Download or read book Black Cat Weekly 1 written by Michael Bracken and published by Wildside Press LLC. This book was released on 2021 with total page 564 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Black Cat web site has been around for almost four years now, serving up a weekly buffet of new and classic mysteries—and more recently science fiction—to thousands of readers each week. Rather than continue to release all these novels and stories as individual ebooks, we have decided to bundle them up into a convenient weekly magazine…which is a lot more fun to work on! So here is Black Cat Weekly #1, for your enjoyment pleasure. To make the first issue memorable, we are including a lot more content than usual—double the usual word count, in fact. This time we have no less than three complete novels and 7 short stories—and even a “true crime” feature by Erle Stanley Gardner, creator of Perry Mason! There’s something here for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re a fan of traditional mysteries, psychic detectives (in the case of Frank Lovell Nelson’s story, a telepathic detective, the first of 12 stories featuring Carlton Clarke from 1908, all of which will run in the Black Cat’s pages). Looking for modern detection? We have that, too. And if your taste runs to the fantastic, we also have adventures across parallel worlds and well into the future. (And monsters. Did I mention monsters?) Included are: REMISSION, by Michael Bracken A KEY FOR REBECCA, by Hal Charles AUROVIA’S FAMOUS LODGE CASE, by Frank Lowell Nelson THE CASE OF THE KNOCKOUT BULLET, by Erle Stanley Gardner HAND IN GLOVE, by James Holding THE SKULL OF THE WALZING CLOWN, by Harry Stephen Keeler HAVER, by Brian Evenson A ZLOOR FOR YOUR TROUBLE, by Mack Reynolds VALLISNERIA MADNESS, by Ralph Milne Farley LAST CALL FOR DOOMSDAY! by S. M. Tenneshaw WORLDS OF THE IMPERIUM, by Keith Laumer

Download or read book Black Cat Mystery Magazine 1 written by Art Taylor and published by Wildside Press LLC. This book was released on 2017-09-15 with total page 185 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Black Cat Mystery Magazine is a new journal devoted to the best in mystery short fiction. Crime? Noir? Cozy? Private eye? You'll find all genres present and accounted for -- with new tales by the best writers of today! The first issue features contributions by Art Taylor, John Floyd, Alan Orloff, Kaye George, Josh Pachter, Barb Goffman, Meg Opperman, Michael Bracken, Dan Andriacco, and Jack Halliday. Plus 2 classic reprints by James Holding and Fletcher Flora! Complete contents: Getting Away, by Alan Orloff Fairy Tales, by Art Taylor Eb and Flo, by Josh Pachter Crazy Cat Lady, by Barb Goffman A Pie to Die For, by Meg Opperman Murder at Madame Tussaud’s, by Dan Andriacco Rooster Creek, by John M. Floyd Don’t Bank on It, by Jack Halliday Dixie Quickies, by Michael Bracken Flight to the Flirty Flamingo, by Kaye George The Italian Tile Mystery, by James Holding Beside a Flowering Wall, by Fletcher Flora The ABCs of Murder, by Josh Pachter

Download or read book One Black Cat written by Robie Rogge and published by Little Simon. This book was released on 2020-07-21 with total page 5 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Conjure up the perfect Halloween read with this 3D novelty board book that’s shaped like a black cat! Black cat sets out on Halloween in the dark, without being seen. One black cat is out on Halloween night. As he walks along, he meets some trick-or-treaters dressed as unicorns, superheroes, and princesses! Will he be able to find his perfect witch? One Black Cat is a perfectly playful celebration of Halloween night!

Download or read book Marvel s Spider Man written by Dennis Hopeless and published by Marvel Entertainment. This book was released on 2020-09-16 with total page 112 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Collects Marvel's Spider-Man: The Black Cat Strikes (2020) #1-5. Peter Parker, web-slinging star of the hit video game Marvel’s Spider-Man, now finds himself in the middle of a gang war raging through New York City. But as he butts heads with the likes of Hammerhead and the Maggia, the unexpected reappearance of old flame Felicia Hardy — also known as the Black Cat — sets his world on fire! The Cat’s heroic days are long behind her, but what is the secret behind the treasures she’s stealing? And why would Spider-Man ever let her go?! Witness previously untold tales of their relationship as the Black Cat’s return tangles the web for Peter and Mary Jane — and Hammerhead’s explosive war continues making life complicated for everybody! Featuring the triumphant return of Silver Sable! The Black Cat steals the Gamerverse spotlight!

