,be ,"y ,aga96 ,by ,murray ,le9/] 7au?or ( ,nobody ,saw ,! ,%ip7 ,,feature ,,novel ,j ab\t e confid5ce gag _h be5 tri$ on old ,va*ti1 except ! ,elixir ( ,y\?4 ,only ?is 0 diff]5t--,pr(essor ,b>r _h a unique pit* on x1 b ,buck _h ! real goods6 ,transcrib]'s ,note3 ,?is etext 0 produc$ f ,future comb9$ ) ,sci5ce ,fiction ,/ories ,july-,augu/ #aiej4 ,ext5sive rese>* did n uncov] any evid5ce t ! ,u4,s4 copyright on ?is publication 0 r5ew$4 ,me & a guy nam$ ,h]mes ,trismige/us take c>e ( ! situation :5 ,jode gets 9 a v tight place4 ,?is guy ,trismige/us is anyways a ?\s& ye>s old1 if he's alive any:]e1 & ,i am sixte51 b we co-op]ate4 ,! tight place is caus$ by ,pr( ,h5ry ,b>r1 :o urg5t regrets ! matt] lat] on1 & by ,mr4 ,va*ti1 :o is an eld]ly bootlegg] b>on 9 ! de> dead days2 he /ill has bodygu>ds hang+ ar\nd him blood?ir/y4 ,if y ?9k an old guy l ,mr4 ,va*ti c't figure 9 a tight place--he's got "s t\gh-look+ goons ar\nd & a ya*t & a private isl& e/ate & o!r trimm+s--all ,i got to say is y nev] met ,mr4 ,va*ti4 ,old ,jode gets into x because he ?9ks x w top (f 8 c>e]4 ,pride4 ,he is ! p>ty :o once work$ a h&k]*ief-swit* on ,ma ,m&elbaum1 :o ,i und]/& 0 ! bigge/ lady f5ce 9 ! _w 9 h] day1 & wasn't to be sw9dl$ by an amateur4 ,he also once sells a gold brick to ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,m9t 9 ,d5v]1 ,colorado4 ,& once he p]suades ! police dep>tm5t ( a c]ta9 fair city t he is a ,f$ man ) a tip-(f on a bank robb]y t is gonna take place4 ,he has e cop 9 t[n ambu%$ ar\nd t bank t night1 :ile he lurks inside ) a tommy-gun1 wait+ = ! bold bad burgl>s t nev] arrive4 ,he acts mu* emb>rass$ next morn+4 ,b a c\pla days lat] ! liquid assets ( ! bank turn up 9 ! mail address$ to him1 because he has sp5t ^? long h\rs pack+ !m neat 9 ,manilla envelopes & mail+ !m 9 ! mail-slot t is 9 ! bank = ! conv5i5ce ( depositors4 ,b1 /ill1 ,jode feels t tak+ ,mr4 ,va*ti ov] ! hurdles w cr[n 8 c>e]4 ,mr4 ,va*ti 0 a v big %ot once1 :5 8 bus9ess /aff includ$ n only income-tax m5 & tommy-gun exp]ts1 b also g5tlem5 :o specialize 9 putt+ p 9 b>rels ( concrete & dump+ !m 9 ! ,*icago ,riv]4 ,i meet old ,jode :5 ,i am ?umb+ a ride t[>ds ! ,coa/4 ,i h beat x f :at y might call home aft] my old man works me ov] ) a *air = sp5d+ money ,i e>n on a gas-eng9e = a model a]oplane in/ead ( giv+ x to him to get drunk on4 ,i am n mak+ out s good at hit*-hik+1 because1 be+ sixte5 & n look+ any old]1 ,i hafta dodge truant (fic]s ev]y:]e4 ,b ,i get by2 ,i fix a c>-radio = a guy at a fill9'-/ation :ile old ,jode is hav+ 8 gas-tank fill$ up1 & ! guy says swell & gives me a half a buck4 ,! job ,i done w\ld co/ him twelve sixty at a regul> repair-%op4 ,i says1 ,i c\ld d ) a lift to ,pho5ix1 b ! guy isn't go+ t way4 ,!n old ,jode :eezes cordial t he is1 s ,i climb 9 8 c>4 ,he is fat & old & has dangl9' r$ wattles1 & he looks l he is made ( money & hasn't a c>e 9 ! _w4 ,outside ( hav9' ! cops ( sixte5 or eighte5 /ates passionate int]e/$ 9 8 :]eab\ts1 he doesn't h no worries1 & look9' l a million doll>s is 8 bus9ess4 ,b ,i don't "k t !n2 he talks to me cordial1 & we get on to sci5ce1 a subject 9 :i* he is int]e/$ b don't "k beans ab\t4 ,) him ask+ que/ions1 grunt+ & respectful1 ,i tell him ! !oretic p]fect fuel = space-%ips1 & ! diff]5ce betwe5 a rocket & a jet1 & :at ! ,doppl] effect is1 & :at's ! diff]5ce betwe5 ,oak ,ridge & ,hans=d1 ,wa%4 ,i'm n %[+ (f1 y "k2 ,i expla9 t ,i read a lot ( sci5ce magaz9es & he'd ought to try !m4 ,special ! sci5ce-fiction ones4 ,& ,i tell him ,i'm head$ = ! ,coa/ to get a job 9 a radio-repair %op1 l ,i _h back home aft] s*ool & ,saturdays1 & ,i'm go+ to save up & h a private exp]im5tal laboratory4 ,i got "s ideas--sci5ce-fiction ideas--t ,i ?9k ,i c make "w out actual4 ,old ,jode gets ?\ghtful4 ,lat] on :5 ,i "k him bett] ,i w "k :at t means4 ,"r !n1 ?\gh1 :5 he beams & says he w\ld l to play a joke on a fri5d1 & ,i seem a h&y "y man ) tools1 ,i j say mode/ t ,i'm pretty fair4 ,he makes me a proposition4 ,he'll /ake me to grub & hotel exp5ses & a suit ( clo!s1 & say ,i'm 8 nephew1 if ,i'll fix him a trick television cab9et ) a movie s\nd projector inside s he c fool a fri5d into ?9k9' he's got a long-di/ance receiv] t'll pick up f any:]e4 ,i c d t ) my h&s ti$ beh9d my back2 ,i take him up quick4 ,i improve ! idea2 ,i sugge/ color-film1 :i* w look l ?ree-color television 9 action4 99 99 99 99 99 ,mr4 ,va*ti don't h any?+ to d ) ?is deal4 ,nei!r does ! ,pr(1 :o at t "t is fumbl+ happy ) a swell idea t he don't "k h[ good x is4 ,?is is ,pho5ix1 ,arizona4 ,s old ,jode buys ! /uff ,i say is ne$$--he acts l he is made ( money--& ,i put x toge!r 9 ! hotel-room he gets = me next to 84 ,x's a swell hotel1 ! be/ 9 t[n1 & ,i eat fancy grub t ,i don't "k ! names (1 be+ y h to ord] x 9 ,fr5*4 ,:5 ! job's f9i%$ ,i figure on ?umb+ my way fur!r1 b old ,jode says p]i% ! ?\ght4 ,he w put me on sal>y z 8 te*nical assi/ant4 ,he waddles ar\nd t[n1 :eez+ & busy1 :ile ,i cat* up on my sci5ce read+4 ,i'm knee-deep 9 magaz9es :5 he comes tiptoe+ into ! room & says joy\s t 8 joke work$ & he's beat+ x be=e 8 fri5d gets wise4 ,s we light out1 & he *uckles happy all ! way up to ,sun ,valley--:i* is consid]able ( a ride--:]e he says he w\ld l to re/ a few days4 ,:5 ,i get to "k him bett] ,i f9d out t he %[s :at 0 app>5tly ?ree-color television to "s %>p bus9ess m5 9 ,pho5ix2 !y get toge!r & pull a fa/ bus9ess deal on him1 & sw9dle him excessive by pay+ him only tw5ty ?\s& bucks = all rights 9 a epo*-mak+ discov]y4 ,:i* :5 !y f9d out !y be5 /uck !y c't say a ^w1 because _! me?ods are at lea/ une?ical if n illegal4 ,old ,jode soaks up sun & fanci] grub ?an ev] at ,sun ,valley1 :i* is a v swank place inde$1 b ,i get re/less4 ,!n "o day he comes 9 *uckl9' & says t he w h great fun ) 8 fri5d ! presid5t ( ,we/]n ,p[] if ,i c contrive some?