totolerances of little more than the thickness of a molecule--"
* * * * *
The gimmick to fool him and cheat him. Where was it? Fenwick askedhimself. Baker was sure it was here. If so, where could it be? There wasno trickery in the crystal laboratory--unless it was the trickery ofprecision refinement of methods. Only men of great mechanical skillcould accomplish what Ellerbee and his friend were doing. Genius behindthe milking machine! Fenwick could almost sympathize with Baker in hishiding behind the ridiculous Index. Without some such protection a mancould encounter shocks.
The crackpot fringe.
Where else would credence have been given to the phenomenon of a crystalthat seemed to radiate in a nonelectromagnetic way?
But, of course, it couldn't actually be doing that. All the books, allthe authorities, and the known scientific principles said it couldn'thappen. Therefore, it wouldn't have happened--outside the crackpotfringe.
If Ellerbee and Atkins weren't trying to foist a deliberate deception,where were they mistaken? It was possible for such men as these to makean honest mistake. That would more than likely turn out to be the casehere. But how could there be a mistake in the production of a phenomenonsuch as Fenwick had witnessed? How could that be produced through someerror when it couldn't even be done by known electronic methods--notjust as Fenwick had seen it.
Throughout the morning Ellerbee led him down the rows of tanks,explaining at each step what was happening. Sometimes Sam Atkins offereda word of explanation also, but always he stayed in the background. Thetwo farmers showed Fenwick how they measured crystal size down to thethickness of a molecule while the crystals were growing.
A sudden suspicion crossed Fenwick's mind. "If those dimensions are socritical, how did you determine them in the first place?"
"Initially, it was a lucky accident," said Sam Atkins.
"Very lucky," said Fenwick, "if you were able to accidentally obtain acrystal of fifteen layers or so and have each layer even approximatelycorrect."
Sam smiled blandly. "Our first crystals were not so complex, youunderstand. Only three layers. We thought we were building transistors,then. Later, our mathematics showed us the advantage of additionallayers and gave us the dimensions."
The mathematics that Baker said a kid could poke holes in. Fenwickdidn't know. He hadn't checked the math.
Where was the gimmick?
In the afternoon they took him out for field tests again. A rise behindthe barn was about a mile from a similar rise on Sam Atkins' place. Theycommunicated across that distance in all the ways, including variouskinds of codes, that Fenwick could think of to find some evidence ofhoax. Afterwards, they returned to the laboratory and sawed in two thecrystals they had just used. Then they showed him the tests they haddevised to determine the nature of the radiation between the crystals.
He did not find the gimmick.
By the end of the day Ellerbee seemed beat, as if he'd been under aheavy strain all day long. And then Fenwick realized that was actuallythe case. Ellerbee wanted desperately to have someone believe in him,believe in his communication device. Not only had he used all thereasoning power at his command, he had been straining physically toinduce Fenwick to believe.
Through it all, however, Sam Atkins seemed to remain bland and utterlyat ease, as if it made absolutely no difference to him, whatever.
"I guess we've just about shot our wad," said Ellerbee. "That's aboutall we've got to show you. If we haven't convinced you by now that ourcommunicator works, I don't know how we can accomplish it."
Had they convinced him? Fenwick asked himself. Did he believe what hehad seen or didn't he? He had been smug in front of Baker after thefirst demonstration, but now he wondered how much he had been covered bythe same brush that had tarred Baker.
It wasn't easy for him to admit the possibility of nonelectromagneticradiation from these strange crystals, radiation which could carry sightand sound from one point to another without any transducers but thecrystals themselves.
"You have to step out of the world you've grown accustomed to," said SamAtkins very quietly. "This is what we have had to do. It's not hard nowto comprehend that telepathic forces of the mind can be directed by thismeans. This is a new pattern. Think of it as such. Don't try to cram itinto the old pattern. Then it's easy."
A new pattern. That was the trouble, Fenwick thought. There couldn'treally be any new patterns, could there? There was only one basicpattern, in which all the phenomena of the universe fit. He readilyadmitted that very little was known about that pattern, and many thingsbelieved true were false. But the Second Law of Thermodynamics. _That_had to be true--invariably true--didn't it?
If there was a hoax, Baker would have to find it.
"I'll be back with Dr. Baker in a couple of days," Fenwick said. "Afterthat, the one final evidence we'll need will be to construct thesecrystals in our own laboratories, entirely on our own, based on yourinstructions."
Ellerbee nodded agreement. "That would suit us just fine."
* * * * *
"Hypnotism," said Baker. "It sounds like some form of hypnotism, and Idon't like that kind of thing. It could merit criminal prosecution."
"There's no possible way I could have been hypnotized," said Fenwick.
"These crystals--obviously it has something to do with them. But Iwonder what their game is, anyway? It's hard to see where they can thinkthey're headed."
"I don't know," said Fenwick. "But you promised to show me the gimmickif I couldn't find it in half a day. I spent a whole day out therewithout finding anything."
Baker slapped the desk in exasperation. "You're not really going to makeme go out there and look at this fool thing, are you? I know I made acrazy promise, but I was sure you could find where they were hoaxing youif you took one look at their setup. It's probably so obvious you juststumbled right over it without even seeing it was there."
