The Man from Hell Read online

  BORGO PRESS BOOKS BY JOHN RUSSELL FEARN

  1,000-Year Voyage: A Science Fiction Novel

  Black Maria, M.A.: A Classic Crime Novel

  The Crimson Rambler: A Crime Novel

  Don’t Touch Me: A Crime Novel

  Dynasty of the Small: Classic Science Fiction Stories

  The Empty Coffins: A Mystery of Horror

  The Fourth Door: A Mystery Novel

  From Afar: A Science Fiction Mystery

  The G-Bomb: A Science Fiction Novel

  Here and Now: A Science Fiction Novel

  Into the Unknown: A Science Fiction Tale

  Last Conflict: Classic Science Fiction Stories

  The Man from Hell: Classic Science Fiction Stories

  The Man Who Was Not: A Crime Novel

  One Way Out: A Crime Novel (with Philip Harbottle)

  Pattern of Murder: A Classic Crime Novel

  Reflected Glory: A Dr. Castle Classic Crime Novel

  Robbery Without Violence: Two Science Fiction Crime Stories

  Shattering Glass: A Crime Novel

  The Silvered Cage: A Scientific Murder Mystery

  Slaves of Ijax: A Science Fiction Novel

  The Space Warp: A Science Fiction Novel

  The Time Trap: A Science Fiction Novel

  Vision Sinister: A Scientific Detective Thriller

  What Happened to Hammond? A Scientific Mystery

  Within That Room!: A Classic Crime Novel

  THE MAN FROM HELL

  CLASSIC SCIENCE FICTION STORIES

  JOHN RUSSELL FEARN

  Edited by Philip Harbottle

  COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

  Copyright © 1939, 1940, 1941, 1945 by John Russell Fearn

  Copyright © 2004, 2005, 2012 by Philip Harbottle

  Published by Wildside Press LLC

  www.wildsidebooks.com

  DEDICATION

  To the Memory of Rick Minter

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  These stories were previously published as follows, and are reprinted by permission of the author’s estate and his agent, Cosmos Literary Agency.

  “The Man from Hell” was first published in Fantastic Adventures, November 1939. Copyright © 1939 by John Russell Fearn; Copyright © 2005 by Philip Harbottle.

  “Mark Grayson Unlimited” was first published in Thrilling Wonder Stories, Spring 1945. Copyright 1945 by John Russell Fearn; Copyright © 2012 by Philip Harbottle.

  “Science from Syracuse” was first published in Science Fiction, March 1941. Copyright © 1941 by John Russell Fearn; Copyright © 2004 by Philip Harbottle

  “White Outcast” was first published as “Mystery of the White Raider” in Fantastic Adventures, February 1940. Copyright © 1940 by John Russell Fearn; Copyright © 2012 by Philip Harbottle.

  ABOUT “THE MAN FROM HELL”

  by John Russell Fearn

  I suppose stories about atomic force are legion. I know I can recall them over a period of fifteen years in sf mags, and since The World Set Free in books. But how many such stories, with the exception of The World Set Free, really covered all the likely territory of such a fascinating subject?

  Actually, “The Man from Hell” is a combination of two original ideas. The first idea was “How much would a man learn if he passed over the gulf of death and, by some scientific process, came back to life?” That set me wondering. Suppose, say, Aristotle had gone on adding to his knowledge in the Hereafter? How much would he know now? A good deal, I figured—so I worked it into the yarn. It does, I know, set the reincarnation theory at discount, but it is as logical as reincarnation (and one must have two sides to a question), so I used it.

  Another idea that linked up with this was a statement by Sir Arthur Eddington in his New Pathways in Science. He says at the close of his brilliant chapter on “Subatomic Force”—

  “It cannot be denied that for a society which has to create scarcity to save its members from starvation, to whom abundance spells disaster, and to whom unlimited energy means unlimited power for war and destruction, there is an ominous cloud in the distance though at present it is no bigger than a man’s hand.”

