Charles L. Harness was born in West Texas in 1915. He has a BS in chemistry, and an LLB, and he is a member of the Maryland and DC bars. “Before I retired, I was a senior attorney in the patent department of a large chemical manufacturer. I’ve published about ten novels and several dozen shorter items, all SF. Major loves: my wife, our children, our grandchildren, music, chess.” The magical tale that follows is his first story for Asimov’s