Sam Hall by Poul Anderson

Author:Poul Anderson [Anderson, Poul]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Sci Fi Short Story
Publisher: Astounding Science Fiction
Published: 1953-08-16T00:00:00+00:00

Winter came, and the slopes of the Rockies under which Matilda lay were white beneath a cold greenish sky. Air traffic around the nearby town was lost in that hugeness, brief hurtling meteors against infinity; ground traffic could not be seen at all from the Records entrance. Thornberg took the special tubeway to work every morning, but he often walked the five miles back, and his Sundays were usually spent in long hikes over the slippery trails. That was a foolish thing to do alone in winter, but he felt reckless.

He was working in his office shortly before Christmas when the intercom said:414Major Sorensen to see you, sir. From Investigation.”

Thornberg felt his stomach tie itself into a cold knot. ” All right,” he answered in a voice whose levelness surprised him. ” Cancel any other appointments.” Security Investigation took priority over everything.

Sorensen walked in with a hard, military clack of boots. He was a big blond man, heavy-shouldered, his face expressionless and his eyes as pale and cold and remote as the winter sky. The black uniform fitted him like another skin, the lightning badge of his service glittered against it like a frosty star. He stood stiffly before the desk, and Thornberg rose to give him an awkward salute.

” Please sit down, Major Sorensen. What can I do for you?”

“Thanks.’* The cop’s voice was crisp and harsh. He lowered his bulk into a chair and drilled Thornberg with his eyes. ” I’ve come about the Sam Hall case.”

“0h—the rebel?” Thornberg’s skin prickled. It was all he could do to meet those eyes.

“How do you know he’s a rebel?” asked Sorensen. ” It’s never been proved officially.”

” Why … I assumed … that bank raid … and then the posters say he’s believed to be in the underground— ”

Sorensen inclined his cropped head ever so slightly. When he spoke again, it was in a relaxed tone, almost casual: “Tell me, Major Thornberg, have you followed the Hall dossier in detail?”

Thornberg hesitated. He wasn’t supposed to do so unless ordered; he only kept the machine running. A memory came back to him, something he had read once: “When suspected of a major sin, admit the minor ones frankly. It disarms suspicion.” Something like that.

” As a matter of fact, I have,” he said. “I know it’s against regs, but I was interested and … well, I couldn’t see any harm in it. I’ve not discussed it with anyone, of course.”

” No matter.” Sorensen waved a muscular hand. “If you hadn’t done so, I’d have ordered you to. I want your opinion on this.”

“Why … I’m not a detective—”

“You know more about Records, though, than anyone else. I’ll be frank with you—under the rose, naturally.” Sorensen seemed almost friendly now. Was it a trick to put his prey off guard? “You see, there are some puzzling features about this case.”

Thornberg kept silent. He wondered if Sorensen could hear the thudding of his heart.

“Sam Hall is a shadow,” said the cop. “The most careful checkups eliminate any chance of his being identical with anyone else of that name.

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