Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, No. 56 — page 42: what you’re looking at

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

STRANGE SUICIDE No, it was not possible for the student to become a member immediately. First he would have to be tested. He would be set a certain task that would involve him in danger: he would be asked to commit an anti-State felony Class Three. Probably this would take the form of a theft of some kind. It did involve a theft. It also involved dishonesty, ruthlessness and considerable danger, but the student went through with it and, as a result of his success, was admitted to the Heresy League. For nine years he met no other member of the League save for his school friend, for after the frequent disturbances at undercover meetings, the League decided to abandon them altogether and let each member know as little about the movement, and about other members, as was possible. in order to avoid discovery. But from his school friend the student learned how impor- tant it was that he should continue with his work in neuro-physics. He learned of many other things concerning the League, besides: of the 41 way in which each member of ManUI, IntlectUl and Drec- tor Class sought to progress to rade A level; of the dual purpose of the League itself; of the way in which the State Academies taught a twisted and distorted version of pre- Germwar history in order that only the bad things of the period should be remem- bered by new generations of World State citizens, so that they might always be grateful and dutiful towards the mighty Father-figure of the State that had rescued the world from primitive and impractical forms of government. After ten years of member- ship of the League had elapsed be met two more of its mem- bers. But it was his school friend, the man he still called by his nick-name of “Beef,” who continued to keep him informed of the growth of the Heretic movement and of its constantly re-doubled efforts at keeping itself secret as year succeeded year. His own part in the activi- ties of the League grew in importance, also, as his know- ledge increased and as his position as a scientist im- comiclooks.cormn