Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 72 — page 29: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION ‘Dead and forgotten,”’ said Frank. “Dust to dust and all that. Have another drink.” “You don’t take me seriously,” said Miles. “‘No one takes me seriously. I don’t suppose anyone will even read my book when it’s finished.” He looked as if he were about to cry in his Scotch. “All right,” said Frank patiently. ““‘Why did they die?” “Rot,” said Miles. ‘“In- ternal decay.” He gestured around the make-believe saloon, the crowd of men and women all drinking, smoking, trying to convince themselves that they were having a good time. “‘Just like us. Too much time and not enough to do. The people lost their drive and began to amuse them- selves with toys. Circuses in Rome and tri-dis now. When they got too weak the bar- barians moved in and took over. They smashed the old civilization and built a new one.”” He paused, staring at his drink. “The trouble with us,” he said suddenly, “‘is that we've got no enemies. There aren’t any barbarians to move in when we've fallen low enough. So we'll keep going down, down, down.” His big hand slammed against the table. ‘‘Finish!”’ “Tough.” Frank finished his drink, reached for. the bottle, then stiffened as two men came towards his table. They pressed impatiently through the crowd, their faces hard, their eyes matching their faces. They halted beside the table and stared down at Frank. “All right,” said one. ““You’ve had your fun. Now get up and come with us.” ‘““‘What’s this all about?” Miles stared at the uniformed police, then at Frank. ‘“‘What’s he done?’’ “Broke his manager’s jaw and then evaded arrest. My guess is that he’ll get thirty days doubled.’ His hand fell to his belt as Frank surged to his feet. ‘““Take it easy.” Frank ignored him. The drinks he had taken had dulled his reflexes and de- pressed his censor. A lifetime of conditioning to obey the law and do as he was told went overboard as he thought of the injustice of it all. Sixty days for nothing! comiclooks.cormn