Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 72 — page 50: what you’re looking at

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

- critters,” he said wistfully. ‘“‘T sure would.” He hesitated. “*Maybe ?”’ “Why not?’ The girl led him towards a busy counter. Frank sighed and glanced around the reception room. A snarling, lizard-like creature crouched in stuffed immobility beside a bowl of incredibly beautiful flowers. Every mural and tableau held its audience, and those who couldn’t get a good view were staring at the printed folders lying scat- tered on small tables through- out the room. The place certainly looked different to what he remem- bered. An attractive blonde ac- cepted the card the stranger had given him, and after glancing at it smiled at Frank as if she had known him all her life. “Pleased that you came, Mr. Durward,” said Susan. She handed back the card. “If you will step through that door Mr. Whayland will at- tend to you. Just give him the card.” Miles Whayland looked up 49 THE GIVE-AWAY WORLDS from his desk, stared, ex- tended his hand. “I know you,” he said, and searched his memory. “You’re the man who was stun-gunned in the saloon a few weeks ago. Remember ? We were drinking together.” **T remember.”’ Frank sat on the proffered chair, accepted a cigarette and stared around the office. “You talked of death and doom.” He chuckled. “Still think that civilization is finished ?”’ “Not now.” Miles held out his hand. ‘““You’ve something to give me?”’ Frank handed over the card. Miles examined it, stamped it, dropped it into a slot. “Touts get half a credit for every one they send in,” he ~ explained. ““We’ve got them waiting outside the jails, in the relief offices and anywhere they might be useful.” **He said something about a meal and a couple of credits,” reminded Frank. ‘“‘Was he right ?” “We can give you more than that,’’ promised Miles. “A job, a new life on a new world, take your pick.” comiclooks.corn