Astounding Stories of Super-Science June 1931: Manape the Mighty - Chapter VI

Astounding Stories of Super-Science June 1931, by Astounding Stories is part of HackerNoon’s Book Blog Post series. You can jump to any chapter in this book here. Manape the Mighty - Chapter VI: Puppets of Barter

CHAPTER VI. Puppets of Barter

The thing that Barter then contrived was destined to remain forever in the memory of Bentley as the most ghastly thing he had ever experienced. Ellen hurried into the arms of that thing in the corner. Gropingly, protectively, the white arms encompassed her. But they were awkward, uncertain, and Bentley was minded of a female ape or monkey holding her young against her hairy bosom.Barter turned toward Bentley and smiled. He rubbed his hands together with satisfaction."A success so far, my experiment," he said. "The human body still answers to primal urges, which are closely enough allied to those of our simian cousins that their outward manifestations—manual gestures, expressions in the eyes et cetera—are much the same. When the two are combined the action approximates humanness!"That travesty yonder pressed its face against Ellen, and she drew back, her eyes wide as they met those of the white figure which held her."I am all right," she managed, "please don't hold me so tightly."She tried to struggle away, but Apeman held her helpless."Barter," yelled Bentley, "take her away from that thing! How can you do such a horrible thing?"At least those were the words he intended to shout, but the sound that came from his lips was the bellowing of a man ape. That other thing yonder answered his bellow, bared white teeth in a bestial snarl. Barter turned to Bentley, however."You want me to take her away from Bentley and give her to you?"Bentley nodded.His bellowing attempt at speech had sent Ellen closer into the arms of Bentley's other self—henceforth to be known as Apeman. Bentley had defeated his own purpose by his bellow."Miss Estabrook," said Barter softly, "nothing will happen to you if you stand clear of your sweetheart...."Nausea gripped Bentley as he heard Apeman referred to as Ellen's sweetheart, but now he remembered to refrain from attempting speech."But," went on Barter, "Manape has taken a violent dislike to Bentley, and may attack him if you do not stand clear. Manape likes you, you know. You probably sensed that last evening?"Ellen visibly shuddered. She patted the shoulder of Apeman and

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