Download or read book Black Cat 2 1 written by Bob Ford and published by BrownBooks.ORM. This book was released on 2015-01-12 with total page 280 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “This moving memoir about the gritty life of a military helicopter pilot fills a gap in the genre of Vietnam literature.”—Foreword Reviews In the Vietnam War, 2,197 helicopter pilots and 2,717 crew members were killed. Black Cat 2-1 is the story of one pilot who made it home and the valiant men he served with who risked their lives for the troops on the ground. Bob Ford invites readers into the Huey helicopters he flew on more than 1,000 missions when he and his men dared to protect and rescue. For those whose voices were silenced in that faraway place or who have never told their stories, he creates a tribute that reads like a thriller, captures the humor of men at war, and resounds with respect for those who served with honor. An Oklahoma Book Award Finalist “Bob Ford’s account of his year in the command seat of his ship of salvation is a priceless contribution to the literary canon of that war.”—David A. Maurer, Special Forces veteran, author of The Dying Place “[Ford] brings to life his story so the reader can experience what it may have been like—and how the troops felt at the time. With moments that feel like they were written for a movie, Black Cat 2-1 will take you in the air over Vietnam and through some of the hardest missions you could expect.”—Week99er “This memoir is hard to beat.”—Air & Space/Smithsonian “Capably written.”—Publishers Weekly “Refreshing . . . evocative descriptions of combat flying.”—The VVA Veteran

Download or read book Black Cat Weekly 3 written by Leslie Ford and published by Wildside Press LLC. This book was released on with total page 469 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The third issue of Black Cat Weekly presents more tales of the mysterious and fantastic—3 mystery shorts, a mystery novel, 2 science fiction stories and a fantasy story, plus a science fiction novella. Here are: THE MAN FROM SCOTLAND YARD, by Leslie Ford [mystery novel] THE CASE OF THE ZINC CASE, by Frank Lovell Nelson [Serial story - 3 of 12] THE CASE OF THE VANISHING PROFESSOR, by Tara Laskowski [Barb Goffman Presents - mystery short] CLEARLY GUILTY, by Hal Charles [Solve it yourself mystery!] HOLMES SHERLOCK, by Eleanor Arneson [Paul Di Filippo Presents - sci-fi short story] WORLD OF THE MAD, by Poul Anderson [sci-fi short story] MYSTERY OF THE MISSING MAGNATE, by Ralph Milne Farley [sci-fi short story] THE COSMIC JUNKMAN, by Rog Phillips [fantasy novella]

Download or read book Black Cat Weekly 65 written by Phyllis Ann Karr and published by Wildside Press LLC. This book was released on 2022-11-27 with total page 387 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Our 65th issue features original stories, by Tammy Euliano (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken) and Phyllis Ann Karr (continuing her Bart Maverel weird western series). Plus we have “The Victorian Frock Coat,” by Clare Empson (thanks to Barb Goffman), and a great lineup of classics and modern mysteries and science fiction. Good stuff! Here’s this issue’s lineup: Mystery / Suspense: “The Intern,” by Tammy Euliano “Time After Time,” by Hal Charles “The Victorian Frock Coat,” by Clare Empson “The Mystery of the Private Dining Room,” by Johnston McCulley Black Nick, the Hermit of the Hills, by Frederick Whittaker Science Fiction / Fantasy: “Waiting for Old Smoky,” by Phyllis Ann Karr “Clutch of Morpheus,” by Larry Sternig “Remember Me, Kama!” by Walter Kubilius “Nothing,” by Donald A. Wollheim Forgotten World, by Edmond Hamilton

Download or read book Black Cat Weekly 101 written by Phyllis Ann Karr and published by Black Cat Weekly. This book was released on 2023-08-05 with total page 899 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Black Cat Weekly #101 presents 10 great tales of mystery. fantasy, and science fiction -- a pair of novels, a novella, and 7 short stories. Hours of great reading await! Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Lost Boy” by Neil S. Plakcy [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “The Case of the Disappearing Document” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “River Secret” by Anne Swardson [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “A Network of Crime,” by Nicholas Carter [novella] Anybody’s Pearls, by Hulbert Footner [short story collection] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “Knocker Baby,” by Phyllis Ann Karr [short story, Bart Maverel series] “Gentlemen: Please Note,” by Randall Garrett [short story] “Killer Cat,” by Joseph Payne Brennan [short story] “Pen Pal,” by Stephen Marlowe [short story] The Hidden Kingdom, by Francis Beeding

