"Nuts," George said. "You just thought you could get away with it, that's all. Now that you know you can't, you're trying to say you're sorry. Nuts." Then he looked at Arl fondly. Arl was to thank for all this. If it hadn't been for Arl, he would still be henpecked. Myra didn't look like the type that would henpeck her husband, but George smiled ruefully at this thought. She was the type, and she did it every chance she got. Only she wouldn't do it anymore. Arl had been _that_ catalyst. "Arl," George said, "I could love you like a brother." "What about my wife?" Arl still wanted to know. "Where's my wife?" "I told you, she went back. For some clothing, I think." "Then she was sitting in your lap with no clothing on!" Myra said indignantly. "Yes, she was." "What was she doing in your lap with no clothing on?" "You asked me that once." "Please, George. What!" "She was sitting," George said. He winked at Arl, but Arl only shuddered. Now _there_ is one henpecked king, George thought. Then he stood up expectantly. A frog had plunked down on his head. * * * * * The look of expectancy on George's face faded. He waited, but there was nothing of Narka. No more frogs fell. "That was tentative," Arl said. "What do you mean, tentative?" "I mean a tentative breakthrough into this dimension. Someone changed his mind. But I shouldn't say someone and I shouldn't say his. It was Narka." He was trembling. "Get a hold on yourself, Arl. This is not the end of the world." "You don't know Narka." "You've just got to know how to handle women, that's all. Let them think they have the upper hand, and you're through. Just show them who's boss, that's all." Myra seemed on the verge of snorting. But instead she smiled brightly at Arl. "George is certainly right." "Of course I'm right. Buck up, Arl." "Well, it's easy to say. But I can't." George snorted himself and went for the bourbon bottle. He had never taken a drink before mid-afternoon in his life, but now he figured a lot of changes had to be made. Necessary changes. "I have a terrific idea," Arl said. George didn't think it would be terrific, but he said: "What's that?" "Well, you have to put the call through, you know. So, why don't you just--don't?" "Eh? Say that again." "Don't put the call through. Don't put it through and Narka won't be able to come." Myra nodded her head vigorously. "That sounds like a fine idea," she said. George said, "It stinks. It so happens I want to see Narka again." "After you see her, you'll be sorry. I'm not saying you can't handle women, George. Don't misunderstand me. Myra is a spitfire a lot like the Queen, but you certainly can handle Myra. I don't mean that." George was pleased. "Of course. What do you mean?" "Well, Narka is--" * * * * *