Avon Fantasy Reader No. 14 — page 86: what you’re looking at

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

as many machines as those you made to generate the antizaircraft rays and I will produce Yeast Men by the million. I will make a million every day as long as it is necessary.” “And they live just so long and then die?” asked the King. “Yes, they live about three days. During that time they are able to move about twenty-five mites. Then they dic and rot.” “A fairy tale,” said the Premier, who, up to this time, had kept silent. “But I can prove it. I have made one. If you sce just one of them will you believe it? Let me show you just one!” The King held up his hand for silence. “Gentlemen, let me talk to Billings. Please do not mterrupt. He is nervous —and so am I. We must get to the real truth in this matter. | would never forgive myself if he had really found something of value and lost it because of our incredulity. Now, Friend Billings, let us pretend that we are alone. Pay no attention to these other men. Listen to my questions, and answer them as simply as you can. Remember that I aim not a scientist and do not under- stand big words. Now, how much yeast does it take to make a soldier?” “About two drops.” “How big does he grow?” “About six feet tall,” “Do they look like real men?” “Just a little. You see they are made of dough.” “Do they walk as we do?” “No. It is a sort of creeping shuffle—an amoeba-like movement.” “If they are not destroyed, how long will they live?” “About three days.” “What happens then?” “They cease to grow or move. They die and decay—rot.” “Suppose one of them is shot or has his head cut off with a saber, or is torn into pieces by a cannon ball, what then?” “Each piece would keep on living and growing and moving until the end of the third day.” “You said they would move at eight miles an hour?” “Yes, if nothing stopped them. They would be in Eupenia at the end of forty-eight hours, and by the end of the third day they would rot there.” “Are you sure of all this?” “Te worked out in the laboratory.” “What makes them prow?” “It is a peculiar form of yeast. In the machine we compress it. Just as soon as it is liberated, it begins to extract nitrogen from the air, and expands, It not only expands but it actually grows by the rapid division of the yeast cells.” “J do not understand it,” said the King, “but I am willing to take your word for it. What makes them move?” “Radiant energy. Before the yeast is put into the guns, it is thoroughly energized with a form of radium.” “But these peculiar creatures cannot fight: they have no weapons: how can they win a war?” 84 comiclsooks.com