The Impossible World. Eando Binder

I am encompassing in my theory. I cannot entirely ignore that which exists. All mankind will be represented by one symbol in my formula—the symbol zero.” There was almost an ominous note in his voice. “Perhaps I’ll explain that in some future contact.”

      “I’ll look forward to it,” said Shelton. “As for the seven men, adaptene will revive them, I believe.” He set his jaw. “And I’m going to solve the mystery of what happened to them if it takes a year. Good-by.”

      He snapped off, but not before a slightly derisive chuckle came from the Space Scientist, just before his image faded.

      Myra Benning shivered again. “Now I can appreciate that expression, the ‘cold scientist’,” she murmured. “He’s all of that. If he can laugh at the predicament of those men, he’s a—a beast, too.”

      “But he’s human,” defended Shelton. “Notice how close he was to Earth—must be hovering fairly near, since there was so little delay in the signals going back and forth. He probably stays around Earth a good deal, eagerly listening to news and vision programs, eating his heart out because he’s made a silly vow never to come back. I’ve got him figured out.”