“That is a rather severe action in light of our concept of freedom to move about and do as one thinks best. You have no moral control over these men.”
“These are severe times,” said Dodge. “But in fairness we are prepared to listen to an explanation of your actions — if you care to give one.”
“I should like to,” said Dr. Nagle, nodding slowly.
He outlined his beliefs regarding the untapped resources of the human mind as he had done on Montgomery’s initial visit. The colonel listened with interest, but without conviction.
“All that is most interesting,” he said, “but our institutions of learning and research have been at work on the problem for thousands of years. It is hardly likely that they would have failed to find a solution if one were as readily available as you suggest.”
“Suppose we view the demonstrations next, then?” Dr. Nagle suggested.
“I should like to say something at this point, gentlemen,” said Spindem suddenly. “In my field of work this search for supernormal faculties and functions of the human mind is recognized for what it is. The constant pre-occupation of our society now with schemes of a fantastic nature is pathological in the extreme. Among these we have the Superman fad, the popular dissertations on means of leaving the Earth and going to the Moon, Mars, Venus, et cetera. We have the yearning for means of telepathic communication — anything to circumscribe the necessity for utilizing and perfecting the conventional means at our disposal. It is too much hard labor to understand another man or another nation by perfecting vocal and written means of exchange. If we only had super powers, such as telepathy — presto! — all our difficulties would be over.
“Your assertions are suspiciously pathological, Dr. Nagle. We will improve Man when, and only when, we inspire him to hard work in use of the faculties with which he is normally endowed, and cease to search the clouds for something miraculous.”
Dr. Nagle smiled slowly. “Your last statement inspires my wholehearted enthusiasm, Dr. Spindem. And now, the demonstrations, gentlemen —?”
Montgomery had suggested that they not use the musical demonstration, or the similar artistic one, but Nagle had Norcross perform an original symphonic composition. Dodge knew Norcross by reputation and slight personal acquaintance. It was obvious that he was not impressed by the engineer’s performance. He simply didn’t believe it. He was furiously attempting to devise in his mind a solution to explain the mechanical trickery he thought he saw. To explain the mechanism involved, the reason behind Nagle’s use of it — and Norcross’ reasons for participating in it. He got no answer to any of the items.