She twisted her head around, looking frightened. Her legs hung over the edge. The being strode back with its curious gawky-graceful walk, and firmly turned her face to the wall again, using one big rubbery finger. "Oh!" she said, in a small voice, and remained staring at the wall, like a naughty child on a dunce's stool. The beast came over to the group. * * * * * The three talked among themselves, glancing at the men. The airship hung on its invisible beam of energy, ignored. Mrs. Full patted up her hair. She must be terrified, thought Calvin. The three came to them, their skirts swishing like taffeta. They knelt--it was an odd movement, their high-hipped legs angling to the sides, their bodies slanting forward as their heads dropped toward the humans--and stared at one and then another. The one who was evidently the leader put out his green goad, but slowly, as if showing no harm was intended, and pushed at Calvin's jacket. The ivory ball touched his chest but no shock followed. The thing made noises, perhaps comparing his clothing with its own. "Take it off, Cal," said Watkins. "Why?" "He'd like to see it. Be friendly." "That's it," agreed Adam, "be friendly." He removed his jacket and handed it to the brute, who received it dubiously, fingered it, exhibited it to the other two, and dropped it. Calvin bent to pick it up; the goad barred his way. Two large fingers plucked at his trousers. He felt himself flush with outrage. "No!" Watkins chuckled. "I'll bet you will." "Don't make it mad," said Adam. "I won't take my trousers off." "If we took them off, it might soothe this monster," suggested Villa. "Let us throw him down and take off his pants." "Try it," said Calvin. The Mexican started toward him. Then the creature had lifted him high in the air, peering closely at the trousers. It tugged at them. "Ouch!" said Calvin. The beast would tear them off; the humiliation of that would be worse than removing them himself. It might rip them to shreds. He loosened his belt and unbuttoned and unzipped just in time; they came off over his shoes and were held up in front of the sunken red eyes. Calvin was set down, carefully enough, and the garment was handed to the other monstrosities. Calvin cast a look at the stool. He was glad his wife was not witnessing his shame. "Nice shorts," said Villa. Full whirled on him, angry enough to bark out an insult, even an oath, but the man was evidently sincere in his praise. "Thank you," he said stiffly. His trousers were thrown to him and he shoved his feet into them and secured them once more. He put on his jacket. One of the beasts which had not taken an active part in the business now walked to Mrs. Full and picked her up by the back of the waist, as though she had been a cat, and brought her over. For one ghastly moment Calvin thought it was going to divest her of her skirt, but after scrutinizing her a while, it set her down among them.