Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 41 — page 43: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION medical staff approached Strothmeyer, took his arm, and silently led him into the elevator. Strothmeyer did not resist. He knew nothing could go wrong now—or ever again. As they rose to the top floors, the physician said, with sympathy: “I know this must shock and distress you, Doc- tor. You have been with Pro- fessor Knaut for a long time.” Strothmeyer rose to the oc- casion. ““Thank you, doctor,” he said, gravely. “It has beena long time, full of failures, triumphs and, above ail, com- radeship.”’ He wiped away a non-existent tear. “But our work leaves little time for grieving over fallen com- panions. We must press on.”’ He looked into the distance, sternly. “I would have wanted Professor Knaut to do the same, if I had been the one who had cracked under the 42 strain.”” He shook his head. “Those last, violent moments of victory were more than the old man could bear. I saw it coming.’’ He dabbed at the other eye with his finger. The physician looked at him in ignorant admiration, nodded and said: “‘Yes, yes! You are so right, doctor!” When they reached the tenth floor, Strothmeyer thanked the physician for coming up with him but begged to be ex- cused. “I have to look in on our Sir Winston, you know,” he said, and hurried down the hall. The physician nodded and let him go. Not until he was passing the fifth floor, on the way down, did he realise the import of Strothmeyer’s words. Surprise burst upon his face. He shouted at the steel walls: “T’m immortal!” connicloooks.comn