power of infinite goodness or
evil which the machine embodied was terrifying to consider.

I listened to Parchak's boasting with revulsion. Although he had the
ability to work for the ultimate good of mankind, this creature
intended, instead, to use his newly found power for selfish
aggrandizement.

I drew him out, let him explain the inner workings of his device--and
killed him. My orders were to destroy the machine. I disobeyed them.
Utilizing the machine to make good my escape, I left Hungary and
returned to the United States. The citation which you have seen was only
one of the many honors which were bestowed upon me.

A few weeks later I resigned my commission and retired to a country
hideaway to experiment further with the device I was supposed to have
destroyed. The peace and tranquility in which we of the earth now live
marked the successful culmination of my experiments.

You will find the machine walled up in the North alcove of my
bedchamber.

Your education is now complete my son, use it well. Be kind to our slave
peoples, the world is yours.

Your affectionate father,

FRANCIS I
EMPEROR OF THE EARTH

Transcriber's Note:

This etext was produced from _Fantastic Universe_ May 1954.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S.
copyright on this publication was renewed. Minor spelling and
typographical errors have been corrected without note.

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