Wyndham Smith

by S. Fowler Wright

  Munzo, who had spoken so far with more quickness of reply than the habit was, reacting to the speedy answers that were given to him, became silent. He restrained himself from what he felt to be an irrelevant issue. He asked, “And you have no other reason than that?”

  “Having given reason enough, need I add more?”

  Munzo became silent again. He had brought the conversation to the point at which he must make a direct attack. “If,” he said, “you had a hope which will prove false, it would be kindly to let you know?”

  “I have little hope, so you need have no trouble for that.”

  “But if you had?”

  “Even so, I do not ask you to interfere. A false hope is soon done, and there may be nothing better to take its place. But I suppose I have none. You choose your way, and I mine. You can let me be.”

  “But if you plan to have a companion, making a mistake in that?”

  “Why should you invent that? I have told you it will be wiser to let me be, lest I say more than you would be willing to have publicly known.”

  Munzo considered this in a quiet pause, being a genuinely puzzled man. He said at last, “Your words have no meaning to me.”

  “That is how I feel about yours. I do not interfere with what you may plan to do. It is nothing to me. Why are you concerned about mine?”

  “I will tell you in simple words. Vinetta has been to your private room at a monstrous hour. If she plots to live, it will come to nought. We shall make sure provision for that.”

  “Who has told you that foolish tale?”

  “It is no tale. It is what I have seen with my own eyes.”

  “That is to say, you will assert that which is absurd in itself, and for which you have no confirmation at all. Vinetta was here, as we know, though it was not at a monstrous hour. It was later than that. And you can guess what she was here to say. But is all nothing to me. You can persuade her to what you will, or she can refuse. Being the man who is to remain alive at the last, you can do what you will, but I say again it is nothing to me. You must find another, if Vinetta prefer to die.”

  Munzo stared at this, as he well might. He said at last, “I do not know what you mean. You talk as though you are mad. But that is not my concern. I have warned you how it will be, in a friendly way, and you must live or die as you Will.”

  Wyndham answered, “As you say you have finished, you may now listen to me. Vinetta told me the offer you made to her, which she did not accept. If I wished your death, or regarded her, whether she live or die, I could tell the Council all that I know, and I suppose they would arrange your death on a sooner day. But if you think to protect yourself by a false tale, such as would convict Vinetta and me, I will tell the truth, and I suppose she will do the same, and you will have brought the trouble on your own head.”

  He rose as he spoke, which was a signal for his visitor to leave which no man could disregard. Munzo-D7D rose also. He said, “I had not thought that a barbarous ego could bring such wickedness to a disciplined brain. It is cunning beyond belief, which you will find useless to you.”

  Wyndham asked, “Are you sure you are not imputing yourself to me?”

  Munzo went without attempting further retort. He walked like a man dazed. But Wyndham did not overlook that he had the best brains in the world, though they might be drugged to the pace of a sluggish blood. He thought that further trouble would not be slow to arrive.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  As he left Wyndham’s room, Munzo-D7D thought more briskly than his habit was.

  He did not doubt that Colpeck-4XP plotted to save a woman alive and so continue the race, making a mock of the five millions who were now going to death for what would be no more than an empty dream. He had suspected it, in advance of proof, and had correctly deduced, first that such a woman must be of his own thousand, and most probably one of the hundred of his own house, and then going over the two score or more of women that the First Hundred included, he had settled upon Vinetta as the one whom Colpeck-4XP would be most likely to choose, and who would be most likely to consent to join in so gross a crime.

  He had seen in the event of yesterday an opportunity of eliminating this danger while pursuing a separate object, and he admitted frankly to himself that he had blundered in that. He saw also that to the extent to which he had kept his purpose in his own mind, these preliminary activities could be construed in a false way, and that it was a wickedness which Colpeck-4XP—so tragically, so fundamentally changed now!—would not scruple to commit.

  He saw that he could conclusively refute accusations against himself by going the way of death at an earlier day, but he saw also that this would be to accept defeat on the major issue, which he was resolved that he would not do. Where he had, though, to enforce discipline in a dignified, emotionless way, he found himself involved in a struggle which threatened his own honour, the credence and confidence of his fellow-men, and the success of the great project in which they were cheerfully joined, against a boldly defiant and incredibly unscrupulous foe.

  With these thoughts chaotic in a storm-tossed mind, he yet showed the quality and promptness of his judgment by resolving to go instantly to Vinetta, to challenge her with her offence, and to convict her, if he could, of the truth, or snare her to a different lie from that which her fellow-conspirator had told.

  He delayed only to call on Pilwin-C6P, to ask him to listen in on the coming conversation, and to call up Avanah-F3B that he might do the same.

  Pilwin-C6P was quite willing to do that. He was pleasantly excited by what he had heard already. He had even thought that, if such events as yesterday’s and today’s should become frequent, it might have been almost worthwhile to remain alive. That was in a world of continuing comforts, of course. No heat or hunger for him! He had too much sense.

