AcmeShorts

Meanwhile, in a different location, a succession of small movements was discernible. A seemingly intermninable amount of time had passed when, a short distance away, a dog suddenly began to bark. This was only natural, all things considered. Still...

The series of events that then followed were noteworthy primarily for the purpose of illustrating that it was not always possible for us to predict or control how people would react to particular stimuli. In light of this, Griggs wondered aloud if things would ever go back to normal. It had been a long time since...but apparently he could not bring himself to finish this thought.

Not everyone felt the same, however. Some actually preferred the new system, unorthodox as it might appear to the casual observer. Hanrahan, for one, was a perfect example of this school of thinking. True, it was not altogether clear why, or to what degree he would continue to feel this way; only time would tell. But for the time being, etc.

But here at last was a vital clue--a white residue adhering to the side of the last row of graduated cylinders! All at once several pieces of the puzzle fell into place. But something was still bothering me...or perhaps should I say someone.