Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, No. 51 — page 98: what you’re looking at

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

JEAN—GENE—JEANNE please. And my name is Leslie, Jean Leslie.” The big man dropped one arm across his shoulders. “I will make a beginning, little Jean. My own name is Andros. Now we are friends, and I will tell you all the pleasant things so that you will be tempted to stay.” Temptation grew all that day, all the next, all the follow- ing week. It was not only the friendliness which they showed him, the peaceful atmosphere, the almost familiarity of land- scape, and architecture, and customs. Even on the first day, to- wards evening, at a meeting called by the authorities, he was given his opportunity. If he wished to leave, and he could take his own time about his decision, his stores would be replenished, and his fuel. Freely, for friendship’s sake. “But we hope that you will remain,” the dignitary finished his address. ‘“‘Not only because you prove what we have always believed—that we are not, necessarily, the only dwel- lers of this form in the universe—but because we 97 think that you could be con- tent here.” He had flushed at this kind- ness, almost childishly naive; had replied, not committing himself, except for making very plain that he appreciated their approach. Now, a week later, he waited for the big man, Andros. They would walk, the two friends, to the ship, and there he would make his decision. Hewouldtell Andros whether he would stay, or whether he would take his chance in space. He smiled grimly. Chance— there was no chance in it. If he went, if he gave this up, he would be committing suicide. He did not want to die. But that might be better than to go on like this. He would probably go, he thought unhappily. Andros emerged from the sunny building, built like all their architecture against a background of decorative tree forms. He came over with long strides. “‘I told them that they must be quick,” he said cheerfully. “I told them I must not keep you waiting.” comiclooks.comn