The Golden Calf by Frank Belknap Long

Author:Frank Belknap Long [Long, Frank Belknap]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Sci Fi Short Story
Publisher: Saturn Science Fiction and Fantasy
Published: 1957-10-24T00:00:00+00:00

GRAYSON robbed- his jaw with the back of his hand. “I’ll be damned,” be s&id.

“All We can do is wait,” Kennedy said. “I’m sure they will keep their promise.”

Grayson suddenly sat bolt upright, his jaw muscles tightening. “Listen. I’ve got an idea. If we could catch one-of those calculating robots alone, with his guard down, we could find out what’s wrong with him.” Kennedy nodded slightly, but said nothing.

“They’re coming back with some food,” Grayson said.

“Perhaps wily one of them will come back. If we can take him by surprise—”

Kennedy smiled, and his eyes lighted up. “For some time now I’ve been way ahead of you,” he said. “I suggest we work k this way. I’ll stay right where I am. You get up and stand a short distance behind me. Flatten yourself against the wall. If the robot comes in alone he’ll see me first and start wondering where you are. Then you can jump him.”

Waiting was nerve-wracking. It was unbearably hot inside the cave and both men were drenched with perspiration. Grayson’s mouth felt parched his eyelids ached and the gray rock surface at his back abraded his flesh as he leaned heavily against k.

Suddenly, footsteps sounded at far end of the cave and a robot emerged from the shadows. It came clumping slowly toward them, carrying an incredibly bright assortment of fruits in a wooden bowl.

“Watch yourself now!” Kennedy whispered.

The robot stood for a moment looking at Kennedy. “Where other man?” it asked. Kennedy managed to look puzzled. He shook his head and screwed up his eyes in mock bewilderment. With short, uncertain steps the metal figure moved pak the seated man into the shadows.

“Now!” Kennedy called out.

Grayson leaped straight toward the robot. With the dexterity of an accomplished gymnast, he landed on his toes directly in front of it, gripped it by the shoulders and swung it about, his hand darting toward the immobilizing connection at the summit of its body-box.

Instantly a metal arm raked his flesh. It tore a deep gash in his shoulder and sent him staggering backwards.

“Man fool!” the robot said.

It came at Grayson with both of its long arms in flailing motion.

Kennedy’s heart shuddered. “Be careful!” he warned, leaping up. “It could cut you in two!”

As the shout reverberated through the cave, the robot swung about. Kennedy was ready for it. He advanced upon it in a weaving crouch, his head lowered.

He waited until the robot was almost upon him. Then he sidestepped abruptly and ducked under the flailing arms with a grim and sardonic purposefulness. The robot brought its arms sharply downward in a vicious, chopping motion. But Kennedy anticipated the move; he swung his boot at a metal ankle and the robot went sprawling.

Instantly Kennedy hurled •himself on top of It. He got his fingers securely around the immobilizing connection and clicked it off.

He sat on the ground for a moment, rubbing his jaw, looking up at Grayson.

“Thanks!” Grayson said.

“Pick him up!” Kennedy said. “Set him against the wall and start working on him.

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