Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 50 — page 77: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION kept at the common charge to learn the ancient lore. What can you tell us of the old wisdom to aid us now?” “What do you wish to know?” “The son of Smuth is dying and the crops of Jon fail. How can we best these ills?” “I have read the Books for many years,” said the old man slowly. “And before me there was a Reader, and before him, and before him, back to ' the time when the earth still shone blue in the darkness and strange ruins littered the horizon. But in all those years nothing has_ been learned that gives us cause to believe that the Great Enemy can be defeated. Not even by those who dwelt in the Golden Age, for they died even as we die. I can do nothing for the son _ of Smuth.” A groan broke from the assembled villagers, a release of pent-up breath, and several men murmured as they stared at the gaunt face of the old man. | 76 “Peace!” Kalin lifted his arm. “Death comes to all, and we know from our legends that men have always died.” He stared at the Reader. “And about the crops?” “There perhaps I can help,” admitted the old man reluctantly. “There are words ...” “There are too many | words,” snapped Kalin. “Now we need deeds, not words. Talk !” ._ “Failure of crops may be due to a deficiency in the soil,’ said the old man mechanically, and sweat shone on his sallow features. “A cure may be affected by the use of humus and nitro- gen compounds, chemical fertilizers and, in some cases, the importation of beneficial bacteria.” There was silence. A silence of straining eyes and watchful expectancy. It seemed to last for ever and, when it was obvious that the old man had no more to say, Kalin broke the silence. comiclooks.corn