Download or read book Black Cat Weekly 75 written by Karen Cantwell and published by Wildside Press LLC. This book was released on 2023-02-05 with total page 382 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Our 75th issue has a pair of original tales for your reading pleasure, one mystery (“Troubled Water,” by donalee Moulton, thanks to acquiring editor Michael Bracken) and “The Forbidden Scroll,” by Phyllis Ann Karr (a solo adventure by Frostflower from Karr’s Frostflower & Thorn series—we had a solo Thorn adventure last issue.] Barb Goffman has selected a cat-themed mystery by Karen Cantwell, plus we have classic mysteries by Hal Meredeth (Sexton Blake) and Norbert Davis (a hardboiled novel). On the science fiction side, we have a great set of tales by George O. Smith, Ray Bradbury, Noel Loomis, and William Tenn…all favorites of mine. Here’s this issue’s lineup: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Troubled Water,” by donalee Moulton [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “A Death in the Department,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “The Wizard of Paws,” by Karen Cantwell [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “A Confidential Report,” by Hal Meredith [Sexton Blake short story] Oh, Murderer Mine, by Norbert Davis [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “The Forbidden Scroll,” by Phyllis Ann Karr [Frostflower short story] “The Cosmic Jackpot,” by George O. Smith [short story] “The Square Pegs,” by Ray Bradbury [short story] “Softie,” by Noel Loomis [short story] “Consulate,” by William Tenn [novelet]

Download or read book Black Cat Weekly 133 written by Robert Jeschonek and published by Black Cat Weekly. This book was released on 2024-03-17 with total page 574 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Another great selection of mysteries and science fiction by great modern and classic authors. Here are 8 short stories and 2 novels -- more than 500 pages of great reading! Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Ear Worm,” by Robert Jeschonek [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “Who Slew the Valkyrie,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Pot o’ Gold,” by Shannon Taft [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “Trouble in Paradise,” by Veronica Leigh [short story] The Scarlet Imperial, by Dorothy B. Hughes [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “A Time To Die,” by Harold Calin [short story] “Out of Nowhere,” by E.A. Grosser [short story] “Star Chamber,” by H.B. Fyfe [short story] “Pogo Planet,” by Donald A. Wollheim [short story] The Kid from Mars, by Oscar J. Friend [novel]

Download or read book Black Cat Weekly 112 written by Kaye George and published by Black Cat Weekly. This book was released on 2023-10-22 with total page 583 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This issue features a pair of original tales: a mystery from Kaye George (thanks to acquiring editor Michael Bracken) and a fantasy from Adrian Cole (written especially for this Halloween issue). On the mystery front, we have a pair of great modern tales by William Dylan Powell (thanks to acquiring editor Barb Goffman) and James Holding, plus a classic novel by British master A.E.W. Mason, who is best known for his tale of courage and cowardice in wartime, The Four Feathers. Notably, Mason created Inspector Hanaud, a French detective who was an early template for Agatha Christie's famous Hercule Poirot. We even have a special Halloween solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles! On the fantastic side of things, we have a seasonally-appropriate SF tale by Norman Spinrad, plus Golden Age reprints from Algis Budrys, Cordwainer Smith, and David Mason. Mason is one of my favorite sword & sorcery authors for his novels Kavin’s World and The Return of Kavin. Had Mason not died tragically young in a boating accident, I have no doubt he would have become a major novelist in the field. After reading all of his books one after the other, I suspect he was creating a vast common universe for his fantasy and science fiction stories. Check them out if you get a chance. They are in print from Wildside Press. Here’s the complete lineup: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “The Voices I Will Never Hear Again,” by Kaye George [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “Signs of Halloween,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “The Darkness and the Light,” by William Dylan Powell [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “The Only One of Its Kind,” by James Holding [short story] No Other Tiger, by A.E.W. Mason [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “The Falling Leaves” by Adrian Cole [short story] “The Fat Vampire”by Norman Spinrad [short story] “Mark Elf,” by Cordwainer Smith [short story] “The Long Question,” by David Mason [short story] “The Burning World,” by Algis Budrys [novelet]

Download or read book Black Cat Weekly 9 written by Lee Mayers and published by Wildside Press LLC. This book was released on 2021-10-28 with total page 1147 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Black Cat Weekly #9presents: Mysteries & Suspense “Tie Score,” by Lee Mayers[short story] “Lunch Is Served,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Lamplighter by the Sea,” by Michael Nethercott [Barb Goffman Presents short story] Judas Journey, by Lee Roberts [mystery novel] Special Detective, by John Thomas McIntyre [novel, Ashton-Kirk series] Science Fiction & Fantasy “The Wolf Woman,”, by H. Bedford-Jones [short story] “The New Pass,” by Amelia B. Edwards [short story] “Sympathy for Mummies,” by John Gregory Betancourt [short story] “No-Risk Planet,” by Stephen Marlowe [short story] Peril of the Starmen, by Kris Neville [novel] The Amulet, by A.R. Morlan [novel]

Download or read book Black Cat Weekly 81 written by Fritz Leiber and published by Wildside Press LLC. This book was released on 2023-03-19 with total page 792 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Our 81st issue is among our best so far, if I do say so myself. We have an original mystery by H.K. Slade (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken), a great modern tale by Ann Aptaker (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman), and a pair of mystery novels—Bruce Campbell’s The Mystery of the Iron Box, featuring Ken Holt (by special request of one of our readers), and The Girl Who Had to Die, by Elisabeth Sanxay Holding. And no issue would be complete without a solve-it-yourself mystery by Hal Charles. On the science fiction and fantasy side, we have a classic novel by Fritz Leiber: Conjure Wife, originally published in 1943. Don’t miss the introduction, which puts it into historical context. If that’s not enough, we also have an entry in Phyllis Ann Karr’s “Frostflower & Thorn” series and classic science fiction stories by George O. Smith, Kendell Foster Crossen, and Lu Kella. Fun! Here’s this issue’s complete lineup: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “House in the Snow” by H.K. Slade [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “Death Visits Campus” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Red Nocturne,” by Ann Aptaker [Barb Goffman Presents short story] The Mystery of the Iron Box, by Bruce Campbell [novel] The Girl Who Had to Die, by Elisabeth Sanxay Holding [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “The Dragon, the Unicorn, and the Teddy Bear,” by Phyllis Ann Karr [Frostflower & Thorn short story] “The Dreamers,” by Lu Kella [short story] “Booby Prize,” by George O. Smith [novelet] “The Agile Algolian,” by Kendell Foster Crossen [novelet] Conjure Wife, by Fritz Leiber [novel]

Download or read book Black Cat Weekly 105 written by Steve Liskow and published by Wildside Press LLC. This book was released on 2023-09-03 with total page 531 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Our 105th issue features a pair of original mystery stories, one by Steve Liskow (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken) and one by the late Henry T. Parry (revised and completed by me). Parry published more than two dozen mystery stories from the late 1960s through the early 1980s, and his daughter was kind enough to pass on his unfinished and unpublished work, which will be appearing in BCW in future issues. We also have a mystery tale by Stephen D. Rogers (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman) and a suspense novel, The Horror Expert—a foray into crime noir by noted fantasist Frank Belknap Long. I suspect there are more than a few autobiographical elements! And, of course, we have a solve-it-yourself puzzler from the mighty pen (or word processor) of Hal Charles. On the science fiction side of things, we have a classic novel by British writer J.J. Connington, best known for his mysteries. (I thought it made a nice counterpoint to Long’s crime novel.) It chronicles one man’s attempt to stop a plague from destroying humanity. Plus fantasies by Adrian Cole and Joseph Payne Brennan, and SF shorts by Robert Silverberg and Lin Carter. Quite a fun issue. Here’s the complete lineup: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “This Year’s Model,” by Steve Liskow [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “Jellybean Justice,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Stagnant,” by Stephen D. Rogers [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “Best-Laid Plans,” by Henry T. Parry and John Gregory Betancourt The Horror Expert, by Frank Belknap Long [short story] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “Broken Billy,” by Adrian Cole “Age of Anxiety,” by Robert Silverberg [short story] “The Man Who Feared Masks,” by Joseph Payne Brennan [short story] “Owlstone,” by Lin Carter [short story] Nordenholt’s Million, by J. J. Connington [novel]

