"Sure," Toffee said. "It's a thought product--like me. Now if it only works right...." Picking up the instrument, she looked at it carefully and nodded with satisfaction. "It should be simple to operate." "But what's it for?" "I'll show you," Toffee said. She pointed to a nearby tree. "See that?" Marc nodded. "Keep looking at it." * * * * * Turning to the tree, she held the cylinder toward it, so that one of the funnels was aimed squarely in its direction. "Now watch," she said, and pressed the switch. Marc, staring at the tree in rapt attention, started with surprise. Suddenly the tree was gone with no sign that it had ever been there. "What...!" "The next part is more important," Toffee said. "Next part?" Marc said dazedly. "But where is it? Where...?" "See there?" Toffee said, and this time she pointed to the center of the clearing. "Watch." Holding the cylinder so that the opposite end was pointed to the clearing, she pressed the switch in the other direction. Instantly the tree shot into being exactly at the spot she had indicated. Marc stared. It was the same tree--the one that had disappeared--and yet it was subtly different. It seemed greener now, more alive. "What happened?" he asked. "What did you do to it?" "Molecules," Toffee said, smiling. "I broke it down into molecules, then projected it again. The machine absorbed the tree in molecules, compressed them, reconstructed the faulty or destroyed ones, eliminated all harmful matter and retained the count to reestablish it in perfect balance and health. It worked fine." "My gosh!" Marc said. Drawing close to him, Toffee twined her arms around his neck with knowing deliberation and drew his surprised face down close to hers. "I'm going to save your stodgy life with molecules, you skinny old, care-worn wraith," she breathed. "Then you'll be in my pay for the rest of your days. Just keep it in mind later when things begin to happen." "Huh?" Marc said. "What things?" "You'll see," Toffee said. "Wow!" Marc drew himself up stiffly. "Now, look here," he said sternly, "you can just get this wow business right out of your head...." "And if that doesn't work," Toffee said, "I've been studying hypnotism. I can transfix a snake at fifty yards." She brushed her cheek lightly against his. "Just think of that, you scaly old reptile." "Just a second," Marc said. "If you think for one sec--" But the sentiment was lost as Toffee renewed her hold on his neck and kissed him warmly and at considerable length on the mouth. "That," she whispered, "is just a token payment in advance. Just wait till the mortgage comes due!" [Illustration: TOFFEE] "Why, you little hussy...!" Marc wheezed. "You haven't the moral sense of a brickbat!"