Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, No. 51 — page 116: what you’re looking at

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

THE BLACKDOWN MIRACLE however, that su/phacobrine is not a cure. It will stave off the madness and the deadly climax of toxineureglia for months, even years in some cases. Yet it is not a cure because up till now the plague always wins in the end. But it does at least give us a breath- ing space.” Geoffrey sat down and wiped his perspiring face, feeling slightly ashamed of his outburst. Someone asked: ‘‘What are the chances of finding any surviving wild rabbits ?”’ “Not very good, I’m afraid. Sponsored expeditions are being sent out in all countries to find and trap any which may exist, but without much success. The few which have been discovered were either of some divergent species and useless, or they contracted myxomatosis and died before we could get them near a laboratory.” There ensued another longer silence for several moments. Then came the question from which every mind had previ- ously shied away. “‘What are the chances of 115 the ‘madness’ epidemic spread- ing to this country?” The scientist paused, raked his fingers through a stubble of dark hair. “The Government is co- operating closely with us on that matter, and everything possible is being done to prevent such an occurrence. That is all I can say.” GEOFFREY NOSED THE CAR into a gap in the traffic stream and headed towards Fleet Street. Fifteen minutes later he was staring moodily at a typewriter keyboard and won- dering just how much of the epidemic story would be allowed to appear in print. Those boys at the Public Information Department were getting jittery about every- thing concerned with it these days. His telephone buzzed, and the switch-girl’s mono- tone voice informed him that — Mrs. Tollen was calling. When Mary came on the line, she sounded frightened. Her words made something cold begin to wuncoil in his bowels. ““Geoff? Thank God! I’ve comicloooks.com