Classics fantasy3
A. Belyaev


Among the run wild horses (extraordinary adventures of the underground worker). Action of the story of A. Belyaev belongs to summer of 1919  after capture of the Crimea white in June.





Classics fantasy3



A.Belyaev



A. Belyaev,2019



ISBN978-5-0050-1185-5 (. 3)

ISBN978-5-0050-0936-4

     Ridero




INVENTIONS OFPROFESSOR WAGNER



(cycle ofstories)



The created legends and apocryphal stories




I.THE PERSON WHO DOES NOT SLEEP


Ivan Stepanovich Wagner, professor ofthe 1st Moscow university ofdepartment ofbiology, is known tothe scientific colleagues as exclusively versatile mind, the talented inventor and the courageous experimenter long ago. Wagner became known towide public only five years ago when he had toact as the defendant on so-called dog matter innational court.

Ikept newspapers ofthat time. Here is how inone ofthem the correspondent who was present at court describes appearance ofprofessor Wagner:

Inhis nutbrown hair, abroad fair-haired beard and the hung moustaches it was possible tonotice only afew silvery hairs. Fresh complexion, rosy cheeks and shining eyes spoke about health. It could not give more than forty years.

And at this time toprofessor Wagner was for fifty.

He was accused ofkidnapping ofdogs for production ofscientific experiences. Incourt very interesting circumstances became clear. It appears, professor Wagner invented means for fatigue, and also means against adream; the dream, according toprofessor, represents adisease.

Wagner delivered tohimself atask tocapture bigger amount ofknowledge, than that which can contain ahuman brain. And professor achieved it that, without needing rest and adream, he could work nearly twenty four hours aday. Besides, byatraining it developed ability tothink both halves ofabrain independently one from another. His eyes moved also independently one from another, and Wagner could watch, thus, several phenomena at once. He could write with at the same time right and left hand

All this and many other things became clear on dog process, and the name ofprofessor Wagner became known tothe public reading newspapers at once. It and was called: The person who does not sleep.

Iwas one ofthose which became interested inprofessor Wagner. Ivery much wanted toget acquainted with it. The case came tothe rescue ofme. Igot acquainted with Wagner inthe Crimea, inSimeiz, we had with it some ofthe most interesting conversations.

Then Wagner disappeared somewhere. Ingeneral it quite often changes residences that does not prevent it togive lectures at the Moscow university. For this purpose it uses abroadcast. And only for apractical training it is toMoscow for amonth or on two. All his pupils succeed, and the university administration does not object tosuch correspondence method oftraining.

So, it disappeared though its voice was punctually heard inaudience. Rumors about its extraordinary experiences and inventions continued tobe handed down. Icarefully wrote down these stories. Some ofthem seemed tome so improbable that Iput inthe notebook on fields aquestion mark tocheck truthfulness ofthe story when Imeet Wagner or Ilearn his address. Said that he inLeningrad is engaged insome radio experiences that is going toNovaya Zemlya, but he told the address tonobody. And only recently he unexpectedly reminded ofhimself. On the korotkovolnovik one night Iaccepted from it the radiotelegram. He sent me hi and reported the address.

Iimmediately rewrote all stories about its inventions which Ihad tohear, and sent it, asking totell me that inthem the truth and that alie. His answer convinced me that my fears were not vain. Alas, more than ahalf ofmy documents on professor Wagner were apocryphal stories. The created legends arose on my eyes. Among these legends there were not only stories about inventions

Wagner, but also curious episodes from his life. For an illustration Iwill give some ofthese invented stories before passing tooriginal incidents. Itried totransfer the speech ofstory-tellers inall records literally.




II.THE CASE WITH THE HORSE


On annual races on May 21, 1926inIpson [79] the general attention was drawn byadraw ofthe first prize infive thousand pounds sterling. Two applicants for superiority were distinguished from three-year-olds ofbeautiful English racers: light-golden Lorelya and red handsome Viking. The majority ofrates was put on these two horses who already showed the extraordinary qualities on training run. But Viking, byuniversal recognition, had more chances ofaprize.

Jumps began. Did not pass also minutes as Lorelya and the Viking moved forward out ofoperation on the head, and inseveral seconds the Viking was ahead ofthe rivals already byone and ahalf cases.

Bravo, Viking! the frenzied crowd shouted. The victory, appear, was behind it. But here on turn there was an event which probably for along time will remain inmemory ofthose who were present at this derby.

The Viking as if went mad. It did not curtail on turn, and rushed directly on afence,  and fell. The horses who flew behind nearly crushed the poor Viking together with his jockey. Having got rid ofone danger, they got toanother. The part ofcrowd putting on the Viking got savage. Respectable gentlemen, risking toget under hoofs ofhorses, jumped off from stands on arace path with obvious intention totear topieces the traitor jockey. They did not doubt that the jockey was bribed bythe owner Lorelya, the large merchant, the silk wholesaler. Fortunately, the skilled jockey did not suffer when falling. He considered the moment and ran from the crowd pursuing it with such speed as if he wanted totake part injumps instead ofthe Viking who left an operation.

The rage and indignation oflosers on the Viking were so strong that many from run together tothe scene pushed the Viking inastomach with aleg. It was an ugly show. The crowd dammed all racetrack. It fell on time tostop jumps. Stands reminded the volcano crater filled with the boiling lava. And this lava ofhuman passions was not less terrible, than magma.

When the first nervousness settled, immediately started the investigation. Tothe aid ofthe jockey the group ofpolicemen who saved it from crowd mob killings appeared intime intime. The jockey, ofcourse, swore and swore that he is not guilty inanything and itself does not know that with the Viking; ordinary the horse obeyed the slightest movement ofahand. The crowd did not trust words ofthe jockey, but as nobody could prove him toguilt, the investigation was temporary is directed toother party. The Viking was lifted up and carefully examined. His breast was seriously injured, apart ofskin and meat is broken, but it were fresh wounds from blow about afence. Eyes and legs ofahorse were as though are not damaged. She looked normally. The Viking was lashed aswitch and looked how it will go. Being unsteady, the Viking moved forward. Before it there was acolumn. The Viking as the blind person, went on acolumn, without turning. And, having only hit abreast, stopped.

He went blind! voices were heard. One gentleman approached and waved before the Vikings eyes ahat. The Viking involuntarily hitched up the head.

Sees!

He went mad! someone shouted.

Unless the horse can go mad? objected it. They rage, but it happens absolutely differently.

The Viking was taken away from acolumn, bystegnul, and it went again. Surprising business! It went only inastraight line, without turning neither tothe right, nor on the left. Eventually it reached adeadlock between two booths and stood there as if he, burning down from shame, wanted toleave all, tosee nobody. Skilled grooms defined at once that the Viking without assistance cannot break an impasse into which he came only because the deadlock lay on the way ofits rectilinear wandering.

Now anybody did not have doubt that the Viking is sick with astrange disease ofstraightforwardness. It did not dismiss charge from the jockey, but nevertheless broke confidence that adisease ofahorse his hands business alittle. Jockeys too become attached tohorses, and it was difficult toassume that the jockey could go tosuch crime. Strangers could spoil ahorse. But how the jockey overlooked?

The crowd rushed tothe jockey again:

The Viking was ill something?

Was ill the jockey answered. The groom said tome what the Viking on the eve ofraces badly ate and badly drank. Mr.Dzhibbs, the owner Vikinga, even wanted torefuse participation injumps, but Mr. Thompson, the veterinarian, told that it is trifles and that bythe morning everything will pass. He promised towatch the Viking. And it is valid, Mr. Thompson stayed inVikingas stable all night long

Continuation ofthe investigation was after races. And any more not crowd, but the investigator interrogated Mr. Thompson. The veterinarian assured that, except an easy indisposition which occurred because ofthe groom who broke the feeding mode the Viking was not sick with anything. And now he, Thompson, finds it difficult todefine adisease ofthe Viking though has tonote that the Viking is really sick: it can go only on astraight line.

The best forces ofmedicine and veterinary science were attracted tothe diagnosis ofadisease ofthe Viking, but nobody could understand anything. The beautiful horse was spoiled. But whom, when and how? The Viking set the scientist an unsoluble riddle.

Here on the stage professor Wagner who was inascientific business trip inOxford at this time also acted. Having read innewspapers that nobody can understand adisease ofthe Viking, Wagner wrote the letter tothe editorial office:

The Viking is not more expensive than the red skin now. Kill the Viking, open tohim askull, and you learn what his disease consistedin.

It was told so resolutely as if Wagner already looked that he becomes inthe head ofthe sick Viking. And Wagner even on jumps wasnot.

The owner Vikinga obeyed this council and, having killed ahorse, opened askull. And what was found? Vikinga did not have part ofabrain. Obviously, the veterinarian bribed bysomeone did this operation at night and so successfully sewed up places ofsection on the head ofahorse that nobody noticed operation traces. Thompson denied this crime. But as aresult ofacareful search proofs were found, and eventually Thompson confessed. Lately he received so many the menacing letters that he inprison felt more safely, than on freedom.

After this case the name ofprofessor Wagner became known also inEngland

(It is reported tot.A.A.K.)



* **



Ivan Stepanovich Wagner wrote on areverse side ofthe last leaf ofthis manuscript:

Inventions. Nothing similar with me was. InMay, 1926did not go abroad. During bilateral removal offrontal lobes ofabrain such strangenesses could be found inahorse, as well as inadog (over which Iconducted experiments), really: the animal (ofcourse, and the person) deprived offrontal lobes finds fragility ofstatic coordination, inability toturn here and there thanks towhat the dog operated thus always runs inthe direct direction and, having hidden inacorner or inthe close back street which is not able toleave it without assistance.

As you can see, all this is similar toacase with the Viking. But first, Iglanced over the London newspapers during this time and did not find anything similar tothe case described byyour acquaintance. Secondly, if this case occurred, then inLondon there would be many scientists who could understand the disease ofthe Viking which is not representing anything mysterious for anything who studies reflexology. And inEngland it is studied not less, than at us. Thirdly, the disease ofthe Viking, ofcourse, would be found on the first turn from its stable, and the jockey would not be on jumps with such horse.




III.ABOUT FLEAS


Once there arrived professor Wagner toParis. He was invited tohimself for scientific consultation byour compatriot doctor Voronov, that which deals with arejuvenation issue. There is Wagner across Paris from hotel toVoronov and sees on one street the house, and on the house asign:

Here scientific fleas give representations.

Professor Wagner decided topay avisit tothe scientific colleagues. Fleas were really remarkable. Danced aquadrille, moved pushechka, rolled each other incardboard crews, boxed and even rode tiny velosipedika.

The owner offlea troupe, when learned that his moustached visitor the scientist, got totalking and showed toWagner the best numbers. Inconclusion ofasession the director fed all troupe on own hand and released tohave arest. After alunch the flea likes tohave asleep.

One is bad the owner offlea theater said, my actors are very small growth. Now seldom at whom good sight occurs. If the audience very low bends, then their actors inanose click, and published very few people sees. Through lenses it is inconvenient tolook too: the flea moves and will leave afield ofvision, will leave focus. But what strong and clever animals! They pull the weights inseveral honeycombs oftimes exceeding the weight oftheir body. And their jumps! The ordinary human flea has inlength: 2,2millimeters male and three-four millimeters female. Well and inmillimeter height two two and ahalf. And fleas can jump up on the whole meter. And forward almost on as much. It means almost infive hundred times more the growth! What would be if the flea was growth from the person?

Yes  Wagner told and thought.

So, thoughtful, and todoctor Voronov came.

Voronov was delighted todear visitor. Shows all the novelties; the young man ofyears ofeighteen the former old man and the chest old woman. Perelechili her trifle, and it turned into the chest baby.

But it nothing Voronov says she at me will grow up soon and will begin tospeak. Here only Ido not know whether it is necessary toteach it tolanguages anew. It the good linguistwas.

Wagner listens, and so through moustaches: Yes, yes, yes And then speaks:

All this is very good. And you can make aflea inhuman height?

Ravens even the mouth opened.

What for? asks.

For the sake ofscience, for experience.

No Voronov says Iwill directly tell, Icannot.

And itself even reddened with shame.

So Ialso thought. And Iwill make Wagner declares. Give me only the room yes offleas more.

Also Wagner began todo experiences. Parisians brought fleas toit, and he fed these fleas with extracts from some glands and izhitsa vitamins.

Wagner grew up dozen growth offleas from ablack cockroach and presented tothe owner offlea theater. Very much the owner thanked Wagner. All Paris went tolook at exotic fleas, there was no small trouble yet: one flea cockroach hit aforehead tomister president ofthe republic why inhis head public affairs offoremost importance were mixed. The seditious flea was killed, and chains put on the others that too highly did not jump. Wagner because ofthis flea from France was nearly sent. However escaped.

On afull human outgrowth Wagner let only two fleas that is one sterns less than money left. Also these two fleas began togrow before the eyes. He kept them inacage on achain, and fed with blood. Every day from slaughters inbarrels blood was brought.

You imagine what is aflea if toincrease her time inone thousand? There is no animal more terribly! Even the watchmen from amenagerie put tothese fleas shivered with horror. And when fleas stretched the feelers and stings through rods ofcages, at watchmen ofaleg were turned inand they from the room ran away.

And there was misfortune. When length ofaflea female was equal tohundred seventy seven centimeters (the male had growth alittle less), and muscles and jaws became stronger than lions, the flea female jumped out ofacage. Tore chains, gnawed through inanight aback wooden wall and through ahole ! skipped away.

And it was just on the night ofJuly fourteenth anational French holiday, capture ofthe Bastille. This day all Paris on the street. And suddenly such incident! The flea inhuman height too as if destroyed the Bastille, broke off chains and  on the street! And on the street the people since early morning already crowd.

Wagners menagerie was located on Kyuvye Street, near azoo. The flea inseveral jumps crossed all Paris. She jumped one jump through wine warehouses which take the whole quarter, the second jump jumped through Notre Dame de Paris on other side ofSeine, then moved back, intwo-three jumps reached the Nursing home, jumped over it, the following huge jump flew through the Eiffel Tower. Three hundred meters ofheight did not make any difficulty for aflea. It flew over atower two hundred meters higher, and inair nearly faced aflock ofthe parading airplanes. Yeny Square and Etual Square were the following stages. Having taken seat on the Triumphal arch, she decided tohave arest.

The public with delight welcomed inthe beginning emergence ofwinged animal. All were sure that it is one ofthe most remarkable numbers ofastreet carnival. Perhaps, some inventor decided togive this day tothe nation asurprise the new aircraft like gelikopter with vertical rise and descent. For bigger effect the inventor gave tothe device such terrible look. However, knew all Paris about Wagners experiences. But nobody assumed that the flea looks so terribly.

Soon, however, the delight ofcrowd was replaced byhorror. Aflea, having had arest on the Triumphal arch, unexpectedly jumped off on the street inathick ofcrowd and suddenly, having seized some having fun citizen with the shchupika, stuck asharp proboscis into the left shoulder. The Parisian desperately cried. The crowd was captured bysuch horror that all stood several minutes as fossilized, and then took tothe heels as if they were picked up byan outflow wave. The flea quietly exhausted grams seven hundred blood and, having taken out aproboscis, jumped on an arch. The Frenchman who turned pale from loss ofblood and afright fell. Fortunately, the flea did not exhaust all blood, and it inveins ofthe Frenchman was 5740grams. Loss oftwo thousand grams would threaten with death. But the flea was satisfied with smaller. Perhaps, so it was easier for it tojump. And she preferred tosuck blood less, but is more often.

Inafew minutes she flew from an arch again, attacked some old woman and thrust it inaback aproboscis. Having tried old-womanish blood, the flea took out asting and turned the look on the very young milliner. The flea became real the blood-sucker.

On the scene the group ofpolice already hurried. But police officers did not manage tofire avolley as the flea jumped on an arch though already and not so easily as before.

Having jumped through group ofpolice officers, the flea jumped on the Champs Elyse, flew through the Place de la Concorde and fell byalawn inthe garden Tuileries.

Professor Wagner already knew about incident. He hurried tomake the order somewhat quicker tokill the second huge flea male. If and the male crashed out, then it would be bad. What if these fleas bred?.

The message about aterrible predator quickly flew about Paris. Streets as became extinct. Inhabitants barricaded windows, being afraid that the flea did not jump tothem into the house, having broken glasses. The armed groups chased aflea, but she one jump disappeared from them. Airplanes could do nothing too. Not tolay down abomb over the city!

And the flea very well felt inthe city. Human blood was pleasant toit much more, than cow with which fed her inthe conclusion. And it continued the raids.

Paris was frightened. The flea turned into some terrible Minotaur [80] demanding the human victims. But there was no hero ofTezey who would exempt the city from afright. Candidates for Tezei were. But they did not manage tokill aflea.

Many began tosay that Wagner is guilty ofeverything that, maybe, he even with malice aforethought grew up and let such flea toParis. Here and Germans began toassume airs. This is not asimple flea

And Wagner did not sleep he never sleeps and thought both halves ofabrain, as if tocorrect the mistake. Very much everything left unpleasantly, and Voronov laughs.

The mayor ofParis summoned Wagner and speaks tohim:

Our patience was exhausted. Igive you twenty four hours on an udavleniye ofaflea. We already became awfully anemic from aflea.

Topress fleas Wagner answers, is not my specialty and how tocatch aflea, Ican give advice. The flea will be caught only bythe person who will be able tojump as aflea. Iconstructed such tools that the person could jump inaflea way. Lets go tothe Field ofMars, Iwill showyou.

Went. Professor Wagner brought with himself asuitcase, and inasuitcase some springs and the red suit similar on abuglie.

These springs Wagner says it is necessary toscrew on hands and legs, and asuit from rubber, pneumatic, is put on abody not torasshibitsya if without habit you fall sideways or on aback. Who wants totry?

I!. And I!.I!.

Wagner chose one. Put on it arubber suit, tosoles and palms attached plate thongs with big spiral springs like matratsny, put the person on all fours and inflated ared rubber cover. Directly huge bug which got drunk blood turnedout.

Jump! Wagner speaks.

