Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 41 — page 13: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION as well as the back of one’s own hand. As Strothmeyer came to- ward him with the hypodermic syringe, Delgado appeared to weaken and grow confused. He allowed the scientist to take hisarm. Professor Knaut moved up to be of assistance. “I think it will be all right, Professor,’ said Strothmeyer. He raised the needle. Delgado struck with all the strength of his phenix- nurtured free right arm. Strothmeyer received the blow full in the face and fell back against Knaut. By an odd freak of fortune, the needle, which he still held in his hand, pierced Knaut’s upper arm and was partially discharged before the enraged professor could strike it down. The sedative, which had been a lethai dose, took effect in a few seconds. Knaut did not even reach the door of the great laboratory. He sank down and passed into un- consciousness. Strothmeyer was too sroggy from the blow to rise from the floor for many minutes. When he did so, he found that 12 Carlos Delgado had dis- appeared—along with Pro- fessor Knaut’s suit, smock and shoes. Strothmeyer started towards the ’phone, to notify the authorities, but stopped, banishing the thought with a shudder. If he said that Louis the Gimp was at large, the authorities would only have to look in Louis’ cell to see that the report was false. If he said that a duplicate body had escaped, under the guidance of an alien, the effect on the phoenix project might be disas- trous. He could imagine, for example, what the alien-ex- clusion faction of Congress would say to this new form of illegal entry. And, generally, such bungling would bring universal public ridicule. It would be much better to say nothing. When the dull ache of his bruised face had subsided a little, Strothmeyer began to realise how thoroughly Del- gado had validated his ideas — about the human soul, and how the ideas of Professor Knaut had been proved wrong. He glanced again at the still- unconscious professor and managed a painful smile. He — conmmicloooks.comn