Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 71 — page 155: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION He turned to Graves. “‘Any woman-trouble dug up about the two men?” ““No. Neither was married, in or out of church, just then. Nothing serious, anyway.” ““Money? Say pirates, hid- den treasure? Stolen jewels from the life-forms, etc. ?” Graves grinned. “I’ve never met a ‘life-form’ yet. No, I don’t think so. They both relied on their spaceman’s credits, not princely, at that time.” George nodded. “‘So what about blackmail? We can leave out lunacy.” “Can you?” asked Graves suddenly. He fidgeted as though he would have waved the question away as we both stared hard at him. “Well, alright. Who was doing the blackmailing ?”’ “It was Dick who died,” I pointed out. ““Let’s have your theory,” said George to Graves, sharp- eyed. “My theory, as you call it,” said Graves slowly, “‘is based on something you two have overlooked, not being space- minded. What was the one 154 essential thing these three men had in common, apart — from the rocket?’ “Their desire to be in it,” = growled George. “‘The fools!” _ ““Exactly.”” Graves nodded, — as pleased as though George was one of his brightest — cadets. “‘All three were space- crazy. Remember that. Then let us assume that Dick knew something about Harry that, if it were known, would have grounded him Earthside for good. What was the only thing which at that time, if — true, could have done that?” There was a pause. I said, incredulously: “‘Insanity ? Are you trying to say you think one of them was mad? Not just space-potty, but maniacal? Homicidal? This Harry? Surely it would have been known?” “On the contrary, that sort of thing is usually kept well hidden,” said Graves drily. “And he may not have been himself involved. It might have been only a strong streak in the family. A change of name—a false background”’ “I see.’? George considered it. ““Was this trip the first time the two men had met?’ { { it commchooks.<om . 4, ' i Uy Ai ANU Ne Ai dn PRS OD SA HY ish nye IRON COCA cae ne Harte CL ti