Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, Issue 45 — page 23: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION body sagged and he caught at the back of Mackenzie’s chair for support. He called: ‘‘Come in, Louise.” She came into the room; hesitated when she saw the two men seated in the chairs. They both rose, Merrick with a wheezing grunt; and Car- penter said: “My secretary, Miss Sherwood.” “I’m sorry, Doctor,”’ Louise said, her eyes searching Car- penter’s face with a frantic plea that he might tell her what had happened to him. “‘T did not realise that your visitors had arrived. There is a gentleman to see you.”’ **Well, I can’t see him right now.” Carpenter made his way back to his desk, keeping his eyes fixed on the filing cabinet. “Who is he?” “‘He wouldn’t give a name. Shall I tell him to wait ?” “No. That is—I shall prob- ably be some time. He can you? And bring your note book. When the door had closed behind Louise, Merrick de- manded suddenly: ‘“‘What’s the idea of having your secretary taking notes, Doc- tor Carpenter ? I don’t like the idea of that.” “TI want her to take a letter to -Charrington.”’ Carpenter spoke wearily, his eyes con- tinually flicking to the filing cabinet which now stood stark and imperturbable against the wall. He must be losing his mind. There could be no other logical explanation. ‘Letter? What for ?’’ Mac- kenzie’s lips were a slit in his face. “I wish to confirm the arrangements for the meeting next month and assure the in- vestigation committee that my wait if he wants to. Oh, and Louise.” **Yes, doctor ?”’ “Come back in here, will 22 work will continue as long as they wish. As long, that is, as the Government will pay for it.”” “So that is your answer?” Merrick said. “Tt is.” “There doesn’t seem much comiclooks.cormn