+ t looks l x is a receiv] ( beam$ or wireless p[]1 & c x be done8 ,i says x w be phoney b if he wants a laugh1 okay4 ,s ,i make a set ) a c\pla ?yratron tubes & ?is & t & x looks j l a sci5ce-fiction illu/ration4 ,b ! p[] x deliv]s s impressive comes f /orage-batt]ies built 9 ! "w-b5* x's built on4 ,i w\ld l to see him play 8 joke1 b he says no4 ,i sneak a look 9 ! w9d[1 anyh[1 & ,i get ! picture4 ,i don't he> ! actual deal+1 b ,we/]n ,p[] pays him pl5ty = full own]%ip ( ! gadget1 ) ! agreem5t t !y are go+ to sma% x "r :]e x sets & try n to h bad dreams ab\t :at x w\ld d to _! bus9ess4 ,we leave ,sun ,valley ) old ,jode on top ( ! _w & beam+ at me affectionate4 ,i h got wise1 n[1 & ,i talk to him /]n4 ,he is upset1 b he tells me ! /ory ( 8 life--he gets pr\d ( x z he goes along--) all ab\t h[ he pulls ! h&k]*ief-swit* on ,ma ,m&elbaum1 & ! gold brick on ! ,d5v] ,m9t1 & all ! re/4 ,x is a v adv5tur\s c>e] he describes1 & x ev5 has glam\r4 ,!n he promises t if ,i /ay on z 8 te*nical assi/ant ,i c h a private exp]im5tal laboratory ( my own1 & he w leave me 9 ! cle> 9 all deal+s4 ,s ,i settle d[n to plann+ :at ,i'm gonna h & h[ ,i'm go+ to use x4 ,i expect to set up my laboratory 9 ,las ,lagunas1 :]e we are head+4 99 99 99 99 99 ,las ,lagunas is ano!r swank place1 ) all ! bills-(-f>e 9 ,fr5* & ! prices look9' l ,army-,navy e/imates4 ,i s5d = lab-supply catalogs & />t hunt+ = a place to set up %op4 ,!n ,jode--:o has be5 circulat+ social1 :eez+ happy & contagi\s--says appreh5sive t ,i bett] n plan on a lab "h1 because we may h to move4 ,i ask :y4 ,he says he has met ,mr4 ,va*ti1 & to top (f 8 c>e] he has got an ambition to put ov] a fa/ "o on him4 ,aft] t1 he says1 he w retire & devote ! re/ ( 8 life to sup]vis+ my education4 ,i am n ke5 on hav+ my education sup]vis$1 b ,jode expla9s t ,mr4 ,va*ti is ! "o guy :o has put x ov] on ev]ybody1 & nobody has ev] put any?+ ov] on him4 ,he is fam\s f prohibition days4 ,he ev5 beats ! income-tax rap ! ,f$s try to p9 on him :5 !y despair ( l9k+ him ) miss+ p]sons !y ?9k are 9 b>rels ( concrete at ! bottom ( ! ,*icago ,riv]4 ,mr4 ,va*ti is completely surr\nd$ by lawy]s & p]sonal physicians2 he is sev5ty & keeps 8 old bodygu>ds out ( s5tim5t1 we>s d>k spectacles1 & has a mo/ unpleasant hobby4 ,he owns a ya*t1 an isl&1 & sev]al million doll>s1 b 8 hobby is gett+ p to try to sw9dle him & !n s5d+ !m to jail4 ,he is v respectable n[1 says ,jode1 & a good _m arti/ic sw9dl]s h work$ on him1 b he does n appreciate _! arti/ry4 ,x is a *all5ge1 says old ,jode4 ,x w be some?+ to rememb] 9 8 decl9+ ye>s1 ,jode says1 if he nicks ,mr4 ,va*ti = a roll & gets away ) x4 ,if ,i w po/pone my laboratory until he is ?r\gh ) ,mr4 ,va*ti1 he w buy me a eighte5-foot sailboat t ,i c h p]sonal1 & ,i c loaf ar\nd 9 x :ile bus9ess goes on4 ,i make ! deal4 ,! price ( my laboratory is climb+ z ,i ?9k ( m ?+s ,i w\ld l to h4 ,i figure if ,jode gets ri* en\gh1 maybe ,i c nick him = a small-siz$ cyclotron & h "s fun4 ,mean:ile a sailboat won't be bad4 ,i get x4 ,i d h fun4 ,i h nev] he>d ( ,h]mes ,trismige/us2 ,i h nev] he>d ( ,p>acelsus1 or ,dr4 ,dee1 or ,dr4 ,fau/us1 or ,nicolas ,flamel1 or any ( ^? guys4 ,i h nev] he>d ( ,pr( ,h5ry ,b>r4 ,b ,i le>n to sail my boat pretty good & ,i am happy plann+ my laboratory4 ,b old ,jode loses 8 c>efree look2 he gets abs5t-m9d$ & fretful4 ,"o day he confides 8 woes to me4 ,i am afraid1 he :eezes pa!tic1 t ,i am los+ my grip1 ,buck4 ,i "k ,mr4 ,va*ti well4 ,we are on confid5tial t]ms4 ,he ?9ks ,i am a retir$ bank]1 & he has confid$ to me all ab\t 8 hobby1 & tells me ) grim amusem5t ab\t ! v>i\s suck]-baits he has be5 invit$ to fall =4 ,& ,i _c contrive a s*eme to (f] him6 ,e type ( ent]prise ! m9d ( man c inv5t has be5 tri$ on him6 ,! mo/ ref9$ ( f9ancial %5anigans h fail$6 ,he is on to ev]y?+6 ,i say1 ,yeah8 ,i w\ld l to be helpful2 t laboratory is go+ to co/ money4 ,a electron-telescope a9't *eap4 ,i ne$ = ,jode to be prosp]\s to keep 8 promise4 ,he has op5$ 8 files to me1 says ,jode1 wr9kl9' up 8 fat face l a baby try9' n to cry4 ,all ! games he has pret5d$ to fall =1 ) ! news clipp+s ( ! trials & s5t5c+ ( ! op]ators6 ,he ev5 has ! records ( ! p>ole bo>d he>+s on !m1 & h[ he has prote/$ ! free+ ( su* crim9als4 ,t file is mo/ in=mative4 ,!re are a c\pla twi/s t ev5 ,i nev] he>d ( be=e4 ,! greate/ arti/s 9 ! bus9ess h work$ on him1 ,buck6 ,x w\ld be a arti/ic triumph to diddle him4 ,inde$1 ,i c\ld n re/ easy 9 my grave )\t hav9' a try at him6 ,i bet1 ,i says1 t if he ev] does fall1 x w be = some?9' a ?ree-ye>-old w\ld laugh at4 ,i don't "k :y ,i say x1 b ,jode's m\? drops op54 ,he bl9ks at me1 & sudd5ly he beg9s to :eeze happy aga94 ,g5ius6 he says4 ,t's ! trick6 ,n[ ,i />t hunt+ = ! olde/1 /ale/1 mo/ impossible trick 9 ! _w6 ,some?9' s old & phoney nobody w\ld ?9k ( try9' x4 ,i ?9k1 ,buck1 t z my te*nical assi/ant y %[ g5ius6 ,he /ruts out1 a fat little guy ) sporty clo!s :o looks l a retir$ bank] )\t a worry 9 ! _w4 ,& ar\nd ?is "t a new crop ( sci5ce magaz9es appe>s on ! news/&s2 ,i buy ! lot ( 'em & loaf ar\nd 9 my sailboat1 read9' 'em & mak+ plans4 #b ,"o week passes1 & two4 ,!n ,jode tells me he wants me to h d9n]1 =mal1 ) a ,pr( ,h5ry ,b>r :om he has contact$ because he's got a hun* t ! ,pr( has maybe ! s*eme he is look+ =4 ,! ,pr( _h an adv]tisem5t 9 ! pap]4 ,x reads3 ,i h made an unconv5tional sci5tific discov]y t ,i d n "k h[ to develop comm]cially4 ,an entrepr5eur or f9ancial advis] ) "s money is s\ght4 ,address ,biologi/1 ,box #gaa1 c>e ?is pap]4 ,x's crude1 says ,jode1 helpful4 ,x w\ldn't get a nibble f real money4 ,all he c\ld hope = w\ld be a sure-?+ play] or a legal c\nsellor try9' = a long-%ot cut4 ,i h invit$ him to d9n]4 ,9 prosp]\s surr\nd+s he w be excit$ & probably spill 8 h&4 ,y w pass on ! plausibility ( 8 sci5tific discov]y4 ,x is "o ( ! ?+s ,i pay y =4 ,well--,i play up4 ,i am pass+ = ,jode's nephew 9 ! v swank surr\nd+s ( ,las ,lagunas1 :]e ,jode's & my hotel-suite co/s m money p] day ?an ,i ev] hop$ to make a week4 ,i pref] hang+ ar\nd 9 my sailboat1 read+ sci5ce fiction & plann+ my laboratory1 b ,i get comb$ up & put on a snazzy suit ,jode has b\ght me2 we meet ?is ,pr( & ,jode waddles gr& into ! hotel d9+-room4 ,!y h cocktails & ,i h a coke & !n ! bus9ess />ts4 ,old ,jode eats 8 oy/]s1 noisy & ) gu/o1 & wipes 8 m\?4 ,i 0--hrrrm--mu* int]e/$ 9 y\r adv]tisem5t1 ,pr(essor ,b>r1 he :eezes4 ,x is a beautiful approa*4 ,h[ev]1 ,i w bet ca% money t y didn't get a s+le answ] besides m9e wor? y\r tal5ts4 ,true1 admits ! ,pr(4 ,he is a dignifi$ b se$y-look+ guy ) long :ite :isk]s4 ,he /rokes !m reflective4 ,i _h a numb] ( replies1 b few ( !m sugge/$ f9ancial responsibility4 ,! wait] s]ves ! s\p4 ,jode sniffs at x & beams4 ,! *ef "h1 he says1 makes s\p :i* is almo/ music--,:at h y got1 ,pr(essor8 ,! ,pr( beg9s 8 spiel1 dignifi$4 ,:y1 he says1 pr(\nd1 ,i _h bett] expla9 t ,i 0 ,pr(essor ( ,m$ieval ,hi/ory at ,p]k9s ,college = ?irty-five ye>s4 ,i 0 releas$ because a weal?y alumnus (f]$ to add to ! end[m5t if a son-9-law ( 8 0 tak5 on ! faculty & 8 habit ( gett+ drunk frequ5tly 0 ignor$4 ,i _h to be releas$ s ! college c\ld take advantage ( ! (f]4 ,hrrrrm1 says ,jode4 ,my sympa?ies1 sir4 ,i d n blame !m1 says ! ,pr(1 resign$1 b ,i %all nev] aga9 practice tea*+ z a pr(ession4444 ,! po9t is t 9 my /udies ( m$ieval hi/ory ,i naturally came across _m m5tions ( al*emy4 ,! al*emi/s1 y are d\btless aw>e1 se>*$ = ! ,philosoph]'s ,/one to turn base metal into gold2 = an ,alkahe/ to dissolve all kn[n sub/ances2 & !y se>*$ = ! ,elixir ( ,y\?4 ,i plann$ to write a s*ol>ly treatise on ! contributions ( al*emy--gunp[d]1 metallic t9ctures 9 m$ic9e1 sulphuric acid1 & all ! f\ndations ( *emi/ry4 ,b z ,i /udi$ ! s\rce-mat]ial1 ,i f\nd ! reports ( _! "w s+ul>ly conv9c+4 ,jode looks at me4 ,i nod4 ,some?