The young man raised forepaws, cavorted, overturned on aback, jumped up two times and lies on aback as the bug, waves paws.

Icannot says from the earth torise. Better from height.

Turned bug, brought three tables, put the friend on the friend, and upward put bug.

Jump!

Bug jumped, rose up and again on aback. Time, another, the third jumped up lies.

Nothing, will learn Wagner calms.

And again carried bug on atable. And that, bug got skilled at. Jumped, hit on all four pads and rose up that your flea, is higher than the house. Again hit springs against the earth and jumped up even above.

Bravo! shout.

And he when for the third time on the earth went down, suddenly itself shouts:

How Iwill stop now? also uprygnut.

Honestly. There is atask! He can jump, and is not able stop.

Hold me! shouts.

Ran behind it and where there! Inthree jumps all Field ofMars flewby.

The boy was gone! Now and will jump around the globe

However, on the happiness, it got into the river Seine. Tothe bottom dived, then the rubber bubble on aback took out it, and people caught.

As badly it was necessary tothe daredevil, from aflea it was necessary even worse. And the young man, and behind him and other young people began tolearn tojump inaflea way and reached big art soon. Even inasystem could jump. Very much it was pleasant tothe Minister ofWar.

Anew type ofmilitary forces says jumpers! Through entrenchments very easily can jump.

Jumpers began tohunt for aflea. Exhausted it completely. From Paris expelled. Did not allow todrink-eat, all drove. The flea inArzhanteyle died. And twenty young people Tezeev brought askin ofMinotaur toParis.

On pleasures the president awarded the order toprofessor Wagner ofthe Honourable legion.

Only says depart from Paris with the first airplane!.

(The story is written down according totwo persons .N.A.P. andK.E.N.They told almost at the same time, interrupting and supplementing each other: from here some unevenness ofstyle.)



* **



Remark ofprofessor Wagner:

Again inventions! With me it was not. But similar Iread something insome magazine several decades ago. Apparently, begin toattribute me legendary feats.

The assumption that if the flea was growth from the person, she could jump through the highest houses, is absolutely incorrect: is overlooked that the attraction ofEarth increases indirect ratio tobody weight or inproportion toacube oflinear increase. Despite all anatomic fitness ofaflea tojumps, the flea increased before human growth would jump almost the same as the person, or is slightly higher.

Ihave one project concerning jumping, but absolutely inother sort. Ithought ofjumping through abysses and the rivers ofcars and even trains towhich the known dispersal byareorganization ofaprofile ofaway would be reported. It will not be necessary todo bridges. Principle ofthe American mountains. Why not toarrange such jump ofcars through English Channel? Perhaps, it would be more favorable, than construction ofatunnel near English Channel. Ilooked after also the town: the bottleneck ofthe channel only thirty three kilometers. Coast are abrupt, rocky. Ionly have no time todo calculations. Iam going tofly for Novaya Zemlya. If ask why, you speak: tobreed ostriches.

Your Wagner.

Tobreed ostriches! It is, ofcourse, ajoke. Perhaps, from such jokes ofprofessor taken seriously and added with imagination there were also apocryphal stories about its inventions




IV.CHELOVEK-TERMO


Rubtsov is I. Ilya Ilyich. Twenty four years old. It is ruddy, cheerful, mobile. Companions call me the Siskin.

Companions are Pronin Ivan and Dashkevich Kazimir, it Kazya. Pronin is similar tome, he is also young, cheerful and mobile. And Dashkevich is not even always similar tohimself. It as spring weather: arain, snow, the sun, clouds, warmly, it is cold only little bylittle.  high, thin, angular. It is healthy, but is hypochondriac and often finds initself (himself) nonexistent diseases.

The destiny abandoned us very far on islands ofNovaya Zemlya. We worked as radio operators at the meteorological station. For me Novaya Zemlya was the newest. For Dashkevich news ofNovaya Zemlya is considerably obsolete. Kaza was bothered bymonotonous film sessions ofthe polar lights, frosts, winters without the sun bothered.

There is enough, three years has on duty he said and that will do! With the first steamship Ileave from here. And if some hydroplane incidentally visits us, byall means Iwill depart. Iam sick. Iam absolutely broken. Me is inafever. At me all body as though aches

As though you were friendly embraced byapolar bear. Heard. Do not repeat, Kazya! Pronin told. You turn sour the third day. Go toprofessor Wagner, he, likely, will cureyou.

Wagner is not aphysician Kazya answered.

Professor Wagner is the Encyclopaedist, comprehensive mind. Go toit, and it will very quickly cure your disease. Here the Siskin will see offyou.

Dashkevich indecisively looked at me, sighed and told:

Nurses are not necessary for me. Iwill reach also And well as Wagner will banish me! Will tell: Itoyou not the doctor

Pronin grabbed Dashkevichs cap and pulled down tohim on the head. At the same time Ithrew toKaza shoulders with afur-coat, Pronin opened adoor, and we pushed out our companion on aforty-degree frost. Having finished this philanthropic act, we took seat for devices and went deep into work. Iaccepted, and Pronin sent meteorological bulletins.

There passed hour, and Dashkevich still did not come back. Professor Wagner lived near us, inonly ten minutes ofwalking. It would be time toreturn toDashkevich. Ialready began toworry. Also Pronin worried.

Ahard case he told. Wagner, obviously, finds it difficult tomake the diagnosis. It is visible, our Kazya seriously ached

At this time the frozen door awfully cracked, began tocreak and opened. Puffs ofvapor for amoment filled all room, and when they dissipated, we saw our friend who left afrosty cloud as Venus from sea foam. We attentively looked at each other: Dashkevich on us with mysterious humour, we on it interrogatively.

At last Pronin did not sustain and asked:

Was?

Dashkevich with the same mysterious smile silently nodded.

Cured?

Dashkevich did not answer. His face was very red, and he quickly and often breathed. Obviously, his fever amplified. Even it seemed tome that from it radiates with heat, as from our iron oven when it is heated.

Perelechil me professor Wagner! with laughter Dashkevich answered and quickly passed tothe room.

Nasty! Pronin said inlow tones. If Wagner did not help, then Dashkevich not tosurvive

We went deep into work. Suddenly the door from Dashkevichs room opened and it left him, but inwhat look! It was inasports beskostyum. All red as if just took asteam bath inabath tothe seventh sweat, Dashkevich quickly passed through the room, without paying tous any attention, opened adoor and came toaforty-degree frost.

It was ridiculous, unexpected and terrible. Dashkevichs act was equivalent tosuicide. Several minutes it will freeze toitself (himself) hands and legs and will fatally chill lungs. Poor Kazya, he could make it only delirious! However that we sit? It is necessary torun tothe aid, while the getting is good! Iquickly rose and began toput on the fur-coat. For nervousness could not get ahand toasleeve inany way. Pronin already put on and helpedme.

Rather, rather!

We ran out for adoor.

There was alight moonlight night. From the house the road went down, tothe small lake from which we took ourselves water. On this road we saw an extraordinary phenomenon.

On the road the huge sphere from puffs ofvapor slowly slid. On afrost ofcouples turned into hoarfrost which made as if an external mobile cover ofasphere. Moonlight was reflected inthe sparkling crystals ofhoarfrost and gave iridescent auras. Behind asphere the tail from snow flakes lasted. It was possible tothink that on the road the small planetka who came on asilver platter together with the atmospheric attire slides. But we understood at once what the planetka is: the strange phenomenon left clear and quite deep prints ofbare human feet on snow. It was our Kazya shrouded inacloud ofsteam who brought down from his body excited with fever.

Perhaps, this steam Ithought protects Dashkevichs body from burning action ofcold alittle, is perfect the same as the atmosphere protects Earth from action ofabsolute cold ofinterstellar depths. But whether for along time his internal heat can be enough for Kaza? It will disappear from his body before Kazya reaches the lake.

! ! Stop! we shouted, pursuing the cloud sliding on the road.

We could not consider Kazyu inthis cloud ofsteam.

Dashkevich answered nothing tous, but quickened the pace. Small blizzards began tospin behind it. He already ran up tothe coast ofthe lake, stepped into ice, stopped and suddenly desperately cried. Over the place where it stood, the whole column ofsteam rose. We ran on shout, entered dairy steam and is careful, blundered about tothat place from where Dashkevichs voice was heard. This voice reached from below.

Devil take it, ice thawed under legs! Kazn shouted. Ifailed and now Icannot get out. When Igrab the edge ofice, ice thaws and turns into water

Imade out avague spot ofthe Kaziny head and grabbed at random ahand. Yes, it was the hand if only Idid not grab for burning : heat ofthis hand was felt even through my fur mitten. However what temperature ofhis body has tobe? with surprise Ithought.

We pulled out our friend on the coast. From an ice bathtub on aforty-degree frost! But unfortunate Kazya delirious and fire offever did not feel cold and danger. It was stirred up as the bear who got out ofwater and ran from us along the lake. It was easy for it torun. He ran on the trampled-down road with aspeed ofadog, we inour fur suits could not catch up with him. The shining sphere ofour steam friend sparkled on ahillock soon and disappeared.

What todo? Torun after Dashkevich? But we could not leave radio station for along time. Inour work and so there was abreak. We decided that one ofus has togo towork, and another will be engaged insearches ofthe run-away patient. But as Dashkevich was stronger than each ofus separately, we decided toinvite tothe help ofprofessor Wagner. Pronin hurried on radio station, and Irushed off toWagner.

What did you make with our friend? Iasked Wagner.

Professor looked at me with one eye and answered, without coming off the lamp transmitter:

Inothing toit made bad. And what our patient? How he feels?

Ran away! hasty Ianswered. Ran away when it has probably not less than forty degrees temperature. Naked ran away!

Professor Wagner smiled.

Good feature? he asked, pointing tothe device. You did not meet such designyet.

The device was really entertaining, but tome had no time forit.

Korotkovolnovik? carelessly Iasked and, without waiting for the answer, continued: Listen, professor, leave your experiences and help me tocatch and return our escaped friend until he died finally.

At ausual order ofthings Wagner answered, without moving alittle companion Dashkevich had todie long ago. And we would need tosearch for his dead icy body only. But as companion Dashkevich feels excellently

From where you knowit?

From your own words. Dashkevich did not die, even  inthe lake. He breathes incouples as the engine, and walks inshorts behind the Polar circle as though it on the beach inthe Crimea. Do not worry about your Kaz, you sit down here here and listen. You asked what Imade with Dashkevich.

But, professor, now not time

It is ahigh time! You sit down. Iassure you that with Kazy nothing bad happens. Experience was successful.

Again experience? with astonishment Iasked.

Well, certainly.

Wagner unexpectedly squeezed my hand at an elbow. Iscreamed.

Painfully? Iand thought. You are hurt byjoints when you work with the regenerative receiver. You feel temperature increase. Well, opened radio, but still did not study character ofthis animal at all. The fact that we know about radio, is just baby talk. Our knowledge and scope ofradio extend every day. You know that doctors for treatment ofsome diseases began touse short waves now, artificially lifting radio waves the body temperature ofpatients. And here the thought came tomy mind: and why not toheat artificially human body bymeans ofshort radio waves?

But the human body is naturally heated Itold.

Yes, but it is not enough. The healthy person possesses automatic change oftemperature inonly five-seven tenth degrees throughout days. On adisease the human body reacts increase or fall oftemperature totwo-three degrees against norm. Extreme limits offluctuations make only six-seven degrees.

Stability ofour temperature big progress Itold. Not therefore whether many large animals died out what they were cold blooded their blood had almost identical temperature withair?

My thought does not contradict yours. Listen tome up tothe end. You know what extreme temperature limits oflife ofhuman bodies. The elementary organisms transfer very low temperatures and can be restored tolife. Without special error it is possible totell that even centigrade cold is not quite killing for living beings. Heat as though is transferred more difficultly: at atemperature over fifty five degrees Celsius squirrels curl up. But the dehydrated proteins, for example chicken, can transfer temperature even tohundred sixty hundred seventy degrees above zero. And so Idelivered tomyself atask toexpand limits offluctuations oftemperature ofahuman body, tosubordinate these fluctuations towill ofthe person and, ofcourse, tomake them harmless toan organism. Each warm-blooded animal has the more or less constant temperature: at the person it is equal 37, at amonkey 38, at ahorse 39, at abull 39,7, and at pigeons and hens even 42,5. This constancy has the inconveniences, and the person has toovercome them. Biological progress is not finished. The human body has todevelop inthe future the ideal regulator oftemperature.

We do not know what was the body temperature ofthe cave person, but it, ofcourse, was higher, than at the modern person. Warm dwellings and suits even more promoted fall oftemperature ofabody. It is already progress. The person has topossess ideal heating ofabody. And then the climate will not have for it any value. Such person thermo will be able togo insports shorts tothe North Pole, without feeling any cold, and on the equator he will idle inhot sands ofthe desert. You understand what prospects it will open for mankind! It will not be necessary tobuild houses. The clothes are not necessary. The housing crisis does not exist. You can sleep on the ice-rink even without shirt

But Ican kindle bed and fail inwater as it was with Dashkevich.

Wagner attentively listened tomy remark.

It is necessary he told toput shoes on inshoes or galoshes not tofail.

Means, after all not todo without dress?

Subsequently it will be possible toregulate temperature ofseparate parts ofabody. And now at us not all parts ofabody are warmed equally. The ends oflegs can be cold, and atrunk we heat.

And here such person thermo you made Dashkevich?

Not absolutely. Spontaneous regulation ofbody temperature is abusiness ofvery long-term future. Imade Dashkevich artificially the person thermo, increasing his temperature bymeans ofshort radio waves. Init there is nothing unusual yet. Radio waves increase body temperature even then when we do not wish it. My task came down tofinding means toexpand borders ofchange oftemperature, without doing toaharm organism. You saw Dashkevich. How he feels?

Apparently, well. But he very strenuously, often and deeply breathes. And from it brings down such steam as if it from ahot bath ran out on frostyair.

Wagner nodded.

At temperature increase ofabody and when cooling abody with effect ofexternal air consumption ofoxygen increases. Dashkevich should work strenuously lungs tosupply cellular fabrics with oxygen. But one lungs it is difficult tobring toan organism the necessary amount ofoxygen, and breath ofskin comes tothe rescue.

She breathes inall fifteen thousand square centimeters ofthe surface too. That is why Dashkevich went towalk bynaked: the frost is not terrible toit, and the naked body can cope with skin breath better. And, judging bysteam emitted byDashkevich, he breathes skin perfectly. Everything is all right. Would you like tofollow Dashkevichs example? Ican and make ofyou the warm guy the person thermo, and you will move off insearches ofyour friend inaswimwear, only ingaloshes and with ablanket under the arm. You can not care for food. You should not cook food: your stomach will have sufficient temperature inthe best possible way toweld crude and even frozen fish. You will need tocare only for one togo inaradio emission strip. Iwill act with the directed radio waves. You can take with yourself acompass. Iwill specify the direction. You wish todo experience? Iassure you, you will not undergo any troubles. You will need toprepare the organism only. Iwill enter toyou into blood the solution ofsalts invented byme. You agree toit?

Yes, but me it is necessary toreplace Pronin soon.

Iwill be on duty for you on radio station. Do not worry. We will cope with Pronin, and you go for Dashkevich. It will not be difficult for you tofind it as, like you, it will not leave aradio emission strip. Irepeat: ToDashkevich the frost is not terrible, and your friend will not catch acold, but nevertheless Iwill be quieter if you find it and will bring home. It left without weapon. Bears can attack it, they gad inlocal places much. So on hands?

Inafew minutes Ialready stood inshorts inthe middle ofthe room.

How do you feel? Wagner asked.

As though my body begins tobe poured byfire. Awfullyhot!

You will get used. You breathe more deeply and more often. It at you will become ahabit soon. Heart? Let me listen. Pulse? Hundred. Now it is normal. Itoyou totwo hundred will catch up with it. Really hot will become the sky! Well, march!Go!

Wagner widely opened adoor, having let inclouds ofcold steam. Tome it was alittle terrible, but Iovercame indecision and went outside. And immediately steam shroudedme.

Isee nothing Itold, helplessly turning.

When you go, steam will not disturbyou Wagner told. Kindway!

With ablanket under the arm, inrubber galoshes Iwent on the road, glancing at the compass brought tothe eyes. On all my body and on the person hot sweat streamed.

Dogs ofour small settlement,  astrange show, desperately began abark and then inpanic horror escaped from me. If animals also are afraid ofme, it is quite good Ithought, going down tothe lake.

The moon did not come several days for the horizon, it beat about the bush on the sky, filling with illusive light polar night. Wagner was right: when Iwent, steam not really prevented me tosee. Iwatched prints oflegs ofDashkevich on ice along the coast ofthe lake. Poor Dashkevich! Without galoshes it is probably hard for it togo. Where it stopped, traces went deep: hot legs melted ice. And Dashkevich had togo, without stopping at least over lakes and the rivers.

Strange thing: Idid not pass also hour as felt infernal hunger and thirst. Thanks tohigh temperature inmy organism there was astrengthened combustion, and the organism demanded fuel, that is food. Yes, Icould not worry about preparation ofhot food: tome was rather crude fish.

Idescended on lake ice, spread ablanket, laid down and put ahand on ice. Ice began tothaw soon, and the hand went toice more and more deeply. Ihad tolower ahand almost toashoulder before fingers touched water. Tothe outlet done byme the great number offishes came soon. Idirectly was enough them with hands and ate raw materials. Never inlife Iate so much. It is surprising as soon as could sustain my stomach!

And Idrank, drank without measure. But it had not tobe surprised. Iread that the person under tropics, working at the sun, allocates up totwelve liters ofwater indays and thus the amount ofheat, six thousand five hundred liters ofwater, sufficient for heating, byone degree releases. Acertain natural regulator ofabody, obviously, byrelease ofwater tried tolower temperature tonormal thirty seven degrees. The strengthened release ofsweat caused the increased thirst.

Having sated and having got drunk, Iwent further, but again felt hunger and thirst soon, again was accepted tofishing, ate twice more than former and drank nearly half oflakes. Ibecame is gluttonous as the muskrat eating every day so much food how many his body weighs. Interestingly, than Dashkevich who had tohave the same terrible appetite, as well as Iate? Dashkevich had no galoshes and ablanket how he could catch fish? However Inoticed ahole ashore and the hole which already semi-froze inlake ice soon. Obviously, careful Dashkevich melted snow and ice tothe earth and carefully crept up tothe region ofthe coast. Yes, it was difficult for it toget food. It is necessary tohurry toit totheaid.

Iquickly went along the lake. Traces ofbare feet ofDashkevich were clearly visible. It, as well as I, went on acompass. The moon shone brightly. It slowly moved ahead inthe sky, taking adetour over my head as if wished tolook from all directions at an extraordinary show the steam sphere sliding on the ground.

Circle it was desert and it is silent. Only my noisy breath broke silence as heavy sighs ofthe engine at the lonely abandoned steppe station.

The ice plain extended endlessly, and Dashkevich everything was not visible. Ibegan tobe tired, and Iwanted tosleep. Judging byposition ofthe moon, there came midnight for along time. It was necessary tothink ofalodging for the night. Iwent, choosing the suitable town. Inthe north the horizon darkened. From there was acloud. And stars at its approach as if fell inahuge black bag and disappeared. Here black  clouds collected stars from the half-sky and approached the moon. It is alittle more, and the moon was the swallowed dark mouth ofacloud. Darkness came.

Snow went. But, getting on the hot steam cover surrounding me flakes ofsnow turned into rain drops, and they fell on my naked shoulders and aback as on the heated plate, and evaporated, and from legs flew down on the earth hot then. Yes, as it is strange, being behind the Polar circle inice cold winter night, Igot under damp tropical heavy rain. But this heavy rain existed only for me. Around the blizzard stormed.

And as it happens inthe north when the sky becomes covered byclouds, air became warmer. Temperature from forty degrees below zero rose probably up tofive below zero. Iexperienced the real heat. Icould not regulate the temperature still. Short radio waves heated me so that Ifelt, as at burning noon under the equator. Drops ofarain heated up before reached my body, and could not cool awful heat. Iseveral times rushed on the earth tobe cooled, and felt how Iplunge into snow which literally melted from my excited body.

At last the snow snow-storm stopped. Black  clouds began toshake out stars back. The moon looked out soon. Ilooked back and saw the ice strip sparkling on fluffy snow which was left bythe rain freezing behind me which is flowing down from my body.

It is time tohave arest. Ispread out ablanket on snow it was damp from arain and stretched on it. But Idid not risk tocatch acold, the blanket began todry quickly, only my body touched it; from ablanket steam, as from damp clothes which are ironed too hot iron went.

Istrong fell asleep. Having opened eyes, Isaw nothing: obviously, clouds tightened the sky again. However Inever before saw such black, impenetrable darkness. Attentively looking round, I, at last, noticed astar over my most-headed. That for strangeness! As though clouds covered all sky, except for asmall circle inazenith. Iquickly rose and went forward, but then hit against an ice wall. Turned aside, took several steps again awall. It was unclear. Iwell remembered that Ifell asleep on absolutely flat and open place, and now Iwas insome ice cave.

Iwent back and fell inahole which was inthe middle ofacave. Having reached walls, Ibypassed around. Walls were smooth, ice and had no exit anywhere. The ice floor ofacave had aslope tothe center and inthe center abig hollow. All cave had ahemisphere appearance with asmall opening inaceiling. Perhaps, this dwelling ofsome locals who found me on ice and brought tothemselves inayurta. But this yurta had neither doors, nor windows, and besides init was nobody, exceptme.

How Igot here? Only only through an opening inaceiling. It was over my head at the height offour meters. It is surprising how Inot  if Iwas dumped from there! Yes, Iinatrap. Inthis mousetrap Iwill starve todeath if Ido not get out from here. But how? Toahole inaceiling not . Walls? Iknocked inwalls. They, probably, were very fat. Unclear history! Isat down on the earth and the forehead began torub toitself. Under me there was no blanket, and Ifelt how my body slowly plunges into the snow thawing under me. Suddenly Islapped myself on the head and burst out laughing.

Well, ofcourse! Everything is very simple. Iset myself inthis prison. When Ifell asleep, my hot body kindled snow around me. Despite ablanket, Islowly plunged into snow, it was not lying on the stony soil, as if inthe center ofafunnel yet. Steam which is coming out my body froze together and fell around me hoarfrost, forming an ice ring. It gradually accrued, turned into awall which became isolated from above the arch. Hot breath punched inthis arch ahole absolutely the same as inaden ofthe bear who is filled up with snow. Iappeared inthe center ofan ice dome. From warmth ofmy body ofawall ofthis hemisphere melted inside and were increased outside byhoarfrost into which the warmth leaving an opening turned.

It, however, is surprising! Iquietly fell asleep on the naked ice plain, and woke up inown ice house, such strong that any bear will not get into it. The house which grew self-building. It is very convenient. Unfortunately, the architect did not provide the door device. However, this business reparable.

Iapproached an ice wall ofthe self-harmonious house and, having bent the head, pressed acinciput toice. From awall steam tumbled down, and on the earth water began toflow. Ice quickly thawed. Ifelt soon that my head passed through awall. The window was ready. Itwisted the head, expanding ahole, then pulled inthe head back and looked outside.

Before me there was asame snow infinite plain which is filled inwith moonlight. Iturned the head on the left, tothe right. Suddenly saw apolar bear not far. No, it is ashe-bear with two bear cubs.

She-bear raised the head and expanded nostrils involved steam which was coming out the window made byme. Warm fur and athick skin, obviously, did not protect bears from action ofthe directed short radio wave. From ashe-bear and bear cubs brought down thick steam. Animals felt Unusual and, probably, unpleasant feeling ofheat. They wound the head, were rubbed the nose during snow, rose byhinder legs and waved lobbies, as if blowing inthemselves, then suddenly fell on the earth and began toride insnow. Bear cubs roared such dense bass what could not be expected from babies them age, at least and abear origin.

All respectable family, probably, was very hungry. And Iwas hungry not less them. We with big appetite looked at each other. Iwanted tohave dinner bears flesh, they human flesh. The ice wall divided us, and we could only lick lips, looking at each other. Steam proceeding from my body probably was extraordinary pleasant for sense ofsmell ofashe-bear. It rose byhinder legs and put amuzzle inawindow. Iseized her byanose. The she-bear began toroar, started back from awindow, but did not escape. So tactless address irritated ashe-bear, and it is known that any irritation at simple natures only stimulates appetite. Carnivorously glancing at me, the she-bear thrust apaw into awindow and began tobreak awall. Ice was quite thick, the wall not easily gave in, however the piece behind apiece flew away under mighty blows, and the hole extended.

Business took for me anasty turn. The she-bear had much more chances tohave dinner me, than at me toregale on bears flesh. It was necessary tothink offlight. Iapproached an opposite wall and began toprotaivat the second hole. My work progressed quite successfully, but also the she-bear did not linger. It worked already two paws. It is alittle more, and the hole will extend so that the she-bear will be able toget into alodge. And thenend

Came up one more effort, and my head for awall. Now it is necessary toexpand ahole. Iwas put byshoulders toan ice wall. It is ready. It is possible togetout.

But Iwas not intime and topromote half as involuntarily screamed and was involved back: Iwas faced byashe-bear. The cunning animal understood my maneuver. She-bear, seeing that Iget out ofalodge, ran all over around and met me byoskalenny teeth.

When the tidbit leaves from under anose, the nose, naturally, follows atidbit. The she-bear tried tofollow me. But the hole for it was narrow, and ashe-bear, having thrust inahole with running start the head and the right paw, stuck inawindow. Temporarily she was imprisoned. It should be used. Igot out through the first window expanded with ashe-bear andran.

No, Idid not run, Iflew with aspeed ofgale often points. The moon well lit tome away. Iran on the smooth ice path left the rain which was flowing down from my body during ablizzard. However this path came toan end soon, and Iran avirgin soil.

Ilooked back. Far behind the black point moved, and behind it two it is less. Medveditsa was released from the trap and caught up with me with the bear cubs. Now there was acompetition on speed, and life was arate. Whether Iwill manage toreach tothe house?. From time totime Ilooked back and with horror noticed that _ points all increased. Icould already distinguish figures ofawhite she-bear and her cubs soon. Iwinded bybystry running. Besides Idid not eat long ago and weakened for hunger. But the fear gave me force. Ialready approached the lake which was near our house.

If tocross the small gulf, then it is possible toreduce away. But on atrouble during this mad run Ilost galoshes. It was very dangerous torun without galoshes through the lake on ice: Icould fail as Dashkevich. And Idecided toturn aside. But Idid not manage torun off also ten meters as Ifelt burning right hand pain. Pain and burn. Icould not understand inwhat Ibusiness, and continued torun. Some more steps tothe right, and me were captured byice cold. Involuntarily Icurtailed tothe left, and again beneficial heat spread on all body.

Several times this feeling repeated. When Irun out from aradio wave beam, temperature ofmy body goes down tonormal, and Ibegin toexperience surrounding cold. Air temperature, has tobe, not less than thirty degrees below zero. For the naked person not ajoke!

Iam forced torun inthe direct direction. But this direct direction conducts me through lake ice. Ilooked back. Until Istopped and reflected, the she-bear managed toovertake for me considerably. She ran the equal rolling-over amble as though slow, but very spory.

Istarted running again. Here and ice. If torun very quickly, it will not manage tomelt. Irun. Solid ice under mine ofastupnyama turns into soft treacle. The leg goes toswill, complicating run. Several times my legs coordinated up toan ankle. It is good still that ice thick And the she-bear comes nearer.

Now Irun almost on an equal basis with ashe-bear. Here it overtakes me. Crosses astraight line between me and the house. Iam cut off Medveditsa approaches me. Irush aside and Ishout, Ishout with all the might lungs. Irun on snow zigzags, climbing aslope ofthe hill on which there is our house. The she-bear runs for me. Iam forced todeviate adirect way. Burning cold grabs with the heated nippers my body. But Irun, Irun, choking, knocking teeth and trembling all over. Ihear for myself stumps ofashe-bear. One more effort !. As it is cold! Few steps away from the house Iget toahot stream ofaradio wave Door. If only it was not closed from within!. She-bear near me. She rises byhinder legs and wants toembrace strong me as dear friend. Iopen adoor and Irun inthe room. Ifall on afloor and Ifaint

She-bear, obviously, did not touch me because Ihear as if inthe sleep, voices ofprofessor Wagner and Dashkevich who, likely, returned beforeme.

Such disease, ofcourse, cannot be caused byaction ofshort radio waves professor says. Companion Rubtsov caught acold. Wow! Forty and three tenth.

How Icould catch acold? Ithink. Ofcourse, having only left the sector ofthe directed radio wave. Init the main inconvenience ofartificial heating ofahuman body. When people learn toregulate randomly the temperature without external influences, then really it will be possible towalk safely inAdams suit along the Polar circle.

(The story is written down according tot.I.I.R., recently arrived from Novaya Zemlya. The answer concerning this story is not received from professor Wagner yet.)



Flying carpet



For the first time Ilearned about professor Wagner many years ago. Inone magazine for which it is difficult tofind now Iread an amusing story Acase on jumps.

On the Moscow hippodrome there was abig day. Posters notified on the grandiose program, on high monetary prizes and precious prize-winning cups, on participation injumps ofthe best horses, equestrians, Russian and foreign, on ameeting ofworld champions. The congestion ofpublic was extraordinary. Frequenters ofraces and races pointed tobeginners tothe famous equestrians and prize-winning horses, beautiful, vykholenny togloss, told their sonorous names, remembered their family tree, victories, records, playfulness, names ofowners and the plants the word, everything that can interest the inveterate admirer ofthe totalizator.

And suddenly among representatives ofthe horse aristocracy brilliant, proud ofthe beauty someone noticed an old jade. It was so extraordinary thin that it was possible tocount easily at it all edges. The injured legs swelled up inknee joints and are bent. The head is sadly hung, the lower drooped lip moved as if the jade whispered, complaining ofthe destiny. On ajade the famous boy jockey, barefoot, inared print shirt sat tonobody. Someones sharp-sighted eyes were noticed that the boy is attached toahorse.

Soon an awful jade as if run away from aknackery, also other audience uvidat. People laughed, surprised, asked, were indignant. How this horse could get here? Who allowed such unprecedented mockery? What madman possesses it? You look: it it becomes impudent inthe first row with the best racers ofmorning The person inthe cylinder waves atag. Copper pipes ofregimental orchestra glint inthe sun and rend the air march sounds. The start is given, and the most extraordinary begins here, fantastic

The boy jockey inared print shirt low bends toaback ofahorse and strong squeezes arychazhok on saddle onions. At the same moment the jade begins tomove legs with such speed that it seems the fantastic centipede rushing awhirlwind on ahippodrome. The best prize-winning horses did not manage todepart from the starting line on three-four cases as the strakhovidny jade ran all over acircle, broke off abreast atape at the finish, without stopping, rushed around two more times and, at last, stopped as driven, having low hung the head with the drooped lip; at the same time something several times slapped as acracker. The jade won, and its owner had totake adizzy prize.

Minute thousands ofthe viewers were incatalepsy, and infollowing the hippodrome turned into the bubbling volcano. People went mad, shouted, swung hands, hysterical squealed. Around ajade the bawling crowd quickly gathered. The indignant shouts were heard:

Deception! Fraud! Down with!

You watch, under abelly the motor

Size about acigarbox

And thin levers are attached tolegs.

Who owner ofthis jade?

Tokill! Totear topieces it! Whereit?

Here it, inahat the inventor Wagner

Though physicist, and swindler. Beat him!.

Misters! tried tooutvoice crowd ofpeople inahat. Calm down. Idid not put on the jade. Iwas not going tobeat you Also wanted only

Shouts ofindignation muffled its voice. Over ahat fists, umbrellas, canes rose. It is unknown, than it would come toan end if Wagner did not lift the sphere which brightly sparkled inthe sun size about billiard.

Bomb! he screamed. The crowd inhorror jumped aside. The inventor disappeared.

Such is there was an event described inthe magazine. Ibecame interested inWagner, found for him and, having got acquainted, started talking about acase on ahippodrome. The young inventor hopelessly waved ahand.

My next nonsense. Nonsense. How many times Ipromised togo not that street not torasshibat aforehead awall. And here the next cone  And it rubbed aforehead on which really there was acone. Donkikhotstvo.

It could be worse having burst out laughing, Itold. You were saved byresourcefulness. But about what wall and about what donkikhotstvo you speak?

About awall ofstagnancy, dullness, conservatism ofour government and our public. We hopelessly lagged behind inthe technician from Europe and America. We still did not leave aplow. Fundamentals ofour power still are natural horse backs. From all this it is possible tocome toadespair. Icannot reconcile with it, well and still donkikhotstvy. Itake each convenient and inconvenient opportunity toconvince these people that the small motor can be stronger than abig horse that the self-moving crew will overtake any trotter. Wagners eyes derisively blinked the eyes. This jade whom you saw, not live is the automatic machine, amechanical toy. They did not even notice it. Saw only amotor and levers. Isnt that so, it is well made? cheerfully he asked, having seen the amazement mixed with admiration on my face. After this he sighed. Idid not manage even toexplain. They are mad about money, about the totalizator Villains! They suspected even that Ijust wanted tobeat them. However we will turn this sad page and somewhat quicker we will forget about it Wagner already with usual good nature told. Iam occupied now byone fascinating idea one invention  And it rubbed the cone on aforehead again.

It you on ahippodrome was so decorated? Iasked.

Yes is not present, it Iitself. One idea holds apart the head, and here cones. On aforehead and on anape. You come more often, aguest you willbe.

Iused this invitation, became constant visitor at Wagner and every time found it with the new cone on the head and grazes on hands. Idea as adisease, came tolight. Wagner laughed away and did not open the true reason ofthese wounds. Once he met me with the bandaged head and the tied-up right hand. Cheerfully smiling, he offered tome the left hand and told:

The idea ripened. Yes, it seems tome, it is time toreap the harvest.

Whether not towait until it is possible toremove bandage? it is sympathizing Iasked.

Trifles. If you help me Perfectly. Ialso did not doubt you. And so, come tome on the dacha tomorrow, and you will see Yes you will see that you will see  And Wagner cunning blinked the right eye left was bandaged.

The next day early inthe morning Idescended from the train on the thrown substation and walked on the desert country road. Around neither dachas, nor wood. Quite sad, desert town. On the horizon gray country huts the village Kolodezi the purpose ofmy travel. Inthe village many wells with high cranes were valid. Sign: near the highest crane, inapure half ofacountry hut, Wagner lodged. He met me already without bandage, treated with strong tea with cream and rye flat cakes with oil and told:

Well with if you were not tired, an idemta.

The inventor took asmall suitcase from atable, inan outer entrance hall took an oar, two rods and came tothe dusty street.

And rods and an oar what for? Iwith astonishment asked.

Masking Wagner winked at me. That for us were not coordinated curious,  that people with suitcases go not tothe station, and inthe field. And so all will decide that we go tofishing.

Iabout this masking had adissenting opinion: if as could excite curiosity ofnatives, so it is rods. Iknew well that on three tens kilometers there was around neither river, nor the lake where fish would be found. Fortunately, the village as if became extinct all were at field works. Tous only one ancient old woman who crept out met toget warm inthe sun. Having seen rods, she long saw off us the surprised eyes, having slightly opened atoothless mouth.

We went beyond avillage fence and vigorously walked tothe so-called old ground remote ofkilometer on four from asmall village. Here once there were military ofthe camp. The huge field overgrown with weeds, on the one hand was fenced with the lop-sided old fence, with another became isolated an earth shaft. Near afence and behind it huge heaps ofdry horse manure towered. Wagner stopped near these Augean stables, threw rods and took seat on asuitcase. He all road kept silence. Iwas burned with curiosity, but did not ask, knowing that Wagner himself will reveal tome the secret soon. And this moment came The beginning was unexpected.

