Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 41 — page 132: what you’re looking at

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

KIDS’ GAME Phil relaxed, the tension gone. He realised with a pang of guilt that he had been defending himself against a sincere attempt by the man to be kind and fatherly... ““That would be swell, dad; —it would be—swell.”’ For a moment he fought back a welling pain in the corners of his eyes. He bit his lip... “Perhaps,” continued the man, “you could get in touch with Gregory about it. He could tell you some of the troubles he had.” Phil had seen the boy’s telescope. It was crude, even to the heavy machined castings. Yet, somehow, he now remembered the childish instrument with a vague longing... “Gregory might even make a good member for you kids. You could invite him to join your group.” “Gregory's too young!” snapped Phil, defensively. **He’s too ... well, he’s too young.” ““He’s your own age, son,” said the man, quietly rising tom the chair. 131 Phil squirmed in his seat and considered putting up his hand for permission to leave study hall for another book. But he had done that twice before. Chances were Mr. Fiegespan would refuse him. He sighed and cast a long look out of the window. It was a gloomy, utterly dull and boring day. Earlier, sheets of grey rain had slanted down over the athletic field. Gym class had been held indoors. He heard a low hiss near him. “Did you get that water problem in maths, Phil?” whispered a light, eager voice beside him. He turned to face the girl, Shirley. “Why ...no, no, I didn’t,” he said, confusedly. The pretty girl frowned, looking away from him shyly. “TIT can’t get it atall...”’ He should probably open his maths book and try to find the problem. But the thought of it chilled him. He ignored her. Water problem. Silly prob- lems, long lists of stupid books, superficial courses—the things he was allowed to know were _ conniclooolks.comn