Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, No. 65 — page 68: what you’re looking at

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

LEAVE whisky. It slowed his re- actions. He knew it was no use offering to surrender his wallet—these youths were not after that. Their violence was conditioned by envy. A space- man was highly paid, and that attracted the girls—and caused jealousy. They were beating him up to vent their feelings. The headlights of a police car swept across the road and dazzled him. Immediately, the three youths vanished. The car stopped. “You all right, sir?” en- quired a policeman, saluting. “Sure. Forget it.” “Can we drive you any- where ?”’ Ward felt the policeman’s hand steady him. ‘“‘That’s an idea,” he said. There wouldn’t be any com- mercials in a police car. He gave Eve Burke’s address and slid into the back seat. It was a short drive and, as he left the car, the policeman said: ‘Enjoy your leave, captain!”’ Ward took a firmer grip of the holdall and walked up the path to the Burke residence. He thumbed a push-button 67 and chimes sounded inside. He waited; then worked the chimes again. Footsteps came slowly and the door opened. She had been crying, Ward saw. He removed his cap, and said: “I’m Captain Ward. Your brother——” She stared at him without really seeing him. “I know. I received notifica- tion an hour ago.” He held out the holdall. “IT brought his personal belongings. There’s nothing much, but I thought you’d like to have them.” “That was kind of you,” she said. She took the holdall eagerly, her eyes avid. ““Please come in, captain.” The room she took him to was large and brightly decor- ated; there was no tele screen, he noticed, and his estimation of her rose. For the first time, she saw the blood on his face and the tear in his jacket. Ward hoped she hadn’t smelt his breath, too. “You’re hurt,” she said briskly. Her manner changed immediately. “I'll bring hot water.” comicloooks.com