How it seems toyou whether the person is well made? It seems tome, badly. Worse than aflea. You laugh? Invain. Aflea an insignificant insect. So.And she jumps intens and hundreds oftimes are higher than the growth. The person auniverse wreath jumps inheight on two meters and inlength at three-four meters, the most bigger. Unless it is not offensive for human dignity?

And you decided tocorrect this injustice ofthe nature? Iasked Wagner, beginning toguess.

Yes, Idare tothink that Iwill manage tocorrect this subquality work. The person learned tocross oceans, torise inair, toskate, ski, get on smooth cable columns. Why dont it learn tojump inaflea way if not inhundreds then is tens times higher also further the growth? How? Using the muscular force ofhands and legs and small adaptation.

Wagner opened asuitcase and took out four springs resembling matratsny from there. Springs were attached toplates, on plates there were belts. Two springs were big for hands the inventor explained and two it is less foot. Wagner quickly tied plate belts with springs tolegs and asked me that Ihelped tobind springs on hands.

All this is still primitive. Test ofthe principle. The main difficulty tocalculate balance he said while Itightened toit belts. Ithank you. Now you will help me toget on afence. Here we and an oar need.

The newborn person flea got on afence. Tobe more exact, Iwith own hand raised and seated him as with the springs it was absolutely helpless.

Well with, so, we begin. Attention! Time, two, three!. Wagner jumped. The spring on aleg was hooked for the acting fence board, and the inventor fell sideways.

Better luck next time he good-natured told.

Judging byyour cones and scratches, it is not the first pancake Inoticed.

On these springs the first. Latest model. Help me torise, please, and again toclimb up afence.

It became tiresome.

So, we begin.

We continue Icorrected.

All question insuccessfully tojump on all fours. It is easier for flea tojump, she has six legs Wagner told. And well,hop!

Already how it fell the head down, Iguessed that the jump will be unsuccessful again. And it is valid, the first blow all weight ofabody fell on hands. Threw Wagner up and back. Having described an arch, he disappeared behind afence.

Ifound the unlucky inventor on aheap ofhorse manure. Wagner lay on aback and pottered about as abug who vainly tried toturn over on legs. Tomy astonishment, Wagners face brightened with pleasure.

Springs, springs what, and? As threw! This time there will be asense.

And, when Wagner jumped for the third time, there was asense. Even, perhaps, bigger, than the inventor expected. Flea managed tofall byall four legs and tomake ajump. Wagner, apparently, used muscles oflegs as the second jump was higher and farther. The third, fourth is even better. And suddenly Iheard uneasy shout:

Hold me! Icannot stop!

Unfortunate! He also did not think ofit. Irushed behind it, but where there! Wagner as ahuge flea, huge jumps quickly moved away from me. The high earth shaft blocked it away. The jumper could not turn aside. Some more jumps and Wagner hit the head against an earth shaft, turned over head over heels and fell.

Idid not punch ahole inearth toashaft? slowly, hardly moving language, Wagner when recovered asked me. He still could joke.



* **



Idid not see Wagner several years. Unexpectedly he reminded ofhimself, having called byphone. He invited me tohimself tothe dacha so simply as if we left it only yesterday.

There are news. If you allow, Iwill come for you on the car.

Did not pass also hour as Ialready went with Wagner byhis car on the magnificent highway Moscow Minsk. Externally Wagner changed alittle, only his beard became as though is longer and more dense. He drove the covered car ofthe extended, well streamline shape. The car flew with such speed that Icould hardly distinguish counter bridges, beautiful hotels standing at the road inpicturesque corners on woody hills or on the river bank. After an hour ofsuch mad driving Wagner reduced speed, turned from the highway tothe good highway, about half an hour flew with aspeed offifty kilometers per hour and, at last, stopped near alonely cottage.

Here we and houses.

We have hastily breakfast inthe cozy dining room with awide Venetian window. Wagner unexpectedly took out from where from under atable the massive glass and stretched tome:

Hold!

Iaccepted aglass and was very surprised, without having felt its weight. Put on atable, but did not manage tounclench fingers as aglass flew up toaceiling and there remained. Has tobe, Ihad acomic because Wagner burst out laughing look and told:

Well and alook at you! Though on the screen. However from what you will drink apple cider? Are guilty. Ihave no other glasses.

You, maybe, after all explain tome, professor, this focus? Iasked.

Iam not aconjurer and not the wizard he as though having alittle taken offense answered.

The glass was, apparently, metal. Inaceiling there was probably ahidden magnet. Iguessed ornot?

Everything will speak indue time. Weather is excellent, toan idemta tobreathe clean air. But before Iwant toweigh you on scales. He weighed me, for some reason suggested toput 800grams inapocket ofthe weight weighing 1kilogram and told: Punktum.

We left the house and went toabig field which was seen behind abirchwood. It seemed tome that among the field there is alake: between white trunks ofbirches Isaw abrilliant surface, and, having only approached closer, Iwas convinced ofthe mistake: the most part ofthe field was covered as if with brilliant felt, equal and smooth. Published this carpet with opaque gloss oflight gray color it was similar toawater surface.

Wagner safely walked on lake, Iis absolutely timid behind it. Inthe middle ofcarpet the area several honeycombs ofsquare meters Isaw asmall cross as it seemed tome. When we approached it closer, it turned out that one crosspiece represented acrack inacarpet, and another the bolt turned across acrack sitting on acore. From this central cross the brackets resembling door handles dispersed extensively.

Wagner turned abolt so that it became against an opening. At the same moment Ifelt that we rise, as on the flying carpet.

Hold brackets! Wagner shouted tome. Igrasped the handle, and intime as strongly rocked our plane. Fortunately, wind gusts did not repeat any more, and we so smoothly rose that Icould not get off impression as if not we go up, and the earth, the field, abirchwood, Wagners dacha slowly fall.

Our flying carpet would rise quicker if not the resistance ofair Wagner told. He sat against me, holding the bracket similar tothe door handle. We were divided byacrack through which when the flying carpet was on the earth, the bolt holding the plane from rise as an anchor was passed.

Yes, our aircraft ofnot too streamline shape; at least, when flying down Iresponded, hardly forcing itself tospeak: tosuch an extent this extraordinary adventure stunnedme.

Now you will not tell that over us amagnet which attracts us? Wagner asked, having cunning blinked blue eyes.

Alas, it is higher than my understanding Ianswered. Wagner loudly laughed loudly.

Adifficult task at last he told. You can imagine that Iinvented some kevorit-screen protecting bodies from terrestrial inclination. But kevorit the most blank and impracticable imagination. You could imagine that Iloaded our flying carpet with electricity, ofthe same name with aterrestrial charge, and the flying carpet jumped aside from the earth as abuzinny ball

Iimagine nothing Iobjected. Now interests me as highly we will rise. We are dressed as insummer, and we have no oxygen devices.

You can be absolutely quiet Wagner answered. Carrying power ofour flying carpet is very small. Its ceiling has only two-three hundred meters. You see, our rise is already slowed down. And when there will come evening, temperature will go down, humidity ofair will increase, and our flying carpet will begin todescend. My calculation is absolutely exact. Punktum. Not without reason Iverified your weight. There now. For now we have alot more time, and Ican explain you asecret ofour flying carpet You watch how many boys ran together tolook at us. And from where only they undertake?. Shout, wave caps

Slowly carried us for agrove. The river and crowd ofchildren passed out ofsight ashore soon.

And so Wagner continued all these miracles were born from scientific works on physics ofthin films, little-known togeneral public. Iadvise you toget acquainted with this subject. Insum, our flying carpet is made ofaso-called firm chain. This body consisting ofaset ofcells bubbles. Alloy ofmagnesium and beryllium. The size ofcells is less than one millimeter, and thickness ofwalls one ten-thousand millimeter. Emptiness ofcells are filled with hydrogen. At athickness ofwalls thin films inone thousand millimeter weightless material already turns out, and at athickness ofone ten-thousand as at us, metal becomes flying. At the known size ofthe flying carpet from such metal it, as you can see, can lift not only itself (himself), but also additional freight. Forgive, but Iwill take off boots got used togo at the dacha barefoot he interrupted the explanations, took off boots and put near himself. So he told

But at this moment it is unknown from where flew awind gust, rocked our flying carpet, boots departed on the earth, the facilitated plane rushed up. Wagner screamed, and this shout resembled groan more. Iunderstood: alas, now we will not be helped byneither night dampness, nor fall oftemperature. We could not produce gas todecrease as aeronauts. Gas ofour flying carpet was deeply hided inartificial foamy structure. We could not operate the movement ofthe plane neither down, nor across. We were helpless. We had no radio station. We had no stocks offood and water. This Wagner is aquite good inventor, but very impractical person. Iwas angry on it especially as tome thirst already having felt hungry and tormented.

Whether our situation reminds you an old story ofthe person who took inhead tojump inaflea way? Wagner angrily breathed heavily, but kept silent. There is nothing totell, we got into pretty situation Icontinued tosaw it. There can come the storm at night, our flying carpet will turn, and we will break. Or we will eat each other for hunger as castaway. Or we will die from thirst, and our bodies will be rasklevana birds

Wagner loudly burst out laughing.

Idid not know that you such cheerful person also are able tojoke inthe most difficult circumstances! sincerely he told, and it became ashame tome. But our situation not so tragic as it seems toyou. Fortunately, my flying carpet is welded from solid foam which is pretty fragile. We can break off pieces from our carpet, it will decrease insizes and will fall as the raft under excessive weight falls. It is rather for work!

Wagner began tobreak off pieces ofporous foam, since edges ofacrack inthe center ofacarpet. Ifollowed its example. We threw the broken-off pieces aside and down, but they steadily emerged upward and vanished somewhere inblue ofthesky.

Alloy expensive, is apity tolose these pieces, but my familiar pilots will catch them innetwork. All these pieces will fly at one height, it is not higher than ten kilometers. You see, we already decrease. Some more pieces Wait tothrow, under us, apparently, the lake. Indeed. It is necessary todrop the ballast. Take off boots!

We safely landed inthickets ofahazel grove and bound braces and belts the spoiled flying carpet that it did not depart. Came back home barefoot, hungry and excited



Devilsmill



Directly from the station it is passed through all settlement the big street Soviet. On it you also go. Dachas will terminate, the field road will begin, go on it bythe sports ground down, tothe small river. The small river will also have avillage ofStryabtsy. Go down the street on the left all the way villages. The second house at the left pay attention tohuge oak gate it is and there will be my giving. The hostess, Anna Tarasovna Tulikova, lives on amill inthe summer. And toamill no distance. Just incase you descend tothe hostess on bow she is awoman strict. Tell that you came tovisit me, you will spend the night and that Iwill arrive later.

With such parting words Ivan Stepanovich Wagner supplied me, inviting tohimself tothe dacha situated near Moscow. This year professor Wagner lived inMoscow as the trust ofexact mechanics byits order finished aconstruction ofsome difficult device and Wagners presence it was necessary. Wagner spent nearly all free time intrust workshops, seldom coming out tothe dacha. But this day Saturday works inworkshops terminated early, and Wagner promised me toarrive and spend with me Sunday.

Iwithout effort found Wagners dacha and went toget acquainted with Tarasovna. Despite evening, was very hot. The summer and fall that year were exclusively hot. The small rivulet Ilevka on which there was Tarasovnas mill absolutely dried up. Without reaching amill yet, Iheard afemale voice offorce and height extraordinary. The voice is this, belonging tothe widow Tulikova, it was remembered tome well it directly contused eardrums. Besides Tarasovna had ability toissue so many words inaminute that even the awarded stenographer would not be able towrite down and half. This time Tarasovna brought down all the machine-gun eloquence on the head ofthe peasant who brought rye for agrinding. The peasant scratched ashaggy beard, and Tarasovna,  fists inwide hips, shouted:

You do not see, perhaps? Chicken fords the small river, and it togrind! Here frogs took rest from the land, and you togrind! Asamovar toput waters you will not gather, and it togrind! Yesterday the Bug drank up the last water, and you togrind!.

And it togrind, and you togrind sounded as arefrain. The peasant listened long and attentively, then grunted and began togather inaway back.

Tarasovna paid attention tome. Having learned that Iam aguest ofher summer resident, she lowered avoice on several tones why its shrillness did not decrease, and with forced affability invited me tobe as at home.

Really really will not even be enough for asamovar? Iasked, cautiously glancing at the small river and feeling what inathroat at me driedup.

Will be enough, will be enough, do not worry. We have awell. Vaska! Deliver asamovar tothe guest.

Iturned back and saw the guy ofyears ofeighteen lying on agrass; it was Tarasovnas son and her assistant adding on amill. Vaska it is lazy rose, stegnut arod agrass and started wandering tothe house, and Tarasovna tormented tome ears with ashrill voice for along time, complaining ofadrought, ofthe dried-up Ilevka, ofgod, ofthe whole world. Its mill stood, and the mill feeds it with children, feeds all year.

And that for the people irresponsible! See: toamosquito toget drunk will not be enough, and they togrind. As though Irefuse bread!.

The samovar began toboil! Vasily from the yard shouted.

Welcome.

Idid not manage todrink tea inagarden among mean apple-trees yet as Iheard afamiliar voice ofWagner:

The village where Evgeny missed,

There was acharming corner

You miss? Wagner took seat for alittle table near me. He told me that he becomes inthe city, Itoit about the impressions.

Yes, Tarasovna should help. Go after tea toit toamill professor offered.

And we went. Wagner was inthe most cheerful mood.

It is possible tolook at the device ofyour mill? he asked.

Tarasovna graciously resolved, and we with professor entered the twilight ofamill. Wagner examined its simple mechanics.

For one and ahalf thousand years mills were under construction B.C., it is not enough what differing from this Wagner told. How many it at you inday ofanamalyval?

How many will bring, it is so much and namalyvat Tarasovna answered. Fifty centners, and even it is more when there is alot ofwater.

So, so. Wagner thoughtfully nodded. Ido not promise fifty centners, but ten can be ground. For astart. And then we will look.

Hundred! If at least hundred! Tarasovna sighed. Wagner stood some more minutes over millstones, tried ashaft, thought and told:

Here that, Anna Tarasovna. Iwill deliver you the small engine. It will only be necessary torearrange millstones these will be great for my engine. Iwill fit your old, it will be possible tomake small ofthem. Vasily will help me. But only apromise is apromise. My engine will be inabox. Do not open this box and you do not watch what is init, otherwise you will damage the engine, and then Iwill help nothing toyou. Goes?

Really! Yes ofcourse! Yes unless I?. Be mercy!

Wagner turned towork. Vasily and Ihelpedhim.

Idecided that, most likely, Wagner wants toput the small kerosene or oil engine. But why such mystery?

We worked almost till midnight. When we with Vasily fell down for fatigue and strong fell asleep, Wagner continued towork: it did not need rest.

Having woken up inthe morning, Iwent toamill. Wagner was there. He established quite voluminous box over millstones and now was busy with the fact that removed an iron pipe through aceiling.

Help me he told.

Chimney? Iasked.

Wagner lowed inreply something uncertain, but eyes so derisively and cheerfully glanced at me that Isolved: Wagner starts something curious. It is not similar tothe gazolinovy engine.

What is inthis box? Iasked.

Engine.

What?

Crippled.

Eternal? Iasked again, thinking that Imisheard. But Wagner answered nothing. It strongly began toknock the axe, cutting through ahole inaceiling. Through this hole it removed apipe. Then Wagner asked us toleave and, having remained one, was engaged inthe last preparations. Inafew minutes Iheard as millstones zavorochatsya slowly. Ilooked at the pipe rising meters byfive over aroof, but did not notice over it the slightest sign ofsmoke or steam.

Wagner opened doors ofamill and invited us toenter.

The mill works he told, addressing Tarasovna. You see this handle on abox? When want tostop amill, turn the handle.

Why tostop? It is more than enough ofgrain, Iwill grind day and night.

Well also grind on health. Only you remember an arrangement: not toopen abox.

Tarasovna began tothank Wagner.

For the present there is nothing. When you collect flour for agrinding, then thank. We go he addressed me. We went outside. Now Igo toMoscow Wagner told. Iwill arrive back byalunch byvery interestingcar.

Car?

D-d-yes Wagner stretched. Autofugue. Samobezhka, so tospeak. Yes here you willsee.

Having waved me at parting ahand, Wagner went tothe station, vigorous, fresh inspite ofthe fact that worked all night long. Iwent toagarden, found for the town inashadow ofashed and went deep into reading. However this day Iwas not fated toenjoy rest.

Bloodcurdling womens scream sounded from amill. As if two corkscrews made white-hot bored through tome eardrums, and at the same time and abrain. The violent cry which broke off silence sleepy Stryabtsov could be made only byvocal chords ofthe respectable widow Tulikova. Possibly, the bishop Gatton alive eaten byrats did not shout so before death as cried out Tarasovn. But what could frighten her so? On amill was many rats and mice, but Tarasovna got used tothem. Idid not manage torise from the earth as shout unexpectedly stopped on the choking note as though toTarasovna someone squeezed athroat. Iran toamill.

After abright sun inthe twilight ofamill at the first moment Icould sort nothing. Everything was silent. Millstones continued the work. Itook several steps and was hooked byaleg for something soft. My eyes already got used tothe twilight alittle. Having bent, Isaw the heavy body ofthe widow Tulikova lying prone on afloor. Her one hand was rejected aside, fingers are convulsively compressed inafist, other hand was pressed byabody Murder?. Sudden death?. Iturned Tarasovnas body, took ahand and groped pulse. It was hardly notable. Tarasovna, probably, was inadeep faint.

