Astounding Stories of Super-Science, August 1930

"Marvelous--marvelous!" declared Blake. "But that heat ray, Professor. That sounds bad. You are convinced it is as powerful as they make out!" "Positively! That blast they let go in the desert would have utterly destroyed New York." "Hm! Yes, no doubt you're right. I fully realize how the fearful menace of this thing. Do you think the military authorities will be able to cope with it?" "I don't know. Perhaps, if they are prompt enough." "And is there no other way--no scientific way?" Kendrick grew thoughtful. "I wonder," he said at last. "There's just a possibility--something running through my mind--an experiment I'd like to make, if I had the facilities of some large electrical laboratory." "You shall have them to-morrow!" Blake promised. "I'm one of the directors of Consolidated Electric. Their experimental laboratory in Brooklyn is the finest of its kind in America. I'll see that you have the run of it." "That will be very kind," said Kendrick. "But don't expect anything to come from it, necessarily. It's just a theory I want to work out." A butler entered at this moment and announced dinner. "Well, theories are mighty these days!" beamed Blake, as they rose, clapping the younger man on the shoulder. "You go ahead with your theories--and I'll bring a few facts to bear. To-morrow noon I'll escore some military men and others of my friends over to the laboratory to hear and see something of this menace direct. Meanwhile, and during this crisis, it will honor me to have you as my guest."