Astounding Science Fiction, British Edition — page 110: what you’re looking at

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

108 ~ASTOUNDING SCIENCE FICTION late lamented Senor Perez. They sounded like business and if the best names that they could think up were John and Jesse Smith, who was he to complain? “We have a wide reputa- tion, gentlemen, for always deliv—”’ “We know your reputation. We have investigated and determined that you are able, discreet, and without principles. Therefore we wish to ¢m- ploy you.” Hugh regarded the pair with deep interest. He wondered what they wanted and hoped that it wasn’t hot surplus warplanes. There was a strange note in John Smith’s voice; it was low and harsh and not at all in keeping with his suave exterior. Also, although there was no accent, it was definitely not the voice of a native American. “In outline, we have something which we wish you to sell. Then with the money thus gained we want you to purchase a quantity of different items for us. Naturally, we expect to pay a commission.” Jesse Smith spoke for the first time. His voice was a duplicate of his brother’s. His face, as did his twin’s, kept the immobility of a well trained poker player. “Both on the sales and on the pur- chases?’”’ George asked quickly. “Of course.” George beamed. Hugh felt a doubt begin to form in his mind. This was too easy. “What is it that you want us to sell?” he asked. “Gold. We have here about four hundred pounds.” John Smith indi- cated the two brief cases. “Since we are in a hurry and since we do not wish to explain our sources, we realize that you may not be able to sell it at the highest price. However, we expect that you should realize about fifteen thousand dollars. That should cover the first installment of our purchases. Here is a list of the items we want.” He turned to his brother. Jesse took a piece of paper from an inside pocket and passed it over the desk to George. George wrenched his eyes from the brief cases and nervelessly accepted the paper. Both Smiths then rose. “We will return tomorrow with more gold. You may report your progress at that time.”” They turned to go. “But . . . but—’’ George was at a loss. Jesse seemed to have an after- thought. “You had better engage a warehouse to store our purchases. If possible, in some outlying district.” They left. The room seemed very empty without them. After a few seconds pause, Hugh rose and walked over to the nearer of the two brief cases. He tried unsuc- cessfully to lift it to a table. Finally, he gave up and loosening the straps, opened it on the floor. He blinked, reached in and withdrew a small bar of heavy yellow metal and carried it over to George. “Looks like it,” he said. ‘“‘And there’s lots more of these in there. You know, those Smith twins are pretty robust boys, Maybe it’s all the energy they save by not explaining things. What’s in the list?” George unfolded the paper and they read with a growing feeling of be- wilderment. The wants of the Smith twins were widespread to say the least. After finishing, they stared at each other. George with an expression of frank perplexity on his face, Hugh with a look of growing disquiet. “Five tons of coal, a sewing ma- chine, a Jaguar sports car, ten flash- lights, ten barrels of gasoline, a bolt of tweed, a television set, miscellaneous perfume, and all that other stuff. What do they want it for?” George asked querulously. “I don’t know, George, I don’t know. But there’s one thing I do know, and that is we. should have COMIGIOOKS;GO iim