Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 50 — page 82: what you’re looking at

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

HIDDEN TREASURE OF KALIN “Most wounds, unless con- taminated with dirt, are rela- tively clean to begin with so all that is necessary is to wash the area with soap and water and apply a sterile dressing ..’ The old man let his voice fade into silence as he stared at the King. “You wish another ?” “No.” Kalin stared down at the gaping boards of the floor. “You spoke of wounds ?” Ves,” “What isa...” he frowned, “sterile dressing ?”’. -“Tt should be placed on wounds.” “But what is it?” “A cover I think,” said the old man slowly. “Women wear dresses, so a dressing could be part of what they wear. But ‘sterile’.” He shook his head. “You do not know?” “No, but if we had more Books .. .” “Yes,” said Kalin thought- fully. “That is interesting about wounds. The warriors would find such knowledge of 81 ereat use, and if we could re- store their sight and stop the festering rot?” He nodded. “There are other Books you say?” “To the north there lies a great treasure,” said the old man eagerly. “A Trader brought the news, he said...” “TJ remember the Trader,” said Kalin curtly. He stared at the Reader. “Listen,” he said, “and mark my words. For too long have you and yours taken without giving, and it is in my mind to have done with the Books and their useless words. But you spoke of wounds and of healing, and such things are good.” He turned and spoke again from where he stood by the sagging . door. “The expedition will start at dawn. If we find more Books and you can solve their secrets I shall be patient. If not then the treasure will be locked away and you will work in the fields. Kalin can do without a Reader and a Pupil.” He raised his arm as the old man started to protest. comicloooks.conn