Wherever You May Be by X Minus One

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Wherever You May Be" by X Minus One

Podcast Information:

• Title: Relic Radio Sci-Fi (Old Time Radio)
• Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
• Episode: Wherever You May Be by X Minus One
• Release Date: March 31, 2025

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1. Introduction

The episode opens with the familiar sounds of Relic Radio Sci-Fi setting the stage for a classic science fiction adventure:

• [00:01] Abigail Wright: "Relic Radio."
• [00:07] Matthew Wright: "This is Relic Radio. Sci Fi Old time Radio. Science fiction stories from relicradio.com."
• [00:30] Announcer: "And now stay tuned for X Minus One on NBC Countdown for Blast Off."

This introduction establishes the nostalgic atmosphere, harkening back to old-time radio storytelling, and primes listeners for the forthcoming tale titled "Wherever You May Be," authored by James E. Gunn.

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2. The Stranded Encounter

Setting: A desolate road in the Ozarks.

Characters Introduced:

• Matthew Wright: A university student struggling with his thesis.
• Abigail Wright (later revealed as Abby Jenkins): A 16-year-old runaway with mysterious abilities.
• Mr. Jenkins: Abigail’s father.

Key Events:

• [02:06] - [04:44]

  • Matthew Wright experiences a flat tire in the middle of the Ozarks and encounters Abigail Wright, a young girl sitting near the road. Their initial interaction is tense as Matthew attempts to manage his situation alone:

    • Matthew: "Listen, kid, is there a service station on this road?" [02:21]
    • Abigail: "Well, Merv Wheelock got a gas pump at the general store." [02:25]

  • As Matthew struggles to change the tire, Abigail offers unsolicited help, leading to a budding albeit strained rapport:

    • Matthew: "You just gonna sit there and watch me sweat, kid?" [02:51]
    • Abigail: "Oh, no. There'll be lots more to watch." [02:48]

• [04:00] - [05:31]

  • The conversation reveals Abigail’s personal struggles, including abuse from her father and failed relationships:

    • Abigail: "He wants me to catch some strong young fellow, do the work around the place." [05:31]
    • Matthew: "You're much too young to get married." [05:38]

  • Matthew learns about Abigail's desire to escape her oppressive home life, setting the stage for deeper interactions.

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3. Revelation of Abigail’s Powers

Key Events:

• [12:34] - [13:41]

  • Abigail discloses her troubled past and introduces the concept of her twin sister, Libby, hinting at supernatural elements influencing her behavior:

    • Abigail: "I had a twin sister. Only she died real quick... When I’d done something bad, I started saying Libby done it." [12:12 - 12:30]

  • Matthew remains skeptical, probing for logical explanations for the bizarre occurrences, such as the rolling tire:

    • Matthew: "I don't believe it. It's absolutely impossible. There’s definitely some physical explanation." [12:42]

• [13:12] - [17:20]

  • The tension escalates as Matthew challenges Abigail to demonstrate her abilities. Initially resistant, Abigail complies when prompted by her emotional state:
    • Matthew: "Come on, try. I want you to move that cup." [13:30]
    • Abigail: "I can't. I just can't." [13:48]
    • Matthew: "You can do it now?" [13:50]
    • Abigail: "Sure, I guess. There." (moves the cup) [17:20]

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4. The Deepening Mystery

Key Events:

• [17:22] - [19:28]

  • After demonstrating her power by moving a cup, Abigail's abilities become undeniable. Matthew grapples with disbelief and fear:

    • Matthew: "Abby, where are you? Abby, where did you go?" [17:56]

  • Abigail subtly manipulates reality, indicating a link between her emotional state and her supernatural actions:

    • Abigail: "I could look right inside your thinking now, Mr. Wright." [18:37]
    • Matthew: "Abby, you've got to understand." [18:58]

• [19:00] - [21:22]

  • Abigail asserts her influence over Matthew, revealing her intentions to bind him emotionally and possibly otherwise:
    • Abigail: "It's a frightening thought getting married to you, Abby. A wife who can read your mind and all is rest." [22:30]
    • Matthew: "Abby, what are you going to do?" [19:14]

