Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 71 — page 39: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION old-fashioned spectacles which he took off and cleaned when in deep thought. He was a school teacher returning from his vacation on the Home Planet, and Malchin, himself a go-ahead business man, had little patience with him. “I don’t know,” he snapped irritably. “The signal light is on, so I guess the beacon is working as it should, but how long it will be before'a ship comes for us is something else.” “We've been here for five weeks now,” said Carter. “That’s seven weeks since the accident.” “J know it.” Malchin shrugged and stared through the single window. “Space is big, Carter, and maybe a _ ship hasn’t yet picked up our signal. Don’t worry about it, theyll get here as soon as they can.” “T hope so,” said Carter. He took off his spectacles and wiped them with his handkerchief. ““We’re getting low on water, Malchin; an- other two days and the tank will be empty.”’ “We can get more,” said 38 Malchin. “I spotted a stream about two miles away as we came down. We won’t die of thirst.” “That means going out of sight of the ship, doesn’t it?” Carter seemed even more worried than before. “Is it safe to do that?” | “Why not? The air is breathable and the climate mild. We've already taken short walks over the plain and nothing’s happened to us. We’ve seen no animal life of any description, and as far as we know there are no natives here.” Malchin turned from the window and stared distastefully at the cramped quarters of the single com- partment. ‘Personally, I’m getting sick of sticking inside this wreck.” “We have to stay here,” said Carter quickly. “For when the rescue party arrive.” “We could leave a note,” suggested Malchin. He shrugged at the other’s ex- pression. “All right then, P’ll tell you what Vil do. [ll take a container and fetch some water while you wait here. Right?” “I suppose so,” said Carter COMIC DOOKS.COnt— —