"A. E. Van Vogt - The Rat & the Snake & Other Stories" - читать интересную книгу автора (Van Vogt A E)

Malkins grabbed at him frantically but too late.
The thin, white beam seemed to penetrate Grayson's heed. It burned a
round, black, smoldering hole in the woodwork beyond. Coolly, the unhurt
Grayson pointed the triangular muzzle athis companion.
"Like me to try it on you?" he asked jovially.
The older man shuddered and grabbed at the weapon. "Give me that!" he
said.
He calmed presently and asked, "I've noticed that I'm no older. Bill,
what are we going to do?"
"I think we're being held in reserve," said Grayson.
He stood up and held out his hand. "Well, Henry, it's been good
seeing you. Suppose we meet here every year from now on and compare notes."
"But -"
Grayson smiled a little tautly. "Brace up, my friend. Don't you see?
This is the biggest thing in the universe. We're going to live forever.
We're possible substitutes if anything goes wrong."
"But what is it? What's doing it?"
"Ask me a million years from now. Maybe I'll have an answer."
He turned and walked out of the bar. He did not look back.




THE CATAAAA
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1
THE CATAAAA
By A. E. Van Vogt
Get any book for free on: www.Abika.com
THE CATAAAA
Get any book for free on: www.Abika.com
2
THE CATAAAA
by A. E. Van Vogt
A Little Classic By One Of The Most Brilliant Science-Fiction Writers of Our Day.
Several years ago this startling story appeared in a Los Angeles publication, FANTASY BOOK,
and it immediately created o furor among the local stf faithful. With the resumption of
MARVEL, we thought it should be brought to a larger audience, particularly since its author has
meantime won recognition as one of America's most brilliant science-fiction writers. We think
you'll agree that "The Cataaaa" is a masterpiece.
The cat turned and touched Silkey's face gently.
THE USUAL group was gathering in the bar. Cathy was already pretending she was far gone.
Ted was busy putting on his stupid look. Myra giggled three times the way a musician tunes his
instrument for the evening. Jones was talking to Gord in his positive fashion. Gord said "Glub!"
every few seconds, just as if he was listening. And Morton tried to draw attention to himself by
remaining aloof and intellectual looking far down in his chair.
No one noticed the slight, slim man sitting on a stool before the bar. The man kept glancing at
the group; but just when he joined them, or who invited him, no one had any clear idea. Nor did
it occur to anyone to tell him to go away.
The stranger said, "You were talking about the basic characteristics of human nature--"