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5. Climactic Confrontation and Conclusion

Key Events:

• [21:22] - [23:04]

  • The climax sees Abigail fully exerting her powers, manipulating Matthew’s thoughts and emotions to ensure he remains under her influence:

    • Abigail: "With your kindness and your city manners, how could you do it? You made me fall in love with you. It was just a trick." [19:00]
    • Matthew: "I am?" [22:05]
    • Abigail: "Surely. True. So we're going to get married, are we?" [22:18]

  • Matthew’s realization of Abigail’s true nature leads to a desperate attempt to resist her control, but he ultimately succumbs:

    • Matthew: "Abby, I suppose not. But you know, it's a frightening thought..." [22:30]

• [23:04] - End

  • The episode concludes with an ominous tone as Abigail secures her hold over Matthew, leaving listeners pondering the implications of her powers and the nature of their relationship.

---

6. Notable Quotes

• Matthew’s Skepticism:

  • "I don't believe it. It's absolutely impossible. It's primitive. It's straight out of Fraser's golden bow." [12:42]

• Abigail’s Admission:

  • "I had a twin sister. Only she died real quick... When I’d done something bad, I started saying Libby done it." [12:12 - 12:30]

• Abigail Demonstrates Power:

  • "Sure, I guess. There." (Moves the cup) [17:20]

• Climactic Twist:

  • "You made me fall in love with you. It was just a trick. You just wanted to make me unhappy, that's all." [19:00]

• Final Confrontation:

  • "Surely. True. So we're going to get married, are we? Uh huh." [22:18]

---

7. Themes and Insights

Psychological Manipulation and Control:
The episode delves deep into the psychological interplay between Matthew and Abigail. Abigail's ability to read and influence thoughts serves as a metaphor for manipulation and control in relationships.

Isolation and Desperation:
Both characters exhibit a sense of isolation—Matthew in his academic struggles and Abigail in her abusive home environment. Their meeting becomes a pivotal point where their vulnerabilities intersect.

Supernatural vs. Rationalism:
Matthew represents rationalism, seeking logical explanations for inexplicable events, while Abigail embodies the supernatural, challenging his beliefs and pushing the boundaries of reality.

Identity and Duality:
Abigail’s mention of her deceased twin sister, Libby, introduces the concept of duality within oneself, highlighting the internal conflicts that drive her actions and emotional state.

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8. Conclusion

"Wherever You May Be" masterfully blends classic radio drama with enduring science fiction themes. Through rich dialogue and compelling character development, the episode explores the complexities of human psychology, the allure of the supernatural, and the fragility of trust. The transformation of Abigail from a vulnerable runaway to a manipulative force underscores the cautionary elements of falling prey to unseen influences. The poignant ending leaves listeners contemplating the consequences of surrendering one's autonomy to powerful, unseen forces.

---

Credits:

• Written by: James E. Gunn
• Adapted for Radio by: Ernest Kanoy
• Cast: William Redfield, Patsy O'Shea, Jack Orison
• Director: Daniel Sutter
• Production: NBC Radio Network

Note: For more classic sci-fi stories and episodes like this one, visit RelicRadio.com.

Transcript

[Abigail Wright]

Relic Radio.

[Matthew Wright]

This is Relic Radio. Sci Fi Old time Radio. Science fiction stories from relicradio.com.

[Announcer]

And now stay tuned for X Minus One on NBC Countdown for Blast Off.

[Matthew Wright]

X Minus 5, 4, 3, 2.

[Announcer]

X Minus One.

[Matthew Wright]

Fire.

[Announcer]

From the far horizons of the unknown. Come transcribed Tales of new dimensions in time and space. These are stories of the future. Adventures in which you'll live in a million could be years on a thousand maybe worlds. The National Broadcasting Company, in cooperation with Galaxy Science Fiction magazine, presents Minus One tonight, wherever you may be by James E. Gunn.