  “Yes,” he agreed readily, “that is the best thing you can do. If you can get her to admit in our hearing that she has been plotting with Colpeck-4XP, you will have no more trouble with her. And if she be alive this time tomorrow, after admitting that, she will be a most clever girl. And, besides, you will have gone a long way towards clearing yourself.”

  That was not a view of the matter at which Munzo could take offence, though it was one that he did not like. He saw, with an increase of irritation, that it was logically sound. To prove that Vinetta had been plotting with Colpeck-4XP did not demonstrate that he had not approached her also with a proposal which he, as the man who was to be last alive, would be particularly able to make. Rather, it might be urged, his own rejected advances had put him on the track of his more favoured rival. It may be held to be an evidence of some courage, as well as of an integrity which there was never true occasion to doubt, that the idea of abandoning the investigation did not enter his mind.

  He went on to Vinetta, who did not object to seeing him, but who looked at him with a smouldering hate in her eyes which she made no effort to hide.

  “It is no use coming to me again,” she said, before he had time to begin. “I have given you my last word, which I will not change.”

  “You have given me no word at all,” he replied, seeing that he was to be met with a concerted tale, and striving to control himself to speak such words as it would be well for others to hear. “I have not spoken to you, outside the council room, for more weeks than I have leisure to count. Will you hear what I have to say now before you reply?”

  “Yes,” she said. “I will listen, though expect it will be to hear lies, such as that which you have just said.”

  “All men,” he replied, with some dignity, “know that I do not lie.”

  “So they know of me, and more particularly of Colpeck-4XP; which is why for my own protection, I have confided in him. And, besides that, he is one who stands apart, by the decision that he has made, so that he can bear witness to all with impartial words.”

  “If you have the integrity that you boast,” he replied, “will you go to death in the next batch? If you will do that, there is no o
ccasion for further words.”

  “But why should I? So that the only witness against you may be removed, and you make proposals to some other girl which she may receive in a different way? No, indeed! You may accuse me of what you will. I will defend myself with my living lips. Why should I be afraid? I am of the First Council as well as you. It is you who should go to an early death, as I shall not scruple to say.”

  “You are the Unlawful Child,” he said as though thinking aloud. “I suppose that will explain much. But I should not have thought that even the influence of the barbarous ego for whom you sin could have made you so cunning and bold to lie.”

  “It is you who lie. You do not even know that I am. But I suppose it was because you thought that, that you approached me with the proposals I would not hear.”

  “I will say no more,” he replied, with a temperate restraint which it is possible to admire. “The whole matter shall be laid before the council tonight.”

  She found no satisfaction in hearing that. If he had not been frightened to silence by the accusations which had been suggested against him, the battle was still unfought, and the issue was hard to meet with a sanguine guess.

  He left her, marvelling at the wickedness with which his zealous efforts for law and order had been defied. Surely such criminalities belonged only to the traditions of ancient days!

  But so it was. Eve, who had plucked at the tree of knowledge before, now plucked at the tree of life with a sharper need, and sin had re-entered the world.

  Munzo-D7D went on to Avanah-F3B, thinking to confide in him, and to get some comfort therefrom; for the historian was friendly, they having congeniality of disposition, and being accustomed to spend much time together in the conversations which, dull and slow as they might have sounded to the ears of another age, had become the most stimulating occupation of millions of wearied lives.

  He was received with interest and the sympathy which he expected to meet. Curiously, Avanah-F3B, though harmless himself as an elderly sheep, seemed less surprised, and far less horrified, by what he heard than either the narrator or Pilwin-C6P had been.

  Perhaps, as a historian, he was so familiar with plot and crime that the strangeness of such ancient depravity intruding into a civilized age did not impress his mind with the aspect of monstrosity which it showed to them. He was not shocked or incredulous. He was mildly interested, even mildly excited. It was like one of the ancient tales in the consideration of which his life consisted, rather than in its placid contemporary environment.

  He even had a passing wish that he might live to know what would happen. Personally, he would not object, nor speak a word to hinder, if it should appear probable that Vinetta, or any other young woman, should survive to become the mother of a new race. The proposed exit of humanity from the records of time had a dramatic quality which had pleased his mind, and he had given it the support of a ready vote. But so also did that of the surreptitious survival of two who would renew their kind, so that a new vista of history would commence with the next dawn. He would regard that with equal benignity, tempered only by regret that it was something he would not see.

  But, if the thought that he would no longer live brought a feeling of sorrowful regret, he did not therefore hesitate in his own intention. It would be pleasant to watch, but not at the cost of discomfort to his own skin. A man may love drama, but he will not wish to watch the play with a cold draught blowing about his legs.

  He disconcerted Munzo-D7D, as the narrative closed, by saying with friendly sincerity, “If you have really such a purpose, and can find a woman more complaisant than Vinetta has proved, it will be an act of friendship to tell me more.”

  Munzo was confounded by this to a point at which his resolution to inform the council faltered. If Avanah took it thus, how might it appear to others who would regard it in a spirit less friendly and less detached?

