Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 52 — page 86: what you’re looking at

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

CLEANSING FIRES dition and the shock of the stranger’s unusual attitude rendered the sick Manyhian an easy subject for hypnosis. Munson had him well under in less than thirty seconds. He set to work pouring in the suggestion formula. Unheeding the rain that was soaking through his shoddy garments, Munson concentrated on the task of guiding the untrained mind along the path to pituitary control. The ESRA linguistics experts had trained him well and he broke down several semantic blocks with ease. After a groping start he found himself confidently channelling the unco-ordin- ated defences of the Manyhian. In less than half an hour the patient’s respiration and pulse were brought back to normal as the controlled hormone secretions gained the upper hand of the disease. Munson placed a final, self- perpetuating command into the Manyhian’s unconscious and brought him back to awareness. ‘The pain is fading,” mur- mured the patient, stirring. “‘What has happened ?” Munson reached down and, placing his arms round the emaciated body, lifted him to his feet. 85 “You are going to recover from the yellow sickness. You are still weak with the effort of fighting the disease, but its power to harm you is gone.”’ The Manyhian leaned against the damp wall for support, regarding the Earth- man with an expression of mingled joy and fear. “What are you—a magi- cian?’ His voice was gaining in depth and strength. ““My family placed me on the streets because I was dying, as happens to all men who contract the yellow sickness. But now...” “TJ am no magician,” said Munson. “Just a man who wishes to help you and your people. Where do you live? I will take you back to your family. They will regret the brutal way they have treated you.” “There was no brutality,” protested the Manyhian. “My family love me well, but they were forced to follow the custom. The children of Son- liq the tailor are well-known for their affection. They will rejoice to see my health returned. Come to my house and you shall see, magician.” He took a step forward and staggered. Munson offered the support of his arm and the 99 comiclbooks.corn