
Martin Sutter’s fortieth birthday sparks an impulsive quest for freedom, leading him to a dusty roadside stand that promises the latest television models at wholesale prices. He drives his new electric runabout deep into the countryside, where a flamboyantly dressed salesman offers a delta‑shaped set with lavender‑spoked controls and an enigmatic “Element of Probability” dial. As Martin drags the mysterious cabinet home, the ordinary act of plugging it in feels oddly portentous, especially when a stranger in a broad‑brimmed hat arrives at his door, claiming to need a roommate.
Behind the sleek façade of the device, the story hints at a deeper, uncanny world where the boundaries between technology and the supernatural begin to blur. Martin’s curiosity draws him into a web of strange encounters, and the seemingly harmless purchase may be the key to a nightmarish adventure that threatens to engulf more than just his living room. The first act sets a tone of whimsical intrigue, inviting listeners to wonder where this odd, futuristic tale will lead.
Language
en
Duration
~26 minutes (25K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Greg Weeks, Stephen Blundell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2009-06-25
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1908–1997
A longtime pulp storyteller from Minneapolis, he wrote eerie, fast-moving tales of horror, fantasy, science fiction, and crime that became favorites of magazine readers. His work is remembered for its atmosphere, imagination, and classic weird-fiction feel.
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