Tales of Space and Time


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unsolved. Nor is it necessary to describe how far that series got to its  
fulfilment. There were astonishing changes. The small hours found Mr.  
Maydig and Mr. Fotheringay careering across the chilly market-square  
under the still moon, in a sort of ecstasy of thaumaturgy, Mr. Maydig  
all flap and gesture, Mr. Fotheringay short and bristling, and no longer  
abashed at his greatness. They had reformed every drunkard in the  
Parliamentary division, changed all the beer and alcohol to water (Mr.  
Maydig had overruled Mr. Fotheringay on this point); they had, further,  
greatly improved the railway communication of the place, drained  
Flinder's swamp, improved the soil of One Tree Hill, and cured the  
Vicar's wart. And they were going to see what could be done with the  
injured pier at South Bridge. "The place," gasped Mr. Maydig, "won't be  
the same place to-morrow. How surprised and thankful everyone will be!"  
And just at that moment the church clock struck three.  
"
I say," said Mr. Fotheringay, "that's three o'clock! I must be getting  
back. I've got to be at business by eight. And besides, Mrs. Wimms--"  
"We're only beginning," said Mr. Maydig, full of the sweetness of  
unlimited power. "We're only beginning. Think of all the good we're  
doing. When people wake--"  
"
But--," said Mr. Fotheringay.  
Mr. Maydig gripped his arm suddenly. His eyes were bright and wild. "My  
dear chap," he said, "there's no hurry. Look"--he pointed to the moon at  
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Quick Jump
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