Page:Astounding Science Fiction (1950-01).djvu/22

 extinction of radiation will continue at a rapidly increasing pace. Soon the world will be completely devoid of the quality of radiation that excites the sensation of visible light. As it disappears, the sensation will be similar to that of watching a scene in a play in which the lights are gradually dimmed until finally the stage and players are utterly blotted out."

There was so much noise now that Arnold was able to hear only with the greatest difficulty. Some people stood veiling and shaking their fists at Friedmann while others shouted for them to sit down and let him proceed.

"After the visible radiation there remains the spectrum of the X-radiation and gamma rays," Friedmann continued, apparently unmindful that he had lost his audience. "Especially significant will be the nature of the reaction upon cosmic rays, a subject upon which scientists have been wholly unable to agree. At present there is no hope of securing records of this vitally important phenomenon. Furthermore, there is no hope—"

A whiskey bottle crashed against the stand showering Friedmann with glass. Another followed and another until the air was filled with them. A dozen fights were in progress within the coliseum while without a mob was attempting to break through the gate at the east entrance. In the distance could be heard the rising wail of police sirens.

Suddenly the floodlights blinked, wavered uncertainly, then slowly faded out to a chorus of anguished wails and frantic howls for lights. Whether the fadeout was by accident or intent the result was the same. A terrified panic-stricken hush descended upon the multitude.

It was at that instant a new voice was heard in the darkness; a voice calm and powerful, yet withal tender and reassuring.

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want."

In the dim light men and women looked at each other fearful and bewildered, as if a miracle were about to happen.

Again the voice came crying in the darkness. "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters."

Arnold grabbed his partner by the shoulder. "It's Atchison Kane! If he can hold this crowd tonight, he's a wonder."

Men who were shouting and cursing a moment before now stood awed and irresolute. Here and there a few were beginning to kneel while others sobbed openly and unashamed.

"He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."

Many were beginning to repeat the familiar words after him. Now the voice swelled to a mighty climax in its message of faith and hope,

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil—"

And then more softly,

"For Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me—" 22