Download or read book Black Cat Weekly 30 written by Elizabeth Elwood and published by Wildside Press LLC. This book was released on 1901 with total page 507 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Black Cat Weekly #30 is a fabulous issue. This time, Darrell Schweitzer has unearthed his 1980 interview with Tom Disch, which is fascinating. Disch talks about writing his classic fantasy novel, The Businessman, among other things. As Darrell always notes, these old interviews fall “somewhere between oral history and paleontology.” Lots of mysteries this time, too—including originals by Elizabeth Elwood (thanks to editor Michael Bracken) and Jack Halliday (a flash fiction portrait of a serial killer). Barb Goffman has selected “Take the Hit,” by Nikki Dolson. And we have a short story by James Holding and a classic novel by Hulbert Footner. And no issue is complete without a solve-it-yourself mystery from Hal Charles (the writing team of Hal Sweet and Charlie Blythe). On the fantastic side of things, Cynthia Ward has selected a great science fiction tale by Matthew Hughes. I’ve seen his name for years, but never managed to read anything of his until now—but I’m definitely sold. I'm going to have to check out more of his work. Great stuff. Plus we have stories by Larry Tritten, Richard Wilson, and a vintage ghost story—or is it?—by one of my favorite authors, Anonymous! Here’s the complete lineup: Non-Fiction: “Speaking with Thomas M. Disch,” conducted by Darrell Schweitzer [interview] Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “One for the Road,” by James Holding “MeToo Too,” by Elizabeth Elwood [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “Take the Hit,” by Nikki Dolson. [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “A Touch of Magic,” by Hal Charles [solve-it-yourself mystery] A Self-Made Thief, by Hulbert Footner [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “An Odd Ghost Story,” by Anonymous [short story] “To Tell the Phoenecians,” by Matthew Hughes [Cynthia Ward Presents short story] “Turning Off,” by Larry Tritten [short story] “If a Man Answers,” by Richard Wilson [short story]

Download or read book Black Cat Weekly 79 written by N.M. Cedeño and published by Wildside Press LLC. This book was released on 2023-03-04 with total page 682 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Our 79th issue features a pair of original mysteries by N.M. Cedeño (thanks to Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken) and Bryon Quertermous (thanks to Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman). Cedeño is no stranger to BCW readers, having already appeared in our pages twice before. Hopefully Bryon Quertermous will match that hat trick, too. Rounding out the mystery section are a pair of novels: Francis Beeding’s The House of Doctor Edwardes (filmed by Alfred Hitchcock as Spellbound) and The House on the Cliff, by Franklin W. Dixon, which you may recognize as the very first Hardy Boys book. If you grew up reading the modern revisions of the original Hardy Boys series (which began in 1927), you’re in for a shock: these brothers are tougher, edgier, and face real peril. They were definitely watered down beginning in the 1950s. And often the titles were the only things that remained from the original stories. And, of course, no issue would be complete without a solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles (the writing team of Hal Blythe and Charlie Sweet). In the science fiction & fantasy section, Phyllis Ann Karr continues the adventures of her legendary fantasy duo, Frostflower and Thorn, in “Night of the Short Knives.” Don’t skip her Afterword about the story; it’s fascinating. Plus we have tales by Philip José Farmer, a rare science fiction foray by mystery author Wenzell Brown, and tales by Oliver Saari and George O. Smith. Great stuff. Here’s the lineup: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Disappearance of a Serial Spouse,” by N.M. Cedeño [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “An Impossible Theft,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Visiting Artist,” by Bryon Quertermous [Barb Goffman Presents short story] The House of Doctor Edwardes, by Francis Beeding [novel] The House on the Cliff, by Franklin W. Dixon [novel, Hardy Boys #1] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “Night of the Short Knives,” by Phyllis Ann Karr [short story, Frostflower & Thorn] Daughter,” by Philip José Farmer [short story] “Murderer’s Chain,” by Wenzell Brown [short story] “Moon Dust,” by Oliver Saari [short story] “Bombs Awry,” by George O. Smith [novella]

Download or read book Black Cat Weekly 39 written by Walter Jon Williams and published by Wildside Press LLC. This book was released on 2022 with total page 680 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Welcome to Black Cat Weekly #39. It’s hard to believe BCW is 39! As with every magazine, our goals include not just entertaining our readers, but making every issue better than the last. I finally feel like we’re on top of production methods, and the contents keep offering a selection of great stories for every reader’s taste. (If you can’t find something you love here, I’d be very surprised.) From classic pulp fiction to modern SF and mysteries (not to mention our ventures into adventure fiction and westerns), we cover all the bases. Here's the lineup: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Last Seen Heading East” by Joseph S. Walker [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “A Little Boy Is Missing,” by Saul Golubcow [short story] “A Secret Admirer,” by Hal Charles [solve-it-yourself mystery] “A Close Shave,” by Art Taylor [Barb Goffman Presents short story] The Case of Angus Blair, by Hulbert Footner [novel] The Affair in Death Valley, by Clifford Knight [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “The Last Ride of German Freddie,” by Walter Jon Williams [Cynthia Ward Presents short story] “The Rat Aloft,” by John Gregory Betancourt [short story] “A Question of Salvage,” by Malcolm Jameson [novella] “The Secret of Kralitz,” by Henry Kuttner [short story] “The Monster-God of Mamurth,” by Edmond Hamilton [short story]