Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, No. 56 — page 123: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION “But these movements were steady and easily seen,” George argued. “‘Are we sure we have not included too much of these insect catching genes? The final product will be no good if it’s continually waving about or swinging branches when its co-operator is with it.”’ He stopped speaking be- cause his next words almost carried a sense of insanity with them. “Then there appears to be an intelligence at work among these specimens. I’m looking after this last batch myself. because they are important. Have you ever had the feeling that someone is looking at you when there is nobody about?” “Everybody has had that sensation,” John replied. “Look here, George, are you trying to tell me that these plants are looking at you? Why don’t you take it easy for a spell? Let Rayson carry on while you get away for a few days. After all, you 122 have been at it for a long time now...” “No. Don’t be ridiculous. I have had this sensation and I keep looking round. Over my shoulder sort of thing. Of course there is no one there. It has been happening for the last few days. Then I wondered about the plants, and when J was down there with them today I felt the sensation coming on again. I just decided it was the plants looking at me.” “It went away, then?’ John asked. ‘“‘That’s the eerie thing about it. The feeling disappeared immediately and that scared me more than anything else. In fact I was downright frightened, and I ran out of the lab and made some excuse to Rayson that I wanted to go for a walk.” “Take a hold of yourself, George. We know the theory behind every step in this process. The next batch are the attracting plants. If you like, you carry on with them. comiclooks.conn