"Possibly. But you're going to have to show me."
"John, look--"
"Or, I _might_ be willing to take that Clearwater research grant withoutany more questions on either side."
Baker thought of the repercussions that would occur in his own office,let alone outside it, if he ever approved such a grant. "All right," hesighed. "You've got me over a barrel. I'll drive my car. I may have tostop at some offices on the other side of town."
"I might be going on, rather than coming back to town," said Fenwick. "Iought to have my car, too. Suppose I meet you out there?"
"Good enough. Say one o'clock. I'm sure that will give us more time thanwe need."
* * * * *
Baker was prompt. He arrived with an air oflet's-get-this-over-as-quick-as-possible. He nodded perfunctorily asEllerbee introduced his wife. He scarcely looked at Sam Atkins.
"I hope you've got your demonstration all set up," he said. He glancedat the darkening sky. "It looks like we might get some heavy rain thisafternoon."
"We're all ready," said Ellerbee. "Sam will drive over to that littlehill on his farm, and we'll go out behind the barn."
On the knoll, Baker accepted the crystal cube without looking at it.Clenching it in his fist, he put his hand in his pocket. Fenwick guessedhe was trying to avoid any direct view and thus avoid the possibility ofhypnotic effects. This seemed pretty farfetched to Fenwick.
Through field glasses Sam Atkins was seen to get out of his car and walkto the top of the knoll. He stood a moment, then waved to signal hisreadiness.
"Press the crystal in your hand," Ellerbee said to Baker. "Direct yourattention toward Sam Atkins."
Each of them had a cube of the same crystal. It was like a party line.Fenwick pressed his only slightly. He had learned it didn't take much.He saw Baker hesitate, then purse his lips as if in utter disgust, andfollow instructions.
In a moment the image of Sam Atkins appeared before them. Regardless oftheir position, the image gave the illusion of standing about four feetin
front of them.
"Good afternoon, Dr. Baker," Sam Atkins said.
Fenwick thought Baker was going to collapse.
The director just stood for a moment, like a creature that had beenpole-axed. Then his color began to deepen and he turned with robotstiffness. "Did you men hear anything? Fenwick ... did you hear ... didyou see?"
"Sure," said Fenwick, grinning broadly. "Sam Atkins said good afternoonto you. It would be polite if you answered him back."
The image of Sam Atkins was still before them. He, too, was grinningbroadly. The grins infuriated Baker.
"Mr. Atkins," said Baker.
"Yes, Dr. Baker," said Sam Atkins.
"If you hear me, wave your hands. I will observe you through the fieldglasses."
"The field glasses won't be necessary."
Both the image before them, and the distant figure on the knoll wereseen to wave arms and gyrate simultaneously. For good measure, SamAtkins turned a cartwheel.
Baker seemed to have partly recovered. "There seems to be a veryremarkable effect present here," he said cautiously.
"Dr. Baker," Jim Ellerbee spoke earnestly, "I know you're skeptical. Youdon't think the crystals do what I say they do. Even though you see itwith your own eyes you doubt that it is happening. I will do anythingpossible to test this device to your satisfaction. Name the test thatwill dispel your doubts and we will perform it!"
"It's not entirely a question of demonstration, Mr. Ellerbee," saidBaker. "There are the theoretical considerations as well. Themathematics you have submitted in support of your claim are not, to putit mildly, sound."
"I know. Sam keeps telling me that. He says we need an entirely new mathto handle it. Maybe we'll get around to that. But the important thing isthat we've got a working device."
"Your mathematical basis _must_ be sound!" Baker's fervor returned.Fenwick felt a sudden surge of pity for the director.
The demonstration was repeated a dozen times more. Fenwick went over onSam Atkins' hill. He and Baker conversed privately.
... _"Presence," with the crystals, was not a physicalthing_ ...]
"Do you see it yet?" Fenwick asked.
"No, I'm afraid I don't!" Baker was snappish. "This is one of the mostdevilish things I've ever come across!"
"You don't think it's working the way Jim and Sam say it is?"
"Of course not. The thing is utterly impossible! I am convinced ahypnotic condition is involved, but I must admit I don't see how."
"You may figure it out when you go through Ellerbee's lab."
* * * * *
Baker was obviously shaken. He spoke in subdued tones as Ellerbeestarted the tour of the crystal lab again. Baker's eyes took ineverything. As the tour progressed he seemed to devour each new itemwith frenzied intensity. He inspected the crystals through a microscope.He checked the measurements of the thickness of the growing crystallayers.
The rain began while they were in the crystal lab. It beat furiously onthe roof of the laboratory building, but Baker seemed scarcely awarethat it was taking place. His eyes sought out every minute feature ofthe building. Fenwick was sure he was finding nothing to confirm hisbelief that the communicator crystals were a hoax.
Fenwick hadn't realized it before, but he recognized now that it wouldbe a terrific blow to Baker if he couldn't prove the existence of ahoax.
Proof that the communicator crystals were all they were supposed to bewould be a direct frontal attack on the sacred Index. It would blast ahole in Baker's conviction that nothing of value could come from thecrackpot fringe. And, not least of all, it would require Baker to issuea research grant to Clearwater College.