  He returned to Pilwin-C6P, hastening his steps more than was seemly for a man to do, for the hour of siesta was near, and he was determined to resolve the question of whether or not he were doubted by him also without further delay. Pilwin was amused. He had listened in, as he had, for a second time, been requested to do. He said, “You have touched fire with a bare hand. Whoever lies, there is no doubt that Vinetta thinks herself equal to dealing with you.”

  Munzo answered, “She may be equal to me or not. The question does not arise. She thinks herself equal to defy the council and put us all to contempt. That is a greater thing, which she must not do.”

  “Well,” Pilwin said, as though it were a matter on which opinion should not be hastily formed, “be it truth or lie, you are one who should know best. But I will say this: if they lie, they lie well.” He added, “The barbarian has asked to see me this afternoon.”

  “You have agreed?”

  “Yes. I had intended to watch the furnace at work. I like the glow of the inner blaze as it is thrown on to the roof of the antechamber when the doors open. But I will see him. It is for your sake rather than mine. I will get the truth if I can. Or perhaps you will not thank me for that? Should I put it another way?”

  Munzo asked, “Am I to suppose from that that they will fool all men with their incredible tale?”

  “Not at all. They have not made me believe. But you must allow me a space in which to weigh all in an open mind, as reason prompts us to do. Especially as it is all the occupation I have. As to sterilizing the seas, I have given all the orders the occasion requires. But I can tell you that they will not succeed.

  “I have had reports today of the conditions in the lonely parts of the earth where men have ceased to resort, and as for the suppression of life, it is evident that it cannot be done. Or I should rather say that concrete is the sole cure.

  “You know how we have tried. The hunting machines, large and small, that make fuel from their prey, so that they do not cease to pursue, nor to fill their maws—the inoculations, the spreading oils, the dosing of great districts with extremes of heat and cold, such as most creatures cannot endure, the great electric shocks—they have done much, but the reports from all sides are that life is insurgent again in a hundred forms. We may make an end of ourselves, but it will remain a disease that we cannot cure.”

  Munzo listened to that which would have interested him more at another time. As he had observed Pilwin’s reaction, and remembered that of his previous auditor, judgment warned him that the tale which Colpeck-4XP and Vinetta had conspired to tell might be sufficient to confuse counsel, even though it should not be confidently believed. Where he had not hesitated for his own repute, he paused at the thought of the larger issues which it was his duty to guard.

  He said, with courtesy, “By your leave,” he said in an act of rudeness, at which Pilwin must stare incredulous surprise. Then the explanation came. He reached to draw forth the writing materials of his host without permission for such a liberty being given. Having obtained them, he wrote, “I would not ask aloud, lest we be overheard. I would have none guess what I now do.”

  After that he drew swiftly and well. Their eyes met, and, more than once, Pilwin nodded assent. When he rose to go Pilwin had no doubt of his integrity, that they were led by one who would bring all to the resolved end. He settled himself to his midday rest with a satisfied and amused mind. It was a mental attitude which did not change as he thought of the visitor he was to receive during the afternoon.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Wyndham came to Pilwin-C6P with intention both to conceal and deceive, and with the purpose of acquiring information it might be useful to have, and, perhaps, to gain active help. He had no inclination to give further trust because he was received with more cordiality than had expected to meet. He was wise in that Pilwin had reserves in his own mind, and if he gave help it might be such as leads to a covered pit. There were deceits in his heart such as it had not held till that hour, for when Eve reached for the fruit was to be more than a single sin; a life repeats itself in a round that is never different, though it is ne
ver the same.

  Wyndham said, “I ask your help. I must choose a place where I will live when I am alone in the world. I know that you have special knowledge of what the climates were before we controlled the winds, which I suppose they will be again.”

  “Could you not go to the librarian for such information as that, rather than come to me?”

  “I have been to him. But he knows so much that I am merely confused. He suggests a hundred places, and has objections to all.”

  “Well, so there are.”

  “I believe that. But I must make a choice.”

  “So you must, if you persist in this crazy attempt. I will tell you frankly what I think. Go where you will, you are not likely to endure for a moon’s length. I should guess at ten days, if not less.

  “You must consider that, though men lived when the winds were loose, they were born to tempest and frost and heat, while you have been bred in a different way.”

  “I have thought of that. That is why I desire an equable spot.”

  “Which will not be easy to find. But there is one thing in your favour. That is, if you stay in this Northern Hemisphere, as I suppose you intend to do, it is the time of the year when the light will increase, and the air will be more or less temperate, even at night, for three moons, if not more.

  Wyndham knew that. He wished to get an answer to his first question. He asked again, “Well, where should you advise me to go?”

  “It is not easy to answer. Will it be well to stay in one place? If you wander north for six months, and then south for the same time, you may think to avoid extremes, either of heat or cold, though you may find in practice that it is less simple than that. Primitive men did not generally do so, having houses and herds and young children, and other things which would have been awkward to move about. But you will be quite alone.”

  “Yes. It will be a greater loneliness than the earth has known.”

  “Well, it is your choice! So you might wander at will. But when I think of this, there is another difficulty which I can see. There is the question of food. You must grow, and, I suppose, store food. You will require archaic, primitive tools. Have you thought of that?”