  Now, suppose that handsized cloud came right overhead? What of the struggles of men to use this power for all its worth? That gave me the idea of big business operating unscrupulously to utilize this mighty discovery of a young scientist. Because he hindered big business, he was callously destroyed. Up to here I had the logical human slant on the problem.

  This might develop into an ordinary story of atomic power, I thought. But no plot is new; it is the angle that counts. So, what if the dead man returned to claim his secret, and not only claim it, but to use it for powers never dreamed of? What if atomic force is really only one of several doors to power? Suppose its mighty strength is not limited to just the release of energy?

  I have tried to piece together theories old and new and knit them up into a yarn of interest with human characters going back and forth across the background. In consequence, to achieve the balance of action in the first parts, I have shuffled between the characters with episodic swiftness in order that the interest may not flag at the wrong moment. I hope I have succeeded.

  As to the end, some may be disappointed—bit I must say in justice to myself that I considered it the only possible finish. I could have invented a high-powered scientific miracle to make things happy ever after, but is there not a certain realistic poignancy in the vision of an empty beach down which the conqueror of unrest passed for the last time? I have a feeling there is. It is for you to judge.

  EDITOR’S NOTE

  by Philip Harbottle

  The foregoing essay was written by Fearn (under his ‘Polton Cross’ pseudonym) for the ‘Introducing the Author’ department of the November 1939 issue of Fantastic Adventures magazine, in which his story first appeared. Another essay (under his ‘Thornton Ayre’ pseudonym) for the same magazine appears later on in this collection, for his 1940 story “White Outcast.”

  At the time “The Man from Hell” was written, the storm clouds of war were gathering in Europe, and atomic power had yet to be released—though secret research was being carried out by the governments of the leading world powers. But whilst his story is of course now outdated, it remains thought-provoking, and its power and entertainment value is undiminished. I considered it an ideal story to lead off this new collection of Fearn’s classic stories from the sf pulp magazines.

  At the time it was published, the story made an immediate impact, as evidenced by editor Ray Palmer’s announcement in the January 1940 issue of his magazine:

  PRIZE STORY CONTEST

  “For the first time in our prize story contest, a single story has ran away from the rest. We are proud to announce that Polton Cross, authoring ‘The Man from Hell’ in our November (1939) issue, has gained our readers’ complete approval, and really earned himself that $75.00 first prize. Congratulations, Mr. Cross, on an exceptionally popular story. Come again—say we, and our readers!”

  “The Man From Hell” garnered 2,759 first-place votes, giving it an average rating of 80% amongst voters. The general approbation for the story was reflected in the magazine’s Reader’s Page letter columns:

  “I have several reasons for selecting Polton Cross’s story for the best. The major one is the ending. I applaud an author who is not afraid to portray real life and use common sense in ending his story not quite so perfectly for all concerned. Not that I’d like all stories ending unhappily, but one like this is really refreshing. One kept expecting the hero to be saved miraculously at the end when he speaks of a desperate experiment, and it comes as quite a shock that he does not survive.

  “When I began this story I feared that it was another of those ‘atomic power’ things, and was relieved that the author introduced his spatial power—something different. I think it presents interesting possibilities.

  “My third reason is that I think the number one story ought to live up to the name of the magazine—and if a man returning from the dead isn’t fantastic, I don’t know what is!”— Barbara O. Shryock (Penna.)

  “It seems to me that no other story in your magazine could portray such adventures in the field of atomic power, combined with a glance beyond death, as ‘The Man from Hell,’ by Polton Cross.

  “The very title of your magazine is portrayed in this story by the fantastic adventures of Dake Bradfield.”—Donald F. Campbell (Iowa.)

  The flow of positive comments was carried forward into the letters pages in the February 1940 issue:

  “What is beyond the great divide? Surely that is a question that everyone is, of necessity, interested in. Mr. Polton Cross, in his story ‘The Man from Hell,’ in the November issue of FANTASTIC ADVENTURES, has quite a lucid theory.