[Matthew Wright]

Hey. Hey, you, little girl. You on the fence.

[Abigail Wright]

Yeah.

[Matthew Wright]

Hey, kid, come here.

[Abigail Wright]

Well, I'm right comfortable whereat I am.

[Matthew Wright]

Listen, kid, is there a service station on this road?

[Abigail Wright]

Well, Merv Wheelock got a gas pump at the general store.

[Matthew Wright]

Oh. How far is it?

[Abigail Wright]

About 18 miles.

[Matthew Wright]

Oh, that's a big help. I don't know what else to expect in the middle of the Ozarks.

[Abigail Wright]

You want me to help you, mister?

[Matthew Wright]

No, just keep out of the way, kid. Ow. There's nothing funny about that. You just gonna sit there and watch me sweat, kid?

[Abigail Wright]

Oh, no. There'll be lots more to watch.

[Matthew Wright]

Well, I don't know what's so amusing about watching a man change a flat tire. Ow.

[Abigail Wright]

You sure you don't want me to help, mister?

[Matthew Wright]

No, I'm perfectly capable of changing a tire by my.

[Abigail Wright]

Look out, mister, it's rolling away. Why, your tire. It's rolling away.

[Matthew Wright]

Hey. Hey, come back here, you. This is the most sadistic tire I ever. Now, stay put. Why don't you go home, paint? Why not?

[Abigail Wright]

I run away.

[Matthew Wright]

Oh, well, that's tough. Stay here. Now, listen, kid. You know a cabin about 15 miles up the road? I reckon you know where the turnoff is.

[Abigail Wright]

There ain't no turn off. You just drive till the road peters out and you take the footpath. You gonna live in that place?

[Matthew Wright]

Mm, just for the summer. Oh, well, so long, kid.

[Abigail Wright]

Oh, mister. Hey, mister.

[Matthew Wright]

Now, what do you want?

[Abigail Wright]

Well, nothing. Only you forgot your jack.

[Matthew Wright]

Oh, that doesn't. Where are you going?

[Abigail Wright]

No place.

[Matthew Wright]

Thought you said you ran away.

[Abigail Wright]

I surely did.

[Matthew Wright]

Don't you have any relatives?

[Abigail Wright]

No.

[Matthew Wright]

Friends?

[Abigail Wright]

No.

[Matthew Wright]

All right, then. Go on home. Aw, come on, now. What are you crying for? All right, all right. Get in. I'll give you a lift. Listen, look out for those notes. There's over a year's work in those.

[Abigail Wright]

A year's work in them pieces of paper, huh?

[Matthew Wright]

Those are notes for the thesis I'm going to write.

[Abigail Wright]

You write stories?

[Matthew Wright]

No, research paper. I have to do it to get my degree at the university.

[Abigail Wright]

Well, what's it called? I mean the story.

[Matthew Wright]

You're right, it's not a. It's called the Psychodynamics of witchcraft with special reference to the salem trials of 1692.

[Abigail Wright]

Oh, witches.

[Matthew Wright]

Yeah, all right. Where do you live, kid?

[Abigail Wright]

Well, I can't go home. Pod beat me again. We pretty nigh. Skinned me alive, I guess.

[Matthew Wright]

Mean he hit you? Little kid like you?

[Abigail Wright]

Well, he don't use his fists, not often. He uses his belt mostly. Look. Look here on my knee. See that black and blue mark? And this one?

[Matthew Wright]

Uh. Never mind. Why does he hit you?

[Abigail Wright]

He's just mean.

[Matthew Wright]

Oh, he must have some reason.

[Abigail Wright]

Oh, he wants me to catch some strong young fellow, do the work around the place. A gal don't bring in no money, he says. These wise Not a good one.

[Matthew Wright]

You're much too young to get married.

[Abigail Wright]

I'm 16.

[Matthew Wright]

You don't look more than. Well, I don't know.

[Abigail Wright]

Most girls my age got a couple of young ones. One, anyways. The way PA carries on, you'd think I didn't want to get married. Now, it ain't my fault. No fellow wants me.

