Astounding Science Fiction (British Edition) — page 75: what you’re looking at

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

BELIEF Deering which the latter had sent on to Morton. “Yes,” said Roger. ““How about this one?” The federal agent had a sheaf of letters. Roger realized that he must have collected every one he had sent out, minus those that had been torn up. “They’re all mine,” he said, wearily. Deering snorted. Cannon said, “Professor Deering tells us that you can float.” “Float? What the devil do you mean, float?’’ “Float in the air,’ said Cannon, stolidly. “Do you believe anything as crazy as that?” “lm not here to believe or not to believe, Dr. Toomey,’’ said Cannon. “T’m an agent of the Government of the United States and I’ve got an assignment to carry out. I’d co-operate if I were you.” *““How can I co-operate in something like this? If I came to you and told you that Professor Deering could float in air, you’d have me flat on a psy- chiatrist’s couch in no time. Cannon said, ‘“‘Professor Deering has been examined by a psychiatrist at his own request. However, the government has been in the habit of listening very seriously to Professor Deering for a number of years now. Besides, I might as well tell you that we have independent evidence.” “Such as?” “A group of students at your college have seen you float. Also, a woman who was once secretary to the head of your department. We have statements from all of them.” Roger said, ‘““What kind of state- ments? Sensible ones that you would be willing to put into the record and show to my congressman?” Professor Deering interrupted anxiously, ““Dr. Toomey, what do you 73 gain by denying the fact that you can levitate? Your own dean admits that you've done something of the sort. He has told me that he will inform you officially that your appointment will be terminated at the end of the academic year. He wouldn’t do that for nothing.” “That doesn’t matter,” said Roger. “But why won’t you admit I saw you levitate?”’ “Why should I?” Cannon said, “I'd like to point out, Dr. Toomey, that if you have any device for counteracting gravity, it would be of great importance to your government.” ‘Really? I suppose you have inves- tigated my background for possible disloyalty.” “The investigation,” said the agent, “is proceeding.” JHE BRITISH INTERPLANETARY SOCIETY 12 BESSBOROUGH GARDERS, LONDON, S.W.1 a Membership is open to all inter- | ested in Rocket engineering and space-flight. Full particulars, together with a free copy of the Society’s Journal and Programme of lectures, film shows, etc. will be sent on request. Annual! Subscription . £1 11 6 = (onder ey. Red Entrance Fee .°-. . 19 6 corre eee ENERO LEDS ER SL 8 ATE ON ATT ALBIS SI LE OL TAIL ET lo Commie ooolks.e@ im