“Sure, it does. But maybe it leaks. Or maybe signals can get through it from the outside even though they can’t get out from the inside. It isn’t a solid wall.”
“But—”
“I know, it’s preposterous. But there it is. And there’s only an hour before press time. You’d better send this story through fast and, have it set up while you’re having somebody check my facts and directions. Besides, there’s something else you’ll want to check.”
“What?”
“I didn’t have the data for checking the positions of the planets. Leo’s on the ecliptic; a planet could be in line between here and there. Mars, maybe.”
Mr. Ogilvie’s eyes brightened, then clouded again. He said, “We’ll be the laughingstock of the world, Blair, if you’re wrong.”
“And if I’m right?”
The editor picked up the phone and snapped an order.
April 6th headline of the New York Morning Messenger, final (6 A.M.) edition:
RADIO INTERFERENCE COMES FROM SPACE, ORIGINATES IN LEO May Be Attempt at Communication by Beings Outside Solar System