[Matthew Wright]

What seems to be the trouble?

[Abigail Wright]

Mostly, I guess I'm just unlucky. One fella I went with pretty nearly a year, he busted his leg another nigh well, drownded when he fell in the lake. Now it don't seem right they should blame me, even though we did have words.

[Matthew Wright]

Blame you?

[Abigail Wright]

Well, they say it's courtin disaster instead of a galaxy. Fellas just stop coming round you. You married, mister?

[Matthew Wright]

Mr. Matthew Wright? No, I'm not married.

[Abigail Wright]

Right. Abigail Wright? That's right. Purdy.

[Matthew Wright]

Abigail Wright.

[Abigail Wright]

Oh, did I say that? Now ain't that funny? My name's Jenkins.

[Matthew Wright]

Mr. Jenkins. I met your daughter on the road. I brought her back. Look, Mr. Jenkins, I got a pint bottle in my pocket. Careful little drink.

[Mr. Jenkins]

Terrible week.

[Matthew Wright]

Well, I'm sorry, I. I repeat, I brought your daughter back.

[Mr. Jenkins]

Why?

[Matthew Wright]

Well, she had no place to go.

[Mr. Jenkins]

She ran away.

[Matthew Wright]

Now look, Mr. Jenkins, I realize that teenage daughters can be a nuisance. And after meeting your daughter, I can understand how you feel. Still at all she is your daughter.

[Mr. Jenkins]

Got my doubts.

[Matthew Wright]

Now, Mr. Jenkins, your daughter may have given you good reason to lose your temper, but beating a child is never sound psychology.

[Mr. Jenkins]

Beat her, you mean. Walloper, whaler? Man, I never laid a hand to her. I dash't.

[Matthew Wright]

But. But she said.

[Mr. Jenkins]

Come in here.

[Matthew Wright]

Oh, now, Mr. Jenkins, I assure you.

[Mr. Jenkins]

Come in the cabin, you look around this here room, mister. See them dishes all over the floor? Those chairs all splintered like they was kindling. That table turned over, bottom side top. Most like a turtle on the road. You think I beat her?

[Matthew Wright]

Places a shambles.

[Mr. Jenkins]

I ain't saying Abby did it. She gets unhappy, things happen. Dishes come flying through the air. Funny things happen around Ab. Ever since she started filling out five or six years ago.

[Matthew Wright]

She's only 16.

[Mr. Jenkins]

16? On. Let on. I told you that she's past 18. There, you see?

[Matthew Wright]

It just fell off the shelf.

[Mr. Jenkins]

Look, you're a city fella. Passable looking. Why don't you take her with you? What?

[Matthew Wright]

Oh, now, now, wait a minute, Mr. Jennings.

[Mr. Jenkins]

She's right pretty when she fixes up. And she can cook right smart. Go on, take it.

[Matthew Wright]

You must be mad. You can't give a girl away like that. I. If you'll excuse me, I think I'd better be gone.

[Mr. Jenkins]

Nobody asked you to bring her back. Gal eats more than I do.

[Matthew Wright]

Oh, now, look here. Here's $10. Buy yourself a jug.

[Mr. Jenkins]

Well, I'd like to, but I can't do it. It ain't worth it. You brought her back. You can take her away.

[Matthew Wright]

Here. Here's 15.

[Mr. Jenkins]

Well, I should know better. All right, mister, I'll get her. They know you. So I can tell you, mister.

[Matthew Wright]

All right, Abigail, get out of the car. You're home.

[Abigail Wright]

But Paul.

[Matthew Wright]

Oh, he isn't mad at you. He's welcoming you back. Now, come on, get out.

[Abigail Wright]

Dirty, nasty old man. Looking right at that bottle he's pulling busted right over his head.

[Matthew Wright]

Goodbye, Abby. And remind me never to see you all alone. I'm so all alone, there is no hello. What are you doing here?

[Abigail Wright]

Waiting for you.

[Matthew Wright]

But listen, this is. This is my cabin. I rented it.

[Abigail Wright]

I know. What kept you.

[Matthew Wright]

Well, what are you doing here? How did you get here?

[Abigail Wright]

Oh, I reckon you're hungry. Look, why don't you set down? Supper's about ready.

[Matthew Wright]

Now, wait a minute. I came here by car. How did you get here?

[Abigail Wright]

Well, I rode. What's lucky, I did. This place needed a good sweeping.

[Matthew Wright]

Is that your broom?

[Abigail Wright]

I know it was here in the cabin. Pa loaned me a mule. I let her go. She'll get home all right.

[Matthew Wright]

But you can't stay here. It's impossible. What would people say?

[Abigail Wright]

Well, who'd care? Pa, don't. Please, Mr. Wright. Let me cook and clean for you. I won't be no trouble. Honest, I wouldn't.

[Matthew Wright]

Now, look, Abby, you're a nice girl and I like you, but you'll just have to go back to your father. Do you understand?

[Abigail Wright]

All right.

[Matthew Wright]

What. What. What was that? What happened? What? I. Oh, look at that. The car. I. I must have left the brake off.

[Abigail Wright]

You reckon it's hurt? Mad.

[Matthew Wright]

Well, rolling down a 10 foot grate into a tree didn't help it any.

[Abigail Wright]

Oh, well, I'm sorry, Mr. Wright.

[Matthew Wright]

Are you? Anyway, it looks like you'll have to stay here tonight then, doesn't it? I reckon I could have sworn I put that brake on. Listen, you're going back first thing in the morning.

[Abigail Wright]

Oh, sure, sure. Mr. Wright, I.

[Matthew Wright]

Abby, tell me something. Who wrecked your father's house?

[Abigail Wright]

Libby.

[Matthew Wright]

Libby, huh? Who's Libby?

[Abigail Wright]

The other me. Mostly I keep her bottled up inside. But when I feel sad and unhappy, I just can't keep her in. Then she just lets loose and goes wild.

[Matthew Wright]

Abby, where did you get an idea like that?

[Abigail Wright]

Well, when I was born, I had a twin sister. Only she died real quick. And when I was bad, my ma used to say Libby would never have been mean or cross or naughty. So when I'd done something bad, I started saying Libby done it. I guess after a while I begun to believe it myself.

[Matthew Wright]

Can you control it, Abby?

[Abigail Wright]

Not much. You see, when I get feeling mad, mean things just happen, that's all.

[Matthew Wright]

How about a rolling tire?

[Abigail Wright]

You sure did look funny. Oh, I was just feeling mean about Pa, I guess. And I took it out on you.

[Matthew Wright]

I don't believe it. It's absolutely impossible. It's primitive. It's straight out of Fraser's golden bow. There's got to be some explanation. Illusion or hypnosis. There's got to be some physical explanation.

[Abigail Wright]

Well, I don't see why. I mean, if a thing just happens, you don't have to explain it. It's just there, ain't it?

[Matthew Wright]

All right. All right. Here? Yeah. Now make that cup move.

[Abigail Wright]

Why?

[Matthew Wright]

I want to see you do it.

[Abigail Wright]

But I don't want to. I never wanted to do it. It just happened.

[Matthew Wright]

Come on, try.

[Abigail Wright]

I know, Mr. Wright. Look, it never brought me nothing but misery. It's bad enough when you can't help it, but it's worse when you do it on purpose. Nothing good will come of it.

[Matthew Wright]

Come on, try. I want you to move that cup. Now, go ahead, Abby. Just move it without touching it.

[Abigail Wright]

I can't. I just can't.

[Matthew Wright]

Why not? Why can't you?

[Abigail Wright]

I don't know. I guess it's because I'm happy.

[Matthew Wright]

You can't move it now?

[Abigail Wright]

No.

[Matthew Wright]

All right, all right, then get your Things. You're going back to your father right now.

[Abigail Wright]

No, no, no, I ain't going. I can't.

