Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 47 — page 125: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION one. Now why,” Mr. Grub- biner spread his hands, “‘d’you - think I didn’t sign that cheque ?”’ *“You—forgot ?” *On purpose!”’ “Eh?” Mr. Trinter peered at the triumphant «grinning face. Not long ago he’d questioned his own sanity. The boot was now on the other foot. “You forgot—inten- tionally?” - “That’s it.” “IT don’t——” “Let me explain.” Mr. Grubbiner settled back in his chair. “Suppose your con- scious mind and your sub- conscious have a difference. Consciously you want to do something. Sub-consciously you don’t. Well, presently, when you find you haven’t done it, you say you forgot it.” *“‘That’s right.” “Rubbish! Your sub-con- scious has been at work. It made you omit to do whatever it was. See?” . “Well——”’ “Take me. Brought up the hard way. Rags. Crusts. Kicks. So now what do I value most? Security! Money piled on money piled on money. 124 What do I hate parting with? Money!” “But business-——’ “Exactly! [ll honour my debts—consciously. Hence the cheque. But the old sub- conscious was working. It tricked me. I forgot to sign.” Mr. Trinter raised a scep- tical eyebrow. ‘*Far-fetched, eh, Trinter ?”’ Mr. Grubbiner chuckled. “Well, consider the ways I’ve dodged paying money— thanks to my sub-conscious. Once I posted the month’s accounts—and never took the cheques out of the cheque book. I’ve posted unsigned cheques. I’ve taken letters to the post and forgotten to put them in. And what d’you think happened to the biggest I ever made out?” **No idea.” “Got it back next morning— addressed to myself.” Mr. Trinter laughed. “‘May- be there is something to be said for your theory.” “You bet. Look——” Mr. Grubbiner hunched over the desk, face eloquent, hands outspread. “I’ve got a won- derful memory. Don’t make notes. Don’t need reminders. ? comicbooks.conn