[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Galaxy Science Fiction August 1952.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
One man's fact is fantasy for another--except
the man whose fantasies become solid facts!
His arms were very tired, but he lifted the chisel and mallet again. He
was almost through; only a few more letters and the inscription, cut
deeply into the tough granite, would be finished. He rounded out the
last period and straightened up, dropping his tools carelessly to the
floor of the cave. Proudly he wiped the perspiration from his dirty
stubbled face and read what he had written.
I ROSE FROM THE SLIME OF THE PLANET. NAKED AND DEFENSELESS,
I FASHIONED TOOLS. I BUILT AND DEMOLISHED, CREATED AND DESTROYED.
I CREATED A THING GREATER THAN MYSELF THAT DESTROYED ME.