Poisoned Air

Transcriber's Note:
This etext was produced from Astounding Stories March 1932. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.
Dr. Bird fell back under the ferocity of her attack.
Again Dr. Bird closes with the evil Saranoff—this time near the Aberdeen Proving Ground, in a deadly, mysterious blanket of fog.
A telephone bell jangled insistently. The orderly on duty dropped his feet from the desk to the floor and lifted the receiver with a muttered curse.
Post hospital, Aberdeen Proving Ground, he said sleepily, rubbing his eyes.
A burst of raucous coughing answered him. Several times it ceased for an instant and a voice tried to speak, but each time a fresh spasm of deep-chested wracking coughing interrupted.
Who is this? demanded the now aroused orderly. What's the matter?
Between intervals of coughing difficultly enunciated words reached him.
This is— uch! uch! —Lieutenant Burroughs at the— uch! —Michaelville range. We have been— uch! —caught in a cloud of poison— uch! uch! —gas. Send an ambulance and a— uch! —surgeon at once. Better bring— uch! —gas masks.
At the Michaelville range, sir? How many men are down there?
Uch! uch! uch! —five—all help— uch! uch! —helpless. Hurry!