# A Night of Trouble explained — Short Science Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Science Fiction by Isaac Asimov.

## What happens

Walter Sills revels in his discovery of ammonium metal, but his joy is short-lived as he faces a series of threats: a lowball offer from J. Throgmorton Bankhead, the intrusive proposal of ex-Congressman Peter Q. Hornswoggle, and a nighttime burglary attempt by gangster 'Slappy' Egan and his associate Mike. After a chaotic struggle, Sills and his partner Eugene Taylor drive off the intruders, but the night's events leave Sills shaken and regretting his public announcement.

## Themes in this chapter

### Greed and Corruption

Bankhead's lowball offer, Hornswoggle's scheming, and the gangsters' theft attempt all illustrate the corrupting influence of wealth.

### The Pursuit of Fame and Wealth

Sills' initial joy at fame and his plan to sell the patent for a fortune drive the chapter's conflict.

## Character check-ins

### Walter Sills

Delighted by his discovery but soon overwhelmed by the unwanted attention and burglary attempt.

### Eugene Taylor

Sills' pragmatic associate who handles negotiations and helps fend off the burglars.

### J. Throgmorton Bankhead

Wealthy industrialist who offers a paltry sum for the patent and later conspires with unsavory contacts.

### Peter Q. Hornswoggle

Former Congressman who first tries to ingratiate himself, then returns as a burglar.

### Slappy Egan

Gangster who cases the lab and participates in the break-in.

### Mike the Slug

Gangster who fights Taylor and escapes after a scuffle.

## Key lines

> How does it feel to be famous?

Taylor asks Sills about the experience of fame.

_Highlights Sills' initial elation._

> A million would be more like it.

Taylor rejects Bankhead's offer of two thousand dollars.

_Shows the high value placed on the discovery._

> Ammonium has certainly proved to be very upsetting so far. I almost wish I had never heard of it.

Sills regrets his discovery after the night's troubles.

_Reflects the theme of unintended consequences._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters/a-night-of-trouble
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_science_fiction_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters