ver know unless we try," said Neil almost violently, dark eyes
glittering. "Our funds aren't going to last forever."

Mel had turned his back and was leaning over the tank where the latest
brain--that from a dog--was lying immersed in the life-giving liquid, a
thin flickering line of light on the oscilloscope behind the tank the
only indication that the brain was alive.

What had happened then? He thought hard, until a sharp pain and growing
headache almost made him lose consciousness. Either he'd passed out or
something had happened. Maybe the cave had collapsed the concrete walls
of their lab, although he didn't see how that could have happened.

He became aware of voices, faint at first, then growing stronger. He
strained to listen and just when it appeared that the words would become
distinct enough to understand, they faded away. He waited hopefully
until they came back. This time he could understand words and parts of
sentences.

"... connect this first and...."

"No, be careful. Too much voltage would ruin everything and we'd have
to...."

"Where does this connection go, here?"

The other voice boomed in then, deep vibrations feeling as if they would
shatter his brain. There was a frantic quality in the words.

"No, no, you fool, don't...." A penetrating pain knifed through Mel's
head and he tried to scream but heard nothing but a loud buzzing. He
welcomed the loss of consciousness as it blanketed him.

He struggled back to consciousness once more, a voice calling over and
over in a monotone. "Mel, Mel Carlson. Can you hear me, Mel? Mel, Mel
Carlson. Can you hear me, Mel?" he listened intently, recognizing it as
one of the first voices he had heard. He tried to move but could feel no
response of legs or arms. It was like being buried alive and he tried to
call out for help. He must have lost his voice because he could still
hear the same call.

"Mel, Mel Carlson, can you...." It broke off abruptly, then came back
triumphantly. "You do hear me, Mel, I can see."

Again Mel tried to call out, without success. The other warned quickly.
"Don't become alarmed. We're still working on your voice. Just try to
rest." Mel suddenly realized that he'd been listening to Neil and a wave
of thankfulness swept over him. There had been a cave-in then and he'd
been injured. Neil was speaking again, a note of professional regret in
his voice.

"I'm sorry it had to happen this way but there was too much tied up in
the