(author of "Dynasty of the Lost")
Professor Milton had a famous plan for endingthe strife between the Western and Easternworld—split the earth in two, literally, andlet each side go its way, according to itsown ideals. And the trouble was that Miltoncould actually do what he planned!
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Future combined with Science Fiction Stories July-August 1950.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
Without preamble, the door swung open with a rush and a man ran intothe office. He was waving a paper in one hand, but this was not theonly evidence of his excitement; aside from the waved paper and hisobviously breathless appearance, the man spoke as soon as he was withinsight of the other man behind the desk.
"Professor Milton has resigned!"
The man behind the desk smiled resignedly. "Don't be too concerned,Doctor Harris. Professor Milton has resigned before; he always comesback."
Doctor Harris shook his head. His agitation did not diminish, despitethe calm composure of the man behind the desk. "Doctor Edwards," heexplained, "you don't really understand. He—"
"Look, Harris," replied Doctor Edwards, dropping the formality oftitle, "is there anything we can do about it?"
"No," admitted Harris uncomfortably. "But you don't know what he'llbe doing next." He handed the paper to the quiet man behind the desk.Doctor Edwards read:
Dear Doctor Edwards:
It has come to my attention that the world is in a high state ofconfusion. Under these trying circumstances, I feel moved to dosomething constructive about it.
You will understand that any honest attempt to eliminate the state ofstrife that exists is most difficult under my present affiliationswith this Institution. Ergo, I make formal resignation, knowing that arequest for even a brief leave of absence would not be granted.
Have no lasting fear. I may return once I have accomplished thereinstatement of peace and quiet in this troubled world.
Sincerely yours,
Paul Monroe Milton, Ph.D.
Doctor Edwards shrugged. "This time it is the state of the world," hesaid. His voice held a twinge of amusement.
Harris gasped. "You're not really worried!"
"Of course not. There is no single man on earth capable of untanglingthe mess of the century."
"I wonder," objected Harris.
"Why?"
"Professor Milton is a literal-minded genius, and a bit of a screwball.A more brilliant man has seldom existed on this earth—but he remindsme somewhat of a powerful machine running wild; neither he nor amachine has much judgment."
"But what are you worried about?"
"Remember the time he said 'Nothing is impossible!' and was instantlytold to try scratching a match on a bar of soap?"
Edwards laughed heartily. "You bet!" he chuckled. "Milton invented asafety match that would light only when scratched on a soft, moist barof soap. Nowhere else."
"Uh-huh," drawled Harris. "And a bit of common sense added to that kindof genius might have brought forth a real safety match that might beworth millions to the institution. What I'm a bit worried about is justwhat angle his rather literal mind will follow."
"No matter. We can stop him once we know—and Professor Milton is notan unknown figure; we'll wait and watch carefully."
Doctor Harris nodded slowly. He was sensible enough to know that theProfessor was missing completely and no matter how da