Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 52 — page 84: what you’re looking at

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

CLEANSING FIRES any report you wish, but until then you can cool your heels. Those desk men at H.Q. might be just stupid enough to swallow your nonsense.’ Munson had never really expected Rodell to agree with the suggestion. Faced with the evidence of the old agent’s incompetence H.Q. would not have hesitated to put Munson in charge immediately. “Very well. I consider that your refusal relieves me of all further responsibility towards you,” he said. ““From now on I shall work as a free agent, using my own methods. I have already decided that tonight, after dark, I shall go into the city dressed as a worker. That seems the only way to get to the root of the matter. You will be free to continue your life of idleness in the palace without fear of my interfer- ence. Whatever situation I find myself in I shall not call upon you for assistance.” “O.K., if that’s the way you want it—carry on,” said Rodell. A grin of satisfaction flickered momentarily round the thin mouth. “‘Perhaps you would like to sign a statement relieving me of all respon- sibility for your welfare. Just for the record, you under- stand... The life of a worker is rather precarious.” 83 Munson squared his jaw. “T’ll do that right away, but don’t count on having to use it.” “To make sure you don’t make a hash of it from the outset I'll get hold of some worker’s clothes for you,” said Rodell.. Munson ac- cepted the offer ungraciously. THE DARKENED STREETS OF the city had the rank, op- pressive odour of a sewer. A light drizzle of rain was falling and the cobblestones were greasy underfoot. Munson walked alone, clad in the rough garments Rodell had obtained for him, feeling a little foolish now. Apparently the workers retired to their shacks as soon as darkness fell and left the streets de- serted. The thought of turning back nagged at his mind, and only the anticipation of Rodell’s scorn prevented him doing so. Rounding a corner, Mun- son stumbled on something soft and yielding. In the dull, yellow light that spilled through a window on the other side of the street he saw the bundle of rags move. A cadaverous face looked up at him. “Keep your distance, citi- zen!” The voice was like the cComicloooks.conm