"066 (B058) - The Munitions Master (1938-08) - Harold Davis" - читать интересную книгу автора (Robeson Kenneth)

For Doc Savage, known formally as Clark Savage, Jr., was we of the world's foremost medical authorities, even as he was an outstanding leader in such widely separated subjects as astronomy, undersea navigation and electrical research.



The newspapers had hailed the bronze man widely. Doc Savage had discovered a new type of cell development that led him to believe it might be possible to restore the health of many war cripples, might even restore the sight of many thought hopelessly blind. He had come to Paris to work with French specialists.



Doc lifted one hand, then took his seat. The lifting of that hand quieted the crowd. It showed in what reverence the bronze man was held.



At that moment, two men in gendarme uniforms ducked out an entrance of the Metro, or Paris subway, moved until they were close to the reviewing stand.



Across the street, the small, thin man with his loaves of bread, suddenly pushed his way to the front of the crowd.



A band blared. Those in the reviewing stand rose to their feet. The military men saluted. There was a moment of silence as long ranks of young, tanned, physically perfect appearing soldiers started to march by.



Then it happened!





THERE was an unbelieving gasp. Then came the terrible, almost animal-sounding screams. The screams came from the soldiers.



But only for a moment. Then noise burst from the crowd. Panic seized the multitude. The crowd became a seething mass of motion in which men fought blindly in wild panic, in which women were trampled underfoot. Those at the rear fought to get near the street to learn what had happened.



In the street itself there was a strange sight. The ranks of soldiers had disappeared. In their place were rows of fallen figures that twisted and squirmed, and from which groans and horrible noises came constantly.



A youth who had been at the edge of the sidewalk suddenly turned, fought to get away.



"I can't stand it! I can't stand it!" he shrieked. "They were marching along! Then their legs melted! They can't march without legs!"