[Matthew Wright]

Ah, listen. Listen to you. You're a stupid backwoods girl. Kaint. What kind of a way of talking is that? You're going back to your father because you're an ignorant, dirty hillbilly. Abby. Abby, you did it. You did it. It came right at my head.

[Abigail Wright]

Do I have to go back?

[Matthew Wright]

Oh, no, no, no, sir. Not if you help me. Abby, I've got a hold of something here that. What? A thesis. Um, Abby, what's courting like here in the hills?

[Abigail Wright]

Oh, sometimes we walk and look at things together and talk a little. But if the night is warm, we just sit and hold hands and whatever.

[Matthew Wright]

Like this.

[Abigail Wright]

Mr. Wright, do you like me a little bit? Oh, not marrying like, but friendly like.

[Matthew Wright]

I like you very much, Abby.

[Mr. Jenkins]

Very much.

[Abigail Wright]

Oh, Mr. Wright. You kiss real pretty.

[Matthew Wright]

Abby, what happened to your fellows? I mean, the other boys?

[Abigail Wright]

Well, folks said I'd be evil eye. I mean, Hank fell off the roof and broke his leg and. And Gene. Well, he fell in the lake and liked to drown. It wasn't my fault. It was after we'd had words. I wasn't Mr. Right. You're shivering. Maybe we better go get your jacket.

[Matthew Wright]

Abby, tomorrow we're going to drive to Springfield to do some shopping.

[Abigail Wright]

Really, Mr. Wright, why, I never been to Springfield. Oh, ain't that wonderful, Mr. Wright?

[Matthew Wright]

Are you happy, Abby?

[Abigail Wright]

Oh, it's the happiest I've ever been in my life. I mean, eating in a fancy restaurant and even dancing and all. Oh, and now it's just sitting here together in the moonlight. I never thought anything like this would happen to me.

[Matthew Wright]

Abby, I'm afraid maybe you don't understand.

[Abigail Wright]

What do you mean, Mr. Ryan?

[Matthew Wright]

Oh, you know that dress I bought you? That's. That's for another girl.

[Abigail Wright]

What?

[Matthew Wright]

Yeah, for another girl. I'm. I'm going to marry her. She's about your size and I thought we could pick it out that way.

[Abigail Wright]

Oh, no, I. Oh, Mr. Wright.

[Matthew Wright]

Abby. Abby, wait a minute. Where you going? Wait, I want to talk to you.

[Abigail Wright]

No, I'm going to bed.

[Matthew Wright]

Matthew Wright, you are a no good, miserable cad.

[Abigail Wright]

You want any more coffee?

[Matthew Wright]

You still feel bad, Abby?

[Abigail Wright]

You want me to move that cup for you today? I can do it real good.

[Matthew Wright]

How do you know?

[Abigail Wright]

Well, I just got a feeling.

[Matthew Wright]

Look, you can do it now.

[Abigail Wright]

Sure, I guess. There. It's getting easier.

[Matthew Wright]

Look, Abby, I want to get some things out of the car. I just happen to have them things for tests. There may be other powers.

[Abigail Wright]

Well, I don't care much one way or the other, Mr. Wright. If it makes you happy, it's all right with me.

[Matthew Wright]

Abby. Abby, where are you? Abby, where did you go? Abby.

[Abigail Wright]

Here I am, Mr. Wright.

[Matthew Wright]

Abby, where were you?

[Abigail Wright]

Springfield. What?

[Matthew Wright]

That's 50 miles.

[Abigail Wright]

I know. I just kind of wished I was there, and then I was. I brought back a frying pan I admired in that hardware store window. Ain't it pretty? Got a real copper bottom.

[Matthew Wright]

Didn't you have any trouble getting out of the store without anyone seeing you?

[Abigail Wright]

Well, I was outside, but I could see in the back room somehow, too. I knew his name was Albert and he was doing a crossword pipeline.

[Matthew Wright]

How could you tell all that?

[Abigail Wright]

Well, I just kind of looked inside of his thinking. Like this.

[Matthew Wright]

Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Abby, don't.