+ l ?is ha/a be ! tru?4 ,sure6 ,a/ronomy />t$ ) =tune-tell+4 ,*emi/ry mu/ h _h z crazy a beg9n+4 ,i nod emphatic4 ,x has be5 po9t$ out1 says ! ,pr(1 pr(\nd1 t if "o set a million monkeys at a million typewrit]s & kept !m p\nd+ away at r&om1 by ! m]e op]ation ( ! laws ( *ance "o ( ^? monkeys w\ld ultimately re-write ! ,smy? ,report on ,atomic ,en]gy4 ,& x is easy to calculate t dur+ ! ,middle ,ages !re 7 en\gh al*emi/s mak+ exp]im5ts practically at r&om to produce out/&+ discov]ies by %e] happ5*ance4 ,"s ( ^! discov]ies we "k4 ,i h m5tion$ !m4 ,b ,i h pro( t !y made o!rs4 99 99 99 99 99 ,old ,jode leans back 9 8 *air4 ,?is is ! olde/ ( all kn[n sw9dles4 ,x is worn out long be=e ! fir/ gold brick is made4 ,old ,jode is a/\nd$ at 8 good =tune2 ?is is p]fect = ,mr4 ,va*ti1 :o has nev] be5 put ?r\gh ! wr+] by any p]son :atsoev]4 ,hrrrrrrm6 says old ,jode4 ,pray g on1 sir6 ,"s ?ree ye>s back1 says ! ,pr(1 ,i took ! money ,i _h int5d$ to use = my summ] su/5ance1 & duplicat$ ! al*emical process describ$ by ,dr4 ,dee = ! production ( ! ,alkahe/--! ,univ]sal ,solv5t4 ,x began ) icel&ic sp>1 or calcium fluoride4 ,! int]v5+ processes 7 absurd4 ,b z a result ,i a*iev$ a liquid :i* turn$ out to be hydr(luoric acid--! acid :i* is n[ us$ = et*+ glass1 & :i* is s ne>ly a univ]sal solv5t t x c be reta9$ 9 fluoro-c>bon pla/ic bottles4 ,i p]k up my e>s4 ,old ,jode sees my face4 ,he grunts3 ,int]e/9'4 ,pray cont9ue6 ,! wait] s]ves "s boef a ,m>e*al ,*ateaubri&4 ,jode drools4 ,he beg9s to /oke himself /eady4 ,i _h prov$ "o al*emical discov]y true1 says ! ,pr(4 ,! ,philosoph]'s ,/one4 ,old ,jode *okes4 ,he says1 pa9$3 ,n a process to make gold6 ,please1 ,pr(-- ,! ,philosoph]'s ,/one1 says ! ,pr(1 /]n1 may h be5 a*iev$4 ,b :5 metals are transmut$ ! en]gy-release is trem5d\s2 x is atomic en]gy4 ,:5 uranium is *ang$ into boron & su*1 an atomic bomb is ! result4 ,! manufacture ( gold w\ld involve highly le?al radiation 9 va/ quantities4 ,i did n attempt to duplicate ! ,philosoph]'s ,/one6 ,t's bett]1 says ,jode1 reliev$4 ,b1 says ! ,pr(1 ,i did--at great & crippl+ exp5se to myself--repeat ,h]mes ,trismige/us' process = mak+ ! ,elixir ( ,y\?4 ,& x work$4 ,old ,jode looks1 bl9ks1 & !n he beg9s to k9da gl[ ) happ9ess1 inside & out4 ,?is is ! olde/ sw9dle on e>?4 ,x goes back to be=e hi/ory4 ,x is s cold & s worn-out t x is und\bt$ly ! only "o t a9't be5 tri$ on ,mr4 ,va*ti--& = a blood?ir/y old guy n[ gloomily hang9' on ar\nd sev5ty1 x is ! "o bait t he w\ld l to believe 9 if he c\ld4 ,rem>kable6 :eezes ,jode4 ,y h exp]im5tal evid5ce1 ( c\rse8 ,i begg>$ myself procur9' ! mat]ials1 says ! ,pr(1 apologetic4 ,mod]n *emicals w n "w4 ,"o mu/ use ! impure1 ! sometimes ridicul\s *emicals ( ! anci5ts4 ,x is possible t ! v impurities are ! ess5tial +r$i5ts4 ,b at ! co/ ( all my sav+s1 ,i made t5 cubic c5timetres ( yell[ fluid4 ,i tri$ a bit ( x on an anci5t rat f ! biology dep>tm5t at ,p]k9s4 ,x work$--too well4 ,mu* too well6 ,s ,i--ah--,i 0 =c$ to exp]im5t = ! prop] dosage4 ,"o cubic c5timetre ( ! yell[ fluid--! elixir--x develop$1 w\ld re/ore a tw5ty-p\nd animal to e>ly maturity4 ,sev5 to t5 c5timetres w\ld be requir$ = an adult human be+4 ,b ,i _h to exp5d eight cubic c5timetres to v]ify ?is fact 9 my exp]im5ts on small animals4 ,i h only two c5timetres left4 ,b ,i d h a numb] ( v eld]ly rats at my dwell+4 ,i w let y *oose any "o ( !m2 ,i w adm9i/] ! elixir1 & all[ y to take ! animal away & c>e = x4 ,9 ?ree days x w be a "y rat aga94 ,su* evid5ce w\ld be unque/ionable1 beams ,jode4 ,h[ mu*8 ,eh8 says ! ,pr(1 />tl$4 ,y ne$ ! ,elixir y\rself1 says ,jode1 grunt+ amiable4 ,y are broke4 ,if somebody w f9ance ! mak9' ( an adequate supply = y1 y w make en\gh = him1 too4 ,y see1 ,i am sav+ y ! tr\ble ( mak9' ! pit*4 ,& ,i say aga91 h[ mu*8 ,! ,pr('s eyes gleam4 ,he wets 8 lips4 ,jode says confid5tial4 ,i am a cu/om]4 ,i c fet* 9 ano!r--a v ri* man4 ,if ,i f9ance ! op]ation myself1 w y split ) me :at ,i get outa him8 ,y\r split w be 9 five figures4 ,maybe m4 ,i--ah--:5 ,i am a "y man aga91 admits ! ,pr(1 x w\ld be a v good idea to h "s capital ) :i* to />t life anew4 ,er--yes1 ,i w agree to t4 ,jode asks que/ions1 fa/1 & peels (f c5tury-notes l he 0 deal+ a h& = set-back4 ,he is hook$2 he is beam+4 ,all dur+ ! re/ ( d9n] he :eezes & snorts happy to himself4 99 99 99 99 99 ,aft] ! ,pr( has gone away1 old ,jode says scornful t he is /rictly a small-"t op]ator1 & he d\bts if he ev] took ov] a cu/om] = z mu* z a gr& 9 all 8 life4 ,b he figures ,pr( is ripe = pl5ty m ?an ?is fir/ in/allm5t1 :i* is :at ,jode wants4 ,up 9 our rooms1 he is /ill gr9n+ ) all 8 *9s & wattles4 ,a lovely bus9ess1 eh1 ,buck8 ,conv9c9'1 too6 ,c't y picture h[ ,va*ti w fall = ?is ,elixir ( ,y\? proposition8 ,he'll see himself "y1 surr\nd$ by pretty girls4444 ,illu/ration3 ,c't y picture h[ ,va*ti w fall = ?is ,elixir ( ,y\? proposition8 ,he'll see himself "y1 surr\nd$ by pretty girls4444 ,i "k ( a c\pla sci5ce-fiction writ]s c\lda done x bett]1 ,i say1 deta*$4 ,b x's good en\gh4 ,x w\ld take a good man to f9d a hole 9 t !ory4 ,9 fact1 x w\ld prob'ly "w4 ,huh8 says ,jode4 ,x w\ld prob'ly "w1 ,i repeat1 firm4 ,t cataly/ /uff is good reason9'4 ,i knew a fella got fir$ f a silv]plat9' plant & he took a file & fil$ (f "s p[d]$ bakelite into ea* "o ( ! plat9' ba?s to get ev54 ,! firm ne> w5t crazy4 ,! bakelite don't dissolve or any?