Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, No. 65 — page 129: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION actually were, but as far as we knew they were definitely extra-terrestrial and probably extra-galactial. And I told them the big secret—that the Creepmeters, for which Grossen Electronic Industries have the sole marketing rights, are rigged before they leave the factories so that they register ten points below the true level of prevalent gamma radiation.” Sam pointed to the girl, who was still in conversation with Harry. “See that kid?’ he said. “She would disagree with me, but I think I did something really worthwhile this morn- ing. And I’m not going to retract a word of what I said. That’s what Grossen wants me to do, isn’t it?” Max checked the time on the bar clock with his watch. He said: “It’s getting late, Sam. You’re too drunk to know what you're saying. Come with me, have a bath and some black coffee. Then you'll feel different. Mr. Gros- sen is holding the markets as tightly as possible meantime, but he said you must broad- cast a denial before ten, when the transatlantic exchanges open. That’s as long as he can keep control.” He put his hand on Sam’s sleeve. ““Ready?’’ he coaxed.- Sam shook the hand off. “Not now or ever,” he snapped. “‘And I’ve never been as sober as I am today.” Max gulped. “Please. It’s getting late.” The whine in Binder’s voice gave Sam the clue. The news- man laughed scornfully. *“‘Hell’s bells, you’re funny, Max, and you don’t know it! I'll bet Grossen’s waiting in his nice, safe, underground quarters and you’re itching to get there, too. You come here pleading with me to deny that death is staring the world in the face. You want me to say that the radiation level isn’t over the danger threshold, that there isn’t going to be a war, and that the space-vultures aren’t circ- ling in readiness to pick our bones. Yet all the time you’re scared stiff of those very facts! Make up your mind, Max. Or are you so mixed up that you’ve forgotten what the truth is?’ 128 comiclooks.conn