human
Mr. Stern?
gpt
So they're sending around cubs now,
human
I'm no cub--I've been on the paper a whole year,
gpt
Only a year. The first time they sent their best man.
human
This ain't the first time, said the young man, assuming a bored look.
gpt
It's the fourth time, and next year I don't think anybody will come at all. Why should they?
human
Why, because they might be able to make it, Beryl spoke up.
gpt
Something must have happened before.
human
Well, Mrs. Curtis, the young man said,
gpt
It's very simple, replied Beryl,
human
Why is it that we have to come out here just once a year to wait for him? Is that how the fourth dimension works?
gpt
It's the only time when the stellar currents permit the trip back to Earth. And it's _not_ the fourth dimension! Clyde was always irritated when anyone would talk about his traveling to Mars in the fourth dimension.
human
It's interdimensional,
gpt
And you're his broker? asked the reporter, throwing his cigarette down on the brick floor and stepping on it.
human
You're his old friend from college days, handled his financial affairs, and helped him raise enough money to build his machine?
gpt
Yes, Stern replied, a little pompously.
human
It was through my efforts that several wealthy men took an interest in the machine, so that Dr. Curtis did not have to bear the entire expense himself.
gpt
Yeah, yeah, the reporter sighed.
human
I read an old story on it before I came here. Now I'm out of cigarettes.
gpt
There's a store where you can buy some about three blocks down the road.
human
Is that the room where he's expected to materialize with his machine?
gpt
Yes. Dr. Curtis wanted to be sure no one would be injured. This inner circular room was built first; then he had the outer wall put up as an added precaution. The circular passageway we're in leads all around the old room, but this doorway is the only entrance.
human
And what are those holes in the top of the door for?
gpt
If he returns, we can tell by the displaced air rushing out. Then the door will open automatically.
human
And when is the return scheduled for?
gpt
Three-forty-seven and twenty-nine seconds.
human
If it happens, the reporter added skeptically.
gpt
And if it doesn't, we have to wait another year.
human
Optimum conditions occur just once a year.
gpt
Well, I'm going out to get some cigarettes. I've got time ... and probably nothing to wait for. I'll return though.
human
This is the hardest part of the year, especially now. Suppose he did come back,
gpt
You don't have to worry, Stern assured her.
human
Clyde himself said that if he didn't come back the second year, he might not make it at all.
gpt
But he made two trial runs in it first and came back.
human
That was for a short distance only--that is, a short distance astronomically. Figuring for Mars was another story. Maybe he missed the planet and ...
gpt
Oh, don't! It's just not _knowing_ that I can't stand.
human
Well, he said drily,
gpt
he stopped and looked at his wristwatch--
human
I can't wait,
gpt
Relax. Take it easy and stop worrying. It'll just be like last time.
human
Not the last time at all. We hadn't--
gpt
As soon as we are able to leave here, he said, drawing her close and squeezing her gently,
human
I'll take steps to have him declared legally dead. Then we'll get married.
gpt
That's not much of a proposal, she smiled.
human
But I guess I'll have to accept you. You have Clyde's power of attorney.
gpt
And we'll be rich. Richer than ever. I'll be able to use some of my own ideas about the investments. As a matter of fact, I have already.
human
We have enough, Beryl said quickly.
gpt
Don't try to speculate. You know how Clyde felt about that.
human
But he spent so damned much on the machine. I had to make back those expenses somehow.
gpt
Better wipe the lipstick off, he grinned.
human
It's almost time for something to happen.