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Centauri, issue 2, Winter 1944
Page 17
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Centauri Page 17 - SECRET OF ATLANTIS - find out. That was the only sensible thing to do. After a rest I placed the strange design on the wall in the same spot, stared at it...Instantly the paper and wood dissolved. I saw the street; pedestrians. I wished for that long-delayed cigarette. And I moved -- nearer to the tobacco shop. I looked behind me. I saw my house. I was floating on air, buoyant as a shadow. I felt totally alienated from all physical bonds. I moved around the corner of my house and peered in the window of my study. There, standing and staring at a sheet of paper, was my body. It was stiff and motionless. I could not see the expression on my face. Approaching the sidewalk, I passed several people I knew. They did not see me. No one could see me. No one could see me. Wild, glorious freedom! I floated across the street and looked through Reeves' door. I spoke -- or thought I spoke. He turned and stared, a bewildered expression on his face. He glanced through the window at my house, shrugged and picked up his paper. I returned to my study and my body, satisfied. It had worked! For two days I experimented feverishly. Then on the 16th came the quarrel with Rhoda. When her telegram arrived -- the morning of the 18th -- a dazzling idea struck me. How far could I travel? Around the world; into space? I would try. I was bursting with ambition. First I would go to Portland and see Rhoda! Early that afternoon I placed the symbol on the wall of my room, facing west. My watch indicated 1:04 p.m. I fastened my gaze on the diagram...The earth seemed to be spinning beneath me. I knew exactly where Rhoda's aunt lived. This would be the greatest thrill of all! Suddenly I found myself in a familiar room -- the parlor of the Suffolk apartment. I was hovering near the window overlooking the enclosed garden where Rhoda and I first became engaged. Rhoda stood near the door, beautiful in a simple black gown that clung smoothly to her regal figure. She was alone. Her wrap was on the back of the divan. Going to a matinee, perhaps. Where was her Aunt Sophia? I wanted to glide near Rhoda and whisper in her ear, but I thought that that might frighten her. She moved to the door, as if someone had knocked. I could hear nothing; feel nothing; but I could see. A man stepped into the room, tall and well-built. He was handsome. I'd never seen him before. Rhoda closed the door, smiled at him, invitingly. There was an air of intimacy about their behavior that I didn't like. A moment they talked and held hands. Then his arms stole around her, and their lips met. She returned his kisses and caresses...damn her black little heart! God! How I wanted my body! Black hatred engulfed me. A fiendish plan leaped into my mind. I was powerful; I would try the impossible. They were on the divan now, sitting very close. I hovered near the good-looking fellow, in front of his eyes. And I stared into them long and deeply. The glazed look of excitement in his gray orbs faded, changed. Rhoda's pupils enlarged; his eyes went round with horror. Rhoda's mouth fell open. I bored deeper and deeper into his soul,
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Centauri Page 17 - SECRET OF ATLANTIS - find out. That was the only sensible thing to do. After a rest I placed the strange design on the wall in the same spot, stared at it...Instantly the paper and wood dissolved. I saw the street; pedestrians. I wished for that long-delayed cigarette. And I moved -- nearer to the tobacco shop. I looked behind me. I saw my house. I was floating on air, buoyant as a shadow. I felt totally alienated from all physical bonds. I moved around the corner of my house and peered in the window of my study. There, standing and staring at a sheet of paper, was my body. It was stiff and motionless. I could not see the expression on my face. Approaching the sidewalk, I passed several people I knew. They did not see me. No one could see me. No one could see me. Wild, glorious freedom! I floated across the street and looked through Reeves' door. I spoke -- or thought I spoke. He turned and stared, a bewildered expression on his face. He glanced through the window at my house, shrugged and picked up his paper. I returned to my study and my body, satisfied. It had worked! For two days I experimented feverishly. Then on the 16th came the quarrel with Rhoda. When her telegram arrived -- the morning of the 18th -- a dazzling idea struck me. How far could I travel? Around the world; into space? I would try. I was bursting with ambition. First I would go to Portland and see Rhoda! Early that afternoon I placed the symbol on the wall of my room, facing west. My watch indicated 1:04 p.m. I fastened my gaze on the diagram...The earth seemed to be spinning beneath me. I knew exactly where Rhoda's aunt lived. This would be the greatest thrill of all! Suddenly I found myself in a familiar room -- the parlor of the Suffolk apartment. I was hovering near the window overlooking the enclosed garden where Rhoda and I first became engaged. Rhoda stood near the door, beautiful in a simple black gown that clung smoothly to her regal figure. She was alone. Her wrap was on the back of the divan. Going to a matinee, perhaps. Where was her Aunt Sophia? I wanted to glide near Rhoda and whisper in her ear, but I thought that that might frighten her. She moved to the door, as if someone had knocked. I could hear nothing; feel nothing; but I could see. A man stepped into the room, tall and well-built. He was handsome. I'd never seen him before. Rhoda closed the door, smiled at him, invitingly. There was an air of intimacy about their behavior that I didn't like. A moment they talked and held hands. Then his arms stole around her, and their lips met. She returned his kisses and caresses...damn her black little heart! God! How I wanted my body! Black hatred engulfed me. A fiendish plan leaped into my mind. I was powerful; I would try the impossible. They were on the divan now, sitting very close. I hovered near the good-looking fellow, in front of his eyes. And I stared into them long and deeply. The glazed look of excitement in his gray orbs faded, changed. Rhoda's pupils enlarged; his eyes went round with horror. Rhoda's mouth fell open. I bored deeper and deeper into his soul,
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