The narrative follows Barney Chard, a financier and occasional con man, who encounters Dr. Oliver B. McAllen, a retired physicist with a secretive invention known as the McAllen Tube. This device allows for instantaneous travel between two points, but its existence is shrouded in mystery and fear of misuse. Chard, intrigued by the potential of the Tube, seeks to leverage it for financial gain, while McAllen is wary of its implications and the dangers it poses. As the story unfolds, Chard's motivations are revealed to be driven by a mix of greed and boredom, leading him to manipulate McAllen into revealing the Tube's secrets. McAllen, however, is not easily fooled and ultimately decides to confine Chard for five years in a remote ecological base, believing that isolation will reform him and prevent the Tube's technology from falling into the wrong hands. During his confinement, Chard undergoes a transformation. Initially filled with rage and resentment, he gradually adapts to his new environment, finding ways to occupy his time and even thrive physically. The narrative explores themes of isolation, the nature of humanity, and the potential for personal growth in the absence of societal pressures. As the five-year period comes to an end, the association overseeing the project prepares to assess Chard's mental state. They are concerned about the possibility of his hostility towards them, given his past. However, when they finally make contact, they discover that Chard has embraced the solitude and has left a message indicating he is "gone fishing," suggesting a newfound peace and acceptance of his situation. The story concludes with the association realizing that Chard has transformed from a potential threat into a person who has learned to live without the destructive tendencies that once defined him. The McAllen Tube, while still a powerful invention, remains a guarded secret, and Chard's journey reflects the complexities of human nature and the potential for change when removed from societal constraints.
By James H. Schmitz · First published 1973 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy