I have been following with great interest Ray Cummings' latest piece, "Jetta of the Lowlands," which is rather unique in its ideas. In a recent issue Mr. Cummings explained to his readers that the flyer was made invisible by bending the light rays around it. This in itself is quite plausible, but when he tells us he could see the land below them, and the other flyer, we have to draw a line. It is quite plain that if the light is bent away from the hull of the flyer that no light will come to the eyes within, and that the invisibility will be more of a hindrance than an advantage. However, it was a good story and we know that authors cannot be perfect any more than ordinary humans can.
I am wishing you the best of luck for your second year, which you will soon enter!—W. Johnston, New York City.
A Riddle
Dear Editor:
I have only read two issues of Astounding Stories. These two have determined me to continue reading A. S. until I grow broke or give up my ghost.
The only brickbats that you are going to get are: Use a better grade of paper and bind the magazines more securely. Your stories are O. K. In fact there is only one story in the two issues (October and November), that I did not give a darn about, and that was "The Extra Man," by Jackson Gee.
As I have been a reader of Science Fiction for the past four years I think that I know a little about a good story when I read one.
And last but not least, I have a riddle to ask you.
Question: What is the difference between an egg and a copy of Astounding Stories?
Answer: When an egg falls it busts. But when a copy of Astounding Stories falls only the cover comes off.