Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 41 — page 128: what you’re looking at

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

KIDS’ GAME car buzzed for a moment, then leaped into action. It raced to the centre of the room, threatening for a mo- ment to hit the motionless foot of the speaker. Then, at the last moment, it swerved and returned precisely to its owner. *“Are you finished?” asked the older boy, acidly. *“Yeah—didja notice how it came back to me? I control it—see? Radio control unit.” The boy displayed a tiny metal box. ““Ingenious,’’ said the other. ‘Probably a reflection of your unwillingness to enter the level of maturity I have indicated.” The boy blushed and put away the toy. The leader returned his shifting attention to the group. *“Furthermore, I feel I oughta warn you of another psycho- logical phenomenon. You all know that lama... that I ‘have passed adolescence. Now it may surprise some of you, but I find myself sheer attracted to members of the.. opposite sex . There were a few small ‘aughs in the room. The boy 127 blushed. his eyes. “IT must warn you to take with seriousness what I say. For I assure you that J can lick any of you with one hand tied behind my back!” Then he narrowed At Play period Phil started to leave. His hand was on the door when an adult voice called behind him. It was that of Jake, the leader. “Better stick around, Phil. You can use some of this— therapeutic, you know.”’ “I—think Id better go, Jake. This is the night the family hasa...” “All the same, you’d better stay. There’s more to Play period than having fun. I think you will find it instructive.” The boy took his arm and gently, but firmly, led him back into the room. Two boys of about fourteen or fifteen pored over a thick book, borrowed from a lend- ing library. A_ half-grown youth, who yelled periodically to the rest in a half-adult voice, practised rolling falls on the rough floor. Phil joined a group of connicloooks.conmn