Itook aladle and ran tothe small river togather waters and tosprinkle alittle on Tarasovna. It seemed tome that Ireturned very quickly. But during this time Tarasovna already recovered. Idid not manage toapproach tothe wide doors ofamill as from there ran out with the same violent shout ofTarasovn. As the enraged cow, she flew on me, brought down from legs, and the water from aladle intended for its reduction infeeling poured over me. My side was decently hurt bythe heavy foot which ran on my plunged Tarasovnas body, the nape strongly hurt. Ilay on the earth probably for about aminute while, at last, had an opportunity tothink. At the end ofthe village, about the Village Council, Tarasovnas shout interrupted byabrupt exclamations was heard. Ihardly raised the head and took seat on the dusty road. On the occasion ofaholiday peasants were at home, and members ofthe Village Council, sitting on azavalinka at the chairmans log hut, peacefully discussed public affairs when Tarasovnas shout blew up before them as abomb. The chairman  inears as if taking the got stuck Tarasovnas squeals from there, and something told her. She began tochatter loudly again. Then all rose. The chairman called tothe militiaman, and all moved toamill. Inoticed that Tarasovna, the woman not ofshy ten, went inthe thick ofcrowd, probably, being afraid toact forward. Irose, shook off and welcomed authorities.

Well, show where it? the chairman asked, shortening astride.

Yes here abox over amillstone, you see? Tarasovna told, without entering amill.

The chairman, probably, was afraid, but noblesse oblige. It carefully approached abox.

Here it piece what. How this box opens? Well, maybe, you understand better? he addressed the militiaman.

The militiaman, the young guy infreckles, approached abox and bravely lifted acover. At the same moment ofTarasovn shouted and ran out on the street. After it also the crowd ofcurious which jammed into amill took tothe heels. Only authorities remained on amill. But also they involuntarily started back, having glanced inabox. Iapproached closer and when uvidat that is inabox, was struck not less the others.

Inabox the end ofhorizontally rotating shaft was concluded. The wheel with the handle is attached toashaft. Ahuman hand alive hand! strong held this handle, and, probably, it rotated awheel, and together with it and the shaft setting inmotion through millstone gear wheels. Inan elbow joint the hand was attached tothe metal cylinder. This cylinder was connected tothe pipe coming tolight. Besides, two glass tubules and, apparently, the electric wires leaving abox were inserted into the cylinder it is less. On the same small box the galvanometer and the manometer were established.

Yes, with an ulterior motive Tarasovna so shouted. Astrange and terrible impression was made bythis working live human hand. Tarasovna, as well as her legendary progenitress Eve, curiosity ruined. Wagner was the same bad expert on female psychology, as well as bible god. Do not tell Wagner Tarasovne what inabox cannot be looked, she would not take an interest inthe mechanism setting millstones inmotion, quite satisfied with the fact that they spin. But Wagner forbade it tolook and it excited insuperable curiosity. And now she learned the terrible truth: its millstones spin with ahand ofthe dead person!

Authorities were stunned. They did not know how toreact tosuch case which is not provided bythelaw.

Citizen! Get out from abox! the militiaman shouted, assuming that if the hand moves, then she belongs tothe living person who, obviously, is hidden inabox. But the hand continued totwirl awheel, and no citizen appeared.

There is no place tohide tothe person here the chairman told. You see, the shoulder inbank is moved, and it is higher than one smallbox.

Violation ofthe code about work was thoughtfully told bythe chairmans son-in-law, the weigher ofthe railway station. Without labor exchange uninsured is employed and, probably. Violation ofdays ofrest and working hours. It is possible toappeal against the resolution.

Whose hand? the militiaman asked, having quickened.

The summer resident my Wagner attached tome. His hand! Tarasovna answered. I say toyou Iwill use amill, only do not look inabox. Unless Iknew? Fie! That hands toearn bread bymortuaries? Ido not want towork at adevils mill!

And than badly? the old man with the cunning blinked eyes asked. It is not necessary tofeed, it is not necessary topay, and works day and night. And toabraid such piece tofit it or, say, tothresh. You lie on the furnace yes you eat kalatches, andit

And you be silent! angrily the militiaman told. Do not force down. Iask, ahand whose? Perhaps, here the smertoubiystvo occurred. Perhaps tothe person the hand was cut off, and he without hand goes now and looks for where ahand.

Good gracious! Tarasovna began towail. Well, as will come yes here will shout: Give my hand!

Here that and it. It, citizens, not ajoke, but acrime under the article ofthe Criminal code. Where your summer resident Wagner?

InMoscow. Today has tobe.

Here we will arrest him and we will remove interrogation from it. From where it got ahuman hand and on what code operates it? Tostop agrinding! Illegally.

Ah, fathers! again Tarasovna screamed. Now she bitterly regretted the curiosity, and it is even more inwhat inatemper stirred up about the hand which frightened her. Unless you will stop it? Shout at it do not shout will not hear, there are no ears. Twists and twists.

Well and let twists, and do not fill up grain.

Talking loudly, all left amill. Iremained tolook what will be done byTarasovna. She did not dare todisobey an administration order did not fill up grain inafunnel any more. But she regretted ahand which now invain amillstone spit or maybe it was apity for millstones, and Tarasovna stopped work ofahand, having turned arychazhok on abox.

You did affairs! Itold Tarasovna, becoming angry about her for the fact that her curiosity and garrulity will give now alot oftrouble toWagner. Ifor aminute did not doubt that Wagner did not commit any crime.

You did! she answered with irritation. All mill was befouled! Here and people speak: devils mill.

The chairman ofthe Village Council and the militiaman returned with the press and sealing wax. The militiaman remembered that measures toprotection oftraces ofcrime are not taken.

Ceased togrind? the militiaman asked.

Poshabashila Tarasovna answered.

The chairman set the seal todoors ofabox inwhich there was ahand, and Tarasovna awfully was afraid that the chairman did not burn amill. But everything was safely. The second seal was set toamill door.

Imet halfway on Wagner Road, intending towarn him about events ofday. However my maneuver was not successful. The militiaman called tome and suggested toreturn. Anything else did not remain tome how togo toagarden and tocontinue the interrupted reading.

The village worried and hooted as an alarmed beehive. All with impatience expected Wagners arrival, and he forced itself toexpect long enough. Already began toget dark when the boys guarding on the road cried:

Goes! Goes!

All hurried on the road. Wagner really drove up tous. But on what crew! Imagine the long office table covered with the cloth which is going down tothe earth. Above at the edges table is fenced with aboard or iron wall ofcentimeters fifty height. It, obviously, was also that samobezhka about which Wagner spoke tome.

Because ofthe mountain the gray cloud rose. Wind twisted small tornadoes ofdust on the road. The rain, long ago zhdanny Tarasovna came.

Sit down! Wagner shouted, having seen me. It stopped the extraordinary cart, Ijumped and took seat near it. At this time the crowd, predvoditelstvuyemy the chairman ofthe Village Council, already approached asamobezhka.

The citizen, climb up, you are arrested! the chairman told.

Unexpectedly the wind gust lifted the edge ofcloth which veiled asamobezhka. Shout ofhorror swept on crowd, and she started back as if not alight breeze, but the strongest hurricane suddenly struck it. Shrill squeal ofTarasovna covered all voices. Several minutes proceeded this confusion which reason Idid not understand.

Wagner quietly looked at crowd, undertook awheel ofmanagement, and the crowd screamed even more loudly than former again. Samobezhka rose byracks as ahorse whom the skilled equestrian forces toturn all the case on hind legs. Then Wagner directed the crew uphill, without paying attention toshouts ofcrowd, the chairman and the militiaman. The militiaman rushed after, but Wagner translated the speed lever, and the samobezhka with extraordinary ease began totake rise.

The militiaman remained behind, but he did not want tobe reconciled with the defeat. He ran after us. Tothe station was nearby. We went not at afull speed yet. Inafew minutes after we passed the station and came out tothe highway conducting toMoscow, we heard for ourselves amotorcycle crash. Obviously, the militiaman who got from where the car, decided tocontinue apursuit. Wagner smiled.

Here Iwill show you all qualities ofmy samobezhkanow.

He continued todrive at the same speed, without paying attention tothe approaching persecutor. And when the militiaman already almost overtook for us, Wagner turned is not present, did not turn, and such bend who is absolutely impossible for the ordinary car made. It suddenly stopped asamobezhka and then somehow moved it all case tothe right tothe roadside as if the samobezhka could run not only forward, but also sideways. It was made so unexpectedly that the militiaman did not manage toconstrain the motorcycle and slipped forward.

But Wagner was not satisfied with this effect. It started up asamobezhka forward again and it appeared ahead ofthe militiaman soon, as if setting on him. At this time the rain went. On the highway the big pools which were flowing down inquite deep ditches on both sides ofthe highway were formed. Wagner admitted the persecutor even closer and suddenly, having abruptly turned, sent asamobezhka across the highway, toaditch. Iinvoluntarily grasped overboard. But my fears were vain. Samobezhka as the small tank, safely crept through aditch and ran on the pitted, kochkovaty field. The militiaman with the motorcycle, ofcourse, could not follow us. He would break the car inthe first ditch.

Here you see! Wagner himself, probably, delighted with the invention told.

Perfectly! Iexclaimed. But how this samobezhka is arranged and what frightened crowd when it uvidat your crew?

The pursuit lagged behind, we can have atalk Wagner told. Bend and raise cloth.

Iraised cloth and screamed from surprise. Cloth covered three pairs ofnaked human legs!

Have fun, and there is enough Wagner told, laughing. It is necessary tocomply also companion militiaman, he honestly fulfilled the duty. We go back and we will give up inhands ofthe authority. We will return on the dacha and we will explain all incident. Ihave documents that all hands and legs are taken byme for scientific experiences from dissecting room; it is clear, that Idid not commit any murder.

But what image these legs and the hand rotating millstones

And here wait professor interrupted me now we will do aceremony ofsurrender, and then Iwill tellyou.

And when this ceremony was done, Wagner, continuing togo on the samobezhka under escort ofthe militiaman accompanying us on the motorcycle began the explanations:

Iwill be short. They say, life is burning. However the last observations over vital processes showed that it absolutely not so. Life is not burning, but without burning life cannot last long. Found special substance inmuscles aglycogen which from the chemical point ofview represents almost the same, as sugar. And so, at muscle work init lactic acid and warmth, that is free energy are formed ofthis sugar. It is calculated that upon transition ofsugar toone gram oflactic acid hundred seventy calories are released. Thus, muscle work, or if you want, her life, happens without oxidation or combustion. But when inthe working muscle heat (energy) was generated and the glycogen appeared, without oxygen this lactic acid cannot disappear, and the muscle not inforces farther towork. But transfer you such tired muscle tothe atmosphere ofoxygen, and lactic acid immediately will disappear, oxygen will be absorbed, and carbonic acid and heat, as are emitted at any burning.

Where lactic acid disappears? It turns into sugar again. Only the fifth part it disappears completely. Thus, one may say, that amuscle the car working due tochemical energy which arises upon transition ofbodies with more complex structure inbodies simpler due tofalling ofpotential ofchemical energy. Means inorder that energy ofamuscle was restored, it is necessary tosupply it with oxygen only. Inthe atmosphere ofpure oxygen under the known experimental conditions the muscle becomes tireless.

Here on it Ialso built the invention with the hands and legs which are cut off at corpses. Why tothem tovanish if they can bring useful work? You know that members ofthe body can live, separated from abody, vaguely long time if only tofeed them properly. They can function, that is perform the usual work. Human muscles are the perfectly constructed cars. Why them not toforce towork after the death ofthe owner, exciting reduction byelectric current?

You know that my muscles also do not know were tired. But Iwent infight against fatigue ofthe muscles inabit different way. Iinvented fatigue anti-toxins. With ahand on amill and legs under this crew Iarrived differently. First ofall Iprovided them with food. The special physiological solution very close tocomposition ofblood (notice: strenuously saturated with oxygen), feeds hand muscles on amill and these legs. Plentiful supply with oxygen does muscles tireless. Electric current causes their reduction.

And why you suited apipe on amill?

Iwas afraid that flour dust can get toavessel with nutritious liquid and will condense it, having made unusable for feeding ofahand. On apipe oxygen directly from air turns out. This my invention which considerably is reducing the price ofoperation ofmuscular strength ofthe person. You only think what prospects are opened bymy invention! Over time all people, as well as Inow, will not know muscular exhaustion. Productivity ofhuman work will increase extraordinary. But it is not enough: we will force towork also the dead. Just imagine: millions ofyears it was required tothe nature tocreate such perfect mechanism as ahuman body, and here death forever destroys this magnificent car! Unless it is not ridiculous? If we are not able towin against death absolutely, then we will prolong, at least, muscle work. Imagine factory which cars are set inmotion bythe human hands which are cut off from abody.

Terrible picture!

Anything. The advantage would force people tolook other eyes at this picture soon. Here Iput ahand on amill. Tarasovna was frightened. But benefit is clear for it. And eventually she would probably not refuse that her late husband continued togive her help the hands Arrived.

Rain expected tofall. At our entry into the village from all log huts the people who surrounded us began torun out. Court terminated quickly. Wagner showed pieces ofpaper from Moscow, and they were convincing. Tarasovna asked it totake away somewhat quicker from amill adead hand. She was afraid that this hand sometime will strangle her at night. However, inahand there was no need also. The heavy rain lifted rechonka water, and it was ready toreplace ahand ofthe dead person. And this hand, despite Wagners protest, was carried at the cemetery and dug. (It is told P.E.Yakimenko.)

Concerning this story Wagner wrote:

The scientific explanation ofthe fact is offered quite correctly. The muscle ofan animal or the person, even cut out from abody, really possesses some stock ofpotential chemical energy thanks tothe fact that init there are materials capable for disintegration. If such muscle toirritate with electric current, it can perform the known work. After work inamuscle there is alactic acid. But at oxygen food lactic acid disappears, and the muscle becomes capable towork again. Thus, inthe atmosphere ofpure oxygen the muscle can become tireless. Ireally conducted such experiment with atireless muscle at the dacha. Bymeans ofelectricity Iforced tomove ahand ofthe person which even performed some work. Experience continued only several minutes and was repetition ofthe experiences which are already done insome scientific laboratories. But such posthumously working muscle cannot have practical value. Game will not cost candles oxygen costs much. Ofits direct getting from air how it is done bylungs, Ionly think. Perhaps, Iwill use the mechanism oflungs and hearts motors. You will understand now that inthe story from science and that from the imagination.

Wagner.




Over achasm





I.MYSTERIOUS GIVING


During the walks inthe neighborhood ofSimeiz Ipaid attention tothe lonely giving standing on asteep slope ofthe mountain. Tothis giving it was not carried out even roads. Acircle it was enclosed with ahigh fence, with the only low gate which was always densely covered. And neither the greens bush, nor atree was seen over afence. Agiving circle naked ledges ofyellowish rocks; between them sickly junipers and undersized, curve mountain pines grew here and there.

What for the imagination came tosomeone tomind tolodge on this wild, naked rock? And whether somebody lives there? Ithought, wandering around giving.

Inever before saw that somebody left it. My curiosity was so big that I, admit, tried toglance on the yard ofthe mysterious dwelling, having climbed up on above the lying rocks. But giving was so located that from where Icame, Icould see only asmall corner ofthe yard. It was also empty and is not cultivated, as well as the surrounding area.

However after several days ofobservations Imanaged tonotice that on the yard there passed some elderly woman inblack.

It interested me even more.

If there live people, then they have tosupport though some communication with the outside world, well, at least togo toamarket behind products!

Ibegan toinquire among the acquaintances, and at last Imanaged tosatisfy my curiosity. However, nobody knew authentically about inhabitants ofgiving, but one acquaintance told me that, byhearsay, there lives professor Wagner.

Professor Wagner!

It was enough absolutely torivet my attention on giving. Ibyall means wanted tosee the extraordinary person who did so much noise bythe inventions. But how?. Iliterally began tospy on giving. Ifelt that it was bad and nevertheless continued the observations, for hours and hours at different times day and even night staying behind ajuniper bush, near giving.

They say, if the person persistently pursues one aim, then sooner or later he will reachit.

Somehow early inthe morning, when just it is light, Isuddenly heard that the treasured door inahigh fence creaked. Iall pricked up the ears, contracted and with bated breath began towatch, what will be farther.

The door opened. The tall person with aruddy face, afair-haired beard and the hung moustaches left and attentively looked round around. Ofcourse, it it, professor Wagner!

Having convinced that around nobody is not present, he began torise slowly up, reached the small mountain platform and began tobe engaged insome exercises, absolutely unclear for me, there. On the platform stones ofvarious size were scattered. Wagner approached them and did attempts tolift them, then, carefully going, passed tothe new place and again undertook stones. But all ofthem were so big and heavy that even the professional athlete could hardly get moving forward them.

That for astrange entertainment! Ithought. And suddenly Iwas so struck that could not constrain involuntary exclamation. There was something improbable: professor Wagner approached ahuge fragment ofthe rock, the size ofmore human growth, took bythe acting keen edge and lifted afragment with such ease as though it was the piece ofacardboard. Having extended ahand, it began todescribe arches this fragment ofthe rock.

Idid not know what tothink. Or Wagner had supernatural force but then why he could not lift stones small rather, or Idid not manage tofinish thinking about the thought as new focus ofWagner struck me even more.

Wagner threw ablock up as asmall stone, and it departed, having risen byheight oftwo tens meters. With nervousness Iexpected as this block on the earth will bang. But the fragment fell back quite slowly. Icounted ten seconds before the block fell down. And, when it was above the ground on the ball human growth, Wagner held up ahand, caught and held ablock, and his hand did not even tremble.

Huo-ho-ho! cheerfully Wagner burst out laughing with the Basque and far flung away from himself ablock. It, having flown bysome time parallel tothe earth, suddenly abruptly changed the line offlight on steep, quickly fell and with aterrible roar scattered inpieces. Huo-ho-ho! again Wagner burst out laughing and made an extraordinary jump. Having risen meter byfour, it flew byalong the platform inmy party. He, obviously, did not calculate ajump as with it the same story, as happened toablock: unexpectedly it began tofall quickly. And if not aslope where it fell, Wagner probably  todeath. It fell near me, on other side ofajuniper bush, moaned and swore, having grasped aknee. Having stroked the hurt place, he made attempt torise and again moaned.

After some fluctuation Idecided tofind the presence and togive it the help.

You very much ? Whether not tohelp you? Iasked, leaving abush.

Apparently, my emergence did not surprise professor. At least, he showed nothinghim.

