could follow.

Gorman slammed the heel of his hand against the side of his head in
order to restore hearing. "You can put that gun away."

"Of course. And you'll want to call the police."

Gorman growled like an annoyed bull. He jerked open the door and strode
away.

Three hours later, Joshua and Myra Lake were seated in the small patio
beside their home. They were seated very close together, and Myra was
stroking Joshua's hand. "It's been a long time, dear; a very long time."

"Yes."

"Are you happy?"

"I'm--well, satisfied--at least partially. We've passed a big milestone.
But it isn't over yet."

"You're sure this time, though?"

"Very sure."

"Thank heaven we won't have much longer to wait."

The wait was slightly less than ten minutes. Then Lee Gorman strode into
the patio. Joshua sprang to his feet. "Any news?"

"Yes."

"Then they should have phoned me. I left word to be called."

"No one could get up the courage. The rocket crashed in Canada."

Joshua swayed. When he looked at Lee, his eyes were filled with a mute
plea. "That _is_ the truth?"

"It's the truth. The first flash said it appears the tail broke off in
high space."

Joshua sank into his chair. "The crew--died?"

"Four more men sacrificed to your--" Gorman stopped and did not use the
word _obsession_. There was too much agony in Joshua's face. "I'm taking
the plant--I'm taking everything. I've got to. I've paid for them."

Lee Gorman walked from the patio. His steps echoed and died.

Joshua and Myra sat for a long time in silence. Myra was holding his
hand. Finally she spoke. "Well, at least it's over. Now you can rest.
Successful or not--you've earned it."

Joshua turned and looked into her face--looked at her as though she had
just entered. "Oh no, my dear. You certainly don't expect me to--"

"Joshua!"

"Why, I'm only sixty-three. I never felt better in my life. I have a lot
of good productive years ahead."

"_Joshua! What are you going to do?_"

"I'm going to be the first man to send a rocket to the Moon."

Transcriber's Note:

This etext was produced from _Amazing Stories_ Oct.-Nov. 1953.
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 EBook of The Big Tomorrow, by Paul Lohrman

*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE