Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, Issue 45 — page 86: what you’re looking at

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

DEATH DEFERRED wasting fever. This place is killing her, Jeff. We’ve got to get her away while she’s strong enough to travel.” “Can we?” Jeff pursed his lips and shook his head. “‘There’s still some radiation outside. It may die within the next few weeks. I think it would be best to wait until the rescue parties come.” “I don’t think they ever will come,’ said George, tightly. ““No one would expect anyone to still be alive in this area. If we’re going to get away we'll have to do it on our own.” “But if we wait another few weeks...” “You can wait if you want to,’ snapped the young man. “I can’t sit here and watch my sister die. I’m taking her with me.” “Don’t be a fool, George!”’ Jeff swallowed and controlled his voice. ““‘We have only two sets of radiation clothing. They aren’t very good, just lead impregnated material, but they'll help. Lorna is too weak to carry the weight of one, and we can’t leave her here alone. I still think that rescue parties will come, but . 85 they may take some time.” He hesitated. “If one of us were to contact them and guide them back?’ “Tl go,’ decided George quickly. “Is it safe?” “You can take one of the Geigers. If the radiation is too strong you can return. Here.”’ He reached for the machine he had tampered with. ““You see this scale ?”’ “Ves.” ““You’re safe until the needle hits the red. You can tell by the sound too if the visual warning seems erratic. The frequency of the clicks is the best guide. You’re safe until it changes scale and lifts to a higher register. Got it?” “T understand.” George took the counter and weighed it in his hand. ‘‘Where is the protective clothing?” “In the locker.” Jeff hesi- tated again. “You'd better mark the trail away from here. You may not be able to find your way back again.”’ “I know what to do,” snapped the young man, im- patiently. He wriggled into the heavy protective clothing, holding the hood in his hand and staring worriedly at his comicloooks.corn