* * * * * "Instantly," the Supreme Head nodded. "It was a principle he had been using assiduously for years, in fact the very one through which he achieved his success. The whole plot was as clear as a May morn the moment he heard it. That's when the trouble started. He contacted Congressman Entwerp." "Oh, dear!" "Indeed. Entwerp responded by holding Pillsworth up to ridicule." "But Pillsworth had logic on his side." The Supreme Head smiled tolerantly. "That's the Earth for you every time," he said. "Show a human a bit of logic and he gets truculent on the spot. Pillsworth was denounced as a witch hunter and instructed under penalty of law to cooperate to the fullest." "Shocking," the Third Head said. "I begin to feel sorry for this Pillsworth." "Pillsworth was similarly shocked. But he didn't feel sorry for himself. Despite his inclination for the quiet conservative life, he fought back." "Good," the Fourth Head put in. "I'm glad; it gives the story zip." "My thought in telling you this," the Supreme Head said caustically, "is merely to inform, not entertain." "Sorry, sir." The Head nodded acknowledgment. "But to get on, Pillsworth presented his case to a news broadcaster and asked to be allowed to recite his story to the nation in the interests of national security. He was shot. By whom we do not know; the fellow got away. But the fact we must hold in mind is that he definitely was shot." "Then it really is serious," the Third Head said. "We may have to interview this deadly George after all." "It's unavoidable," the Supreme Head sighed. "There's no way around it." "But we're not positive Pillsworth is dead yet. Couldn't we wait and be sure?" "His vibrations have been broken," the Supreme Head said. "Actually we have no cause to hesitate." He sighed. "I suppose we might as well get it over with." The others nodded in reluctant agreement. There was an oppressive silence. "But didn't we banish George?" the First Head said. "We must have after his last excursion to Earth." "That's right," the Second Head agreed. "I remember distinctly. He attempted to fire poor Pillsworth off into outer space without a pressure suit. We banished him to the Void to sing bass in the Moaning Chorus." "We certainly picked the right party for the job," the First Head reflected. "There isn't a more base spirit in all Limbo. Has he been summoned?" * * * * * The Supreme Head coughed regretfully. "I issued the call through Message Center before I announced the council." "Oh, dear," the First Head murmured, "then the stinker is practically on the sloop at this very moment." "The stinker is crossing the sloop even now," the Supreme Head amended, his gaze fastened hauntedly on a disturbance in the outer mists. "Here he comes." "Secure your valuables," the Second Head said morosely. "And keep your hands in your pockets."