"E. E. Doc Smith - Skylark 1 - Skylark of Space " - читать интересную книгу автора (Smith E. E. Doc)

ever seen,' he said, finally. `But, if you will excuse the question, how much of that is fact,
and how much fancy? That is, what portion have you actually done, and what portion is
more or less justified projection into the future?'

`About one to ninety-nine - maybe less,' Seaton admitted. `I've hardly started. I don't
blame you for gagging on it a bit everybody down at the lab thinks I'm nuttier than a
fruitcake. Here's what actually happened,' and he described the accident in full detail.
`And here's the theory I've worked out, so far, to cover it.' He went on to explain.

`That's the works,' Seaton concluded tensely, `as clearly as I can put it. What do you
think of it?'

`An extraordinary story, Dick ... really extraordinary. I understand why the men at the
Laboratory thought as they did, especially after your demonstration failed. I would like to
see it work, myself, before discussing further actions or procedures.'

'Fine! That suits me down to the ground - get into your clothes and 1'll take you down to

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the lab on my bike. If I don't show you enough to make your eyes stick out a foot I'll eat
that motorsickle, clear down to the tires !'

As soon as they arrived at the Laboratory, Seaton assured himself that the `whatsitron'
was still running, and arranged his demonstration. Crane remained silent, but watched
closely every movement Seaton made.

`I take a piece of ordinary copper wire, so,' Seaton began. `I dip it into this beaker of
solution, thus. Note the marked change in its appearance. I place the wire upon this
bench - so - with the treated end pointing out of the window ....'

`No. Toward the wall. I want to see the hole made.'

`Very well - with the treated end pointing toward that brick wall. This is an ordinary eight-
watt Redeker cell. When I touch these lead-wires to the treated wire, watch closely. The
speed is supersonic, but you'll hear it, whether you see what happens or not. Ready?'

`Ready.' Crane riveted his gaze upon the wire.

Seaton touched the wire with the Redeker leads, and it promptly and enthusiastically
disappeared. Turning to Crane, who was staring alternately at the new hole in the wall
and at the spot where the wire had been, he cried exultantly, `Well, Doubting Thomas,
how do you like them potatoes? Did that wire travel, or did it not? Was there some kick
to it, or was there not?'

Crane walked to the wall and examined the hole minutely. He explored it with his
forefinger; then, bending over, looked through it.

`Hm-m-m .'.. well..: he said, straightening up. `That hole is as real as the bricks of the
wall ... and you certainly did not make it by sleight-of-hand . . . if you can control that
power . . . put it into a hull . . . harness it to the wheels of industry . . . You are offering