3. Hans Becomes a Bread Merchant

The correspondent even stopped writing and looked at the professor with surprise. The young man never thought that the “empty” air had such a complex composition.

“It is true, though, that not everything in this airy pantry is edible in its raw form. But my protozoa take what they need, process it in their bodies, and make us a great meal.”

The professor got carried away and would have talked for a long time if the correspondent had not interrupted his speech. The young man was impatient. He jumped up from his chair, put away his notebook, and began to run around the room, ruffling his hair.

“Amazing, amazing! After all, this is a new era in the history of mankind. There is no more hunger, no more poverty, no more wars, no more class animosity…”

“I wish it were like that,” said the professor. “But I don’t have such high hopes. People will always find something to fight about. In addition to bread, they need clothes, and houses, and cars, and art, and fame.”

“But it’s still great! But how are you planning to use your invention?”

“Of course, I will not speculate on this bread, like Hans. ‘Eternal bread’ should be common property.”

“Oh, of course! You are not only a scientist. You are a beautiful person. You… you are the benefactor of mankind! Let me shake your hand.” And the young man passionately shook Breuer’s hand.

“So remember your promise,” the professor said in parting.

“Yes, of course! I will do everything possible and impossible.”

And he ran out of the room.

“What prospects!” he thought as he hurried to the pier. “And … just imagine how many articles can be written, what fees can be earned …”

Meanwhile, Professor Breuer sat in his office over crucibles and flasks and considered what troubles lay in store for him.