THE BEAST of BOREDOM
wasn't a weapon or a bribe, as
he thought. But it was the
most ingenious trap of all time!
By RICHARD R. SMITH
Illustrated by RICHARD KLUGA
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Infinity April 1958.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
The shack at the edge of the dead canal was so carefully camouflaged,he almost passed by it. Hoping he hadn't been seen, he dropped to hisstomach and crawled through the mud toward the door.
It wasn't a long distance, but inching his way on his elbows and knees,and with his face close to the evil-smelling mud, it seemed like amile. As he crawled, he reflected bitterly that most of mankind'sreally great achievements always ended in war. Columbus had crossedthe Atlantic Ocean and it had ended in war with the Indians. Mankindhad invented atomic energy and then used it to kill millions. Theirlatest achievement was the marvel of spaceflight and where had thatended? It had also ended in war....
Personally, he didn't believe they were justified in fighting theMartians. If they didn't want anyone intruding on their planet, whatright did Earthmen have to force their way? The popular theory thatthey could help rebuild the dying Martian civilization didn't seem verylogical when millions had to be killed in the process. And if Martianswere an independent race and wanted to sit around and watch theircivilization crumble, why shouldn't they have that privilege?
When he was within a few yards of the door, he set aside hisphilosophical thoughts. Leaping to his feet, he ran into the smallshack and screamed shrilly in the manner designed to momentarilyparalyze an enemy with fear.
He raised the rifle instinctively when something moved in the shadows,and as his eyes adjusted to the dim light, he felt a queasiness in hisstomach. The emaciated alien who cowered in the shadows resembled apitiful bundle of rags more than an enemy!
Trembling hands lifted an object and three things happened so rapidlythat they seemed to happen simultaneously: the Martian's bony fingersmoved over the object; a burning sensation ripped through his brain; herealized it must be a weapon and squeezed the trigger of his rifle.
When the sharp crack stopped echoing in his ears, he examined the stillform and discovered he'd been mistaken. The object wasn't a weapon.It was a metal globe six inches in diameter and studded with preciousjewels. The Martian had offered it in exchange for his life.
The windows of his apartment on the fourteenth floor were open anda gentle breeze chilled the sweat on his face as he worked with theknife. He had previously removed four jewels from the metal globe, butthe large ruby he'd selected this time seemed to be embedded deeper.
The blade slipped and slashed the palm of his left hand. Cursing theartifact and all Martians in general, he attacked the ruby furiouslyand grunted with satisfaction when he dislodged it.
The red jewel rolled across the table and fell to the floor. Pickingit up gingerly as if it were a fragile thing of glass, he held it inthe sunlight and watched the myriad facets sparkle like a one-colorkaleidoscope. It was the largest jewel of all and worth a smallfortune....
A sharp pain in his hand reminded him of his wound and he went to thebathroom. After carefully