Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 47 — page 80: what you’re looking at

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

TO SHAKE THE STARS they. If he could learn, and adapt, and still retain the purpose.” “The examinations answer that. And his record.” “Yes. They answer that.” “You could have provided foster-parents——”’ “Perhaps. It is not import- ant. Orfie, you said? Just another buttress to his charac- ter. He has done well, we think. We are satisfied.” Orfie spoke then, for the first time, unasked. ‘““What——?”” He could not say it. What he wanted to know was too hazy to put into words. His lips trembled. “Brown,” the Head said, quietly. “These gentlemen wanted to know if you had character. I knew about Mar- shal. He can never be a space pilot—far too big. He knew, too. He tested you, Brown. He tested for these gentlemen that you had that strength of character that they were not sure you possessed. I didn’t know about you, when the orders came through. If I had, I might have wondered too.” The Head took off his pince-nez and smiled tiredly, happily. “But I never doubted you, Brown, ever.” Orfie stood silent and still, and wondering. “You see, Brown, these gentlemen wanted to know if your desire to go into Space would last unchanged. They instilled that drive, that de- sire in you at the beginning. You are perfectly suited for spatial work. Your body is right. You are far quicker in reaction time than a human. You are ideally suited for a rocket pilot.” The scientists nodded grave agreement. “But, you see, Brown. After they had made you, and made the first practicable android, they wanted to know if you had the human gift of courage.” Orfie knew, now. And he smiled. The answer to that, to his courage, layin the examination paper. He lifted his head and forgot about the pattern on the carpet. 4 To shake the stars! And they were all his! He was the spaceman! first real comicbooks.conn =