No, Ithank you he quietly answered Iwill reach. And he made new attempt torise. His face was distorted from pain. He even leaned back back. The leg inaknee quickly swelled. It was obvious that not todo it without assistance.

And Ibegan toact resolutely.

Idemte, until pain weakened you even more Itold and lifted him. It obeyed. At each movement the sore leg inflicted on it suffering. We slowly climbed asteep slope. Ialmost carried Wagner on myself and itself was exhausted under weight ofhis quite heavy body. But at the same time Iwas extremely happy that Ithus had an opportunity not only touvidat, but also toget acquainted with professor Wagner, tovisit his dwelling. However, maybe, having reached agate, he will thank me and will not let intohimself? This thought disturbed me when we approached ahigh fence ofits giving. But he told nothing, and we crossed treasured line hardly he could say yes something. Toit it was absolutely bad. From pain and concussion he almost fainted. Ifell for fatigue too. And still, before entering it into the house, Imanaged todart through ashoulder an inquisitive glance at the yard.

The yard was quite extensive. Inthe middle there was some device similar tothe device Moraine. Inthe depth ofthe yard, inthe earth, some big, laid bythick glass round opening was seen. Around this opening, the metal arches which were from each other at half ameter distance acted from it tothe house and inseveral directions from the earth.

Any more Imanaged toconsider nothing. Towards tous the house left the scared elderly woman inblack his housekeeper as Ilearned then.

We put professor Wagner tobed.




II.VICIOUS CIRCLE


ToWagner it was absolutely thin. He panted, having closed eyes, raved.

Really this ingenious car abrain ofprofessor Wagner can be lost from concussion? Ithought with concern.

The patient raved mathematical formulas and from time totime groaned. The become puzzled housekeeper stood helplessly and only repeated:

What will be now? Fathers, what will be now?.

Ihad togive toprofessor first aid and tolook after the patient.

Only for the second day bythe morning Wagner recovered. He opened eyes and looked at me quite consciously.

Ithank you  he poorly spoke.

Iallowed it todrink, and it, having nodded me, asked toleave it. Tired with troubles ofyesterday and at sleepless night, I, at last, decided toleave the patient ofone and came tothe yard tobreathe fresh, morning air. The unknown device standing inthe middle ofthe yard drew my attention again. Iapproached it and gave ahand.

Do not go! Stop! Iheard for the muffled, scared voice ofthe housekeeper. And at the very same time Ifelt that my hand suddenly became extraordinary heavy as though toit hung up the huge weight which jerked me with such force down that Ifell tothe ground. The invisible weight pressed down abrush ofmy hand.

With big effort Itook away ahand back. She was ill and wasred.

Near me there was ahousekeeper and grievously swung the head.

And as it you Unless it is possible?. You do not go on the yard better, and that and absolutely will flattenyou!

Without understanding anything, Ireturned tothe house and put acompress on asore hand.

When professor woke up again, he looked already absolutely vigorous. Obviously, this person had extraordinary healthy organism.

What is it? he asked, pointing tomy hand.

Iexplained tohim.

You were exposed tobig danger he told.

Ivery much wanted tohear rather from Wagner an explanation ofall extraordinary that Ihad toendure, but Ikept from questions, without wishing todisturb the patient.

Inthe evening on the same day Wagner, having asked tomove his bed toawindow, itself began tosay about what so occupiedme.

The science studies manifestations offorces ofnature he began without preface establishes scientific laws, but knows essence ofthese forces very little. We speak: electricity, gravity. We study their properties, we use for the purposes. But they reveal final secrets ofthe nature tous very reluctantly. And therefore we use them far not fully. Electricity inthis regard was more pliable. We enslaved this force, having seized it, forced towork for ourselves. We overtake it from place toplace, we save inastock, we spend as required. But gravity is really the most tenacious force. We have toget on with it, adapt more toit, than adapt it tothe needs. If we could change gravity, operate it voluntarily, accumulate as electricity, then what powerful tool we would receive! Toseize this rebellious force was my old desire.

And you seized it! Iexclaimed, beginning tounderstand all event.

Yes, Iseized it. Ifound means toregulate gravity voluntarily. You saw my first success Oh progress sometimes costs much!. Wagner sighed, rubbing the hurt knee. Inthe form ofexperience Ireduced gravity on the small site near the house. And you saw with what ease Ilifted ablock. It is made due toincrease ingravity on small space ofmy yard You nearly paid with life for the curiosity, having approached my vicious circle.

Yes here, look it continued, specifying byahand inawindow. Towards giving the flock ofbirds flies. Perhaps, at least one ofthem will fly byover azone ofthe strengthened attraction

He became silent, and Iwith nervousness watched the approaching birds Here they fly over the yard

And suddenly one ofthem astone fell tothe ground and did not even break, and directly turned into aspot which covered the earth with alayer probably not more thickly than tissue paper.

Saw?

Ishuddered, having imagined, as the same destiny could comprehendme.

Yes he guessed my thought you would be crushed byweight ofown head and would turn into flat cake. And, having again grinned, it continued: Fima, my housekeeper, says that Iinvented fine means tokeep products from vagrant cats. Absolutely you do not ruin them she says and that paws stuck: at times will not be! Yes  he told after apause there are cats, even more unruly and dangerous biped, armed not with claws and teeth, but guns and machine guns.

Imagine what protective means will be asubdued gravity! Ican suit aprotecting zone on borders ofthe states, and any enemy will not cross it. Airplanes will stoop down as this bird. It is more than that, even shells not inforces will be tofly this protecting zone. It is possible tomake and vice versa: todeprive ofthe coming enemy ofgravity, and soldiers at the slightest movement will highly jump up and todangle helplessly inair But all this trifles incomparison with what Ireached. Ifound means toreduce gravity on all surface ofthe globe, except for poles

And how you will reachit?

Iwill force the globe torotate quicker, thats all professor Wagner with such look as though business went about atop answered.

Toincrease the speed ofrotation ofEarth?! Icould not refrain from exclamation.

Yes, Iwill increase the speed ofits movement, and then centrifugal force will begin toincrease, and all bodies which are on the earth will become is easier. If you have nothing against tostay for awhile with me some more days

With pleasure!

Iwill begin experience as soon as Iget up, and you will see alot ofinteresting.




III.SPINS


Inseveral days professor Wagner recovered absolutely, except for the fact that he limped alittle. He for along time left inthe underground laboratory which is inayard corner, providing the home library inmy order. But inlaboratory he did not inviteme.

Once, when Isat inlibrary, Wagner, very brisk entered, and still immediately shouted tome:

Spins! Istarted the device, and now we will look, what will be farther!

Iexpected that there will be something extraordinary. But there passed hours, there passed day, nothing changed.

Wait professor inthe hung moustaches smiled centrifugal force increases inproportion toaspeed square. And Earth adecent top, you will not shake it soon!

Next morning, rising from abed, Ifelt some ease. Tocheck itself, Ilifted achair. It seemed tome much easier, than usually. Obviously, centrifugal force began towork. Icame toaverandah and took seat with the book inhands. On the book the shadow from acolumn fell. Involuntarily Ipaid attention that the shadow moves quickly enough. What could it mean? As though the sun began tomove quicker on thesky.

Aha, you noticed? Iheard avoice ofWagner who watched me. The earth rotates quicker, and change ofday and night becomes shorter.

What will be farther? bewildered Iasked.

Time will tell professor answered.

The sun this day set for two hours before usual.

Irepresent what alarm was made bythis event around the world! Itold professor. It would be interesting toknow

You can learn about it inmy office, there is aradio receiver Wagner answered.

Ihurried inan office and could be convinced that the population ofall globe is inextraordinary nervousness.

But it was only the beginning. Rotation ofEarth everything increased. Days equaled toonly four hours.

Now all bodies which are on the equator lost the one fortieth part inweight Wagner told.

Why only on the equator?

There the attraction ofEarth is less, and the radius ofrotation is more, so and centrifugal force works stronger.

Scientists already understood imminent danger. Great resettlement ofthe people from the equatorial areas tohigher latitudes where centrifugal force was less began. But so far simplification ofweight brought even benefit: trains could lift huge freights, there was enough weak-willed motorcycle motor tocarry the big passenger airplane, the speed ofthe movement increased. People became suddenly easier and stronger. Itested this everything the increasing ease. Amazingly pleasant feeling!

Radio began tobring also more sad messages soon. Trains even more often began toderail on biases and curves ofaway, however, without special accidents: cars, even falling under aslope, did not break. Wind, lifting clouds ofdust which did not fall bythe earth any more, passed into ahurricane. From everywhere came toconduct about terrible floods.

When the speed ofrotation increased byseventeen times, objects and people on the equator absolutely lost weight.

Somehow inthe evening Iheard awful news on radio: inthe equatorial Africa and America several cases when the people deprived ofweight under influence everything the growing centrifugal force fell up were noted. Soon also the new terrifying news came: on the equator people began tochoke.

Centrifugal force breaks an air cover ofthe globe which was attached tothe earth byforce ofterrestrial inclination professor explained tome quietly.

But then we will choke? with nervousness Iasked Wagner.

He shrugged shoulders.

We are well prepared for all changes.

But why all ofyou made it? Same world accident, death ofacivilization!. Icould not refrain from exclamation.

Wagner remained unperturbable.

Why Imade it, you learn then.

Really only for scientific experience?

Ido not understand what so surprises you he answered. At least and only for experience. It is strange! When the hurricane blows over or there is avolcanic eruption and ruins thousands ofpeople, comes tonobody tomind toaccuse avolcano. You look at it, as at natural disaster

This answer did not satisfy me. At me toprofessor Wagner the feeling ofnot goodwill involuntarily began toappear.

It is necessary tobe the monster, not tohave heart that for the sake ofscientific experience todoom todeath millions ofpeople Ithought.

My hostility toWagner increased as my own health more and more worsened and was from what: these awful, extraordinary messages about the perishing world, all this accelerating flashing ofday and night though whom will enrage. Ialmost did not sleep and was extremely . Ihad tomove with the greatest care. The slightest effort ofmuscles and Iflew up up and fought the head about aceiling the truth, not really painfully. Things lost the weight, and it was harder and harder tocope with them. It was quite casual totouch atable or achair, and heavy furniture flew away aside.

Water from awash basin flowed very slowly, and the stream also deviated aside. Our movements became are gusty. Members ofthe body which is almost deprived ofweight twitched, as at the cardboard clown set inmotion bythreads. Motors ofour body muscles were too strong for the facilitated body weight. And we could not get used inany way tothis new situation as weight decreased all the time.

Fima, Wagners housekeeper, was angry not less me. She resembled the juggler when she cooked food. Pans and frying pans flew up, aside; she tried tocatch them and did the ridiculous movements, danced, jumpedup.

Only one Wagner was ingreat mood and even laughed atus.

Idecided tocome tothe yard, having only filled the pockets with stones that not tofall into the sky. Isaw how shallowed the sea drove water on the West where probably it filled incoast

Incompletion ofall Ibegan tofeel dizziness and suffocation. Air became more rare. The gale-force wind blowing all the time from the East began as though toweaken But temperature quickly went down.

Air thins the end soon Ihad such disgusting health that Ibegan tothink ofwhat death tome tochoose: whether tofall into the sky or tochoke. It is the worst death, but Iwill watch tothe end that will be with Earth

No, after all it is better tofinish at once Isolved, testing heavy suffocation, and began totake out stones from apocket.

Someones hand stoppedme.

Wait! Iheard Wagners voice. Inthe rarefied air this voice sounded very poorly. It is time togo down tous inavault!

He took me byan arm, nodded tothe-headed housekeeper who stood on averandah, panting, and we went toayard corner, tobig round window inthe earth. Ilost the will and went dreamily. Wagner opened the heavy door conducting inunderground laboratory and pushed me. Fainting, Isoftly fell toastone floor.




IV.UPSIDEDOWN


Ido not know whether long Iwas unconscious. My first feeling was that Ibreathe fresh air again. Iopened eyes and very much was surprised,  the electric bulb strengthened inthe middle ofafloor, near the place where Ilay.

Be not surprised Iheard avoice ofprofessor Wagner. Our floor will become aceiling soon. How do you feel?

Ithank you, better.

Well, so get up, it is enough tolie! And he took me byhand. Iflew up up, toaglass ceiling, and very slowly fell down.

Go, Iwill acquaint you with my underground apartment Wagner told.

All room consisted ofthree rooms: two dark, lit only byelectric bulbs, and one big, with aglass ceiling or afloor, Ifind it difficult totell. The matter is that we endured, obviously, that moment when the attraction ofEarth and centrifugal force made our bodies absolutely weightless.

It extremely complicated our travel on rooms. We did the most extraordinary pirouettes, clung tofurniture, made astart, jumped, flew on tables, sometimes helplessly hung inmid-air, giving each other hands. Only several centimeters divided us, but we could not overcome this space while some smart trick did not bring us out ofthis unstable balance. The things shifted byus flew together with us. The chair soared among the room, glasses with water lay sideways, and water almost did not pour out it gradually flowed round external walls ofglass

Inoticed adoor tothe fourth room. There something hooted, but Wagner did not let me inthis room. Init, obviously, there was amechanism accelerating the movement ofEarth.

Soon, however, ours the interplanetary travel terminated, and we fell on aglass ceiling which from now on had tobecome our floor. It was not necessary tomove things: they moved, and the electric lamp strengthened on aceiling as it is impossible more useful was at us over the head, lighting our room inshort nights.

Wagner really provided everything. Our room was well supplied with the air stored inspecial tanks. We were provided with canned food and water. That is why the housekeeper did not go toamarket Ithought. Having moved toaceiling, we went on it as freely, as on afloor though, inusual sense, we went headfirst. But the person gets used toeverything. Ifelt rather well. When Ilooked down, under legs, through thick, but transparent glass, Isaw under myself the sky, and it seemed tome that Istand on the round mirror reflecting initself thissky.

However the mirror reflected initself sometimes extraordinary and even terrible things.

The housekeeper declared that she needs togo tothe house as she forgotoil.

How you will go? Itold it. You fall down down, that is up, faugh, the devil, everything was mixed!

Iwill hold brackets inthe earth, professor learned me. When we did not turn the heads down yet, we had brackets inthat house, inaceiling, and Ilearned togo hands, grabbed them and went on aceiling.

Professor Wagner provided everything!

Idid not expect such heroism from the woman. Torisk itself, togo hands over achasm because ofsomeoil!

But nevertheless it is very dangerous Itold.

Not as you think professor Wagner objected. The weight ofour body is still insignificant it only began toincrease from zero, and absolutely small muscular force is necessary tokeep. Besides Iwill accompany it; bythe way, Ineed totake the notebook from the house Iforgot totake it with myself.

But outside now there is noair?

Ihave caps with compressed air which we will put on the head.

And these strange people, having dressed space suits as if they were going tofall byasea bottom, went toaway. The double door slammed. Iheard knock ofan external door.

Lying on the glass floor, Ipressed the person tothick glass and with nervousness began towatch them. Two persons inround caps, standing head over heels and clinging tothe brackets attached tothe earth quickly went hands tothe house. Whether it is possible toimagine something stranger!

Really, it is not so terrible Ithought. But nevertheless it is the extraordinary woman. Suddenly it will begin towhirl the head?. Wagner and the housekeeper proceeded inthe same pose on steps on averandah and passed out ofsight.

They appeared back soon.

They already passed halfway as suddenly there was something what Igrew cold with. The housekeeper dropped tobank with oil and, wishing topick up her, broke and departed toachasm

Wagner made attempt tosave it: he unexpectedly unwound the rope attached toabelt and, having hooked on it for abracket, rushed after the housekeeper. The unfortunate woman fell quite slowly. And as Wagner astrong push gave tothe body more bystry movement, it managed tocatch up with it. He already gave toit ahand, but could not get: centrifugal force rejected its flight alittle aside. And it separated from it soon Wagner hung for awhile alittle on the dismissed rope and began torise slowly from asky chasm bythe earth

Isaw how the unfortunate woman waved ahand her body quickly decreased The come night as acurtain, covered this picture ofdeath

Ishuddered, having imagined her last feelings What will be with it?. Its corpse which is not decaying inUniverse cold will rush eternally forward if some star passing close does not attract this corpse.

Iwas so busy with the thoughts that did not notice how Wagner entered and fell nearme.

Fine death he told quietly.

Iclenched teeth and did not answer it. Inme suddenly hatred toWagner wakened again.

Iwith horror looked at the chasm which is spread under my legs and for the first time with extraordinary clarity understood that the sky not blue space over us, and achasm that we live inthe sky, having stuck toamote, Earth, and with the big right therefore it is possible tocall us inhabitants ofthe sky, inhabitants ofheaven, than inhabitants ofEarth. Insignificant inhabitants ofheaven! Inclination ofEarth, obviously, affected not only our body, but also consciousness, arresting it toEarth. Now this communication tore. Ifelt fragility ofour terrestrial existence Our consciousness arose together with the earth, insky chasms, inchasms ofinfinite space, and inthe same place it will die away

Ithought, and before my eyes something extraordinary was created Stones came off the earth and fell up The whole blocks ofrocks began tocome off soon Day and night were replaced quicker and quicker The sun rushed on achasm sky, and there came night, stars rushed with the same mad speed, both again the sun, and again night Here, inthe light ofthe sun, Isee how the fence broke and fell, having opened the horizon. Isee the dried sea bottom, the devastated earth Isee that soon theend

But people still are on Earth Ihear how tells asmall loudspeaker ofour radio station

The earth is devastated almost topoles. Everything perishes It is the last escaped radio station, on Wrangel Island. She gives signals, waits and does not receive the answer Radio waves fly todead emptiness Earth is silent, also the sky is silent.

Days and nights so quickly replace each other that everything merges inahaze The sun, flying byon the sky, draws afiery strip against adark background together with the last remains ofthe atmosphere Earth lost the blue bed curtains, light ofaheavenly azure The moon decreased insizes, Earth cannot hold more the satellite any more, and the moon moves away from Earth

Ifeel how thick glasses ofour glass floor napruzhitsya, became convex, shiver They will not sustain soon, and Iwill fail inachasm

Who it grumbles near me?. And, professor Wagner.

