Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, No. 65 — page 131: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION In its fall, the beam had burst through the recently installed lead ceiling and plaster was still dribbling through the rupture. Sheets of lead hung from the walls also. Without the lead’s sup- port, the building would have collapsed round their ears, Sam thought. He was surprised to hear that the clock was still ticking, more surprised that the time was only three minutes after the half hour. He managed to stand up on his second try and picked his way unsteadily through tumbled stools and broken tables to the girl. She was breathing. Sam took her gently from the ae cleared a space on the foot and laid her down. On the counter he found a jug of water, miraculously pre- served. He dipped a handker- chief in the water and bathed the girl’s face. In a moment she opened her eyes. “You were right,” were her first words, and the way she said it told Sam it was no compliment. “How do you feel?’’ he asked. or with his . She put out a hand. “Dead. — Help me get up.” Sam took her hand, put an arm round her waist and hoisted her to her feet. For a second she stood erect. Then she folded and leaned all her weight on him. And she was sick. “Your handkerchief,’ she mumbled from his chest. He fumbled for the sodden square and pressed it into her hand. She grabbed the handkerchief, pushed Sam away and went to the bar counter, keeping her face hidden. “Stop watching me,” she said after a minute, and Sam’s fear that she had been concussed faded. He went back to Binder and the chauf- feur and left her to clean her- self. She was like a cat licking its wounds, he thought, only she used paint. He prodded Max with his toe. The big man groaned and rolled over in the debris. Sam gave him a quick examination, but found no bones broken. “Get up, Max,” he said brusquely. ‘“‘You’re not dead yet.” 130 conmicloooks.comn