Escape with the Dream Maker Read Online Free PDF Page B

don’t think I’d subject you to these dreams if they were. After all,” he added, putting a hand on Josh’s shoulder in kindly fashion, “a fellow needs a lift. You’ve been under tremendous pressure, and anything that can give you relief from that will be of help to the general cause. After all, you’re the leader, and your mind needs to be clear. Don’t worry about anything.”
    Oliver and Josh were sitting around one evening, and the inventor had been talking about the difficulty of their mission. His brow furrowed, and his lips drew tight as he said, “This is a terribly difficult task, and we seem to be getting nowhere. But that’s the way it is sometimes.”
    â€œYou’re right,” Josh said, “and I don’t know how long we can hold out.”
    â€œThat’s the question. I’m getting rather edgy myself.”
    Josh stared at him with amazement. “Why, you never show the least sign of strain. I envy you, Oliver.”
    â€œWell, perhaps I keep it covered better than most. I’ve learned to do that.” Oliver shrugged. He set his gray eyes on Josh and seemed to think hard. “I’ve been thinking about something, but I’ve hesitated to mention it.”
    â€œWhat is it?” Josh asked quickly.
    â€œYou’re the leader—I’m just sent to help you—but have you ever thought that some of the other Sleepers may be in danger?”
    â€œWell, of course, there’s always danger of the Sanhedrin finding us.”
    â€œNo, I don’t mean that,” Oliver interrupted. “I mean—Josh, when we first met, your nerves were like a fine wire drawn so tight that one touch would make it snap. And now look at you.” He smiled broadly and waved a hand at him. “You’re calm, you’re collected, you think clearly.”
    â€œWell, I guess I can thank you for that.” Josh looked over at the dream machine. “It helps a lot, these evenings spent with the Dream Maker.”
    Oliver leaned forward and nodded eagerly. “That’s exactly what I mean.
You’re
calm—what about the others?”
    Josh blinked, then said with some embarrassment, “You know, I never thought about them. You must be right, though. Yes, you
are
right.” He stood and walked around the room, running his hand through his hair. “You
are
right,” he repeated.
    â€œI don’t see any real problem. Why don’t you just start sending them by—at different times, of course—and let them enjoy the Dream Maker too?”
    â€œThat’s a great idea!” Josh smiled. “I don’t know why I didn’t think of it.”
    â€œOh, you would have in time, I’m sure.” Then Oliver slapped his thighs and said, “Well, how would you like to visit, oh, say, Robinson Crusoe on a desert island?”
    Josh’s eyes gleamed. “I’ve always loved that book. Won’t he be surprised to see me, though? Him and Friday . . .”
    Josh met with Sarah secretly a few days later.
    â€œWhat do you think, Sarah?” He knew from Oliver that she had already visited him twice and had been introduced to the Dream Maker techniques.
    â€œIt was so
strange,”
she said slowly. “I couldn’t believe it at first, but it’s actually like being there.” Her face had a look of wonder, and she shook her head slightly. “But I just don’t know. It’s kind of weird!”
    â€œI guess all new inventions are that way. Think how odd television was to people that had never seen one. New things like this always take a little getting used to. But the Dream Maker is better than any book I ever read or than any movie I ever saw. Why, it’s more fun than
anything
else.”
    â€œI suppose,” Sarah said doubtfully, “but you know, a person could get addicted to that thing.”
    Josh grinned and shrugged his shoulders.