What a great story about Marty's discovery of fandom. From what I saw of Marty himself in later years, it looks like he very much took the Smiths' lesson to heart and did indeed "pay it forward" countless times. And what incredible luck to have just bought what would become one of literary SF's landmark works and then meet its author in person accidentally the same day! I can actually hear Marty's voice in my mind recounting this tale at some party or con or club meeting, down to the characteristic drawl. Thank you for sharing this.
(no subject)