Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 43 — page 145: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION scrambled through into the boring, still so hot that it scorched his clothing. There was just sufficient space for him to squirm upwards be- tween the machine and the tunnel wall, until he could reach the deck above. But the central control room was empty. ** Dave!” he called. There was no answer. He rested, then went up through the hatch to the top of the machine, trying not to think of the miles of rock stretching above him, or of what might have happened to Dave. The last life-balloon was still there, and he dragged open the door of the tiny, suspended cabin. Dave lay on the floor, and his eyes were just opening. “We— don’t— give up, dad,”’ he whispered. Steve Martel gazed at him. There was a bruise on his forehead, and he breathed un- evenly in the stifling air. Slowly Martel realised that scorching fumes were rising about them—which meant 144 that they were very near, indeed, to success! But Hedg- erley would say that the machine had been destroyed and that the attempt was un- successful. As a result, there would never be another attempt. “We can’t give up, now, dad,’’ Dave said. Martel bit his lips. It was a big risk. The machine was becoming more and more un- safe, and the temperature mounted steadily. “Just a little farther down, dad,”’ Dave said. Steve Martel turned abruptly. If his son would risk it—so would he, he thought. He went to the control room and sank stiffly into the seat. Once again flames rushed and roared from the jets below and splashes of molten lava flamed out- side the windows. But the machine did not sink. The hull shuddered, and from above came a fearful grating sound. Dave had followed him, and his face was white. comicloooks.corn