+1 b y c't plate :5 x's 9 ! ba?4 ,x's a anticataly/4 ,"s ( ^? impurities ! ,pr( 0 talk+ ab\t mu/ keep ! regul> *emical actions f tak9' place1 s y get :at he said4 ,old ,jode sits d[n & h[ls4 ,t /uff ab\t ! million monkeys is true1 ,i po9t out4 ,i read t myself 9 a sci5ce magaz9e4 ,i got a hun* !re's m to 8 idea ?an he figures4 ,if my laboratory 0 set up ,i'd try x myself4 ,maybe ,i bett] _h1 anyways4 ,buck6 :eezes old ,jode1 ,y'll be ! dea? ( me6 ,he ne> /rangles1 laugh9'4 ,i get mad4 ,okay1 ,i say1 b ,i tell y "r n[ y bett] let me d x if y sure-en\gh want t elixir4 ,icel&ic sp> a9't :at he said4 ,he's got good dope1 b he's a phoney6 ,old ,jode ?9ks t's s funny ,i g out & take a walk to cool (f4 ,b ! m ,i ?9k ab\t x1 ! bett] ! ,pr('s /uff looks4 ,next day ,i g to ! public libr>y & hunt up al*emy4 ,i get a bun* ( books out 9 ! read+-room4 ,trismige/us4 ,bacon4 ,!ophra/us4 ,p>acelsus4 ,c\nt ,graby4 ,i read !m1 fa/1 tak+ notes :5 necess>y4 ,i get fasc9at$2 ! /uff s\nds pl5ty conv9c+4 ,i get excit$4 ,x's z good z "s sci5ce fiction4 ,i fill my head up ) ! /uff1 & a notebook ) memos4 ,i g to a drug-/ore & buy "s te/-tubes4 ,i get a alcohol-burn] & "s d5atur$2 ,i g to a pa9t /ore & buy "s m /uff4 ,i h to hunt high & l[ be=e ,i c f9d a hobby-%op ) geological specim5s4 ,i get "s /uff !re4 ,fluor-sp>4 ,! cl]k sells x to me indiff]5t4 ,pl5ty ( guys my age mess ar\nd ) exp]im5ts2 ,i get ev]y?+ ,i ne$1 except "s egg-sk94 ,i g back to ! hotel1 lock ! door & put ! /uff toge!r4 ,i h n got pure *emicals4 ,a hunk ( native sulphur4 ,i cat* "s soot f safety mat*es t ,i burn "o aft] ano!r "u a metal a%-tray4 ,i've got a hunk ( sal-ammoniac--lump /uff1 n :at !y sell at a drug-/ore4 ,nobody w sell me oil ( vitriol1 b ,i get "s at a g>age :]e !y h x = /orage batt]ies4 ,i got "s iron pyrites4 ,i mix ! /uff up c>eful4 ,x makes an awful /9k4 ,i h to op5 ! w9d[s4 ,i g ?r\gh all ! r\t9e t a guy nam$ ,dr4 ,dee says w\ld make a univ]sal solv5t4 ,no?+ happ5s4 ,no?+ at all4 ,i am pretty mu* disgu/$4 ,! ,pr('s /uff s\nd$ good4 ,if ,i'd read x 9 a sci5ce magaz9e ,i w\ld've believ$ x & rememb]$ x4 ,b no?+ happ5s4 ,next morn+ ,i am hav+ breakfa/ :5 ,i rememb] ab\t ! sk9 ( a egg4 ,t is crazy4 ,x a9't sci5tific2 n mod]n sci5tific1 anyh[4 ,b ,i g up/airs ) a egg-%ell f breakfa/4 ,i get out t ?9 sk9 f inside & put x 9 ! te/-tube4 ,no?+ happ5s4 ,i get disgu/$ all ov] aga94 ,i sit d[n ) a sci5ce magaz9e1 & ,i am read+ x morbid1 :5 ,i smell some?+ funny4 ,! te/-tube is empty4 ,!re is a little :ite vapor ar\nd ! bottom4 ,!re is a hole 9 ! te/-tube2 !re is a hole 9 ! s9k2 !re is a hole 9 ! floor und]nea?4 ,x /9ks some?+ awful4 ,i don't "k h[ f> d[n ! hole goes1 b ,i "k ,i got to get a laboratory & "w ?is bus9ess out6 99 99 99 99 99 ,i tell old ,jode ab\t x4 ,i %[ him ! hole 9 ! floor & ! s9k4 ,he turns funny colors4 ,y mighta made poison gas1 ,buck6 he says4 ,y c\lda kill$ y\rself6 ,x c\lda be5 poison6 ,x wasn't :ipp+ cream1 ,i agree4 ,x's :at ^? al*emi/s said !y got4 ,i got my d\bts ! ,pr( ev] did ?is exp]im5t1 ev5 if he said he did4 ,y bett] let me fix up a tempor>y laboratory & make t elixir = y4 ,b ,jode looks pa9$4 ,buck1 he says1 ,i h s\nd$ out ,mr4 ,va*ti4 ,i h expla9$ t ,i h be5 s(t5$ up on ?is bus9ess4 ,i h act$ dumb s he ?9ks ,i h fall5 = x4 ,he is *eck+ up2 y got to /ay out ( ?is p>ty6 ,b ! ,pr( a9't go+ to make ! real /uff6 ,i say1 grim4 ,i'll bet--:at k9da app>atus is he buy9'8 ,jode %[s me a li/4 ,he is fat & :ite-hair$ an v impressive to look at1 b :5 x comes to sci5ce he has to take my ^w = ?+s4 ,i say1 scornful3 ,phoney6 ,i hunt$ up ,h]mes ,trismige/us 9 ! libr>y ye/]day & got ! =mula4 ,t vacuum di/illation app>atus a9't go+ to be us$6 ,x's j to dress up ! lab4 ,x's wrong1 eh8 says ,jode4 ,x's crazy6 ,i says4 ,j good app>atus wa/$6 ,f9e6 says ,jode1 reliev$4 ,i didn't ?9k he believ$ x himself2 if he wasn't a crook ,i'd be mess$ up4 ,b he's /ill got me worri$4 ,h['s he gonna pull t trick ( mak9' rats "y aga91 ,buck8 ,mr4 ,va*ti wants to see t--him h&l+ ! rats4 ,if ! ,pr( is sm>t en\gh to put t ov]1 ,mr4 ,va*ti is hook$6 ,if ,i want$ to d x1 ,i says1 scornful1 ,i'd put "s rats on %ort grub an' ca/or oil & get 'em ?94 ,!n ,i'd p[d] _! fur to make 'em gray1 & probably get a vet to give me some?+ to make 'em (f _! fe$ & languid4 ,!y'd look pl5ty old6 ,& all !y'd ne$ to get "y aga9 w\ld be two or ?ree days ( good eat9' an' no ca/or oil4 ,g5ius6 says ,jode1 beam+ at me affectionate4 ,y take a load (f my %\ld]s4 ,tomorr[ ,mr4 ,va*ti & me we look ov] ! rats & ,i bet y got ! trick exact4 ,! ,pr( is mighty cagey ) 8 two c5timetres ( /uff4 ,bett] let me make x = y real1 ,i say1 w>n+4 ,y /ay outa ?is6 grunts ,jode1 sc>$ aga9 :5 he ?9ks ( t hole 9 ! s9k & ! floor4 ,& don't g mix+ up any m poisons1 he> me8 ,he is hone/ worri$4 ,he a9't a bad guy2 he's a crook1 ( c\rse1 b 9 8 way he's all "r4 ,"r n[ he's pay+ = me to /ay at a pl5ty swank hotel1 pass9' = my uncle--:i* keeps me outa truant-(fic] tr\ble--& he tries e>ne/ to make me appreciate s\ffle m>9 avec pate de foie gras z sup]ior to ! hot dogs ,i eat a lot m frequ5t4 ,b he is firm ab\t me n mak+ any m exp]im5ts4 ,well1 ,i c h&le t4 ,i got a sailboat1 a9't ,i8 ,i fix up a lock] ) a padlock1 & ,i />t accumulat9' mat]ials1 duck9' into ! libr>y occasional to get m dope f translations ( ,h]mes ,trismige/us & ,c\nt ,graby & ,nicolas ,flamel & s on4 ,i get to be a exp]t on al*emy1 :i* "s ways is almo/ z int]e/9' z sci5ce fiction1 only n s likely4 ,x looks to me t ) a good ?ick concrete scre5 & remote-control h&l+ ( mat]ials to take c>e ( radiation1 x might be a good idea to see if ! philosoph]'s /one =mula does give nucle> fission4 ,b "r n[ ,i try some?+ ) imm$iate practical use4 ,i g aft] ! ,elixir ( ,y\?4 #c ,x is surpris+ h[ h>d x is to get "s ?+s4 ,dragon's blood1 :i* ! =mula calls =1 a9't :at y ?9k & y don't buy x at a art /ore1 ei!r4 ,& raw natron is n easy to get hold (4 ,i am almo/ /ump$ by a%es ( m&rake1 ?\gh2 !re simply a9't any m&rake 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates4 ,b ,i hunt x up 9 ! botany books1 & ,i f9d a we$ t's a close c\s91 ,i sp5d two days (f 9 ! woods hunt+ x1 & ,i f9d "s & comp>e ! leaves ) ^? 9 ! book4 ,!n ,i got to r$uce x to a%1 & ,i'm drift+ ar\nd 9 ! bay ) a t]rific /9k & pl5ty ( smoke com+ f my app>atus 9 ! sailboat4 ,x don't occur to me :at x looks l1 b all ( a sudd5 !re's a boom+ noise1 & a fa/ motor-ya*t is /reak+ up to me1 & x looms up & a c\ple t\gh-look+ guys are look+ me ov]4 ,"o ( 'em says3 ,y on fire1 kid4 ,want u to d\se x = y8 ,i say no ?anks2 ,i am cook9' lun* & x got scor*$2 !y look me ov] curi\s & ! motor-ya*t goes on its way4 ,i read ! "n on its /]n & x's ,mr4 ,va*ti's ya*t4 ,ev5 ! sailors on 8 ya*t look l ^? guys he is keep+ himself surr\nd$ by--p :o rem9d him ( ! happy pa/ :5 he 0 a bootlegg] b>on & rode ar\nd 9 a bullet-pro( c>4 ,!y are t\gh-look+ birds1 ^? babies6 ,i don't see mu* ( old ,jode4 ,he gets up 9 ! morn+ & groans1 has black c(fee ) br&y 9 x2 pres5tly he tott]s to ! ba?room1 takes a long %[] & dresses up sporty & goes out4 ,b he reports to me f "t to "t2 "o day he tells me ! rat bus9ess work$ out p]fect1 & ! ,pr( has put ! bite on him = ano!r five ,cs4 ,!n he says ! ,pr('s equipm5t has arriv$ & is be+ set up4 ,him & ,mr4 ,va*ti g & look x ov]4 ,& ,i "k t ,jode sweats "s1 !n1 b ,mr4 ,va*ti has m]ely told him firm t he is a suck] be+ sw9dl$ because ,mr4 ,va*ti's lawy] has told him s4 ,b nobody is try+ to sw9dle ,mr4 ,va*ti yet1 s !re is no?