Fletcher Pratt

“ Sherman had no thought of disobeying; as long as he was in this queerest of all possible worlds, he thought, one might as well keep to the rules. But he was curious about the joint of the cage and how it unlocked and he paused a moment to examine it. The machine before him buzzed impatiently. He lingered. There came a sudden clang of metal from inside the car, a vivid beam of blue light called his attention, and looking up, he saw the word “EXIT” printed in letters of fire at the top of the compartment. ”

“ On the ape-man's head was a tight-fitting helmet, connecting with some part of the machine by a flexible tube. As Sherman entered the room the ape-man motioned him over to the board, pointed to the holes and in thick, but intelligible English, said “Watsch!” A flash of purple light appeared behind the first of the ground-glass screens. The ape-man promptly thrust his finger into the first of the holes. The light went out, and the ape-man turned to Sherman. “Do,” he said. The light flashed on again, and Sherman, not unwilling to learn the purpose of the maneuver, did as his instructor had done. ”

“ Sherman shouted back, not sure he had heard aright.
“Work!” came the answer. “Make you punch the holes on these goddam light machines. It wears your fingers off and you have to screw new ones in at night.”
“No, I mean about the elephants.”
“That's what I said—elephants. They wear pants, and they're right smart, too.”
Insoluble mystery. “Who are you?” called the aviator.
“Mellen. Harve Mellen. I had a farm right here where they set up this opry house of theirs.”
Along the edge of Sherman's cell a blue light began to blink. He had an uncomfortable sensation of being watched. ”