Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 44 — page 135: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION “They ask nothing from the State nor of anybody else. _They work at their ‘trades’— there are plenty of others in the world who work at worse trades—those who helped per- fect Tab, for instance.” “Stand ready to prove your identity,’ said a voice suddenly. A tall, burly, uniformed man appeared, bearing a pistol. He motioned them to stand up. “Toss ’em down on the ground and step back— slowly.” They hesitated, then began fumbling for their cards. “Say... the old witch was right. You two ain’t tramps. You, there,” he said, motion- ing toward Lilian See “You’re just a kid . by Christ! Take off wei hat!” Reluctantly the girl did so, her hair falling on her shoulders. The effect upon the guard was startling. He wore an open-mouthed ex- pression for a moment, then his face turned into something incredibly ugly. “Say ... Im going to have 13 + some fun taking you in,” he said. George Three stiffened. In- stantly the gun was upon “That suits me fine, bum,” said the man. “I’m goin’ to say you gave me trouble anyway.” “Don’t,” said Lilian Four suddenly. Then, softening -her voice strangely, she began to walk very slowly toward the officer. ““You don’t have to do that. He’s wanted. You can take him in and geta reward . . . and you don’t have to worry about him... with me!” Lilian!’ started George Three. “Shut up, you punk,” the girl spat at him. Then, turn- ing to the guard once more, she said: “I’ve been keeping him for somebody like you.” “Lilian!” The guard recovered him- self. ‘‘Naw, kid,” he said. “IT can get just as much for him dead, whatever he’s wanted for. I’m going to finish him off. Then he won't... interrupt anything.” George Three shut his eyes just before the gun erupted. conmicloooks.Ccomn)