Astounding Stories of Super-Science, November, 1930 Part 44

Mado's owlish look broadened to a knowing grin as he backed into the pa.s.sageway. Detis collided with the huge Martian in his eagerness to be out of the room. They were alone and Carr was on his feet. Nothing mattered now--excepting Ora. Suddenly she was in his arms, the fragrance of her hair in his nostrils.

Star gazing, the two of them. It was ridiculous! But the wonders of the universe held a new beauty now for Carr. The distant suns had taken on added brilliance. Still they beckoned.

"Carr," the girl whispered, after a time, "where are we going?"

"To Europa. Your home."

"To--to stay?"

"No." Carr was suddenly confident; determined. "We'll stop there to break the news. Then we'll be wedded, you and I, according to the custom of your people. Our honeymoon--years of it--will be spent in the _Nomad_, roving the universe. Mado'll agree, I know. Wanderers of the heavens we'll be, Ora. But we'll have each other; and when we've--you've--had enough of it, I'll be ready to settle down.

Anywhere you say. Are you game?"

"Oh, Carr! How did you guess? It's just as we'd planned. Father and Mado and I. Didn't think I'd go, did you, you stupid old dear?"

"Why--why Ora." Carr was stammering now. He'd thought he was being masterful--making the plans himself. But she'd beat him to it, the adorable little minx! "I was a bit afraid," he admitted; "and I still can't believe that it's actually true. You're sure you want to?"

"Positive. Why Carr, I've always been a vagabond at heart. And now that I've found you we'll just be vagabonds together. Father and Mado will leave us very much to each other. Their scientific leanings, you know. And--oh--it'll just be wonderful!"

"It's you that'll make it wonderful, sweetheart."

Carr drew her close. The stars shone still more brightly and beckoned anew. Vagabonds, all of them! Like the gypsies of old, but with vastly more territory to roam. The humdrum routine of his old life seemed very far behind. He wondered what Courtney Davis would say if he could see him now. Wordless happiness had come to him, and he let his thoughts wander out into the limitless expanse of the heavens. Star gazing still--just he and Ora.

Reader's Corner

[Ill.u.s.tration: ]

_From a Science Fiction "Fiend"_

Dear Editor:

I agree with you about the reprinting of old stories, because you would only force older Science Fiction readers to read the same stuff that they have read before. Any Science Fiction fiend like myself will surely have the reprinted story in his collection of magazines.

The size of your magazine is perfect, but your paper is not very good. As for me, I don't care about your paper because your stories are so very good that the paper doesn't matter.

My favorite story, and one of the best stories that I have ever read so far, is "Murder Madness." It has a very original idea and holds your interest from the very start.

I am also for a more often publication of your magazine; about twice a month--Rupert Jones, New York, N. Y.

_Valuable Suggestions_

Dear Editor:

The July issue of Astounding Stories is one of the best issues you have so far published.

Arthur J. Burks sure is a master at writing Science Fiction tales. The first installment of "Earth, the Marauder" was swell. Harl Vincent is another very good author. His novelette, "The Terror of Air-Level Six," was a close second. "The Forgotten Planet," by S. P. Wright, "Beyond the Heaviside Layer," by S. P. Meek and "From an Amber Block,"

by Tom Curry were all good stories.

The cover ill.u.s.tration was the best yet. I hope that the next dozen covers do not have blue backgrounds. Other colors you might have are green, red, pink, orange, yellow, black and light and dark purple.

When will Edmond Hamilton's first story be published in Astounding Stories? Have you received any stories by Stanton Coblentz, A. Hyatt Verrill, Ed Earl Repp, John W. Campbell, Jr., Edward E. Chappelow and Edgar Rice Burroughs yet?

Why not have a page devoted to the authors? You could print a picture and tell something about one author each month. I think that an ill.u.s.tration representing Science Fiction would look good on the contents page.

I hope that Wesso will soon be ill.u.s.trating every story in Astounding Stories, or that you will obtain another artist equally as good (if possible).

Is it possible for you to use a better and thinner grade of paper? I save all my Astounding Stories and I like them to be thin so they will not take up so much room.--Jack Darrow, 4225 N. Spaulding Ave., Chicago, Illinois.

_Not Yet_

Dear Editor:

I have just received your July issue of Astounding Stories, and I must say that it is the best yet.

The only thing wrong with it, in my opinion, is that it is too small; the size should be at least 9x12. Also it should be a semi-monthly, or at least accompanied by a quarterly and annual.

The stories in the July issue are wonderful, all except Murray Leinster's serial, which does not belong in your magazine.

If you have any intention of putting an annual or a quarterly on the market, will you be so kind as to communicate with me as I am very much interested in your magazine.--Louis Wentzler, 1933 Woodbine St., Brooklyn, N.

Y.

_"Ever Since"_

Dear Editor:

I want to tell you what I think of your new magazine. I think it's great.

I stopped in a drug store and saw Astounding Stories on the newsstand. I bought it and have been buying it ever since. I am fourteen years old, but I am interested in science. Why not get a story by Edgar Rice Burroughs, and some more by Ray c.u.mmings?

I wish success to your wonderful magazine.--Wm. McCalvy, 1244 Beech St., St. Paul, Minn.

_"Not One Poor Story Yet"_

Dear Editor:

I agree with you that reprints should absolutely be kept out of your magazine. I admit that there are many stories of unusual merit among the reprints but I favor new and fresher stories.

In your last issue (June) I consider "The Moon Master" as being the best story, closely followed by "Out of the Dreadful Depths." "The Cavern World" came next, followed by "Giants of the Ray," "Brigands of the Moon" and "Murder Madness."

I have not found one poor story in your magazine yet, and never expect to.