Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 44 — page 101: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION The horizon was ablaze with sunset colours when they emerged from the trees and strode over the last few yards of grass to the valley’s en- trance Jud, whose fear mounted every second, was promising himself that it would soon be left behind, when Mab, leading as usual, sprinted ahead without warning. ae ome fon, Jud?’ She tossed a challenge over her shoulder. “Ill race you to Lovers’ Leap!” | Jud gasped. Lovers’ Leap! His scalp prickled with fright as at last he remembered! His grip on the parrot re- laxed. Nebuchadnezzar squawked wildly, beating his wings. Jud wasted a vital half second before flinging the bird away and racing after Mab.” — “Stop!” he bellowed. “‘Mab! Mab! Her reckless laughter taunted him and, contrari- wise, she put on speed. He shouted no more, pouring every particle of energy in a supreme effort to catch her before she jumped. But her lead was too great. 100 He was on her heels as she leapt, and he leapt with her, gripping her backward-flung hand in brief farewell. Then they thudded down on the smooth, round stone below, detonating the explosive he had concealed beneath it so many years ago. Five minutes after the ex- plosion had caused his home- ward flight to swerve at a panic tangent, Nebuchadnez- zar perched ‘in his favourite tree and preened his ruffled plumage. Despite his advanced age, _ for the old gentleman was halfway through his seventh century, he had no thought for the past, no concern for the future. Today he had lived—except for the human interruption—satisfactorily. And with the dawn another equally satisfactory today would begin. He blinked drowsily and, before settling down for the night, delivered himself of a brief comment on_ the situation. **Hell’s bells!”’ said Nebu- chadnezzar. “Have some nuts!” comicloooks.conrn