+ he c d ab\t x4 ,!n ! ,pr( beg9s 8 *emical "w1 putt+ toge!r dragon's blood & m&rake a% & natron & egg-:ite4 ,old ,jode goes & wat*es4 ,he says ! ,pr( puts on a good %[1 says ,mr4 ,va*ti is wat*+1 & fair drool+ ) want+ to be 9 on :at is a k9d ( p>ty t j possible might be on ! level4 ,b he wants /ill m to be 9 on x if x's a sw9dle4 ,because j l ,jode collects fond memories ( hav+ put ov] arti/ic tricks1 ,mr4 ,va*ti collects records ( p s5t to jail = all ! kn[n sw9dle games4 ,he has no record ( a man s5t to jail = sell+ ! elixir ( life1 & he wants "o to complete 8 collection4 ,s ultimate he broa*es ! matt] to ,jode4 ,if ! ,pr( is on ! level1 he says1 he kn[s ( a new c>e] surpass9' ev5 t ( bootleg b>on :i* he c\ld emb>k on if he 0 "y aga94 ,& if x's a crook$ deal1 x w sort ( climax 8 c>e]1 s5d+ somebody to jail = try+ to sell him et]nal y\?4 ,old ,jode is fair trembl+ ) ! ne> realization ( 8 ambition1 :5 he tells me ?is4 ,! deal is made4 ,mr4 ,va*ti w put up fifty gr& 9 ca% = a equal dose ( ! elixir ) ! ,pr( & ,jode4 ,if x works1 ! ca% is 8 contribution4 ,if x don't "w1 he gets x back4 ,& ,jode is %aky b resolute4 ,n[ li/51 he says1 e>ne/4 ,i'm *eck9' a c\pla bags at ! airport1 & !y are important4 ,i'm putt+ ! c> 9 a g>age :]e y or me c get x out fa/1 b nobody else kn[s ab\t x4 ,if we got to beat x1 ,i'm go9' to be all set4 ,b-- ,i am all set to pull ! la/ bus9ess ( mak9' ! elixir1 & ,i got to be undi/urb$4 ,i got to d x private4 ,i h gone to ! dogp\nd & look$ ov] ! dogs1 & !re's an old poo* !re t somebody s5t to h put 9 ! gas-*amb]2 he is pretty decrepit1 b he looks at me wi/ful :5 ,i speak to him4 ,he's j old4 ,s ,i h bail$ him out & he's ti$ up 9 ! boat n[4 ,i'm go+ to tell ,jode ,i'll be back late t night4 ,he is a pretty good guy4 ,i "k = a fact t he nev] goes to b$ )\t look9' 9 to see t ,i am all "r4 ,:i* 9 a way is insult9' :5 a guy is sixte51 b 9 ano!r way a9't s bad4 ,my old man nev] done no?+ l t4 ,i feel k9da fond ( old ,jode4 ,b ,i don't want him to "k ,i'm mak+ ! elixir until x's all done4 ,he says1 unhappy3 ,buck1 my boy1 any?+ may happ54 ,accord+ to ! ,pr('s figures1 ! elixir is gonna be f9i%$ today4 ,x is a really beautiful setup4 ,if & :5 ! elixir turns out to be phoney1 he is ! fall guy2 ,i am absolute 9 ! cle>4 ,yeah8 ,i say4 ,i h got to keep a alembic--t's a funny-%ap$ ?+ :i* is really a v simple /ill t y c use z a t[]-/ill if y want to--,i h to keep ?is alembic boil+ = twelve h\rs cont9\s4 ,i c't d x 9 ! hotel2 ,i h got to tie up my boat some:]es to d x4 ,i got a place all pick$ out on a isl& (f ,las ,lagunas :]e nobody is go+ to notice me4 ,!re is a h\se on ! isl&1 b x is always clos$ up4 ,i h a gasol9e tor*1 & ev]y?+ is set4 ,b ,i am go+ to be back late1 & ,jode might worry4 ,i ev5 figure ,i "k :at ! ,pr(essor int5ds1 says ,jode4 ,x is crude2 ! ,pr( is n an arti/2 ev5 at t4 ,mr4 ,va*ti & ,i take our money to 8 h\se4 ,! ,pr( & ,mr4 ,va*ti & ,i take our doses ( ! elixir toge!r4 ,!n we are suppos$ to rema9 !re1 unobs]v$1 until we are "y m5 aga92 !n we take leave ( ea* o!r & ! ,pr( goes (f to />t 8 life anew ) our contributions4 99 99 99 99 99 ,i look at him blank4 ,obvi\sly1 says ,jode1 9 a tone sugge/+ t he feels k9d ( a%am$ = ! ,pr(1 ! doses t he gives u w be knock\t drops4 ,:5 we wake up1 ! ,pr( w h dep>t$ ) a l>ge sum4 ,oh1 ,i says4 ,x is hopeless crude1 says ,jode4 ,my int5tion1 ,buck1 is simply to swit* glasses4 ,true arti/ry is always simple4 ,b--well--if any?+ %\ld g wrong1 on acc\nt ( ,mr4 ,va*ti1 ,i want y to h ?is4 ,he h&s me a roll t w\ld *oke a horse4 ,&--,i hope y w ?9k ( me sometimes1 ,buck4 ,i want y to take (f 9 y\r sailboat n[4 ,sail d[n ! coa/ to ,esp]ance4 ,x is only tw5ty-five miles4 ,i w meet y !re at sund[n tomorr[4 ,if ,i h beat x1 ,i w be !re2 if any?+ has gone wrong1 d n try to contact me until y are completely sure x is safe4 ,if x a9't safe--beat x6 ,&--w y %ake h&s8 ,i ?9k t actual ! old fella wants to hug me1 b he don't4 ,!re are te>s 9 8 eyes & 8 wattles are all r$ ) emotion4 ,b we j %ake h&s2 he isn't a bad guy1 9 8 way4 ,i am pretty fond ( old ,jode4 ,b he's cle>$ ! way = :at ,i h to d4 ,i g d[n to ! sailboat1 & he waddles along ) me2 ,i h "s grub ready1 b my app>atus is "u ! deck =w>d1 9 ! lock]4 ,old ,jode is surpris$ :5 he sees t dog wag 8 tail feeble at me4 ,i expla9 t ,i j k9da pick$ him up4 ,he w be company = y tonight1 ,buck1 says ,jode1 wi/ful4 ,y h blankets8 ,take c>e ( y\rself1 ,buck6 ,i'll d x1 ,i says4 ,be see9' y4 ,& ,i haul up ! sail & ca/ (f4 ,sail9' away easy f ! :>f1 ,i see him /&9' !re1 fat & funny-look9' 9 8 sporty clo!s1 & ,i feel k9da s5tim5tal ab\t him4 ,b ,i figure t :5 ,i f9i% up ?is elixir bus9ess ,i w h some?+ to sure-en\gh pay up = ev]y?+ & he w treat me ) m respect h]eaft]1 besides4 ,s ,i sail away *e]ful1 get out ! mat]ials & cook myself a hot dog ov] ! gasol9e tor*1 look at ! blue sky1 admire ! sc5]y & sail casual to t isl& ,i got pick$ out4 ,i haul my boat 9 "u "s trees & make ev]y?+ snug4 ,x is s+ul> peaceful4 ,!re are little waves lapp+ on ! %ore1 & birds s+9' 9 ! trees t cov] ! isl&1 & n[ & aga9 a little fi% jumps some:]e f a big fi% *as9' him4 ,t old poo* lays d[n & sighs & looks at me grateful1 & ,i get my /uff l9$ up4 ,i build a furnace = my alembic outa rocks on %ore2 ,i light ! tor*1 & put toge!r ! /uff t ,h]mes ,trismige/us says w make ! elixir4 ,!re is natron & orpim5t & dragon's blood & egg-:ite1 & a%es ( m&rake--anyh[1 next-door to m&rake--& ! eye ( a frog4 ,i got t f a fancy re/aurant :]e !y s]ve frogs'-legs & boa/ ! frogs are %ipp$ to !m alive4 ,!re are o!r +r$i5ts t don't make s5se by mod]n sci5ce4 ,b some:]e among !m is a cataly/ or a anticataly/ t produces results :i* mod]n pure *emicals w\ldn't give4 ,x w\ld be int]e/+1 sometime1 to f9d out h[ to make ?is /uff ) mod]n *emicals4 ,i />t ! alembic to boil+4 99 99 99 99 99 ,ab\t noon ,i cook "s hot dogs & eat !m1 & dr9k "s pop2 ! alembic is boil+ sl[ j l x oughta & mak+ a v unusual smell4 ,! color is a deep r$1 ) v>i\s elem5ts swirl+ ar\nd 9 x l tealeaves4 ,i ?9k ( tak+ a swim b decide aga9/ x2 ,i read "s sci5ce magaz9es :ile ! elixir ( y\? is simm]+ away1 & pres5tly ,i get sleepy & doze (f4 ,!n ,i wake up aga9 & refill ! gasol9e tor*1 cook "s m hot dogs & eat !m4 ,ar\nd t "t--x is ne> sund[n--,i he> a boom+ noise4 ,i look out ?r\gh ! trees1 & !re is t motor-ya*t t belongs to ,mr4 ,va*ti t /opp$ to ask if ,i ne$$ rescu9' ! day ,i 0 turn+ m&rake-root to a%4 ,x is a qu>t] ( a mile away1 maybe less2 ,i see ,mr4 ,va*ti talk+ to "o ( 8 t\gh-look+ crew1 & ,i see ! ,pr( sitt+ 9 a deck-*air ) a sort ( ?ick fog ( gloom ar\nd him1 & ,i see old ,jode n]v\s tak+ a dr9k f a /ew>d & putt+ x ha/y to 8 m\?4 ,i c't figure x4 ,x a9't ! s*$ule ,jode told me4 ,i wat* ! ya*t1 & x curves ar\nd ! end ( ! isl&4 ,!n ,i don't feel s good2 !re is a h\se on ! isl&1 b x is always %ut up4 ,i ?9k x ov]1 uneasy1 & make sure my alembic is boil+ okay--x is k9da blui%1 n[1 & ! smell is diff]5t & /ill m unusual--s ,i sneak c>eful (f ?r\gh ! woods1 & pres5tly ,i get to :]e ,i c see4 ,! ya*t has an*or$ & a boat is pull+ a%ore4 ,i g back to my boat & fret a:ile2 !n ,i he> ! ya*t head+ back t[>d ,las ,lagunas4 ,i feel reliev$4 ,ar\nd eight o'clock t night my fla%light %[s me t ! /uff 9 ! alembic has turn$ gre54 ,x /9ks some?+ fi]ce1 b ?is is ! regul> *ange t ,h]mes ,trismige/us says ought to occur1 s ,i feel pretty good4 ,i dr9k "s m pop & try to read by ! fla%light1 b x a9't s easy4 ,s ,i j lay ar\nd4 ,x's h>d "w keep+ awake ) no?+ b ! s\nd ( ! waves & ! night-w9d 9 ! trees to li/5 to2 ,i wi% ,i'd ?\ght to br+ along a portable radio1 b ,i didn't4 ,s ,i take a swim1 cook "s m hot dogs & (f] "o to ! old poo*4 ,he eats x un9t]e/$ & lays d[n aga94 ,at "o o'clock 9 ! middle ( ! night by my wri/wat*1 ! /uff 9 ! alembic is pale yell[ & !re a9't mu* ( x4 ,maybe half a cup-full4 ,& x's funny1 b ) all ! junk ,i put 9 !re :at's left is cle> liquid4 ,exactly l ! al*emy book says4 ,i "k t natron--:i* is a sodium c>bonate--hadn't oughta boil away l t1 nor orpim5t ei!r4 ,& ! m&rake a%es ought to /ay z a sludge4 ,b !y a9't4 ,i guess !re 0 "s gase\s metal comp\nds =m$--l uranium hexifluoride--& !y boil (f4 ,b ,i c't swe> to t explanation4 ,i d :at ! al*emi/s said !y did1 & ,i get :at !y said !y got4 ,i am k9da excit$1 b ,i wait till ! /uff cools (f1 !n ,i get ! sk9 (f a frankfurt]1 soak up "s ( ! elixir on ! meat1 & fe$ x to ! old poo*4 ,i put ! balance c>eful 9 a bottle ,i h ready4 ,i am pl5ty sleepy by !n1 because x is close to two o'clock2 ,i g to sleep4 #d ,:5 ,i wake up 9 ! morn+ ,i feel pretty good4 ,i he> some?+ :9+ close by1 & sit up2 !re is t poo*4 ,he looks a lot spry] ?an he has be51 b he is hungry4 ,:5 ,i fe$ him1 he eats until 8 belly bulges out1 & !n lays d[n & goes to sleep4 ,i take ano!r swim2 ,i a9't 9 any hurry4 ,i h till sund[n to get to ,esp]ance to meet ,jode4 ,i am div9' :5 ,i he> a boom9' s\nd und]wat]1 s ,i come up & !re is ,mr4 ,va*ti's ya*t /reak9' = ! isl& aga94 ,i get on %ore & wat* f beh9d ! trees2 x goes ar\nd ! end ( ! isl& aga94 ,ab\t a h\r lat] x goes back to ,las ,lagunas4 ,i get worri$1 put on "s clo!s & g c>eful ov] to :]e ! clos$-up h\se is4 ,x is only "o /ory high1 b x sprawls all ov] & x co/ pl5ty4 ,b x isn't clos$ up any long]4 ,! w9d[s are op5 & ,mr4 ,va*ti is sitt+ 9 a deck-*air on a t]race1 smok+ a long black cig>4 ,!n ,i bl9k2 !re is ,jode1 sporty clo!s & all1 waddl+ out to speak to him4 ,i see a c\pla m5 work+ ar\nd :at ,i guess$ 0 ! kit*52 !n ,i see ,pr( ,h5ry ,b>r 9 p]son4 ,he has be5 a spry old goat1 b he looks all droop$ & unhappy n[4 ,i tell y ,i get worri$1 !n4 ,some?+ has gone wrong4 ,i hang ar\nd1 hop+ t ,jode w get (f by himself some:]es s ,i c speak to him )\t ,mr4 ,va*ti gett+ wise4 ,!n t poo* comes snuffl+ ?r\gh ! woods beh9d me4 ,he's wak$ up & trails me by smell4 ,he is frisky1 & ,i c't expect him to h s5se en\gh n to run out squirm+ & wagg+ 8 tail if he sees somebody1 or else b>k+ at !m4 ,s ,i h to take him back to ! boat & tie him up4 ,i tie him to ! moor+-rope1 & fe$ him s he won't h[l :5 ,i leave4 ,no?9' has *ang$ :5 ,i get back4 ,jode waddles ar\nd1 look9' bor$1 b ,i c tell he is n]v\s4 ,he doesn't leave ! h\se4 ,occasional he speaks to ,mr4 ,va*ti1 l he is sugge/9' some?9'4 ,mo/ly ,mr4 ,va*ti j don't pay any att5tion4 ,jode don't h mu* to say to ! ,pr(4 ,! ,pr( j sits slump$ 9 a *air & looks mis]able4 ,noon comes1 & ,i g back to ! boat1 fe$ ! poo* & myself4 ,i hang ar\nd ne> ! h\se all aft]noon4 ,:5 ,i g back = some?+ else to eat ar\nd supp]-"t ! poo* ne> eats me up1 he is t glad to see me4 ,i take a good look at him4 ,he isn't an old dog any m2 he is a k9d ( gangl+ j-gr[n puppy1 fall+ all ov] himself & j bu/+ out ) en]gy4 ,t elixir has work$ on him all "r4 ,i make sure he is ti$ up fa/ :5 ,i leave4 ,x is d>k :5 ,i get back to ! h\se4 ,!re are lights 9 ! w9d[s4 ,i sneak up close & make sure !re isn't nobody wat*+ outside4 ,pres5tly ,i duck up to :]e ,i c look 9 a w9d[4 ,x is op51 & ,i c\ld he>4 ,mr4 ,va*ti says1 9 a voice t w\ld curdle ! ,alkahe/--t hydr(luoric acid t ate ?r\gh ! te/-tube & ! s9k & ! floor3 ,s9ce ,i feel no physical *anges1 ,i w give y two j tw5ty-f\r h\rs m6 ,!n :at8 asks ,jode1 appreh5sive4 ,if by !n ,i am n a "y man aga91 says ,mr4 ,va*ti1 spiteful1 --& ,i d n expect to be--my bodygu>ds w ei!r put y ea* 9 a b>rel ( concrete & dump y ov]bo>d at sea--:i* ,i d n ?9k !y h lo/ ! knack (--or else y g to jail4 99 99 99 99 99 ,jode :eezes indignant3 ,b !re has be5 no (f5se1 ,mr4 ,va*ti6 he prote/s4 ,y tri$ to sw9dle me1 says ,mr4 ,va*ti peevi%4 ,bo? ( y6 ,i d5y t1 says old ,jode 9 f9e ang]1 b ,i see sweat dripp+ f 8 wattles4 ,n "o f+] 0 laid on y or y\r money6 ,pr(essor ,b>r made an exp]im5t1 :i* ,i f9anc$4 ,y wi%$ to %>e ! results4 ,x 0 agre$ t y %\ld h a dose ( ! elixir ) u1 & pay if x work$ & n o!rwise6 ,b y\r m5 grabb$ u & hu/l$ u abo>d y\r ya*t & br\ght u "h z prison]s6 ,y h _h ! elixir1 yes6 ,y insi/$ t ! exp]im5t g on1 on y\r e/ate "h4 ,b if a crime has be5 committ$1 says ,jode oratorical1 x has be5 committ$ by y\r hirel+s6 ,h[ w y /& 9 a c\rt ( law1 ,mr4 ,va*ti1 :5 y are *>g$ ) kidnapp+8 ,i nev] he> exactly ?is k9d ( note 9 ,jode's voice be=e4 ,b ,i "k :at x is2 he is sc>$4 ,mr4 ,va*ti has n be5 put ?r\gh ! wr+]4 ,old ,jode has a swell trick = x1 b x doesn't "w4 ,! pr( is all set to give ,mr4 ,va*ti & ,jode knock\t drops1 & ,jode is all set to swit* glasses s ! ,pr( & ,mr4 ,va*ti w be ! ones to pass out4 ,b ,mr4 ,va*ti crosses !m bo? up by kidnapp9' !m & ! elixir & tak9' 8 dose 9 ! privacy ( 8 own home ) 8 bodygu>ds ar\nd4 ,n[ ,mr4 ,va*ti