  “‘The Man from Hell,’ besides being a fast moving story, packed with action and drama, deals with another subject that is of universal interest.

  “Scientists all over the world have been experimenting with atomic force. Who knows—perhaps in our lifetime the dream of governing atomic power will be realized.

  Mr. Cross has dealt with these subjects in a quite interesting manner, and, for having done so, gets the nod from this umpire for having the best and most interesting story of the issue.”— Claude W. Williford.

  “There’s an old saying that a story is not a story if it hasn’t got an idea behind it. Therefore, a story with a good idea behind it is considered an acceptable story. But imagine a story with three swell ideas behind it, each one good enou
gh for a book-length novel! 1: ‘Return from the Dead.’ 2: ‘The Danger of Atomic Force.’ 3: ‘Salvation of the World.’ A title like ‘The Man from Hell,’ and an author like Polton Cross. What a combination! There you have my reason for selecting this as the best story of the issue.”—Harold Topf (New York.)

  The praise came not only from ordinary readers, but also from one of the leading scientific experts and commentators in the field:

  “First place in the November issue goes, in my opinion, to Polton Cross’ story ‘The Man from Hell.’ It is a very good imaginative tale, slightly off the usual type of science fiction stories (I mean, leaning a bit toward fantasy, but not much) but still convincingly written.

  “The important point is, I think, that this story...proves that the present-day political set-up practically excludes a good number of possible scientific discoveries. It makes me wish that certain scientific discoveries—especially that of releasing the energy of the atom—may be delayed by a kindly fate until humanity is ready for them.”— Willy Ley (New York.)

  This latest collection of Fearn’s vintage short stories follows Dynasty of the Small, and has been especially compiled for The Borgo Press. Further titles are in preparation!

  THE MAN FROM HELL

  CHAPTER 1

  MURDER!

  “Gentlemen, atomic power is ours! As you are all aware, I lodged with Dr. Carson yesterday the results of my five years’ research into the mysteries of atomic power. For next to no cost we can provide every city in the world with light, heat, and power.... And note these words, gentlemen! We have in our hands the greatest power man has ever known. It is born into a world crammed to the doors with diabolical armaments of every description. We all know how disastrously the attempt at world disarmament of 1970 ended. It is up to us to defy temptation. We must overrule the lust for barbarism and keep in check the desire for world-control which atomic force could certainly give us. I give my discovery to the world that it might benefit the world.... No more, no less.”

  Dake Bradfield stopped speaking, his powerful hands resting on the broad table on the speaker’s platform. Then he stood upright, hands going to his hips, massive dark head thrown back. His piercing blue eyes passed swiftly over the faces of the hundred men gathered before him. For a moment he was conscious of the supreme power he represented. He of all men, son of a scientist, still only thirty-six years old, had done what all other men had failed to do—mastered the mystery of atomic power. His firm lips curved in a smile.

  “I have nothing further to add, gentlemen,” he stated quietly, and sat down amidst a roar of applause.

  But Dake Bradfield was not concerned with the eulogy: he was trying to efface from his mind the possible consequences of his discovery. Again he wondered if a world stalemated with arms was a safe place into which to bring atomic power. But the thing was done now! The formula was in the hands of Dr. Carson, respected President of the Scientific Research Association. Only he, Bradfield, and Elford—Secretary General to the Association—knew what the formula was about. But suppose there was a slip-up somewhere—

  This was thinking too far ahead! Dake Bradfield forced his thoughts to the moment; he was glad when the convention was at last over and he could escape outside into the great marble corridors of the Association Building.

  He looked round eagerly amidst the swirling variety of people, nor was he disappointed. Presently, a slim, auburn-haired girl in trim walking costume disentangled herself from the delegates and pressmen and came forward.

  “Dake, you are marvelous!” she exclaimed, her dark eyes shining in admiration. “I heard it all over the relay speakers, of course. You predicted you would knock them cold—and you did! I’m proud of you, dear.”

