The Mind-Twisters Affair by Thomas Stratton Read Free Book Online

outspoken U.N.C.L.E. critics off campus are two of the most capable and intelligent men in town: Armden and Bennett," Illya said.
    "A very interesting problem," Curtis said happily. "I wonder if the source - if there is a source - is in the University or the town. Or is it common to both? A most stimulating problem."
    Neither agent had the heart to mention their experiences in Fort Wayne. If Curtis had thought the problem was that widespread, he would go into such a transport of ecstasy that not even his rose hip extract could save him. Instead, they turned his attention back to Dr. Armden.
    "I'd love to speak to him," said Curtis. "Do you think you could arrange it?"
    "Nothing easier," Napoleon assured him. "Meet us at his house this evening. We'll check with his wife ahead of time, but I'm sure she'd like to have you see him. She seems quite concerned for his sanity."
    "Fine, fine." Curtis rubbed his hands together briskly. He glanced at his wrist watch. "Now you'll have to excuse me; my first class should be back with the results of their first day's questioning any minute now." He bounced around his desk and drew a cylindrical container from one of the drawers. "Would you care for some Bulgarian yoghurt?" he asked as he removed the lid. "I believe it's chocolate-peach today." He sniffed the aroma from the open container. "Delicious!"
    Both agents maintained expressions of cordiality until they closed Curtis's door behind them. They kept respectfully silent and tried to think kind thoughts as they walked toward their car. By use of stern self-control, Illya even managed to avoid being sick on the campus lawn.
     
    The front door opened and Mrs. Armden appeared to greet them. They introduced Professor Curtis. Napoleon asked if Dr. Armden had improved any since morning.
    Mrs. Armden looked a little grim. "He at least answers direct questions now. At the moment, he's just sitting there staring at the TV set. At a program he never watches."
    The three men followed her to the living room. Armden sat on a couch, blankly watching the TV set. He didn't look up as they entered the room.
    "Richard, we have visitors," Mrs. Armden said hesitantly.
    Armden continued to stare at the TV screen for several seconds, then turned slowly to face them. Recognition was similarly delayed. "Mr. Solo and Mr. Kuryakin," he said, speaking slowly and distinctly. "I should apologize for yesterday; even an U.N.C.L.E. agent deserves common courtesy. I simply realized I was wasting my time and decided to return."
    "This is Professor Curtis, from the university," Mrs. Armden said.
    Armden rose and extended his hand deliberately to Curtis. "I remember you. You were at the plant last summer for a day or two."
    "I remember you quite well, too, Dr. Armden. We compared notes on our work for U.N.C.L.E." Curtis was watching Armden intently.
    Armden frowned. "I had forgotten that. I suppose you are working with these two men now?"
    "Not really," Curtis answered. "I'm working on a survey for the university, and -"
    Curtis broke off as Armden turned from him to face the TV set. Nobody had turned the volume down, and a particularly loud commercial had just come on. "Don't wait another minute!" an announcer's voice was exhorting. "Go down to the nearest Gackenheimer's store and take advantage of this incredible, once-in-a- lifetime offer! You can't afford not to take advantage of it. There are Gackenheimer's stores in Bippus, Midford, East Manchester, and Hunterton, and they're all open tonight until 9:00!"
    Armden turned away from the set and started into the hallway. His wife held out a hand to him. "Where are you going?" she asked.
    "To the store," he said without pausing.
    "Gackenheimer's? But that's a feed and grain store! We never bought anything there in our lives!"
    Armden approached the front door, still in his shirt sleeves, and reached for the knob. Illya had been watching him closely and now spoke sharply.
    "Dr. Armden, come back here!"
    Armden