Astounding Science Fiction (British Edition), August 1944 — page 53: what you’re looking at

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

CITY “Because we'd like you to come in with us. Have a hand at adjusting Ole to start with. Maybe see what could be done about the Squatters next.” “I don’t know—” said Webster. “We'd been waiting for you to come in,” said Taylor. “We knew you'd finally have to come here. Any chance you might have had at any kind of job would have been queered by King. He passed the word along. You're blackballed by every Chamber of Commerce and every civic group in the world to-day.” “Probably I have no_ choice,” Webster. “We don’t want you to feel that way about it,” Taylor said. “Take a while to think it over, then come back. Even if you don’t want the job we'll find you another one—in spite of King.” Outside the office, Webster found a scare- crow figure waiting him. It was Levi Lewis, snaggle-toothed grin wiped off, rifle under his arm. | “Some of the boys said they seen you go in here,” he explained. “So I waited for youn = | “What's the trouble,” Webster asked. For Levi’s face spoke eloquently of trouble. “It’s them police,” said Levi. He spat disgustedly. “The police,” said Webster, and his heart sank as he said the words. For he knew what the trouble was. “Yeah,” said Levi. ““They’re fixing to burn us out.” | “So the council finally gave in,” said Webster, face grim. “I just came from police headquarters,” declared Levi. “I told them they better go easy. I told them there’d be guts strewed all over the place if they tried it. I got the boys posted all around the place with orders not to shoot till they’re sure of hitting.” “You can’t do that, Levi,” said Webster, sharply. : “IT can’t!” retorted Levi. “I done it al- ready. They drove us off the farms, forced us to sell because we couldn’t make a living. And they aren’t driving us no farther. We either stay here or we die here. And the only way theyll burn us out is when there’s no one left to stop them.” He shucked up his pants and spat again. “And we ain’t the only ones that feel that way,” he declared. “Gramp is out there with us.” : said “Gramp!” , “Sure, Gramp. The, old guy that lives with you. He’s sort of taken over as our com- manding general. Says he remembers tricks from the war them police have never heard of. He sent some of the boys over to one of them Legion halls to swipe a cannon. Says he knows where we can get some shells for it from the museum. Says we'll get it all set up and then send word that if the police make a move we'll shell the loop.” “Look, Levi, will you do something for me?” “Sure will, Mr. Webster.” “Will you go in and ask for a Mr. Taylor. Insist on seeing him. Tell him I’m already on the job.” “Sure wil, but where are you going?” “I’m going up to the city hall.” “Sure you don’t want me along?” “No,” declared Webster. “I'll do better alone. And, Levi—” “Ves.” , “Tell Gramp to hold up his artillery. Don’t shoot unless he has to—but if he has, to lay it on the line.” “The mayor is _ busy,” Brown, his secretary. “That’s what you think,” said Webster, starting for the door. “You can’t go in there, Webster,” yelled Brown. He leaped from his chair, came charging around the desk, reaching for Webster. Webster swung broadside with his arm, caught Brown across the chest, swept him back against the desk. The desk skidded and Brown waved his arms, lost his balance, thudded to the floor. Webster jerked open the mayor’s door. The mayor’s feet thumped off his desk. “T told Brown—” he said. Webster nodded. “And Brown told me. What’s the matter, Carter. Afraid King might find out I was here? Afraid of being corrupted by some good ideas?” “What do you want?” snapped Carter. “T understand the police are going to burn the houses.” “That’s right,” said Raymond declared the mayor, _ righteously. “They’re a menace to the com- munity.” “What community?” “Look here, Webster—” “You know there’s no community. Just a few of you lousy politicians who stick around so you can claim residence, so you Ccomuicbooks St CO