Argosy (UK), January 1955 — page 74: what you’re looking at

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

72 ROBERT SHECKLEY ‘“ T’m going out on one, Ed.” “Good luck, Mr. Frelaine,’’ Ed Morrow said. “I suppose you'll want me to stand by?” “ That’s right. I don’t expect to be gone more than a week or two. Ill probably get my notification of Victim Status within three months of the kill.” “ Tll be standing by. Good hunting, Mr. Frelaine.”’ “'Thanks. So long.’’ He hung up. It was a wise safety measure to reserve a first-class spotter. After his kill, it would be Frelaine’s turn as Victim. ‘Then, once again, Ed Morrow would be his life insurance. And what a marvellous spotter Morrow was! Uneducated—stupid, really. But what an eye for people! Morrow was a natural. His pale eyes could tell an out-of-towner at a glance. He was diabolically clever at rigging an ambush. An indispensable man. Frelaine took out the envelope, chuckling to himself, remem- bering some of the tricks Morrow had turned for the Hunters. Still smiling, he glanced at the data inside the envelope. Janet Marie Patzig. His Victim was a female! Frelaine stood up and paced for a few moments. ‘Then he read the letter again. Janet Marie Patzig. No mistake. A girl. Three photographs were enclosed, her address, and the usual descriptive data. Frelaine frowned. He had never killed a female. He hesitated for a moment, then picked up the telephone, and dialled ECB. ‘Emotional Catharsis Bureau, Information Section,” a man’s voice answered. “ Say, look,” Frelaine said, “‘ I just got my notification and I pulled a girl. Is that in order?”’ He gave the clerk the girl’s name. “It’s all in order, sir,” the clerk replied after a minute of checking microfiles. “ ‘The girl herself registered with the Board of her own free will. ‘The law says she has the same rights and privileges as a man.” “Could you tell me how many kills she has? ”’ “Tm sorry, sir. The only information you’re allowed is the -victim’s legal status and the descriptive data you have received.” “I see—”’ Frelaine paused—‘“‘ Could I draw another? ”’ “You can refuse the hunt, of course. That is your legal right. But you will not be allowed another Victim until you have served as one. Do you wish to refuse? ” “Oh no,” Frelaine said hastily. ‘I was just Wonca Thank you.” He hung up and sat down in his largest armchair, loosening his belt. ‘This required some thought. comiclooks.com