Astounding Science Fiction, British Edition — page 24: what you’re looking at

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

22 ASTOUNDING SCIENCE FICTION They had a house rule requiring bet- ting on at least one game in four in order to keep the seat. Evidently the man had run out of minimum dollar bets. Even so, he seemed reluctant to give up his seat and leave. Mart half expected him to show up the next day, but he made no ap- pearance. On the second day following, he did show up, however, and Mart almost choked in surprise to see who was accompanying the ungambling stranger. It was the willowy figure of his old friend, Dr. Jennings. Jennings’ face lighted with pleased surprise as he recognized Mart inside the doorway of the Volcano Club. “Welcome to our establishment,” said Mart, grinning. “I didn’t know. you went in for connivance with lady luck and the wheel of fortune. It’s a pleasure to see you here, anyway.” “Nor I, you,” said Jennings wryly. “IT didn’t see Baird’s piece until it was called to my attention several days later. By that time, Roy here was pulling my coat tails and demanding I come and see what you were up to. By the way, have you met Roy yet? He said he spent a day here, but didn’t make himself known.” Mart beckoned to Berk, and they turned to the man they had watched lose his money two days before. “Dr. Roy Goodman, of AEC,” said Jennings. “He, too, is not a gambling man, and he tells me you have formed in him a firm conviction to stay that way the rest of his life.” Mart took Dr. Goodman’s ‘hand. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I almost asked you to leave the other day. Some people have it and some don’t. If you don’t, you might as well let the ponies and bingo tables alone. “And the Volcanoes?’’ said Good- man. “And the Volcanoes. They won’t do you any good either.” “I’m not so sure of that,” said Goodman. “I was so unsure of it that I went all the way to Los Angeles and brought Dr. Jennings back to help verify my opinion.” “And that opinion is—?” said Mart. : “That the Volcano may be the source of a great deal of good for us. Do you mind if I ask Dr. Jennings to form his own opinion?” “As you wish, gentlemen,” said Mart. Jennings laughed a bit uncertainly. “Well, let’s have a look. I certainly don’t know what this is all about. I suppose it’s on a level with Nagle Rockets and Teleports. Roy has a mystery, too, and I am completely mystified by you both.” ‘““How about dinner when you’re _ through?” said Berk. “We'll get together and try to unmystify one another.” “That does it,” said Mart as he watched the two men take seats in the amphitheater. “‘That does it, or I miss my guess. After they get through with their looking we can pack our trunks and go home.” “The AEC, did Jennings say?” Berk asked. ‘None other.” Jennings and Goodman stayed in- side for a long time. Finally, they came out into the orange sunlight of early evening. Jennings’ face seemed pale, as if he had been out of the sun- light for a long time. His hands trem- bled perceptibly as he lit a thin cigar. “The food at our hotel is very good,” said Mart. Jennings nodded. Neither he nor his companion said a word. The four men turned and walked all the way to the hotel in silence. Only as they sat down to the table and picked up the menu COMIiGdooksnco im