Ihardly rise: mad speed ofEarth filled with lead my body. Ipant

You!. Iaddress maliciously professor Wagner. Why you made it? You ruined mankind, you destroyed life on Earth Answer me! Now reduce the movement ofEarth, differentlyI

But professor silently negatively swings the head.

Answer! Ishout, clenching fists.

Icannot do anything obviously, Imade amistake incalculations

So you pay for this mistake! Iexclaimed and, having absolutely gone mad, rushed on Wagner and began tosmother him At the same moment Ifelt how our floor cracks, glasses burst, and I, without letting out Wagner, Ifly with it toachasm



V.THE NEW WAY OFTEACHING



Before me smiling face ofprofessor Wagner. Iwith surprise look at it, then around myself.

Early morning. Blue bed curtains ofthe sky. The sea becomes blue inthe distance. At averandah two white butterflies peacefully flit. Byme there passes the housekeeper with abig piece ofbutter on aplate

What is it?. What does all this mean? Iask professor.

He smiles inthe long moustaches.

Iapologize he says that Iwithout your permission and even without being with you asign used you for one experience. If you know me, then you probably know that Iwork on permission ofaquestion long ago as toone person tocontain the huge mass ofmodern scientific knowledge. Ipersonally, for example, reached that each half ofmy brain works independently. Idestroyed adream and fatigue

Iread about it Ianswered. Wagner nodded.

It is better for those. But it is available not toall. And Idecided touse hypnosis for the pedagogical purposes. Eventually and inusual pedagogics there is ahypnosis share Having come today early inthe morning for walk, Inoticed you You are on duty not the first day behind ajuniper bush? he asked with acheerful sparkle ineyes. Iwas confused.

Well, here Ialso decided topunish you for your curiosity, having subjected tohypnosis

How, really all this was?.

Only hypnosis, since that moment as you uvidat me. Isnt that so, all ofyou worried as reality? And, ofcourse, never inlife you will forget endured. Thus, you had an opportunity toreceive alesson ofvisual instruction about laws ofweight and centrifugal force But you were very nervous pupil and at the end ofalesson behaved alittle heatedly

But how many time the lesson proceeded?

Wagner looked at the watch.

Minutes two, no more. Isnt that so, productive way ofassimilation ofknowledge?

But allow Iexclaimed and this glass window, these brackets on the earth!. Igave ahand and suddenly became silent. The area ofthe yard was absolutely equal; there were neither brackets, nor glass round window  So it there was ahypnosistoo?

Well, certainly Confess what you not really missed behind my lesson ofphysics? Fima he shouted coffee is ready? Idemte tohave breakfast.




The person who does not sleep





1.STRANGE RESIDENT


Dez Iwill not transfer its loss! Dez my best friend Iam so lonely

The citizen Shmeman wiped alacy kerchief red weak-sighted eyes and along nose.

Iassure you it continued, having plaintively sobbed that this work ofprofessor Wagner. Isaw more than once how it brought on astring ofdogs into the apartment What does it do with them? My God! Idread tothink! Perhaps, my Dezi is dead Take measures, Iask you!. If you do not make it, Iwill go tomilitia!. Dez, my poor baby!.

And madam Shmeman began tocry again Her thin old cheeks became covered byred spots, the lower lip drooped.

Zhukov, the chairman ofhousing association, abruptly turned on achair and clicked fingers. It lost patience.

Calm down, the citizen! Iassure you that we will take measures. And now, forgive Iam very busy

Shmeman deeply sighed, bowed and left. Zhukov breathed asigh ofrelief and turned back tothe secretary ofboard Krotov:

Faugh!. Exhausted! There are such annoying women!

Yes  Krotov thoughtfully responded. Mischievous old woman! And case should be investigated. It is the fourth case ofloss ofdogs only on our yard. Neighbors complain too. What for adog pestilence? Iwill not be surprised if really it turns out that dogs are stolen byprofessor Wagner. Only why the hell they are necessary toit? Does collars on afur coat? Strange person! Suspicious person!

Professor!

That that professor? Perhaps, he clips the coin.

From dogs?

You do not laugh. There were cases! Dogs special article. You pay attention: it has inthe room all night long light. On awindow curtain its shadow is often visible. Is unsteady about the room Night-bird!

Yes, strange person The other day Igo home bythe tram. Ilook, professor Wagner opposite sits. According tothe book holds ineach hand and at once reads both. Iinbooks glanced. One the Russian, all figures different, and another German. And here that surprisingly: each eye at it separately on lines runs: one eye reads one book, toothers another. The conductor approached it. The ticket says take! He on it raised one eye, and another inthe book looks. She and gasped. And the public all stared at it. Look, mouths opened from surprise, and it though that

Perhaps, he went crazy?

Everything is possible

The door knocked. The room was entered byFima, the old housekeeper ofprofessor Wagner.

Hello toyou! My barin for the apartment sent money.

There were bars and all left! Zhukov told.

Well, owner, perhaps, Wagner.

And here she will tellus!.

Tell us, Fima what your barin with dogs does.

Fima hopelessly waved ahand.

It is alot ofdogs at it? Tell the truth!

How many at it dogs, Icannot tell: it does not let me inthe second room where they at it. And dogs are. It is heard as bark. At the night oftimes Ispotted inashchelochka. Well? The dog attached on ashort collar sits. Cannot lay down. Tosleep it, it is visible, death as there is awish. The head and hangs. And he sits near yes it so tenderly under aneck tickles: does not allow tosleep. And he does not sleep. He never sleeps!

How so does not sleep? The person cannot but sleep.

Ido not know as but only does not sleep at all. And long ago threw out abed. That it says and the rank was not! Abed says only topatients it is necessary.

Zhukov and Krotov bewildered looked at each other.

There is amadman!

Not otherwise, as the madman Fima willingly agreed. Only my habit: fifteen years live Iat it, and that would leave him long ago There was aperson as the person, and already for about ayear absolutely tohimself is not similar. Just like notin.

What it began at it with?

Who knows it? Perhaps toamalefice?. He started it seems anew as todo gymnastics. You will come toit tothe room, he as if dances: the right leg it seems as the Pole, and left it seems as awaltz. And hands differently beats off. And then began tomow with eyes. Sits infront ofthe mirror and mows with eyes. Once Ilook at it, and at it one eye inaceiling looks, and another on afloor. Iso also banged all ware on afloor was stupefied.

The doggie shmemansky is known byyou? Dez klinut.

White, kudlastenky such? How not toknow!

And so, whether your owner and this doggie draggedoff?

Tosee did not see, and everything can be. Iwas chattered, and there the iron will cool down There is money!.

What so it is not enough?

The barin speaks, my owner that he inTsIKAPU is written down and has the right for the additional area.

What such TsIKAPU? asked Moles.

TsEKUBU! Zhukov guessed.

Let the certificate will present for now still has topay. And report.

All right! And, outdoing edge ofan apron, red-cheeked Fima ran out from the room.

It is necessary toreport tomilitia. This madman still will set fire tothe house or will bump off whom!




2.ON DOG BUSINESS


Case on charge ofprofessor Wagner oftheft ofdogs collected apacked house ofpublic. Acquaintances, meeting each other, asked:

You too on dog business?. According tothe agenda?

No, out ofcuriosity!. Professor and suddenly steals dogs!. What he, eats them?.

And Iaccording tothe agenda. Witness. And my Jolly-boat was gone! Good dog. Ithink tomake the civil suit

Iask togetup!.

Judges enter the hall.

Case on charge ofthe citizen Ivan Stepanovich Wagner oftheft is heard

Professor Wagner approached atable. Bysight it could give no more than forty years.

Inhis nutbrown hair, inabroad fair-haired beard and the hung moustaches it was possible tonotice only afew silvery hairs. Fresh complexion, rosy cheeks and shining eyes breathed byforce and health.

And about this person said that he does not sleep at all! the judge thought, bewildered inspecting the defendant. He expected tomeet the emaciated old man. And already with akeen interest the judge began toask formal questions.

Your name, middle name, surname?

Ivan Stepanovich Wagner.

Age?

Fifty three years

Inpublic with astonishment exchanged glances.

Occupation?

Professor ofthe Moscow university.

Inlabor union you consist?

Iconsist. Workers ofeducation.

Party?

Non-party. Under trial did not consist.

Citizen ofthe USSR?

Yes.

He is married?

Widower.

You plead guilty?

Professor Wagner vaguely shrugged shoulders.

No, Ido not recognize.

But you abducted dogs?

Allow tooffer an explanation after interrogation ofwitnesses.

Well. Write down the judge addressed the secretary. The defendant did not plead guilty. Call the witness, the militiaman inthe beat Sitnikov! What can you show on business?

Applications from citizens ofBondarny Lane about loss ofdogs came toour police station. At the citizen Polyakov very expensive setter, at Yushkevich apug, and at Deryuginykh even the Persian cat was gone. Dogs disappeared completely. Their corpses were not found. Obviously, someone stole dogs.

You made search?

The dog business not big was gone. Toadmit, we had no time ineach case search todo. But when complaints ofthe citizen Shmeman tothe citizen Wagner and the statement ofboard ofhousing association arrived, we began toinquire. Almost all victims pointed toprofessor Wagner. It ingeneral strange some. They say, at night does not sleep. Or works at home, or on streets is unsteady. The janitor oftheir house saw several times as Wagner came back home with adoggie on alasso at night. Inthe room ofhis dog bark, squeal. Proofs were serious.

Therefore, owing tothe arrived statements, we decided toexecute asearch and dredging ofits papers at professor Wagner. Asearch was executed byme inthe presence ofthe chairman ofthe board ofhousing association, the janitor and the citizen Shmeman.

Nothing reprehensible was found inthe first room ofthe defendant, except various tools and cars ofan unknown origin. Inthe second room we found six dogs ofvarious breed, gender and age. All ofthem were tied toawall on short thongs. At some ofthem the heads hanged down, as if died or were tired very much. And on atable the white doggie, lokhmatenky, with the hole punched inaskull so brains were visible lay. The citizen Shmeman identified the doggie inacorpse, cried and fainted

Inthe courtroom reserved sobbings Shmeman were heard.

Dez, Dezi!. she whispered, sobbing.

The taken-away papers are brought byme into court the militiaman finished.

Undersign. Witness Zhukov!

Zhukov, the chairman ofthe board ofhousing association, confirmed testimonies ofthe militiaman.

Toexecute asearch he added we were forced still bythat circumstance that professor Wagner is very unclear resident. Residents think that they it the mad, and are even afraid tolet out children. Inorder toavoid panic and disorganization ofthe population Iwould ask tosubject Wagner topsychiatric examination.

Perhaps, it is dangerous having for some reason been confused, Zhukov added and he should be moved.

Professor Wagner smiled.

What is it dangerous by? the judge asked.

As ingeneral abnormal! And neighbors complain: something hisses at it inthe room, buzzes, and that explosions suddenly Still the house will blow up!. And dogs howl the whole night Inconvenient resident, inaword.

Citizen Shmeman!

Mister judge! she began with the shivering voice, wiping atear scarf, and immediately recovered: Citizen judge!. He is amurderer! She pointed afinger at Wagner with two wedding rings. Iam awidow Ihave nobody It killed my best friend My Dezi!. And Shmeman began tocry again.

You make the civil suit?

What claim? For what?

For adoggie You about it ask inyour application

Nothing will reward me for loss!. tragicly she said. Ido not know what there is written

Other witnesses did not bring something new. The janitor indetail told how dogs on their yard vanished as also the ostatny doggie ofDezi was gone as he saw Wagner bringing into the house ofdogs

One ofwitnesses identified the dog among victims ofprofessor Wagner. The dog was live, but she looked extraordinary tired and, brought home, overslept three days deeply.

Among papers the judge when interrogation ofwitnesses was finished told from professor Wagner magazines with various records, obviously, about the experiments conducted byit over animals were taken insearch time. Iwill announce some ofthem.

Here there began the judge records ofprofessor Wagner about experiences:

Skilled animal: Diana, asetter, afemale, weight is twenty two kilograms. Viscosity ofblood during wakefulness two whole eighty nine 100-th. Viscosity ofblood inthe period ofexhaustion sleeplessness one and forty six 100-th.

There is also anumber ofsuch tables:

Krioskopichesky point: the normal state fifty nine 100-th degrees; acondition ofimperative requirement ofadream fifty eight 100-th degrees.

Density: the normal state one and sixty four thousand; acondition ofimperative requirement ofadream one and fifty seven thousand.

Viscosity: the normal state two whole seven hundred eleven thousand; acondition ofimperative requirement ofadream two.

Defendant professor Wagner! Testimony and the announced documents, Ibelieve, your guilt is quite established. Why you do not plead guilty? Explain tous

Judges citizens! Ido not deny the fact ofkidnapping ofdogs, but did not plead guilty, and that is why. Any theft assumes the mercenary purpose. Ihad no such purpose. You announced documents from which the court could be convinced that Ipursued exclusively scientific aims. Iconduct the experiences having enormous value for all mankind. That advantage which these experiences have tobring is incommensurable toinsignificant harm which Idid.

What it is experiences?

After some fluctuation professor Wagner told:

Iwork on aproblem offatigue and adream. Towin against fatigue and todestroy requirement ofadream here what task Iset tomyself.

And you successfully resolved it? Whether the truth that you already do without dream?

Yes, truth. Ido not sleep any more and Ican work without exhaustion twenty four hours aday.

Inpublic there was amovement. The surprised exclamations and awhispering were heard.

Why you did not publish your achievements?

Icontinue toimprove the methods.

But whether you why you considered it necessary toresort tosuch strange and illegal ways ofgetting ofdogs for your experiences explain? If experiences are ofvalue, the government would provide you toall necessary for work!

Professor Wagner hesitated.

These experiences are too courageous. They could seem even fantastic. Ibelieved insuccess, but on the way inevitable failures lay. They could ruin both business and my reputation before Iwould achieve positive results. And Idecided tomake them incalm ofthe office, at own risk. But Ihad few personal funds for acquisition ofdogs for experiences. Torefuse them when the task was half resolved, Icould not. And Iwas forced

Tosteal dogs? with asmile the judge added. Professor Wagner became straight and answered with tone ofdeep belief inthe correctness:

Adog century some twenty years. The cost ofadog rubles, is alot of tens ofrubles. Having destroyed several dogs, Iwill extend mankind life three times, at the same time Iwill treble also the value ofhuman productivity. If for it Ideserve punishment, judge me! Ihave nothing toadd more.

Judges left toconfer. The public rustled as an alarmed beehive. Inall corners small groups arguing on the forthcoming sentence were formed. Separate shouts were heard:

Theft remains theft!

But its experiences can do much good for mankind!.

Not tosleep at all?. some smiling fat man spoke. The servant is obedient! Allow torefuse this blessing! Still Turgenev told that all our life adream and the best inlife besides adream!.

Perhaps, he lies?

Who? Turgenev?

Well, Wagner as if he does not sleep at all. The person cannot do without dream!.

Court all right!.

At breathless attention the sentence was listened. Admitting the theft fact established, the court awarded professor Wagner byamonth ofimprisonment without strict isolation. Taking former non-conviction ofthe defendant and lack ofthe mercenary purposes, punishment toapply conditionally into account, having established the annual term oftest

Case on the claim ofhousing association is heard

The public rushed from the hall, discussing asentence which, probably, satisfied the majority: formally Wagner is punished, actually bailed.

Only some criticized asentence.

Means, it is possible tosteal and kill with impunity? defiantly loudly Shmeman asked, looking around at supports.

If there is no self-interest, then there is no theft also! Wagner should submit the cassation! told others.

Under cross views doctor Wagner made the way along the corridor vessels. But he did not pay toanybody attention. It was ozabochivat byathought:

From where Iwill take dogs, necessary for experience, now?.




3.THE PERSON WHO DOES NOT SLEEP


Trial had unexpected consequences for professor Wagner: toit popularity, perhaps, came earlier, than he wanted it. On court session incidentally there was acorrespondent ofone small Moscow newspaper. Inseveral days indepartment ofthe judicial chronicle there was anote with the intriguing name The Person Who Does Not Sleep. Inanote trial ofdoctor Wagner was described and it was reported that professor won against adream: he does not sleep at all and can work tirelessly twenty four hours aday.

Result ofthis note was the fact that inseveral days the housekeeper reported on Wagner on arrival ofthe correspondent ofIzvestia. Wagner discontentedly frowned: he got used topreserve the mystery ofthe works. But, having thought alittle, professor decided touse visit ofthe representative ofthe press: if it is impossible tocatch more at night dogs, it is necessary toresort togovernment aid. Tocontinue experiences secretly it was not represented possible any more and init there was no big need also: with what it reached, it was already possible toact publicly. The correspondent was accepted.

Making the way via the heated-up machines and devices, the correspondent Gorev uvidat professor Wagner and inamazement stopped. Wagner stood at ahigh desk. From anose ofprofessor there were two rubber tubes coming through an opening ofawindow frame tolight. These tubes as if integrally connected professor with the cars surrounding him as if also he half turned into the car. And one more struck Gorev: the left eye Wagner checked some book and did ofit bythe left hand ofan extract, and the right eye it directed on the visitor and gave it the right hand.

Iask tosit down! kindly Wagner told, without stopping working the left hand.

Gorev, worldly-wise as any skilled correspondent, was so struck that forgot all usual approaches ofthe journalist and is silent, with full bewilderment looked at the left eye ofprofessor running according tothe book and the manuscript, at tubes inhis nose.

Professor noticed this puzzled type ofthe visitor and smiled.

