Science fiction -- Periodicals; Science fiction, American -- Periodicals
* * * * *
"Perfectly."
"Very well, then. My apparatus will project forward a beam of
ultra-violet light which will be in much greater concentration than
exists in an incandescent electric light. It is my hope that this light
will be reflected by the body of the creature to a sufficient to allow
me to make a photograph of it."
"But won't your lens prevent the ultra-violet light from reaching your
plate?"
"An ordinary lens made of optical glass would do so, but I have a camera
here equipped with a rock crystal lens, which will allow ultra-violet
light to pass through it practically unhindered, and with very slight
distortion. When I add that I will have my camera charged with X-ray
film, a film which is peculiarly sensitive to the shorter wave-lengths,
you will see that I will have a fair chance of success."
"It sounds logical. Would you allow me to accompany you when you make
your attempt?"
"I will be glad of your company, if you can drive a tank. I want to take
Carnes with me, and the tank will only hold two besides the driver."
"I can drive a tractor."
"In that case you should master the tricks of tank driving in short
order. Get familiar with it and we'll appoint you as driver. We'll be
ready to go in to-night, but I am going to wait a day. Our friend was
fed last night, and there is less chance he'll be about."
* * * * *
The early part of the next evening was marked by howls and screams
coming from the mouth of the cave. As the night wore on the noises were
quite evidently coming nearer and the sentries watched the cave mouth
nervously, ready to bolt and scatter according to their orders at the
first alarm. About two A. M. the doctor and Carnes climbed into the tank
beside Lieutenant Leffingwell, and the machine moved slowly into the
cave. A search-light on the front of the tank lighted the way for them
and, attached to a frame which held it some distance ahead of them, was
a luckless sheep.
"Keep your eye on the mutton, Carnes," cautioned the doctor. "As soon as
anything happens to it, shut off the search-light and let me try to get
a picture. As soon as I have made my exposures I'll tell you, and you
can snap it on again. Lieutenant, when the picture is made, turn your
tank and make for the entrance to the cave. If we are lucky, we'll get
out."
Forward the tank crawled, the sheep bleating and trying to break loose
from the bonds which held it. It was impossible to hear much over the
roar of the motor, but presently Dr. Bird leaned forward, his eyes
shining.
"I smell musk," he announced. "Get ready for action."
Even as he spoke the sheep was suddenly lifted into the air. It gave a
final bleat of terror, and then its head was torn from its body.
"Quick, Carnes!" shouted the doctor.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account