FAMILY TREE
BY CHARLES L. FONTENAY
You don't like Darwin's theory of
Evolution? Maybe you're right. Maybe
Man's ancestors weren't monkeys after all....
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Worlds of If Science Fiction, December 1956.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
How do you get rid of a superman?
The method Masefield Truggles used was the tried-and-true MasefieldTruggles method. Of course, he didn't know at the beginning that BlanForsythe was a superman. But Forsythe had lived in Marston Hill most ofhis life—born there, in fact—while Truggles had been there only twoyears. So Truggles gave the case the full treatment with flourishes,including a careful reconnaissance to determine vulnerable spots inForsythe's reputation.
Truggles determined that reform or removal of Forsythe would be hiscontribution to the moral welfare of Marston Hill as soon as he heardthe rumors, some joking, some serious, about Forsythe's polygamoustendencies. This was a ready-made situation for Truggles.
Truggles began his research with Forsythe's ex-wife, Phyllis Allison.He had learned from experience that an ex-wife usually is a good sourceof information about vulnerable spots.
She served him tea in the parlor of her modest home. After a routineround of chit-chat designed to put her at ease, Truggles approached thepoint.
"As you may know, Mrs. Allison, I am president of our Social StandardsProtective League," he said, fixing his deep blue eyes on her face.
"I've heard of it, Mr. Truggles," she said in a low voice. "My dutiesat home keep me too busy to belong to any organizations, though."
As if to emphasize her point, she put her arm around the shouldersof her young son. The boy sat quietly beside her, watching Truggleslike a young animal. Truggles figured he must be about five yearsold—certainly he would be below school age, for school was insession—but he was big for his age. There was something disturbingabout his intent gaze.
"I'm not here in the interest of your joining the League, Mrs. Allison,though we'd be glad to have you," said Truggles. "I came to ask youfor some confidential information about the shameful way your formerhusband mistreated you."
Her eyes opened wide.
"Why, Blan never mistreated me!" she exclaimed. "Whoever told you sucha thing? I loved Blan, and he loved me. I still love him."
"If he loved you, why did he leave you?" demanded Truggles triumphantly.
"I think you're asking questions about something that isn't any ofyour business, Mr. Truggles," said Phyllis Allison, her eyes flashingominously. "Blan Forsythe is ... different. We agreed to separatebecause it appeared I could give him no children. We were wrong, but itwas too late, then."
"So he turned to polygamy through a mad desire to produce children,"murmured Truggles happily. "You say you were wrong? I thought the boywas your only child."
"Donald is my only child, but he is Blan's child," said Phyllis,patting the boy on the shoulder.
Truggles raised bushy eyebrows.
"Wasn't it seven years ago you and Mr. Forsythe were divorced?" heasked pointedly.
"Yes, and Donald is only five," she answered defiantly. "Myhusband—Dr. Allison—tells me I'm foolish to have the feeling I dothat Donald is Blan's son. He says it's impossible. But I know it'strue. I've been working with Donnie, and, Mr. Truggles...."
She leaned forward intently and fixed he