You are surprised bythese tubes? kindly it began. But it is so simple: Itoo value the time towalk. Meanwhile clean air is necessary for health ofabody and lucidity ofmind. And here Imade small adaptation: Iremoved outside, over aroof, two tubes which ends with special adaptation are inserted into anose. At inhalation ofair one valve opens, at exhalation this valve is closed bypressure ofair, and another which lets out the air fulfilled bylungs opens. This small adaptation gives me the chance all the time tobreathe fresh air, and see what rosy cheeks at me! The trifling invention, but it can bring big benefit. Present patients who cannot be taken out from the room. And modern ventilation leaves towish alot ofthe best. Bymeans ofthis device all patients can breathe clean air. Iexpect bigger: if still ancient Romans were able tocarry out water for hundreds ofkilometers, having created the monumental aqueducts, then why dont we create aeroduka? It would be possible todeliver on pipes, for example, mountain or sea air. Eventually, it would be cheaper, than tosend patients for the sake ofair for hundreds and thousands ofkilometers. The central pipes with the special supercharger will give air toour cities, and there it will be distributed. The mountain, sea, steppe or given todrink byneedles air will be available toall

Professor Wagner spoke quickly, without ceasing towrite with the left hand. The right eye he continued tolook at the visitor.

Gorev, at last, found gift for speaking.

Tell how you can do it?. And he looked at sloping eyes ofprofessor and his left hand.

Towrite with the left hand, tooperate each eye separately, towork and totalk at the same time toyou? The matter is that at me both brain hemispheres work absolutely independently and almost independently from each other.

But Ihave toexplain you, so tospeak, my starting point. As you know, officially Iam professor ofbiology. Not less toyou, Ihope, also the fact that modern scientific disciplines extremely quickly break up toindependent parts is known. Before our eyes the biological chemistry grows. Each new scientific branch, like the atomic theory, quickly grows inindependent scientific discipline. Years are necessary tocomprehend each ofthese certain scientific areas.

And meanwhile, togo forward, it is necessary toknow also interdisciplinary sciences: the biology and physiology, chemistry and electricity, even geology and astronomy all ofthem intertwine, mutually influence at each other. Some comprehensive mind is necessary tocapture all this mass ofknowledge. And life human is so short! Tome for fifty. Ten more another years, and the end. Before me enormous tasks which Iwant toresolve. Means, the first that Ihad tomake for the purpose, it anyway toextend life. At first Ithought ofexperiences ofrejuvenation. What is already reached helped me: Ilook much younger. Perhaps, Iwill also return tothese experiences. But so far Istopped that tome he was more familiar on the works on abrain.

The first that tome came toathought, it todevelop ability towork separately with each brain hemisphere. Unfortunately, Icannot stop indetail at these works: it would take too much time. Iwill tell only that here the major role is played byatraining. You, maybe, had tosee rhythmic gymnastics ofDalkroz? Kids quickly seize ability tooperate the asymmetric movements: the right hand they can beat three time, left two, besides at various rates, at the same time making various movements and legs. Something similar was made also byme, bythe way, tofull bewilderment ofmy housekeeper.

More difficult it appeared toseize the device ofeyes. At us each eye has an independent control system, but owing towhat we better see, fixing both eyes on one point, we developed ahabit tocoordinate the movements ofeyes. Heredity ofthese skills complicated fight for autonomy inthe movement ofeyes. However such independence ofthe movement ofeach eye is quite possible. The chameleon can be an example ofit. Iwas engaged inexercises. You see results. Tolearn towrite and work the left hand did not represent work. It was necessary topass tothe last: tolearn toperform at the same time two mental work, for example, towrite with both hands two scientific research on different subjects at once. On it several years left at me. Iachieved the. Thus Idoubled the brain production.

But and it it seemed tome alittle. Eight hours ofadream! We lose athird ofhuman life on that helpless, half-dead state. Here what revolted me. Toexempt mankind from asleepy duty. What extraordinary prospects, what opportunities!. How many great works still great thinkers would give us if topresent tothem all nights for creativity! How many unfinished great works would be finished! As progress would move! The worker, having fulfilled the put hours at the machine, would spend night behind the book or public work. At us would not be illiterate. It is more than that, all would have an opportunity tobecome quite educated people. What with great strides progress would move! Here ofwhat Ithought

Professor Wagner was animated. His right eye burned with enthusiasm. Apparently, nervousness was transferred also toother half ofabrain: the left eye also flashed and the left hand began towrite falteringly.

But Wagner noticed it, and the left eye as though went out, having gone deep into work, the left hand methodically zastrochit while the right eye continued toburn with enthusiasm and the right hand led round wide circles.

And now it is possible! professor told. Adream not the so normal phenomenon, but the disease which is result ofgipnotoksinama poisoning: these are special poisons which are excreted byabrain during the work. Poisoned with these poisons, the person falls asleep, that is gets sick.

When the person sleeps, the brain does not produce new toxins; for the same time the organism destroys the toxins which collected for the workingday.

Thus, having had asleep, the person recovers, but alas! again toache bythe evening, and it is forced togo tobed again. Unless it is not awful?!

If you want, the dream is infectious. Idid such experience: forced adog not tosleep.

When its organism was poisoned with gipnotoksina, Itook them and injected towell slept and just woken up dog. She immediately fell asleep.

All task was infinding antidote antigipnotoksina. And Imanaged toresolve atask more widely, than Iassumed: found me  kills not only toxins ofadream, but also others. Therefore, it improves all organism. There were many obstacles, but they are won. Iovercame adream. Ithrew out abed this symbol ofhospital. Ido not sleep any more and Iwork almost day and night. Antigipnotoksin Iaccept together with food. On meal leaves at me one or two hours aday.

All this was so extraordinary that Gorev continued tosit silently, listening carefully toprofessor.

But how you felt at first? at last he asked.

Yes, Ihad totinker with ahabit tosleep alittle. There was no wish tosleep tome at all. But this continuous, infinite working day with the sun behind awindow, with adark veil ofnight worked somehow strange. I, however, got used toit soon. But as it is well worked incalm ofnight! Iwill not cut out one selfish thought: Iam afraid that when all people begin tolead asleepless life, it will not be so silent at night.

And it does not seem toyou that not all can like prospect oflife without dream?

Iam confident even init. And professor smiled. Ioffered somehow inthe winter, inthe remote village, toone country guy who was surprised that Ido not sleep totry on itself my means. He agreed. Next morning Iask it how he feels. It be wrong! the guy speaks. From melancholy nearly died! All village sleeps. One dogs bark. Went, went atoshchishcha! Climbed on the furnace adream as sober as ajudge. Thought, night ofthis and the end will notbe!

Exempt people from habitual work professor continued they will start missing too. But all this only at the lowest steps ofculture. This culture quickly rises at rational use ofsleepless nights.

One more question. You say that you do not sleep almost all twenty four hours. But how you are not tired?

Very simply. The fatigue is the painful phenomenon too. The working brain excretes gipnotoksina, the working muscles excrete kenotoksina poisons which cause feeling offatigue. Iimport antidote , and the fatigue as did not happen. Mine  also interrupts acourse ofdisease, the called fatigue as interrupt returnable typhus now, having entered into an organism  atongue twister Wagner spoke.

At Gorev took the breath away from this long word. He asked professor torepeat the exotic name on syllables and wrote down inanotebook. Such words give toarticle scientific weight he thought.

And now count professor Wagner told. Working with two halves ofabrain, Idouble the production. Working as twenty four hours instead ofeight, Itriple working hours. Means, Iwork for six, besides without any harm for health. Therefore, inthirty years ofworking life ofpeople she will be able toperform work ofhundred eighty years. Still inother words, inan every half-century the mankind will move forward on the way ofprogress for three centuries at once.

How you believe, costs it heels ofnarrow-minded dogs?. with asmile professor finished.




4.DICTATOR


The capacious drawing room ofthe banker Goldzak who bought recently baronial title was trimmed with heavy magnificence. On the walls trimmed with the carved oak panel horns ofdeer and the coats ofarms ofthe newly appeared baron flaunted. Inacorner the knight inarmor and with asword ofthe 13th century doubtful ancestor ofthe baron was located. At windows with narrow lattices color glasses represented the same baronial coat ofarms: on ayellow board the hand bent inan elbow chained inarmor squeezed an iron glove asword. Over ahand five dark blue stars.

Inthe middle ofthe room around abig round ablack oak table on oak chairs with high carved backs members ofthe central committee ofthe German political organization Diktator sat. On achair with higher back, with acarved German state eagle at its top the chairman ofthe meeting the old general, one ofheroes ofimperialistic war, the Kaisers friend sat. Arough face ofthe general as if cut bythe axe from apiece ofatree, densely compressed bays under the moustaches raised up spoke about big will power. From under the hung gray-haired eyebrows the inquisitive, seldom blinking eyes looked out. On its uniform frock coat only the iron cross flaunted.

On the right side from the chairman the host the baron Goldzak, inablack dress coat, with absolutely bald head, shaven, with amonocle inan eye was located. Further inastrict order, on arank, members ofthe committee were located. The general with anarrow forehead, deeply put eyes and an outstanding chin. Something cruel, animal was inthis head. Still general Officials ofthe ministries, deputies Large manufacturers and bankers closed acircle.

The young-looking person inadress coat, with the person and the diplomats manners the secretary ofcommittee did the report. On atable about it issue ofIzvestia with Gorevs article Victory over adream and fatigue ofprofessor Wagner lay. Here atranslation ofarticle into German.

We did not check up tothe end reliability ofthe data provided inarticle yet, but, according tothe data which are available already for us, apparently, she answers reality.

Ishould not speak about value ofthis discovery. If it is used bythe Soviet Russia, the ratio offorces between it and other states ofthe world considerably will change. Insome five years power ofthe Bolshevism will extraordinary grow.

Simultaneous work as both brain hemispheres, fortunately, demands time and atraining and therefore it is not absolutely available tomasses. But one victory over adream and fatigue already triples physical and intellectual forces ofour political opponents, at the same time and their material resources. Their scientific forces and skilled workers will work three times and even six times more. Production ofthe industry will increase. Inseveral years they will have new shots ofwell trained staff inall areas ofthe equipment. Inaword, their power will grow is unceasing. They will work when the whole world sleeps. They will work when we are forced tohave arest after day ofwork.

Well, growth ofthe industry will happen not so soon the manufacturer told. Lets put, all their plants and factories will work day and night. But further?. It will be not so easy toget the credits for construction ofnew factories and plants tothem. You, the baron, will not grant them the loan? with asmile he addressed Goldzak.

The baron answered with the same smile and started up asmoke ringlet.

But there is other danger the hoarse voice ofthe general was heard. Ispeak about military power ofRed army. What if only eight ofsixteen additional hours aday it is used bythem for military training ofworkers and peasants? It is equivalent tocreation ofmultimillion army. Further, during war they will have fighters who do not need rest. They should not replace soldiers inentrenchments. They will be always sharp-sighted, vigilant, fresh while at us two thirds ofsoldiers temporarily fail for adream and rest. Their pilots who are not knowing were tired, will be able tomake distant flights Their command structure, their headquarters will be able todirect operations, without producing threads ofmanagement for one minute for rest and adream. It is possible that they use means ofprofessor Wagner also over horses. Their wagon trains, their cavalry will not know fatigue. All this is too serious!.

The speech ofthe old general made agreat impression on ameeting, inparticular on military. Generals frowned, nervously drummed fingers, dragged on cigars more deeply

But the most dangerous the secretary rose again consists inpolitical value ofthe fact. Already now the Bolshevism shakes the world, keeps the governments ofall countries ofthe world inconstant nervous tension. Wagners means triples, or perhaps even ushesteryat number ofBolsheviks. Here, inthe circle, we can be frank. We do not know how tocope with one leader ofCommunistic International. What will be if this leader has an opportunity towork six times more? We will have six such leaders, the Komintern six times increased, millions ofRussian Bolsheviks who are not knowing were tired, propagandizing and decomposing masses day and night, day and night, for twenty four hours aday!!

These arguments made atremendous impression. Hands ofthe audience shivered, scarfs wiped cold sweat on foreheads and bald heads

It is awful!.

Nightmare! uneasy voices were heard.

There came terrible silence. It seemed, terrible ghosts got suddenly into this office and filled it with chilling breath ofdeath.

At last the chairman ofthe meeting shook the head and knocked ahairy fist on atable.

It cannot be allowed! hoarsely he shouted. Byall means we have toeliminate the menacing danger! Before the invention ofprofessor Wagner becomes property ofBolsheviks, we have toseize asecret ofprofessor Wagner!

And, induced byfear and hatred, the meeting passed todiscussion ofaquestion ofhow tomakeit.

One baron Goldzak did not take part inameeting. Toit already grandiose plans were drawn. He thought ofthat how many it is possible tobenefit byopening ofprofessor Wagner if the secret ofthis opening appears inhis hands.




5.FAN OFSCIENCES


After trial all schedule ofoccupations ofprofessor Wagner was violated. Toit correspondents ofnewspapers and magazines, professors, students and just curious public wishing totry powder from adream were. Professor Wagner already got used tothese visits and therefore was not surprised when he heard as behind adoor someone with aGerman accent asked for permission toenter.

When the door opened, professor uvidat the young man with achubby, pink face and the short curling fair hair. Big fashionable tortoise points somehow did not go tothis young face. The perfect suit gave tothe stranger the European look.

May Iintroduce myself, dear sir professor!. Herman Taube, member ofthe Berlin society offans ofnatural sciences. From this society Ialso came toyou Your opening extremely interested us. And society addresses toyou with the most obedient request: you could not give inour circle several lectures about your works?

Unfortunately, Ihave no time.

Oh, it will not take alot oftime! the young man began tofuss. Its female voice was raised tothe highest notes, eyes looked prositelno through tortoise hoops ofpoints. It even inclined the head on one side and squeezed hands. If only you agreed!. If only agreed! For us it will be such holiday! Iam the not scientific, but passionate fan ofscience. My father is rich is very rich If you wished, you would find at us all necessary for your works We would equip toyou fine laboratory tens, hundreds ofdogs would be at your disposal!.

Wagner smiled.

You are very kind, but, unfortunately, Ihave toreject your offer. Iam not going toleave Russia.

What apity!. Oh, what apity! It seemed tome that here towork what there towork But you will not refuse togive at us several lectures! It will take only several days. We will go inthe air way, on the passenger airplane ofthe new company ofair traffics Uenshetlikh  Bekvemkheyt Safety and convenience. Quite justifies the name Successfully competes with Deruluft Iundertake all efforts on vising ofpassports. We will not speak about expenses and the fee We, ofcourse, undertake everything

Icould spend for this business no more than three-four hours. Itoo value time. Do not forget that Ihave sixfold productivity. If Ispend only two days, then for me they will be equal toloss oftwelve. No, Icannot accept your offer!

Iam extremely upset. And the head ofour laboratory professor Braude will be even more upset. It works inthe same area, as you. But its method abit different

Professor Wagner quickened.

Here is how! Inwhat its method?

He tries  Taube was confused alittle. His face expressed the thought tension as though he wanted toremember something. It works on method which will give the chance tothe organism toproduce toxins against 

But Wagner already guessed athought.

Just Iwork on it now! Our newspapers exaggerated my progress on this way alittle

Inot from newspapers! broke at Taube. It reddened from disappointment on itself (himself). Professor Braude works several years inthis area. He so wanted toget acquainted with you and toshare experience!. It is very apity that now it is necessary toupsethim

It changes business! Ithink that loss oftime will be rewarded Professor Braude?. Idid not hear something aboutit.

Young and extremely modest does not love advertizing But it is scary ingenious!.

Iagree!

Taube rushed toprofessor and began toshake his hands.

Thousand thanks! And Iwill take care ofdeparture. You will not waste minutes the precious time!

And, having fawned, it was behind adoor.

Strange young man. Dogs wanted tobribe me! professor Wagner thought after his leaving.




6.UENSHETLIKH UND BEKVEMKHEYT


Early inthe morning the passenger-and-mail airplane was removed from airfield and quickly began togain height. Inacozy cabin on easy leather chairs took place: professor Wagner, Herman Taube, the diplomatic courier ofthe French Embassy inMoscow and the employee ofthe Soviet trade mission inBerlin.

If the hum ofthe motor which is not weakened bythe advanced muffler yes smooth rocking, it was possible tothink that you sit inacompartment ofthe car. Through mirror windows the panorama ofMoscow with the coiling tape ofthe river below was seen. As toy, the Kremlin sparkling the domes seemed. And ahead the infinite carpet offields and the woods which is cut up byyellowish lines ofroads and blue windings ofthe rivers was already spread. Yellow squares allocated fields ofthe ripening rye. Here and there, as ants, moved on roads and people and animals pottered about on fields.

But professor Wagner not for long admired these birds-eye views. As the miser worries over each kopek, so Wagner valued every minute oftime. He took out books, attached on alap afolding lectern and turned towork. Reading the book, he at the same time continuously wrote something tonotebooks with shorthand signs.

Having noticed an inquiring look ofTaube, he explained:

Iwrite only shorthand. It is my own system. Ireduce and Isimplify work where it is possible. Icreated own system ofmnemonic this great assistant towhom, unfortunately, pay attention alittle. Bymeans ofmnemonic Iam able tostore extraordinary large number offigures, formulas, names inmemory. Business is facilitated bythe fact that thanks topurity ofmy brain from which the toxins poisoning him are emitted it works with indefatigable clarity and force. All this increases productivity ofmy work even more. Without exaggeration, Iwork forten

And Wagner became silent, having gone deep into work.

Taube looked out ofthe window on atableau vivant ofthe country, so unclear for it, such poor and at the same time powerful, peace inthe developed pictures ofwork ofpeasants and the terrible that force which will organize millions ofthese strong hands

Some river seemed inthe distance. On high coastal hills the city was stretched. On the right coast the city was surrounded with ancient gear walls ofthe Kremlin with high towers. Over all city the huge five-domed cathedral reigned.

Dnieper!. Smolensk!. Our first stop!.

The airplane flew byover the wood and smoothly fell bygood airfield.

Have breakfast and started on afurther journey. The sky tightened clouds. The gusty head wind shook the airplane as the ship on big ocean waves. The movement offlight was slowed down. Kovno nevertheless reached safely. It is the last stop infront ofKonigsberg. Despite the increasing bad weather, the airplane went toafurther way. Wind passed into asquall. Threw the airplane inthe parties, abruptly lifted on counter air waves. Sometimes, as if having lost wings, the device promptly fell down.




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