Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 43 — page 15: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION “Thank you,” said Michel. “Thank you very much.” When he put down the receiver again he was surprised to find that his hand was shaking and his heart racing far above its normal rate. Five minutes before noon he was walking down Lincoln’s Inn Fields, the park on his right, looking for the brass plate of Harrop Sons and * Longman. There was a tight sensation in his chest—a feel- ing he hadn’t known since the war. He’d always had it before going into battle. He’d had it at school, too, before exams. pleasant memories. And it awoke un- But it was having a hard. time trying to break through the layer of warm confidence that had sprung from no- where that morning. He was met by a thin man with glasses and a grizzled head, who said at once: “You must be Mr. Michel, sir.”’ Michel nodded. right.” “Mr. Harrop’s waiting for **That’s 14 you, sir. Will you come this way ?”’ He pushed open a door at the end of a short passage and announced him. Michel went in. The man who put down a file of papers and offered his hand, smiling, looked more like a soldier than a lawyer. He was tall and going bald, with a thick brown moustache beginning to grey in places. Michel shook the hand he put out and found it very strong. He took the chair Harrop indicated and pulled the letter from his pocket. Harrop noted the gesture and laughed. **Y ou find it hard to believe, I understand.” “Not only that,’’ admitted Michel. “I don’t even begin to see how it’s possible.” “Well, that’s difficult, even for me, and I’ve been busy on the matter for well over a year. Cigarette?” “Thank you.” “You had a very remarkable set of ancestors, Mr. Michel. Do you know anything about them ?” comicloooks.comn