Argosy (UK), January 1955 — page 15: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

OSKAR’S WRONG NUMBER 13 Oskar, a ham to the heart, responded from that heart to the growing enthusiasm of the people. His big eyes glowed brighter, his urp-urp-urp was irresistibly gay. He and the Admiral beamed at each other like fond brothers. ‘The Admiral tossed the fish— rising to do so—and Oskar caught it in mid air with a fine flourish of his head. He winked at the Admiral and applauded himself with his flippers. The tension in the arena had almost wholly evaporated. It was as though everyone had discovered that there really was a Santa Claus, after all; that all the world after the age of six was just a silly, wicked dream. Herr K. took the pulse of the crowd and he knew he had a very — good thing. So far, Oskar had been following the lead of the conductor. Intoxicated with his success, he decided to do his Big Number. He took his position before the electro-melodeon without even’ looking at the conductor, who glanced at Herr K. for instructions. The circus-owner signalled him to let Oskar proceed on his own. Oskar savoured the moment, gathered his forces, and swooped his head towards the shining instrument. His eyes popped with concentration because he had not played this piece for a long time :.... At the first bars, a nervous titter arose somewhere in the audience, then a spreading giggle, nervous but with an under- tone of malicious amusement. An incredulous stare appeared on Admiral Baranovsky’s face, ‘ followed at once by a furious scowl. ‘The thick, bemedalled chest — swelled; the thick hands clenched. Herr K. also recognized the song and felt suddenly very sick. His eyes, against his will, swivelled to where Wilhelm Meisner stood. The Chief of the Security Police sent him one icy glance that was as final as the dropping of a headsman’s axe. He moved a hand, and four husky men closed in around Klaus Kleinmikkel. Another marched swiftly upon Oskar. While the audience sat petrified, Admiral Baranovsky rose, — turned on his heel, and swept out, stopping only to leave strict orders that no harm was to come to Oskar. His raging exit was followed by an almost tearful Minister and | by the Party leaders who looked as if they were going to their own executions. Oskar was bewildered and annoyed when the big man dragged him rudely away from the instrument, crushing his shirt-bosom, and quite ruining his Big Number. ‘The frozen, silent audience also puzzled him. comiclboooks.comnn)