The Return

Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Astounding Science Fiction, January, 1954. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the copyright on this publication was renewed.
The isolated little group they found were doing fine— but their religion was most strange—and yet quite logical!
Illustrated by Kelly Freas
Altamont cast a quick, routine, glance at the instrument panels and then looked down through the transparent nose of the helicopter at the yellow-brown river five hundred feet below. Next he scraped the last morsel from his plate and ate it.
What did you make this out of, Jim? he asked. I hope you kept notes, while you were concocting it. It's good.
The two smoked pork chops left over from yesterday evening, Loudons said, and that bowl of rice that's been taking up space in the refrigerator the last couple of days together with a little egg powder, and some milk. I ground the chops up and mixed them with the rice and the other stuff. Then added some bacon, to make grease to fry it in.
Altamont chuckled. That was Loudons, all right; he could take a few left-overs, mess them together, pop them in the skillet, and have a meal that would turn the chef back at the Fort green with envy. He filled his cup and offered the pot.
Caffchoc? he asked.
Loudons held his cup out to be filled, blew on it, sipped, and then hunted on the ledge under the desk for the butt of the cigar he had half-smoked the evening before.
Did you ever drink coffee, Monty? the socio-psychologist asked, getting the cigar drawing to his taste.
Coffee? No. I've read about it, of course. We'll have to organize an expedition to Brazil, some time, to get seeds, and try raising some.
Loudons blew a smoke ring toward the rear of the cabin.