Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, No. 67 — page 149: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION we going to New York, mister ?”’ ““Because,”’ said the cop. “But why——?” It went just the same as before. “Some folks there got a few questions to ask you.” *““*Bout our folks getting took missing ?’’ The man in front turned round, and said: “You betcher!”’ “But ain’t there enough cops in Jellingsville to ask us all the questions? Why we got to go to New York? Sunday night they put us in the lock- up in Little Corinth, Monday they kept us there and asked us the same questions again, so why—— ?” “BECAUSE!” rapped the cop. The car drew up at the depot, and the two policemen took their charges in to wait. They were thorough; they never let them out of their sight. Hopes were dashed completely when they finally got seated in a car of the New York train. They were made to occupy the inside window seats, and there was not the slightest likelihood of their escaping unless, thought Billy, sharply, when- they arrived at New York, the crowds might give them the chance... There was a click and a cold feeling round his wrists, and there was another click from over at Sam’s seat. The hand- cuffs were on. Sam’s cop grinned at Billy’s and said: ‘All right then, Joe?” Joe, who was a large meaty convention-going type, grinned back, scowled ferociously at Billy, and said: ‘““Now we can all relax.” ‘““Ain’t done a thing,” growled Billy, conscious of the curious gaze of several passengers. “Told yer—ain’t done a thing.” “We had all that,’ said Joe. ““We had it a dozen times—you and your tales.” ““Why do we have to go to New York?” asked Sam. Joe looked over at his companion .and said: “‘Be- cause we got orders to report any sudden quick disappear- ances of any sort to the nearest big police head- quarters. They got machines to ask you questions there.” “That’s right,” said Joe. “It’s federal; they wanna know—and they'll find out. New York is a little nervous these days.” He pointed across the aisle to where a man was reading a newspaper. Its flar- ing headlines said: “U.S., British, Soviet and Chinese Heads of State meet in N.Y. today. President’s high hopes.” 148 concloooks. con