Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 52 — page 87: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION two walked slowly along the dismal street. Munson stood to one side as Sonliq rapped feebly on the door of a darkened hovel. A moment later a_ sickly yellow light flickered inside and the door opened. A thin, fair haired Manyhian girl stood, wide eyed and trembling. “Father Sonliq!’’ she said. A scream bubbled in her throat. Munson leapt forward and, placing his hand over her mouth, pushed her back into the house. “Inside!” he hissed to the man. “I shall not harm you. Please be quiet,” he said to the girl, as the door closed behind them. He removed his hand from her mouth. She drew away from him, still trembling. Three other children, younger than the girl, cowered on a straw bed in the corner of the room. “Don’t be afraid, my chil- dren,”’ said Sonliq. “I am no ghost. The magician here has cured my sickness and we can be together again.” The girl hesitated for a moment, then ran forward and flung herself into her father’s arms. The other chil- dren followed her example, sobbing in hysterical joy. Munson watched, silently 86 marvelling at the barbaric customs that could override such obvious affection. At length the girl turned and approached him, solemnly. “We thank you, magician, for the return of our father who was dead. How may we repay you?” Munson smiled at the large- eyed little alien. “Shelter for the night will suffice,” he said. “Care for your father—he is still weak and needs food and sleep.” “Our house is yours,” said the girl. ““What is your name, magician ?”’ *‘Not magician,’’ said Mun- son, softly. ““Callme brother... brother of man.” News of .the miraculous cure of Sonliq the tailor passed quickly through the community of superstitious workers. The following after- noon a crowd of afflicted Manyhians waited outside the house looking for the healer. *‘What do they want?” said the girl, fearfully, peeping out of the window. “Do not be afraid,’ said Munson, surveying the silent gathering of crippled and diseased workers with satis- faction. He opened the door and walked out into the street. “Welcome, brothers. Are you looking for me?”’ comiclooks.cormn