What else it might do to Baker, Fenwick could only guess, but he feltcertain Bill Baker would never be the same man again.
As it grew darker, Baker looked up from the microscope through which hehad been peering. He glanced at the windows and the drenched countrysidebeyond. "It's been raining," he said.
Mary Ellerbee had already anticipated that the visitors would be stayingthe night. She had the spare room ready for Baker and Fenwick beforedinner. While they ate in the big farmhouse kitchen, Ellerbee explained."It would be crazy to try to get down to the highway tonight. Thecounty's been promising us a new road for five years, but you see whatwe've got. Even the oldest citizen wouldn't tackle it in weather likethis, unless it was an emergency. You put up for the night with us.You'll get home just as fast by leaving in the morning, after the stormclears. And it will be a lot more pleasant than spending the night stuckin the mud somewhere--or worse."
Baker seemed to accept the invitation as he ate without comment. ToFenwick he appeared stunned by the events of the day, by his inabilityto find a hoax in connection with the communicator crystals.
* * * * *
It was only when Baker and Fenwick were alone in the upstairs bedroomthat Baker seemed to stir out of his state of shock.
"This is ridiculous, Fenwick!" he said. "I don't know what I'm doinghere. I can't possibly stay in this place tonight. I've got people tosee this evening, and appointments early in the morning."
"It's coming down like cats and dogs again," said Fenwick. "You saw theroad coming in. It's a hog wallow by now. Your chance of getting throughwould be almost zero."
"It's a chance I have to take," Baker insisted. He started for the door."_You_ don't have to take it, of course."
"I'm not going to!" said Fenwick.
"But I must!"
Fenwick followed him downstairs, still trying to persuade him of thefoolishness of driving back tonight. When Ellerbee heard of it he seemedappalled.
"It's impossible, Dr. Baker! I wouldn't have suggested your notreturning if there were any chance of getting through. I assure youthere isn't."
"Nevertheless I must try. Dr. Fenwick will remain, and I will come backtomorrow afternoon to complete our investigation. There are importantthings I must attend to before then, however."
Fenwick had the sudden feeling that Baker was in a flight of panic. Hiswords had an aimless stream-of-consciousness quality that contrastedsharply with his usually precise speech. Fenwick was certain there wasnothing sufficiently important that it demanded his attention on a nightlike this. He could have telephoned his family and had his wife cancelany appointments.
No, Fenwick thought, there was nothing Baker had to go _to_; rather, hewas running _from_. He was running in panicky fear from his failure topin down the hoax in the crystals. He was running, Fenwick thought, fromthe fear that there might be no hoax.
It seemed incredible that such an experience could trigger so strong areaction. Yet Fenwick was aware that Baker's attitude toward Ellerbeeand his device was not merely one aspect of Baker's character. Hisattitude in these things _was_ his character.
Fenwick dared not challenge Baker with these thoughts. He knew it wouldbe like probing Baker's flesh with a hot wire. There was nothing at allthat he could do to stop Baker's flight.
Ellerbee insisted on loaning him a powerful flashlight and a handlantern, which Baker ridiculed but accepted. It was only after Baker'stail-light had disappeared in the thick mist that Fenwick remembered hestill had the crystal cube in his coat pocket.
"He's bound to get stuck and spend the night on the road," saidEllerbee. "He'll be so upset he'll never come back to finish hisinvestigation."
Fenwick suspected this was true. Baker would seal off every associationand reminder of the communicator crystals as if they were some infectionthat would not heal. "There's no use beating your brains out trying toget the NBSD to pay attention," Fenwick told Ellerbee. "You've got apatent. Figure out some gadgety use and start selling the things. You'llget all the attention you want."
"I wanted to do it in a dignified way," said Ellerbee regretfully.
_You, too_, Fenwick thought as he moved back up the stairs to the sparebedroom.
Fenwick undressed and got into bed. He tried to read a book he hadborrowed from Ellerbee, but it held
no interest for him. He keptthinking about Baker. What produced a man like Baker? What made himtick, anyway?
Fenwick had practically abandoned his earlier determination thatsomething had to be done about Baker. There was really nothing thatcould be done about Baker, Bill Baker in particular--and the host ofassorted Bakers scattered throughout the world in positions of power andimportance, in general.
They stretched on and on, back through the pages of history and time.Jim Ellerbee understood the breed. He had quite rightly tagged Baker inaddressing him as "Dear Urban." Pope Urban, who persecuted the greatGalileo, had certainly been one of them.
It wasn't that Baker was ignorant or stupid. He was neither. Fenwickgave reluctant respect to his intelligence and his education. Baker wasquick-witted. His head was stuffed full of accurate scientificinformation from diversified fields.
But he refused to be jarred loose from his fixed position thatscientific breakthroughs could come from any source but the EstablishedAuthority. The possibility that the crackpot fringe could produce such abreak-through panicked him. It _had_ panicked him. He was fleeingdangerously now through the night, driven by a fear he did not know wasin him.
Inflexibility. This seemed to be the characteristic that marked Bakerand