Page 24 - Contrast1971Spring

I turned and headed for the bedroom which opened off to my right. I had an idea, a
plan to test the solidity of these walls. I remember stopping to investigate the opening was still
mine to use but I had no way of knowing how long it would remain unchanged so it was imper-
ative that I acted quickly.

Next to my bed lay the automatic I had carried into action more times than I could
remember. I knew its power was awesome and I respected it. If it failed to make one of these
walls fired point-blank then I would be worried enough to make my dash for the window. If it
did mark one ... that was the possibility I most expected but to tell the truth I don't know what
conclusion I could have drawn from it.

I kept my eyes on the door as I backed over to the bed. I reached down behind me for the
gun but couldn't find it. Reluctantly I chanced a look down at the floor. I spotted the gun but
that same instant -... this time there was a sound, soft but distinct. A whisper like when you
open a vacuum sealed can. I was afraid to look but I had to. My worst fears were realized ...

wall. I was trapped. I ran to it and examined it as I had the others. It stood smooth and , I

sensed, triumphant before me. I backed off and emptied the gun into it. I had thrown my left
arm up to guard against flying plaster and lathing but none came. The wall swallowed the lead
without a trace. I threw the pistol at it and would have sunk to my knees then and there had I
not noticed something more important -breeze! The windowwas still open, unaffected by this
madness. I knew then that it was my last chance and I raced for it intent on diving through.
Before my terrified eyes it whispered away and a wall took its place as though ... I was too
close, moving too fast to stop. I crashed into it headlong and lost consciousness.

I had no idea how long 1 had been out. When I awoke it was dark. It may have been night
but I had no way of knowing for it was dark in a room that lacked any entrance for outside
light. The clock on the bedtable was now silent. It had been broken in my fall and was frozen
in time on the second I had lost consciousness.