  Dake smiled, drew her arm through his. “The opinions of Sheila Carson matter more to me than all the vaporings of delegates,” he murmured. “If you think that, your father must think so as well. And since your father is my boss, it sort of works out.”

  They walked slowly along for a moment or two down the hall, then Dake spoke again.

  “If every guy in the world had a girl like you to help him, we might have less bitterness,” he sighed. “Did you ever stop to think that you’ve wasted the best part of your life waiting for me?”

  Sheila wrinkled her nose. “Well, you said you were too busy to marry me and settle down—and since you’ve proved your point now, what does it matter? After all, our marriage is an insignificant thing compared to the discovery of atomic force....” She broke off suddenly and gave him an indignant glance. “Say, what do you mean—wasted the best part of my life? I’m seven years younger than you, remember. I’m no faded blossom yet!”

  “Nope, I guess not,” Dake amended. “Only I think sometimes I’ve been a bit of a heel making you wait. But now it’s all finished with,” he went on intensely, his blue eyes shining. “We’ll be married tomorrow! We’ll take a honeymoon for a vacation. God knows I need one!”

  “Tomorrow! But—but—”

  “Special license. And no arguments! The best way to celebrate my success is to marry you. Now let’s go and grab a bite to eat.”

  They turned away swiftly towards the dining rooms, unaware that the expressionless eyes of Elford, Secretary General to the Association, watched them go. Elford turned, a small and impassive enigma of a man, and walked unhurriedly out of the building.

  * * * *

  On the topmost floor of the gigantic Brant Steel Corporation Building in the heart of New York reposed the sumptuous office of Marvin Brant himself, President of the Corporation, multimillionaire, autocrat, and quasi-dictator of America’s teeming millions of average workers.

  At the moment Brant was pacing his office very slowly with his plump hands locked behind him. He was a bullock of a man with vastly wide shoulders and the face of a champion bulldog. His hair, though thinning, was still raven black, an excellent testimony to the iron strength of body that had lifted him from a smelting foundry to consummate power and wealth.

  He paced his office as though be were alone, ignoring the man seated in the hide chair by the door. Not that the man seemed to mind. He smoked a cigarette leisurely and stared at the ceiling meditatively with steely bright gray eyes.

  At last the desk buzzer sounded. Brant stopped his perambulations and snapped the switch.

  “Well?” His voice was thick and husky, matching the folds of his heavy, pallid jowls.

  “Mr. Jones to see you, sir.”

  “Send him right in.”

  Brant stood expectantly waiting, his keen eyes on the office door as ‘Mr. Jones’ came in. It was Secretary Elford. He glanced at the man in the chair, gave a calm nod of acknowledgment, then advanced to the desk.

  “You heard and saw everything over the radio-televizor?” he asked the big man briefly.

  “Naturally. What we’re waiting for is your verification. Has this fellow Dake Bradfield really got atomic force?”

  “No question of it,” Elford replied in his level voice. “In the hands of the Science Association is the greatest power this world has ever seen, power which could have broken you down utterly, Brant, had you not had the wit to foresee what was coming.”

  The magnate’s smile had no humor in it. “I sure had the right hunch when I engineered you the job as the Association’s Secretary. In five years you have become installed as the essence of honor. It has been well worth the wait. Naturally, you know where this formula is?”

  “Do I!” Elford echoed, his pale eyes shining. “As the Secretary, Dr. Carson handed it over to me. It is entirely in my hands, and all you have to do, Brant, is pay me the sum agreed upon and the formula is yours. There are no copies of it, except in Bradfield’s own brain. Once I have taken the formula, I shall vanish from the Association and team up with you— But I needn’t say any more.”

  “No...,” Brant whispered.

  He sat down at his desk, rubbing his big paws together in grim exultancy. “At last we have it! Atomic power! What can we not do with that formula? I need it to save my own interests, yes—but we all need it for domination of the Earth. You, Van Rutter, will use it for the creation of atomic shells, with which you will load our hidden air fleet in Europe....”