Prelude to Space, by Robert W. Haseltine

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Title: Prelude to Space

Author: Robert W. Haseltine

Illustrator: W. E. Terry

Release Date: November 1, 2009 [EBook #30381]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

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[Illustration]

You're certain to be included in a survey at one time or another. However, there's one you may not recognize as such. Chances are it will be more important than you imagine. It could be man's--

Prelude To Space

By Robert W. Haseltine

I was climbing the steep side of a central Wisconsin hill, holding my bow away from my body for balance, when I first saw the stranger. He sat on a stump at the crest and watched me struggle up. As I drew nearer I panted out a greeting and received his cheerful "Hi" in return. When I finally reached the top, I threw myself on the ground and began catching my breath.

He didn't say anything at first, just looked at the bow and the quiver of arrows on my back. Finally he said, "May I look at it?" and reached for the bow. I handed it to him. He examined it carefully and returned it.

"Beautiful workmanship. Is that all you use?" he asked.

"I ne

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