Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 43 — page 22: what you’re looking at

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

TO-MORROW IS Guiscard said finally: “TI must congratulate you on a tremendous piece of fact as- sembly. Your perception is almost fantastic. I forecast a ‘great future for you.” “Tf there is any future for us at all,”’ said the other dryly. “True enough. But to de- duce not only the existence of myself and my associates, but also of the scheme at present weaving from a chance con- tact with a man who is com- pletely unaware of his function as a focus of the scheme smacks of the impossible. I’m sorry that you’ve been disturbed from your plans—I must say they were consider- ably better laid out, not to say mature, than mine were in comparable circumstances— but you must realise the danger of the situation.” “Of course. I realise it fully.” *‘What prophylactic action have you taken to date?” The other listed his pro- visional measures, and Guis- card signified approval. “We'll have to resort to much more ANOTHER 21 DAY drastic steps soon, of course. There’s a major crisis due shortly. What do you think, Clairmont?” Clairmont’s affirmative came emphatically. ““Not only a major crisis. ~ Potentially the biggest crisis in history. The one of 1636 was like a firecracker compared to this one when it comes.” “You think so?” Guiscard’s anxiety was plain in the question. “IT know so! I’ve made a preliminary analysis of the information just brought to us - “Excellent,” interjected Guiscard, but Clairmont brushed him aside. “Every single pointer indi- cates crisis—calamity—catas- trophe,” he announced. “T can confirm that,” said the fourth speaker—a woman. “I’m sorry, Guiscard, it’s unmistakable. You said you were certain this crisis was at an end now, but we appear to have been outguessed and outwitted at every turn until now. You saved us from a conmicloooks.con