Transcriber's note:
This etext was produced from Astounding Science Fiction, April 1948. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the copyright on this publication was renewed.
HE WALKED AROUND THE HORSES
BY H. BEAM PIPER
Illustrated by Cartier
This tale is based on an authenticated,documented fact. A man vanished—rightout of this world. And where he went—
In November 1809, an Englishmannamed Benjamin Bathurstvanished, inexplicably and utterly.
He was en route to Hamburgfrom Vienna, where he had beenserving as his government's envoyto the court of what Napoleon hadleft of the Austrian Empire. At aninn in Perleburg, in Prussia, whileexamining a change of horses forhis coach, he casually stepped out ofsight of his secretary and his valet.He was not seen to leave the innyard. He was not seen again, ever.
At least, not in this continuum....
(From Baron Eugen von Krutz,Minister of Police, to His Excellencythe Count von Berchtenwald, Chancellorto His Majesty FriedrichWilhelm III of Prussia.)
25 November, 1809
Your Excellency:
A circumstance has come to thenotice of this Ministry, the significanceof which I am at a loss todefine, but, since it appears to involvematters of State, both hereand abroad, I am convinced that itis of sufficient importance to bebrought to your personal attention.Frankly, I am unwilling to take anyfurther action in the matter withoutyour advice.
Briefly, the situation is this: Weare holding, here at the Ministryof Police, a person giving his nameas Benjamin Bathurst, who claimsto be a British diplomat. Thisperson was taken into custody bythe police at Perleburg yesterday,as a result of a disturbance at aninn there; he is being detained ontechnical charges of causing disorderin a public place, and of beinga suspicious person. When arrested,he had in his possession adispatch case, containing a numberof papers; these are of such anextraordinary nature that the localauthorities declined to assume anyresponsibility beyond having theman sent here to Berlin.
After interviewing this personand examining his papers, I am,I must confess, in much the sameposition. This is not, I am convinced,any ordinary police matter;there is something very strange anddisturbing here. The man's statements,taken alone, are so incredibleas to justify the assumption that heis mad. I cannot, however, adoptthis theory, in view of his demeanor,which is that of a man of perfectrationality, and because of theexistence of these papers. Thewhole thing is mad; incomprehensible!
The papers in question accompany,along with copies of thevarious statements taken at Perleburg,a personal letter to me frommy nephew, Lieutenant Rudolfvon Tarlburg. This last is deservingof your particular attention;Lieutenant von Tarlburg is a verylevel-headed young officer, not atall inclined to be fanciful or imaginative.It would take a good deal toaffect him as he describes.
The man calling himself BenjaminBathurst is now lodged inan apartment here at the Ministry;he is being treated with every consideration,and, except for freedomof movement, accorded every privilege.
I am, most anxiously awaitingyour advice, et cetera, et cetera,
Krutz
(Report of Traugott Zeller, Oberwachtmeister,Staatspolizei, madeat Perleburg, 25 November, 1809.)
At about ten minutes past two ofthe afternoon of Saturday,