Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 72 — page 144: what you’re looking at

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

REPLY DEFERRED out for itself, it is just where it would go.” He glanced around at the group of fire- men arguing with the patrol- man and, grasping Schultz’s arm, propelled him out of the yard and into the trees. Their exit went unnoticed. “‘Fine,”’ said Sommers, “‘now let’s go see.” “See what?” exclaimed Schultz hanging back, the patrolman’s words echoing faintly in his head. “You don’t mean you are going after that thing? Why, Ed, you're crazy. It’s danger- ous.” Sommers regarded his com- panion steadily for a moment. ‘“‘Can’t speak for you, Chester, but [ll not sleep good in my bed tonight until I know where that thing is. I just want to see it and I won’t even heave a rock at it. You coming?” “It’s a job for the police, Ed. What the heck do we pay taxes for? They'll find it— can’t have got far—and they’ll fix it. Blow it up or take it away. What do we know of these things ?”’ “About as little as the others,» Sommers assured him and, with a deprecating shrug, turned and started off through the trees toward the beach. Apprehensively, Schultz followed some paces behind. He, admired his friend’s courage, but the pros- pect appalled him. They had gone about fifty paces when Sommers sud- denly stopped and signalled for silence. Somewhere, just be- yond the screen of scrub and out of sight below the low bank, had come a sound. They listened intently. It came again —a low crooning sound end- ing in a childish gurgle of delight. Sommers went forward and peered through the branches. “It’s only the Embert child,”’ he said, smiling as Schultz joined him. “‘Nice little kid— intelligent and independent. She’s coming along the beach carrying something in her hand.” She was plainly en- tranced with it and paid no attention to their calls until Sommers dropped down on the sand near her. Then she only glanced up with a-smile and resumed her enraptured gaze 143 comiclooks.cormn