When I Grow Up, Page 3
Richard E. Lowe
two of us, we are likely to be thoroughlyinvestigated. Then goodness knows what would happen."
"But why? The child can do no real harm. Suppose he does 'destruct' ananimal or two? There are plenty more. And sooner or later they would dieof natural causes, anyway. And it's unthinkable that he could ever do itto--to people ..."
Smithy paused, obviously struck by a startling thought. He turned toHerbux. "Boy," he said, quite sternly. "Come here."
Herbux obeyed, advancing to within a foot of the old doctor and facinghim squarely.
"Look me in the eyes," Smithy commanded.
Questioningly, Herbux began to stare at Smithy.
"Well," Smithy said, after a time, "turn it on."
A set look came over Herbux's face. His lips were compressed and a thindew of sweat had broken out on his forehead.
Possy stood aghast, slowly comprehending what his old friend Smithy wasdoing. He was actually risking his life--or so he believed--to provethat the child could not destruct a human being. He wanted to stop theboy, but he could not move from where he stood.
Suddenly Herbux broke and turned away. He began to sob.
"It's no use!" he cried. "I can't do it. I just can't do it ..."
Smithy went to him and put an arm on his shoulders.
"Tell me, boy," he exclaimed. "What do you mean? Do you mean that youcan't _bring yourself_ to do it, or that it is physically impossible?"
Herbux just stood there, his head bowed, crying wildly.
"I just can't do it," he repeated, sounding now completely heart-broken.
Possy, coming alive again, said soothingly, "Don't cry, son. It's notbad. It's good, that you can't do it."
Herbux whirled around, facing Possy, his face inflamed with a suddenrage.
"But I will," he screamed, "I will do it! I will! _When I grow up!_"
Transcriber's Note:
This etext was produced from _Fantastic Universe_ September 1956. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. Minor spelling and typographical errors have been corrected without note.
