"Plenty of time," said the greenie. "While you're gone, we'll assimilate some more ideas."
"Good," said Thompson, pulling on his trousers. "Shall I bring you something to eat?"
"We don't eat," said the other airily. "You can bring a spotlight, though. We can sit best on a beam of light."
"Right," said Thompson. He opened the door.
"Goodbye," remarked the gnome.
"Goodbye," Thompson hurried from the room.
Thompson closed the door of the phone booth behind him. "Hello," he said. "I'd like to make an appointment with Doctor Vossman. Today, if possible."
"Just a moment," said the secretary. He heard her riffle through some papers. "What date did you say you wanted an appointment?"
"Today!" Thompson repeated. His breathing into the mouthpiece came out quite clearly in the receiver against his ear.