The Star Germs

Bernard Cronin [aka Eric North]

The Star Germs

Item

Title of Story: The Star Germs
Attributed Author: Bernard Cronin [aka Eric North]
Year For Sorting: 1928
Story Summary: An experimenter collects what he feels may be germs from the stars from the top of mountains and studies them in his laboratory. He attempts to cultivate them in six different test tubes. However, the first four tubes explode and the geometric creatures from a lower dimension begin attacking the members of the household. One rapidly develops into a Satyr creature that the scientist feels is the result of the shapes tapping into common thought forms. The fifth tube explodes with a stronger creature before the final sixth tube explodes exposing a bright creature that the others fear. The scientists proposes that the Satyr is evil from Saturn and the glowing creature must be from Venus. An engaging story replete with scientific explanations about biology, how cells work, concepts of different dimensions of existence, and more.
Critical Introduction: There is some confusion about the origin and form of this work, and multiple online records list variations on the information. Now that we have access to the Trove archive featuring scans of newspapers of the time, as well as scans of magazines, I can confirm the correct details. The Star Germs was first published as that in The Herald (Melbourne) in 1928 and features a character called The Satyr. There was no separate novel called The Satyr published in 1924. The Star Germs was later republished as "Star Germs" in The Daily Telegraph in Sydney in 1929. It was published again in 1938 in The Advocate (Burnie, Tas) as "The Satyr" by Eric North!

(A similar confusion exists with "The Green Flame" which was originally published in The Herald in 1928 and then later in The Advocate in 1938 renamed "Toad". There was no publication of a novel called "Toad" in 1924. As both The Green Flame and The Star Germs were published within weeks of each other, twice, it is easy to see how these could be confused.)

Both The Star Germs and The Satyr are the same story and consist of 22 chapters. A third title was chosen for its republishing in the Argosy magazine. "Three Against the Stars" (1938) by Eric North but consisting of 26 chapters across 5 issues. (The endings are the same). These 5 parts were reprinted as a 5-part novel in one issue in Fanastic Novels Magazine in 1950, again by Eric North, retaining Three Against The Stars. After searching through over one thousand pages of Trove newspaper results of articles and advertisements (including 200 ads just for Cronin's book 'Bracken') there isn't any evidence of The Star Germs being published anywhere before 1928. Also, it wasn't until 1925 that Cronin, arguably, began experimenting with science fiction. Before then, of his output of at least 300 short stories, novellas and novels, he occasionally dabbled with spiritual mysteries that turn out to have a rational explanation.

Interestingly, The Star Germs in 1928 in The Herald (Melbourne) and Star Germs in 1929 in The Daily Telegraph (Sydney) each feature a different home city for the protagonist.

From The Herald (Melbourne) 24 Nov 1928
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/246390025
“[I]t could scarcely be called street, for theirs was one of the very newest of
Melbourne's outer suburbs…”

From The Daily Telegraph (Sydney) 3 Jan 1929
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/246390025
“[I]t could scarcely be called street, for theirs was one of the very newest of
Sydney's outer suburbs…”

So, even within a week of its complete publication, it has already been edited by another publisher. It is up to future researchers to discover what changes have been made by newspapers and magazines by the time its final form was released in 1950.

I hope this clears up any confusion!

Bernard Cronin was the first president of The Society of Australian Authors and a well known figure in literary circles thanks to his courses on writing. While further research is needed, its possible Cronin's stories through the 1920s and 1930s (over 300) influenced the writing of his contemporaries Arthur Russell and Barrington Beverley (Harry Leigh Pink) due to their similarity of mixed genre style, length, and proliferation in similar newspapers and magazines. Cronin's reputation probably helped republish the Star Germs numerous times and most likely in places yet to be discovered, considering not many newspapers after 1955 have been made publicly available through Trove.

In my research, I discovered that most of Cronin's novella length serialised newspaper stories, that focused on Australian life and romance, were published as books soon after. These were advertised extensively in multiple newspapers in daily issues for weeks at a time. But, not a single advertisement for a printed copy of The Star Germs, perhaps confirming the idea that it was never released in book form.

Bernard Cronin's extensive collections of published Australian works may be in the public domain after 2038, unless copyright is still retained somewhere. With Three Against the Stars having been republished in the USA in 1950, it may be that that particular story might have to wait a bit longer.

Cronin the first to use "alien life" in a story to mean "extraterrestrials."
It is interesting to note that, from the 1890s, the term 'alien life' had meanings that alternated between Chinese life, French life, city life and otherwise foreign food, drink, and experiences. But from around 1918 this shifted to refer to life alien to an environment, as farmers began to notice that introduced species were causing problems for the local ecology. This meant a temporary drop in use of alien life to mean the meanings above, unless the term 'enemy aliens' needed to be used instead. While a brief use of alien life to mean a foreign invader in someone's blood was published in a poem in 1876 but set in 2876, it wasn't until Cronin's specific story in 1928 about alien germs from the stars was the term "alien life" actually used to mean extraterrestrial life as we do today, making Star Germs a fully formed science fiction story, before Hugo Gernsback's label was first published in 1929. (A demarkation point between 'proto' and 'modern' science fiction for some science fiction studies scholars.) Unfortunately, by 1939 the old use of "alien life" to mean foreigners had returned with many articles covering multiple topics such as Why Do Girls Marry Aliens? and New Alien Policy and Alien Communities Must be Prevented, which, after personally scanning the metadata of almost 2000 articles one by one looking for the use of alien life to mean extraterrestrial, was quite amusing to discover.
Science: Panspermia; Microbiology; Geometry; Theoretical dimensions and infinite volume
Inventions: No specific inventions. The focus is on combining multiple disciplines of science to explain lower dimensional alien creatures.
Science Past Articles: The Secret of Life. Living Cell Like a Battery
Science Extrapolations: That the millions of meteors hitting the Earth carry germs that can be grown in the laboratory
Science Fiction Subgenres: Alien Invasion; Alien Virus
Similar Science Fiction: Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions (1884) by Edwin Abbott is a notable influence, with the Biogen theorised to be from a lower dimensional reality.; Project Hail Mary: Germs from space breed on Venus and dim the sun, threatening life on Earth. These germs are investigated by a scientist who creates antibodies from another planet in test tubes but the antibodies escape, threatening lives.
Historical Context: A predicted stock market crash that led to the Great Depresssion was already creating concerned articles in newspapers, and fears were increasing about another World War.
Mentioned Elsewhere: Various online references list incorrect information which may have originally come from a hearsay document. These errors were discovered in 2023 and last rechecked in 2025.

1. Listed as The Satyr; a novel published in 1924. This is incorrect. No novel called The Satyr was published in 1924.

2. Listed as The Satyr published in The Melbourne Herald in 1924. This is incorrect. The Herald (Melbourne) published The Star Germs in 1928 featuring a character called The Satyr which either appeared or was referenced in most chapters from chapter 9 onwards: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/244019754

3. Research indicates that it has yet to be noted that The Star Germs was printed as The Satyr in The Advocate in Tasmania across 22 separate issues in 1937, before its printing in the Argosy. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/68516989

4. Listed as Three Against the Stars in The Argosy July 1938. Partly correct. It was serialised across 5 issues of the Argosy at that time. Read the fifth online here: https://s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com/luminist/PU/ARG_1938_07_30.pdf Note that this version has 26 chapters but the ending of the original published version is the same.

5. Listed as Three Against the Stars in Fantastic Novels Magazine Volume 4, No. 1. 1950 by Eric North. This is correct, yet splits the story into 5 sections.

6. Bernard Cronin references indicate that he used his pseudonym Eric North for all his science fiction stories. This is incorrect as The Star Germs was attributed to Bernard Cronin, not Eric North, in 1928.
Additional Information: A POPULAR AUTHOR
Sir, —I trust the time is not inopportune to tell you that I am enjoying Bernard Cronin's serial "Star Germs" to such an extent that I feel bound to write and thank you for its publication. This story, in my opinion, is Cronin’s best effort. and I sincerely trust you will let your readers have more of this popular Australian author’s stories.— Yours, etc., H
B. COHEN.
Elwood, December 15
The Herald (Melbourne, Vic) 18 Dec 1928
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/244017631

Advertisement:

The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW) 31 Dec 1928
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/246827040
SCIENCE MAKES LIFE
--
Amazing Experiment
in Sydney
--
"STAR GERMS"
There are many who believe I the world will someday be peopled with Robots, or mechanical men.
WE are on the verge of terrific discoveries, and the vast possibilities of science form the theme of Bernard Cronin's latest story, "Star Germs," which will begin serial publication in the "Daily Telegraph Pictorial" on Thursday.
Mr. Cronin is an established Australian novelist, whose books always find a market oversea.
In "Star Germs" the leading character evolves from inanimate subjects several extraordinary forms of life, which have properties and habits.
The tale, with a Sydney setting, is packed with thrills, and has a strong love interest running through it.
Readers of the "Pictorial" will remember with pleasure the story, "The Green Flame," from the facile pen of Mr. Cronin, which was recently published in these columns.

Advertisement:

“STAR GERMS" BEGINS
ON THURSDAY
On Thursday a thrilling story, “Star Germs,” by Bernard Cronin, will begin in the “Daily Telegraph Pictorial.”
How a Sydney experimenter makes the most amazing discoveries, and creates life from inanimate objects, is told in vivid fashion.
Cronin has written many exciting stories, and in “Star Germs” he captures the reader’s interest from beginning to end.
The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW) 31 Dec 1928
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/246826985

Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), Wednesday 2 January 1929, page 4

WHAT IS GERM OF LIFE? V ; 11 .

Mystery That Has Baffled Scientists

AGE-OLD SEARCH

FR its size, a germ is more potent than anything on earth. It can mean death and disaster. But the star germ of all is the mysterious germ of life. Science has vain-
ly tried to 'solve the mystery for generations. In "Star Game," a thrilling serial which begins in the "Daily Telegraph Pictorial"- to-mortrow, Bernard Cronin . tells how a Sydney experimenter makes extraordinary -discoveries, and creates life from inanimate objects. It is one of the most exciting stories written by this popular Australian author of "The Green Flame/' and through it runs a strong love interest. Make sure you order a copy of the "Pictorial" to-morrow.

Occasionally illustrated in various chapters and versions.
Other Works by the Author Listed in the Newspaper: No other works were listed on the day of publication, but advertising in previous issues mention The Green Flame. See Property 'Additional Information' for the advertisement text.
How this Story was Identified: Keyclouds
KeyClouds: scientist experiment electricity scientific science engine mechanical earth world telescope
Of the 16 found with this keycloud, 6 were determined to be science fiction.
Date Details Added to IA: February 2023
Author Gender: Male
https://www.austlit.edu.au/austlit/page/A13712
Nationality: Australian
https://www.austlit.edu.au/austlit/page/A13712
Biographical and Other Sources: Bernard Cronin Biography on Austlit
Single or Serialised: Serialised
First Published Date of Last Installment: 1928-12-28
Date Range: 1928-11-24-1928-12-28
Number of Installments: 22 Chapters, with 1 to 2 chapters published each issue
Complete or Supplemented: Complete
Estimated Word Count: 59,000
Length: Novel
Book Release Details: No book release. Reprinted several times with additional edits in various publications.
Links in To Be Continued: https://readallaboutit.com.au/#/title/66803
Links to Trove: Chapter 1
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/244092921
...
Chapters 21 & 22
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/244010524
Newspaper Publisher Citation: The Herald
Newspaper Name Location Years: The Herald Melbourne VIC 1861-1954
Location Town City: Melbourne
Location State Territory: Victoria
Provincial or Metro: Metropolitan
Also Published in: The Daily Telegraph Sydney NSW 1883-1930
Reprinted in 1937 as 'The Satyr' The Advocate Burnie TAS 1890-1954 with all 22 chapters in separate issues and numbers changed to roman letters:
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/68516989
Also published as 'Three Against the Stars' in July 1938 Argosy magazine and attributed to Cronin's pseudonym Eric North.
Language: English
Copyright: Bernard Cronin died in 1968 so this title won't be in the public domain until at least 2039.
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OCR from TBC and Trove: The Star Germs by Bernard Cronin
Due to the almost perfect OCR compared to the poor quality of the original, it’s likely chapter I was manually edited by a voluntrove. Note that the ‘what has happened’ update paragraph is included with some of the instalments below.
Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Saturday 24 November 1928, page 20
________________________________________
The Star Germs
Thrilling Mystery Serial
— By — BERNARD CRONIN
Start This Grand New Serial Today
CHAPTER I
The Murgle family was at tea. Mr Murgle, in shirt-sleeves, sat at the head of the table, with the air of concentration which he always ex-hibited when in the presence of meat
and drink. He was a small man, in-clining to baldness, with a rust-color-ed moustache and rust-colored, in-quisitive eyes. In professional circles he was a bricklayer's laborer, and something of the hue of the mortar wherein his working hours were em-bedded was refiocted in the pasty grey of his stubbled cheeks. He ate with gusto, dividing his attentions be-tween a plate of sausages and a huge cup of steaming tea. Mrs Murgle, anaemic and melan-choly, sat opposite. On her right were Joe and Jane, aged eighteen and fifteen respectively. On her left were the junior members of the fam-ily, Horace and Hermione. Horace was six years. Hermione claimed one whole year and some inconsider-able decimals. This minority, how-ever, failed to detract from Her-mione's sense of importance. Both precept and example suggested that the absence of a sausage from her own plate — an affair of cracked enamel, about whose circumference fled a succession of gnomes in tall hats—was in the nature of an affront. An hereditary passion for sausages — Mr. Murgle would no more have gone without this dally fare than he would have denied himself sleep — was in the veins of all Murgles. Hermione expressed her displeasure by a loud, monotonous wailing, to which Horace beat time with his cup and spoon, as it were in sympathetic accompani-ment. He was not without hopes of a second sausage, or the fraction thereof, for himself. Mr. Murgle, as he would himself have expressed it, had had a tiring day with the foreman. All foremen are unreasonable, and Mr Murgle's foreman, goaded by a boil on the neck, had that day surpassed himself. Mr Murgle's temper was in conse-quence a little raw. He frowned as he masticated. Little Hermione's wails presently took on a livelier note. Her face, already smeared with tears and tapi oca, assumed the dye of approaching suffocation. Mrs Murgle, alarmed, made the peace offering of the sec-tion of sausage then being convoyed to her own mouth. With a dexterous motion the fork was diverted to the round, noisy cavern that was her youngest daughter. The uproar im-mediately subsided. "Kids," Mr Murgle scowled. "Mouths to feed. That's all kids are. Mouths to feed." This attempt at epigram was unre-warded. Mrs Murgle retorted mere-ly with bitterness. "Well, if you didn't want 'em, you shouldn't have had 'em." "Never had 'em," Mr Murgle said. The crude humor somewhat re-stored him. He thrust his plate aside and began to fill his pipe. His eye tra-velled from his wife along the line of his offspring, and rested speculatively upon the undistinguished features of his eldest. "Reminds me. Got a job for Joe today. Starts termorrer. Don't ar-gue. I won't listen." "Nobody's arguing." said Mrs Mur-gle. " 'Ermle, you keep quiet. Up-set your cup again. 'Orace, and you'll
feel the weight of me hand. No-body's arguing, Bert." "You're arguing now," said Mr. Murgle. He became, for the moment, concealed in smoke. His face pre-sently reappeared to say, with a note of finality, "Time Joe did something, anyhow. I was his age I kep' mo wid-dered ole mother." Joe Murgle, in his mild resentment of the innuendo, said, "Well, I haven't got a widdered ole mother, have I? I've always wanted a job, only I couldn't get one. Think I like loafing around?" "Joe was in town all day, looking for work." Mrs Murgle told her hus-band defensively. " 'Undreds of un-employed — 'undreds and 'undreds. Poor things. What's the job, father?" "Place up in the 'ills," said Mr. Murgle. "They want a man fer odd jobs. Quid a week and keep. I wrote up and there come this letter back." He produced a crumpled paper from some recess of his trousers, and flat-tened it on the table. Shielding his correspondence from the grubby, pos-sessive hands of little Hermione, he began slowly to read aloud. "Dear Sir,— In reply to your appli-cation on behalf of your son, my father wishes me to say that he thinks the lad will be very suitable. We will expect him then on Thursday (Mr Murgle said parenthetically: "Thursday's termorror"), and hope that he will be happy In his employ-ment. — Yours faithfully, Ruth Monta-gue." "Who's her father?" Joe asked, His good-natured, rather foolish face, had lost its former sullenness. The prospect of having something to do brought to his brown eyes a mild animation. "What's he do?" "He's Dr. Montague," Mr Murgle said. "Think of that." Mrs Murglo ex-claimed. " 'Orace» you eat them crusts up. That'll be handy If Joe gets them pains again in 'is stomach . . . . " Mr Murgle sniffed, "He's not that sort of a doctor. He's what they call a man of signs." "Signs!" Mrs Murgle echoed. She rescued a tableknife from the gullet of little Hermlone, as by a miracle. "What sort of signs? Advertising?" "Don't be silly. I said he was a man of signs, didn't I? SCIENCE . . . . signs. Bugs and things." "Oh, one of them," Mrs Murgle said. "Cri!" said Joe. It was his favor-ite exclamation when interested or
excited. Just now he was both. There was, when you thought of it, some-thing vastly intriguing in being the adherent of a man of science. "And a pound a week. You're all right, dad. Cri!" Miss Murgle, breaking the cover of her hunger for the first time, said, "I know what they do. I've read about them. They boil you, and count your bones, and . . . things like that. And find germs and things. And talk to ghosts." Her mother regarded her with ad-miration. "Jane, 'ow you do rattle on. Fancy you're knowing that." "I know more'n that," Miss Murgle said, tossing her shingled head. "I do so. There was one of them had his photo, in the papers the other day. It said he had he'd been get-ting letters from dead people , . . ghosts . . ." "What's gliosts?" Horace demand-ed. Jane eyed the small, freckled face maliciously. "Nasty 'orrid things that come at you out of corners, and get under the bed––––" "Ooooh––––" "––– and make noises at you when you're alone–— and pull your hair in the dark––– " "'Ere, stop that, Jane !" Mrs Murgle said hastily. "Go fright'ning everybody." "Cold, wriggly things down your back," Miss Murgle concluded dis-obediently. She found a fearful fas-cination in the convulsion of Hor-ace's features, "Bits of jelly––– " Horace exploded into a shocked bawling. Little Hermlone, to whom uproar was spiritual sustenance, be-gan to shriek in unison. "Kids!" Mr Murgle shouted. "Damned noise — will you 'old yer tongue. Jane?" Under cover of all the commotion Joe Murgle slipped from the room. The chill of early autumn was in the air, and he caught up his hat and ragged overcoat, as he went through the scullery into the open. He was scarcely conscious of the clamor per-sisting at his back. When he had gone a little way along the road — It could scarcely be called street, for theirs was one of the very newest of Melbourne's outer suburbs, and as yet unspoiled of Improvement so call-ed — he lost little Hermione's ter-rified periods altogether. The night was very quiet and self-absorbed. Lights dotted the darkness here and there at wide, irregular intervals, marking other houses that took part in what the subdivisional plans de-scribed as "The Working Man's Resi-dential Paradise." In the distance there was the long black shadow of the hills wound about the feet of the sky. Joe stared at them, his mind saying: "Cri. There's where I'm going ter-morror. I'll like that, too, Always did like the bush. And mother needs
the money. He found a cigarette butt in the dust of a pocket, and lit it, with a sense of well-being pervading his stunted brain and body. His thoughts ran placidly. It was good to have work at last. Any sort of work. Good money, too. And working for a man of science. Not an ordinary kind of a job. The sort of job where you could learn things. All sorts of queer things that other folks never even heard of. Important things. He was glad now — more than ever glad, that he had resisted his father's attempts to make him another brick layer's laborer. He wasn't suited for that sort of thing. There was work and work. It wasn't the 'and work that he wanted. Everyone couldn't be a bricklayer's laborer. If it came to that, who WAS a bricklayer? What was a bricklayer as compared, say, to a man of science? He wished he knew the life of a man of science as intimately as he knew the life of a bricklayer's laborer. He wondered if the household to which he was going held the equivalents of Horace and little Hermione? He thought pro-bably not. Clever people weren't very keen on a lot of kids. Mouths to feed, as his father said. When he — Joe Murgle— was married, there weren't going to be too many mouths. He found another cigarette butt. All rot, anyhow, what Jane said. Bugs and things; but not ghosts. Silly! Flapper talk. Everybody knew there weren't such things. And as for boiling you and counting your bones . . . Jane was always going on like that. She loved to scare Horace. Ghosts! He pondered derisively. Things from another world. How-could things from another world get into this world? Would somebody answer him that? And don't all speak at once. He screwed his head so that he could look at the sky. Stars— mil-lions and billions of stars. That was what men of science did. They found out things about the stars. He didn't quite see how they did It, but — there you were. They knew as much about stars as his father knew about bricks. They even told you there was quite likely life of some kind in some of the stars. Not the sort of life that the earth had, but— well, life, anyway. He knew that, because he had read about it. It was one thing he really liked to read about. Stars — sure; and bricks. Any amount of both. But not ghosts. Jane and her ghosts!
There wero no more cigarette butts. Assured of this fact, and also of the growing chill of the night, Joe retraced his steps. Horace and little Hermione had been put to bed. Mr Murgle, his feet on the chimney, was reading the paper. Mrs Murgle struggled with a tremendous rent in a shirt which Joe recognised as his own, Jane Murgle was at the table, nodding over her High School sums. "Where you been?" Mr Murgle de-manded. But he did not look up from his paper. Indeed, it was evident that if asked to repeat the words, he would have denied having spoken at all. His was the mechanical utterance born of long repetition. As such Joe ig-nored it. His attention was, in fact, wholly upon the occupation of his mother. An old leather trunk was open on the floor by her chair, and her lap was a litter of garments. "Cri,"' Joe said. "Of course. I' got to get packed up. "You won't forget my new dun-garees, mum? Listen: I'll send the money down to you regular. He stood at the hack of her chair, his hands pressing her shoulders af-fectionately, Mrs Murgle with a quick glance at her preoccupied hus-band and daughter, drew his hands passionately into her own. Her eyes held the furtive half fear of the mother whose son, for the first time, goes to live among strangers. "You'll write. Joe? Where is it you're going to? But you'll be sure to write?" "On Sunday," Joe promised. And I'll be home now and again, when I can get away. Where is it? Cri, dad never said. Where is it, dad?". "Eh?" Mr Murgle said. "Joe wants to know where he's go-ing?" Mrs Murgle said. "Where does this Dr. Montague live? And what about the fare?" "Train to Sylvan, and then walk, Mr Murgle said. "The name of the 'ouse is Red Gates. And see you keep the job. It's 'ard enough." Joe said good-naturedly: "I know, But I'll want some money for the fare." "Alt right. I 'eard you." Mr. Murgle said. With reluctance he pro-duced some scattered coin and slowly counted It out into his wife's palm. He grumbled: "When I was a lad your age I never asked nobody for no fare. If I couldn't pay me own way, I walked. And keeping your grand-mother. too." "I'll pay it back," Joe said "Time enough when you're asked," Mr Murgle said. He resumed his paper, with much coughing and rustling. "If you make that noise," Jane complained, raising an exasperated face, " how can I do my work? What with the row Horace aiul Hormlc tire always making . . . ." "Your work!" Mr Murgle said, astounded. "Well, how would you like to have to do it? I can't hear myself think. "Perhaps," Mr Murglo suggested, "you'd like me to clear out and go to bed?" „ ..... "Since you ask me, said his daugh-ter, "I would. You're just us com-fortable there, and you can go to sleep without any upset. Look at the blots you've made me do." Mr Murgle, refusing the invitation, rose heavily to his feet. Had one of his own bricks been dropped upon him, he could not have displayed more annoyance. He felt, for the moment, that even the company of the fore-man with the boil was preferable to that of this flaxen-headed oppo-nent. Jane at her lessons was a match for most people. When roused she had courage and wit. "I don't want to look at no blots. Kids! . . . Hunt a man out of his own home— that's what they do. I'm going down to the billiard saloon. Get a bit of peace there." But before he went Mr Murgle shook hands awkwardly with Joe. He said: "I'll be gone before you're up. Well, if the job ain't right, come back 'ome. Solong. Joe." "Solong," Joo said. Mr Murgle hesitated, then de-parted. Mrs Murgle said feebly: "You oughtn't to talk like that, Jane. Such a bad example for Horace and little Hermie." "They're in bed and asleep," said Jane. "But they ain't always," Mrs Murgle said. "No; but they ought to be," Jane said. Her tongue, lolling between pink lips, proclaimed a return to her book labors. Seeing the helplessness of his mother against this pertness, Joe en-tered a mild remonstrance. "Cri , what cheek," he said. "You run along to your old ghosts," Jane said. "There you go again," Joe exclaim-ed. "Silly nonsense." He began to help his mother with the packing. There was, after all, very little of that. It was the mend-ing that took the time. Raggedy things. Time he found work. Indeed. He said presently: "I'll be going to bed. Funny to think I won't be here tomorrow night. Only been away from home when I've been doing my drill in camp." He went to sleep almost the moment his head touched the pillow. He dreamed a good deal through the night. Perhaps some premonition touched him, for he dreamed once absurdly that he was a man of science himself, engaged in a terrible struggle with a tremendous star. In some way that his dreaming did not understand, he knew that the star was full of ghosts. ... a world of ghosts. Only not exactly ghosts, so much as things — creatures. He was throwing bricks at them, as hard as he could. . . . (To be continued)
Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Monday 26 November 1928, page 20
________________________________________
THE STAR GERMS
Thrilling Mystery Serial 'S— ag
— By — BERNARD CRONIN ja— — — >'
What Has Happened
XfR MliRGLB, a bricklayer's laborer, was pro A'- siding at his family table, where sat Id wife and children— Joe, a serious thoughtful hid of 18; Jane, a shingled flupprr of 1ft; nml Herai-o and Uermione, Junior members of the
household, when Mr Murgle announced that J< was to go to work in the country. A family discussion followed the reading of a letter from Mis Ruth Montague, saying that her father, a doctor of science, would engage Joe. The mention of science prompted Jane to make animated remark about germs and ghofls, whirh had the Intended effect of scaring the younger children, and the noise caused Mr Murgle to explode into recrimination, which broke up the dinner patty. Joe wont for it walk in the suburban streets near hi home and meditated on hi future In the disUut hill, where the doctor lived, and whose blue out lines he could see. He retired to dream of struggle with the ghosts.
CIIAPTISR 2 As Rodney llerepath walked up the weed-crown drive of Red Gates, ho paused as ho Invariably had done, ever since a first acquaintance, to admire the superb view. The house, a survival of the boom period, rose almost on the brink of a deep ftully. From thence tho ground foil steeply In turn, in a series of sreen hills and shallow, blue-shadowed valleys, to touch the silvered line of the sea at Western Port. It was this view, more than anything, that was accountable for his purchase, a year before, of a small cottage on a slope of the hills. Herepath was a (roe-lance and a writer of tolerable fiction. Blessed with a small but permanent subsidiary Income, he was able to Indulge a passion for rural surroundings. Detesting the un-prlvac.v of boardlnghouso existence, he managed to offset the disadvantages of batching with the facilities for work which tho situation afforded. In the early stages of his venture he was often bored and lonely The district was scattered and Imme-
diate neighbors were fow. Red Gates had been vacant for some years, despite tho altogether delightful outlook. Herepath visited It frequently. The house was easy of access, and in course of time he became familiar with every nook and corner of the old building. Tho view from the square stone tower ho found particularly alluring.His His Interest had been .great one day to Discover that Red Gates had at Inst found a tenant. Tints definitely his boredom ami loneliness vanished. A neighborly call upon tho newcomers resulted In the friendly relations he had hoped for. He became a privileged caller at Rod Gates. It is true he saw but little of Dr. Montague himself, for the old gentleman, old, that was to say, in the sense of erudition only, for ho was scarcely past middle ngc, was almost invariably at work in the laboratory which he had established soon after his arrival. Of what this work consisted llerepath had but the vaguest notion. His curiosity here was overshadowed by the -greater attraction of Ruth Montague, a lively brunette a year or two younger than himself. Herepath had been instantly enslaved by her abundant . character and nimble mind. Her features were. |H«rhaps, too irregular for good looks. Her charm was principally in her expression and manner. Her eyes were frank and fearless, and full of the light and shade of her thought. She was entirely without affectation. Herepath early learned of her devotion to her father, whose love for science sho re-fiected with astonishing capability. In-I ded. Dr. Montague had confessed to
him that lier help In his research work was Invnluablo, and quit© Incapable of being replaced. Sho had, ns It wore, an uncanny adherence to her father's principles of logic nnd deduction. licrepath had made their acquaintance Borne time boforo it occurred to him to wonder why tho doctor choso so isolated and cumbersome an environment in which to carry out his experiments. Tho household had tho addition of a housekeeper and a kind of serving man. In tho rambling pllo of Red Gates those four persons woro almost negligible in point of occupied space. There were, lut Herepath luid discovered' In his early exploration of the building, exactly 20 rooms, largo and small, tipnrt from tho tower and landing. Of these some half rioscn woro now furnished. Tho huge vacuum of tho unoccupied remainder, emphasised by contrast, was a good deal depressing, he thought, it. was eerie and, particularly upon a windy nlglit, suggestive of uuquiot things. As ho walked on now to the entrance door under tho crumbling porch. Herepath know an unusual sense of nervousness. Ho was, upon tho whole, self-contained enough In general. Today this nssuranco suffered from tho spur of dubious conviction. Where one has a special mission to perform self-consciousness Is keyed to Its uttermost. Herepath knew his own mind exactly: had, In fact, known It for many days. The wisdom of declaring it, however, was not so apparent. In some ways he was refreshingly unsophisticated, nnd ho was annoyed to find himself blushing Uko any schoolboy. A figure appeared casually around a corner of the building, as More-path approached. He had an irritable impression of a weedy, tow-haired youth, carrying a bucket nnd a largo lump of cloth. With these impedimenta tho youth began a leisurely attack upon a window,
w mailing mo wmio with astonishing tunefulness. Herepath was admitted by Ruth Montnpue herself. She wore neat overalls of blue linen over her skirt and jumper, nnd the hand she extended fn greeting was curiously' mottled. Sho said, smiling: "It's only add stain. I've just been helping father mount some slides. Come Into my sltlingroom. You can smoke while I dean up. Yorn're just In time for some afternoon tea." Herepath followed her into a small, cosily-furnished room opening off tho end of the hall. There? wu? a thick carpet underfoot, and the w.ii)j displayed one or two well-chosen etchings. In one corner was an open bookcase. Thero were a couple of easy chairs and a small divan. "Who's the vouth cleaning tho windows?" Herepath asked, as he Bat down. "I wondered If you'd notice him. That's our new laboratory assistant. Ills name Is Joe Murgle. He only came yesterday, but already I've lost my heart. Rod, he's really the fun-, niest thing. I wouldn't have mh-sod him for worlds." Herepath said: "Laboratory assistant?" "Father wanted someone to do the chores, as they say, in the laboratory. Sweeping and tidying things up. and so on. And, behold . . . Joe Murgle, I've decided to cull him laboratory assistant. It's ever so much more Important sounding than handy-man. That would be a misnomer, anyway. Anything more unhandy than Joe would ho hard to find. Already he's,
broken a scullery window and three test tubes. But ho's so very Ingenuous and In earnest that «von Mrs Puckle couldn't bo brutal. Find yourself a book." Ho preferred, however, to walk about tho room, bolng In tho frnmo of mind which cannot brook distraction from its prevailing motive. When Ruth ro-enterod ho was standing by tho window, staring out At the lino of gum trees beyond tho garden, Sho exclaimed, as ho turned: "Why, how serious you look. Isn't tho novel going well?" "As a matter of fact," Horcpath said, "I haven't touched It for over a week. I don't even remember what It's nil about. I'm not suro that I enro." "You're not 111, Rod?" The concern In her voice encour? aged him. lie took her two hands In his own. ills voice canto a little hoarsoly. ''Not that way, Ruth. Look hero . . . I'm crude .enough, God knows, but the right words won't always comn. Will you marry mo?" "Rod, I'm so sorry . 1 was afraid It was this." "You mean you won't7" Shu released her hands gently. "X mean ... I don't know. Oh, Rod, I wish you hadn't. I Just wanted to be friends." "Well, but you might later," Herepath said. Sho was more than ever desirable. "I can't pretend friendship when it's love. And it's love I want." "That's what I can't bo sure of," she told him. "And I want to be very sure. I like you awfully , . "Like!" Herepath said scornfully. Ruth refused to accept his Iragic pose. Her face cleared to u sudden ripple of laughter. "Why, you don't know anyth.ng about mo. Rod, how very absurd. How can you want to marry a girl
youve oniy Known ror a month / ' "Six weeks." "Well, six wcoks. IIow can you . , "Lots of men do." "Besides, I've a fearful temper. And I'm a rotten cook. And I talk in my sleep ..." "You needn't make a joko of It." Herepath said, with dignity. "At least I'm in earnest. . , ." She saw that he was hurt, and she sobered Instantly. "I do like you . . and respect you. Sometimes 1 have wondered if I loved you. You sec, Rod, I can't be sure. If you were patient with me a Ilttlo longer . . "111 wait till hell cools, If you like," Herepath said, with tho exaggeration born of his sudden hopo, "Ruth, you will try? It shouldn't bo so hard." "Conceit!" she said. But his boyish grin was hard to resist. After nil, he was a dear. Very clenn and honest and sweet . . . She wished she could find courage to take her own love l>y the forelock, as it might be, nnd share these present-day rather unmanly attributes moro Intimately. She wondered nt herself that she could not. She wondered what was lacking In him, or In herself, that she could not . . Not just thon, at all events. In spite of herself her Up quivered. llerepath asked wistfully: "What do you think would make up your mind . . . make you love me, perhaps?" She considered this. "I think If you were in any danger ... If I saw you threatened with
hurt . . . Rod, I think I should know then. I'm suro I should know then. ' "That's not a vory likely contingency, Is It," Herepath said. But ho squared his shoulders Immediately. ."You "You won't let this make any difference, Ruth? Wo can forgot it , . . In a sort of way. D'you think it would bo wrong of mo to prav for danger?" ."Don't, bo foolish," sho said shnrply. "Of courso I couldn't mean that . . . not roally. I'd hate you to ho in any danger. Hero Is Mra Puckle with tlio tea." m As by common consent; whc.i tho housekeeper had withdrawn, they began to talk of other things. "Father's qulto excited — or as near to excitement as I've over known trim— today," Ruth said, Her own eyes wore sparkling. "I don't quite understand myself, but ho has discovered something of Importance Somotlring ho has been striving over for years. Or. at least, ho thinks he has." -"What lino of research is he undertaking?" Herepath asked, "Queer: until this moment X hardly gavo it a thought. And ho novcr talks about Rutli said seriously: "IIo's a good deal sensitive, you know. It's qulto understandable. Tho average person has no interest whatever in science, and Is inclined to sneer at thoso who have. It's supposed to bo a dry-as-dust business. In reality it's tho most fascinating thing In tho world. Particularly when it touches mcta-ph.vHlca." "The science of being." Hcropath nodded. "First principles of naturo and thought. What is lie doing in that domain, Ruth?" She gave htm a second cup of ton boforo aim answered. Her forehead was prettily wrinkled. "I know very little. Rod. You've heard. I expect, of attempts to create life in tho laboratory? The newspapers gave a lot of space to It at .-v..., .1.,,., rri.A fa wtint fnthfr liitH
bui>n at for years and years. Tlio origin of life. Seeking for spontaneous generation. It lias always been found that a bacterium cannot be produced artificially because It Is too highly organised. All the same, people keep on trying. It's uncanny, when you think of It. Old Aristotle, you remember, thought that eols nnd frogs were evolved by spontaneous generation." "How's It dono? Tho experimentation. I mean 7" Hcrei>ptli asked. (To ho continued)

Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Tuesday 27 November 1928, page 25
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THE STAR GERMS
,- Z — I 1 Thrilling Mystery I Serial
— By — BF.RNARD CRONIN
I What Has Happened
Ai|, mi'IIUM:, a bricklayer1 laborer, wa jU itrcM lini; s( Ids fiitnlly table, where Ml ,vjt,. iiik! < lilblr« ii — Joe. a M.-riuu, tliuiinlit-m f < fj, „r )8, Jnue. n sliliiffled flapper of 16; H ,i 4 Ili r.K''' and Hoi miotic, junior inenilicr of
H hoc-i'bold, wticii .Mr Murine niiimimoed fo u« ftt work in flic country H V ' fiinih ,iUi'ii«islou fulluwntl the reading of a i\ ; f,\ >tn Miss Kuth Mootague, Hiving Unit H r father n dnctor of nclcuee, would vugiige H j, i In- mcntlun of irk'Hce prompted .Inue H I, iralo' aiiimalt'd remark ahniit qcrnu oinl H .h ..t« which hud tho Intended elfect of tcur \omiKor clilldten, nml the noUe H i-aeil Mr Mingle lo explode ItKo recrlmlnft. ,,(lIlf which broke up the dinner p.iily. Joe H I.til'l'T a walk in the Kuburkin etrcct near B n« hnme and medltiiUnl on Ids future In the ,i',. tint hilli), where tJio doctor lived, and I t'lic' cut Hoc he enuhl c«s lie retlu-d H titlnxn ctrUK'uleu with tho gliosis. H ti.whirv llen'i'n I Ii, n freelance louniuHat . f.u'iiVd a little collage In the hill, called H ,|jv :i< Uic iicarhv house, iictlgMlnv. a huge r it " i-ensisring Of 20 toon, most of which ,niii|v, white I'r. Motiingue lived wilh dunning, lolelligi'itt daughter. Until M.-rrikitfi had known tbeni for outv »l\ H iM, but had (alien in love with Hut Ii. and H Ii wis en this occasion that be declaim! that H I Until Hi id that alio was imcejuin of H berth Tlicv were pciiklng of the new 'ijhorjlerv ru-flMant," Joe Morgle, when Huth rt plained the work In which fho nod her H hilicr were engflgrd. Sho aonght .vmpnth.v i,,m pod. Riving that most people were In-I I'inid to aiiecr at it. For years Dr. Mom |,ad been seeking for the origin of life. !h ft done? Tho experimentation I I pfjuT1 asked Kotl»
CHAPTER 2. — Continued
Ruth iihruRRed her ahoulilerR. fini<t of wa.v«. If wo can got fathor I In n P"n(l niootl lic'll explain It to you Jrrv nicely. He's ho joaloiiH of hU I nroelotiH oulturoa that I wouldn't ilnro
I fURRCt that you no snnwn over mo I laboratory. All Idntls of ways, Rod. | Radium and chloride salts. Do you I kmnv what nuliohoR nroV Father I thinks they're elcmontnry bacilli, the fii>i boglnnlnKH of life. They're the I product of rnrtlum on bouillon— that's a sort of soup. . Tho nullobca grow en H. I've watched them lots of I ilnK'f. You've no Idea of tho funny I feeling H gives you to hcq those tiny fpoclts coming out of nothing (as I far ns you can toll), nnd turning Into I dots and dumbbells, nnd then like a I frog's spawn. Sometimes they divide I and ro.-olvc Into crystals. And only I that the crystals will dissolve In water I vim could cn-slly believe them to bo I bacteria." I llotop.ilh said admiringly; "Ry I Jnve. you're a scientist yourself, Ruth. I .No woinlur your father can't do wlth-I out yeu. So that's what he docs?" I "Yes. hut other things as well. Rod. I it's filuhtfully involved, but ... I I just caii't explain it. somehow. For I yours, you see. father went on those I jiiic. alone. But nobody ever got past I a certain stage there. Just groping in I tho dark. In a sort of half belief that I there may ho some more elementary I form of life than haclcria. Father I got very discouraged. He couldn't
mm — no one ever nns — mo gap no-I tween the organic nnd tho Inorganic I world, except that It seemed to bo I bridged in part by radio-organic or-I ganhtns, like cyanogen. Thin seems I to she Just a eluo to the beginning I and end of life, as we know it. I "And then one day— wo were In I Sydney then— father trailed off on u I trip abroad. lie wouldn't say what I he was alter and, knowing him, I I didn't ask. I stayed with some old I aunts while he was away, and got I thoroughly miserable, I just loved I hi'lplng him with his experiments, and I when they ceased 1 was like a llsli I out of water. I'm sure my aunts I thought 1 was tho moodiest creature I alive. I "Anyway, father turned up again I at the end of a year, and we came I to Victoria and to Red Oaten. Ho I told inc he'd been climbing all the I high mountains ho could get at, got-I ting samples of star dust. He was I working on a new theory, you see. I Dr. Keichenbach many years ago I collected some of this dust, though I for quite other reasons, lie analysed I it, and found it contained identically I the elements which are found in I meteoric stones — nibkcl, cobalt, I iron, and phosphorus. They've even I got this dust out from the bottom of I the sea. Father "alls it cosmica! I dust." I llercpnth's imagination was stirred. I But as yet he could not discover a I Kqueneo, I lie kg id, "What has this to do with I evolving life?" I "Father brought this dust home I with htm,,, Ruth said. For a second I ho paused, «h though weighing I Hvrepath's expression.
"Rod, ho had tho extraordinary theory that It might contain some form of life front tho stars beyond. Rife in embryo . . . whatever you like to call it. Ho thought that this Inorganic substiuico might contain embedded in It some germ hitherto unknown, and of n nature distinct from any we on earth In.ve reason to tegaid as living. Vital processes In ohMtiontary form, manifesting tadlo-netlvlty. It's dreaJfully ditlloult to explain, particularly slnim I'm far from understanding It myself. There's nJ.l!inJi ' All living 1 ?r ,n?. Vr?ns. from pre-existing KlHt of ,l Thnl'B father's Huot> here — that this cosmical dust, matter " ' con,alns Pi'c-exlstlng "Yon mean he's trvlns to hatch out smne kind of star lifer' Ilere pa ti! said in .anuizemont. n,? 'cmembered afterwards how mpao Ruths face suddenly became. I" be had not known her, ho might oven huvo thought that the sudden fctir n"tb' IU1 CyS WftH Juo t0 Not trying. Rod . . Uq Jieard
her breath catch. "Ho thinks he's done It, They . . . Kniucthlng lluit was not there before, en mo today. Nothing to bo seen. Not even with tho microscope. But something. Just the same. Something you can feel. Rod, 1 don't know that I altogether liked It. It's ... In n way, It's wicked. But father's almost Insane with delight. I don't mind confessing that I tried to persuade him to destroy the c.tilfurcH. Me refused, of course. He said I was perfectly idiotic to suggest such a thing." "But thoscs other things— what did you call them? — radiohes. They never came to anything, did they? I mean, they tlzzled out. Mightn't tho star germs do the same?" "I wish they would, Rod." "I'm afraid 1 don't understand how its possiblo to evolve life in that manner," Hernpnth said. "Rut I can understand how intensely interesting tho attempt would bo. In any .case, what exactly Is star dust?" "1 can tell you that, anyhow," Ruth smiled. "In a year tho earth encounters as many as 400 millions of meteors, according to high authority. If theso reached the ground
in solld'form they would declmato the globe. As It fortunately happens, the resistance of the air vaporises all but the largest of them before thoy have penetrated even the outermost atmospheric layers. They are turned into vapor and fail to earth as dust." licropnth suddenly recollected. « "By Jove, that reminds me. In Bacon's description of thu sweating sickness in his Life of Ilenry the Seventh, he says that tho disease was thought by some to bo not an epidemic disease, but to come out of the air under extra-torrestrlftl Influences. i A sort of malign vapor. It's a rum Idea to think wo may somotimes ho breathing matter from another world." » "Here's father now," Ruth said. Dr. Momngtie caiuo in briskly. "Well, llorepnlh. . . Glad to seo you. All tho lea over, Ruth?" "I hear you've mode something of a discovery, doctor." Merepath said. "Yob and no," tho older man replied. "It doesn't do to be too optimistic, Hcropath. I try to keep my-self within uufo bounds. And yot . . . Undoubtedly some form of lifo is manifesting It so If. Ruth has been Lulling von. then, ahnnt out worlc?"
His tono was a little anxious, and Ilcrepnth mndo lmsto to reassure him. "You can trust mo to lceop nmown counsel, doctor, I know how Ttgor-ouyly Hclontiile socrcts are kept. You must fuel tremendously pleased." Ho was finding a new admiration for his host, and ho studied afresh tho alert faco. with its sharp, clover features. Ruth's father, he decided, would lie slightly past middle-ago. He was tail and gaunt, and carried himself with a slight stoop. Ills moods, as florepnth knew, wero strangely varying. Ho could be Intensely practical or almoet childishly vague; calm and decisive or excited to a degree. A man of emotional extremes. "Rod would like to see the cultures father." Ruth said. "Do you think he might?" Dr. Mo.ntuguo looked sharply nt Herepath. "1 don't know. . . . The oomt is, licropnth. the operation Is one of tho utmost delicacy. The tiniest variation of tem?>craturc . . . And vet. why not? Yes; I think you might. In a sense, though, you won't gain much. Nothing to sec. vou know, but a few specks." ".Specks!" Ruth exclaimed. "But I couldn't sec a thing an hour ago. Neither could you." Dr. Montague said, with ridiculous complacency: "As you say. an hour ago. But now there is something to see. A most remarkable development. Possibly you will witness the first beginnings of life, Herepath. I might even say. alien life. On tho other hand, they may be merely un-Uln|||_lkU ...I.I.V ...lit Jnll . n
IIIIVIIIKIIJIU <-11119 WI1IUII \>ill 1111 IV adapt thcmselvos. At this stage it is Impossible to say. Undoubtedly there is metabolism, and without metabolism there can bo no life." "These technical teams . . . . " Hcropath grinned, as they rose.
CHAPTER 3 It was not until Mr Murgle had finished his tea that Mrs Murgle, emerging from her anaemic melancholy alluded to the supremo event of her day. From tho pocket of her apron she produced a crumpled envelope. She said wfth a hint of tearfulness: "Letter como from Joo this ovening. father." "Eh!M said Mr Murgle. Ho would have said mora but that Horace, reminded of the loss of an elder brother, spontaneously ignited in grief. He began to bawl. "Want Joo ..." " 'Orrlo," Mrs Murgle admonished feebly. "Want Joo to come 'omo ... Little Hermione. thoroughly approving' the uproar, without in the least understanding it, prepared for whole-hearted co-operation. Her eyes and her mouth became three widening circles of woo. As Mrs Murgle hastily sought for an antidotal tib-bit, I-Iermlone's anguish became suddenly and piercingly aud-iblo. Mr Murglo banged his flst on the tabic. I-Ie said fiercely: "Kids . Noise . . . Man can't even have peace in his own 'omc. Clip his ear . . "Jane." Mrs Murglo shrilled, "you take the children to play on the path. 'Ermie. I'll smack you." "I'vft in1 In tin mv hnhirftl hlntorv."
Miss Murglo demurred. "Why don't you put them to bed. Always howling." "You do as you're told," said Mr Murgle. -"You 'owled yourself once . . . moro nolso than any of 'cm . . . don't you argue, because I won't ave it." He lit his plpo noisily, watching her sullen departure with little Hermione packed under her arm, like a parcel. Horace, a trifle dazed, but now silent, as the result of a sisterly box on the car. tottered in the rear. With the slamming of tho back door comparative quiet ensued. "Damned row," Mr Murgle snid, levelling his pipe with a mortared t'orcllngcr. "Joe's wrote, has he? Got the sack already? I know. You. needn't tell mo." Mrs Murglo deniod this plaintively. "llo's not. He's doing fine. You can read for yourself." "Give it 'ere." Mr Murgle said. Ho spread the half-dozen or so shoots of letter-pad on tho table, and scowled at them. "He's wrote a book, not a' letter." "Joe always could writo a fine 'and," Mrs Murglo said. Her pride was roused. "Joe's a good scholar. That boy'R be something in the world before he's clone. You mark me." "You will arguo," Mr Murgle said. He drew heavily at his pipe, and commenced to read. "Dear Mum.— 1 like this place. I wish you could see it. It's a great big house and a lot of ground around it and a big tower at one end. I mean to climb up into the tower one day and see what's there. But I'll go in the daytime becauso It's a spooky looking thing. You get plenty to eat here, mum, lots more, than you get at home. Mrs Puckle, that's the housekeeper, is a nice lady. And the' man that docs the garden is all right. His name's Fry. Him and me sleep; in a room off the stables at the back with a fireplace in it. and it was cold last night so we bad a fire. I think Mr Fry drinks, becauso I smelt him when he came to bed and he was like father smells when he comes back from the' billiard saloon, . (To be continued)

Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Wednesday 28 November 1928, page 21
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The Star Germs '
Thrilling a Mystery Serial (p
a —By — g- IRNARD (y CRONIN
CIIAFTFIt 3.— CoiidiitHHl
Mr Murb;. turning it page, looked Monily nt tho wall. Only a fnlnt Dioy«:in«>ht of his rtint-colorod mouH-tarho . hcapoko his ixiRMlonatc rc.sont-itiont of this tut filial comment.
.Mian AlontiiKue's mime Is Huth « he Ian t pretty hut I llko'hor hocnuso alio Hiniles tit tt fellow. I broke a wfnilmy yesterday by accident and « he only Haiti curctaHM hoy. And Mrs j nokle, who in a very widow lady, only said you must he more careful. So I think they Hko tim, Mrs rticUlo Ih about 70, I should say. or luilr Ih Kroy, uud flhe is fat. Miss uuth has a lot of brown hair and her eyoR arc brown, Sho Ih very clever, loo, I think, becuuHe I heard hor talking a lot to a Mr Herepath. who Is ji writer, and wants to keep vouipnny with Iter. I.hit she snld no, hot Just yet. 1 was donning a whi-,.0NV JV'mm'o they were tulklng nnd ihey did not see tno hnt t saw thorn. And ho I could not help hearing what Inoy wero talking about, could you, Mum? And then they talked about Htnrs and things Uko thnt a good deal. And then Dr. Montague canto in nnd rry called me to help him with Bome work he was doing. . "What part h»vo ynu got to?" Mrs Murglo asked importantly, as Mr Margie turned another pago. "Such a lot of writing, Dut «Too was nlwnvs a one for writing, Ho's HIco my own fnthor thnt onco wrote Roniothlng for tho newspapers only they forgot to print It. Dud said they wore jealous of hlm.M Mr Murglo, Ignoring thla family history, rend on. It seemed to Mrs Margie that his face was unusually purple, and she racked her abort memory anxiously In an effort to recall If ,!oq had written anything ids father might not like. "Mum, Mr Ilerepath Is about 30, with brown hair and eyes Uke Miss Ruth. Ho fthows bin teeth when he laughs, which Is not often, because be Is in love with lirr and she won't say Bite will marry him until bHo Ib sure. Doth he and Dr. Montague ure cIcan-Hhnven. but Fry is not. Mrs Puckle Is always nt Fry to take bis whiskers off bernuso she says whiskers are dirty things, a moslarcli especially like father bus. Dut Mr Fry says his whiskers are doctor's orders, becnuso he has n weak throat and chest. Has father a weak throat and chest? Anyhow nobody grows a mostarch now. Mr Puckle says, he-cause the girls don't like it, especially her. niece, Krnlly, who ir In service at a place near Red Gates. Hmlly comes to soo her aunt, that Is, Mrs Puckle, on Sundays, and so I am looking forward to scoIuk uer." A strangled sound escaped Mr Murglo. Ho pursued his task, how-aver, to the hitter find. Safely negotiating two hints nnd the Impression of an ink-Hlntncd thumb, he came to his conclusion. "Dr. Montague Is very fussy about his laboratory, which is the place where he docs things. I nm not to go Into It, he says, or he will be very angry. And so I have not boon In It yet because the door Is Jilwiye locked when he la not there or Miss Huth, but I thought I would clean a sort of skylight in the seeling, and 1 could look through and see a lot. uf buttles and things. I would have seen more only Mr Fry said what are you doing up thero. Come down nt onco you young dovll; that sky-tight doesn't want cleaning. Weil, Mum, that is all tho news. Give my lovo to Jane and Horrio and Hermio and could you ,acnd up. tho pocket-knlfo uncle George gavo me Cor
Xmns. June knows where It Is. Tell father -I am mfiklng good on my now Job. Your loving son, — Joe." "Well?" Mrs Mnrgle said timidly Mr Murglc's expression was not encouraging. lie clenred his throat several times before ho spoke. "More time to wnsto than I 'ad when I was a boy. That's all I got to sny." Mrs Murglc sighed. She could think of nothing to say hut, "Joe always was a nno for writing." Sho rose presently and went to the door. She called: "Jane, it's time the children were put to bed. You coinc In and get your lessons done. Then If you're good 111 let you read Joe's letter." "I read It while you wcro getting tea," said Miss Murglo. "It fell out of your apron. Thnt Fry Is a trick, Isn't he? Horace, don't you pull ller-mie's hair like thnt."
CIIAPTISU 4. In spite of Dr. Montague's mild warning thnt his research at this stage could offer little of visible interest to the layman, Ilerepath was Instanly Intrigued by the atmosphere of the laboratory. His experience was new to anything of the kind, and he was surprised at tho comparative simplicity of the equipment. The room — ns he must have guessed, even had not Uuth told him — had originally comprised a large nnd roomy conservatory. it was roughly 20 feet long by Hi feet wide. The glass wulls had boon replaced by walls of brick, but tho flat glass roof had been retained. This roof was unusually high, being at least 16 feet from the ground level. The Iron pipes of the conservatory heating system, fed from a huge boiler In tho nearby ' kitchen, ensured an even, comfortable warmth.
Kach wnll contained two square glass windows, operating upon tiny-roll crs. by which means they could he slid In mid out of slots in the masonry. They wero furnished with outside shutters and Inside blinds. The llonr was of concrete, upon which was laid strips of coir matting. Overhead blinds, worked by pulleys, ad-Justed the light from the roof. Ilerepath found most Interest, how-over, In the equipment of ruluris, tubes, and the whatnot of scientific apparatus. He was reminded to some extent of n photographic studio. A camera, In fact, rested upon a tripod In one corner, and thero was a sink and a drying rack. Close to one window was a small table on which was sot a microscope. Shelves wero everywhere, littered wltli Jut's and bottles and paraphernalia of all kinds. Kxaclly at the centre of the room was a narrow bench-lalric holding a Hat glass ease. To this Dr. Montague drew attention Hcrnpnllt saw therein a number of glass lubes plugged nt one end with cotton wool, and suspended by tiny slings of silver wire. Tho undcr-part of the case, he saw, was resting upon small springs set nt each of Its four corners. Strips of paper pasted upon tho glass lid of the case, immediately over the suspended test tubes, wore lubollod "Alpha," "Beta," "Gamma," "Delta," and «o on, in Greek alphabetical sequence. Dr. Montague carefully lifted tho lid, exposing tho test tubes. Jlc banded Herepath a small magnifying glass. "Look nt tho lirst culture. Avoid contact with the bench. I find that the least unbalance reacts unfavorably. The cultures aro In groups, as you see, according to the principle involved In the experiment. The groups alpha, beta, gamma, for example, represent cultures relating respectively to biogenesis, iiblogeiicsis, liele'rogenesis. and so on." Ruth, sensing Jlorcpath's confusion at these terms, came to his assistance. "Father means by biogenesis. Rod, the hypothesis .that nil living matter bus sprung from pre-existing living matter. Ablogenesls supposes the production of living matter f!om dead matter. Ileterogcnesls means spontaneous generation."Dr. Dr. Montague said Impatiently: "Of course Herepath knows all that. You're uoklng nt ntdiobes, Ilerepath. We know no more than that they are molecular aggregations of a highly complex matter. Now this one . . Chloride salt on a gummed slldo. Here now . . tho action of potassium ferro cyanide on gelatin. It bears a resemblance In appearance to the unit forms of life, hut that would appear to he all. In some of these we get metabolism, hut something more is required before we get what we call life." "Uy Jove!" Herepath said uncertainly. Ruth interpreted: "Metabolism means Integration nnd disintegration." "To be sure," hor father ejaculated. It was evident that the luxury of having an entirely unsophisticated listener wns beginning to Impress him. His eyes sparkled and ho rubbed his hands together ecstatically. "Huts-ehll of Heidelberg obtained sub-dlvi-slons by the notion on soluble salts of j such substances as olive oil. 1 did Momotitin:; of the same myself some veurs ago. This form of research. Herepath, Is moro varied than tho world supposes. What docs it know of Lchmnnn's liquid crystals or tho cobes of Dubois? No doubt you remember that Locb of California produced artificial parthenogenesis In the eggs of sea-urchins?" "No doubt ho does nothing of the
snrt." Ruth retorted, with amusement "Really, father , . Dr. Montague frowned, then 'a ughed. "Why. no doubt you are right. One Is apt to forget . . ." ilerepath asked: "What are radiobes?" "Hod I or having a chemical behavior which Is In striking resemblance to that of living proteld," Dr Montague told him. "They first originated In the theory of Pftilger, of Iionn, that cyanogen was probably the origin of living things. What Is life? Shall we say a specialised "mode of motion? Von Xchron, of Naples, held that cvery-j thing in nature either lives or has » lived, (in tin other hand . . ." "Jlod would like to sec tho star germ cultures," Ruth Interrupted gently. Sho made a little face at Herepath, ns If to say: "Onco father gots started on his hobby ... I warned you. you know." (To be continued)

Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Thursday 29 November 1928, page 35
________________________________________
The Star Germs
Thrilling ja Mystery y Sena/ v
f— By — BERNARD CRONIN
CHAITISR !. — Coiiltnut'ri
"Upon my word!" Dr Montague began. But her sinllc dinnrmcd IiIm irritation. Ho Haiti: "Certainly, Jtoro-pnth. That was what you really emtio to suo. Thoy'ro In tho group labelled
niiKiiiu. xuti hoc, iiercjiniii ... Ho brolco off abruptly, and it seemed to Jlerepath that his Jaw nngged. IIo had llie appearance of a man utterly bewildered. When ho spoko his voico was liuarsu with eud-den anger. "Who lias dono this? ItuthI - . Sho hastened to his side. "Dono what, father ? "Why! . . . whatever has happened?" Herepath, peering over hot' shoulder, saw with concern that four of tho six tubes were broken. Smashed, perhaps, was tho hotter word, for glass waff scattered everywhere upon tho bed of tho ease, it looked almost as though the tubes had been, in soiuo extraordinary manner, exploded. Dr. Montague was shaking with anger. "Good God! . . ho spluttered. "I locked the door myself, " Ruth said. Sho had gono a littio white. "It's Impossible that anyone could have been In the laboratory. And, besides, who would do such a thing? Thoso particular tubes. ... I can't understand it." Herepath stood aside uncomfortably as Dr. Montague stormed to tho door. They heard him shout: "Mrs Puckle. ... Mrs Puckle. . . Tlio stout, elderly housekeeper presently atinom-nrU wlnlrif- lio.
her apron. She appeared alarmed at tho unuHual summons. "Mrs Puckle, have you dared to come into tho laboratory? After what I told you. . . "Father .. . please," Ruth intervened. She stepped in front of tho almost incoherent scientist and addressod the housekeeper in her usual tones. "You mustn't mind the doctor, Mrs Puckle, He's terribly distressed because someone has broken some of the culture tubes." PucVl0 repeated stupidlv, roobes, Miss Ruth, "I don't know anything about 110 tuobes." "Of courso not. I know you have never been inside tho laboratory before this moment. But somebody lias been here. Ilavo you any Idea who it could lie?" The housekeeper mind refused to relinquish its first impressions without a struggle. Her face was growing florid with dawning resentment. "I seen no toobes. Miss Ruth, uiul that I sticks to, if you was to put me in a court of law. Not since tho day I come here. ..." "You've been a splendid help," Ruth said soothingly. "And that's why wo want you to help us now. You see, Airs Puckle, dreadful dam-
try to find out who is responsible." Dr. Montague regnine'd his speech. "Where's Fry? And that boy. . . . What's bis name? Joe Murglc. Send Fry and Murglo to me." e "I'll find them," Ruth said. She gave the housekeeper a gentle push towards the door. "Como along with 'inc, Mrs Puckle. I can tell you nil about It, . . ." "Toobes!" Mrs puckle complained. Nevertheless, she accompanied Ruth without demur. Herepath was left alone with his irate host. "Tho woman's a fool," Dr. Montague snapped, at. the closing of tho door. "Such wanton destruction. . . . I'll get to the bottom of this. Herepath, If I have to call in the police. Look here . . ." Herepath found himself once more gazing at the evidences of destruction. He was profoundly sorry for Dr. Montague's cruel mishap. That such painstaking research should meet with such a fate was. he thought, a malicious happening. True, two of the lest tubes remained. He looked at them more closely. One revealed a number of irregular specks arranged in a curiously mathematical manner. Tho other was somehow opaque.The' The' glass of the tube appeared to be obscured with a greyish - green .mist, .as though the vessel contained some sort of smoke. Ho was studying this when Dr. : Montague began to mutter. Ho was, Herepath saw, staring hard nt the second tube. "This is an extraordinary development, Herepath. That culture was perfectly definable a few hours ago. One would say almost that it had thrown off a gas. Phosphorescent gases, of course, present a semi-opacity. The number of luminous molecules might be said . . ." He subsided- Into vagno mutter-ings as Ruth re-entered tho laboratory. "I've questioned both Fry and Joe," the girl sold. "They deny any knowledge of it, father. And I know they are speaking tho truth." "Then who was it?" Dr. Montague demanded. As lio turned aside — dejection in the stoop of his shoulders — Herepath whispered: "Hus your father any enemies, Ruth? I mean, I suppose, in a scientific sense?" "Neither in that or any other sens®, so far as I know," sho replied. "It is quite inconceivable, for ho is the most benign of men, in spnte of his llttlo outbursts. And I am sure that no one else knows what manner of research he is engaged upon." "It's certainly queer," llcrepath said, Ruth slipped an arm about her father. "Cheer up, daddy dear. After all we havo two cultures left. That is i something." < Dr. Montagu stared moodily nt the wasted work of muny months. Presently his frown relaxed. He ! sighed and patted her hnnd. < "Yes, that is something. Well, I < must have courage. It, may be that < tho blow is not such a heavy one aftor ! all, I think I shall go for a walk.' | "I'll put things in order," Ruth , promised. _ , t She smiled at him. when had gone, her eyes filled with tears-Sho said: "It's so damnably disheartening for, him, Rod. I think it shameful after all his care and
patience. But it's no uso grousing, is It." "I wish I were of moro use to you,' Herepath said. Ifc stood silently by while she cleaned away tho broken glass and set tho remaining tubes more firmly In position. The tube that was clouded somehow fascinated him. The sinoko, or gas, or whatever It was, appeared to movo after the fashion of a sluggish spiral. lie pointed this out to Ruth. Sho snld: "I've been noticing It. There seems to be a kind of asymmetric structure. It resembles a spiral nobulie. AVe'li lock up the laboratory now, Rod. You'll stay to tea, I hope?" j "I wanted to," Herepath said j sJmply. | He went ahead to open the door for her. But suddenly he paused in his stride, and halt' turned, with his hand lifted. His eyes wero a little sturl led. "What Is it Rod?" "1 thought you touched me," Herepath said."No." "No." Ruth said quietly, after a moment of hesitation. "I didn't touch you." llcrepalh laughed, with a Mnt
embarrassment. "Stupid of me. Rum how nerves trick you sometimes. 1 could have sworn your hand brushed my cheek." She said an odd thing. "You believe that, Rod?" "Believe It was nerves?" "No " Sho failed to return his quick smile. "I don't mean that. You believe me when I say that I did not touch you?" ""Whv. of course," Herepath said. T-Ie wondered if it was the lighting of the place that gave such pallor to her check. "Of course I believe you. My clear girl . . . But she offered no explanation as she went past him to the door. lie had a strange impression that who was holding some corner ot herself in restraint. llcr body seemed to quiver as though it wero on tho verge of flight ... us though she wanted to run. And suddenly he had a sense of uneasiness. Tho atmosphere of the labovutory was chill at his back. Ho had a swift hatred oi' the place, as If some vast inimical presence hovered beyond the gathering shadows. His forehead was a little moist when ho gained tho outside IUlRuthC' said abruptly, "My head aches, Rod. Would you mind if j left you to amuse yourself for halt an hour, while X lie down?" "Damn those germs." Herepath thought, as she lort him. He filled his pipe nn(t wandered Into the sunset garden. Ills mood was unusually grave. He hud regained his courage whore Ruth concerned him personally. Ilcr rejection had been qualified. Sho wn« fond of him, ho knew; and bo did not altogether despair that time wo.uul turn that fondness into love. Fatienco was tho prime factor in success of the future. Ho had, as It were, startled her. This, then, was something about which ho might not become unduly depressed. 33ut the incident of the laboratory affected him in an entirely different way. There had been, he decided, an uncannlness about the whole happening. Ho glanced at tho closed laboratory windows and was conscious at once of a return of the sensation, very close to fear, that hail oppressed him when within. It was difficult to define this sensation. But lie was convinced now that Ruth had " also experienced it. And yet there wan nothing anywhere that reason could lay hold of in explanation. Suddenly ho reiuembored what Ruth had snld when telling him or her father's experiment with star dust. She had confessed to a feeling almost of affright. It was nothing sho bad seen or had heard. It was something site had l'olt. Ruth was not in the least over-imnginallvo or hysterical. If sho bad felt something, depend upon It there had been something to be felt. Tho word described his own sensation. JLMiat was It — ho had felt something. But what? Viewed calmly and dispassionately. tho wholo thing was absurd. Herepath was still seeking a solution when he encountorod tho gardener, Xry, Indeed, tho man stepped deliberately in bis path, with a littio muttered apology. "Yes?" lierepath questioned. - "I wanted to tell you, Mr Iicre-pnth." Fry said. "If I'd have told Miss Ruth I might linvo got the boy Into trouble, and I didn't want to do
that." "What boy? What are you talking about?" Herepath said. He was glad of the diversion, however, from his own thoughts. While he waited ho found amusement in tho lugubrious cast of Fry countenance. The gardener was very tall and thin, with overlorig arms ending in knobby lists. His back and his legs wero equally arched by long devotion to weeding. His eyes wero slightly orossed, and his cheeks were .covered with a thin black beurd. Ho looked what ho was — a simplo, good-natured soul enough. "Young Joe Murgyle," Fry said. "I found him climbed on tho roof, of the labortry yesterdcc arterpoon. He weren't doing np hnrm that I could see. He said ho thought I'd. meant him to clean the glass, but I never dld nolther. I called him down. I tbougnt, maybe, I had ought to tell somebody." "Well, if ho was doing no harm?" Herepath said. Fry said gloomily.: "Boys is boys. The doctor won't want 'is roofs bust In, like them topbes, or whatever it wore." "Jo e couldn't, have had anything to do with the tubes, Fry," Herepath said. "It. was yesterday' that , he was on tho roof, and tho tubes wero quite all right this morning. Still/ if you
think ho needs it, I'll warn hhn off Ills climbing." I "Just caution 'm like, Mr Hcropath, if you wouldn't mind. I didn't want to go upsetting Miss Ruth. A bang r on tho ear Is what I 'ad In mind, | when 1 first see 'int. This alnt a ffionkcy-hcmso at the Zoo, I told him. II Climbing about. ..." f "Sou if you can find him for mo," J Herepath grinned. Joe Murgle presently appeared. Ho r stared at Herepath doubtfully, but I without nervousness. Mis attitude be-spoko u conscience serenely at rest. \ ".So you're Joe, are you?" Hero-path said, recognising tho bucket-.'jtid-clulh ynuih of the earlier day. " You know who 1 am. don't you?" He began thus friendlily, having no need, and certainly no desire, to bo; Juuvdi. As Fry had said, boys were1 boys. Ho was glad, immediately, that! Fry was not there to witness this Dun-cession to ids sentiments, in view of! Joe's reply. "Yes. mister. You're Miss Ruth's young, imtn. Missus Ruckle told mo." 1 U was impossible Tor Jlerepath, I strive as ho might, to find a real I anger at the naive impudence. Young Murglo's frank gaze entirely disarmed hhn. It was respectful. If 1 curious. It seemed to say: "As be- I tween men, Mr Herepath, I admire and envy your ciiuico of the feminine. " Herepath coughed. Ho felt that 1 be had turned a tittle red, and ho | drew hastily at his pipe, producing, as it were, n smoke screen for hist ontbn rrnssmont .
ile said, with faint sarcasm: "That i . was very thoughtful of Mrs Puckle. ; | That Is not, however, what I wished j 1 to see you about. Fry J.s complain-;! ing, Joe, that you climb about tho j 1 rdofs. I think. If I were you, I'd ! keep to the ground for tho future." ' "That's what Fry said," Joe con- I tided. Ills ingenuous eyes surveyed, Herepath thoughtfully. "And 1 ! think he's right. The doctor mightn't like it. might bo?" "I'm certain ho wouldn't," Hero-path said gravely. "You see, Joseph, glass has a habit of breaking. By tho way, you were not inside the laboratory, of course?" "No. air," "And you don't know of anybody who was? Of courso not. And yet somebody was there. Somebody who | bail 110 right to be there. How would you like to earn five shillings. Joe?" "I would so." Joe said. "Something," pursued Herepath. with a brief return to sarcasm, "you could buy a little present with for .Mrs Puckle, perhaps." Joe said stoutly: "I'd sooner buy something for Jlormie." I "Who is Vlermic?" Jlerepath paused to inquire. (To l>o continued)

Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Friday 30 November 1928, page 16
________________________________________
Thrilling Mystery Serial
f The Star Germs f
— By — BERNARD CRONIN
What Has Happened
"j\fR i.URGLE, a brlcklaycr'n laborer, was i . Priding at family table, wher« tat bin wife and children — Joe, n eerlous, thoughtful lad of IS; Jane, a shingled (Upper of 10; and Horace and llermione, junior members of
tne nouscnnia, wneti Mrs Murglc auuouneea that Joe watt to go to work In the country. A family discussion followe»l the reading of a letter from MK< Ruth MonUgtie, saying that her father, a doctor of (-dunce, would engage Joe. The mention of science prompt-,! Jane to make animated remarks about germs and f hosts, which had the intended effect ot scar-ng tho younger children, and the noise caused Mr Murgle to explode Into recriminations which broko up their dinner party. Rodney Hrrr;uth, a froclaneo journalist, who owned a little cotlngn In tho hills, called one day At the nca thy house. Rod Gate, n huge place, consisting of 20 rectus. mo<t of which were empty, where Dr. Montague lived with his charming, inlelliscnt daughter. Ruth. Herepath had known them for only »K
weeks, but had fallen in love with Ruth, and it was on this occasion that he declared that love. Ruth said that she was uncertain of herself. They were speaking of the new "laboratory assistant," Joe Murglc, when Ruth explained the work in which hc and her father were engaged. For years Dr. Montague had been Peeking for the origin of life. He had a startling theory that matter introduced from other worlds in the form of meteoric "dust" might contain etnbryonio life from those world?. With Dr. Montague, who gave a serious and quite feasible support to his theory, Ilercpath went to inspect cultures in test tubes in the laboratory. The doctor was greatly up?et when they found that four of the sit tubes had been shattered, but there was an Interesting develop-in,«nt in the other two. Spirals of cas and long, irregular specks were discernible. >!? Ptn-klo, the lioOhckpepor ; Fry, th ganienor; and Joe ilurgle denied having been in the laboratory. llerepath and Ruth had an un- ; canny foiling as of sonic Inimical presence in the place, aud Herepath was startrd by a touch on the cheek, which he attributed to rones. Liter he talked to Joe and ntked wo-jM he like to earn .V. J0.> s,id he could buy a present for little Hennic «ltb the mm.
CHATTER 5
This Innocent question proved a key to open tho doors upon the Murgle family history, "She's my littlest sister. I've got a sister Jane, who will bo 17 in De-
cember, and little Hermle will bo two next year. Tvo got a brother, too. and his name's Horrle. He's not very old, cither. Mother says he takes alter her brother, George, who's my uncle, and pave mo a pockot-knlfe for last Christinas. Little Tlormlo likes toys that she can suck the paint off. . "The point Is." Ilcrcpath interrupted, "you'll be glad to earn that extra five shillings, oh? What I want you to do is to keep an eye on the laboratory after dark. Take a walk around now and again. And If you hear | anything strange In the night, wake Pry up and tell liiin. Think you can manage to do that?" "You mean there's burglars about?" Joo said. His eyes shone, and ho nodded violently. "I'll watch out, Mr Herepath: 1 will so."
as he strolled away. "If wo . caught anybody, I might even make it ten shtlllngs." lie thought: "That lad's .a bit of a simpleton, but ho looks sharp enough Js soino ways." Joo stared after him. "Ten bob!" the youthful Murglo thought agilely. "I like Mr Herepath, but he's pretty easy. And I like Miss Ruth. But I don't like Try. He put me away. Fry did." I He shook his head and went | whistling Into tho kitchen, where Mrs | Puckle bent over her cooking. She I turned a heat-laden faco over her I shoulder
"Joe, call Mr Fry In for his tea, And you get yourself washed," "Orll" Joo said, "thore's going to bo hot scones." Tho hot scones— an Indigestible of which Joe was inordinately fond— -combined with tho heat from tho wide colonial oven, gave him a cosy sensation both within and without. It had long been dark outside, and tho kitchen was comfortably lit by an oil lamp suspended by a chain from a beam of tho celling. Beyond this olensant radiance the air wns chill, . Wind moaned In tho flr-trecs bo-hind the house, and sounded like somo -ghostly trombone through tho flukes of the chimneys. Now and then, to the Impetus of an extra gust.
the window panes rattled and tapped, and there would como tho hollow echoes of a banging door.
out?, usienuig sieepuy to mis eerie orchestration of tho night, hugged his chair more closely. For some time , he had been reading, but his lids had grown heavy, and tho book now sprawled untidily upon tho tablo at his side. Upon tho whole, ho thought he preferred to watch Mrs I'uckle and Fry at their nightly game of draughts. Tho housekeeper pursued this mild relaxation with entire seriousness. Her expression was wooden, and she breathod heavily through her nose. Her hand hovered perpetually over tho board, menacing and inescapable as tho hand of Fato itself. She announced her triumphs in a serlos of asthmatic chuckles. Fry sat In gloomy silence. He was an ill-loser, and more than once Ills knobby lingers clutched at his board in an ecstasy of annoyance. To one whose Ufetimo philosophy has in-
viuui-u u .u)irvmu uumumpt UL u iro'iian's intellect. It is doubtless ffalt-liur in tho extreme to meet defeat at t'nir hands. Vet tho truth must be told that of 225 names lilayert to date. Fry had won exactly two. The 32Gth en mo was now in prosress, anil the eardener had never at any static so far — as the sporting papers would say — looked danqerous. It was improbable that this ninht would affect his winninu averane. Imperceptibly, however, Joe's head drooped. Presently he slumbered. Ho was utterly unconscious of Mrs Puckie's exceeding satisfaction when Fry discovered himself presently flee-ins from Equaro to square like a
frightened fowl pursued by the fox of the housekeeper's cunning. "Another game?" Mrs I'uckle invited, as Fry camo panting to defeat in tho corner. Fry shook his head. "No, Mrs Puckte, I won't. Tou don't play me fair. I should have been 'ufted, and you never 'ulfcd me. It would or mruio nil tho dlffcronco' in tlio game, and you know it." "If I'd 'tiffed you," Mrs rucklo said mnjoslicnlly, "it would have boon ell over long ago. Bosldes, Fry. you wasn't duo to bo 'uffod." She bognn to put tho draughtsman Into their cardboard box. Fry llllod his pipe and puffed sulkily. "Look at that pore, tirod boy," she said maternally, nodding nt the ro-
"l.nzy 5'oung ound," said tho gardener. "I'm wondering if it wns him that bust them toobes of tho doctor's," Mrs Pucklo said. "Somebody must ha' bust thorn. Fry. And if Joo didn't, and I didn't, then who did 7" "Moaning mo?" Fry chnliongod. ' "t nover said so," Mrs Pucklo looked over her sonorous shouldor apprehensively. Site lowored hor voice. "I tell you whnt, Fry, there's things come over tills 'ouse that I don't altogether like. Not, as you might say, Christian." "What things?" "Ah! there you 'avo mo," Mrs Puckle confessed. 'Goings on. 'Aunt-ings." "Kyemaggernashun! 1 Fry Bald, in gloomy derision. "This evening," Mrs Pucklo said, staring at him, "I was coming out of the little corridor when somcthi.ig tickles my leg." Fry eyed tho member in question. "Fleas." lie suggested inelegantly. Mrs Pucklo bridled.; . Sho said tartly: "Nothing of tho kind. It was more llko fingers. You needn't wag that beard. I know what v I fnU H1.-A An/1
4 III SU>il(b- 4'4HfeV«a lb IVIk »"« there was nobody there. Not a thing to sec." Tho gardener's expression was openly doubting.'Well, 'Well, if you says so. But how could It bo flngors? And whoso lingers? Your own, p'raps." "Would I tlcklo my own leg?" askd Mrs I'uckle. "I would not. Have It your own way." Fry rose and yawned, Tho yawn ended in a grin. "I'm going to bed. And I hopo nobody tickles me In mo sleep." "Nobody," Mrs Pucklo said, "would want to tlcklo you. asleep or awake. Nobody nor nothing." On this discordant note, at tho noise of Fry's departure, Joe Murglc awoke. Ho sat up and rubbed his eyes. "Ono down the other up," Mrs Pucklo said humorously. "Whore's Mr Fry?" Joo asked. "Where yon ought to he— In bed."
tho housekeeper retorted. But her tone was without malice. Sho liked young Murglc. "Look at the time." 'Termorrer's Sunday." "And the next day Is Monday," said Mrs Puckle. "And the day after that is Tuesday. None of your lip. And besides, Joe, I'm off myself. Emily comes to see mo termorror, unci I like to look my boat." "I'm going," Joe staid. He was halfway to his room when he remembered tho task assigned to him by Herepath. It offered little attraction, hut ho was a conscientious youth. Grumbling, he turned aside and took tho path to tho quadrangle into which the laboratory jut-
ted from tho main building llko a peninsula. The area wns In darkness save for the still llghtod window of Ruth's sitting-room, which gavo upon tho right of the quadranglo. Joe looked at this bright spot wistfully. Now that ho was actually omharked upon tho duties of watchman the promised remuneration seemed ridiculously small. Where he stood ho was in great part sheltered from tho i. 'old wind. The sound of Its excursions through the caverns of the night, however, came slnlstcrly to his ears. 3>ut for his prldo he would have withdrawn then and there. As it was, Ills lower Hp was caught comfortingly between his teeth, a he advanced upon the massed blackness of the laboratory. He wns intent now only upon satis-
I II 9 ll'9 cvnsbiviivu un <|U1UIU> aa |IW!>W slide, and joining Fry In the harbor of their bedroom. Ho thought, edging his way past the end of the laboratory, that he caught tho ocho of Hereputh's voice now and then on the strings of the wind. Once, too, ho was sure that ho heard Ruth laughing. These human evidences bolstered his courage tremendously. Ho began to liuvu more confidence. After all a man wasn't to he scared by a handful of black shadow. His creepy feeling, ho decided, was due to tho fact that ho was tired. A fellow's nerves got that way now and again. Well, ho'd go round the throe
sides of tho laboratory ami then he'd go to bed. Ho wasn't quite sure that he wasn't making u fool of himself, after all. Probably Mr Herepath had only been joking. He was tho kind to joke, .loo thought. That was It. Mr Ilorc-path had boon making fun of him. What was tho uso of prowling around llko this, anyway? Nothing to do. Nothing to hear, but only tho wind. Nothing to sec ... to soq . . (To he continued!
Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Saturday 1 December 1928, page 20
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THE STAR GERMS
!| j| Thrilling jj Mystery || Serial
-By- | BERNARD CRONIN I — — — — wmmmJ/
CHAPTER ®
He had halted, upon this conviction of Hcrcpath's duplicity, halfway down the sido of tho laboratory. Tho blind oyo of n. window stared at him blankly. Yielding to aunio strango urge ho
drew nearer to it, wondering nt the siuhlCn clamor of blood in ills ears. Ono part of his brain Insisted Hint ho drew nearer uiul yet nearer; tho other pari shrieked at him to turn ami run. llo felt as bo supposed the blue wren had folt that day of tho summer before, when ho had como upon a snako coiled about tho lsvel of lt« nest. Tho bird' was perfectly helpless under the evil of tho nnake's oyer,, it oame cbiscr and closor. chirping foobly, with rufCiod feathers and drooping beak. . . . llo had killed the snake lust in time. Horace and little Hormie had
both wanted tho pretty skin. The sweat started
on Joes forehead. There was something on tho inside of tho window-pane. Xot a face. Xo, not a face, if It had been a face ho wouldn't have felt so sick, because a face was human. But his terrified sub-consciousness shoutednt nt him llint this wasn't human. It waa like a tangle of thin white string with two knots in the centre of It. Knota or eyes. Ho didn't know which. It mounted the glass moving sideways, us a spider moves. Only it wasn't n spider, cither. It shone, somehow, it was very faint nnd Indistinct, but still it shone, That part of it reminded him of the things you could find on trees sometimes. Fungus things full of phosphorous. And It hadn't n body. A faco without a body. A tangle of string without a body. Joo was paralysed with fear. The whole of his thin undersized body was shaking. He tried to call out, but only ft little moan escaped him. llo was drawn irresistibly forward.He'd He'd got that from
Mum. Mum often had nightmares. Presently he would wuke up and hear Fry snoring. His forehead was touching the glass when a sharp report canie within. The spell snapped, and hp ran screaming for tho house. Dr. Montague's depression had failed to respond to open air treat-
ment. He returned from his walk if anything more distressed and bewildered than before. He ate his tea in silence, and would thereafter have escaped to h!« bedroom, had not Ruth set herself to coax back his normal courage. j She said, taking his arm as they > rose from the meal: "I ltnto you to have such disappointment, father. But there nro two of the tubes left.; You can't deny that. And one is In » a particularly interesting stage of development." "It's the delay that irritates me i most," Dr. Montague said, "it was nearly three months before the .lightest sign of — I won't say life, but metabolism — showed itself. Anything might have come out of it — anything.) hnd the greatest hopes, particularly i of tho culture in the silicic solution, it was undoubtedly developing on the lines of tjuincke's loani-cells, aiulj "Suppose we talk it over tonight Ju my sitting-room," Ruth suggested. "Rod would love to hear nbout what you havo been doing. Never say die, daddy." He smiled nt her affectionately. "Hoar her, Herepalh. Who could despair with a daughter llko this" To bo sure — and so wc will, Ruth. We'll talk it over, and see if we can't form a theory to nt tho known facts." "Stout fella." Ruth said. . Heropnth asked, as they sat later about tho fire in Ruth's sitting-room: "What Is this star-dust exactly, doctor? Ruth has told mo something, hut no doubt you can tell me a lot more." "Meteoric dust," Dr. Montague corrected mildly.Ho Ho mused a moment. "You know, Heropnth," lie said presently, his eyes abstracted, "they've even found meteoric dust within tho Arctic circle." "On tho tops of tho, highest mountains nnd In the depths of the deepest oceans," ho continued. "As Humboldt said: 'It is with a sense ot wonder that we touch, weigh and submit to chemical analysis metallic and earthly masses appertaining to the world without.' ".Some 40.000 meteors are gathered up hourly by the earth. They enter our atmosphere with tremendous velocity, but are in general reduced by its resistance to a metallic vapor. This vapor Is condensed Into a metallic dust, and so falls to earth." "You believe that some of tills dust carries a form of life, then?" Hereputh said. ' "I see no reason why it should not," Dr. Montague asserted,. "Aristotle, for example, bcilcved that- motion constituted life. That Is to say, 1-Jerepath, life is a series of . fermentations- or molecular interchanges, which wo call catalytic actions. And Surrutn, In the Ynjuevedft sets out the theory that all moving bodies uro to be regarded as living, and all bodies at rest may be said to be dead." Ruth said: "Father has treated the eosmlca! dust with both radium and chloride salt, after jiiixlng.lt with gelatin. The four tubes that were broken were the radium tubes. Two were treated with strong radium bromide, one with barium chlorldo, nnd one with uranium. Of the two unbroken tubes, tho clouded culture is based upon glycerine and liquid air, and tho other in under treatment with cyanogen. Cyanogen is n blcarburct of nitrogen." "The point which most fascinates mc," Hcrepath sajd, "is tho implied variety of the life the dust might contain. It could easily, I suppose, hold embryonic life, or whatever you call it, from half a dozen worlds, .or more." "Exactly," Dr. Afontugue said. He began to warm »o his subject, 'Take cyanogen, fcr instance. It la known that living proleld contains the radical cyanogen. It holds a vast amount of energy, though not as much as that coritaJnud in tho radium compounds. "It is reasonable to -suppose— df cvanogen is a half living thing, n« Pfluger suggested— that It will form growths in cultural media. From such growths I nm presuming tho vitallsation of any atoms or electrons contained in the cosmlcal dust." Hcrepath could not repress a slight shiver. "Suppose there were electrons, and that they became nctive. as .vow ur6 hoping. What form of lifo would be evolved?" 1"Jt is , of course, Impossible to say," Dr. Montague answered gravely. "Jt might b« lifo as wn kjiow it upon earth, in aU its marvcUiiuljr flialtd
forms. It might be— and this I ho- 1 lieve the more probable— a form totally unlike anything we have even conceived. I tnko It, however, that it would be some sort of protoplasmic body. Protoplasm, which it is generally supposed living mutter must
contain, is Invariably composed of highly complex compounds of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen. It may contain also such other olomont ns iron, sulphur, phosphorus, and so on. But the llrst four are tho absolute essentials of life as wo know it. No form of lifo hn& ever boon discovered that does not contain them." "Earthly life," Ruth said. It seemed to Horepalh that Iter oyes were suddenly troubled. "Wo know nothing of the constituents ot •Interstellar life, if thero is any." "Wo can only nrguo from the known." Dr. Montague said, "Wc know that an orgnnlsm has a structure, a nucleus, nnd a cell-wall. Its vitality is a continuous process of adjustment 1 between its Internal nnd external relations. Bodies are funned possessing a dollnlte structure, which occupy a certain position In space, and go through a cyclic process in time. And we know, also, that there are certain UnUtH of temperature for different types of life. One other thing we know—there is no evidence for believing that tlio most elemcn-lurv forms of living matter have always boon and always will bo the must elementary. But what we don't know Is immeasurably greater. "In tho attempts to produce life urtlilcially, how far. then, has science actually gone?" Jlerepatli on-quired. Dr. Montnguo shrugged his shoulders. He said: "Artificial synthesis has never yet produced tho highly complicated structure of tho natural cell, i Science has evolved artificially celW which nro able to perform the functions oC organic life. They can assimilate, grow, multiply, subdivide, atul so on. They can go through the whole cyclic process. But they have | not that vitality which we call life. There Is always rotnething larking. (The link is not there. Has not yet been discovered, 1 should say. But.
I toll you, Hcrepath I shall discover it. 1 bellovo I have discovered it. In those lost culture 1 had already -observed manlfonlntlona never before ween: or, if soon, never yet re>-eorded. Now, perhaps you can more fully appreciate tin? tragedy of what has happened, I wa« on tlio verge of a stupendous discovery. And now He s«nk hlu faco In his hands. Ruth Mild .quickly: "And now we miist concentrate upon tlio two tubes left to us. I "wonder, father, what structure inUuHtollav lifo takes. There mny be aU sorts of queer developments. Unhitman shnpes— " Thin roused him. "To be Bure. X havo speculated at some length upon that. It is even possible that such creatures havo nut khn no nt all' in the material sense.
Thoy may he thought form only." "Thought forms!" Horopnth ejaculated. Aaaiit/he caught that uneasy look in.Ruilils oyes. It was, ho tuld himself, almost a hunted look. (To be continued) ' '
It mounted the glnsa, moving sideways aa a <1 spider moves.
Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Monday 3 December 1928, page 21
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« Thrilling Mystery j Serial
f The Star Germs
— — — — — By — BERNARD CRONIN
If CHAPTER fi. — Continued
"Btogon mlmlstuff," Dr, Monta-39 fcuo explained. "3a there, after all, gffl « difference between matter and H jnlndatuff? Might they not In reality H i)o hut different mnnlfeatnttonH of the
m olio thing t 'in© atom, tor cxampio, 3 3s supposed by somo to bo na Im material ns consciousness; in fact, 11io source of all consciousness, cut wo know it. What nro electrons? As Sma been woll said, wo can roduco jnattor to motion, and what do we know of motion save that It is a inndo of thought? The phenomena of mind .is dependent upon The phenomena of matter. What are the ininds of other peoplo but the per ceptions of our own minds? Wheels within wheels. Mind perceiving mind. If mind ceased, would the universe cense? Possibly it would. You may remember Tom Collin's whimsical verses which he based upon the Eastern belief that nothing exists tout Brahm? In other words, we do mot really exist outside the mind of the god. We are' 'such stuff as dreams are made on,' When Brahm wakes we vanish." "A pagan idea," Ruth objected. "Nevertheless," said Dr. Montague. an idea to which present day science is tending, in a modified way. The world of mind, and the world of matter. A unity and plurality in all things. Who shall say?" He fell into a silent abstraction. Herepath said, glancing at the block on the mantel: "By Jove, I had no idea it was so late. I've been keep ing you up. It's high time I went." Ruth, with a glance at her pre-occupied father, motioned him to the couch by her side. She said, In a low voice: "Rod, do you think you need to go? mean It's so late. We could easily shake you down here." "Something," Herepath said, right-ly interpreting her look, "is worry ing you. I've thought so all the even-ing. And now I am sure of it. Dear, what is it?" She was usually so perfectly coura geous that her reply was in the nature of a shock. "Rod, I'm scared. . . . I'm scared stiff. f can't explain the feeling, I've been terrified ever since we found those broken tubes." "it's the fault of my internal curi-osity" Herepath said, with self an noyance. "It's all this theorising we've done." "No," Ruth said, "it Isn't that at nil. Something. Rod, has happened in the laboratory. I haven't an Idea what it is, but I'm quite certain that something is there that was not there yesterday. I felt It. I even felt ot physically. So did you." "What!" Heropath exclaimed. He was conscious of a tingling sensation nt tho roots of his hair. "You mean von, too, felt something touch you?" "My cheek once," tho girl said, a little unsteadily. "And once my, hand. I didn't tell you then, because you looked to be startled on your own account. And all I thought about really was to get outside the place and lock the door. It felt— well as if a furred body had brushed past me. And there was, just for a moment, a sort of animal smell. But I daresay it was all imagination. Of course, it's all impossible. We saw for ourselves that there was nothing there." "Imagination, of course," Herepath declared, resolutely fighting his own Hidden nausea. "It's extraordinary, you know; how things can trick you. BUR, for tho time, such fears are very seal, I know. They'll all bo gono In the morning."
"I know. That's what I keep toll ing myself. What was it touched you, Rod?" The question was so direct that it left him no time for evasion. He stammered: "It certainly wasn't hairy. I thought you had drawn one of those glass pipettes across tho back of my nock. It was smooth and cold — T can't quite explain." "Rod, I'm frightened." Heropath tok his nerves In hand. "Look here, it's really all right. You mustn't got panicky — you, of all people. You're tho pluckiest girl I'vo evor known. You're tired now and sharing your dad's sense of disap pointment and failure. How see here, If it will onso your mind at all for mo to bo around, I'll stay gladly. In fact, I prefer to stay. I couldn't bear to think of you all alone with your — your nerves." "I'm really quite childish," she said. But her relief was vory plain to see. "I'm ashamod . . Oh, but. Rod, If you hadn't been here . . "But I am hero," Herepath com forted. IIo had taken her 'hand between his own hands, disregarding Monta-guo's presence. "I'll be right here,' in case I'm needed. But you'll find everything will be all right. Once you get to sleep " 'He broke off at the smothered sound of running feet. The interrup-tion appeared, too, to penetrate Dr. Montague's abstraction, for the scien tist sat up abruptly, and looked sharply about him. He said: "What Is that? Who is that?"
Tho door, opening Violently, sup plied tlio answer. Joe Murglc, his hair awry, his eyes filmed with tor-ror, stood swaying in tho opening. His mouth opened and shut, but only a moaning Issued. Herepath sprang forward and took him by the shoulders. "Now then. What's vtho matter? Take your time, Joe. You're all safe and sound. Now, what'p wrong? Bomothlng frightenod you?" "It's tho labortry, Mr Herepath. Something inside fired off a gun. I soon a bunch of white string " Heropath pushed him on to tho couch, where he fell back in an ecstasy of trembling. Dr. Montague cried: "What did you say? Something in the laboratory, Ruth— tho meteoric dust! Whore's my torch?" HerepuLli called: "For God's- sake, doctor . . . You don't know what may bo there. Walt until tlio morning." But the scientist had already vanished. "Ruth/ Heropath 'said, "don't movo out of this room. I insist. Look after that boy." She showed a blanched face over her shoulder,. "I must come." "You will not," Herepatlj said. He touched her hair in passing, and next moment was in the ill-lighted corridor, and running in the wake of Dr Montague. The scientist was fumbling to unlock the door of the laboratory. So great was his eagerness that he scarcely had con-trol of his fingers. "Let me hold the torch," Herepath said. Dr Montague said, out of his fum ing: "God bless me, Herepath, surely my dream ' has come true at last. What can it be but laboratory life? I, Felix Montague, have accomplished what no other scientist in the world has done. Life, Herepath — life out of the stars." The door fell back and they en tered together. Herepath sent the light of the powerful torch from side to sido of the. room, but saw nothing. Dr Montague had hurried to tho case containing tho two remaining star cultures. lie called: "I see, Herepath — I see. Fool that I was. It was escaping life that shattered tho tubes. Life expanding — life triumphant. Sec, the fifth tubo has burst. It was the noise of Its bursting that the boy mistook for a pistol shot. The star germs are hero— hero in this room. I feel it. I know it. Think of it, Herepath." He was raving like a madman in the excess of his trumphant emotion. Horcputh turned the torchlight on tho case. It was the culture re sembling the radldbcs that had shat tered spontaneously. Tho sixth tube —that containing tho odd appearance of smoke circulating within — was in tact In lis position. As the rays of light swept it the smoke Insido seem ed to boil and to emit tiny sparks. It was, ho thought, liko the dissolving, iridescent fires of a great opal. It fascinated him. Herepath was still staring at the malevolent beauty of it when a chok ing cry at his back brought him to the right-about with a start. Dr Montague was standing a few paces away, his hands thrusting at the empty air. His mouth was half open and his nostrils whistled. . Ho had all tho appearance of a man in the clutch of apoplexy. Following a second of horrified pause Herepath sprang to the scien tist's aid. He was In time to catch lilm as he crumpled slowly back wards. And here, as his hands closed upon the slackened body, n sickening sensation swept over him.
Thoro appeared to bo, between Dr Montague's flesh and his own, a kind of furred tissue. R slid from his touch on the instant, as though a skin had been withdrawn from about tho scientist's wrists. A foetid, olo-montal stench came and went. As Herepath lifted the fainting man bodily in his arms the angle of torch light swept tho open door. He thought he saw something pass through Into the corridor. Tlio Im pression was so brief that he could not bo sure oC this, yet somo Inner sense told him that lie had not im agined It. It was. he told himself, like a small, ragged cloud, jet black at tho edges, with a kind of core or nucleus of faintly luminous lines. And immediately he found himself adopt ing Joe Murgle's simile of a tangle of white string. That exactly de scribed it. And yet he had actually seen, In a physical sense, nothing. Tho vision — If It was a vision — had crossed tho lens not of his eye but of his mind. He lost no time, however, in specu lation. Ho carried Dr. Montague Into the corridor and laid him gently on the lloor. He shut and loclcod the laboratory door. Then only might he pause to wipe away tho cold sweat that bathed ills face. He found no words for the sheer terror of ills thought. He felt as though hell itscU had drawn near. He bent over Dr. Montague and thanked God to find him faintly breathing. (To be continued)
What Has Happened MR MURGLE, a bricklayer's laborer, was presiding at his family table, where sat his wife and children— Joe, a serious, thought-ful lad of 18; Jane, a shingled flapper of 15; and Horace and Hormione, junior members of the household, when Mrs Murgle announced that Joe was to go to work in the country. A family discussion followed the reading of a letter from Miss Ruth Montague, saying that her father, a doctor of science, would engage Joe. Rodney Herepath, a freelance journalist, who owned a little cottage in the hills, called one day at the nearby house. Red Gates, n huge place, consisting of 20 rooms, most of which were empty, where Dr. Mon-tague lived with his charming daughter, Ruth. Herepath had known them for only six weeks, but had fallen in love with Ruth and it was on this occasion that he de-clared that love. Ruth said that she was uncertain of herself. They were speaking of the new "laboratory assistant," Joe Murgle, when Ruth explained the work in which he and her father were engaged. For years Dr. Montague lind been seeking for the origin of life; He had a startling theory that nuttier introduced from other worlds in the form of meteoric "dtisl" might contain em bryonio life from those' worlds. With I)r Montague, who gave a serious and quite feasible support to his theory, Ilrrcpnth went tn inspect cultures In test tubes in the labor lory. Tlio doctor wis greatly upset when they found that four of the six tuhes had been shattered, but there was an interest ing development in the other two. Spirals of go and long. Irregular specks were dis cernible. Mrs Pnckle, the housekeeper ; Fry, the gardener?, and Joe Murgle denied having been in the' laboratory. Herepath and Uuth had on uncanny feeling as of somo inimical presence in the place, and Hcrcpath wns startled by a touch on the cheek, which ho attributed to nerves. Herepath offered Joo f,/ to watch the laboratory that night. The Ind was keeping his vigil nt the laboratory window, when -he was startled to seo a peculiar knotted shape moving over the glass. A sudden explosion scared him away. Herepath caught an uneasy look on Ruth's farp when, in the house. Dr. Montague wun explaining that interstellar life might have no material form. It was possible the erca lures might ho "thought forms," he said.

Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Tuesday 4 December 1928, page 23
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The Star Germs
Thrilling j Mystery Serial fa—— — i
====3fi| J' — By— £ BERNARD £ CRONIN Z -y g
W/iaf Has Happened
TVTJl Mi/'RQLK, n lirlokhyer'8 luliorur, was . . presiding at his family tuliln, where wit wife mid children — Joo, a pcrhms, thought-flit hid of 18; .Juno, a shingled flapfinr of 1 o ; nod Horace and llcrmionc, junior member of
mo iHiusi'iiohi, when Mrs Murgle aiimmiiml Unit .Poc wiirt to go to work in Hie country, him read a letter from Mis Ituth Montnune, slating tlint tier father, a doctor of science, would rngngc doe, Heduey licrejiath, a freelance journalist, who owned a little cottage' in Die hill, culled one day at the nearby house, lied (tales, a huge place, consisting of 20' rooms, must of which were empty, where Dr. Montague lived with hi cliiinninif dnugiitcr, Ruth. Htropath lovcil the girl. They were speaking of the new "laboratory assistant," due Murgle, when Ituth explained the work in which she and her father were engaged. For yours Dr. Montague' had been Recking for (he origin of lite. lie had a theory that matter Introduced Irom other world' In the form of meteoric "dust" might contain cm hrvnniu Ufa hum those worlds. With Dr. . .Montague llcrejailh went to Inspect cultures in test lubes in tbc laboratory, The doctor was unset when they found that four of Die six tunes had been shuttered. ' Vrs Puckle, . 'MH,st,kee|icr; Krey, tJic gardener; and Joo Murgle denied having been in the Inborn-lory, Heiepnih and JIutli had an uncanny feeling an of some inimical presence In tho Place. llcrepath offered doe 6 / to watch the laboratory that night. The lad was at the laboratory window when he saw a peculiar knotted ehnpu moving over the glass. A sudden explosion scared him away. He explained what he had ' seen, and Dr. Montague excitedly exclaimed that tho explosion must have been caused by another test tube exploding — In other words bis experiment had been successful, and ho had discovered Interstellar life. In the latwmtory only one tube was found intact. liercpoth was examining this when ho saw the doctor suddenly gasp, clutch the air, nnd crumple up. llcrepath felt a hairy body pass which ho could nut see. and a nauseating stench almost stilled him. Ho curled the doctor Into the corridor, where he was relieved to tint! him faintly breathing. CHAPTER 7 The fucd between Mr Murgle ami ills foromnn. nmv in tiu fiitwi nnnun.
cutivo week, had not improved tho temper oC either. In Mr Murglc'.s view I'rovidenco was strongly to be commended for having afflicted the foreman with a new boil of much superior proportions to tho old one. "Let 'im rouse." Mr Murglo told his wife, aa ho held out his plate for still another sausage. "Who cares? Wo all 'ope ho gets us many bolls as the bloke .lane was learning about in her lessons last Sunday school. What was his name. Jane?" "Job," said Miss Murgle testily. Having dined in advance, under economic pressure, she was now engaged at a side tablo with her home lessons. "I wish people wouldn't talk so much. Think I want to be leep in for having my sums all wrong?" "I'll talk when I like and 'o\v I < like, in me own 'omc," Mr Murglo assured her. He . bolted what was left of his sausage and glared angrily. "Who earns tho living?" "Who docs my ho/no. work?" Jano countered. ' Mrs Murglo said weakly: " 'Ave you no respeok for your father?" "Now l'vo made a blot!" Jano said, with heat. . v "Dam kids , . Mr Murglo said, lie fashioned a toothpick from a match. "Nothing but months and noise. Hold your tongue, 'Orace." "I'm sure, "'said Mrs Murgle. sniffing rapidly, "I do my best: You've 'ad a good tea, father . . "Reminds me." said Mr Murgle. Tho impending joke restored his good humor. "I see you got the sausages from the baker today." .... "Butcher!" Mrs Murglo corrected; iter eye was bewildered. "Butcher, father." "Baker," said Mr Murglo, with a sly grin. He prepared to . launch his effort. -"Know why? Too much bread in 'em." "Oh. God!" Jane exclaimed. "Look 'ere." Mr Murgle began passionately. "t will 'avc respeck "Joe's wrote agin," Mrs Murgle said In haste. "Read it, father. And, look — - he's sent a postal fer ten boh to buy something fcr little 'Ermle." Mr Murgle gaped. , "Ten bob!" "Ho earned it extra," said Mrs
Murgle proudly. "And I should say so. You read what ho says." "Givo it 'ore." Mr Murglo Invited. Ho lit his plpo and attacked his soil's handwriting. "Dear Mum — O' mum,, wo have had a time. It was all over tho lti-bortry the doctor has got. Well," the doctor and miss Rutl) work In tho lahortry you know doing things with germs. And Mr lloropath said would you like to earn toil shillings Joe and I said yes I would. And ho said I want you to seo no one breaks Into tho lahortry. You seo Mum somebody did break in yesterday and broke things. And tho doctor was frightfully upset about It. Ho thought It was Mrs Ruckle/or Fry. He know of coarse it could not- bo me because 1 nm well liked and respected. Ami so Mr Herewith said you keop ah eye on- things Joo and wo will And out who done tho dood. And I said yes I would." "Would what?" Mr Murglo demanded, as he turned ft nttge. lie was reading aloud: spelling tho words carefully and with duo emphasis. 'What's all this about?" "Do hurry up. father," said Jane. Apparently the allegcd lmportanco of her own task was forgotten, for she
was resting inquisitively, ono Ink-stuined Anger prodding her Hp. "If you like, I'll read It out for you," sho said. "I won't bo 'ustlcd," Mr Murglo said, in the tone he might have used towards his foreman. After a maddening pauso, deliberately designed for reproof, ho resumed: "Well, mum, 'last night I went to seo If the laboratory was all right, as I knew Mr I-Jerepath wanted my help badly. It was 'a dark night, 'hut' I was pot afraid because I have a clean conscience, and nothing can harm you Jf you havo a clean conscience, Mrs Puckle says. And so I wont outside and walked round tho lahortry. And I was just saying it's nil right Joo you cun go to bed when I saw something behind the labortry window. Q, mum, I thought it was a bull of string; It was all white. But I was not. afraid. I said, what arc you doing ' in there. You had better coinc out or you will get. Into worse trouble, my lad. And with tlmt ho fired. a gun. at me and missed my head by Inches. I was not afrai(l, but I thought this is too hot. And so I ran ..to ..find Mr Ilerepath and the doctor. . And wliilo they went to see what it was all about I stayed with Miss Ruth to comfort her. Because she is only a woman, and they are easily scared ovon if they have a clean conscience." _Air Air Murgle paused. He said thickly: "Tho boy's gone dotty. 'Ow could i a ball of string shoot at him? Joe's
dilerlous. S'ope they've sent for a doctor, mother." "No, ho's not ill," Mrs Murglo Bald. 5 "You want to road it all, father, and 3 you'll see. It was something to do with a star." "What star?." Mr Murglo asked blankly. 5 "Pooh! I like that about a woman being scared," Jane said, with scorn. "Thnt's all rot abobt .Joo not being ' scared himself. . I know Joe. < I 5 know;. . h "Don't argue," Mr Murglo said. He sucked imperiously at his pipe. "I won't havo it. Well—" E He resumed once more: 2 "Mum, Mr Ilerepath and the doctor went to the laboratory, and the doctqr hod a lit. Anyway, that's- what Fry J thinks. Fry thinks that It's all non- E sense about ghosts. Fry thinks that the JJ doctor had something at tea that went wrong with his inside and made him sick. But Mrs Pucklo says Fry is nl-ways like that. Ho talks silly Joe. Anil E I said, 'Yob, I know It's his whiskers.' 5 And Mrs Pucklo laughed like anything. Anyway, mum, tho doctor was real bud when Mr Ilerepath brought him out of gj tho labortry. I heard him say to MIhh E Ruth, 'It's all right, darling; he 'Will jj live. He is only In a faint.' And she said 'What has happenod?' And ho said, 'God knows something horrible,' ' but you must bo bravo. And then he B kissed her and said 'It's a. star germ.' jj Ard Dr. Montague woke up and snid, Did you sec it, Herepath?' And ho said, 'You must not talk yet, doctor, m It is all right, and we will talk about it In tho morning.' And then I went to bed." .Mr Murgle grunted na he took up tho £ Ar.nl page. Ho was out of breath with the unaccustomed exertion of reading aloud, and he blew heavily on his pipe. Tho effect was disastrous. A little B comet of smoke and sparks shot Into 2 the round, Inqulsltlvo face of little IJcr-mlc. Tin sllonfift wnq nt ntirn uhntfarnrl liv
a piercing scream. B Mrs Murgle threw herself upon herdls. Q ordered Infant. "There now. . . Did father's nasty smoke sting her eye? 'Orrie, yon hold your noise. Can't one of you cry with- S out the other? Stop It— both of you." 5 "Kids!" Mr Murglo raid bitterly. Ilo held his hands to his cars. "Noise Jano, you take 'em outride." "I want to hear tho rest of Joe's let- B tor." B "Ycu do as I tell you!" Mr Murgle rontcd, "1 want- " Mr Murglo lifted a hand as rod and B hard as tho bricks among which It 5 moved, lived, nnd had its being. "Don't argue. Take them kids out-side." "Damn!" Miss Murglo said. 8 Sho plucked little ITermle from her high chair, seized Horace by his ycl-low top-knot, and carried tho up-ronrious twain bodily from the room. "Noise!" Mr Murglo complained. S Present!' ho calmed. g He read on huskily. "Muni, Mrs Pucklc's necco Emily came hero this morning, Sho is a 5 pretty girl. Just like I was at her S age, Mrs Pucklo said, but . I had more brains. H Emily had my braines sho I would go on tho stage. And I said brains aren't everything Mrs Puckle ! look at members of parliament, My j father says they get paid to do l nothing. And Airs Puckle said true 1 Joe. Anyhow mum Emily and mo got on Ane and I' would like you to J see her, Mrs Puckle said she will j make a Ano wife for somebody" just I like me. And Mr Fry who was there I said yes you mean ;a' Ane widow. But jj wo do not know what he inennt. Well ! mum this is all at present from your j loving son — Joe. P.S.— Air Heropath I gave mo ten shillings. Ho said you I havo earned it Joo and I said yes I I have. Will you buy a toy for little ! Ilermlo., P.S.— Airs Puckle can beat | Fry. at drafts and Fry doesn't like it I because he despises a woman.— Joe." I "If you ask mo," Arr Afurglo said, J laying his son's letter aside, "there's j been rum goings on," i Ho shook his head. I "Very ruin," ho said. j Tho door opened and Jane's head appeared. Her fnco was red and her j voice was spiteful. i She said? "Alum, Ilttlo Ilermlo fell 1 tntrt tVllW U'noJl Slm'a I
wet. But It's no use blaming me, because it wasn't my fault." j "There you are," said Mr Murgle. I "Dam kids!" 1 I CHAPTER 8 Ilerepath wakened on the following morning with a fooling of blankness. i He had slept fitfully through the I short hours that remained to the I night, and his dreams were haunted ! by tho horrific events of the evening. Aa ho lay now blinking at the unaccustomed walls, ho reviewed these bizarre'' happenings with dis- i taste. Fear, however, had vanished j with the darkness. In tho comfort- j ing light of day ho was, indeed, in- | clined to wonder If Imagination had i been responsible for most of their fonr. It was possible, he thought, that by some psychological blundering he had allowed Joe Murgle's panic to i infect him, without any real justification. Yet there was no denying that something very out of tho ordi- j nary had occurred. When Dr. Mon- j tague soberly asserted that his throat i had been constricted, as though by I the clutch of invisible hands— ho re- j membercd that the scientist had used 1 the word talons— and when he himself had distinctly felt something under his physical touch, these evidences wero not lightly to bo discounted. There was also the undeniable fact that he had seen a shadow — at any rate, a shape of somo sort — pass through tho laboratory door into the corridor. , I-Icropath had momentarily forgotten this. At the recolloctlon ho left his bed and began to dress. If tho whole thing was not the figment of his overwrought emotions at tho time it followed that the shape, the Thing, or whatever one chose to call It, was actually now somewhere in tho house. dJnless; of course, It had escaped Into tho open. There was that possibility. Beit tho thought that Ruth had been exposed to such risk through the darkness brought him a return of his overnight nausea. Thero had been — thero was — a grave potential "vdan-ger for them all. He felt that he was living through somo nightmare. Existence had bccomo so unreal that It bordered almost on insanity. .He could imagine what tho alienists would retort wero ho to Insist in their hearing that Rod Gates was occupied by a Being — possibly Beings — hatched from tho embryonic dust of other worlds. (To be continued)

Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Wednesday 5 December 1928, page 25
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I THE STAR GERMS
||j Thrilling ( III Mystery jl| Serial Hi
A — By — | y BERNARD \ | <C , CRONIN j j
I CII.MTKH 8.— Continued
I Tn Ills 1-olior Jlcrepnth on-L. nipriMl Uuth In tho ihissuki!, ius lie f r,l ior the liathrooin. ' She whs f ,' w|t|, trout Hhnilows umler her f V Uut she liitinugea u smllo in
Krrctinp-I no asked unxloualy: "Ilow did you lloep'" 11 iimltv I'm Iifrahl. And you?" "Quite well." l-lcroiihlh lied. : lie was more than «lnd' that he had 'nothing to ltuth of tho -Shape hirh he hniiKlned ho had seen es-«,,lne from f'1" laboratory. Ho had. fuel hron «" oocupled 111 tho re-l,„i'lnn of nr. JlontnBUo, that this Mull of the adventure had been for-..ilea si tlio time;. ' Vt CUM- Stntte he had' netually. he, .I ti,„t the selentlst wuuld die. Til the symptoms of Htrune»l«tloil \re iiiiinlfosteil, even to tho bluekr . and swollen tongue. These iiuiliims. slrancely enoUBh,...dhl not veil ihemselves . until after: Hero-iutli hod riirrletl him from tho la-
f'ltot'V to UiO sitiniyioum. J.miy nti',0 with returning consciousness; h tlioueh projected, as It might ho, v I3r. Montague's lour. 'it wiim a kind of hypnosis of the uheonsrlous. Strnngely, also, these vinntoms stopped short of any ex-prior bruising. The llosh of his Inirit was without mark of any kind. ip complained, however, of n sorc-,WK such ns might onsuo from the iinislim pressure of Angers or claws. "1 was coming tn call you," ltuth aid. "BronkfuHt hna been waillim: i,i tifiinu time." "I'll be right along, " said Here-Mth." "How is your father? No H-effectH?" Hut li looked at him nueerly. "That's tho funny thing. Hod. Ho < perfectly well. All the sorcnnsH ias gone from his throat. I really .Mit-vo that until 1 spoke <j-f It, ftither' vus almost convinced lie had dreamed lie whole thing. , 1 had that feeling myself fr a blessed moment or two. in still greatly confused. It's so utterly Impossible that my mind Isn't Mile to adjust Itself." Ilercputh said, wottdorlng1 If she re-nictiibcred how he had kissed her tinder the mean advantage of her dls-Ircss and terror: "Don't think about It awhile. After breakfast we'll hold h rounril of war." She nodded and left him. When he entered the hrcukfast-Mom Dr. Montague cumo forward xiil shook him earnestly by the hand "Ruth tolls mo I owe my life to you. Herepnth." "Hardly as much as that, I think," Hercpiith answered. Ho smiled at the pirl. "I'm tremendously glad though that 1 was on the spot." "What happened ?" demanded Dr. Montague. "T want to hoar your version of things." Hcrepath gave it. ?h» said nothing, however, of tho escaping Shade. "When I awakened this morning," the scientist said. "1 recollected that J had been taken HI In the laboratory. I conceived It possible, at hirst, that the muggy warmth of the I room had overcome mo. As the de-Itnlki became clearer, however, I know that this was not so. , 1 was attacked. Jlerepalh. Without' the slightest warning I was taken by the throat. J managed to call out. At that point juy memory falls me." "What was It that attacked you?" Ruth asked quietly. Dr. Montague passed a hand over his brow. "I think tlicro Is only one answer
What Has Happened
\| It. MUKOI.1-. it bricklayer'# lalxucr, wan aU. prvsidinx ut family table, \vh«ic #<it bis wife nnil cldbln-u— - Jih>, a hitIihi-, iliougli. ful lad of IS; ,iam>, u «liingied Rai|nr of If; »nd llurnru and llurmlonc, Junior members of Um» hoiieelinhk whan Mrs Muralo nnumuio-O lliat Joe wan to go to work In the emmiry. flu- load a letter from Miss Ktitli MontaKUO, stilting Hint Iht futlmr, a doctor of ndem-o," would cukiikc Joe. . , Undue, v llorcpalli, a freelance JourimHut, wln> owiictl a little cottage in the hills, culled otic day u( tin nearby bouse, Hod H.iti's, a btigc place, eonslstlng of 'ill room, niOht of which \v«!re empty, where Pr. Montague lived with ids charming daughter, Uuth. Ilciepiith-iovcd the girl. TheywciJ speaking of the new "laboratory n«sbtont," Joe Mttrgle, when Uuth explained the worK In which die and her fattier were engaiMl.1 For 'years Pr. Montague hud Ih-ch seeking . for the origin of life. He tun! n theory Hint luutier Introduced Mom otlu-v world In Hie form of meteoric "dnsl" might contain rue bryunle life from those world. With Pr, Montague HerepdUi went to inspect . uullutoa in test tubes iu Hie hdmratory. Tin doctor was tipw't when Ihcy found that four of the six tubes luid Ih-ou slialtercd. Mrs I'tickle,
to that, my dear. I. was attacked by a star germ. One moment, Hero-path. i see n question in your eye. We mustn't make tho mistake, you know, of conceiving all life to bo on the lines of our earthly life. The highest form of Intelligence on thin earth Is num. But all Intelligence Is not neccsHa'rlly conllned . to / the bodily shapes 'which we know. Ynu saw nqthltiK Inst night, for Instance?" "No," llerepath said, ufter hesl-tntlng briefly. "And yet yon saw me helnp attacked. That is to say, you saw tue In an attitude, ami wearing an expression, which immediately suggested to you that I wuststrugglliig and in distress. Matter may take In other spheres Conn totally opposed to those of our own llofih and blood. My opponent — Intelligence, beast, or what you will — was of this unriH'koaoil order. Impalpable, invisible, and vet endowed with all the attributes of. will and strength. Possibly, as I said yesterday, we are In eonlliet now with one of those extremely complex aggregations of perceptions or Ideas which we call atoms of matter. Klectrons — mind-stuff. Here we would have the metabolism of what we call life. Conscious ideas tn units which aggre-
gate and disintegrate. Thought made manifest. Or, poHslbly. thought-form taking to itself a thought-shape consistent with Its particular stage of development. . Sucli units might he-good or they might be evil, using those tortus as we on earth know them. In this case it Is evident that wo have to do with evil." Uuth said, with a shudder, "How can vou talk of it so calmly? You believe, father, that such a — n ereu-turo . . . . " "1 would call It— wanting a mur»» accurate name — a Biogen," Dr. Montague Kinrgcsted. with a I'ulnb smile. "Very well. Vou believe Unit this Blogen is actually in the laboratory? A powerful, malignant 1'resence? How is that possible, seeing that' only yes-, terdny it was conllned in a small tc-t tube'/ How could It reach such proportions in so short a time? "My dear." Dr. Montague said, pat-ling her hand, "hero once again vou adopt earthly standards. What, Indeed. Is Time? Is It finite or infinite? What do any of us know of ID. save that certain, processes aro taking place in tlint particular portion of it in which wo ourselves have our being, and over which our puny reasoning powers range? We can look
Hip hoiisL'kt'i'pi-r; Kiev, the giinienor; ninl Joe Mtirglp ih'uM hiivhiK l"-on in (he htlHimlorjr. IUti'PiiHi and UuJh lnul an uncanny feeling a of seme Inimical picficitce hi the place. Ilpfepiitli offered Joe 6/ to wntch tho hihnru-torv that night. . 'pie lad wn- lit the labour lory window wIm-ii h<> nv a peculiar knotted tdiupp iiiovh'g over the gin. 'a. sudden explosion seined Mm nwa.v. Ho explained' what lie lmd slvii, ntid Pr. Montague excitedly ex-clamied that tin cxplotdnn must have twen canned by another test lube exploding— in other words, his experiments had been «tne-cessMil, and lie hud dineovejcd Inturxhdlar life, hi the liilmratoiy only one tube win found hdaet. Herepnth was examining tliN when he saw the doctor suddenly gasp, clutch the air, ami eromplp up. llerepath. felt- a -hairy hoilv 'past which he cnuld .not sec. and n miuseallug blench almost '(-titled htm. He uirrled tlu? doctor, kilo Hie corridor, when he wit ietlovi-d l'> nud nim faintly breathing When he recovered,. Pr. Montague i>uhl lie felt lie was being utrangkil by tatnii, llerepath, who staved the night at Red Hates, awoke Willi the thonglil that the Thing must Ik still in the Ihiii. A he. dressed he thought how vcepth-a! iilienW would Ih» 'were ho to inptat that a ts'ing exlsvn there, hatched from em-inyonic dust of other worlds.
backwaipLs unit forwards, hut we cannot conceive, either u beginning or an em! of absolute time, . Tlnpy in a ro-la live term, A Blogen may — Indeed, we have tills indisputable prodf that he does — reach maturity, or close to maturity, within a low hours of earth time." Dr. Mottaguo broke off to rub his hands together. His- face shone with scientific enthusiasm. "1 . must 'confess," ho said, "that 1 lose my four in the-sheer wonder of what has happened. Life from the depths of lnfilnto 'spaco. Uorepath. Star germs " "From whence?" Iferopnth wondered. "The mechanism of Life Itself," stud Dr. Montague. "From Mars . . . from Jupiter or Neptune . . . or train world;? far Peyonr our solar systoun Who knows? I will even. say. who cares? That such life has been made manifest upon earth is all that concerns tile. Well, wn shall sec. Morcpath. you have been exceedingly kind. 1 would like to tempt you to greater kindness. Will you accompany mo to the laboWitory?" Ruth cried: "Father! After what nearly hannened last night. Aro ynu
mad? Hod, we must not let him. j Those dreadful experiment have gone! far enough. Too far. Tho laboratory and everything In H should he' destroyed." j "Nonsense!" Dr. Montague said, j almost angrily. " Ynu grossly ovm I estimate the danger, Uuth. Proliabiy t lie Blogen hn« already dissolved back Into the conHtltutent particles of tlm nucleus from which it sprang. It can be at most, an unstable aggrogat" and. as such, cannot possibly survive our limits of temperature. .Shall wo Herb path?" , "There may be other Blogens," llerepnih suggested. Dr. Montague dismissed this with a vnvc ol the hand. "Forewarned is forearmed," ho quoted contemptuously. "If there was danger, it Is long past. Really. Ruth " "Father, It's wicked," the girl said. But she made no further attempt to dissuade him. She said: "Very well. Let us go. then." . "You're not going?" Uorepath queried, in n startled voice. "Why not?"
"It Isn't any place for yqii." Hero-path argued. He looked to Dr. Montague for corroboration, of this, but the scientist was deep in abstraction. "Uuth, to please inoV" "No Rod. I might apply the same argument to yourself. It Isn't any more dangerous for mo that It Is for you or father." llerepath gave in. "All right. - But I don't like it. You'll keep close lo mo? - Promise!" She did so readily. "Do yon think I like going into that horrible place? Tho very thought of il makes ma feel sick. But I can ho dust ns obstinate its either of At the laboratory door Dr. Montague said: "We must pass hi quickly. If there Is a IJiogon still living within we must confine it. to its present . quarters it do nut conceive tho nos-sibili.y; but If it chanced Hint our earth temperature was not destructive (o such forms of life, an escape Into the open might ho disastrous."
...mure is huh uiner posaimniy, Ruth said, with a trace of bitterness, "that a form of life so immaterial can easily penetrate where it will. You could no more" confine It than you could confine air." Dr. Montague said: "I hnd forgotten thut. Still it can do no harm to take precautions. Now. llerepath," They passed Inside quickly, and TIercpalh at once closed tho door. The dav was dull, and the Interior was shrouded -In shadow. Ruth shivered ns she put up the window blinds. "Well, you see." Dr. Montague said, half In disappointment, "there Is nothing hero. I had hoped for at least somi-ma terlnllsnl Ion. The remain hit? culture. Herepnth. is Intact. That is something." "There was nothing to see Inst night/' ITerepulh warned. '"Yet the outcome was. not altogether a pleasant one."The The reproof wont unnoticed. It was evident .that. Dr. Montague had no Interest. at the moment, beyond the research itself. He had taken the sixth tube from Its sling, and was lioJdiiig.il to the light of a window. He in uttered: "Kxtraordlnary. Rutin my dear, .vou will never see n more perfect example of the phenomenon' of fiuoreseonce. The radiations are un-
oiiergy. Tim presence of uranium nitrate or course " (To l>o continued) >

Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Thursday 6 December 1928, page 36
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Thrilling Mystery Serial — MM— mm
f THE STAR GERMS f
— By — BERNARD CRONIN
CHAPTER 8.— Continued
With Ruth at his elbow Herepath observed the culture in tho scientist's hand. It appeared to him that the smoke-like contents had thickened — he had almost said, solidified— overnight. At any rate, a chance was dis-
tinctly discernible. Tho gas, or substance, revolved at an enormous rate. It was more like a spiral nebulae than before. It had acquired now a strong phosphorescence. In utter darkness Herepath could well imagine It giving out light of considerable dlmonslons. Dr Montague replaced the tube gently. lie said: "I have n remarkable feeling about this culture. I bellevo it to be evolving llfo of an entirely different mode — both as to mind and matter-to that of the other cultures. I cannot say why I think this, unless it is the purity and sheer bcuuty of tho growth, it Is without doubt an Isolated and Individual star germ: a culture of puro chance." . llppnnnLh \rna mfnnillW mlnlnc? f»nn-
fldenco. Nothing untoward had greeted their entry of tho laboratory. There had, ho concluded, with a feeling of guilt, evidently been only a slnglo star germ, or Blogen. Ho had witnessed its escape, and tho laboratory waa without proBent throat. At least, so he conceived it. Ho said as much, in a reassuring whisper, to Ruth. "The Blogen, ae your father hinted, must have dissolved — died. Otherwise, surely we should havo known of it by this time." "Do you think so?" Ruth asld hopefully. Hut immediately her face cluoded again. "No, Rod; I can still feel something — a sort of presence, that isn t normally hero. Honest, now can't you 7' "Perhaps I can," Herepath admitted. She gave a wintry smile. "Do Biogens sleep, Rod? Perhaps it's asleep. Or perhaps It's Just watching us and laughing." "Well, Herepath said, falling In with her mood. "I don't know about sleeping. But I have it on unimpeachable authority that BlogcnB never laugh. You soo, they have nothing really to laugh with." Hut In spite of the attempt at Jocularity, both knew a newly growing depression. Dr. Montague, however, appeared entirely unimpressed by the surroundings. He trotted here aiul there briskly. Presently he announced himself as satisfied.
ing more wo can do I am inclined to think that what star germs there ore here— I assume that all flvo cultures produced at least one living embryo — uvo so Jnflnitesimally small, us yet. as to be quite negligible for harm All, that is, with the exception of the Blogen which we encountered Inst night. As to that, any one of a dozen sequels is possible. It may have dissolved and returned to the chaos from which It sprang. It. muy only function in darkness. That seems the more likely. We must see when night cornea." 'From the outside of the window," Herepath said dryly. "I can hardly suppose you intend to venture Inside the laboratory after dark. I certainly have no ambition in thnt quarter.1
> hy, i think it safe enough—" Dr. Montague began. Ruth Interrupted. In a tense voice: "You shall not. I nevor heard of such a preposterous flouting of 'common-sense." "My dear," Dr. Montague said, frowning. "You shall not," Ruth repeated vehemently. "I am not a child. 1 stand In my mother's place, and I forbid you to endanger yourself In such foolhardy fashion. Futher, you must give me your promise that you will not enter the laboratory in tho night time. Otherwise — " "Otherwise?" Dr. Montague asked quizzically. Ruth said deliberately: "Otherwise I give you my word that 1 will destroy every culture in the place. And Rod will help me." "Indeed!" Dr Montague said. "Indeed!" But presently his irritation at this unusual opposition left him. He shrugged his shoulders resignedly. "So I'm to bo bullied, am I? Very well. I promise. At least for the time i being. At the same time, 1 think vou are entirely in the wrong.". Me left them sulkily at tho door of the sittingrootn and marched Into tho open. "In some ways, you know," Ruth excused to llereputh, "he's just, like a spoiled boy. But his anger never lasts long. He's an old dear. Rod, what are wo to do now?" Herepath took her elbow and led her into the freshness of the verandah before replying. "Very little, I'm afraid. We van only await events. Very likely nothing unpleasant will happen at all. Wo always over-estimate danger, 1 ihlnk. The whole business Is so : grotesque that It's hurd to reulise it. , You're ndt frightened still?" ; "A llttlo." she said. "J "11 tell you what," Herepath said/ He lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply.! ! "I'll send Fry over to the cottage Jor : my traps. I'll sleep at Red Dates | until tho scare is over. No, you i needn't look so grateful. It's us much for my sake as for yours. I should never know a second of peace otherwise. It's impossible to leave you at the mercy of this sort of thing." Ruth pressed his arm. "You're so good to me, Rod." "Who wouldn't be," Herepath said, his face flushing. He was sorely tempted to renew his suit then and there, but something In her candid eyes restrained him. "So that's all fixed. Now I'll find Fry. And later I'll have n ramble over the house, if you don't mind." "The empty part, Rod?" He said evasively: "I want to tie-scribe something of the kind, "ou see. There's a huge empty house figuring in the book I'm writing. You'll be able to read all about It, and see how near my descriptions come to the real thing." ' He found Fry and. Joe Murgle busy in the garden. The latter grinned at him ingenuously as one who should say. "Behold, my comrade in tho arms 6f adventure." "Well, Joe," Herepath said, "Quite recovered?" Joe nodded. "Cri! Mr Herepath, I had tho wind up. But you bet I ain't the kind
to stay scared. Ghosts ain't anything." x"Ghostsl" "Ghostsl" Fry ejaculated. "Stuff and nonsense. Lying young 'ound." "Didn't wo see 'em, Mr Herepath?" Joe appealed eagerly. "And ono of 'em shot at me. As truo as I'm here.' Herepath said maliciously, with n regretful shako of the head, "I'm sorry, Joe, but tho report you heard was only one of Dr. Montague's tubes bursting." "There!" Fry oxclalmcd with triumphant gusto. His black beard waggled derisively. "What did I say? Lying young " "I want you to fetch some things from my cottage. Fry," Herepath intervened. He avoided Joo Murgle's reproachful gaze. "You know where It is? Take this key. You'll And n suitcase somewhere. Bring that. And my shaving things from tho bathroom." Fry nodded, spat on his hands, and departed. Herepath turned once more to Joo. "Sorry to lot vou down just then. Joe. But J had to got something for my ten shillings. I'm going for n ramble over the empty portion of the house. Like to come?" "Will we go Into that tower?" Joo asked eagerly. "I daresay. Why tlio tower particularly?"
i line lowers, »ioe expmmeu, i ve had my eye up there, Mr Herepath. over since I come here. Towers is mm things. J never been in u tower before." Hrepath laughed. "Well, como on. You shall see this one."
CHAPTER 0 The architects of Red Gates had evidently boon fascinated by tho endless possibilities of corridors and short staircases. One or other appeared upon tho least excuse. Passageways ran here and there in aimless confusion, and staircases of two or three steps only begun everywhere
and onded nowhere. The latter, Herepath conceived, were intended to be In tho nature of decoration, for they wore obviously of no practical use. For the moBt part each stairway terminated In a short landing below n window. Thore were three exceptions. One gave access to a wide cellar in tho basement, a second led to nn upper storey, and a third connected with the lower room. Out of this room a short, straight ladder climbed to tho tower itself. Tho house was single-storied except for the middle portion, from which rose the tower. The upper storey was entirely vacant. The floors here were thick With the dust of unoccupied yearn. Spider-webs festooned the ceilings and tho window-panes were glazed with grime. Otherwise tho rooms were well conditioned enough and could have boon made habitable at short notice. \ There were nine rooms In tlio upper storey— four on each side of the corridor, and tlio tower room opening at the cm! of the corridor. The blinds were drawn in all the rooms so that the whole area was shrouded in semi-darkness. Herepath found II dlAlcult to Imagine the light and laughter with which the place had nncn. no doubt, been flooded. Yet those wore merry, cure-fro<» ilnvu Hint i-ntirnoil lipfiirn Hn»
bursting of the boom, and Red Gates must have shared tholr prime. Herepath had conferred upon Joe Murgle tho role of cniidlehenrer. He himself had both his hands free by design. The exact purpose of the exploration was not very clear, oven to hint. V<3 was actuated by a hazy idea that the Blogen might possibly have escaped into the unoccupied portion of tho building: in which rase it was well, he thought, that they should know it. Yet even now with nil tho evidences of what had taken place, his commonsunse revolted. He felt that he was being grossly credulous, a punderer to chlnierlral fears. It outraged his reason to believe
that Dr. Montague's researches had, In sober fact, produced living entitles from another world. It was tho veriest lunacy. But at the back of his mind he knew thnt It was so. And his subconsciousness never conned to urgo extreme caution. It pricked his senses to nn unusual alertness, warning him thnt ho had to doal with an altogether unearthly opponent. In case of attack it was well then that he should not bo hampered In ntiy way. I-Io felt competent to defend Joo as well ns himself, provided ids bunds wero free. In tho pocket of his sports cont was Dr. Montague's automatic pistol, which ho had obtained ostensibly for the purpose of cleaning and adjusting. Ho was a good deal, doubtful, however, of its rlflonoy in defence against so immaterial an enemy as n Blogen, The hard feel of the weapon was reassuring nonetheless. At the entrance to' tho corridor Herepath halted.
S I . nit Iti . »»«;"« IF vl i n lllll VIU think of It? Pretty stuffy' oh?" "Cri, It Is so, Mr Jlrfuoputh," wild Joe. Tho hand that lnvd tho candle wobbled slightly. "Jane wouldn't like this." "Who's JnncY" Herepath nsked. forgetting tho Murgle family tree. ''And why wouldn't sho liko it?" "Jane's mc eldest sister. I've got two sisters— Jane and little Hermlc. Jane's nearly seventeen, and little Hermlc Is nearly two. There's six of us altogether. There's dad and mum and ..." llcroputh Interrupted relentlessly: "But why wouldn't Jane lilto these rooms?" ".Shi; believes In ghosts," Joo confided. But somehow hls-smltc of acorn wasn't very convincing. "Silly things, girls. Jane says ghosts hot) you and count your bones. She's always saying things like that because it scares Horric and makes him yell, uml then father gets wild.'.' "She seems to be n most engaging young Judy," T-lerepath said. "Jane says they drink your blood — " Herepath said, a trifle brusquely: "Rut those blinds up, Joe: but don t open I ho 'windows, Never mind Jane." They went slowly from mom room. In every case they found emptiness and silence. The atmosphere was dank and depressing, but without sense of threat. Herepath's spirits rose as tho minutes went by. In the
beginning ho had been nnvthiQ- i-assured, lie had not know,, 2 awful spectacle, ghastly procncoi hail greeted their Senses. Kverythi however, appeared normal ion,./1 foundings. If the lilogc,, i' ,, « was thoro their soiisllivenoss ? nothing of It. \ 8 nt! As they approached tho cloj.j tthr" rUm' vulceYllg lIerepathrl00klnS fr "0'"hJnF, «, "Of co nr. so not." Heren.ni. . J-t rnrnJC:, loo said nstoiimllngly, th " 'T Jhn' a KIlt r Mm«3? "A gont" Joo repented stnut|v s thought there might ho n com J sen, Mr Herepath, because .wS have guinea-pigs and frogs an', ? hits and things to chop up an, La at. don't they V" " Herepath sold, staring; "Look h.-Joe; what's the matter with What wuu Id a goat lie doing iJ 1 ! house? And why a goat? Ar! trying to ho funny?" 111 "Cri", Mr Herepath. no, t'm Only I couldn't think what c|«, would be. I thought p'raps the ,lV tor's goat had got away, and wo »a looking for It." L "Vou are trying to he funny," il(-pnth accused. Ho took Joe l,v a, shoulders, half In anger. "or / . Now. Just what made vouthl-i wo were looking for a goat? c»rj on, now?" CTo ho continued)
What Han Hawened
UURGLE, a bricklayer's laborer, wa« preaidlng at hla family tabic, where cat bU wife and children — Joe, a turloui, thoughtful Ud of 18; Jane, a shingled flapper of 15; and Horace and HcrnUone, Junior members of tbc houwthold, when Mr tCurgle announced that Joe wii to go to work in the country. He re.td a letter from MIm Ruth Montague, (Uting that her father, a doctor o( iciencc, would engage Joe. Rodney llereputh, a freelance Joumallat, who owned a little cottage in tno hilli, called one day at the nearby house. Red Gates, a huge place, consisting of 20 rooms, most of which were empty, where Dr. Montague lircd with his charming daughter, Ruth. Iterepstii loved the girl. They were speaking of the new 'Maboratoryy auUtAut." Joe Nriigle. when Ruth explained the work in which «he and her father were engaged. For years l)r. Montague had laxm seeking for the origin of llfo. He hud a theory that matter hupuiuccd from other worlds In the form of meteoric "du«t" might contain cm-bryenie life from thoc worlds. With Dr. Montague, Hcrvpath went to inspect cultures In test tubes in the laboratory. The doctor was uptiet when they found tliat four of the
six tubes |,a«l been shattered, lira Ruckle, the housekeeper; Fry, the gardener; and Joe Murgle denied having been in tlm laborutury. Herepath mid Rutb had an uncanny feeling as of xoinn inimical pretence in the place. Hrrcputh ottered Joe A/ to watch the laboratory that night. Tlio Ud was at the laboratory window when he saw a peculiar knotted stupe moving over the glass. A sudden explosion scared him uwh.v. He explained .what he had seen, and Dr. Montague excitedly exclaimed that the explosion must have been caused by another teat tube exploding — in other words his experiments had been kuc-eoasful, and he had discovered interstellar life. In the laboratory only one tuhc was found intact. Ilerctuth watt examining this when he saw the doctor suddenly gasp, clutch Iho ulr. and crumple up. Herepath felt a hairy body pass which lie could not acts and n miuscnlhig stench almost stifled him. He curried ihe doctor Into tho corridor, where tin wu«i relieved to And him faintly breathing. When he recovered, Dr. Montague said lie b-U lie was iielng strunglcd by talons. Herepath etsyed the night at Red Hutee, and the follow. Ing day went with the doctor and Ruth to the labornioty, where Dr. Montague inspected tiie remaining culture.
Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Friday 7 December 1928, page 16
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<» gas Thrilling Mystery Serial
f The Star Germs
— By — . BERNARD CRONIN
CHAPTER 0. — Contlnuot)
Joo wriggled froe. Ho pointed back down tho corridor. In an aggrieved voice he said. "Cri, I smelt goats or something a bit ago, when I come out of that other room. You know
the way they smell." With a curious tightening of the scalp, i-lerepath suddenly remembored tho foetid, elemental stench which for one sharp second had assailed hi nostrils ns he sprang to catch Dr Montague's crumbling body in tho
laboratory. Kuth, ho recollected, had spoken of an animal smell, out of her own experience. licrepath laughed uncomfortably. "You're a bright lad. Doesn't the whole place smell musty and unpleasant. That's all thcro is to it. Joseph. Is it likely now that a goat would bo allowed inside thc houso itself . . . unless It's yourself . . ." "1 don't make tracks liko them," Jop said, n little sullenly. "Tracks!" Herepath exclaimed. Tho idea of looking for tracks hnd never occurred to him. Ono would not expect visible traces of so Immaterial a creaturo as a Blogen. Consequently ho was startled, as his eye followed the Hue of Joe's pointing linger, to observe for the first time a series of impressions on the dusty boards, distinctly apart from their own footmarks. » He went slowly to make examination. ftwaro of n dryness in his mouth and a prickling of his skin. He saw outlined In thc greasy dust the clear imprints of a small, cloven hoof. Tho discovery was so utterly perplexing that ho felt himself doubting his eyesight. Joo possibly sensed something of the momentary panic of Horepath's thought, for there was a hoarseness in whispered inquiry, "Ain't it all right. Mr Herepath?" Herepath, with an effort, regained his wits. Joe's .eyes were on him queorly, and he hastened to keep the boy's mind free from the dread which assailed his own. "Why, you were right, after all, Joo by the look of it. But these nro old tracks, I should say. The grease sticks, you see. Very likely when tho houso was quite empty a
p""»t or a calf svandered into the nlnco." "They're not old. they're new." Joe aid disconcertingly. He nodded wotidly at his own shrewdness. "Jane and T used to track wallabies and bines, when wo Uved In the bush before father got a lob in town. Wo "ot to know a lot about fresh tracks and !» tracks." Tlerepnth's heart was thumping. "How do you know these trucks i»'o fresh?" "Because they cut In over vonr own." Joe said. "You were up here not so long ago. vou said Mr Here-nnth. Well see whore the hoof has nibbed out tho edge of vour boot-mark . . . this one hero whore the dust has settled again ..." "I see . . . Stupid of me." Here->nth said. He drew a deep breath. After >11. he told himself, it was not beyond the bounds of possibility tlm here had been a goat on tho premises, at ono time. Tn the early dnys his friendship with Ruth and her ather ho had known very little of heir work. There hnd. ho knew been certain Innoculatory experiments upon guinea-pigs. In connection with a fever virus in which Dr Montague was interested. 'Ho resolved to question Fry quietly at the first 'Pportunity. and In tho meantime to Hsiniss the matter as far as he could rom" his mind. He said: "Why. Joe, you're quite a 'ushman. After nil, this doesn't matter in the least. You bet I know what a goat smells like. I used to "un into them on tho dumps on the old diggings, when T was in West Australia. It's the sort of smell that stays right behind, too. Now I think we'll have a look at the tower room. Don't let that candle mi." He turned the handle of the tower oom door, as he spoke. To his annoyance, however, it appeared to bo locked. "Confound the thing. Joe. run Inwn and ask Mrs Puckle for the key. Or Miss Ruth, if you can find hor." Left to himself TTercpath's thoughts eturned to the cloven hoof-mark, but he pushed It aside resolutely. He determined that he would not allow himself to speculate about it until he had questioned Fry. Under tho circumstances he was hound to give tho 'bins a sinister twist. Mrs Puckle's voice, calling from he foot of the stairs, roused him "rom u'nquiet abstraction. Ho went hnmedintely to the landing. "What is it, Mrs Puckle?" "The tower room ain't locked, Mr Herepath Fry was up there yester-
Guy. cleaning out tho leads in the fiat roof." "Ho must havo locked it after him. for some reason," Herepath retorted. "Anyway, It's locked now." "But It can't be," said Mrs Puckle. "There's no key to it, Mr Herepath. We tried all tho keys when wo first como hero, and nono of 'em fitted Very likely the door's cnught in the lamb. Shall I come up and see?" "No thanks. I'll manage." Here-nath said. "Is Joe there? Joo, bring n broom with you." He said, ns .Toe appeared: "Just give those tracks a smudgo over They don't look tho thing Inside n house, do they." But to himself 'ho said, watching Hie youth at work: "It would never do for Ruth to come/on that cloven hoof. It's too suggestive of n satyr, or something equally horrible. What rot T'm thinking " Presently Joe ngnln holding the candle. Herepath made a further attempt to force the tower room door But he could not budge It an Inch. He began to have an odd feeling that someone or something beyond was deliberately holding the door shut against him. "Fry must havo locked it," Joe Murgle said. Herepath finally desisted. He was determined, however, to see Inside the room, if at all possible. There was something in all this that he did not understand. "We'll try a window, I think," he told the gaping Joo. On three sides of the tower fan a flat roof-ledge This Herepath regarded dubiously from thc window of the left hand corridor room. One had need to he something of an acrobat, he decided, to negotiate so narrow a path is safety. Careful scrutiny of the surroundings failed to disclose any hand-hold. He had the merest glimpse of one of tho tower room windows. Theso were, as he knew from the ground perspective, tall and narrow and arched at tho top. At a pinch however, one might squeeze through, provided the glass was not a fixture. The problem was to reach the window Itself. While he still debated, Joe spoke nt. his elbow. "Let me try. Mr Herepath. I could get along tho gutters " 'Too risky. What would what's-her-nnme . . . er, little Hermle, say If you broke your neck?" Joe dissented eagerly. "But T could. I don't over got giddy like some people, I'd go on my hands and knees." . "Well." Herepath reconsidered. "If
you promise to be very, very careful. I'd go mysolf, only tho ledge wouldn't take tho weight. Go oaslly now." Ho helped Joe cautiously across tho sill. "Don't look down. Hug tho wall tight. Suro you can do it?" "Cri, of course I can," Joo called excitedly. It was not until tho boy was out of eight around tho anglo of the tower wall, that Herepath suddenly felt a pang of conscience. He had forgotten altogether tho posslbllty of hnrm at the Instance of tho Giogen supposing tho creature to be within the tower room. IIo sworo softly under his brcuth. "Joo . . . Como back, t'vo do-cidod it doesn't mattor. Can you hear me?" Apparently, slnco thero was no reply, the boy could not. Horepath's shoutings were unavailing. lie waited in fuming silence, his gazo upon tho fraction of tower window where Joo if successful, must eventually appear. Ho was getting nervous whon tho boy's hand came into view across the coping. It was followed by his head and shoulders. Heropath shouted between cupped hands: "If the window won't open, ; kick the glass in. It won't mattor. You can't g<;t back bo easily." Joo's faco, he saw. was now on a levol with the glass. He was, beyond a doubt, able to sco into thc tower room. Heropath began to wonder at tho sudden immobility of tho boy's body. One hand remained poised aloft; stiffened, as It might have' boen, In the act of taking a fresh hold. His head seemed to sag. Herepath cried: "Joe." Tho answer came in a slnglo terrified scream. It was followed by the sound of smashing glass. To Here-path's alarmed imagination it appeared that the boy's body was on-velopcd in a kind of fog that poured from an unseen gap in tho window. Tho fog swelled and became rigid. It reminded him horribly of a great suffocating pile of cotton wool. Horepath's fear snapped suddenly. Ho turned and ran back into tho corridor, shouting as he went. As ho tumbled headlong ho collided with Fry, who appeared from tho direction of tho stair-head.
Herepath stammered: "Tho key. Havo you brought tho key?" "There's .no key," tho gardenor said. Ho stared stupidly at Herepath. "Mrs Puckle told me, and I come up. Tho door ain't ever been locked." Thrusting him aside Heropath. on an impulse, tried the handlo. To his astonishment and relief the door opened instantly. It foil Inwards, almost causing him to lose his balance a second time. He said: "Good God!" Joe Murgle was on the floor Immediately below the broken window. He lay on his back, tho blood from a cut cheek trickling In a thin stream of scarlet over the china-white of his face. Herepath. with pulses hammering, cried sharply, "Fry. take his feot. Quick! Out into the corridor with him. Never mind the .door. "AVhat 'uppencd?" Fry mumblod. as they began to descond the stairs. "Young 'ound been climbing again and fell in the window. I know." "That's It," Herepath said. Ho caught at the half truth , gladly. "That's It. Fry. Steady!" Ruth came upon them as they carried Joe Into tho open air. Her eyes dilated. "Oh, Rod . . ' . Oh, poor boy, How did it happen?. Is ho hurt very badly?" "He's all right, I think." Herepath said. "Cut himself a bit and faintod. He overbalanced and fell through one of the tower windows. Where's Mrs Puckle?' Joe's eyelids quivered. The housekeeper, bending over him compassionately, said: "I think he'll oomo to in a minute. I'll got some 'ot water. The poor boy ..." Fry, cnewing at his straggly beard, mumbled: "Y'oung 'ound. Always climbing. I can't turn me back a second. . ." "I wish you'd turn It now," Mrs Pucklo declared, with flashing eyes. (To bo continued)
What Has Happened jVpt MIJHOLE, bricklayer'# laborer, nm "- prwMlmx a! hb fsmllv table, where Ml hii wife Anil children— Joe. a wrioim, (hoiiRht fill Ind of IS: Jnnc, a stiinulcd flnjipor of 15 nnd Horace nnd llcrmlonc. junior member# of the household, when Mr Murgle Announced that Joe \va« to ro to work In the country. He read a letter from Mis Ruth Moutojrue, st.itlnjf Hint her father, a doctor of «ciuiicc, would enpace Joe. Rodney Herepath, a frcelnncc journnllpt. who owned n little cottage In tho titlln, called one day at the nenrby bouac, Red Gate, a huge place, consisting of 20 rooms, most of which were empty, where l)r. Mom fncue lived with hi# charming daughter. Ruth. Herepath loved the girl. They were speaking of lie new "laboratory assistant." Joe Murgle. when Ruth explained the work In' which she and her lather were engaged For years Dr. Montague had been seeking for Jhe origin of life. Ho had n theory thnt matter Introduced from other worlds in the form of meteoric "dust" might contain embryonic life from those world. With Dr. Montague, Herepath went io inspect cultures In test tubes In the laboratory, nnd the doctor was upset to find four of six of them hnd been shattered. Mrs Puckle, thc house-keener; Fry, the gardener; nnd Joe Murgle denied having been in the laboratory. Herepath and Ruth bad an uncanny feeling ns of name Infjnfefll presence fa the place,. fTerepath oat Joe to watch the laboratory thnt night. The lad was at the laboratory window when be saw n peculiar knotted shape moving over the glaw, A Midden ex-plosion seared him away. Ho c&vlaincd what he hnd .seen. And Dr. Montague excitedly exclaimed that the explosion must have been caused by another test tnbp exploding — In other words, his experiments had been <ueccs«fnl. and he had discovered Interstellar life. In the Inboratory only one tube was found Intact Herepath was ex-nmlnlng this when he saw the doctor suddenly gasp, clutch the nlr, and crumple up. Herepath felt a hafry body paw which he could not xec, and n nauseating si curb almost stifled him. He carried the doctor Into the corridor, where he was relieved to flml htm faintly breathing. When he recovered, Dr Montague said he felt ho was bring strangled by talons Tim following day Herepath with Joe as a cnndle bearer, explored, the gloomy passage of the empty part of the great house. He thought If a Rfogen, as they had named the star germs, was netuallv there, they certainly could not sense It. Joe naively said he thought they were looking for n goat. Ills explanation seemed silly, and half in anger Herepath took him bv the shoulders and «nld, "What made vou think we were looking for a goat? Come on. now!"

Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Saturday 8 December 1928, page 20
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The Star Germs
Cmmmmmmummmmmmm—mm Thrilling , A Mystery y Serial v |£S- ;
f-Dy-BERNARD CRONIN
CHAIWKR ».— Continued
Herepath said. Interrupting the gardener's gloomy retort I'Fty, I want you, I want to havo a look over the tower room. Como on." The door was wide opon, as they
hau ion u, ana no enioruu wjwi u-moMt a swnggor. He wngv surprised to find that he had no.-fedr for the Presence which, ho beHoved-' still' to l>e lurking In tho nnglos veiled i with; shadow, ills fighting bloojd was fully roused, and tho prospect or an encounter brought him only a ..savage satisfaction. - \ "Fine mess. I must say,"' Fry grumbled, . ; Glass from the shattered window lay everywhere.. It. yas extraordinary Herepath thought,, surveying it, that Joe .had oscaped-.ao Ughtly. ;v;. "That's easily mend/bd. .That .trap Over the ladder. Fry-. . IS it open?" Without waiting an answer be climbed tho ladder rtipldly. A' swift thrust of his hand djklodged tho trap. He mounted recklessly, his. anger care less of unylhing'thut might await him. Nothing occurred, however. Tho narrow enclosure of. the tower, proper vvus empty and silent. Herepath, .with ih feeling of disappointment, descended to, 'the - tower room. Ho found .Fry still- coritcmplat Ing tho damage. " ,r\Vhat wnS you looking for?" the gardener demanded curiously. "Birds' nests." Horopnth said. Fry was an unpleasant person nt tho best of times, and his present attitude disgusted Herepath thoroughly. "Hero . . . fake tho rooms on the right. Look In each as you go by. 111 take those on tho left." "More birds' nests?" Fry mumbled as he shambled away. Herepatlv Ignored the impudence. He found himself with a ninltciiy wish that Fry might discover the Rlogcn for himself, at close quarters But this satisfaction was denied him. The rooms wero gone through with-out incident. He dismissed tho gardener curtly on regaining tho ground floor. , Ifry. he decided, was «etUng on his nerve? at first he had thought him merely stupid and pessimistic. He began now to suspect him of downright malice. | FryJ he told himself ill-tomperedly would be no loss to anyone. Me was I sorry later for this thought, however But ho could hardly havo forseen. at tho time, with what completeness his own uncharlty would be met. Dr. Montague and Ruth wore with Joe on tho verandah. Tho boy was pale, but otherwise ' himself. He greeted Herepath with a sickly grin. "You're all right?" Herepath said anxiously. Dr. Montague, looking unusually grave, said: "Yos, ho's all right. Herepath. No bones broken, and fortunately thojcuts are slight. I should soy ho's suffering principally from shook." Ills look cautioned Herepath. Ruth said quickly: "Poor Joe fan-dps ho saw a ghost. Rod. I must, tell Mtf$ Puckle to glvo him less plum pudding. Why, Joe. now you know perfectly., well there isn't any. such; thing as a '.real . ghost. How they would laugh at 'you at home, if they hoard of it;" . "Jane wouldn't. Jane's, frightfully keen otr ghosts." the Murglo lielr de-fviidod weakly. But his ussurnho-seemed to waver before their smilins scorn. "Cri' . . . well, maybo it weren't a ghost, after all." "A ghost in broad daylight. Joe!" Herepath' scoffed. "That's a bit hot. Isn't It? I was watching you the whole time. Your bold slipped, and vou fell against tha.window and broke it. That's all there was to It." "Yes. I know." Joe agreed doubtfully. Herepath said, with affected reproach: "Just fancy trying to put one over, on us like that. Well, go on resting for awhile, Joe. You've done enough for one day." Secure from observation In the
d.Uln>r-,room. however, tho faces of throe sobered. . Horopath said: "Just what- did Joe SCO?" "I begin to foel uneasy Herepath," Dr. Montnguo confessed. His eyes wero worried. "I did not foresee anything like this. Frankly I don't like It. Tho boy apponra to havo encoun-tered a Iilogon, which has apparently escaped . from the laboratory, and is now in the tower, or thereabouts. 1 say a BIogcn. But whon I consider. Herepath, it is possible wo have to do hot with one star germ, but with a number. My own encounter 'may havo no .relation to tho boy's experience.' "What was his experience?" Dr. Moninguo sighed. "lie says that when ho lookod in at tho window of tho tower room, a kind; of "green mist gathered bohlnd the glass. It frightened him. He heard you calling to him, and he tried to answer, Rut ho says he couldn't mako n sound. All he could do wuh to watch this mist. It appeared to grow nnd become solid, In some way that he cannot explain. Vnd then Lho window Vurpt .(ind this, solid mist— which lm says had turned white — spread Itself all over him, IIo Celt himself being dragged through tho gap in tho window, and ho found his voico and screamed. Ho describes his sensations as hclpg akin to what ho imagines It would bo like to bo smothorcd fn dough." "As to that," Horopath said, "I saw tho subst'nnco cover him. It was white and. greasy looking. Llko dirty cotton-wool." "Yev Dr. Montague said. "I think thoro Is. little doubt It was tho remarkable protoplasmic manifestation which, bears the mime of ectosaro. spiritualists speak of It as ectoplasm, In relation to a certain substanco supposed to be projected from tho human body during trance. On that point I know nothing." He broke off abruptly and his face quivered. He said: Herepath, I begin to be afraid. Ono moment. Do not misunderstand me, 1 am not afraid Cor myself. I was never less afraid on my own account than 1 am at this moment. But I am afraid for — shall ! 1 say the world. Terrible -possibilities oeoui to me. Suppose these Intelligences ar»? able to multiply on earth. It Is idle to deny that such as we hnve encountered so far are nakedly evil. Groat Clod! what have T done?" So anguished was his cry that Ruth's eyes lillod with frightened tears But she was quick to comfort him. "Father, that's nonsense, of course. You said yourself that earth tempora-turos wero almost -certain to prove fatal to any form of laboratory life. Tho Hiogen is possibly already dead." "On the contrary," Dr. Montague salr hoarsely, "all tho evidence points to Its rapid adjustment to earth conditions. The most elementary forms — such as tho spldcr-Uko nucleus which young Murglo first saw, and which ho described as a tangle of ctring — will in all . probability expire early. But tho higher forms of oosinieal life may survive indefinitely The process of adjustment will be slow necessarily, because of tho entirely new conditions. Thuy are at present, as wo may say. fooling their way slowly to the fulness of their power. An evil power, Herepath Ono must admit that. The apotheosis of wickedness." In an attempt to distract Dr. Montague from too serious a viewpoint. Herepath returned the conversation to the experiences of Joe Murglo. He suggested: "We ought to mako some allowance for Joe's youthful terror, don't you. think? For example, I hnve no doubt that he himself was responsible for the breaking of the window. The glass fell Inwards, not outwards. It was the pressure of
his body that did tho mischief. In a sense, ho was hypnotised." "I think so, too," Ruth said. "Joo's Imagination undoubtedly colors Ills story." "It scarcely matters," Dr. Montaguo said. "Tho star germs nro realities. If wo can coutlno thorn to tho house there is hope that wo may find some moans to destroy them. Fortunately It Ih winter. But whon summer comes . ." Ruth said gontly: "JVo must not anticipate evil. Let us ondoavor to discover tho nature of this star Ufo. Surely It cannot be as immaterial as It seems." ."My dear, you give mo fresh hopo." tho scientist said. He liftod his head confidently. "Yes, we must do that." "It Is n matter for religion nnd philosophy," Ruth said. "If there is a remedy it is In these, not in further research. On no account must lho laboratory be enterod under pro-Bont conditions. Tou agreo to that?" Dr. Montague uodded. "I was afraid that you would not," Ruth said. "And that would havo boon liidOKcrlbably foolish. Wo have to deal with mind-stuff, you see. It is a question of our minds against theirs It oven occurs to inn that this planetary life could not oxlst If our minds had not first conceived it," "That la a daring hj'pothoais," Dr Montaguo said. But his .look was full of admiration. "But I tako your moaning. In other words, tho Biogen is as much a thought projection from our minds us wo oursolvos are thought projections of the mind of tho Inflnito. And yet wo cannot dony ourselves," "No, but the Inflnito could deny us," Ruth said quietly. "We should then cease to be; Let lis deny the Blogcn. and porhnps It will cousc to bo." Herepath said: "I can't follow so deep an excursion into metaphysics. I pin my faith to timo and temperatures." "Tonight wo will endeavor to establish Ruth's theory, nevertheless." Dr Montague said. "1 thank God for tho thought."
CHAPTER 10 With tho resilience of youth, Joe Murgle was quickly restored to his normal well-being. True, his cut cheek wuh painful, and for some hours the restriction in his chest continued; otherwise, In a physical sense, ho had taken no great harm. Men tally, howevor, the case was different. The experience frankly terrified him. In spite of Heroputh's Jibing, Joe felt that ho had been face to faco, for tho second time, with influences vory nearly approaching to Jane's definition of a ghost. In the fow horrible instants preceding his merciful lapse into unconsciousness, whon he believed him-selfv to bo slowly suffocating beneath tho pressure of some enveloping dough-like subbtanee, he had almost felt the blood draining from hi» body. Ills blood was being drunk, as it had seemed. His bones were on the verge of being boiled. He had uttered « that one despairing scream of mortal anguish, nnd then hud known no. more until lie found himself in. safety ' on tho verandah. The Impression faded during the day. With tho coming of night It began to revive. Nevertheless, ho was not actually afraid. Ho was terrified, hut plucklly prepared to do his best in. any further encounter. An enemy of flesh and blood he could li&vo understood, but his chief uneasiness came from the fact that there was nothing on which his mind could tako hold. (To Ik? continued)

Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Monday 10 December 1928, page 23
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THE STAR GERMS I
I Thrilling Mystery y Serial v
i — By — ' BERNARD CRONIN
|, (ii.MM'ICK Id. — Continued
in. roimigc was bolstered up. Iiow-I; nv an Incurable curiosity. lie I rii hliiiscir I'1" centre »f n whlrlpnnl # Yi raardlnnry adventure, ami not «l wmild be Imvo deserted Ills
, There were nlsn coruun inono-considerations which q.mibl nut B i desnlsod. Ill Ills pocket reposed B .1,11,1 trii shilling note, the outcome Br llcrrnaib's tender conscience. More B 0 . for little Hcrmlo luontcd on Ills ,0',.nl liorlzon, not to mention soma B "all token, of regard for Mrs B 5 Silo's niece— the Inst a boldness H I..1 iio bud long -contemplated. B i: 'mi (lie whole, therefore, Joo wus B si llsllf'i eiibkh, Vnnrllielrss be hugged tho kttchon B r,, clo'"lv when nlglil roll. The dull-H .. nf ih'e duv bad turned to n bitter. B IriSii" ra I n. and the wind made un-B ;!l,nvr!iit'sl>- overhead. He tried not ' llsini io It. Writing mnterliils were B i thn labia imforo him, nmi l>o s.u B a ni'iiK the lotK'P ho wouhl prcHont-B vriio to IDs mother, cloHorlpilvc of B Ik own enormous slinro in llio latest B PvciuiMiionis of llfo at Red Gates. Bb |.«(,r iiio moment, however, he B onxtUl not concentrato upon the task, BSonUU thouph it wan. White B Aifflitinn Inspiration Iio became spool B nior of tlto nighty pfiimo of drauKhta B in nroKrcss between Mrs Pucklo and B Fry Mi utter violation of ail prcce-B dint M|S Pucklc maintained an al-B most roiitlnuous flro of conversation. B The truth was that even her placid-U Jlv wns not proof apnlnst the atnios K nhcre of mystery which had come to B Foil tiidrs. She sensed romothinK B of Its threat, while havInK only a confurd notion of its origin. She B tndrrhtooU that soim'thim; had in. B icrfcrrd with the work in tho B Ithorntory. Sotite tubos had burst, m ,-,nj \)r. .Montague had been taken ill. K 'j-jicre (:ocincd to b« somo doulit as to B pic cause of there happenings, yot 3 inithrr could really be Raid to be l unnatural. Wa Tubes, accordini; to Mrs Ruckle's El rhiio.sophy. would go on bursting as 19 lone ns the world lasted: and people m ould so on being lit. The unnatural B part .to her mind, was the Investing B <if tTu'.so irivial Incidents with a sig-B jiiflcnnce of all just proportion. Mrs El had caught a word here and E8 tijrro, and had intercepted certain K looks nml emotions, on the part of E| J,, r employers, which had a ycast-liko m cffr-i-t upon her mind. B» llrr stolidity had. as It were. Bl (Mailed to fennent. She scoffed out-K R inlly at the Idea of supernatural IS cium'S but inwudly she experienec»l E r, delirious <|uaki.ng. I, ike most Ej v.nnirn. she could deny and alllrin in B tho same breath. Ej .foe Margie's darkly uttered boast-Eg lues of ghostly encounter were El weighed in the same balance as the Eg glooinv scotllngs of Fry. Tho rc-E fiitant iiiomal picture produced in Eg Mrs Furkle a condition akin to thut B which would conceivably follow the K shaulhiiH'ous swallowing of a poison Bf Mid its antidote. The most alarm-B l»g 5\ tn p: n 1 1 1 was a steadily Jncrons-B ing garrality. E l'ry, whose black finger nails Eg plight charitably be supposed merely E os heavy mourning for tho tactical B3 ttiumler which he had Just com B mitted, sat crushed by the volume of E Mrs I'uckle's words. His moutlt was BB half open, as though to tho weight Bj cf the hand that clung to his strag-Ba pihig black heard. Defeat stared E him in the face and his ill-humor ras evident. m He said, as Mrs Pucklc paused for Bl breath: "I t(dl you what It is. How E (.m a man concentrate on games when E tiicro's all this talk of germs and Eg thiiiuk It ain't posslldc."
Ami what about me?" Mrs Puekio asked. She crowned a king with vicious energy. "Don't l 'car it 7. And don t I have lo concentrate, too?" "Vou'rc n woman." Fry snarled. Ho bit his nails at tho loss of two more men. "I like that," unld Mrs Pucklc. "I do Indeed. 'You ro a woman, he says. Well, and what olso would 1 bo? Answer mo that! Would I be a man If I could? T would not. Leastwise, if l wna, I wouldn't 'avo no whiskers. I'd save up and buy a razor. You hnvo lo lake me, Fry." "I don't 'nvo to," the gardener protested, b "if you don't I'll 'itff you." Mrs sulci. "That's right. Now It's my move again. Aiul that's rlgnt. Were you over married, Fry?" "More brains," Fry mumbled. "Wanted." Mrs Pucklc finished YJHtUy. "Mon brains wanted, Fry. Well, It's boon n inocuv for Romt woman. Well now, loll ina! What's (his ((logon that Miss Itnlh's hoon talkliiK about? A llloKon? Whut's a lllogen?"
, "I'm n gardener," Fry said; "but J that." The housekeeper regnrded his leer with disfavor. "Well, what is It?" "It's n thing," Fry said, "that they m ««es 4lnvl»g pictures with." » . ?.u re of a blograph," anld Mrs Puekle. "A Blogcn Is a sort of a bug ifs something ullve. It's your iitovo." .7 ?ry ,Hn'd: "If you ask me tho whole thing Is a bug. Silly behavior. Jlas nnyono hoo anything? No, they aven't. And not likely to." "Joe hero seen something," Mrs Puekle said, "Didn't you, Joo?" "Mr Fry won't have It," Joo complained, "but 1 did. Twice I've seen something. I'vo seen a thing llko a bunch of string, nnd I've seen a thing like n fog." "Young 'ound!" Mr Fry breathed spitefully. "Jie'a. making it up. linn anyone else seen this hero string or l hlj» here fog? No, they ain't. And never will," "It near strangled nie. . anyhow," Joe said. "Don't you mind him, Joe," Mrs
Pucklo encouraged. She herded the /) Fry nrmy towards a comor of the f hoard, 'Tie's Jealous because Mr |) Uerepnth gave you that ton shilling // nolo, I saw him watching you. It's \ your move," )) Fry almost howled: " I can't move. You know I can't movo. What's the | good of telling me It's my movo when / you've won tho game?" \ "Becauso I warned to make you ad- 1 mil It," Mrs Pucklo said. Fry's expression was lost to Joe, I) who was bending at Inst to tho effort / of correspondence. A new nib was in \\ his pen, nnd his tongue already lolled ) In tho throes of composition. Presently there nroso a scratching sound |) Indicative of the sensational com- / municatlon which Mr Murglo was next \ ovcnlng to interpret aloud In the I bosom of his family. "Dear Mum. — Mr Fry's In a terrible A wax because Mrs Puckle's beaten hhn / at draughts. Fry only had two men IV left and Mrs Puckte had four kings I) and three men. And Fry said .vou ( always win; there's no fun playing 1) with someone who always wins. And // Mrs Pucklo said, well I didn't ask you \\ to ploy, did 1? And Fry said, yes, !J you did. And Mrs Pucklo said, well, ( what If I did. This Is a freo country. | And Fry went out and slammed the / door. \\ "Oh, mum, my face Is all cut. They 7 thought I would bleed to death, but 1 ( managed not to. Tell Jane X am all | right, but my soro cheek and a head- / acho. Oh, Mum, you should have \V seen mo. Mr Hcropath said would I) you like to climb to the tower window ( you ore the only one I will trust Joe. \\ And X said, of courso I will. You see / mum, the door of the tower room was \V locked, and Mrs Puckte said It Is I) novcr locked, because there is not any key. And so we could not get Insido. And so I climbed on the roof and went to get in at the tower window. IV Well, mum, there was a sort of fog \) there, and all of a sudden the window ( broke nnd tho fog came out. I was A not afraid, of course, but it was a tor- if rlblo feeling all tho same. I called \\ out to Mr Xforepath, it is all right; 1 I) am not afraid. And ho said 1 know, ( Joo, I wish 1 had your courage. But V after a terrible struggle tho fog went // away, and I fell through tho window U and cut my face. Tlicy thought J I would bleed to death, but I am glad ( to say I stopped In time. d "Well mum Miss Ruth thinks there ') Is a l»logen in the house— It Is a \ sort oC bug, Mrs Pucklo says. Mrs IJ Pucklc says It is nil very mistorious / Joo and we must bo on our guard, y I am glad there Is a man like you In if the house Joe it makes nie feci V\ safer. You would like Mrs Pucklo, I she is a sensible woman, and her ( ncecc Emily Is a lovely girl. She , comes every Sunday to see her aunt, i I mean Mrs Pucklc, of course, She I had three sisters and no brother and ' so she knows very little about men. But Mrs Pucklo says she Is a tine | girl Joe and will make a good wife | for somebody. I mado a good wife y but my husband did not appreciate I me and ran away to sea. Emily told ! mo this and she thinks it Is very sad. | "I am sorry to hear about little 1 Hermlo being sick. Father should \ not leave his pipe about and then lit- f tie llormle would not suck It. I told ' Fry about it and he said there's too \ many brats In the world os It Is. Fry Is not a nice man. Emily says her > aunt, 1 inenn Mrs Pucklo, of course. : told her that Fry only had a bath V once a year, I am sorry to hear that I Mr Winglo says ho will put father 1 off if lie has any more of it. Mrs i Pucklo says any man with so many / bolls would lose his temper. She knew I a man once that had so ninny boils I that he lost count of them and be- 1
came very 111. | "Well mum horo Is another ten / shUIIhgs that Mr Hcrepath gave me % he said you are one In a thousand ' Joe, You can buy something for'Ut-tlo ITermle If you like. But I would | like a tortcrshell comb for Emily because she likes tortershcll. You > could send it In your next letter, f Mrs Pucklo likes tortershell two but Fry does not. No Mrs Pucklo said | plane bone Is more In your line why don't you see a doctor. And Fry said what do you think X am. And Mrs Puckle said I don't know it has often puzzled me. Your loving son Joe. P.S, Tell Jane she Is right about ghosts I have seen several. I am not afraid of them — Joe Murgle." CHAPTER IX Dr Montague was never so happy as when building somo theoretical edlflco upon known and approved facts. He was thus occupied now: | thin legs crossed, as ho sut by the Are; chin cupped in one hand, and | hair slightly awry; eyes fixed on tne ' leaping names in a wrapt abstraction. . His uneasiness was for the time being I completely forgotten In tho ecstacy of imaginative flight. Ho spoke In a j low vojee, that was by turn dry and preclso or full of the light and shades of emphasis. He was breaking 1 ground now that was new to Ruth herself, and she listened eagerly.' | Hcrepath smoked silently In the depths of . an armchair. The subject fascinated him. Ruth said, during a pause: "You think then, father, that the star germs 1 are from planets forming our sun's Inner family?" 1 "I liavo small doubt of It. From 1 Venus, Mars, Mercury or tho Moon arranging them In order oC magni- I tude." "The moon?" Horepath exclaimed. 1 "Why not? So far as her path Is ' concerned 6ho may be taken as being a planet. She Is the smallest of the I family, but her dimensions are by on means insignificant. She has a eur- | face about ns large as Australia and ' Africa together. Under the telescope the moon appears as an arid, water- I less globo covered with mountain ranges and pitted with enormous j craters. So far as can be judged sho has no air. It must be romom- . bored, however, that we can only ' see a little more than half of her entire surface, since but one portion 1 of her turns earthwards. There may be lunar inhabitants on the unseen surface. If so, and this applies to the other planets, they must be a class of being unlike ourselves," (To bo continued)
Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Tuesday 11 December 1928, page 26
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f The Star Germs f
Thrilling Myitery Serial
— — |j I BERNARD cronin
CHAPTER 11.— Continued
Dp Montpsuo frowned and con-tinned: "Of this Inner circlo. Mars and Venus probably support soma form of life for a certainty. Venus is approximately as lurgo as Terra—
umi is, our own cnrin. sue nns no moon, but being nearer to the sun than wo are, aho receives proportionately more light and heat. Almost twice as much, In fact. This tcni-peraturo is far to groat to sustain lifo as wo know It on earth. But ours Is not necessarily tho only possible form of lifo. Proctor, for example, declared that ho had little doubt there were living creatures in
Venus, although he could not conceive what manner of creatures they might be. Venus is known as. Hesperus, tho star of tho evening. Her influ-cnccs, nstrologlcally considered, are for human good. £tfio is surpassingly beautiful, In view of her small size. Jupiter, over a thousand times greater in volume, Is far inferior in brightness. And Slrlus, greater than Jupiter by moro than 0:10 thousand millions of times, shines far loss brightly than Venus. If light denotes goodness, as wo believe, thon wo may expect the inhabitants of so magnificent an orb as Venus to bo angels of light, indeed." "We know moro of Mars," Ruth suggested. "Thanks to Lowell," Dr. Montague said, "wo know most about Mars. Wo know that he receives only about lialf as much light and heat as wo do, becauso ho travels next to tho earth on the outside, or away from the sun. He is tho smallest of alt tho planets except Mercury, and like Venus, he has no moon. Our oceans exceed our continents almost three times. On Mars water and land are about equally divided. Sho most resembles our earth, vet certainly is incapable of supporting any form of terrestrial life." Herepath asked: "What of tho big fellows? Jupiter, and so on." "Jupiter is a miniature sun, ovor a thousand times larger than our earth in volume, and somo throo hundred times greater In mass. If there
nro jovinns— which Is unlikely— they do their courting in tho light of Ave moons. it is, indeed, likely that neither Jupiter nor Saturn .have any solid globe at all.. At any rate,' nothing fixed has ever been recognised through tho donso atmosphere surrounding them. No, Herepath, whatever form of lifo has been evolved in my laboratory must come from one, perhaps all, of tho inner planets. We shall never know, I fear," "It seems to me," Horopath said, "it scarcely matters whqro tho things como from, onco they are hero. After all, wo haven't actually seen anything much. It's possible, isn't it, that the number is less than our uneasiness supposes? What I mean is that all our encounters may have been with one and tho samo Biogcn, In tho 'different stages of its growth and development. Ruth snid, shivering a little, "In that case. Rod, why don't wo llnd it visible always? Why should we eec It one time, and tho next time only feel it, or smell it? No; there are a number of tho creatures." "1 think so," Dr. Montague said. "Possibly a dozen different forms cf lifo from a dqfccn different sources. We must romcmber that apart from the planets themselves, there are numerous small bodies travelling between Jupltor and Mars. From any oho of these may have fallen the cosmlcal dust which has germinated here. Somo of this star life has appeared and has died. Some of it survives and is developing hourly." He stirred restlessly. "I am tempted," ho said, "to enter the laboratory again. I am qucerly interested in the culture yet remaining. Mark my. words, Ruth, it will prove the most extraordinary of . all. T fo/%1 It In n... i. —
— 4 .. ... liijr v vl / UU1JC3. "I would destroy It. utterly., this very minute, It I dared." tho girl sold passionately. "It Is dreadful to think that here In the house wlht us are abominable intelligences agalnBt which we have no defence."' ' . "Wo. have the defence of our — as wo bellevo— higher, . more spiritual Intelligence." Dr. Montague said earnestly. His. voice shook a , little. ."You yourself pointed the way, my dear. Our minds must deny, these other minds,' must -deny and destroy them. Eh, Herepath? . Como now, we shall see." : -Herepath moved to Ruth's side.' 1 "Of. courso..we. will. . And- 1 share the doctor's belief about the surviving culture." "I am sure that. - in some way," Herepath continued, "it will prove remarkable. I was almost saying providential. It Is such a .beautiful thing to aee. at its present stage, that It surely cannot glvo birth to evil. Indeed. It may not- glvo birth at all. It may have failed and be dead even now." . ' " "I , confess, all' 'the same," Dr Montaguo said, with a wry smile, "that the situation Is not exactly pleasant. Certainly we have ' so ' far been more frlghtenedcd than hurt. And probably wis shall continue that way. Tho , Blogens , will Ihevltablv succumb to terrestrial .temperatures. It may be, . In '' some . ciascs, . a long business: nevertheless, It Is bound to be. In the meantime, if they choose, as it were, to walk In .011. us, we must — " ' A little scream-: from Ruth . out him short.. '„A knock had, (founded on tho door. It was so unexpected that even Heropath'a. pulse leaped slcklshly. . He called: "Who Is It? Is anyone at tho door?"' Dr. . Montague had risen. . Ho sat down again quickly, with an audtblo sigh of relief, however, on; the appearance of Mrs '.Ruckle,'' . The housekeeper's, faco was pale, and her look was slightly: bewildered. ' Sho- snid: , "I beg - pardon, Miss Ruth, hut I thought— I mean I wondered — " "Yes?" .Herepath said encouragingly. . . . Mrs Ruckle said. In a' frlgthened voice:' "I thought I' saw someone- going up tire stairs with a lighted candle. Fry and Joe are In. their beds this long time, and I couldn't make out why anyone would-be going up there at this time of night, And so I thought yd come and see — " "Well, we're all here." Dr| Montague said. But- Ills laugh was strain-
ed. "You must havo bcon mistaken, Mrs ruckle." "No, sir. I saw It as pinln ns plain enn be. And I thought It was queer. Because thoro was Just the caiullo like — Just the cnndlc — " "What do you mean?" Herepath asked sharply. "A lpan, was it? A man with a candle?" Ruth's courage hail returned to her. Sho went to tho housekeeper and slipped a hand over the trembling arm. "Something lias frightened you, Mrs Pucklc. What a shnine. Sit down here by thq flro. Now — toll us quietly. And so you saw a man holding a cnndlo go up tho stairs?" "Not a mnn,'' Mrs Pucklo sold. She
Buiiuu in until ftiuyiuijt Her teeth chattered a Uttlo, as though sho hud caught a chill. "I raw — Just the candlo itself. Of course, somcono would' havo to ho carrying it. They wouid, wouldn't they? But I didn't sco no one. Just tho cnndlo flamo mounting tho stairs ..." Dr. Mdntnguo said: "Ah! How do you know it was a candlo flamo?" "I don't know." Mrs Pucklo mild, Ruth exclaimed quickly: "Rod, whoro you going?" "Can't havo people walking about your houso at midnight in this way," Ilorepath said, with an attempt at Jocularity. "I'll Just run up and havo a look at things." "Very well," Ruth said, aftor a little sllcnco. "We'll both go, Rod," Herepath began to protest. "Absurd. You'd freeze away from tho Are." Ho drew her a Uttlo apart, and whispered: "Silly child. This, at least, is something of flesh and blood. Candles don't walk about when no ono Is holding them. I'll. ho hack In a mlnuto or two."' "I shall go, too," Ruth said obstinately. "And I," Dr. . Montague spoke over her shoulder. "Will you sit hero and keop the Are warm for us, Mrs Pucklc?" But the housekeeper refused point blank. Sho said: "Not whllo thero's burglars about. I'll come with you. Four's bet-ter'n one—" ' "AH right," Hcropath said good-humorcdly. He could not conceal from
nimscit-A great roller at we tnougnt of company. The Intruder was human enough, .he had little doubt, yet tho /acts wero strango enough to warrant a certain nervousness. "We'll need a torch, Ruth," he said, "Botter without," Dr Mortngue said qulotly,. . But his eyes were curiously excited, ns though at some sudden, surprising thought. "Wo can pick hlpi out more easily from. the darkness. Herepath shrugged his shoulders. "As you like. Take my arm, Ruth. Now, Mrs Puckle. Forward tho Light Brigade. I take it you mean the central stairs leading to tho uppor storey?" "Yes. Mr Herepath, I was coming out of the broakfast-room after set-
tln5 t'1.0 ?,oth for tomorrow niomi and I Just scon It for a sera,," „,n aftor- U,-m»rt»>»'«cklS\K "Como closo to ns." Run, Ml(j Tho darkness was Cimmerian n'„. path could distinguish noUilt,,-' 0 ,V companions. They moved, ns lt ... '' through a funnel of MKhUoswl"' Dr. Montague's voico enmo (L somowhero abend. '01» "Wo'ro nt tha foot of ihn .... When did you put out tho hainii"" Mrs Pucklo?" la" lamp. . Tho fact of its oxtlnctlon ann„„. . to strlko tho housokoopcr for „teJ tlmo. . - 0 ""l Sho stammnrod: "I .... ..
out. doctor, it was alight a few nJ i monts "go. when I came tlirouei, . Miss Ruth's room. I never thSl„i about that until Just now." ""Bit "Tho draught did It." Herepath «... quick to say. llo pressed ltun?.! arm encouragingly. "Listen to Vi.J wind outsido. Very likely the oil low, and a gust hit tho Hue n doosn't matter. Are wo coln'c doctor 7" h " "ft "Waltl" Dr. Montague enld iihi lanlly. ' Something. Horopath could h«... sworn, stlrrod In tho thick darltn... over tho stalr-hond. Ho heard Rutv! bronth cntcli sharply. Mrs Pucklo said, with a notoofhr. torla: "Thoro! Did you sco It! o» tho landing! Thoro It goes now1" A pnlo Ilamc. Itlco a cnndlo llrht was suddenly visible. It moved slowly, anil with a d. cullar appcaranco of rigidity, aero., tho faco of tho darkness. It was. Hercpnth told himself, exactly as It somoonc was passing along tho corridor, cnndlo In hand, except that noth. Ing of tho person himself was vlslbl. "Thoro nro two of thorn," Dr. ilorr tnguo oxclnlmod. (To bo continued) .
Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Wednesday 12 December 1928, page 26
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r THE STAR GERMS
Thrilling A Mysicry y Serial V '
f-flTTllI Bernard HI CRON1N HI
CIIAFl'ER It.— Continued
Ruth said, "Threo, Father; .tvhd are thej? What aro they?" Two more candlc-flamea had made their nppcarnnco. They followed In tho wako of the first, tO NnnIsh beyond the nncle of tho corridor wall.
The darkness settled back Into place Uko a curtain released.
words, no good can como of this. Corpse-candles — that's what they were." "Nonsense!" Dr. Montague said sharply. Ho laughed. "You'ro too old for that kind of rubbish, Mrs Puckle. Ruth, where aro you?" "More," Ruth Bald. Hep father said, "No use to follow nn Ignis fatuus. Come back to the sitting-room. Herepath. you're sensible enough to recognise what It Is that we'vo seen?" "Of course," Herepath said. On the hint given, ho was prepared to perjure himself completely. The scientist's wit. he rentisod, was seeking a way to reasauro the women. "As kids wo used to call them will o' the wisps. They do scaro you for a moment, though, until you realise . . "In tho house!" Ruth said, with a note of incredulity. "Why not?" Dr. Montngtio asked, leading tho way bnok Into tho cheerful warmth and light. "You know the properties of tnarsh-gas, Ruth. It's quite possible. Indeed, you've just seen it for yourself — for tho Ran to release a floating bubblo or two into a window or ventilator. We'vo laid your ghost for you,, Mrs ruckle. You can go to hod with a stout heart." Tho housekeeper was completely deceived. "How fulllsh I've been. I never thought of them being marsh lights. And alt that swamp down there at tho foot of the '111. I'll bo off. And thank you, gentlemen. You'ro going to bed now, Miss Ruth?" "Yes." Ruth said. Herepath could not read her expression. He thought, however, that her reason was satis-fled, "Good-night. I'm so dreadfully tired.""Sleep "Sleep well," Herepath said cheerily. lie smiled nt her as she nodded from tho doorway. "This ought to bo a lesson to us. Most human fear is unjusiiffed." But when she had gone he asked bluntly: "What was It rcallly, doctor?" "I don't know," Dr. Montague said. "Flame, as you saw. I suspect It was still another form of cosmical life." "But a flame," Herepath objected, "Isn't alive, except In the popular sense." "Is It not?" tho scientist said. He smiled and shook his head. "Science does not ngreo with you, mv boy. Even In ancient times It was believed that, in an elementary sense, flames were alive. All luminous bodies, in fact. Hippocrates, for example, declared that flames were living things. And the Idea that tho sun is the source of life, ns well as of light, animated the cult of Are worship. "At least wo know this, Herepath. Flames partake In tho process of metabolism. Metabolism alone, certainly, is not tho whole of what we call vitalactlon. Something else Is required. Luminous bodies thus fall short of nn actual science such as Bio-Physics. But In so far as flames subscrlbo to the process of metabolism, we are entitled to regard them as elementary life. It has long since been shown that separate large luminous molecules exist In flames." ITercpath, marvelling, asked: "These — can I call them, say. flame germs — these flame germs, then, are phosphorescent? Is that what you mean?" "All radio-active substances pro-duco phosphorescence," Dr. Montague said. "In tho case of phosphorus, for example, luminosity comes from a slow process of combustion. Those flame creatures — they nre undoubtedly some kind of creature — arc radlu-actlre. Their luminosity may be entire — that Is to say. It may embrace their whole extent, or it may be onlv a nucleus about which centres an unsuspected. because unseen, shape. I am not prepared to say which It is. I believe such creatures arc harmless to us. It is unlikely that thev contain any form of intelligence. i«i, Xi nnMvirine ii ro not concerned
with mind-stuff, but are tho blunder-ing results of their metabolic processes. In some respects we were not far short of the truth when we spoke of them »-s marsh gas. There are separate luminous molecules in gases. Energy stored in a phosphorescent bodv may subsequently be radiated in the form of light. The subject Is highly technical." "Too technical for me." Herepath confessed. He debated silently for n moment. ! then said: "Can you tell me this, doctor. Would It be possible for nn Invisible body to tnukc a visible "What do you mean by an Invisible body?" Herepath told him of the tracks of -.atvr-likc hoofs which Joe Murgle had' discovered In tho upper corridor. "God knows." Dr. Montague suld, with a little despairing gesture of his thin hands, "how many of these extravagant croutlons my rashness hns tot loose on earth. They multiply hourly, Herepath. There seems no end to their number and variety. You are sure of what you say?" "Quite sure — unfortunately/' Herepath said.Dr. Dr. Montague said sombrely: "This is the worst phase yet. You were wise to withhold this discovery from Ruth. If 1 could 1 would send her elsewhere. But she would not leuvo nie, Herepath. No more loyal sou! ever lived. She would not go without me. And 1 cannot desert an obvious duty. I evolved these st»r germs, and their destruction Is my responsibility. But. 1 would to Clod I had never tampered with so dangerous an experiment." "You wore not to know, that the nature of such life .was wholly malign." Herepath comforted. "It was irreligious. Some things. Herepath, are beyond the province of man's duty His curiosity Is an Impertinence to Him who created him. 1 begin to realise that now — when it is too late. I pray that if punishment is called for It may be meted out to me alone." Herepath broke an uncomfortable silence by saying: "Such'llfo might just as easily have been good. You were not to know." "To return to your question," Dr. Montaguo suld, with a sigh, "a strict reply is not readily como at. You ask if it Is possible for an invisible body to leave a visible track, as in the case of the satyr hoof. And I ask you what you mean by. an. invisible body.""Something "Something we cannot see." Herepath. replied, at a loss to understand whnt the scientist was 'driving at, "Wind Is not itself visible," said' Dr. Montague. "We sec the effect of wind, but we cannot see tho wind itself. We seo the rlpplea In the sand, and on the face of tho water, for example. In this case, however, the visible effect is not general, but entirely local. It is cast In a slnglo mould, and Is the work of an entity and not of nn clement." Herepath said eagerly: "Exactly. It Is a phantom footprint. How can that bo? How is it possible that something Immaterial can mako a material print, in as ordered and re-. I gular sequence as that of a human I foot?" | "It depends .upon what we mean ' by visible/ Dr.' Montaguo said. Ho
looked nt the clock nnd rose to hln feot, yawning wearily, "If, for example, you were blind, Ilerepnth — which God forbid, am I the less material because to you I am Invisible? In other words. Is tho Invisibility of this satyr-llko Blogon a property of Itself or of the limitation of your power of sight? Until we can answor that bo cannot nnswer your question. You seo what I mean?" In his bedroom Herepath stood a moment nt the opon window before turning in. Tho rain had ceased, and a watory sections of moon drove through tho clouded aro of night sky. . Tho wind howled. Ho fell into a heavy sleep almost as soon as his head touched tho pillow.
CHAPTER 13 It was, as Ruth discovered on consulting the luminous dial of the clock on tho table at her bedside, within a few minutes of three o'clock In the morning, when she wakened on the crest of a nightmarish dreaming, llor heart was pounding violently and her head ached. Tho experience was not new, for sho was subject to mild night terrors of the kind. Slnco early childhood her sleep had been disfigured by Ill-drcamlng; nnd, whllo sho was. to somo extent, resigned to this, she could novcr wholly cscapo those first few moments of waking terror, whop her mind struggled to sort the real from the unreal. As always in such case her wakening now was complete. Sho knew that normally sho must lin for an hour or moro beforo sleep again returned. Yet not quite always, for she hail once dreamed that sho had wakened out of a horrlflc Inner
dreaming, nnd had then wakened actually. This double awakening was uiiplensant In Itself, and mid become Indelibly Impressed on her consciousness. Afterwards sho could never ho sure, for some moments after wakening, that further wakening might not como. But when fully assured her wakefulness was distressingly alert. Sleep onco banished withdrew sulking Into a corner, nnd might not bo coaxod back except at Infinite pains. Tho foot of tho bed pointed at the window. Lying with wldo-cton eyes. Ruth could faintly distinguish beyond It an oblong of cold, moonlit sky. The clouds had dispersed, and tho room was filled with a phosphorescent haze. She knew a queer dent cssion as tho seconds passed. Not yet completely recovered from the effects of Iter dreaming. It seomcd to her that there wero voices in the wind and hands In tho obscurity. Sho closed her eyes, but Immedintolv opened them again, with a sonso of disquiet. She had a sensation of un-usualness. The room was. in sotnc undefined way, not wholly normal. Something hmi gone from ,tt. or had come into It, Turning on her sldo, ' Uu'h began to check off tho various fnmlliar articles of furniture. \ 1 There was tho dressing 'table In the alcove by the window; In heavier shadow, the wardrobe and bookcase. There, to tho right or tho fireplace tho big leather chair. By- the door, tho cane settee. The wicker table was In Its place at tho side of the bod. Tho rugs-It was at thin point '.hat her mind faltered. She had looked for two rugs and she found three. Tho third, of which she had no recollection what-
ever, was net In a whit «... Ral most tit the cimtro of th. & "l-K twocn lior boil nnd th„ door. H9| lt.v tho bedside — n i. ' , H9| bond now told hor-_Wh. ,.»«« & noor-l-UK Sho hud boinibt on i HI trip to tho city. Th/ a,,,l ,i r>H slnn nmt on tile linoleum by h.'H dow, wero tb0 only ru-i n, '!' Hl conlntned. Yet Iniiuhimblv A roli> HII n third tub— n. thin-,- ot H.,' Bil white, wliore only tb» .lark o, ?l H louin oURlit to hnvo bom. Hl Stnrlns at It, Ruth bml is. , H pod thought that this wa„ / H within a dream. siio hint $,n:> Hi reality wakened nt nil. Tor is 11 Hi ond tlnio, It appeared, .1"® '« Hi had tricked lior. And 8b0 H Ing for the real nwnkmthic n; , Hi and wondering In « .,U i; extraordinarily undroamllk- iniS.4! H her remaining Inn.ressloni J1 Hi could hear tho ticking 0f tii. -i51! by the bedside, could nee ib. W raised wlndow-sliude movlnl io u' draught of tho volleying wind Hi feel tho fingers of her clasovi' j biting into her .flesh. ""1 H4 . Surely, sho thought, no arMm,„ HI could know such vitality ot n.„ Hon. Sho began to slue# tho L" B nnco of tho strange rug. y0» ,v I HI' sho looked more -closely nt II Hi that It resembled moro ncnrl'v H squnro ot flat, whllo car,lh05rJc" H thick paper.- she hnd thoK !i B flrst that lis whiteness wns borro'i fi from tho moonlight. Now ,h. " that this was Inherent. It nv! " HB phosphorescent glow. it »„ "?t! B somo Juminons fungus " Tho conviction cnnie to nmh n„ B9 what sho saw was not tho subit>!« Hi of n dream, but a reality, sh. .r H tip . in' bed, her pulses rioting iTi H !iPY, H'Y; E"JW something else." K! B Ihslilo tho door were two thin t» HI tlcnl lines of amhor brightness «i Hi about tho thickness of her littlo fiS! B Tho lines were, ns It mlsht v. B cords Joining tho floor to the cells' M except that each end appeared i. H fal short of Its objectlvi by B Inches. Tho Impression given wai,! HI suspension vertically In mld-nlr. wit! Hi out any vlslblo support. HS They were perfectly straight at B still, and reminded her of crack, h H n wall, with a Unlit shining bevmi HI She could not. for tho lite ot he H Imagine whnt they really could £ H Unless, Indeed, she were tho vleth H of optical delusion. TO . Ruth's own stillness was not whoh Hi by design. A mounting terror numbd Hi her limbs. -There was something m H| a llttlo disgusting and horrible |n u, nppenrnco of tho amber lines, and (I H| the whltcly gleaming squnro on thi H floor, lior eyes nindo fearful excts Ha slon -front one to tho otlior, while h« H lienrt bent nenrly to suffocation, Shi B no longer doubted the nature ot th!i Kj strange mathematical Intrusion. H She was. sho now knew, being con- Kg fronted with still other exnmplcj ot Hi blwirrely fashioned cosmleal !!!»; K creative conceptions that might wii H be tho work of a lunatic or a devil; H entitles so outrngoously shaped an ti K sicken human thought. Her father. H explanation of the cnndlo flames bil H not deceived' her In the least, H (To be continued) H

Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Thursday 13 December 1928, page 42
________________________________________
Thrilling Mystery Serial
t the star germs f
l - By -BERNARD CRONIN
CllAPTICK 12. — Continued
'She had known at oitoe that »hoy wor© some form ol metabolic energy, but had deliberately masked her up-prehension lu order to lighten thai of her father and Mcrcputh. Kod , dates was literally swarming with
laboratory life, both ©eon and unseen. A miracle had been wrought, but It was a miracle of soientiilc blundering. Dike the I'Tankenstein monster, It bid fair to exact a terrible pcimltv before returning to tlie pH from which It ciunc. Yet with a full realisation cume a return of her courage. She censed to tremble, and her thought began to flow clearly and sharply, sho considered what sho ought to da. The star germs apparently wcro not con-corned with her prcsonco, or were Ignorant of it. It was possible. Indeed, that they were more shapes nuite lacking In blognn or mind-stun', and therefore ouslly outwitted. | The wonder that tilled her to witness thus clearly individuals belonging to the multifarious cosmlcul life, which she herself liud helped to bring to earth, further restored her poise. She tuld herself that she must obtain what data she could, while th© rare opportunity held. Accordingly she began very cautlonsly to leave her bed, with th© Intention of approaching these strange creatures more closely. How life might be contained in such unsatisfying bodily proportions, she could not Imagine. The germ on the floor was apparently as unsubstantially built as a sheet of paper. It had no bulk In which to contain any viscera. Vital organs, as earthly bodies knew them, must bo entirely absent. And th© same applied to the strlug-Uke, vertical creatures. They were lines of pencilled brightness, rather than palpable substance. Tot they were nil complete enough as regarded sensory fibres, for no sooner had her feet touched the floor than an agitation swept them. The lines appeared to shorten and then vanished. The square creature be-, came oblong, moving with a gliding motion towards the closed door, beneath which it disappeared. The evacuation was accomplished without the slightest sound, and so rapidly that Ruth could hardly follow tt. Her curiosity now fully aroused, she slipped Into her dressing-gown and slippers. She opened the door carefully and peered into tho dark corridor. At tlrst her straining sight sn.w only the blaflk wall of the night. But presently she was aware of a phosphorescence on the floor before Herepath's room. She watched it waxing and waning, as though to some respiratory process: then saw it suddenly extinguished altogether, Tt had, she knew, slid Itself under Herepath's door. It occurred to her all at oneo that' the creature possessed au intelligence less rudimentary than she had at first supposed. And with the thought came a return of her fear. She pictured Us movements In Herepath's room. For all sho knew, it was as wholly malign as others of the star-germs
which they mid encountered, rndood, she wus swept l\v a terrifying con-victlou thai licrepath was even tlicn in some sort of dungcr. On on Impulse— -for which over afterwards sho could never feel sufficiently grateful— Ruth opened Hero-path's door. Standing on' (lie thresh-hold she strove to understand what was happening. Tbe room was In dim twilight, She could distinguish the grey patch of tho window, and the blurred outline of the bed.- Hero-path's heavy breathing cunio to ntr oars. Hr was evidently in u sound sleep. By narrowing her eyes. Ruth could separate the ridge that was. tils body, .from the surrounding shadow. Almost instantly her pulses quickened. The bud, she saw. lmd a grey coverlet. It appeared first at the foot-rail. Her cyo traced it slowly onwards. Or was It that the coverlet, itself appeared to move. It v/as spreading aeroes the gup between. the foot-rail and tho head of tho bed. as though Hereputh was drawing the bed-elothca more comfortably under his chin. With realisation Ruth screamed. .Simultaneously almost, the grey thing ironLractcd uud fell to the floor. There came from it, hs it moved, a tiny darting ray, like a weak electrical discharge. It wna gone in an instant. Ilcrcpath had wakened and was sitting up.His His voice asked sharply, "What was that? Who is that 7" Ruth said. "Rod! Rod, are you nil i right? Oh. Rod— that beastly coverlet." "Ruth!" llercpath cxclulmod.tn umazomrnt. lie crumbled out of bed and tit the candle , "Ruth, was It you that screamed? Steady, dear. It's Quito all right. Just wait a moment," Sho leaned agdlnst the wall, -gasping weakly lu tho hysteria of her relief, while ho pulled an ovorcoat over his pyjamas. He came then and slid a comforting arm about her shoulders. "Why, little lady, whatever is it? Has something scared you?' Sit on tho box here. Now then. Take your time." She said, "it was one of those damned biogens. I think It would have smothered you, if 1 hadn't i:al!«d out. They were in my room threo or four of the things, und 1 Hiiw one go in under your door. T followed It in. It was crawling up your body." "Tho devil It was.'" Here path said. In sfiUc ©f himself he could not repress u shudder. Hr said: "Ruth. It looks as though you'd Jest como in time to save my fife. Things arc getting too warm for my liking." "Rod. supposing I'd conic _ too late?" He patted hor shoulder. At tho look in her eyes his mind know a swift elation. He' recalled how she find raid that his danger might point her to the love ho ao urgently desired of her. But lie was careful to reveal nothing of this. . . "Well, but > ou gno you didn't; Ijook ! here. I'd like to follow these germs i and give them something back. In a I seii.«e they must bo vulnerable, to ,at-tack. There must b© some way! in >
which we can kill or wound them It's worth trying, anyhow.'" i "What can wo do?" Ruth wondered Her sclf-control had returned. The Idea of retaliation made her oyer shine. "I'd give anything to wipe the beastly tilings out of cxlsteuca. Rod It was like a sheet' of pupcr. A hor-r'bio dead-white surface. And there wcro other things like thin strings of putty. Nightmare things." "Uven nightmares puss in time. k lioropnth comforted. Uc slipped Dr. Montague's automatic— which he hud retntuod in his possession — Into his overcoat pocket. "Coine along and let's son what we can find. If blogcns nro bullet-proof we'll give them <t chance to show. it. Will ynu carp tho candle?" lu the corridor a deathlike silence reigned. They talked in whispers, a thov went, "1 suppose," Ruth said, as a thought, "ij wouldn't havo gone into father's room." "I'll slip In and see." Ilorepatli did so. .Ho rejoined her Inside a minute. Your dad's snoring would scar© any star-germ that ever lived. Let's try the brenkfnst-room and your sitting-room." They did so, but to no result. The queer creatures that Ruth had scon were no lunger to be found. The house was quiet and norma! seeming. "Nothing doing." llercpath sutd. with almost resentment. But a second later he took the candle from Ruth and moved It from side to- side. Ills faco was wrinkled distastefully. "What a nasty smell," Ruth said. They were at the foot of the main stuirs, and llercpath stood eyeing the darkened ascent. "Foul, Isn't- it. I can't make out what it Is, You haven't been leaving any chemicals about? Phew! it's like that stuff — what's the nnmo of it? I remember as a boy in chemistry class 1 used to take the stopper out of the Jar, when old 'Stinks/ as wo called the chemistry master, had his back turned. Sulphreitcd hydro-.gen — that was it. It reminds me of that. That queer." "What?" Ruth said. Hut she knew what he meant, even as she said It. The stench had gone as suddenly as U had come. "Dashed queer." Horepalh muttered." "Rod!" Th© shocked quality In her voice, together with the sudden tightening of her fingers about Ids arm. brought llercpath sharply out of hlH abstraction. He noted, as he tlirust the candle buck into hor hand, that the mephitlc stench had returned. it beat upon his senses like a wave. Ruth was standing perfectly rigid. The pupils of her upturned eyes were contracted almost to pinpoints, and her. whole expression was one of profound. immeasurable horror. He heard the breath bubbling, as It were. In her throat. lTcrcpnth. following her ga?.e to the stair-head, said: "Good God!" On the landing where, a few hours previously, they had seen the flume-
gcrms processioning across the darkness, u bearded, gunt-llke face cleft the Inky shadow. In u ilevll'H cuiuoo of hooded light. The satyr features leered over ,t ho half-seen bannister at the fear-drugged girl standing bolow. ami Hereputh, as he felt frantically for hi automatic, had a stirring in his earn as of a bleating voice con-, vulsed with Infamous mirth. He fired twice— thrice, us fast na 1)0 could touch tho trigger: and saw the hldeousness recede to a mure smudge, and ko out like a blindness, lie caught Ruth's fainting body, as the candle fell from her hand, find was extinguished. In tho swirling darkness ho had' a horrible thought that the sntyr-tlilng was coming down the slalrway to wrest the Rlrl from his desperato arms. l)r. Montague's ' shouting steadied him. Lights had sprung in tho corridor, and lie heard Mrs PueWlc's door open, Mo called: "It's all right. I think. Ruth has fainted." Tito scientist, hair louscilod and eyes blinking, came hurrying forward. "What was It. Hereputh? Yor fired at something V" "Norves." TIerepath s'uid, for the benefit of Mrs Pucklc. "Ruth thought she heard something, ami wo came out to look. I fired at a venture. Mrs Pucklc — see, if you enn find the brandy." Ruth, to his immense relief, opened her eyes, before the housekeeper could comply. She suld faintly: MNu. I'm all right. I'm Just — a bit frightened. I'll go back to bed," Horepalh said: "Not alone. J Insist. Mrs Pucklo will share your room, at least for the rest of the night." She made no demur. "Of course," Mrs Pucklc said. She put a motherly arm about. the. shaking girl. "We'll talk about it In the morning, dearie— whatever It was. Nice goings on. 'Aunted, (hat's what wo are. Toobes and tilings—" Hcrcpnth said, when tho women had gone: "It was a. satyr.. You'll think I am mad. 1 can't. help it. ly was a satyr." (T0 tc continued)

Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Friday 14 December 1928, page 20
________________________________________
The Star Germs
fb Thrilling Mystery Serial
— — wnfrv — By— BERNARD . CRONIN
CHAPTER 12.— Continued
"The tracks young Murglo found," Dr Montague exclaimed. 11c looked at Herepath. and passed a thin hand over his chin. "No, I don't think you're mad. Unless we're all mad to-
gether, How can we say what forms inter-stellar lire takes. "Who knows but what the ancients made similar mad experiment, and immortalised their horror In tho satyrs, hlppo-gritfs, gargoyles, and so on.- that we meet in mythology. Come into Ruth's sitting-room. There can bo no nioro sleep for us tonight. No, my boy, I don't think you are mad. 1 believe that you stiw exactly what you say you saw, "Was the croatre entirely to bo seen?" "Head and shoulders only. They wero plain beyond possibility of mistake. The ears, tho high cheek-bones, the horns — " "You remember tho stench in the laboratory, llerepnth. It was there then, but wo did not see It. Wo felt It and we smelt it. Now two hypotheses are before us. Either this satyr-biogen can materialise and demnterl-aliso at will, or — and this is the moro probable — it is developing by degrees. Tho fact that it vanished when you fired at it, proves - very little. Let us say. for example, that It Is a thought projection only. Even this must go through a stage of development. At first we smell and we feel. Then we find a cloven mark. Next we see a head and shoulders. The whole creature is being built up, either of its own volition, or by the process of our thought." llerepnth, drawing at his pipe, saJd: "I'm not sure that I quite follow you.""I'm "I'm only groping," Dr Montague said. He busied 'himself raking together the still warm coals In the fireplace. Presently ho succeeded in coaxing back a llmne. "You remember what I said about matter and mind-stuff, llerepnth? What we have here— or in any situation touching on biological genesis — is the evolution of life or mind-stuff from primordial substance. For wunt of a nearer term wo call this primordial substance electricity. This is tho basis of both tho physical and tho mental — not a doubt of it. Artificial life with its interactions and metabolisms. Molecules, atoms, electrons. It is astonishing what we don't know about them. But we do know that in certain cases we find i self-conscious units. Units of thought ; as well ns units of matter. Or, to put ! it boldly, units of thought - matter, j biogen, life-stuff. : mind-stuff — What are ideas hut atoms? But enough of tills for tho moment. What is this you say about the blogetl climbing on J your bed?" llerepath gave tho story in detail. "1 never saw them at all. Ruth had a clear view. It was to discover these tilings that we wont on a hunt." "Flat," Dr. Montague repeated, frowning. "Like a sheet of paper. 1 can't conceive of such a thing. Was there no head?" "Not as far as Ruth could make out." "It proves how finite our conceptions arc." the scientist said. "I do not feel happy, llerepath. And yet — it is extraordinarily interesting. Well, we must hop«> for the best." "You can't imagine, then, what these square hlogens can be? And tho long, straight strings?" Dr. Montague shook his head. "No; I cannot. Perhaps, when I see them for myself. But it is this
sfityr-blogen that gives mo most concern. There is something devilish about It. Wc must send Ruth away from here. You must help mo to convince her." "She won't go," Herepatli said, with conviction. "Still, wo try to persuado her. And Mrs. Fucklo — Red Gates is no longer a safe placo for women." They wcro still seeking an argument to present to Ruth, whon the dawn broke.
CHAPTER IS Mr Murglo, alighting from tho tram on tho confines of "Tho Working Man's Residential Paradise." tugged irritably at his rust-colored moustache. us ho tramped homewards through the thickening dusk. Truth to tell. Mr Murglo was far from happy. The bo-bollcd foreman >'luul his knlfo well into him," and Mr Murglo's small framo was wrung drv with gloomy foreboding. Throughout the day each hod of bricks carried the additional weight of tho foreman's malice, and tlto knock-off calls had been but invitations to a lecture on tho shortcomings of bricklayers' laborers in general, and Mr Margie in particular. It was no wonder that the closo of tho day saw Mr Murglo in tho framo of mind popularly known as "rnt-liouso." To tills fact may bo attributed his turning aside on route, to the hotel at the end of his street. It lacked a few minutes to closing time, but Mr Murglo was capable of miracles when seriously discussing tho subject of Tlio foreman, indeed, had more than once remarked that if Mr Murgle could carry bricks with but half the energy he carried beer, tho occupation of bricklayers' laborer would acquire the dignity of a profes-S1ln view of the numbers of his follows that .Mr Murgle discovered in the vicinity of the bar. the hotel itself might not inaptly have claimed the title of tho suburb it served. Mr Murgle. standing in a forest of tilling elbows drank deeply from a thick glass. Disdaining the offer of further potations, lie scowled, wiped his rust-colored moustache with the buck of his hand, and fought his way once more into the open. Ills mind left tho foreman and settled tirmiv upon the moro pleasant subject of food. So sharply was his . palate attuned to his hunger that he could almost txsto the odors of the humble fare cooking to right and left, as ho trudged up the hill. Arrived at the crest, tho light from his kitchen window winked like a
— — — — — great welcoming eye. His cars wero assailed with a familiar uproar, through which tho reprimanding tones of his eldest daughter darted here and there, with knifc-liko rnptd-ity. i "Kids!" Mr Murglo frowned. \Nolsc. Mouths to feed. What tho 'ell now?" Ho stormed inside, his hands over his cars. Mrs Murgle sat sadly In tho rocking-chair, t iter frylng-fork moving to the' symphony of her children's tears, as though it were a conductor's baton. Miss Jane Murglo, ink-stained and angry, hold Horace by n small, grubby ear. "Now!" Mr Murgle shouted. Now! Damned kids: Jane, you leave 'Orrie alone. Now then. What's tho matter?" "Joe's been bit bo a ghostus!" Hor-aco blubbered. "What!" Mr. Murglo said. Mrs Murgle's attempted explanation was annihilated by a tremendous deluge of sound. Little Hcrmie, who had been storing her breath since the entry of her male parent, now released It with extraordinary abandon. . "Outside!" Mr Murglo ordered. Jane, get them kids out In tho yard. Noise!" "I won't!" Jano defied. "I haven't touched my homework yet. Nice-chance I've got to pass exams. They're not my kids." "Jane!" Mrs Murgle said foebly, ow dare yo ubo disrespectablo to your father." Mr Murglo appeared to clioko. 'You do as I say. I won't 'ave no argument. Take 'em out, i say. Man's homo ain't his own. Noise." "I'm sure." Mrs Murglo complained, as the door banged, "it ain't my fault. You know how 'Orrio Is. Jane will tease 'Im about ghosts. And little Hermie .don't like 'im crying." "Ghosts!" said Mr Murglo. He turned a dripping face from tho kit-chon sink. "What ghosts? What arc you tniklng about?" "Joe's wrote again." Mrs Murgle said. "Ho says a ghost bit him. rat her. „ Jane started reading out." . Mr Murglo said heavily: " Ow could a ghost have bit him? If you ask me that boy's getting dottier and dottier. Givo it 'ere." "You'd best have your tea first, father." "I said give it 'cro " Mr Murgle Insisted. He took the letter and spread It on the table at his elbow. "Ain't them sausages done yet? Well, 'urry them. Now what's this?" Ho begun to read aloud. "Dear Mum,— I hope you arc quite well. I wish 1 couUl say the same, but O, mum, you ought to see my foot; It's all swelled. Mrs Puckle said Joe, you have hiul a narrow escape from death, and I said I know thai. You see, Mum, I trod on a ghost and it bit me. You see, it was like this. Mum. Tho doctor has been making thing grow In iris laboratory, and the other day they got out Into the house, and now we can't find them. Ami Mr llerepath said to me. Joe, we can count ,on you to the last ditch, my boy. 1- would sooner have you, Joe, than onnyone I know. And 1 said 1 am not afraid tell me your trouble. And lie said, Joo something queer has happened, and wc must be careful. And I said what, and he said 1 don't know. Nobody knows but it Is something funny and people wouldn't believe If we told them. So you must not tell anybody at all. And eo 1 won't, only you, Mum." Mr Murgle paused to say, "Where's them sausages?"
"In a minute, father." Mr Murglo swallowed and continued: "Weil, Muni, last night I was asleep, and 1 woke up, and I was very thirsty. So 1 thought I would get a drink of water, Mr Fry was snoring fearfully, I thought ho would burst. Well, iMam, 1 got out of bed, but thcro is no outside tap, so I had to go into the kitchen for a drink. Tho door was not locked, so 1 wont In and it was very dark. But I was not -nfraid. And I would not have cared only it was cold, because 1 had only my bare feet, being in a hurry. Well, Mum, there was a white thing on tho floor, but I did not seo It until I trod on tt, and It bit mo oil tho foot, and It is nil swelled tip. My word. 1 did yell, and Mr llerepath came running, in. a revolver In his hand. Where Is ho, Joe, have you got him. And I said, O, my foot. And ho said what is wrong with your foot. And I said it has been bitten by the ghost. And he said good God, Mrs Pucklo, bring a light. And Dr. Montague camo and
looked at it, and wo bathod, it with hot water. Because Mrs Pucklo said you never can toll with a thing like this; it may bo poisonous. And everybody was much upset except Mr Fry. who went on snoring. Anyliow, ho did noj come to hoq what was tho matter. A fat lot ho would enro if I died But I think Emily, that Is Mrs Pucklo's niece, would caro. She is a nico girl, and does not trust many men, but she says sho would trust me. She said I like your eyes, Joe; thojr aro the eyes of a brave man." Mr Murglo snorted and thrust the letter temporarily aside. In favor of the steaming sausages proffered by Mrs Murgle. His small eyes held nn Incredulous gleam. Ho said, in a voico disfigured by superhuman mastication, "Lots er rot. Whoever 'card of a ghosts biting you? And thcro ain't no slch thing as a ghost. Y'oung liar. Who's tills, Emily?" "It's Joe's young lady," Mrs. Murgle said proudly. (To bo continued)

Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Saturday 15 December 1928, page 20
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THE STAR GERMS
| — — | | Thrilling A | Mystery y j j Serial <C
f BERNARD I CR0N1N I
CHARTER 13.— Cuutinud
"At hla nt;e.' Mr Murgle mumbled. I "I never noo there was sich a thln as a girl. I lived for my work. I'll Emily 'Int. Ghosts mid Emilys — Wlnit next?"
Ho turned once moro to the letter. It was a long letter, ns becamo n correspondent who was granted by affliction a temporary surcenso of work. "Well mum my foot Is poisoned hut not btully. Dr Montmnio said It reminds mo of tho effect of a stone tlsh only not nearly so bad. It will ho all right again in a week or so. You havo no 'Idea how funny this plaeo Is now. Mrs Puc'kle who is limlly.'s 'aunt says wo nre all haunted Only tho other night Mrs. Puckle's cut went mnd anil ran all over tho place. And Mrs I'ucUlo said now Joe no nonsense you must havo been teas-.Ing Daniel. But I said no I ant inno-sent; It yowlcil Uko anything but got all right again. Mb llcropath says that animals kn<uv if there are ghosts about. They havo a sick sense that tolls thom. Ho thinks that Daniel saw tho ghost, but Fry only snears. Fry says tho only ghost ho knows Is the ono that walks onco a week. Ho says It Is so thin that you can't see It anyhow. Mrs Pucklo says she thinks Fry monns lils wages but he Is always grumllng about something, Joe. Don't you take any notice of him. And I said lot him
Mieur." "Who's this Fry?" Mr Murglo demanded slcrtorously of tho colling. Ills cyo was dull with oating. "Who's this Fry that we 'car so much about?" Mrs Murglo suid: "Why, father, what's 'appencd your mem'ry? Joe's always tolling about him. lie's the gardener." "I know that," Mr Murglo retorted. Ho lit his pipe. "What I mean Is , who's this Fry to glvo 'Is back chat to a son of mine? That's what I mean." j "You'vo 'ad a glass or two," Mrs ; Murglo accused. "That's ow you ! always talk when you'vo 'ad a glass or two. Wanting to fight everybody." "Never mind," Mr Murglo said loudly. lie picked up tho letter. "Well mum 1 must now close as It Is getting late. Its funny now the ghosts conio that we all sloop together now, I mean Miss Iluth has brought Mrs Pucklo Into her room and tho doctor and Mr llerepath are both In tho doctor's room. Mrs Ruckle says it Is for portcctlon. Rut I don't see what pertecllon there is for anyone sleeping In Fry's room. Because Fry does nothing but snore and a ghost could come in and ho would still snore. " Glvo my love to dad and Jean und Horrte and little Hermlo. And I remain your loving son — Joe. P.S. T think Mr llerepath will marry Miss Ruth after all. I heard ,lier say no Rod not yet. But I think I might when all bur trubble is ended." You must not kiss me Fry Is look-i ing. T remain your loving son — Joe." As Mr Murgle slowly returned the letter to Us envelope. Jane put her head round the door. She said tartly: "What about my lea? I suppose I don't matter, so long as other people are fed. I'm nobody." "Bring the children In." said Mrs Murglo. "Now 'Orrlo " chapter 11 Joe Murgle's misadventure in the kitchen happened on tho night following the appearanco of tho satyr-hiogen on tho stalr-hend. It was obvious that the two encounters had no connection. The creature that had poisoned tho youth's foot was of the order, if not, indeed, the selfsame, of that seen by Ruth on the tloor of her bedroom. For purposes of definition they referred thereafter to Joe's I assailant as the geometrlcal-biogen. This term was understood to include also the queer bright linos which Ruth had seen. L.atcr, however, Dr Montuguo was able to determine a more exact nomenclature. The puzzling feature of the affair, as they now considered it. was that tho skin of the poisoned foot was without visible puncture. There was nothing to show how the poison had been injected. Yet poison, and a virulent poison at that, it certainly was. Tho agony endured by young Murgle during the space of perhaps an hour had been rather frightful to sec. Fortunately Dr Montague had been able to give a light injection of morphia. This deadened tho pain considerably. The scientist explained later that without knowledge of the nuturo of the poison he had not cared to risk tho larger injection otherwise permissible. No Ill-effects followed the dose given, however. Within two I hours the pain completely censed. For ! some days the foot continued swol-i Ion and stiff. At the end of a week it was normal and healthy. In tho meantime a third happening I determined finally both Dr Montague I and llerepath that Ruth and Mrs j PuckJe must leave Red Gates for their own protection. This so far Ruth had flatly refused to do. Horrified as she was by tho apotheosis of the satyr, eho never for a second wavered In her loyalty to her father. Sho declared thut while he remained. so would she. Not all their persuasions had been ablo to shake tills resolve. llerepath. Indeed, had com«» near to quarrelling with her in tho matter. The affair of Mrs Pucklc's cat over-ruled Herepatli's last scruples, lie told himself that Ruth should leave Red Gates even if he had forcibly to remove her. Ho felt that her anger was moro tolerable than the continual anxiety lest harm be-full her. On the afternoon of the dav following his encounter with, tho satyr. lTerepath spent sonic time' endeavoring to trace the results of the three shots he had tired. Ho found two of the bullets embedded in the plaster of tho landing wall. The' third, however, had apparently taken wings. He could not discover tho faintest trace of it. A splintered groove in tho bannister suggested that it had ricfio-chetted, and was perhaps lodged in the beams of the celling. The hypothesis that any of the shots had done more than intimiduto so immaterial a target, was too absurd to bo entertained. Tho concussions, he thougnt, possibly so affected the creature's components as to demntcrialiso it automatically, as It might be.
Its metabolisms and vibrations hud been Interrupted and disorganised. This result, his cotnuionacusc Insisted, could only prove a temporary triumph. As tho satyr-blogon developed and adjusted. It must Inevitably acquire rcslstanco to ho crude a reaction. Hcrepath wondered dismally how they might withstand the menace of complete development. Joo Murgle's mishap took his attention away from this consideration for some days. In this Intorval nothing out of tho norma! was encountered. The nights passed quietly and without sight or sound of the alien Influences which they so dreaded. Ruth, indeed, almost persuaded herself that the danger was past. Tho star genus, she declared hopefully, had yielded at Inst to Inimical terrestrial temperatures, find were .thoroughly and satlsfylngly dead. Dr. .Montague was so far Impressed that he debated the advisability of entering tho laboratory. He was. indeed, on tenterhooks to learn tho fate of the sixth and only remaining culture. Only tho earnest pleading of Hero-path restrained this incautlou, "It would bo madness, after our experience," ho said. "Koop out of tho laboratory until wo know for certain that no star It to persists in tho houso Itself. Don't you agrco with mo. Ruth?" Sho said reluctantly: "I suppose It's the wisest thing to do. But really,
Rod. I think wo'ro out of tho wood. Nothing has been seen or hoard for nearly a week. How foolish I would; look now if I'd run away as you wanted mo to." Ueropatli heard hor singing blithely as ho climbed tho stairs to resume his search for tjio missing bullet. From tho landing window ho saw hor presently enjoying tho brief sunshine in tho garden. Nearby Fry was leisurely at work on a bod of nzaloas. Dr. Montague, a little sore at being longer doprivod of his beloved research, had gono for tho mail to the township post otllce. Joo Murglo was convalescing on tho verandah, and a clatter of pots and pans from tho kitchen gave ovldouce of tho activities of Mrs Ruckle, Tie was inspecting tho celling, with the aid of a torch, when the housekeeper called a llttlo agitatedly from tho hull: "Aro you there, Mr llcropath?" "What is it?" llerepath asked. Ho was impatient at tho interruption. "Anything wrong?" Mrs Pucklo said: "It's Daniel. , lie's down in tho cellar, Mr Hcroputh, and making such queer sounds. I've culled and called, hut ho won't como out. And ho hasn't had his broak-fast." "Damn Danlolt" Jtcropath said tinder his breath. But tho housekeeper's anxiety was so pronounced that ho hadn't tho
honrt to say it nloml. After ai. „ I wn.. Hatha cat. hi point or 'on I ownership, llo wua „ , "l"cl Jenl illsropntablo looUhi« nnim,,| L,,lltk. tip of ono oar mlnslnt;. :um n J h.Ul,H cor l„ his Kroen-Hlltteil "y0IJ .'"N H In splto of his Uiicchaimlliin . ""t H nnco, was fonil of him. Sho n.1?®"' H Pucklo both declared tlmt really possessed the soul of n „ ®snlei Horopath said: "All rlcht inL I what I can do. How did .« 11 #1 H tho collar? I thought tho £lu |!,l« never used." 1 mc0 tu ''Neltlior It Is," Mrs Pun,i. us llerepath joined hor. si l5 I out: "It's that Fry, l oxnJ ? b""t door a always kept shut, but LA I opon. 1< ry s that careless, 'm „„ l1' H llerepath, just listen to lihn 'n ',Slr I Daniel! Come out, vuu „i,,Da;W! Gome out, I say. and get you,?br l Tho collar door was In renin, I small hinged trap set In U10 (!„„' tho scullery. A wooden ladder « I sounded to tho nnrthcrn I 12 or IB foot bolow. llerennis Lrl I no knowlcdgo of tho Intortor L t I ngined It to ho tho usual tyn„ I fashioned country -houso cellar ?!" I nooks and corners woro nri>h.i,i forests of spider well, and if, i ' djsiiso argued a regular cltadel j I (To bo continued) , I

Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Monday 17 December 1928, page 24
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THE STAR GERMS
Thrilling Mystery Serial
" — aftv I -By- ' | I BERNARD I CRONIN I I
CILf\ITKlt I t.— Continued
Once, many years befere, Herepath had pushed a hip tom-cat, renowned for the slaughter of rodents, through tho narrow trap of a stable loft. The outcome had been ft rolcvaUon to
Ilercpnth. The loft was ulivo with rats, and In tho darkness they made clucking noises llko an assemblage of fowls. The nerve of the feline gladiator had gone down completely before tho stark menace of it, and a maddened animal, howling Its affright, had clawed Its way to escape before ho could shut the trap again. Something of tho kind, Herepath conceived, accounted for tho uncanny noises proceeding now from a darkened corner of tho cellar. liy lowering tho electric torch ho was able to seo a portion of tho Interior. The battery, however, was nearly exhausted, and tho light was too fccblo to reveal much. Tho brick piio foundations, morcovor. obscured his view. It was from the direction of tho second of these piles that the sounds came. Tho floor showed a litter of straw and broken cases, with hero and thcro the gleam of bottle-glass. Herepath, flat on his fnco over the trap, called: "Danlell Hero, puss. You might show yourself, anyhow." "Tho poro thing," Mrs Pucklo said sentimentally. She stood at his side, hor hands In tho pockets of her apron. "You'll be going down to get him, Mr Herepath? Tho poor beast." "Daniel!" Herepath called again. Ho was not at all sure that ho would vonture Into the collar. It camo over him qulto suddenly that thoy were confronted with' something more significant than tho mere Imprisonment of the animal whoso ecrlo complainings grow momentarily moro pronounced. The darkness below appeared to havo become so thick that the falling torch-light scarcoly made an impression at nil. His eyes somehow refused to attuno themselves to tho black: musty depths. Ho might almost, ho thought,, bo staring at something solid and opaque; except that it held, or seemed to hold, a kind of stealthy movement. The crying of tho cat chilled his blood. Suddenly, and without warning, it censed. Thero .was not even an echo remaining. One moment the sound was in his cars, shrill and tormented; the next it was gone. As he listened, it appeared to Herepath that a new sound took Its place. Kathor, It was an emanation from tho darkness itself; an over-lapping vibration that was sensed, not actually heard. He drew hack from the opening in n kind of panic. As he did so a tiny draught of wind stroked his cheek. Mrs Puckle was staring at hiiii with wide-open eyes. Sho said: "I can't hear Daniel." "No," Herepath said. He gnvc his shoulders a shake. He was angry at his own cowardice. Here was a poor devil of a cat stuck In a cellar, and for tho moment he .had actually felt loo scared to go down and rescue it. He said abruptly; "Get me a candle. Why, of course I'm going down after him. Unless, that Is——" "Unless what?" Mrs Puckle asked. "Why, confound it," Herepath said, forcing a laugh. ."I could have sworn just a moment ago that ho came out. I distinctly felt. You saw nothing, I suppose?" Mrs Pucklo said stupidly: "I'm suro he didn't. How could he' come out without mo seeing 'im? Hero's your candlo."
jierepain accepted the reproof In sllenco. Ho had a i fancy that" Mrs Puckle thought ho had taken, leave of his senses. And certainly if was rather- a foolish thing he had said. As though a full grown cat. tho size of Daniel, could ha\e escaped -observation. Besides. in that case, what had become of him now? Thero was nothing in the least vivacious about" Daniel. He was the most slothful animal Herepath had ever seen. Ho woUld signalise his rescue by rubbing, himself against Mrs Ruckle's ankles. Herepath descended rapidly, candle in hand. To his surprise the cellar proved fnr less dark than he had sup-Sosed. The air was musty and stale, ut nothing more. He felt perfectly at his ease. Thero was not oven a rat to be seen, hor a sign of one. The walls, he now saw. were bricked. Tho floor was of earth, tamped hard and evel. Tho ceiling was of flat sheet-Iron nailed on the undersides of the scullery floor-joists, The whole cellar was, la fact, most thoroughly vermin proof. He walked behind tho brick foundation pillar expecting to discover Daniel crouching apologetically. The space, however, was .empty, it was the same behind the second pillar. In growing wonder ho made investigation of thc\rubbish on tho floor. He luted aside the boards and turned over the straw. Nothing. Thero was no vestige of the animal. Nor wag there any possible hiding place. The cellar was blank of any life but his own. The sheer amazement of it staggered Ilerepath. In God's name, he thought, what had become of Daniel? The beast had been there not five minutes before. He. had. heard It. Mrs Puckle had heard it. All the evidence of his senses told "him that the cat had not come itself from the cellar. Ho. could not- understand how ho had got hold of -such a preposterous idea. And yet— . He searched for fully 10 minutes, leaving nb possible corner unscoured. The floor, tho walls, the ceiling. There was no crevice anywhere. Daniel had vanished as completely as. though he had been converted into thin air. Something of his' flrst feeling, of panic assailed Herepath as ho began to mount the ladder. The mystery admitted of . but one explanation, ho believed. Some form of cosmical life had been In the cellar. it had — Herepath could think of no other word— It had devoured the cat. He did not see how .this was possible in so rapid and complete a fashion, yet ho had little doubt of It. The Biogen had surrounded and absorbed this poor creature of earth, as air absorbs any evaporative matter. leaving no trace. But there was trace, after all. On the topmost rung of tho latter were two or throe ominous red spots. Spots of fresh blood. Sight of them turned his own blood to ice. If an end so tragic could befall Daniel, why not any other creature of flosh? It as easily might happen- to himself or Ruth. Mrs. Puckle was still standing by the trap. Her look was incredulous. She said: "Whoro's Daniel? Haven't you got him?" "He isn't there," Herepath said bluntly. "Tho cellar's empty." "Empty!" Herepath thought, it wlso to bo perfectly frank. "Something was down there with him. It . . . "Well, I don't know what happened. Anyhow, Daniel Isn't thero any longer. That's all I know." "You mean one of them ghost things has got him?" Mrs. Puckle said, in open-mouthed horror. "I suppose so," Herepath said, "I told you I thought I saw — felt, I should say — felt something come from the trap, just as I sat back." "I can't believe it," tho housekeeper tsuld feobly. . "Then where is the cat?" Herepath asked grimly. £Irs. Pucklo stared, then moved away. Ho heard her calling from room to room, "panlel! Daniel!" . Herepath, frowning, rummaged
about for hammer and nails. He set the trap door In posttion and nailed it ilrmly in place Ho was determined that tho gruo-sonui incident should not And repetition In that quarter at least. Tho thing was too uncanny for words. When ho found Ruth she had already heard tho story from Mrs. Pucklo. Her eyes were full of tears. "Oh, Rod. Poor Dantol, Bo you think it really happened like that?" IIercpatli'8 anxiety for hor made him sound gruff. . Ho said, "I'm, glad of it, if It brings us to our senses. You must see that it's fmnossiblo for you to stay here any longer. Why, Good God! supposing It had been a human instead of an nnimnl." "We've argued that before," Ruth
said. But she could not repress a shiver. , "I won't leave Red Gates. If there's danger, 1 shall tako my share of It." "Be reasonable," Herepath Implored. "Get your hat on. Wo'll talk it over in the open. Anyway, a walk will do you good." "All tho sumo," Until said, with gontlo obstinacy, as thoy gnlnod tho bush road, "I shan't run away. A pretty coward I should bo." Ilerepath said doggedly, "You shall not subject yourself to such a dreadful menace. Watt n moment. Suppose we And a compromise. Would you be willing, any. to sleep elsewhere ?""How "How could I do that?" Suddenly Herepath's faco brightened. "Why. how stupid of me. Of courso you could. >Loolc here, Supposing you and Mrs. Pucklo sleep at my cot-
tiifcc. lotmR Joo Murglo can , I u bed on tlio voriinilali, n3 „ " ' I lindj'suiinl. Now, Uuth, „ '"W I Moot mo linlf wny. You c.n/t 5r' I well uhjoct to thiit." ( vcrI. I "1 don't know," Ruth „nia. n,„ I nil III once, touched by I1I3 onon dir I troKH, kIio cnpltubitod. "Well th„. , I will, Ko.1. U It onooH your mind ",I I lint couldn't wo nil do Unit?'' ,1'" I "Somcnno must bo on tho i„v'„ I Ilerepath said. "Your dud, Pry K I I ought to bo n mutch tor nny sjlu I "on. 1 don t suppnuo we'll come in I nny harm. We'll Hlecp by lurns—i. I .bout, while tho third stnnde . I They walked tor an hour boforn „ I turning to Rod Gates to make I parntlons for Iloroputh's plan <n,« I day was almost hot. The wcatiwj I wns experiencing one of Ike season.,. I lapses tor 'will-' tho cllmnte or w! I torln. ls\notcd. Summer wn„ Into! I pointed Into tho middle of wlnSV I scents."" WaS 8W0t WUh nddlng I Their congratulations on this font I woro rudely dispollcd by Dr. Mon. I tngue. The scientist's expression I perturboil. Tie sat on the stops of tS I porch, awaiting tholr arrival. , I "Why. father," Ruth exclaimed I "how worried you look. lias tho mill I brought bad news?" 1 I Dr. Montague shook his head I "Not the mail, hut tho barometer. I my doar. The ono thing I ilroad le I flno, warm wei\thor." , I They had forgotten for tho moment I and could only staro at him ouoa. I tlonlngl.v. I "Don't you realise that only th« I low temperatures havo so far con- I lined the star germs to the house" I tho scientist said. "Who can say I what will happen with n rising thcr- I momcter. Once in tho open-—" I (To lie continued) I I

Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Tuesday 18 December 1928, page 26
________________________________________
The Star Germs f
aa— — — | Thrilling & Mystery O | 5cna/ v
— w— — — — — By — ' BERNARD CRON1N
i CUAPTICK I.!,— Continued
He broke off abruptly, and shrugged his shoulders. "By George," lloropath said. Ruth said. "Has Mrs. Puclcle told vou about Daniel, father?" "Yes." "What Is your explanation?"
Decidedly the animal was destroyed by a biogeu," Dr. Montague said. Ills interest In the phenomenon of the cat's disappearance overcame his dejection, and his eyes sparkled behind their glasses. lie rubbed his thin hands together ecstatically. "We are provided with a valuable clue here. Vou saw nothing of the poor beast, you say. Horcpath? And vet it undoubtedly passed you." "Nothing," Horcpath said. "Kxactly. The deduction Is plain. We are used to associating Invisibility with that onlv which is immaterial — taking immaterial in its dictionary sense of the qtialltv of not consisting of matter. .Something Invisible and inta- 'bio. Yet hero we have a solid body — a body capable of containing a second solid body of flesh nnd blood — which is invisible. Invisible matter. Had you put out your hand. Horcpath, as the thing passed you. you would have encountered a substnnco as actual as vour own flesh." "How can you combine solidity and invisibility?" Ilcrepath demanded. "We have touched on this matter before, if you remember." Dr Montague said. "I spoke of blindness, and asked you would 1 be loss solid and materal Just because vou wore incapable, because of vour blindness, of seeing me. Here the clue is to be found in the limitation of human sh,,,t. The whole of the human MMises, m fact, are strictly limited. The animal sensed are far more hichlv developed. Take hearing, for example. You see a whistle blown on a steam engine. You see th» steam rush out, and you hear the noise of its escape. The sound mounts higher anil higher, until at last, vou hear nothing Rut your eyes tell vou that the steam Is stiil escaping. What lias happened Is that the note has risen beyond the perceptivity of vour i hearing. It is still sounding, but not for your ears. This btogen, then. — It Is solid and visible, but not for your eyes, nor anv human eyes," "Kxtraordlnnry !" Horepath tnut-fereil
"Two horses." Dr. Montague pur-| sued, "put their noses together. Com-| muniention by smell, yon say. But j what if It is' communication by sound Suppose litem merely to be uttering . J <ounds too high or too low for j human hearing to catch, and vou will 'at once perceive the possibilities. For ! mv own part. I have always believed that the animals hold speech one with ' another, just as we do. Sound or ; hearing, color or sight. These are reallv interchangeable terms. The ! -dower the vibration, the lower the not»\ ami the darker the color. The higher the vibrations, the higher the note and the whiter the color. A low not<\ a low color A high note, i high color. Sound nnd mlor are but diftVront manifestations of the same j He' fell to musing. I Ruth presentlv touched his arm ; "Father, we've decided that Mrs i I'uckle and I. with Joe for n wateh-i dog. are to sleep in Rod's cottage i What do you think of the idea? i "Splendid." Dr Montague said, , rousing. "The vow thing. You will ho well out of harm's way. The danger is more acute in the dark , hours. LCvil thrives in darkness. These biogens — But. after all. we must not let our imaginations run riot. Probably we greatly overestimate their potentiality for human harm. Horepath. do you remember : the Arab fable uf the Plague and the Pilgrim?" Horepath shook his head "As ;vn exposure of the wonderful ffect of Imagination, it is apt. The fablf? runs that once a Pilgrim encountered the plague going tito Cairo. 'For what purpose?' asked th" Pilgrim, with apprehension. 'To kill 3000 people.' replied the Plague Not long after the two met again . But you killed 30.000/ the Pilgrim protested bitterly. 'Not so.' rejoined the Plague. 1 killed but m.v 3000; the rest died with fright/ We must not let ourselves die of fright. Horepath." "You bet we won't/' Horepath said ; heartily | With Fry giving grumbling assist -; ance he spent the rest of the day. under Ruth's direction, getting the cottage in order. Rate In the cv«n-ing he and Joe Murgle escorted lite women to their now sleeping quarters. He saw the three settled, and returned to Red Hates. Ho found Dr. Montague writing up his notes before a small fire in the sittlngroom. The scientist said: "I'm glad you managed to persuade Ruth. The nr-ranccniwt lightens our burden. I have a feeling. Herepath, that grave happenings ore in store."
C1IA PTKU 15 Herepath confessed to a like pre-| munition. I He said: "By the way, wouldn't it i be as well, under the circumstances. I to bring Fry into the house. 1 don't much like the blighter, but we're all in »he same boat. And he could clear out. 1 suppose, if he wanted to. It's to his credit that he hasn't." "He prefers to keep his own" company." Dr. Montague said. "As a matter of fact. Fry has a grievance tonight. Fvery night, for ncurly a v«>ar, he and, Mrs Pucklc have played draugnts. Ruth tells me that it's n one- sided affair, inasmuch as Fry always loses. All the same, he doesn't like being deprived of the privilege — voluntary or not — of losing to a lady. A manor of habit." "1 thought. perhaps, one of us ougnt to stand sentry each night." Herepath said. "But If Fry la in a ba-1 mood, we can defer that. It's very warm." "Too warm. The Ave isn't needed. My nerves are on edge." Herepath, Infinitely relieved by the absence of Ruth, laughed reassuringly "Its possible, Isn't It. that some, at least, of the star germs have petered out? The things that young Murgle saw. for example. The thing like a hunch of thin string. And those queer geometrical creatures that Ruth saw."
"in some instances — yes, 1 should say," Dr. Montague agreed. 'But in (ho case of the mathematically shaped creatures seen by Ruth — no. Just before you returned, Horepath, 1 saw them for myself. There were four of them. They wore In the lower hall. One was a perfect oldortg plane. The rest were like lines: one vertical and two horizontal. They vanished at tny approach." "Can forms like that have ictunl life nnd Intelligence?" Herepath wondered. "Roth, nnd acutely," the scientist replied. His forehead was puckered. "Their actions proved it. It is the geometry of these creatures that most puzzles me. 1 try in vain to Imagine whai manner of star can normally he Inhabited by such euclldian shapes." "What of the flame biogens?" asked Herepath. . Dr. Montague said absently: "Probably extinguished days ago. Such immature life forms could hardly survive for long. Indeed, the satyr Is the only development that ofTers tndertnlte menace. Its materialisation most nearly approximates to the matter of which wc ourselves nro made. The geometrical creatures." He suddenly started to his feet, his hands clapped to his brow. He shouted: "Of course! Of course! Why did 1 not think of it before? It is as plain as a pike-staff. They are life forms from worlds of other dimensions. Horepath. Thnt accounts for their remarkable limitations." "Other dimensions." "To be sure." Dr. Montague snld 'Impatiently. He begnn to stride up and drtwn. "The more I think of U tlie more certain I become. On earth. Herepifth. we know of three dimensions. We have length, breadth and thickness. We know of no other dimension. We cannot even conceive of any other dimension. And we are accoi clingly bounded by the three dimensions we know. "Rut conceive now of a world of one dimension. An Inhabitant of such a world would know. say. only a linear extension, hut would know nothing of bread t)i or thickness. Thnt is to say. its geometry would be entirely linear."Or. "Or. ngaln. take a world of two dimensions. Length and breadth, but no Ihlckness. Such conditions would
— — — — produce n creature that was a more surface. A world of geometrical atrocities. A piano creature living In a surface. Can vou Imagine it?" "Not very easily," Herepath - said. "It Is perfectly simple," retorted Dr Montague. "It Is th'o practical application of Professor Clifford's exposition of the new geometry of Lo-batchowsky. We ourselves, for Instance, may bo quite mistaken in supposing there is not a fourth, or oven a flfth nnd sixth, dimension. Wo are unable to conceive of such a thing, Just as a onc-dlmcnslonnl creature would he unable to conceive of our three dimensions. The geometrical Biogens nro undoubtedly of such order. In them we And beings from a linear world and a plane world. We have the two-dimensional creature like a sheet of paper, having length and breadth, but not thickness. 'Wo hnvo the linear crenturo of but one dimension, a croaturo merely of linear extension. A thing llko a tautened string ..." The singular theory fascinated Herepath. Ilo ventured: "And a. creature of depth only?" "Tho most nbsurd of all," Dr Montague cried. "And the most extensive. It was a Biogen of this kind, I believe, whoso bulk almost suffocated young Murgle. Surface Infinity Is greater than linear Infinity, and volume Infinity Is greater than surface Infinity. A crenturo knowing only the dimension of dopth would have volume Infinity." "It all sounds rather beastly," Herepath said. Ho added: "IIow could a creature with no more substnnco thnt a sheet of paper, for example, find room for what we call brain?" "The world of mind and the world of matter are not ns distinct as some would have us believe." Dr Montague said. "Tho whole substance of those plane creatures nnd linear creatures may be composed of biogen or nilnd-stuff, for all we know." Herepath was about to speak, when a dull explosion shook the air. "The sixth tube!" Dr Montague guessed intuitively. They eyed each other excitedly as tho echoes settled nnd died. Herepath said: "The laboratory." To bo continued

Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Wednesday 19 December 1928, page 28
________________________________________
f The Star Germs f
— By — BERNARD CRONIN
Thrilling Mystery ' | Serial
CHATTER 15. — Continued
They quickly wont Into tho corridor and (.-.lined the open of tho quadrangle. It was pitch dark. But almost Immediately tho blackness gnvo place to a roseato slow. Behind , tho windows of tho laboratory thoro
prew a radiance so exquisite, umi Horepath paspod. It had, ho thought, somrthlnp of the refulgence of tho aurorn; a softly shimmering light, magic with color suggestion; a light that was majestic and pure: a wondrous light. It gave hint a feeling of Immense awo. Dr Montague gripped his elbow fiercely, as they stood; drawing him hack Into tho outsido recbss of the kitchen chimney. "My God!" tho scientist breathed. "Look. Horepath — look!" With his heart In his mouth and a tingling at the roots of his hair, Horepath stared at the extraordinary spectacle revealed by tho auroral glow. The quadrangle was filled with hiogen shapes. They moved rapidly up and down the length of the lab-oratorv wall, In a species of agitation, jostling each other, and pressing against tho windows, as though attempting to forco a passage within. Linear and plane creatures, flame bio-Kens, grotesquo shades having neither form nor substance, outlines so abominable to see that a sick horror took ttie watching humans. It seemed thit no nightmare conception was miVudng from the uncanny host that BWifcrmed against the airtight walls containing the immaculate lumlnanco of tlfc? sixth and last culture. Some passeM so near to Horepath that tho wind of their going stirred his cheek. His p.desence appeared to bo unnoticed. One and all of tho manifes-
tations were actuated by tho same impulse, vit seemed. It was ns though they were gathered against a common enemy within tho laboratory, and were .striving desperately to attack it before It gained maturity. The nlr was vibrant with an evil anger, henvy with threat. "My God r Dr Montagu© said again. His grin tightened upon Ilcro-path's arm. "Rack into tho house before they discover us. Our danger was never greater." TIcrepath was only too willing. Ho felt sick and fripfbtened. Ho had the thought that wtiat they saw was something out of\hell Itself. His legs so shook that he dbuld scarcely walk. The sweat sprang from every pore of his body. When they regained tho sitting-room Dr. Montaguo bucamu frantically active.Ho Ho said hoarsely: "Light, Ilerepath. As great n light us wo can make. I have a belief that sustained light Is our one safeguard. Right destroys them. They shun It. Tho sixth .culture Is, in some way, strongly inimical to tho pest. The thfngs know it, and are roused to a fury .of fear nnd hate. I pray heaven thoyulo not find a way into the laboratory. Something tells mo that our ultimata, salvation
blogon." They set lighted lamps and , candles about the room, and stirred tlfo dying fire into a strong Dame. Hdipath presently raised the window blind nnd peered out Into the quadrangle.' The radianco in the laboratory had fallen to a silver phosphorescence. Aa ho sought to penetrate the gloom of tho quadrangle something brushed ngabist tho outsldoof the window. Ho had a momentary vision. of a flat, triangular face so with three black, protruding, lidless eyes, A mouth that was liko a red gash pouted at him. Ho dropped the blind with a shudder. "God help unl What more, doctor?" "We can do nothing more," Dr. Montagu© said. He wiped his streaming face. "Horepath, this is fearful. I have brought hell to earth. Did
human eyes ever aeo anything like it?" "Thank tho Lord," Horepath mut-tored, "tho women aro safe. Wo were only Just in time. Wo— M A thought chilled his heart. lie stammered: "Fry!" Dr. Montague's face became, if possible, whiter."Good "Good God, Horepath! I'd clean forgotten hhn. Ho may be In deadly straits even now." "I'll cull him." Horepath said. He braced himself and strode to tho door. But oven as he grasped the handle ho knew that it wan too Into. To have ventured now beyond the clrclo of protecting light was instant death. IIo could eenao tho creatures beyond.Indeed, Indeed, «s ho hesitated. Dr. Montague cried shakily: "Do careful! Stand back!" It was fortunate for Heropath, perhaps. that ho obeyed instinctively. Ho had scarcely clone so when from under tho door camo a thing llko whipcord— -white and thin and suck-cry. It came and went in a flash. They had a curious Impression that the croaturo— whatever It was— had winced under the strong light. "Fry must take his chance," Dr. Montague Bald. "He refusod to Join ilerepath said: "They may not know he Is thore in his room." "Theso are Intelligences,' the scientist said. "Depend upon It. Heropath, they know — or will know. It appals mo to think what may happen to him. But it is beyond our power to aid." lloronath said. In a low volco:
"Listen." From the corridor, from beyond tho window, from every side of tho room, camo a humming sound. It held u tlmbro ugly beyond words. It was like tho chanting of evil Incarnate. Dr. Motttnguo sat rigid nnd erect. "They dare not face tho light. Thank God for tho Inspiration. When day comes they will be forced to retreat. Unless " "You mean," Heropath said, as the scientist paused, "unless they go else- ; where." "When wo stood In tho open," said Dr. Montnguo, "it seemed to mo that tho air was growing more chill. If that is so. It will hold them to Red Gates. No; r don't think they will go elsewhere. They will hide in darkness, Growing, Ilerepath. Growing and developing tho whole time." His resolution suddenly left him. He cried despairingly: "What arc wo to do? God forgive me for a meddling fool!" "Courage," Ilerepath said. Ho put a hand on the other's drooping shoulder. "Thoro Is the sixth germ—" Dr. Montague made no reply, but It seemed to Horepath that his body me quieter. They sat waiting for the dawn to come.
- CHAFTKlt 16. In tho small sitting-room In Here-path's cottago. Joo Murglo sat In the throes of composition.- Had Joo lived In the mld-Vlctorlan oro, ho would undoubtedly have boon of tlioso whose self-conceit enjoined tho keeping of n diary. Ho would have impaled perfectly ordinary daily events, as was tho custom of tho ago, to his own satisfaction and tho complete boredom of the unfortunates who. for their sins of family succession, believed It their duty to peruse theso moribund mean-dorlngo. In Joe's present caso, this strange urgo took tho form of a regular nnd lengthy Iottor writing. It was to his advantage, also, that hla subject matter never lacked for liveliness, Whatever thofr drawbacks, the star germs were giving a- doclded fillip to existence. Joo. however, was hardly awaro of tho true source of tho excitement which pervaded all his correspondence. He recorded events at Rod Gates ns accuratolv as a slight tendency to self-exaggeration would permit, supremely unconscious of unusual favors on tho part of tho gods' epistolary. Ruth nnd Mrs Puclclo, thoroughly tired out by the transfor, had retired to bod, after enacting a promise from Joe that ho would remain up not later than olovcn o'clock. Joe, in tho, Importance of his new role, hud given lordly agreement. Ho assured them that everything would bo all right while ho was around. Ruth, in spite of her weariness and anxiety, found this attitude delicious. sho retired smiling, and was shortly Joined by Mrs Puckle. Left to himself, Joo began the letter which next evening was to bo shown with moist-eyed prido by Mrs
lurgte, to envious iiciKiioors, ouua letters, in fact, were fast becoming a feature of tho gossip of "The Working Man's Residential Paradise." The district took pride in hlin ns its foreign correspondent, as It wero, nnd tho romnrkabla happontngs nt Red Gates wcro only by a miracle withheld from tho "ears" of the newspapers. To bo continued

Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Thursday 20 December 1928, page 34
________________________________________
THE STAR GERMS f
& Thrilling ffi Mystery y Serial v m
— By — BERNARD CRONIN 11 " /
C1IA1TER 111.— Contlinicd
"Doar Mum, — Well, mum, I got your letter nnfely, and I urn so glad to hear little Hermle has a m?w tooth, but tiot that father had a fight with tho foro-
Pucklo said you know Joe It. is a pity because tlghttng is only for brutes, not for men like your father, Joe. Hut It Is splendid about your little sister's now tooth. I had my first tooth when I was only a few months old .Too. And I said I would not like that Mrs Puckle because it is too soon to lmvo u tooth at that tender ago. And slio said I do not follow you Joe. And I said T mean it wenrs out sooner. Look at you now Mrs Puckle, you have to lmvo false teeth' And she sold that is rude of you but you do not mean it I am sure. But anyway I am glad about your sister. "Well mum I hope father will soon get work because Ml is terrible not to have work. 1 know what it Is myself not to have work. But I nrn getting on well now and Miss Ruth said we shall soon have to raise, your wages Joe. Well mum I am writing this at Mr Herepath's cottage because 1 am now sleeping there. You see Daniel that is Mrs Puckle's cat has been ate by a ghost. At least that is what we all think. It was in the cellar. And so Mr Herepatli said to me Joe will you take care of the women at nights. Because we count on you Joe. You aro not afraid but the doctor and me nro afraid for Miss Ruth and Mrs Puckle. Because things are going on here that I do not like and they will be safer at my cottage. And so bore we are. But Mr Herepalh and the doer tor and Mr Fry are still at Red Gates. "Dear mum if Jane was here she would have a fit. There are a lot of ghosts but they are not gliosis really. Mr Herepath snys they are stnr germs. He said it is a funny thing Joe and if I were you I would not talk because people would not believe. They would sav vou aro mnd. And so 1 will not tell anybodv but only you mum. 1 heard the doctor say to Mr Herepath this morning did it strike you there was something even stranger in that last appearance llorepath. And he said what do you mean doctor. And ho said I mean the colors Herepath. The Bio-gens aro taking on a suggestion of colon This is a most interesting der-velopernieiit. We must look into It. "Well, mum, Mr ITercpath's cottage is a nice one. There aro three rooms, and I sleep on the verandah. Mrs Puckle said it is plain but neat, Joe. We shall be very comfortable, I expect. Well. mum,, when Miss Ruth and Mrs Puckle went to bed I thought I would have a look round. Because it is well to bo prepared. Mr Herepath is writing a book, t know be-cause I have read some of it. It was in the drawer of his desk, and I do not think much of it. It is all about love and sects. Well. mum. you ought to sec Miss Ruth's name scribbled ull over the blotting pad. It is scribbled millions of times. Because you see Mr Herepath is in love with Miss Ruth and she is all ho can think about. I used to think that silly. But since I have seen Emily that is Mrs Puckles neece It docs not seem so
silly, it is wrong to snear at lovo. It is a beautiful tiling. "Dear mum I will now close as I have no more news. Give my lovo to Jane and llttlo . Iiermio and Horric and father. And I remain your loving son— Joseph Murgle." Having enclosed this epistle in Its envelope, and duly stamped and addressed it. Joo yawned and rubbed his eyes. Tho air was getting chill. Ho stood up and stared about him drowsily. Hut suddenly ho became alert His hands explored his pockets. Ho said aloud: "Cri! I've left mv knife at the big house. If that Frv sees it he'll pinch it from mo. If it wasn't so dark I'd go and got itvnow.M Ho pursed liis lips and frowned. He thought, as ho prepared for bed: "I'll slip over first thing in tho morning, before Miss Ruth is awake. 1 will so. I've soon him looking ut Ho put out tho light and made hastily for tho bed on the verandah. Dro-sontly he was rolled like a chrysalis, wjj'1 eyes tight shut against tho eerie ebb and flow of the darkness.' The night, he thought, was strangely disturbing. The thick shadows that crowded the garden had seemed to move when he looked at them. Tho night was now alive. Joo shivered a little in the sheltering blankets. Hut presently his apprehension relaxed, as sleep stolo upon him. In a few moments ho was snoring blissfully.The The first faint tinge of dawn smudged the eastern sky when he awakened. Jle lay a moment, peering dreamily at tho unaccustomed, surroundings, beforo recollecting his overnight's determination. The brief warmth had vanished from the air. A slight rain was falling and the wind was sharp. Summoning his resolution, he clambered out of bed and began to dress. He told himself that he would have any amount of time to procure his pocket-knife from Red Gates, before Miss Ruth had any need of him. Ho supposed, however, that ho would find the gardener already out of bed. Fry was an early riser. It was likely that oven then ho was lighting the fire in the big kitchen at Rod Gates. No smoke came from tho tall chimney, however, as Joe trotted through the gateway and along the drive. The house rose starkly blank -against the wet skies, a huge squat shadow without relief saving for a light from the window of Ruth Montague's sitting-room. The boy nodded sagely at sight of this. Mr Herepath, or the scientist, was early astir. ITo wondered which it was. Or perhaps they
had forgotten to put out the lamp, and U had been burning all night As ho neured the angle of the portico Herepath himself supplied the answer. Ho cume hesitatingly from the main entrance and stood on tho top of the steps, looking about hint. Seeing Joe, he greeted him in a surprised voice. "Why, Joseph! You're an early bird. Everything all right at tho cottage?" "Yes, ".jo o said. Ho canto presently to Tlercpath's side, under cover of tho portico roof. "Crl! it's pretty wet. Is Fry up yet, Mr Herepath, please?" Herepath said, rather uncertainly: "I don't know, Joo. I wan Just, coming out to find him for myself. What do you want hint for?" "I don't want him," Joe snid. "It's mo pocket-knife, Mr Herepath. I loft it in tho room. I -thought I'd come oyer and get It before— beforo It got lost." "I suppose you mean," Herepath &aid, smllidg, "before Fry sees It and takes a fnncy to It. Woll, come on: we'll rout hint out., And so vou hnd a quiet night at the cottage, oh? Was Miss Ruth awake when you loft?" "I dunno," Joo snld. Herepath, in the load, said, over his shoulder: "What ate you dawdling for? You'll bo soaked." "Crl', Mr Herepath——" llcrepath retraced his steps to whore Joo stood staring at the wot ground. He said impatiently: "What's the matter?" But his voice faded abruptly. There was a queer ache at his spine, and his sight seemed to smart. He wondered if his face revealed his sudden agitation, and if Joe. noticed it. He had to swallow a kind of lump in liis throat before ho could apeak again. "llow did that come hero?" "It's that goat," Joe said suspiciously. "Fry'll be wild. All over the flower-bods, too " Herepath for the moment found no answer. He, could only bend his brows at the cloven hoof-marks sunk in the soft clay of tho path. To his imagination a faint stench seemed to mar the fragrance of tho rain-wot air. He pulled himself together. "That's it, of course. We'll have to find what goat it is, eh, Joe. Can't have the thing trampling over the garden like tills " His eye paused at a small object projecting from the niud and ho bent down and drew it out. It appeared to be a ragged strip of some material like fiannelette. It was soaked with rain and there wero dark stuins upon it and at one cud was n kind of grease with a number of long black hairs sticking to it. Suddenly revul-
\ slon of sick (llstasto made Herepath lot it fall. Ho found that ho was trembling unaccountably. Joe Murglo was eyeing bis older with frank curiosity. He said, "Ain't you woll, Mr Hero-path?" "Quito, well," Herepath said abruptly. But his flesh was crawling. Ho looked nt tho shrubbery Hanking the turn of tho path, and ho thought: "Great God! What lies beyond? What are we going to seo when that corner is turned? Something frightful has happened." Joo Murglo had tramped on ahead. Herepath made no effort to call the boy back. His wits wero, in a way. numbed with horrid premonition. The sudden shocked outcrv was powerless to add to 'the nausea that already' consumed him."Mr "Mr Herepath! Mr Horopath! What's that over by tho laboratory wall?" Herepath caught tho frantically, returning Joe by tho wrist. Ho said. "Steady, my boy, steady. We mustn't got rattled. Walt a moment now. What Is It,' Joo? It's death. I'm afraid." "It's Mr Fry," Joe said huskily. Herepath took a couple of doop breaths. The gently falling rain heat at his cars as though it were a fiood. His sight danced for a moment; thou steadied stonily. lie said. "Go and call Dr. Montague, Joe. You'll find him asleep by the fire in the slttlnu room. Tell him that Fry has met with some kind of accident." » As Joo raced away Herepath crossed to the quadrangle and stood looking down upon the grotesquely sprawling thing that had onco boon Fry. The gardener was in his shirt and trousers, as though hurriedly called from his bed. Ho lay on his right side, his limbs crumpled under him. and his head lolling. Herepath know, even before he tried to raise him, that every bono In the man's body was broken. He was a sheer pulp encased In the torn, sacking- of his skin. Literally ho had boon crushed to death. Dr. Montague, pale and distraught, presently joined Herepath. For a little time the scientist was almost inarticulate, lie could only stammer and gesticulate, llorepath, dreading what tho old man's iucnutiou inighS do, said sharply. "Undoubtedly Fry climbed to tho roof nnd foil. Probably the gutters choked, and ho got up ln»order to clean them. You can see where the water has overflowed down the wall. Joe " "God forgive me!" Dr. Montague broke in. Ho wrung his hands. "1 should have Insisted lust night " Herepath Interrupted in turn. , He spoke loudly, .shouting down the scientist's stammering self-accusation. "That's right. We should have Insisted upon his doing It when we knew the rain was coming. But It can't be undone now. Joo. I want you to go to the cottage at once. Tell Miss Ruth that Fry has boen killed accidentally, and ask her to remain where she is until I come. Then go on to the township and And George Frobart, the policeman. Bring him here. One moment, doctor " He took Joe aside. "Joe, If I were you T wouldn't say
anything about ghosts, or anything of that kind. Of course, that's more or less a lot of nonsense, nnd you don't want Frohart to think you've gotio off your head, eh? Of course you don't. If you're naked any questions just refer tho constable to me. All you know is that Fry has appnr-ontlv fallen from the cuof and "boon killed." Joe chattered: "You menu-—" "I mean nobody- will thank us for making a mystery out of nothing." Herepnth said sternly. "I'm trying to keep you out of any trouble, Joe. What Dr. Montague Is doing is nobody's business but Ills own. - It has nothing to do with Fry's death. I want you to understand that. We don't want to got ourselves laughed ut." "Cri' No, Mr Herepath, wo don't. I won't say a word. No fear I won't. Anybody might fall off a roof. Crl', my father nearly fell oncc. He " "Off you go," Herepath said. When Joo yrns out of sight he said:
"Well, ilootor Good God!- I The poor devil! The point ts. thore'a I no proof It didn't happen as 1 said, I It's no use—" H "Why deceive ourselves?" Dr. Mon I tnguc said, in a low voice. He iras I more composed now, "llcrepath, I what are those tracks doing in such a place? Fry mot his death ut tho I mnlicu of the sntyrhiogen. Sumo fear- I ful vioteucc has destroyed him. . "I believe that," Herepath said, "But It can do no good to admit it I beyond ourselves. Indeed, it can only do great harm. You must surely see I that for yourself, Dr. Montague." I "Morally I am Fry's murderer," the I scientist suid, breathing hard. I Herepath disclaimed this patiently, Tie began to draw upon ull his powers I of persuasion. I "Vou could not possibly guard I against such a contingency. If Fry I hud stayed with us bust night, be I would havo been safe and sound now I His own obstinacy destroyed him, I Your view is a distorted one." I (T0 be continued) I

Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Friday 21 December 1928, page 20
________________________________________
THE STAR GERMS
I Thrilling Myslcry Serial —
— By — BERNARD CRON1N SSSSmSSSmmJ/ '
CHAPTER 10. — Continued
'Xovorthetoss— " Dr Montnguo be-fimrt. "Well, then," Herepnth f.ild gently, "are you proposing to Inform the authorities that Ery was klllcil by a
creature from another world? Will that sound sane and convincing. . do you think? Or will It arouse suspicions that mum Inevitably end In a groat deal of unpleasantness fur us all ; Dr. Montague made an agitated gosturo. "This is a case where In the general interest the truth ought rigidly to be suppressed," ilorepath continued. Ho glanced, with a little shudder, at the crumpled outlino of Fry's body under the blanket which they had spread pitifully. "Suppose you say this man was done to death by a satyr, coming to earth, as I beliove, from the planet Saturn. I evolved this satyr from star dust by chemical experiment. It Is still existent, and It constitutes a lively danger to humanity. Do you suppose ti juiy would accept such a statement? If they did not brand us as criminal lunatics, It would' bo extraordinary Indeed. No, Dr. Montague; the bald truth will not do. Fry ta dead. His death must appear to tie a natural one, in so far as accident con be said to be natural to this life. You agree? To this anxlouB query the scientist only replied with a twisted smile. It was evident that he was badly shaken and that his normal common-sense was still at fault. "If not for your own sake, then for Ruth's." Herepath pleaded. He put his hand on the other's sagging shoulder. "Think! No one would believe vou. It would be making a useless martyr of the truth. Besides. It I would mean an end to any hope of S ridding the earth of these creatures. ' They would escape utterly beyond control. Our unimaginative authorities would find It necessary to enter the laboratory, to begin with. Whatever the nature of the sixth culture— and we both believe that Its Influence, if any. is wholly benign — such interference at this stage may be fatal Come. sir. For all our snkes let us keep silence." To hla Intense relief, Dr. Montague agreed. "As you will, Herepath. . I consent because of the hope I have in the benevolence of the last culture— a life form emanating, as I think, from Venus. Indeed, 1 nm certain it is from Venus; just as I am certain that the satyr-Blogon is from Saturn. Shall I tell 5ou why?" "Give me a few minutes first. Herepath said. "What do you intend doing?" Dr. Montague asked, as Herepath moved briskly off. "To put It plainly, doctor, I mean to manufacture evidence of Fry's fall, it's easily done, and I feel quite justly fled in doing It. Clues have been faked before today for fur less worthy purposes." Herepath's first act tns to. fetch the ladder from the ild stables and stand it against t» vail of the house. Before doing ib he wetted- it with a bucket or two of water, so that It conformed to its rain-soaked surroundings. With the. aid of a garden rake he first removed some of the leaf-mould that choked the gutters immediately overhead; then, resting the teeth of the rake In the edge of the guttering itself, he tore portion of it away from the eaves. The resultant effect was as though Fry. In falling, had caught nt the gutter to save himself, breaking it free with his
weight, before again losing hold and crashing to earth. To gain added effect Herepath shook out some of the crumbled mortar from the undersides of the guttering, ho that It spattered at the base of the wall. With a thrust of the rake ho also managed to displace two or three of the roof slates. These preparations completed he wiped the rake dry and clean,. and returned it to the tool-shed. Lighting a cigarette ho rejoined Dr. Montague. "Well, how does it look?" The scientist said; "Really, Herepath, the police should be tremendously grateful. Grateful not only because you have probably confined their duty to a more Coroner's Inquest, but that you have not turned your tnlents towards crime. The effect Is moat convincing, 1 nm ashamed to say." "Groat!" Herepath rejoined. He eyed his work critically, and could find no Haw. "Supposo we make ourselves a cup of tea. Then I'll slip across to tfco cottage and toll Ruth — no. not the truth. Sho -has enough worry, as it Is." "She will guess tho truth," Dr. Montague said, as they entered tho kitchen
"In that caso it can't bo helped," Herepath said. They were presently making a belated and fairly, unappetising breakfast, In the course of which tho scientist's interrupted remarks recurred to Herepnth; Ho said: "You wero saying something about Saturn and Vonus? Something about tho identity oftho eatyr-biogen?" ' "Yes," Dr. Montague said. As always when Interested scientifically, his depression left him. Tho surest way to overcome his present remorse, as Herepath well knew, was to start somo discussion of tho kind. "You noticed last night, Herepath, tho suggestion of color in the biogen forms? Exactly. I observed it some time ago, and it Is distinctly evolving. In .this. I believe, the clue to planetary origin will be found. Not in every caso, to be sure. Hut in certain cases . wo may tako it that wo know beyond doubt the Hource from whence life emanates. Curiously enough It bears out my previous theories, which were on a purely philosophical basis." Herepath waited silently. "The ancients. . Ilorepath, ascribed
a distinct color to each of the heavenly bodies. In tho Assyrian Inscriptions there is repealed retorenco to a pyramid belonging to tho palace of Nlnovah. This palace was composed of seven stages, each stage being covered with stucco of a different color. Ench color represented a star, and tho colors wore built up In tho ordor of their Importance, the toast Important being nt tho base. Jupiter's color is purple; Mars, vormtlllon; Mercury, blue; the Sun, gold; tho Moon, silver Indeed, I may' say tlmt in those days It was believed that tho entire globe of the moon was composed of pure silver." "From which bellof, I suppose, arises tho' present curious practice of turning one's. silver to tho now moon, as a courtesy to tho moon's allegedly proper metal?" Ilorepath ventured. "Precisely. Now mark this, More-path. The color ascribed to Venus is white, and that to Saturn 1« Mack. Entire opposites. Whlto for good, black for evil. You porcclvo the significance,, ns applying now to tho and to' the pure white radlaneo of tho sixth culture? May wo not in very truth sny that tho first Is life from Saturn and -tho second In llfo ' from Vonus? Indoed, it would .scorn so, "Hore is another thought, Herepath. Tho undent god of -tlio curly Greeks was Pan. Pan the cloven-hoofed. Pan the satyr. In Central America ho was ndnrod. Temples wero built In licentious sacrifice to him. In. Mexico Pan was known as 'that which is above.' Both Pan and his wife. Mala, enter into the Maya vocabulary most ox-tonslvoly. Saturn, satyr, the Pan-god, black . the apotheosis of evil, wickedness Incarnate. And opposed to him — by the mercy of God. now on this earth — the Venus life, white ana shining as an angel — good mode manifest, Herepath. It makes mo tremble. "If it is- so," Herepath murmured, lie was filled with awe. It seemed Tncrediblo that. the scientist could be right. And yet could anything be more lncrodlhlo, ho thought, than tho laboratory life which had been accomplished? v\:is It true, after all, that ancient lore hold closer to tho core of life thun tho materialistic unbelief of modern thought? The so-calloil myth no myth at all. but the unseen basis of good and -evil. "If it ia so,- therein lies our salvation." Dr Montague said excitedly:: "Wo saw for ourselves how the plane creatures, the llume-germs, the linear creatures, and all tho host of abominable things, gathered in the hope, of attacking the Light-BIogen nt its birth lost night. Wherever I look, my dear boy, I »co God's 'Providence aiding us. A- week ago they would have boon -able to enter the 'laboratory' arid. possibly destroy; tho Ught-Biogen. They were then so far' immaterial that a m'nterlnl barrier, such as the almost airtight laboratory, offered no resistance. But their material evolution has placed them comparatively speaking upon the material plane. They. are powerless to com-' pns solid matter any longer. The Light-Uiogen which they so evidently hate and fear. Is boyond their roach. Ii will develop and grow strong, and it will devour them, Herepath — devour them — because Good' transcends Evil — as it always will in the end." "Amen." Herepath said , with reverence. They sat silently for some time. Herepath presently rose. "You'll be all right for a time. I'll bo back to meet tho police wheh they
arrive. I should eay thero's no danger now In -.the 'daytime. Light .drives the things to cover. .It's tho night that we have to- fear."' - Dr" Montague nodded.-"I'll stand by ' poor Fry. , .Fortunately he has no relatives, to mourn him. I-Ie was entirely without dependents.- -It's none the- -Jess sad and horrible. Wlll you be long?" «"An hour 'at most. Keep, up your heart, doctor. Whatever the crisis Ik it can't be long delayed , now." (To t>o continued)

Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Saturday 22 December 1928, page 22
________________________________________
The Star Germs
<»— — ! 77rn7/ing Mystery i 5criaf
— — — — — «, , — By — BERNARD CRONIN
CUAlvHSU X?
Ilerepath found Ruth waiting for him In the tiny cottage sitting-room Her hands were nervously clasped, and her eyes were distressed. Silo said: "Rod. is it really true
that poor Pry la dead? How did It Happen ?" "Appearances are that ho fell somehow from the roof," Ilerepath began. But her expression chockod him. Dr. Montague had been right In saying that sho would Jnstinctlvoly guess the truth. Her look revealed this clearly. lie added lamely: "Of course It's Impossible to say definitely — " "Rod, I'm not a child. It was a — one of the star germs, wasn't It? Tell me tho truth." "I'm afraid so," Heropnth sald.j "Your father wanted Frv to join usi
in the sittingroom, but he refused. By tho way, where is Mrs Puckle? Does she suspect the reality?" "I don't think so." Ruth said. "No, I'm sure she docs not. .loe was badly frightened, and so I sent Mrs Puckle with him to t lie township. She. poor .soul, was very upset. L think I she liked Fry. A violent death Is al-i ways shocking. What is to be done, 1 Rod?" i "Nothing. We can only sit tight, j it's impossible to toll the truth — what: we believe to be the truth. "We should all be accused either of murder or madness. As it is, there is a chance they may find it ordinary accident." Me told her what precautions ho had taken, and sho listened gravely. "I suppose it's the only thing to do. Rut. frankly, I'm sick with apprehension. One thing is certain. Red Gates must be abandoned. Rod — " 1 Her calm suddenly dissolved In a flood of tears. "It might have been you or father," ; slip said. "I insist on an end to a situation so dangerous. It is incon-, coivable that anything but evil can come of it. We must leave tho place al oticc. Tf I had courage enough I would burn Red Gates to the ground.' i
Ilerepath was a little helploss against tho tide of her almost hysteria. It was so unllce Ruth to give way in this manner that ho wondered for a moment If sho were ill. lie drew her gently to his shoulder, waiting for the unaccustomed weakness to pass. "Why. old lady, this won't do, you know. It's serious. I know; but hardly as bad as all that. Don't you see, it's quito impossible for us to run away now. Your father and I iiavo to sen It out to tho very best of our wits and courngo. We dare not do anything else." "It Isn't your responsibility, at least." Ruth Raid. "It's father's and mine. You could wash your hands of us, and no one would blame you." "Now you're talking plain non-
sense," Herepath accused. He tilted her chin with an accusing finger. "As your husband to be, I'm starting right in now to look after you." "I'm saying it for you." Herepath laughed. But his eyes and mouth were somewhat stern. "Hnvo you ever been kissed by a self-respecting man? Well, it's going to happen to you now." She said presently, from the region of his collar: "Rod, I'm so glad you bullied me. Of course, I've always loved you. I know that now." "You adorable girl," Herepath said i a trifle huskily. ! He would have drawn her to him J again, but she withstood him gently. "Not now, Rod. It's — I mean, somehow, with poor Fry lying there. In a sense, my happiness now is Indecent. About leaving Red Gates. Rod. At least, you can't remain there at night, after tills." "You'll never persuade your father." Herepath said. "And naturally I shan't desert him. It's n unique opportunity, clearest. I don't suppose the history of science ever held so rcmnrkaMo an opportunity lor accurate study of such a vital (lis- ' covcry. Just thinly what it moans to your father, apart from Its hideously unforeseen aspects." "Then I shall keep you both company." Ruth said quietly. "No, Rod j — please. I mean that. Mrs Puckle and Joe can continue to sleep at the cottage here. But I shall bo with you and father. Otherwise the nights would bo one long torture. I could not support them." I
At tho finality in her tones Herepath bowod his head. Ho said: "As you. wish, dearest. In a sense, I would prefer to have you right udor my eye. After all, the danger may not bd. so great. The creatures fear light. So long as none, of us venturos beyond ,lt wo should bo safe enough." . He looked' nt his watch, and cx-claimod: "By George, I must, liurry back boforo Joe gets thoro with Fro-burt. You'd bettor coma with me. 1 don't altogether llko tho idea of leaving you here alone." On tho way Ilerepath related what Dr. Montague had said concerning the colors dovclopod by tho blogens. in their relation to t tie various planets. He was surprised to learn that Ruth was already familiar with a great deal of ancient astrological lore. "During father's absenco I road It up quite solidly," tho girl confossod smilingly. "Mythology has always lascinated me. JSach planet, you know, Rod, was assigned to a particular deity, by the Assyrians and the Babylonians. They called the god of Saturn Adar. The Chaldeans called him Alup-Shamash. All threo acknowledged Sin as the god of tho moon. In Assyrian loro Ishtar reigned over Venus, and in their legend of Ishtar's descent into tho underworld is given their conceptions of life after death. The Chaldeans called Ishtar by tho name of Ashbat. The i sun was known to them as Shamnsh: Jupiter as Rus: Sulpa-sadu for Mars; i Nlvit-Anu for Mercury. I forget the others. But the gods of Saturn and . \ onus were supposed always to be at , war. Saturn stood mostly for evil of j tho licentious kind. Venus typified good, it is rather curious that father should Iiavo associated the Dlght-Bio-gen with Venus, long boforo it came to its present development. I hope I shall see it for myself. Tour description suggests something very beautiful Indeed." Ilerepath said, with a reminiscent shudder: "If you could have seen how the other nrentnre rvrt\Vf4»>H nlmni
the laboratory, trying to force their way inside, to attack it. I am certain that was their purpose. They know it Is their enemy. They nro afraid of it, in some way." They wero now within sight of Red Gates. "Thorc's a cart standing in the drive." Ruth said. "Mrs Pucklo has just gone Into the kitchen," said Herepath. "You lmd better join her there. There is no need for either of you to appeatv in tho matter." Ruth nodded and turned down a stdo path. Herepath continued along the main drive. Ahead of him a small group stood talking before the dead body of Fry. from which tho covering had been removed. At Herepath's approach the voices dropped. The policeman, Frobart, with whom Herepath was well acquainted, gave him a friendly salute. "Bad accident this. Mr Herepath. eh? Have you met Dr. Ay re? lTo happened to be on the spot wlten tho lad conic for me. so I perMiaded him to come along." Herepath shook hnndn with tho medical man. Dr. Ayro. middle-aged and kindly, said: "Hardlv an unbroken bono In the poor fellow's body. We were iust wondering how it happened. Not the facts — those arc plain enough, I should say — but the manner of It. What possessed tho man to go clambering ' about the roofs in n pitch-dark night, and a high wind?" "Fry's methods wero always unconventional." Dr. Montague ox-plained quietly. "You think, then, he fell from the roof?" (To Iks continued) !
Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Monday 24 December 1928, page 13
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The Star Germs f
— Hit — ' BERNARD : ; . CRONIN i ; j I
Thrilling ' Mystery y I Serial \
ClIAITKll IH.-— Conthltictl
Frobarl bald importantly. "I'm putting that In my report. Ho climbed up that ladder and ' "attempted to clean the gutters out. You can see where his hold slipped and started a
mo or two. Ho must have grabbed at the guttering and hung n moment. There s the bulge of his wright. That seems to be the truth of It." "That's what we. thought." Here-pnth said, secretly elated. His gstsec encountered that of Joe Murglc, whoso paie'face hovered on tho outskirts of the group. It seemed to llercpnth Mint the youth's left eyelid -underwent a. convulsion suspiciously like a wink. He frowned and turned to watch Ur. Ayro. who was bonding now to a more thorough examination of the gardener. As he did ho. Frobart touched IjIh arm, The policeman was Jerking a thumb In the direction of the Murglc heir. "A bit soft, that lad of yours, eh. Mr Hervpnth?" "You think so?" Hercpath asked cautiously. , "SHIy like," Frobart asserted. iJldn t seem to understand a single damn queHtion. Harmless enough, though, eh?" Herepath assented with enthusiasm. 9J ' Uulte. Now that you mention it, Frobart. I believe he Ih a little wanting In nome, as they say. But a good Ind." "No use calling him when tho in-fimr.v h held," the policeman said gloomily. He cloned his note-hook and returned it to the pocket of his tunic. "Only waste the time of the court. Wo shan't want hiin. nnywav. tour evidence ought to do. I'll let you know when we want vou." "Thanks," Hercpath said abaentlv. His attention was on Dr. Ayre, I whose examination was concluded. I 1 h« old doctor wore a puuslcd cx-, presslon. . He said; 'l can't understand how a .simple fall like that could, so break i and bruise. It's new to my experience if a wasn't for the evidence I ' could imagine that he had been 1 MnniplCd to death by some heave uni-I nuil, Hkn cart-horse." ! "There's soma j-athcr decent whiskv Insi.l..." H. ivp:ittl "I.ofs Ret the p»»», r chap into tho trap first, Frobart. ; Jo', spread those sacks on the tloor. : Nmw then. Well. Dr. Ay I suppose Vniir profession is full of surprlsci? C«»nuag in for a taste. Krnbart?" I.cft to himself Joe Alm-gh-. with n sidi-fopg glance at the cart and its! : gnicsotiio contenlH, made for the prl- 1 vacv of his former bedroom. He!
u m.ic a c sight .of Fry's ; crumpled bod-clothing, and peered , guardedly about tho room before drawing up a chair tu the table under tho window. A cheap writing-pad, ,wirh pen ii nd Ink. were to hand: and he drew these to him. and wrinkled , his brows in stern attempt to .-biicpji-; irate his thought. He had already posted the letter written overnight: and it came to him. with a sense of .almost dismay, that the very choicest , ivwH of ail had found no part in it. , t'nlcss he sent a. second letter at once. \ by way of postscript. It would un-i doubted ly happen that the inhabitants nf "The Working Man's Residential Paradise" would lonrn of the sensational detionemont. nt Red Gates through alien channels. Such a thought was not to he borne. Joe dipped his pen and began to write frantically: "Dear Mum. — Oh. mum. you would never, guess what has heppenod. Fry is dead. Oh. mum, Mr Hcrepath said Joe he fell off the roof when he
was cleaning the gutter, anl so we must he careful to »a.v so. Oh, mum. the doctor said his death must have been Mlmultnlnus. .11 moans all at once. "Well, mum. I went to get tho policeman, his name is Mr Frobart. He mid well my lad what do you know about it? And I said I know nothing. And he said he careful mv lad or you will go to julo. It Is a serious thing. And 1 said I swsiro it. Whc wc arc till tit Red Gates! mr Hercpath said the hoy is all right constable. I will answer for him. Yes said Dr Montagu: he was with ruth at the cottage all the night. And Mr Fruburt that is the policeman looked silly. "Well muni Mr Fry Is. dead and gone. But ! am all right. And so no more for tho present from your loving son — Joe." It was this letter that Frobar, wiping his moustache as he issued from the house, pleasantly consented to post nt the Invitation of the breathless writer a few hours later to ho read by Mr Murgle, with bulging eyes, to an admiring circle in the billiard-room of "The Working Alans Residential Paradise" horn elry. On the depurturo of Frobart and Dr Ayre, with the body, ilercpnth went in search of Ruth. He found her gently resisting the morbid pro-iphesying of Mrs I'uckle, who was now ! frankly In terror of her surroundings. On Ucrcpath's entry, the housekeeper appealed to him with tearful emphasis. "I say that. Miss Ruth oughtn't to bo allowed to sleep 'ere, like she sajfk she's going to. Mr Hereputh. 1 wouldn't sleep /ere, not in this place, not if you was to go down on your bended knees. Full of murdering ghosts and things — And tho hud luck of ill — Look what's happened i to Fry. I shall dream of it if 1 live | tu be a hundred." Ruth said, with n pale smile: "Why. I Mrs i'uc.lcle, I shall be perfectly safe with father and Mr Ilcrepath. And, besides, we shan't be sleeping here. We shnlt sleep In the daytime. At night we shall be wide atvaltu all the time." "Whf»t for?" Mrs Ruckle demanded, blinking. "You know Dr Montague is enn- ' ducting certain scientific experiments." ; Herewith said. "It is at night that! ho has to take his observations, you j see. As for ghosts — Now. Mrs
I'ucKie, you surely don t believe that. 1 Not really. Come now — " ' Rut the housekeeper's wits, com- I placently dull enough at ordinary | times, had been sharpened suspic- ' tmisly by the events of the past few days. "What 'appened to Daniel, then, Mr Herewith? And us shifted over to your cottage at nights?" Hercpath said, exchanging n look with Ruth: "Home experiments at-« rather dangerous Mrs Purkle. Seienre Is a queer thing. espeoinlJv when R touches matters which wc do not properly understand. At times Strang' happenings occur. This is one of them. But deprnd upon it. everything will come out all right. It wasn't a ghost that took the cat. That Is to say, if he hasn't just strayed away of his own accord. If Daniel was actually taken. It was by — well, the doctor hag succeeded in hatching out a kind of germ life, in the laboratory, as you know. Some of them have got "out of control for the time being. They can't bother us for long, because the outstrip ipmnnratnrAu n„lni,i,. 1.111
them." "It can't do It quick enough for me." Mrs Puckle declared, it was evident, however, that she could make very little sense of what Herepath had said. "Jf you're really at all frightened." Ruth said cleverly, fully aware of the housekeeper's unswerving loyalty, "it might be better If you left us to manage ourselves for a little time, until things settled down comfortably again. Wo should miss you 'dreadfully, but it's hardly fair that you should be worried. If——" Mrs Pucklo was at once all indignation and hurt. "I wouldn't 'car of such a thing. I'm surprised at you, Miss Ruth. Well, ghosts or no ghosts, it's lime 1 goi dinner for you. So far as I an see nobody's had much breakfast. Where's that young Joe? Ah! so there you arc. listening nt the key-'ole I'll be bound. Wood is what I want, and plenty of It. With Fry gone " "She's a staunch old dear." Ruth said, as she and Herepath went out into the garden. "Rod. how will it all end? I wish I knew. Now and then my courage utterly deserts me. I know It's foolish of me. hut in the last few hours tho fear I've had has been— I can't quite explain. It's personal, if you know what T mean. Something is going to happen — to mo — to myself. Something vile— horrible— "Nonsense," Herepath said sharply. But he could not avoid a sudden sick feeling. "How can anything happen to you. with all of us here together? Dearest, you're unwrought. I don't wonder at that. You're tired outt You must go back to the cottage after dinner and have a good sleep." "Yes," Ruth said vaguely. "Perhaps you're right." The rain had ceased and tho sun was shining bravely through a rift in tho heavy clouds. Herepath pointed to it with forced confidence. "Of course I'm right. Why, look there, dear heart. That's tho way .the sun will presently shine through our own clouds. It's practically impossible, according to your father, that the star germs can survive earth temperatures for much longer." Ho felt her shake suddenly, and her clasp tighten. Seeking tho cause, he saw that she was staring at the wet gravel of the path. At the point of her boot almost was a single clear-cut Impression of a cloven hoof. Herepath had an instinctive feeling that It was newly made. It had not been there, he somehow knew, more than a few minutes at most. Tho rainwater was only then beginning to seep into the depressions. Hercpath fouglit back tho exclamation that rose to his Hps. He affected
not to havo s» n tho imprint, an. I drew her gently onward. Y«t hi-heart was sink with loathing of that unseen bestial presence. Ruth said faintly: "Hadn't wo letter find father? We juum talk ov«i' what ho wants to do. it's raining again. Hod." Mere path's t'a«-o was grhn. lie came, to astonished realisation of the faet that his own fear had miraculously . and finally Jrfi him. He knew now j only a consuming' anger, a steadily, growing ib'tennfnntlnn to enenun:«r i tins salyr-hiogen and destroy it,. How, j he did not know. Tin occasion, he : told himself, would point tho way. I' it cost him his own life ho would ; remove the threat of this h-vrinu satyr from tlm path of Hi" woman ; lie loved. The whole uiemo-e of the creature, |jc helh-ved. was directed jjt Ruth. It was for her, not for themselves, that thev had most to i-are. In the recesses of his mind he hoard again the bleating mirth which had accompanied their single glimpse of that gout-like horror, and his forehead was damp with sweat, it took all Ills will power to thrust the vision from him. Dr. Montague was self-ah-orlied ; and reticent, when they found him. j lie Mcemoed to have aged under the', shock of Fry's death, . Herepath ; thought. At tin dinner-table he sat ; in a brooding silence, devoid of ap- 1 petite. When spoken to he replied in curl monosyllables.' It \vs pnpar- j ont that his mind was deeply immersed in a problem. j They left him presently to ; j Ruth to return tu the cottage, to g-t : what sloop sb.- could in readiness !.»»' :l night of watching: Hercpath to; stretch himself upon the sofa, in th" dinlngronm, with similar purpose, lie was utterly fagged. Within a few . moments fie was sound asleep. Some hours later he awakened to s see I >r Montague pacing the r»ni ' with short, nervous strides. It was approaching dusk, and already the light was fading. The wind had : dropped; beyond tlm window Ib-»o-path could see the motion".- fresco! of tree-tops against lite leaden background of the sky . A curious sibutcc ' held. The air was oppressive with a . sense of threat. To he continued 'iv Druid, in., do ewp. Martin i 1ML alt Prtthh. f_i.lt.-, r'' niin.-,:.| iLi-mi. snt.l bv »P i'li'ti:i»is it rid >mr-. T t v .1 , th. Mum., hidimri.-s.— 1 A.Jit.)
Tuesday 25 December Newspaper was not published (Christmas)
Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Wednesday 26 December 1928, page 14
________________________________________
THE STAR GERMS
Thrilling Mystery Serial
— — -By — BERNARD CRONIN .
CHAFTUlt 18. — ConllinieU
Seeing Hcrepath awake. Dr Montague ctune abruptly to a standstill. His eyes wore gleaming behind their glasses, and his scant hair was rumpled above the high dome, of his
forehead. He interlaced his thin lingers as he spoke. "I was about to stir you. Here-path. It's time we made our preparations for the night. You sleep soundly." Herepath sat up yawning. "What makes you say that? Just now. particularly, 1 moan?" "You hoard nothing, then? No echo through your dreaming of a sudden loud explosion?" "Not a sound," Herepath disclaimed. "1 was dog tired, t wasn't merely asleep. I was Insensible. Was there an explosion ?" "Come and sco youraolf." The scientist led the way Into the corridor and through th© side door into tho quadrangle. As h© stepped into tho opon, Horepnth's eyes widened, and his mouth gaped. "Holy Moses! What did that?" Practically tho whole of tho right wall of the laboratory had collapsed ontwards, as though to the Impetus of a terrific driving force from within. The ground was a litter of torn masonry and broken glass. Tho angle of the roof sagged, yjxA a twisted beam was fallen midway along its length. "The extraordinary part," Dr. Montague said calmly, "is that there is no suggestion of fire. Normally an explosion ignites. In this case, as you see, nothing of tho kind has happened." Herepath said: "The Llght-Blogen." 'Beyond a doubt. The force con-corned, Herepath, was of a nature unknown to earth. Its dlsruptivo-ness, I believe, was due to mental energy. There was nothing physical about it, except its effects. In my opinion tho Light-Biogen sounded the note of the building— that is to say, the fundamental note it naturally gave out. If you remember, Choron, the celebrated French bass, was able to break a drinking glass into fragments simply by singing into the glass its fundamental note. The Russian bass singer. Ivnnoff, used to perform the same trick." "But a whole building of brick!" Herepath said incredulously. "The difference is one of magnitude only." Dr. Montague said, with quiet conviction." The effect upon buildings, oven upon human life itself — of violent concussions of the air, is well knojvn. It Is simply a matter — whether by design or chance— -of attuning tho note to tho fundamental pitch of the building or person. I am one of those who think that the true explanation of the downfall of the walls of Jericho, at the blast of the trumpets, is to be found in the fact that Joshua had discovered tho fundamental note of tho masonry, and caused his buglers to sound it. As a scientific consequence the walls collapsed. These tilings happen by chance, sometimes. At the rehearsal in St. Paul's Cathedral. London, In 1S52, of the music for the funeral ceremonies of the Duke of "Wellington, during a note
sung lh unison by tho huge choir, .seven of the pis-glasses resounded the note and burst Into fragments." "You think the Llght-Blogen mado use of this means to effect its escape from th e laboratory ?" Herepath asked. "I do," said tho scientist. "It has, we may suppose, taken on some degree of materiality. Its development has been phenomenal, by comparison with tho rest of the biogens. Finding Itself prevented by certain physical or material properties from making an escape, the Llght-Blogen would naturally resort to such mid-; way means — by which 1 mean an action neither wholly material nor immaterial, hut dependent, upon both — as would be prompted by its pro-founder knowledge of tho laws of natural philosophy. At least, that is my theory." "Have you looked Inside the laboratory?" Dr.. Montaguo shook his head. "Too muny shadows at this hour. And that reminds me—. It is high time w© made our preparations for tho darkness. Tonight, unless I am greatly mlstakon, will see the zenith of tho peril. Tonight. Herepath, will witness the ago-old struggle between good and evil. Thero Is n melting in my bones " "Mine, too," Hcropatli muttered. lie looked sombrely at the lowering sky arid shrugged his shoulders. It was, he thought, impossible to escape the threat with which- the air was charged. The atmosphere was weird and unnatural, full of a parched, combustible fooling. The silence could bo felt. "Ruth!" Herepath questioned, ns they sought tho sitting-room. "Joe has gone for her." Dr. Montague replied. "Mrs ruckle will stay at th© cottage, out of bavin's way, 1 hope. Young Murgle, however, is to ho one of us. Ho pleaded so hard to he let stay that I could not find It in my heart to disappoint him. He Is terrified almost out of his wits, but has the courage of a consuming: curiosity. Well, wo should not lack light tonight." Herepath saw that the scientist had been busy while ho himself had been sleeping. At least a dozen lamps were
ranged about the room, and fuel for the fire was piled high in a corner. On the table was a largo tray containing food, and the couch was occupied with rugs and pillows. "Hang it, you've dono it all already," Herepath exclaimed guiltily. "Why didn't you wake mo earlier?" Dr. Montague smiled. "Mrs FucUlo did most of it, good soul. T wanted you to rest. You'll probably havo need of all your wits before morning dawns." The door, Herepath saw, had been wedged open to Its full width. Confronting tho opening, and some three feet within the room, were a number of tins arranged soml-circulnrly. Within each was a coll of thin wire. Tho Una wore made fast to the tloor, and from each a loose lead trailed and vanished beneath the edgo of the carpet. "Magnesium wire," Dr. Montaguo explained, "I - can Ignite thorn In turn, ns required, by means of the small battery on tho ledge here, whero I shall sit." "You mean the door is to remain open?" "All that I am nblo to sec of those extraordinary phenomena, I certainly Intend to see." Dr. Montaguo said. "Open or shut, tho door Itself Is no protection. Light is the only real safeguard. Light and the providence of God." "The magnesium flares are for an emorgcncy?" Herepath suggested. "Partly that. I Intend to take a flashlight or two. If at all posslblo, and if my nerves hold. If these creatures are recordable. I shall need tho intensity and actinic power of tho light of the Ignited magnesium." Herepath said nervously: "Isn't it time Ruth came? It's growing very dark." "X think I hear young Murgle now." the scientist said. He began methodically to light the lamps. "Yes. hero they are now. Will you put a match to the fire, Herepath?" Herepath did ho, and went then to meet the newcomers. He was a little alarmed at tho pallor of Ruth's face. Her manner, too, was unusual. Her eyes were vague and her voico was curiously sing-song. . "You shouldn't have come," Here-
path chldod. settling her In a chair. "You don't look as If you'd rested at nil." She gave htm a fleeting smile. "I'm qulto well. I had to come, you see." .She put her hand to her head, as though suddenly confused. Herepath watchetl her anxiously. Ills mouth had gone a llttlo dry. Somo alien quality seemed to havo taken possession of her, and ho found it unwelcome and disturbing. "You mean you had to bo with us7 "Yes, Rod; of course. I couldn't keep away. It kept calling mo to come — calling me. What on earth am I saying? How foolish l must seem, i's so tired, though, that I fool now and then as If I was walking and talking In my sleep." Herepath, wondering unhappily at the queorness of her manner, said: "You're starkly over-tired. Just close your eyes and relax. That's right." Joe Murglo bad seated htmgclt in tho corner furthest from the open doot, beyond which the gloom now steadily thickened. His mouth hung open and his eyes wore wide. Ho was not at all suro now thnt his cholco had boon wise. Ho pictured Mrs Kucklo sitting comfortably and safely beforo tho choorlnoss of tho cottngo oven, and envy sinoto him. Ho looked apprehensively about him, and sighed robustly. . . "Well, Joseph," Herepath said, with assumed llghtnoss. "And so we're to havo your company, eh? Put your hut down, my lad, unless you want, to twist tho brim clean off it. Had your tea?" % Y "Crl yes, Mr IXcropath, plenso. mean, thank you. Mr Herepath. Herepath said: "Well, what is it? "Mr Herepath, I thought — I moan, Miss Ruth." "What about Miss Ruth?" With a quick glance at tho girl's unconscious profile, Herepath cam© cIoho to Joo. His voice fell automatically to a whisper. Something In Joe's face brought an added qualm to his uneasiness. "What is It, Joe?" "She's funny. Saying funny things, Mr "Herepath. Mrs Pueklo got all upset and didn't want her to go. But she would go." "Funny things!" Herepath cchoesd. Ho dropped to a chair by the youth s "What funny things has Miss Ruth been saying? Quietly, Joe. >>© mustn't wake her, must we?" Joo said hoarsely: "Funny things, Mr Hcrepath. She kep' saying she hud to go becauso it was calling her. And Mrs Ruckle said 'Who's calling you, dearie,' nnd Miss Ruth said I don't know." Ilorepath digested this, frowning heavily. "When was this. Joe?" VWhen she woke up, Mr Herepath. She came out and looked at Mrs Ruckle and me, and said why can't you leave mo alone? Why do you keep calling me? And then slio got better nnd laughed and said I'm afraid I'm not very well. Don't Ink© any notice of me. I think wo had better go now, Joe. don't you. And I said yes, it is getting late." "Miss Ruth didn't say what It was she thought was calling her, Joe?" To bo continued)
Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Thursday 27 December 1928, page 14
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THE STAR GERMS
Thrilling A Mystery y Serial V
f BERNARD lfl CRONIN
CHAPTER 10
Voutiff MUrplo shook hta head. "No. Mr Herepnth. Mrs Pucklo said the poor tnmb'she Is still dreaming. But she wasn't dreaming, Mr Herepath. She was funny like." llr. Miintntriift l»itut> ivIMi hlo
camera apparatus, called suddenly to Herepath. Beyond an affectionate nod at Ruth when slio first entered, thu scientist seemed not to have observed her further. Certainly the strangeness of her manner had escaped him. He was, ns Herepath knew, almost solely concorned with his scientific enthusiasm. "Yes," Herepath answered. lie touched Ruth's hair -lightly ns he passed, with all his soul in his lingers. He thought her eyes dickered. but they remained closed. She seemed somehow drugged ; but whether with weariness or something more to be feared, ho did not know, it was ns if she had been hypotised "Listen," Dr. Montague said. From the now completely darkened corridor citnio the faint humming sound that had characterised the assembling of the star germs on the previous night. Now. ns then, the sound tilled Herepath with an indescribable disgust.It It was like the whispering of n concealed multitude of the unclean and venomous. It rose in volume like the whirr of a great spinning top. to die away into n throbbing silence. Beyond that one demonstration of the Evil that lurked In the blackness beyond the circle of lamplight and arc-light, nothing untoward occurred for some hours The night held to an eerie quiet. Neither sight nor sound escaped Ruth. Herepath was delighted to find, had apparently shaken off her strange, drug-like obsession. Indeed, her ninn-nei had now gone to the other extreme. Her eyes were unusually bright and her cheeks were flushed feverishly. The oflect, Herepath believed, was probably due to some kind of mental reaction. Ho said presently: "You're all right now ?" "Quite, thanks. Rod. Why. didn't I seem well? This Is most frightfully interesting, don't you think? Father, do you really think It possible to photograph the Blogens?" "Frankly, no." the scientist confessed. "'But I mean to do my best, nonetheless. You see. I am not without hope." "What a record it would make," Herepath said. "You would be furnished with indisputable proof of star life." "1 doubt It." Dr» Montague said.' He smiled dryly. "The world of science would probably accuse mo of faking the plates. Still, what matter. It Is the groat moral issue of the affair that most concerns me now. It is the voice from the beyond that humanity has always yearned to hoar, to set the seal of absolute conviction upon the poor certainty of Its faith." Ruth said, with a quivering Hp: "It typifies the unending struggle between right and wrong, the forces of' good and the powers of evil between God and Satan." There enmo silence presently. Dr Montague had entered into one of his habitual abstractions. 'His head was sunk on his breast and his lips moved without sound. Joe Murgle was dozing on the sofa. Ruth stirred at Herenath's sldo.
"I'm so thirsty. Rod.:; "We'll have some tea," Herepath said briskly. Me put fresh fuel on the fire and sot the kettle over the blaze. As he rose to his feet it occurred to him that the Illumination of the room was less bright. The lamps had each n kind of bluish halo about them, obscuring them like a fog. He turned up the wicks till the flames flared and the light widened agnin comfortingly Dr. Montague came out of his reverie to say: "What are you doing, Herepath? There should be plenty of oil." "So there is." Herepath said. But his expression was puzzled. The light had fallen once more quite perceptibly The flame of the fire also, had grown sullen and fitful. "It's nearly midnight." Dr. Montague said, glancing at his watch. His face was grave. "Ruth — " The girl looked nt him. but made po reply. Herepath saw that she was breathing as though with dllficulty and that the old drugged drowsiness hud returned to her. Her expression somehow alarmed him. "Ruth! ' Dr. Montague repeated almost fretfully.She She stirred and essayed a smllo. "Yes. father — yes." "You must rouse yourself, my dear Herepath. prod that lad awake. That's right. The danger Is hqre. Something is happening at Inst." The darkness beyond the door had movement. Joe Murgle. seeing it, felt the roots of his hair tingling respon sively. He sat as thought paralysed, his heart hammering in his throat. Dr. Montague said sharply: "The lights!" "They won't go any higher," Hero-path said. Ho was strangely without fear. He stood by Ruth, his hand pressing her shoulder, and his eyes fixed upon the ohtong of the door The darkness was taking shape. It fell npnrt, and became of a sudden filled with the rude, night-mnrlsh forms of the crowding star germs. The air was vibrant, charged with the breath of an incalculable malice. Herepath was not quite sure whether the lamplight Itself was fulling, or whether the outside black was being thrust bodily, as it were, into the room. He only knew that the light was failing steadily And. in spite of himself, his spine seemed crumbling under the weight of a mounting hur-Hc heard his own -.voice issuing drunkenly: "Doctor — doctor — the flare " Even as he spoke a magnesium light leaped In a blinding flash. There followed a second and a third. The smoke of them billowed in a heavy acrid cloud ' From the core of It came the voice of Dr Montague, strident with excitement. "Did you see it? Herepath! Ruth! Did you see it? Herepnth. where are you ?" "Hero!" Herepath called. He wiped ' his smarting eyes and moved In the I direction of the scientist. At hla I back Joe Murgle burst Into a I strangled coughing. "What Is It?" | He saw. now. however, for him-I self; and the supreme wonder of it rendered him dumb As If by .mngtc the smoke had vanished The lamplight had sunk to a twilight, and dimly he could distinguish In the pit of the corridor the writhing shapes that filled it. Herepath stared at them. A ray of purest light, like the scintillation of a great, diamond, moved upon the face of the dark-I noss. As though It were a sword-k point it (touched in turn the mons-i trous life that swam there, extln-I gulshlng it like a pricked bubble. A plane creature, pulsing Its terror, 1 crossed the threshold of the room. The 1 light-ray lengthened and pierced it ) into nothingness, almost at Here-path's feet. The air of the corridor shook with the anguish of an Unnatural convulsion. It seemed to swell and then recede. And was presently still, without movement or sight or sound. Dr. Montague was. crying: "The Llght-Blogen! The Urim and Thum-mitn! The Light and the perfection!" . He was hoping with the sheer ln-f tensity of HIh scientific ardor. I "Herepath. you saw, it? The hypostatic? The very essence, and personality of the God-head?" Herepath was dazed. The iftmp-s light was slowly returning' (o. normal. f He turned his eye's from the pre-fer-
vbr of Dr. Montague, to glimpse the chalk-white face of Joo Murgle. A thought was beating at the back of his brain, but for the moment he could not focus It. There was some thing revolting In the room. His nostrils were curling to the echo of a mephltlc stencli. And suddenly, slckcnlngly. his brain cleared-He said: "Ruth, God In Honven where's Ruth?" "Eh?" Dr. Montnguo stammered. He came and stood nt Herepnth' elbow, peering nt tho empty chair His face grew ashen. "She Isn't here." Joe Murgle ennio, walking a little bllndlv, from the corner whore he had been crouching. Herepath automatically thrust out a hand, or tho boy would huve fallen. "Mr Herepath." "Yes." Herepath whispered, with dry Hps. "MIhh Ruth. Mr llorepath. IB \vn« the— tho goat. Mr lloropath. It enmo in."
CHAPTER 20 "Tho Satyr," Dr. Montnguo said. Tho shock of his daughter's disappearance smote him deeply. Ho was reduced in nn instant from u state of almost arrogant triumph to n nerveless condition pitiful to witness. All his initiative seemed to have deserted him. He stumbled from sldo to side of the room, wringing his hands. "Herepath, what is to be done? What Is to be done? I never droamod of this " Herepnth said, with a haggard look, "What Is to be done? Why. what do you think? What have you done with the torch?" He snatched It from tho trembling hand of tho scientist, and strode to the door. Hercpath's Impulse was to run shouting In pursuit, but the manifest folly of this restrained him. The need for caution had never been greater. The lessor bJogen he knew, had been destroyed by the beneficent sword-ray of the Llght-Blogen: the Urim as Or. Montague called It So far ns earth was concorned, at least, tiiey were dead. The strange iliimo-biogens— sensitive metabolisms that shortened at the approach f sound, and danced grotesquely at the rise and fall of speech — t he geometrical crea t ures. the ectoplasms, the ono-dt mentioned and two-dimensioned monstrosities, and others loo bizarre or horrible to permit the description: no longer would earth surfer threat of them But the most potent for evil of all that travesty of life, the most powerful and most wicked, still lived. Somewhere In the dnrkness about them <h« great Satyr slnmpcd gontllke. with Ruth held In noisome embrace Herepath choked' nt the thought of the girl's supreme peril An agony j( fear swept hint lest she was already, by some law of Interstellar physic?, removed forcvor from earthly aid. The thought pierced ills mind like a white-hot wire, so that ho groaned aloud. He said: "Wo will search from room to room, and from corner to corner. Frightened, Joe?" "CtT, not very much, Mr Herepath,"
Joe said. But his tooth chattered a' little, "Cr!\ I'd like to linvo a go at that goat thing. I would. 1 ain't a feared of no goat." "Nor I." Herepath said. Dr. Montague's assurance had not been with out Its effect. Courage was flowing, back into his veins "Let your thoughts say that. Joe, old num. wUti all your strength. Evil cannot harm Miss Ruth. It cannot Now then — keep your eyes and ears open." Each room was visited in turn. But the beams of (he torch revealed no sign of the girl. The darkness unfolded upon emptiness and silence. Herepath called now and then In a shaking voice: "Ruth. . . . Can you hear me? Are you anywhere near? Can you touch me?" "CrlV Joo Murgle muttered under his breath. He glanced nt Herepath tearfully, as if suspecting his sanity. "How can she touch him when she ain't hero? He can sec that." Dr. Montague, however, Immediately caught nt the terrified thought in Heropath's mind. Ho snld: "You're thinking of Daniel. But it wasn't the Satyr that destroyed the cat. It was a geometric creature, probably; or the cctoplnsmic germ that tried to envelop Joe at the tower window. Ruth's visibllty Isn't in question. She's still in the flesh, wherever she Is. I am certain of that." "How can you bo certain of It?" Herepath fumed. But he immediately took fresh hold of his fretting temper. "We must hurry on, "Joo, keep close to us." The soarch had nnrrowod to the upper story. They ascended the stair and entered the short tunnel of the corridor, seeming now to move through an endless universe of darkness and silence. The ray of the torch had grown stunted and thin It was no longer funliko. but ended abruptly In n pallid splotch, ns - though It pressed always against somo Impalpable obstacle. The curtain of night had about It a curious suggestion of elasticity. It appeared at times to (low, after the manner of a turgid block stream. Impeding their progress. It closed around thorn, ns water closes, with a smooth and icy deliberation. The ntr hud staled. And tho lean torchlight drew from the nooks and corners an endless succession of crnzlly-dnnclng shadows. Tbc rooms on either side of the corrider were starkly empty. Their space appeared to overwhelm and suffocate the already diminishing beam of the torch in Hcrepnlh's hand. As he rcgnlned the corridor the beam faded wholly. lie stood blindly in a pit of soot, with tautened eardrums and racing pulses. Dr. Montngue's heavy breath was on his neck, and (ho drumming nf the darkness echoed the sudden scared whimper that came from Joe Murgle. "Battery failed," Dr. Montague snid. speaking with evident rcstrulnt. "Steady, Joe, my lad." "No," Herepath said. He worked the tiny switch unavailJngly. "It was fresh In this evening. I attended to tiuu purposely It's failed, hut not. in the ordinary sense. See here " He hcid the torch with the globe uppermost. There enmo from it a fnlnt smudge, like n pale mist
"The battery is still workim o .H thing has killed the light Dr. Montague «nM: ! determine., that. Mate-In-.. give them' to me." I to Hirui'k on.- II -plni ,, , damp (usee, leaving on:v 1 »»h« ?e H escetice on the r«l„|4. ,;f \ There was not even ,\ sntP( . flnntc. He struck maii-h n <H with' the same result. "I'm afraid you're right nnk H .It appears to be a ni;itior inospherics. Wall fl „MIIUl 01 « your eyi-n llKlit, Jo... 'n,a| ...m,® them used to the Uarku,>Hs JUHI, who «re VV, ,.an,u,lca ""BU,'a C,,"w" »»> ."Wo'r.c at. tliu- tower nmm , H or 'iliirli. we're Ktilm; mi y,.'., >!' :ti\v n inntuli here ami .her, JUHt Tor luek.". ri" Tlereimtir.s voice was utaum. h iH'ulir wiiM racliiK, Tim i,ri"„M . In h!» throut, Ills eves i.unnci i attempt, to pierce the rleluhJ" beyond tho opened .Kmr m coarsely perceptible, |ou|' " nostrils. UM V Ho hnd had a moment of ... H nausea on Mrst emmnnter ,,e handle, ot the door n ... .nie n rl with n sense of hurnii..,: i,;.'" WbB| that .the, door ..was made his entry, by some dmneni'ie as had upparontlv be. p,,. n,CIH 1ow|iik their llrsl .lie, , ''' corridor of (he clove,, i,;,., relief on (Incline nu, jimr readily was Immense p.,,, o., "J-W subsided almost nl em e r, proved, he decided, that the ® withdrawn Into still more InVr " S regions of. dnrkness. ' . .... V01 ,hc 1,111 'ten Inlluenroi „f lliltm were. already In evidence ,9 Herepnth, Ills arm linked |n ifl Dr MuntnKuc. eroped Ids ivnv ihr ifl the , litkv obscurity inward, tower ladder, he could r-el J 9 ace of unseen eyes. The t, Ills nerves were clicked as f. If?® be. to Instnni explosion ®bhtM The wall of nlL-lii had „ n„ini„...H n scini-solldlty. that w:m mill effect. li expand,,, encd .is lie moved, im I, bv the core of It. Thev bad hi i'?B culnted. traversed half the u.„ the room only, when ibis o„m ,! II lien co hardened am, in-, ,i,"V-V 1 tiler prom-ess like a barrier M lie en me to u ball ibn,4„ rSB bis hand to touch this am.riir Jf, sliiietlon. while tellhie hlniseif" It .lid not. could not exist. Nn-'S jl It. In the experience of his physicLiI senses MIS thriisil.m haV' I cheeked not by coniact. bin i,v <iii, I It became leaden and i-le-i,). And th'H fool inn was presently exmn.icd to h!l whole body. In vain be exerted Vil will to move forward. The of defeat bathed Ills face. N0 n! I lunl barrier of .stone could have helil lilm more securely. fl At his back i.)r Montague nhl thickly: "I can hurdly breathe Tlel air j.s suffocating "efl A hand clutched Hercpath's IUU know It for that of Joe .Murgle and! an odd sympathy stirred 'him ' I He. muttered: "It's nil right. Jee-B it's all right. Shaine to brin« voufl into this. Nothing to gain " 1
ncrupain . it s pushing nie."fl Herepnth. emerging from a dnz« I was aware that they were all thrill again in motion. But now it was not H of .their own volition, nor In the dc- 1 sired direction. They were beInB crowded backward by almost Im'l perceptible decrees. A terrlbkH strength wan being poured nguiretl them out of . the impenetrable void I spreading Its Icy tentacles upotifl them, wrapping tho curtain ol (hi dark about them like a terrlblsl shroud. The name colled like a spring all the back of Hercpath's aching throat,! released Itself in a single Ucsiiairicz fl cry. I "Ruth! ..." I Mo know somehow that Dr! Montague was holding aloft !i!j| tiny pocket Testament. Uut nol sound escaped the old man. | But for the echoes of hhl own cry. and the ague of Joe .Murzie'sl terror. Hercpath's ears were blank.! His eyes. however. were growtn;| sensible of n steadily diminishing ob-1 scurlty nt one point. A oval of I kreyncss hnd appeared. It vhli-1 encd steadily: containing Itself com- 1 pactly, after the manner of a sput-l light. Herepath saw fl He thought, for a single instant, I that madness had touched his brain,! Me.' saw, cling hnlf-way up the 1 tower ladder, the gross bulk of il Thing half man, half goat. The head, I with its stilt, pointed ears, and shiictfl beard, was turned towards them. Ona I hairy arm was about' a mug of the I ludder< . the other supported the I crumpled body of the girl. Heropatti I hud nn Instant s agonised glimpse of j her', deathly 'face with Its closed eye J lids, before tho vision was idoued out j us by an inky curtain released. 1 He tried to call out. He tried to 1 burst the bonds of his physical weak- \ ness. Ho could, do neither. Hp turned to stone, with no life left to 4 him, It seemed, save to Itls eart 1 wherein rang the horror of a bleaunS J laughter. He had a fooling thai hi j was dead, and that hell was all about I liiin — j Mow long this bitterness nssnlled him j he nevor knew. He was all al on« | staring at n new appearance. On iha white plaster of the wall shone a great orbicular, wheel-like plate. j Dr Montague's voice came. hoarsely ; into tho sllcnco. . J "The. wheel symbol of Kronos and ( Saturn. Tho' sign manual of Saian-- ; Tile scientist choked. His ihln fin | gers bit themselves Into llorepaini , shoulder. Ills voice roso to a scream 1 of thanksgiving. _ ; "Look! Look! Praise be to Gofli Tho Cross Tnu — the symbol of synj hols — the hidden wisdom of tho tr«® Cross—1' (To ho concluded) - I
Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Friday 28 December 1928, page 8
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THE STAR GERMS
— i Thrilling Mystery Serial
— By — BERNARD CRONIN r -- y
CUADTEH 21
An oval of purest light had fallen directly over the Image of the wheel symbol of Krono. Within the oval, and glowing with the fervor of a
groat immaculate diamond, was the letter "T," sot upon the frustum of a cone. The mystical Tau of hallowed antiquity, emblem of creative power und eternity, of heaven and immortality, The traditional symbol used by earth-horn, primeval man, to ox-press a belief in- tho- resurrection and tho life to come. llut of this truth, with its sweet savor of Eden. Herepath was to acquaint himself later. Now lie watched, as In a dream, the slow, inexorable erasing of the sntanic symbol by the Cross Tau. Presently it alone remained to blar.o supremely for an Instant, before itself vanishing. There was an elixir in Hereputh's veins. His senses wero fully restored nnduho burden of the malignant influence no longer weighed upon him. Ho would have run forward, had not Dr. Montague restrained him. The scientist whispered tremulously: "Wait. Not yet — Be sure that Uuth Is safe. The symbols wero but the gago of the battle to come." Ho drew Herepath and tho half-fainting boy into the recess of the corridor. Ho said, with tears in his voice: "The oldest light in the world. The fight between Light and Darkness. Between Good — for the sake of man that He created in His own image— and Evil that would destroy man. See, my friends — The Uritn — " Over the Jet background of the night moved, with inllnite precision, the exquisite radiance of tho Light-Bay. it was. Herepath thought, as; though a shining sword were, being drawn slowly athwart the darkness in
an nir iiujiowjng circic. i In its wake a line of white fire clung to tho air to form a kind of j a symmetric structure, after the 1 manner of a spiral nebulae. And j within this bnrrier, which was shaped ' from above, and extended inexorably ; downwards, there seemed to dart a | great bulk that was more black than night Itself, i Beneath the devouring eye of the II Trim's purpose the Satyr was turning frantically, as in a cage. The space in which it moved was alive with tiny sparks. There was no sound.' but a hideous stench swelled
the air. The darkness heaved like a turbulent sea. The shining spiral, which as yet £.tvc out no light beyond its own outline. grew steadily. Herepath Ivad an Impression that the thin convolutions would presently multiply to such an extent that they would become fused, as It might be, into a cone-shaped whole. Ho watched it fascinatedly. But suddenly his attention turned to the shape that bulked beneath. Tho Satyr, ho decided, was perceptibly closer to tho .doorway, and to themselves. The whole of tho creature's influences appeared to focus themselves towards oseapo there. Its outline became grosser each second. And. as if in recognition, the gyra-tiocis of the Light-Splru! quickened. A bell-like note came from it. It was answored by a sound so bestial that tho blood in tho veins of the watching humans was chilled with dread. From the vortex issued a trickle of bleating laughter. Inch by inch the Satvr was dragging itself clear of the laboring spiral. The dreadful fact was apparent thnt in tho direction of the doorway lay, for some reason, the Trim's weakness. Its bell-like voice deepened. Herepath, rigid with apprehension,, sensed therein a note of appeal. But, for! the life of him, ho knew not how to respond — While he fretted impotontly, he was suddenly thrust aside. Dr. Montague stood in the open doorway. In the 'faint glow that now porvaded tho room, llorepath saw that the scientist
held aloft the opened pages of the Testament. Intentionally or otherwise his attitude took on the appearance of a cross. His voice broke sharply through tho eerie murmur-ings of supernatural conflict. "In tho name of the Father, and of tho Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." The effect, it seemed to Herepath, was instantaneous. The black horror that, was tho Satyr dwindled, and became without shape — a furiously palpitating amorphous, from tho core of which arose a snarling deformity of sound. The sniral of tho Urlm had
come together in a cone of glorious radiance. So overpowering was the light that Ilercpnth was blinded. Ho threw up his. hands to shield his eyes. As he did so. the air shook to a single sharp concussion. Darkness rushed back Into the room like an inky flood. Ills last impression, as he lost consciousness, way of an overpowering niephl-tic putrescence. lie came to himself to find Joe Murglo tugging at his arm. "Mr Herepath — Mr Heropath— " Herepath said shakily, /'Where's Dr. Montague?" "Here." the scientist replied. "Hush — something stirs!" He seemed to crawl to Herepath's side. Tfie threo crouched in silent awe. staring at where a grey mist struggled against the blackness. Little by little it resolved itself Into the outline of a face — a face of ineffable sweetness — neither of man nor of woman — unearthly in its beauty and purity . . . angelic. . . . The wide, luminous eyes surveyed them almost sadly, but the lips smiled. They seemed, Herepath thought, to move in wistful benediction. The vision lasted but a moment. It was replaced by the glowing symbol of the Cross Tau. It, too, faded and vanished. A little breeze of fresh, sweet air lingered on their faces, and was gone. Herepath whispered: "There's still a light " "It's tho dawn," Dr. Montague eaid. Ilis face was buried in his hands, as though ho wore praying. Joo Murglo said: "Miss Ruth—1 " Herepath was already on his feet. Ho climbed the ladder soberly, and presently stood In tho littlo loft of the tower. Beyond the narrow, windows the light, was widening fast. A bird chlrpod from the eaves, and tho tops of the trees were a sea of jasper floating to meet the sapphire horizon
Ul Uic StVJ>« A UXS DVIikO 'MV4 rose from an earth still warm with 'dreaming.' Ruth lay sleeping on tho floor by the window. Her head was pillowed on her arm. and the wind that slid over the sill paused to touch her hair. Her cheek was faintly flushed, and sho breathed as easily and quietly as a child. Herepath fell on his knees and raised her gently In his arms. She opened her eyes and smiled. He said chokingly: "You're safe! You're quite safe! The Satyr is dead." I
The dread. name roused her fully. "Dead! But that — of course. Rod. I was hideously afraid. And then, somehow, It was pono from me. Do you believe in angels, Rod? Or what was it that lifted mo from tho Satyr's arms and carried me here? I wasn't afraid any more then. 1 was only dreadfully tired and sleepy. I knew it was going to be nil right." "R was the Light-Roy — tho Urlm," Herepath said.,. As he drew- Her to her feet Dr Montague's voice called anxiously from below. "Herepath! Herepath!" have you found her?" "Safe and well," Herepath answered, "I'm bringing her down to you." Suddenly reaction enme. Ruth clung to him In a storm of weeping. "Rod, 1 thought I should have died." lie held her tightly. "Tho world is all clean and sweet again. See, my dearest. The sun is coming .The blessed light—" CHAPTER 22 "Noise! Damn kids!" said Mr Murglo. lie stood scowling round on tho porch of his home. Tho days were lengthening, and "The Working Man's Residential paradise" was only then beginning to settle into the soft, enveloping twilight. Hero and there lights twinkled. The smell of cooking gas would have delighted any member of tho Board who
might have happened — although purely by mistake — to be motoring homewards via tho locality. Jane Murgie, whoso left hand held tho ear of Horace, and -whose right hand clutched the exe'rclso book devoted to her homo lessons, replied to her sire tartly. "Well, you try doing your 'rlthmctic and being a nursemaid at tho same time. That's all I've got to say. Littlo Hcrmlc, you eomo in out of that gutter." 'T won't be argued with," Mr Murglo snld. He waved majestically a large.
ui tun-ai'in tru ciuifcci . ivii ; The voice of Mrs Murgie, anaemic with apprehension , and tho : stress of cooking; issued- from; the .end of . the passage!/ '; "iSrearly'TcdjEfaiher. v Jane, . ban't you stop 'Grace- shouting like that." "What's ho saying?" Mr Murglo demanded. Horace, evading the smothering hand of his sister, resumed his chanting with relish. "Joe's coming 'onto Chcwsday. Joe's coming 'oino Chcwsday. Joo's coming—" A spiteful twist of thc\car turned the chant into a wail. Little Hernde, hastily abandoning a survey of her mud-stained lower portions, elevated her face. Her eyes disappeared and her mouth became a widening circle. As the first of a succession of piercing screams smote tho outraged cars of her progenitor, the unbalance of her eager grief sent her toppling bodily Into the gutter. "A man's 'omc— " Mr Murgie began. Jane Murglo. thrusting him aside, withdrew llttlq Tlcrmie from her moist predicament, ns a garment plucked from tho wash-tub. With tho dripping. Infant under her arm she stalked inside in a silent fury. Horace, sobered by tragedy, clattered In her wake. " . . . Ain't his own." Mr Murgie concluded loudly. "That's what it is. A man's 'omc ain't his own. Always the same. Noise . . . Kids . . . Mouths to feed " . He thrust himself presently undor the kitchen sink. Still muttering he polished himself with a towel, and look his seat at the head of tho table. Mrs Murglc. advancing timidly with a plate of sausages, as though it were a votive offering, said: "I can't 'olp it. They won't be good. It's the cggcltemcnt." "What oggcitement?" Mr Murple asked. "I don't see no eggcltemcnt.
Jane, pass tho mustard. "Letter from Joe," his wife said, "lie's coming 'ome next Toosday." "What!" Mr Murgie said. His brow darkened. "Sacked! I knew it Mrs Murgie shook her head. "Not sacked, father. Tho people arc giving up the house. Joe ain't wanted any more." "Joo's seen the devil," Jane Murgie announced. "What!" Mri Murgie said. "'Xother sausage?" Mrs Murglc invited hastily. "Jane, don't you go
frightening 'Orace. T won't have it. Here's Joo's letter, father " Mr Murglo took it worn! a stern hand. Undeterred by tho process of mastication ho begun to read out loud. "Dear Mum— Mum I'm coming home on Tuesday I've scon the devil. At least Mr Herepath said it wasn't the real devil mum it will be by the midday train I think. But I'll lot you know. Well mum Mr Herepath said it is a thing we can't understand Joo and ho wo will bo wlso not to say much about it. Because people: will not understand Joe. And I said that is alright. You can rely on mo, And he said the doctor is very pleased with you Joo. You are to have n bonus of live pounds (G£). Wo are sorry to lose you and Mrs Pucklo hut wo are all going to live In Sydney. "Well, mum, 1 must tell you all about it. The star germs got out of tho laborty, you hoc. Yon see there was a good germ,, but all the tost wero bad germs. And the good germ killed all tho lyul germs but one that was a goat. Well, mum,, it was n very dark nlto, Mr Herepath said to mo, Joe, wo need you with us. You arc not afraid, but tlio doctor and I nro afraid. We will all sit in Miss Ruth's room and wo will have plenty of light. Because thev do not like tho 'light, Joo. Evil loves tho dark. And I said I am on your side. Do not fear. And ho said it was a great comfort to havo a fine man llko vou to help us, Joe. And 1 eaid why should I deny it." Mr Murgie raised a purple and bewildered face,"What's "What's ho talking about? I said before and I say it again, Joe's delirious. That's what ho is. Goats and germs." " 'Xother cup cr tea, father?" said Mrs Murgie. "Jane, doh't let Little 'Ermle suck tho jam knlfo. Well, father, I don't know what Joo means. You read it." ' "Ain't I rending it?" Mr Murglc inquired truculently. He gulped at his tea, wiped his moustncho, and resumed: — "Well, muni, I wish June could have been there; sho would havo screamed with four. But 1 was not afraid. Welt, mum, wo all sat in the room except Mrs Buckle. Mrs Buckle thought It would bo safer In Mr Herepath's cottuge, and so she was there. It grow darker and darker. And all at once all the star germs tried to get in, but another germ came and killed them. And Dr. Montague tried to take a flashlight photo, and it mado n noise, and I nearly choked with the smoke. But tho photo, is no good. There Js nothing on tho plate. Mr Herepath said. And I can't understand that, Joo, because the germs were half of this world, you know. But there is It. and we must make the host of onr lts:i onolnt -
inont. And I said perhaps it is all for tho best. And Miss Ruth said 1 am sure it is. We want in forgot all about it. And Mr Herepath said yes, darling, wo will do our best. But he was not talking to me then, ho was talking to Miss Uuth." Mr Murgie cleared his throat noisily and turned to the next page. "Well, mum, nil of a .sudden Mr Herepath said where is Ruth? And she was gone. The Satire hud got her. It had a dreadful smell liko the -big drain at the back of Billy Jones place. You know when Billy got the diptheria. Well, It was like that. And I said wo will get her back. Come at once. "Lead on Joe, said, tho doctor. Well. mum. we searched all over the house, and Miss Ruth was not there. And so we went to the tower room and the 'Satire was there. It was tho devil. It had a horrible face. The t'erm thnt killed tho other germs was there to, and they began to ilto and tito. And there was a thunderstorm. And tho other germ that is tho good germ won the lite. And Miss Ruth said today it was an nitgcl, Joe. And I said, yes. T know that. But when they were tlting she was not there. She wfln in the tower whore the Satire had put her. And after the file was all over I wont to find her. And sho opened her eyes and said I know you would cutne, Joo. And I said, don't mention it. Miss Ruth." " 'Ow much more of this is there?" Mr Murgie Interpolated disgustedly. "Only another pugc, futher." said Mrs Murgie. "I'll tell you what it Ik," Mr Murglo, H.aid. "Joe's sickening for something. When I was sickening the time i 'ad the fever 1 torkod a lot of nonsinco. You cart tell how ill I must 'a. boon. Fancy mo torkiu nonsinco. I've told that to chaps and they wouldn't bo-linvo it. It's a fack. Well, then——"
With his pipe alight Mr Murglo cs-Silyod the completion of his task. "Well. mum. I'll bo home on Tuesday. Emily, that is Mrs Buckle's noece. !s going to write to me. and I said Emily, I will write to you. to. Because, mum, sho is a lino girl and you will liko her. She despises men. But I am different. Well, mum. Mr Herepath and Miss Ruth nro going to be married today, the minister Is coming up from town. And Mrs Pucklc has made a cake. I am bringing some homo for Horace and Little Uermle. "Well, mum, T will bo home on Tuesday. I have no more news, so will now close, from your loving son. Joseph Murglc." Tho littlo silence that followed was broken by Jano. She said, glancing at Little Honnie, who slumbered with hor head in her plate: "Now that'H over I suppose I can get on with my homework." "Jane," said Mrs Murgie, plaintively, "don't bo disreputable to your father." . Mr Murglo stood up heavily. He said: "Don't mind mo, I'm nobody in mo own house. Where's me He banged tho table with bis fist. The result was disastrous. Horace, dozing, and littlo llormio asleep, awoke BlOlUltoncoudy, The air was rent with their united complainings. "Damn kids," Mr Murglo said. "Noise!" . , . lie slammed tho door as went 0Ut' . THE EN'D

Item sets: Vintage Science Fiction from Australian Newspapers 1901-1939 (Australian)

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The Antarcticans. Being the Further and Still More Surprising Adventures of Captain Bjornvik in the Regions Around the South Pole.	Text