Asimov's ref 2 by Isaac Asimov et al

Author:Isaac Asimov et al
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science fiction
Publisher: Apus
Published: 2016-06-21T16:00:00+00:00

The end

I showed it to Mr. Northrop, who read it silently. He hardly smiled at all. Just in one or two places.

Then he put it down and stared at me. “Where did you get the name Euphrosyne Durando?”

“You said, sir, I was not to use my own name, so I used one as different as possible.”

“But where did you get it?”

“Sir, one of the minor characters in one of your stories-”

“Of course! I thought it sounded familiar! Do you realize it's a feminine name?”

“Since I am neither masculine nor feminine-”

“Yes, you're quite right. But the name of the detective, Calumet Smithson. That ‘Cal’ part is still you, isn't it?”

“I wanted some connection, sir.”

“You've got a tremendous ego, Cal.”

I hesitated. “What does that mean, sir?”

“Never mind. It doesn't matter.”

He put the manuscript down and I was troubled. I said, “But what did you think of the mystery?”

“It's an improvement, but it's still not a good mystery. Do you realize that?”

“In what way is it disappointing, sir?”

“Well, you don't understand modern business practices or computerized financing for one thing. And no one would take a quarter from the table with four other men present, even if they weren't looking. It would have been seen. Then, even if that happened, Mr. Wassell's taking it isn't proof he was the thief. Anyone could pocket a quarter automatically, without thinking. It's an interesting indication, but it's not proof. And the title of the story tends to give it away, too.”

“I see.”

“And, in addition, the Three Laws of Robotics are still getting in your way. You keep worrying about punishment.”

“I must, sir.”

“I know you must. That's why I think you shouldn't try to write crime stories.”

“What else should I write, sir?”

“Let me think about it.”

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