Two truck drivers, Harry and Joe, are returning from a delivery when they stop at a farm to pick up a load of potatoes. The farmer mentions that the potatoes were affected by a minor explosion, but Harry believes they can still make a profit. As they drive, strange noises come from the back of the truck, leading Joe to suspect something is wrong. When they check, they discover the potatoes are gone, replaced by a strange, quivering jelly-like substance. As they continue their journey, Harry becomes increasingly uneasy about Joe's behavior and the detour they take. The rain intensifies, and Harry realizes they are not on the right road. When he insists on checking the load again, Joe acts erratically, and Harry finds himself in a confrontation with him. The jelly in the back of the truck seems to have a strange allure, and Harry encounters a beautiful woman who appears to be part of the jelly's influence. The woman seduces Harry, but he ultimately realizes the truth about the load. As they approach the ocean, Joe and the woman reveal their true intentions, indicating they are waiting for something to emerge from the water. The truck begins to glow, transforming into a strange, otherworldly object. In a struggle, Harry fights against Joe and the woman, ultimately delaying their plans. As the glowing object rises into the sky, Joe's body is left behind, desiccated and lifeless, while the woman disappears. Harry is left to grapple with the bizarre events, suspecting that the jelly was a sentient entity that took over Joe and the woman to escape. He learns of a meteor that fell near the farm, suggesting a connection to the strange occurrences. The story concludes with Harry fearing that the entity may have returned, as something crashes into his new truck, leaving him uncertain of his fate.
By Stephen Marlowe · First published 1964 · Genre: Science Fiction, Horror, Thriller