laughs1 & he has absolutely ! mo/ unpleasant laugh ,i ev] he>d on anybody4 ,d y ?9k1 he says ironic1 t :5 ,i 0 active 9 bus9ess1 ,i nev] _h anybody kidnapp$8 ,!re is a sil5ce t y c\lda cut 9 *unks4 ,mr4 ,va*ti laughs aga94 ,i h a hobby1 he says1 ( putt+ p 9 jail :5 !y try to sw9dle me4 ,y two tri$ x4 ,i admit1 he says1 vex$1 t y fix$ x s ,i c't put y 9 jail = ?is actual job4 ,putt+ y 9 jail won't be ! p]fect example ,i w\ld wi% = my files4 ,b y g to jail or into a b>rel ( concrete6 ,h[ c y s5d u to jail8 dem&s ,jode1 r %rill4 ,i c\nt on y\r assi/ance1 says ,mr4 ,va*ti1 v5om\s4 ,my m5 h be5 ) me = a long "t4 ,x has be5 ye>s s9ce !y rodd$ anybody except a /ray burgl> or two1 & !y miss _! old-"t pursuits4 ,!y took a pa!tic pleasure 9 kidnapp9' y4 ,x w seem l old times come back aga91 = !m1 to put y two into sep>ate b>rels ( concrete & dump y ov]bo>d1 ev5 if x is ! ,pacific ,ocean in/ead ( ! ,*icago ,riv] !y are dump+ y 94 ,!y w reg>d ! ev5t ) s5tim5t4 ,!y w bump y (f ) all possible arti/ic t\*es1 = old times' sake4 ,someh[1 ?is /atem5t is absolute conv9c+4 ,i believe x4 ,s does ,jode4 ,b--jail-- pants ,jode4 ,9 y\r c>e]1 says ,mr4 ,va*ti1 grim1 y h d\btless p]=m$ "s feats t int]e/$ ! police4 ,if y d n want to be encas$ 9 concrete1 y w tell me ( su* matt]s4 ,i w h my lawy]s *eck up4 ,if y c confess to en\gh actual crimes ( :i* y are actual guilty to tuck y away = :at ,i consid] a suitable numb] ( ye>s1 ,i w turn y & y\r sign$ confessions ov] to ! cops4 ,o!rwise-- 99 99 99 99 99 ,i c see ,jode's face4 ,he looks at ,mr4 ,va*ti incr$ul\s4 ,8 expression is fill$ ) a f9e disgu/1 l somebody w\ld feel = somebody :o has *eat$ 9 a fri5dly game ( p9o*le = be]s4 ,jode's ideals are outrag$4 ,to him1 try9' to sw9dle ,mr4 ,va*ti has be5 a pure matt] ( pr(essional pride4 ,if ,mr4 ,va*ti plays x l x lies1 old ,jode w9s4 ,mr4 ,va*ti is outsm>t$ complete1 on ! arti/ic level4 ,b in/ead ( conc$+ graceful t ,jode is a ma/] arti/1 ,mr4 ,va*ti plays x dirty4 ,t1 says old ,jode 9 bitt] contempt1 is ! l[e/ trick ,i h ev] se5 any man s9k to6 ,x is n play+ fair6 ,x is wel*+ on a bet6 ,x is-- ,x is my b$-"t1 says ,mr4 ,va*ti1 9 a voice sev]al degrees h>d] ?an granite4 ,i am go+ to b$4 ,y two--sw9dl]s--c conf] & decide :e!r y g to jail or to ! bottom ( ! ,pacific6 ,& he means x4 ,nei!r ! ,pr( nor ,jode nor me has any d\bt t he means x4 ,he tries to play a sw9dle ?r\gh /raight1 & he c't t\* ei!r ! ,pr( nor ,jode1 legal1 s he plays dirty to get ev54 ,i lose ! respect ,i us$ to h = bootleg b>ons f :at ,i he>d be=e ,i got int]e/$ 9 sci5ce4 ,old ,jode puffs & grunts 9 ! room ,mr4 ,va*ti has left4 ,well1 ,pr(1 he says disda9ful1 ,:at are y go+ to d8 ,! ,pr( speaks = ! fir/ "t t ,i he>4 ,8 voice is a %aky1 wabbly1 despair+ moan4 ,i--ah--!re are a c\pla cases ( =g]y ,i c\ld help ! cops to solve1 he says feeble2 & once ,i got out a back w9d[ :5 "s po/-(fice inspectors come to ! front door4 ,t 0 us9' ! mails to defraud4 ,&--& !re are a c\ple ( obta99' money "u false pret5ses raps ,i c\ld take1 he says1 & sobs1 ,if ,mr4 ,va*ti w be satisfi$ ) !m4444 ,old ,jode squ>es 8 %\ld]s & ?r[s out 8 /oma*4 ,i1 he :eezes scornful1 ,i sold a gold brick to ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,m9t at ,d5v]6 ,t w get me respect 9 any c\rt1 he says1 & ,i %all g ^u ! witness /& & expose ! despicable1 ! contemptible conduct ( ,mr4 ,va*ti 9 ?is in/ance6 ,& no arti/1 says ,jode1 pr\d1 w h any fur!r use = him6 ,he w be disgrac$ 9 ! eyes ( any wor?:ile citiz56 ,& ,jode waddles spl5did f ! room1 leav+ ! ,pr( dissolv$ 9 te>s beh9d him4 99 99 99 99 99 ,well4444 ,x a9't s t\gh a job4 ,?is isl& all belongs to ,mr4 ,va*ti4 ,!re a9't any possible hope ( escap9' f x unless ! ya*t comes to take y back to %ore4 ,s !re a9't ev5 locks on ! w9d[s ( ! room ,jode sleeps 94 ,:at good w\ld !y d8 ,i f9d out 8 room by j wat*9' %ad[s on ! w9d[-curta94 ,! light goes out4 ,he comes to op5 up ! w9d[ = fre% air1 & ,i :isp] to him4 ,! brea? goes outa him until ,i ?9k he's gonna /rangle4 ,i say quick t ,i got my boat ti$ up & wait+ = him4 ,& old ,jode is sc>$1 all "r4 ,he eels outa t w9d[ wait+ only to grab 8 pants4 ,& we beat x = ! boat1 only ,i rememb] to make him g quiet4 ,on ! way ,i say to him1 sev]e3 ,y'd ought to h let me make t elixir l ,i said4 ,!n y w\ldn't'a be5 9 ?is tr\ble4 ,i told y ! ,pr( w\ld mess x up4 ,he _h a good sci5tific !ory1 b he is a phoney6 ,y're q "r1 ,buck1 pants ,jode4 ,b let's g fa/]6 ,x 0 good1 s\nd1 sci5tific reason+1 ,i tell him1 only because ,i a9't b sixte5 y hadda decide t ,i c\ldn't make t elixir z good z ! ,pr(4 ,all he's got t ,i a9't is long gray :isk]s4 ,yes--yes1 ,jode gasps4 ,y are a g5ius1 ,buck6 ,h[ mu* f>!r8 ,!n we rea* ! place :]e ,i c see ! wat] aga94 ,! poo* comes b\nc9' joyful to me & puts 8 paws all ov] me & licks me en?usia/ic4 ,he has got loose f :]e ,i ti$ him4 ,i am peev$1 b x is lucky he doesn't trail me to ! h\se4 ,i tell him to come on & keep go9' = :]e my boat is4 ,only x a9't !re4 ,i h ti$ ! poo* to ! moor9'-l9e2 be9' a "y dog ) no?+ 9 p>ticul> on 8 m9d1 he has *ew$ reflective on ! rope l he w\lda *ew$ on any?+ else4 ,he has *ew$ x 9 two4 ,! boat has drift$ (f4 ,i see x1 a good mile & a half away1 bobb+ prettily 9 ! /reak ( light ! moon makes on ! wat]4 ,i c't swim t f>4 ,jode & me & ! poo* are m>oon$ on ,mr4 ,va*ti's private isl&1 & come morn+ t isl& is go+ to be int5sive se>*$4 #e ,:5 he realizes x1 ,jode cries4 ,he has put up a bold front 9 front ( ,mr4 ,va*ti & ! ,pr(1 b he has be5 sc>$ all ! way d[n 9 8 inn>ds4 ,n[ he figures he's gonna be caught & ei!r dump$ ov]bo>d 9 concrete or else put away = all 8 decl9+ ye>s1 & ! grub 9 p5it5ti>ies is t]rible4 ,also--,i got to give him cr$it = x--he is sc>$ = me4 ,i am on ! isl&2 ,i c't get (f nei!r4 ,& x is anybody's guess :at ,mr4 ,va*ti w ?9k is appropriate = me4 ,a re=m s*ool is ! lea/ unpleas+ idea t turns up4 ,b ,jode looks = worse ?an t4 ,i believe ! old son-(-a-gun is hone/ fond ( me6 ,b at t x takes pl5ty ( argum5t to make him take ! only possible reasonable c\rse4 ,i suspect he ?9ks he w die1 & t gives him 8 only argum5t back4 ,he makes me promise t if he does die ,i w c>ry out ! plan ,i _h told him = ! two ( u4 ,i promise1 impati5t1 & give him "p ( a bottle ( pop t 0 left on %ore1 ) "s cle> yell[ liquid mix$ ) x4 ,he gulps x d[n1 gagg+1 :ile ,i heave ov]bo>d my empty bottles & ha/y pack up ! hot dogs ,i got left4 ,i make a muzzle = ! poo* s he c't b>k1 & ,i use ! l9e he's *ew$ (f = a lea%4 ,we g hunt+ = a good hide\t4 ,we f9d "o2 ,i cov] ,jode up ) leaves & he's mod]ate com=table4 ,he talks k9da fev]i% & panicky ab\t :at a %ame = a f9e "y lad l me to be 9 su* a fix z ?is4 ,b he's run a long ways gett9' to :]e ! boat %\ld be1 & he's walk$ pl5ty aft]w>d4 ,he a9't us$ to x4 ,he goes to sleep1 all worn out2 ,i doze (f myself4 ,come morn+1 ,jode is />v+4 ,i take a good look at him1 & ,i feel sort ( funny4 ,?