Joe looked at him. "I guess I see your point," he agreed. "But what are you going to do?" The Devil grinned. "How would you like to be married to me?" he asked. "Don't be queer!" snapped Joe. "I mean to this body I'm wearing now?" asked the Devil. Joe gasped. "You mean...." "Why not? I think it's a very delicate bit of artistry, myself. Imagine it. You will make a lovely couple, both male, and your wife will be such a good mother to the children. Will be rather strange for them to have to call a man Mother, but I presume they will get used to it--or will they? How would you explain it to them? That their mother has suddenly become a man? And you, think of your position. You love your wife dearly, I know. And what an interesting situation as you take her into your arms and kiss her tenderly, and...." "Stop!" roared Joe, leaping forward. "I'll tear you limb from limb first! I killed you once before, and by Heaven, I'll do it again!" * * * * * But before he could make another move, little Jimmy raced forward, and clutching the Devil by the leg bit hard into the calf. The Devil yelped in pain, but then he recovered and grinned. "The lad has possibilities. And who am I to deny him an occasional bite out of his mother's leg." He disengaged the boy's grasp from his leg and pushed him gently aside. His grandmother reached out and pulled him to her, and the youngster stood with her arms protectively around him, glaring at the Devil. "You've got your horns back again," he said accusingly. "You just keep your eyes on those horns, son," advised the Devil. "In a moment you'll see them again, and in an interesting place...." He turned to stare at Pearl, and his gaze became penetrating. Joe took another step forward, his face livid, but the Devil waved an arm, and Joe stood rooted to the spot, overcome by a strange paralysis. Pearl went white. "No ..." she gasped. "But, yes," said the Devil. "I have frequently been a beautiful woman, but I must admit, never one quite so beautiful. I believe I will enjoy using your body for the next twenty or thirty years. Believe me, I'll take good care of it. It won't grow old and fade as it would if you were using it. I wouldn't be surprised if it eventually became somebody very important, perhaps even a queen, or the wife of a president. Some position where I can control the world politically as well as morally and anti-ecclesiastically." He advanced slowly toward Pearl, his gaze boring into her eyes. "Don't resist, girl," he said. "It won't take but a second, and you'll be rid of me. I promise I won't bother you and your family again. You'll be free to live out your lives in whatever happiness you choose to make of them...."