Be Young again! by Murray Leinster

Name: Be Young again!
Author: Murray Leinster

An elderly con artist, Jode, seeks to pull off one last grand scheme against a notorious bootlegger, Mr. Vachti, who has evaded numerous scams throughout his life. Jode enlists the help of a young boy, Buck, who is knowledgeable about science and technology. They concoct a plan involving a supposed Elixir of Youth, which Jode believes will entice Vachti, who is desperate to regain his youth. Jode and Buck meet Professor Henry Barr, who claims to have discovered the Elixir of Youth through alchemical processes. Jode sees an opportunity to swindle Vachti by convincing him of the elixir's authenticity. They arrange a dinner where the professor will present his findings, and Jode plans to switch drinks to ensure Vachti is the one who receives a knockout drop instead of them. As the plan unfolds, Buck becomes increasingly skeptical of the professor's credibility and begins conducting his own experiments to create a genuine elixir. He manages to produce a substance that appears to work on an old dog, rejuvenating it. Meanwhile, Jode and Vachti's interactions grow tense as Vachti becomes suspicious of the scheme. The climax occurs when Vachti, feeling no effects from the elixir, threatens Jode and the professor with dire consequences. Jode's plan to switch drinks fails when Vachti kidnaps them both, forcing them to confront the reality of their situation. Buck, who has been observing from the sidelines, realizes that the elixir's formula he followed was flawed due to a missing ingredient. In a twist of fate, Jode inadvertently becomes a young woman instead of returning to his former self. The story concludes with Buck and Jode, now in a new dynamic, navigating their lives with the consequences of their actions, while Buck continues to work on his scientific pursuits in a laboratory they establish together. The narrative explores themes of ambition, deception, and the consequences of one's choices, ultimately leading to a humorous yet poignant resolution.

By Murray Leinster · First published 1952 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure · 5 chapters · 15,915 words

First lines

_Just about every confidence gag had been tried on old Vachti, except the Elixir of Youth. Only this was different -- Professor Barr had a unique pitch on it, but Buck had the real goods! _

What this Textopian page supports

Be Young again! is listed on Textopian as a novel by Murray Leinster, dated 1952 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Murray Leinster
Date: 1952 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Speculative Fiction, Literary Fiction
Length: 15,915 words
Structure: 5 chapters, 166 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Science Fiction — The plot involves themes of rejuvenation and the implications of advanced technology on human life.
Fantasy — Elements of transformation and the exploration of youth suggest a fantastical approach to reality.
Adventure — The narrative likely includes adventurous elements as characters navigate the consequences of becoming young again.
Speculative Fiction — The book speculates on the future of humanity and the ethical dilemmas surrounding age and identity.