[Abigail Wright]

I could look right inside your thinking now, Mr. Wright.

[Matthew Wright]

Abby. Abby, wait a minute. Abby, you.

[Abigail Wright]

What? You didn't.

[Matthew Wright]

Now, wait a minute. Abby, you've got to understand.

[Abigail Wright]

I understand. I understand everything you've been thinking. You devil. Well, there ain't nothing too bad for anyone to do that.

[Matthew Wright]

Well, you've got to let me explain.

[Abigail Wright]

With your kindness and your city manners, how could you do it? You made me fall in love with you. It was just a trick. You just wanted to make me unhappy, that's all. Even Pa was never that mean. I'd as soon marry up with a rattlesnake.

[Matthew Wright]

Abby, what are you going to do?

[Abigail Wright]

Well, I haven't made up my mind yet, but I'll think of something.

[Matthew Wright]

Well, I've got to think of some way out of it. She's in that other room thinking what to do to me. I've got to think of some way. No, no, no, it's no use. As soon as I think of it, she knows. Keep my mind busy. Mary had a little land Its fleece was white as. Maybe if I could get her father. No, no. If there are two outs and bases loaded or men on first and second and a ball is hit, which, in the opinion of the umpire, can be handled by an infielder. The infield fly rule shall be invoked and the batter is called out. The baserunners may advance at their own peril. Their peril. I got to think. No, no, I mustn't think. Oh, no. She's absolutely certain now. She can do anything she wants to. I've got to act on the spur of the moment, Keep my mind crowded with something else. That's a lovely day. Breathed there a man with soul so dead. Twas brilliant and the slithy toes did gyre and gimble in the wave. Froggy went a courting and he did ride Sword and pistol by his side Ring tom body michacambo Full fathom five my father lies, of his bones are coral made. Seabirds hourly toll his knell. Hark, I hear them. Ding dong dell.

[Abigail Wright]

That's pretty. Abby, where are we going?

[Matthew Wright]

Oh, Abby. What are you doing here?

[Abigail Wright]

I couldn't let you leave without me. I've got plans for you. Oh, very interesting plans.

[Matthew Wright]

But how could you tell I left? I was thinking all sorts of other things.

[Abigail Wright]

Matt. You were thinking some of the cutest little rhymes. Oh, but that was on Top.

[Matthew Wright]

On Top?

[Abigail Wright]

Why, sure way underneath I could hear plain what you were thinking about running away in this old car.

[Matthew Wright]

Then why didn't you stop me? Conk out the motor or something?

[Abigail Wright]

Oh, I didn't want to. I told you I could see way down underneath the top of your thinking. And you know what I found there all the time, even when you were making me unhappy. To test all them strange things I learned how to do way down deep. You're in love with me.

[Matthew Wright]

I am?

[Abigail Wright]

Surely. True. So we're going to get married, are we? Uh huh. There isn't much you can do about it now, is there?

[Matthew Wright]

No. No, I suppose not. But you know, it's a frightening thought getting married to you, Abby. A wife who can read your mind and all a rest.

[Abigail Wright]

Oh, I wouldn't worry about it, darling. Why, I can only do those things when I'm downright miserable. Everything will be perfectly all right. Just as long as you keep me happy.

[Announcer]

You have just heard X minus one, presented by the National Broadcasting Company in cooperation with Galaxy Science Fiction magazine, which this month features early model by Robert Checkley. The story of a man who found that invulnerability was a fine asset when opening a new planet. Provided you don't overdo it. Galaxy magazine on your newsstand today. Tonight, by transcription, X minus one has brought you wherever you may be. A story from the pages of Galaxy, written by James E. Gunn and adapted for radio by Ernest Kanoy. Featured in the cast were William Redfield, Patsy O'Shea and Jack Orison. Your announcer, Fred Collins. X Minus One was directed by Daniel Sutter and is an NBC Radio Network production. Be sure to Hear x -1 1/2 hour earlier next week over most NBC radio stations. Check your local newspaper for the exact time. This is the NBC Radio Network.