turn, and that a year and
a half interval for an investigation of this nature was not considered
excessive. The information was then elicited from Dr. Stutfeldt that the
"earth visitors" were no longer patients at the hospital, that two of
them, a Mr. and Mrs. Jon Farmer, were living on their farm about ten
miles out of Alvarez, and that the third, a Dr. Dorn Smith, was studying
medicine at Alvarez University.

Transportation to the university was thereupon obtained, and after
considerable time and difficulty, Dr. Dorn Smith was located. When asked
for some proof of his subterranean origin, the doctor was unable to
provide same. His descriptions of the life and government of his claimed
underground "State" could with a little imagination, have been derived
from any textbook on the absolute governments of the twenty-first
century.

A certain measure of authenticity was temporarily ascribed to Dr. Dorn
Smith's statements, when these were termed as "entirely credible" by
Professor Lorraine Johnson of the university. However, the explanation
for Professor Johnson's corroboration became obvious when it was learned
that the professor and Dr. Dorn Smith were engaged to be married.

Although it was apparent by this time that the claims made by the
subject investigatees had no information in fact, in order to insure a
completely comprehensive inquiry, a visit was made to the Farmers'
domicile. Obviously alerted by a phonovision from Dr. Dorn Smith, Mr.
and Mrs. Farmer were cordial, but no more informative than their
three-month-old baby daughter. The inquiry was then terminated.

A verbatim account of all questions and answers pertaining to the above
investigation is affixed hereto.

Therefore, and in consequence of this inquiry, it is recommended that
the subject supernatural phenomenon be classified as "Not Verified," and
that the file be closed.

Respectfully submitted,
Clarence B. Pendergast,
Special Investigator of Supernatural Phenomena
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
January 5, 2206.

Transcriber's Note:

This etext was produced from _Fantastic Universe_ August 1957.
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.

End of the Project Gutenberg E