Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 72 — page 34: what you’re looking at

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

THE GIVE-AWAY WORLDS an ordinary spaceman, but I know when I’m being pumped. You want to know something. What?” “T want to know why the colonies are failing,” said Mark. “I’ve read the reports, those Jelks has released, but they say nothing. I’d like your on-the-spot opinion.” “Simple. No guts.” “What?” Mark looked blank. ““What do you mean?” “You’re sending out the wrong types.’’ Murbash was obviously trying to be patient. ‘During the trip out I get to know them pretty well, and I know that they won’t-be able to make a go of it. We even run a pool on how long they’Il last. I’ve never lost yet.” ~ “I can’t believe it!’ Mark stared at the captain as if he doubted his hearing. ‘““Those colonists are chosen on the basis of factors determined by experts. High intelligence, some acquired skills, physical and mental health, willingness to go.” He checked the points on his fingers. ““According to the experts they should be able to settle down like bugs in a rug.” 33 “Then the experts are wrong.’ Murbash helped him- self to more Scotch. “I know. I’ve seen them, these precious colonists of yours. I’ve lifted them from their own mess and had them crying on my shoulder.”” He pursed his lips. “‘Deneb Five, now, they almost went crazy with joy when we landed. They almost went crazy when I dropped them on Mirab Eight. It would have been pitiful if it hadn’t been so_ sickening.” “The wrong types,” said Mark slowly. It confirmed something he had long sus- pected. He remembered all the promises he’d had to make, the lies he had told, his own convictions that people who demanded much would not be content with little. *“That’s. right,” said Mur- bash. “‘No guts.” ‘““You’ve known this for a long time,” accused Mark. *“You must have done. Why didn’t you tell someone be- fore ?”’ *“No one asked me,” said Murbash blandly, but Mark knew it wasn’t just that. comicloooks.corn