straws from the corner drugstore. For Duchess it was
easy. She just lapped.

About the time we finished the battle of breakfast, Jim came back with
word from Professor Jordan.

"Dad, I don't think the professor believed me, but he's on his way
here."

"Well, thank the Lord," I exclaimed. "Did he think you were completely
out of your head?"

"Not exactly, but he did think I might be exaggerating just a little,
I think."

"When will he get here?" Mary asked.

"He said he'd catch a plane out of there as soon as he could, and it's
only a two and a half hour flight, mother."

"Then he'll be here this afternoon?" I asked.

"He seemed to think he would."

"Oh, goodness, I hope so," Mary said. "We've got a date with the
Ripleys to go to a movie tonight."

I snorted. "Movies at a time like this! Why it might take days for us
to get discharged."

Days? Holy Smoke! I wondered how long it _would_ take? Already, I was
getting tired of lying down. Hey, wait a minute! What about the
springs, mattress and covers stuck up here with me? There indeed was a
thought.

* * * * *

Pushing Duchess aside and getting licked in the face once again for my
trouble, I reached over and got hold of the mattress. In doing so I
had to roll over partially. I really got the sensation then of being
on a pine board floor. So much so in fact, that I rolled clear over
onto my hands and knees. It wasn't so bad after all! Just like being
on a regular floor, reaching for a mattress and covers. Really had to
keep my eyes away from that window though!

I finally got the bed straightened out and got comfortable. Duchess,
no doubt figuring this was a rather special occasion, proceeded to
ease herself in bed with me. At that point I didn't care too much so I
let her stay. It was a funny thing but she didn't seem to have much
trouble standing up at all. In fact, she seemed perfectly happy with
the whole arrangement, but every-time I glanced at that dormer window
and pictured vast reaches of blue nothing, my stomach turned over a
little.

Guess I must have dozed off, because the next thing I remember was
Johnny standing on the ladder, poking me with a tennis racquet.

"Wake up Dad," he was saying. "Mother wants to know if you and Duchess
want any lunch."

"I don't know about Duchess," I yawned, "But I could certainly do with
a bit to eat. Like to shave and brush my teeth too. Think you could
figure out something?