Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, No. 51 — page 99: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION “T hope they weren’t angry.” ““Angry? No. They agreed that I must not do that. They ran to arrange things more quickly. I ran too. But they said it would be better if I walked. It was less strain on the foundations.” He boomed infectious laughter. But Jean’s amusement did not last. His pace slowed with his thoughts, and Andros, glancing sideways, was silent in sympathy, and even trod softly as they went through the woods. They came out on to the turf. The ship stood a mile away, familiar, a reminder which might not be put aside. Jean, regarding it emptily, was aware that the towering hull aroused different emotions in his companion. The big man’s face was eager, intent. It was only too obvious what was passing through his mind. “Where would you go, Andros?” “Out. As you did.”’ *““But you would come back, wouldn’t you?” “Always. Certainly.”’ He looked down. ‘‘Will you not go back? You are leaving us, are you not?” 98 “IT must. I—do not wish to leave. But I must.” “The pioneer.” Andros nodded. “The explorer.’ There was understanding in his face, and also sorrow. *“No! No! No!’ The big man’s arm was seized, and shaken. “You don’t under- stand. You don’t realise.” “IT have been at fault.” Andros was contrite. “I have upset you, little Jean. I am SCIry.”’ “No,” Jean denied. ‘““You’re not at fault. I am. I have not been open with you. Icouldn’t. But, now that I am going, I'll tell you. Personally. Ill show you when we go aboard.” “Wait.’’ The big man held up his hand. “You do not have to tell me anything.” “I do, Andros.” The small figure was erect, full of dig- nity. “It’s right that you should know.” “Very well, then. Tell me. Then we shall find a way to make you happy once again.” “I only wish you could.” Now that the decision was made, and made known, only this last thing remained. The sooner that was done the better. Jean flung forward over comiclooks.cormn ~*~