Astounding Science Fiction, British Edition — page 28: what you’re looking at

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

26 ASTOUNDING SCIENCE FICTION to do nothing with it except make trinkets, gadgets and gimcracks. ‘And you may further tell them that Martin Nagle has not gone off his rocker. Quote me on it.” He glanced at his watch. “If you don’t mind, gentlemen, I’m afraid we'll have to get back to the Club. Since it is our present source of income, Berk and I need to help with the evening crowds.” Goodman was speechless as they eft the room, but Jennings winked behind his companion’s back and shook Mart’s hand. “Keep in touch with me,” he said. “I'll let you know the reaction out West. You'll be going back to New York, soon?’’ “Yes. We have arranged for a large number of franchises on the Volcano here. It will spread to other gambling centers. Then we are putting out another model to compete with pinball machines in bars and drug- stores. All in all, I] think it’s going to be a very successful device.” “I hope so!” said Jennings fervently. “T certainly hope so!” IV. BairD had it on his program by the time they got back. Again, they were never quite sure how he managed to get news of their affairs so quickly. It could have been through Goodman this time, they thought, but even that seemed unlikely. At any rate, they heard his report firsthand as the two families had dinner together in Mart’s apartment. “It’s out at last,” said Baird, pinch- ing his nostrils together in self- righteousness. “‘One of the most start- ling news stories of all time is the truth behind the fantastic enterprises of ex-Government scientists Martin Nagle and Kenneth Berkeley. You will remember these men resigned many months ago from secret Government laboratories to become involved in a toy manufacturing business. Lately, | they have managed a gambling house in Las Vegas, Nevada. We know now what Martin and Berkeley are after! “A reliable informant of this re- porter has learned that the goal of these two is the breaking down of the entire system of American Patent Law. And the method they choose is apparently that of blackmail! “Since the beginning of the Patent System, our courts have kept sacred the forces of Nature and prevented them from falling into the hands of selfish, monopolistic interests. The country has prospered technically under the System, and our inventors and scientists have been abundantly rewarded by it. . “Now we have a blatant attempt to destroy it all by demanding control over the natural forces of the universe, which these two men refuse to dis- close in the tradition of the great scientists. I do not know what the outcome of this contention will be, but I am certain that our courts will not allow such a brazen assault to succeed. Our Patent System must be protected and retained intact, in order to secure to inventors their just rights for the fruits of their labors, and at the same time guard against the monopolistic exploitation of the open storehouse of Nature. “It is a sad thing indeed, to witness the default of two such men of genius as Martin Nagle and Kenneth Berke- ley. They are men of genius. The whole world of science acknowledges that they are. The genius of the principles in their toys and gambling machines is recognized. We sincerely hope they will reconsider this fantastic effort and return to the laboratories where they are needed so badly in the defense of their country.” Carolyn Nagle moved to the tele- Commie ooolkS.e@) im