+s a9't work+ out ! way ,i expect1 b ,i don't say any?+4 ,i pass ov] hot dogs1 & ,jode wolfs 'em4 ,no?+ else happ5s = a :ile4 ,!n ! ya*t comes pa/ ! place :]e we're hid+1 & lat] ,i see a c\pla guys ) guns roam+ ar\nd4 ,i cov] up ! poo*'s nose ) my h&2 ,i don't want no :9+4 ,i h look$ ! poo* ov] m c>eful & ,i am :at y might call appall$4 ,b ^? guys hunt+ = signs ( ,jode a9't fool+2 !y c>ry _! guns v h&y4 ,we /ay /ill4 ,pres5tly ,i see m guys1 also ) guns4 ,!y are h>d-look+ fell[s4 ,sailors f ! ya*t2 ,!y hunt sy/ematic4 ,ab\t ! middle ( ! morn+1 ,jode realizes :at is happ5+4 ,! sc5e is t]rific4 ,!re is practically hy/]ics4 ,i figure t x mu/ be t ,i don't h real m&rake a% b some?+ else1 & x is pretty awful4 ,9 fact1 ,jode is s upset t once ,i figure ,i bett] take my *ances ) ,mr4 ,va*ti4 ,b ,i don't2 aft] all1 no matt] h[ deplorable x is1 ,jode is /ill bett] (f ?an 9 a b>rel ( concrete4 ,i argue t way4 ,i don't "k t ,jode agrees--,i d\bt x v mu*1 actually--b !re a9't any *oice n[4 ,x's happ5$4 ,come sund[n1 we fix "s em]g5cy clo!s out ( a blanket because ! pajamas ,jode is we>+ belong to ,mr4 ,va*ti & w\ld be recogniz$4 ,! two ( u & ! poo* g b>g+ ov] to ,mr4 ,va*ti's h\se4 ,x is j ab\t twilight :5 we get !re4 ,! ya*t has be5 back to ! ma9l& aga9 & has br\ght out "s dogs to track ,jode d[n by smell4 ,my poo* goes ov] amiable to make fri5ds4 ,!re is a clamor\s welcome f ! o!r dogs4 ,v clamor\s4 ,jode /eams4 ,!n ,i expla9 to a guy t we two 0 out sail+2 we l&$1 & somebody /ole our boat & c !y s5d ^w s our folks c come = u4 ,x s\nds l v respectable family /uff4 ,!re is a /range1 pr(ane sil5ce4 ,nobody suspects x is ,jode ) me1 ( c\rse4 ,mr4 ,va*ti looks u ov]1 suppress+ all ! cusswords ev] kn[n to man4 ,he says to ,jode1 ,d y usual we> a blanket8 ,jode says indignant1 ,i 0 sunba?+4 ,mr4 ,va*ti says bitt]1 ,i c prob'ly f9d "s sailor clo!s4 ,i w s5d y back to ! ma9l&4 ,he w\ld l to /rangle bo? ( u4 ,he figures t ! ,jode he is aft] /ole ! boat & beat x to ! ma9l&4 ,he c't d any?+ to u because1 he figures aga91 ,jode w be work+ out a li/ includ+ kidnapp+1 co]cion1 ?reats1 & o!r illegal acts1 & a police laun* may arrive at any mom5t4 ,he c't ev5 dump ! ,pr( ov]bo>d because ( 8 belief t ,jode is on %ore prep>+ a lawsuit4 ,actual1 ,jode is "r !re beside me1 boil+ mad & want+ en?usia/ic to murd] me1 only n d>+ to %[ x4 99 99 99 99 99 ,x is a beautiful mess4 ,mr4 ,va*ti has n got a sci5tific m9d1 s he c't make ev5 a wild guess at :at has happ5$4 ,he don't believe 9 ! elixir anyh[1 & ( c\rse he w\ldn't "k t ,i _h set out to make x4 ,s nev] 9 a million ye>s w he hit on ! facts4 ,jode goes inside ! h\se & puts on ! sailor pants & a sweat]1 & leaves ! blanket z a mem5to4 ,!y put u on ! ya*t & take u back to ! ma9l&1 ,jode hold+ alo( because ( ! likelihood ( committ+ mayhem if ,i come 9 arm's rea*4 ,i g look at ! ya*t's eng9es4 ,i obs]ve t ! ,pr( is on bo>d1 :ite z a %eet & trembl+4 ,he does n really believe he is repriev$4 ,b he is4 ,we get to ! dock & g a%ore4 ,jode a9't ev5 polite en\gh to say ,?anks = our ride4 ,we m>* away f ! dock4 ,a dog comes up1 look+ cordial2 our poo* ha/y gets on fri5dly t]ms & ! two ( !m disappe> up a side /reet4 ,i don't c>e4 ,i h ,jode wait = me 9 a d>k place1 & ,i get "s ( my clo!s outa ! hotel2 !n ,i get ! c>1 & we g get ! suitcase outa ! airport t]m9al4 ,we salvage ! baggage-*eck outa ,jode's pants-pocket1 & beat x ! hell away f !re4 ,jode's mad is "o ( ^? /eam+ ones :i* "o ^w let out w result 9 an explosion4 ,!re is h>dly a ^w ex*ang$ until we get to ! next t[n & ,i h pull$ up at its swankie/ hotel4 ,!n ,i get out ( ! c> & ,i say3 ,well1 s-long1 ,jode6 ,no1 y don't6 pants ,jode1 grabb+ me4 ,we got to settle ?is6 ,y got to d some?+ ab\t x6 ,y come along6 ,we regi/]1 gett+ rooms next to ea* o!r4 ,jode comes 9 my room1 boil+1 & sits d[n grim4 ,! seat a9't com=table4 ,!n ,i bl9k4 ,jode is remov+ l>ge1 ?ick packages ( banknotes--fold+ money--f ! hip pockets ( ! sailor pants4 ,!y g on ! table4 ,!y are impressive4 ,:]e'd t come f8 ,i ask1 try+ to po/pone ?+s4 ,mr4 ,va*ti1 says ,jode1 grim1 0 all set to pay fifty gr& j to see pro( t ! elixir ( y\? work$4 ,he told ! ,pr( t4 ,he taunt$ him ) x4 ,he wav$ ! ca% 9 front ( 8 face & repeat$1 sne]+1 t he 0 ready to pay x j to see pro(4 ,well--,i'm pro(1 ( a sort4 ,he saw me4 ,s :5 ,i w5t 9 ! h\se to put on ^! clo!s ,i /opp$ by :]e he'd lock$ x up4 ,i'm entitl$ to x4 ,b--y ,buck6 ,h[ did ?is happ5 to me8 99 99 99 99 99 ,i feel v mu* emb>rass$ b ,i h got x figur$ out m or less4 ,i say1 uncom=table3 ,well-l-l1 ,jode1 ,i says1 ,i guess x 0 because !re a9't any real m&rake 9 ,am]ica4 ,a%es ( m&rake 0 call$ =1 & ,i c\ldn't get any1 s ,i hunt$ up a we$ t is "r mu* l m&rake4 ,may-apple is :at !y call x4 ,i us$ t4 ,x's a close c\s91 b x mu/a lack$ "o ( ^? cataly/s or anticataly/s real m&rake w\lda _h-- ,jode grabs me & %akes h>d4 ,:at happ5$6 ,& h[ is x gonna be fix$8 ,reluctant1 ,i haul a notebook outa my pocket4 ,i op5 up to :]e ,i copi$ old ,h]mes ,trismige/us' =mula = mak+ ! elixir ( y\?4 ,look1 ,i say4 ,! =mula is head$1 ,to ,make an ,olde ,manne a ,y\! ,aga9e4 ,x gives ! directions ,i tri$ to foll[4 ,i--uh--,i guess ! answ] is 9 ?is "h la/ p>agraph ,i come close to n copy+ at all4 ,uh--x says at ! end1 ,to ,make an ,ag$ ,crone into a ,y\nge ,damsel3 ! =mula is ye same1 excepte ye a%e ( m&rake is to bee lefte oute4 ,jode :acks me4 ,h>d4 ,w[6 ,to be fair1 ,i guess1 ,i'd ha' done ! same4 ,b--anyway1 ,jode & me h a "r nice cottage1 n[1 & ,i got a pretty good private exp]im5tal laboratory 9 x1 & ,i'm work+ on ! problem ( adju/+ matt]s 9 a m ne>ly normal way4 ,jode a9't be5 aft] me s mu* lately1 ?\gh4 ,x looks :at y might call a sort ( *ange ( viewpo9t is develop+4 ,jode always did g 9 = fancy clo!s1 & ! opportunity & ca% = fancy clo!s are on ! job4 ,jode dresses magnific5t1 & is k9d ( look+ ! _w ov] f a new viewpo9t4 ,! new viewpo9t gets m tol]able z "t goes on4 ,i am treat$ ) a c]ta9 am\nt ( respect &--l ,i said--,i got a swell laboratory4 ,i pass = ,jode's bro!r4 ,jode seems to treat me l a kid bro!r1 too4 ,%e gets mad z hell :5 ,i tell h] %e uses too mu* make-up4