"That's part of their trouble, I think," Miss Featherpenny said. "Being little, I mean. But it doesn't always work against them. When they're doing delicate work...." "Like those shoes," Andy agreed. "'Best possible shapes already,'" he imitated Blahrog. "They're one of the smallest intelligent species," Miss Featherpenny said in desperation. "And their manual dexterity rating is one of the highest. Why, a Felician could get both hands inside an Earther's mouth." "And steal his fillings...." Andy started. "Wait a minute. You've given me an idea." Miss Featherpenny breathed relief. "I have? What is it?" "Dentists! They can all be dentists." "All?" "Well, enough of them to provide for the planet's income." "Why, that's marvelous," Miss Featherpenny said. "It won't matter that other species think they're cute. Everybody takes dentists seriously." "Their appearance will work for them," Andy said. "Think of children's dentistry." "Let's go tell them right away," Miss Featherpenny said, feeling like a Bobbsey twin. Andy swayed upward. "Sit still," Miss Featherpenny commanded. "I'll bring you some coffee." * * * * * Blahrog accepted the suggestion with Felician phlegm and ministerial greed. "We'll have to change the tax system, since most of our working population will be living off-planet." "Maybe you could work out a rotation system, Papa." Hrom had sneaked into the council chamber. "Wait a minute," Andy said uneasily. "How are you going to educate these dentists?" Blahrog stopped and thought. "We'll use the hotels for schools," he said slowly. His face wrinkled with sly pleasure. "And we can sell the coal surplus to pay teachers and buy equipment." The Everking made a wicked-sounding comment in Felician. The entire assembly burst into loud, beard-wagging laughter. It had a nasty ring to it. "What did he say?" Andy demanded. "He said," Hrom giggled, "'Let them try to treat us like stuffed toys now.'" "Disgusting," said Miss Featherpenny. "Indecent, Edie," Andy agreed. "But never mind. Let's go home and get married." "You're a little sudden." Andy grinned. "I'll have a raise coming for this, and I'd like to keep you in the family. I can't seem to think unless you're around." "Took you long enough to notice," said Miss Featherpenny. But she didn't say it out loud. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Satisfaction Guaranteed, by Joy Leache