The Project Gutenberg EBook of It Could Be Anything, by John Keith Laumer

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Title: It Could Be Anything

Author: John Keith Laumer

Illustrator: Virgil Finlay

Release Date: October 5, 2008 [EBook #26782]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IT COULD BE ANYTHING ***

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By KEITH LAUMER

it could be
ANYTHING

_Keith Laumer, well-known for his tales of adventure
and action, shows us a different side of his talent
in this original, exciting and thought-provoking
exploration of the meaning of meaning._

Illustrated by FINLAY

[Illustration]

"She'll be pulling out in a minute, Brett," Mr. Phillips said. He tucked
his railroader's watch back in his vest pocket. "You better get
aboard--if you're still set on going."

"It was reading all them books done it," Aunt Haicey said. "Thick books,
and no pictures in them. I knew it'd make trouble." She plucked at the
faded hand-embroidered shawl over her thin shoulders, a tiny bird-like
woman with bright anxious eyes.

"Don't worry about me," Brett said. "I'll be back."

[Illustration]

"The place'll be yours when I'm gone," Aunt Haicey said. "Lord knows it
won't be long."

"Why don't you change your mind and stay on, boy?" Mr. Phillips said,
blinking up at the young man. "If I talk to Mr. J.D., I think he can
find a job for you at the plant."

"So many young people leave Casperton," Aunt Haicey said. "They never
come back."

Mr. Phillips clicked his teeth. "They write, at first," he said. "Then
they gradually lose touch."

"All your people are here, Brett," Aunt Haicey said. "Haven't you been
happy here?"

"Why can't you young folks be content with Casperton?" Mr. Phillips
said. "There's everything you need here."

"It's that Pretty-Lee done it," Aunt Haicey said. "If it wasn't for that
girl--"

A clatter ran down the line of cars. Brett kissed Aunt Haicey's dry
cheek, shook Mr. Phillips' hand, and swung aboard. His suitcase was on
one of the seats. He put it up