E.E. 'Doc' Smith SF Gateway Omnibus: The Skylark of Space, Skylark Three, Skylark of Valeron, Skylark DuQuesne Read Online Free Page B

matter to controllable energy?’
    Crane, who had a cup of coffee halfway to his mouth, stopped it in mid-air, and stared at Seaton eye to eye. This, in Crane the Imperturbable, betrayed more excitement than Seaton had ever seen him show. He finished lifting the cup, sipped, and replaced the cup studiously, meticulously, in the exact center of its saucer.
    ‘That would undoubtedly constitute the greatest technological advance the world has 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 I’ll take you down to 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 pointed out of the window …’
    ‘No. Toward the wall. I want to see thehole 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 me a partnership?’
    ‘Yes. I can’t even afford to quit the Service, to say nothing of setting up what we’ll have to have for this job. Besides, working this out is going to be a lot more than a one-man job. It’ll take all the brains both of us have got, and probably a nickel’s worth beside, to lick it.’
    ‘Check. I accept – and thanks a lot for letting me in.’ The two shook hands vigorously. Crane said, ‘The first thing to do, and it must be done with all possible speed, is to get unassailably clear title to that solution, which is, of course, government property. How do you propose going about that?’
    ‘It’s government property – technically– yes;