OUT OF NOWHERE By E. A. GROSSER (_Author of "The Radiant Avenger", "The Psychomorph", etc._) Valnar, time traveler from nowhere in particular, had raised havoc in plenty the last time he stopped in this continuum; he'd been responsible for the rise of Dodson, the mental dictator who was now menacing the entire planet. So Barlow and Laurine decided that the tourist had better undo it this trip! [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Future combined with Science Fiction October 1941. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] Dictators are the most naive persons. About all they know are the facts of life. Therefore Great America's Dodson thoroughly approved of a man such as Joel Barlow and a girl such as Laurine Coret walking in the park at twilight. Quite evidently Director Dodson reasoned: Dusk is mysterious.... Man is curious.... Q. E. D.--usually. A civic guard saw them and saluted with a good-natured grin. Wisely, they returned the salute. Then Laurine passed her arm under Barlow's and sort of cuddled up to him. He straightened and looked at her with surprise. "Smile, darn you," she grated. "Make it look real--as though you enjoyed it, even if you don't." His lips stretched into a grimace that in the dusk, passed muster for a smile. And the civic guard smiled fondly after them as they walked along the park path. "What does Central want me for?" Barlow asked when the guard was beyond earshot. "The organization is going to hibernate. You're to pass the word along. 'Stay away from headquarters.'" "Why?" "Dodson must have managed to get agents into our organization. The New Orleans headquarters was raided during a meeting." "Did they get them all?" he asked quickly. She nodded. He said nothing, but his hands closed slowly. They both knew the seriousness of the loss, but still her eyes clung to his face. Director Dodson knew the facts of life. Suddenly her gaze went over his shoulder and her eyes widened with fright. She turned with a stifled scream and fled. Barlow stared after her with puzzled eyes. "--me she didn't like," said a rueful voice behind him. "I beg your pardon. I guess it's--" Barlow turned quickly, but saw nothing. Then, as though someone had switched on a light, there was a violet haze in front of him. And in the middle of the haze was the figure of a man. Then the man and the queer haze disappeared as though the light had been turned off. A moment later it had returned. "--leave you so abruptly," the figure said, and vanished. A second later it reappeared and said, "I'm sorry I had to--" Barlow moved away, intending to follow Laurine. "Don't go," said the queer newcomer. "I think I've settled down, and I want to talk to you."