The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Untouchable, by Stephen A. Kallis

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Title: The Untouchable

Author: Stephen A. Kallis

Illustrator: Douglas

Release Date: January 8, 2008 [EBook #24221]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

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| Transcriber's note: |
| |
| This story was published in Analog, December 1960. Extensive |
| research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on |
| this publication was renewed. |
| |
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[Illustration]

THE
UNTOUCHABLE

By
STEPHEN A. KALLIS, JR.

Illustrated by Douglas

_"You can see it--you can watch it--but mustn't touch!" And what could
possibly be more frustrating ... when you need, most violently, to get
your hands on it for just one second...._

The man finally entered the office of General George Garvers. As the
door closed behind him, he saw the general, who sprang from his chair to
greet him.

"Max! You finally came."

"Got here as soon as I could. I wager half my time was taken up by the
security check points. You are certainly isolated in here."

"All of that," agreed the general. "Have a seat, won't you?" he asked,
indicating a chair.

His friend sank into it gratefully. "Now, what's this vital problem you
called me about? You weren't too specific."

"No," said Garvers, "I wasn't. This is a security matter, after a
fashion. It's vitally important that we get technical help on this
thing, and since you and I are friends, I was asked to call you in."

"Well?"

"I'm afraid I'll have to make a story of it."

"Quite all right by me, but don't mind if I interject