ..uh. . . performance. If you ever do, your resignation will be requested. Do you understand, Dr. Toomey?” “Yes,” said Roger. “In that case, good day, gentle- men.”’ Dr. Morton steered Roger back into his office. This time, he shooed his secretary and closed the door behind her carefully. ““Good heavens, Toomey,” he whis- pered, “has this madness any con- nection with your letter on levitation?”’ Roger’s nerves were beginning to twang. “Isn’t it obvious? I was re- ferring to myself in those letters.” “You can fly? I mean, levitate?” “Hither word you choose.” “IT never heard of such—Damn it, Toomey, did Miss Harroway ever see you levitate?” “Once. It was an accid—” “Of course. It’s obvious now. She was so hysterical it was hard to make out. She said you had jumped at her. It sounded as though she were ac- cusing you of . . . of—” Dr. Morton looked embarrassed. “‘Well, I didn’t believe that. She was a good secretary, you understand, but obviously not one designed to attract the attention of a relieved when she left. I thought she would be carrying a small revolver next, or accusing me—You += YOU levitated, eh?” “Ves. 99 “How do you do it?” Roger shook his head. “That’s my problem. I don’t know.” Dr. Morton allowed himself a smile. “Surely, you don’t repeal the law of gravity?” “You know, I think I do. There must be antigravity involved some- how.” oung man. I was actually — Dr. Morton’s indignation at having a joke taken seriously was marked. He said, “Look here, Toomey, this is nothing to laugh at.” “Laugh at. Great Scott, Dr. Mor- ton, do I look as though I were laughing?” *“Well—You need a rest. No ques- tion about it. A little rest and this nonsense of yours will pass. I’m sure of it.” “It’s not nonsense.” Roger bowed his head a moment, then said, in a quieter tone. “I tell you what, Dr. Morton, would you like to go in to this with me? In some way this will open new horizons in physical science. I don’t know how it works; I just can’t conceive of any solution. The two of us together—” Dr. Morton’s look of horror pene- trated by that time. Roger said, “I know it all sounds queer. But I’ll demonstrate for you. It’s perfectly legitimate. I wish it weren't.” “Now, now,” Dr. Morton sprang from his seat. “Don’t exert yourself. You need a rest badly. I don’t think you should wait till June. You go home right now. I'll see that your salary comes through and [Il look after your course. I used to give it myself once, you know.” “Dr. Morton. This is important.” “I know. I know.” Dr. Morton clapped Roger on the shoulder. “Still, my boy, you look under the weather. Speaking frankly, you look like hell. You need a long rest.” “I can levitate.” Roger’s voice was climbing again. “You're just trying to get rid of me because you don’t believe me. Do you think I’m lying? What would be my motive?” “You're exciting yourself need- lessly, my boy. You let me make a phone call. Pll have someone take you home.” EComichooks.co im