Lighter Than You Think

A science fiction short story published in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the character Pat Pending, an eccentric inventor whose latest creation promises to revolutionize the concept of weight and gravity. With a lively and humorous narrative, the book explores themes of innovation and the absurdities of bureaucracy and romance within the context of an imaginative fictional world. In the story, Pat Pending introduces his remarkable invention, a baton-like device he calls a ''lightening rod'' that allows users to alter their weight at will. The protagonist, Don Mallory, and his secretary, Joyce, find themselves unexpectedly swept into a scheme to use the invention to cheat at horse racing. As they plan to enter a horse named Tapwater in a critical race, they encounter obstacles and misunderstandings but ultimately achieve success when Tapwater wins amid much excitement. However, chaos ensues when Don’s suitcase, containing all their winnings and Pat's invention, takes off into the sky due to the settings of the lightening rod, leaving them in a humorous yet precarious situation. The story cleverly blends comedic elements with a lighthearted exploration of human folly and inventive spirit.