The dog studied the house. The shades had been let up. The kitchen light was on. Beyond the lace curtains dim shapes could be seen, stirring around the table. A man and woman. They were drinking coffee.
"There they are," the dog murmured. "The man, you say? He's not going to be harmed, is he?"
"Of course not. But he must be at his office early. Usually he doesn't leave until after nine. Today he must leave at eight-thirty. He must be within Sector T137 before the process begins, or he won't be altered to coincide with the new adjustment."
The dog sighed. "That means I have to summon."
"Correct." The Clerk checked his instruction sheet. "You're to summon at precisely eight-fifteen. You've got that? Eight-fifteen. No later."
"What will the eight-fifteen summons bring?"
The Clerk flipped open his instruction book, examining the code columns. "It will bring A Friend with a Car. To drive him to work early." He closed the book and folded his arms, preparing to wait. "That way he'll get to his office almost an hour ahead of time. Which is vital."
"Vital," the dog murmured. He lay down, half inside his shed. His eyes closed. "Vital."
"Wake up! This must be done exactly on time. If you summon too soon or too late — "
The dog nodded sleepily. "I know. I'll do it right. I always do it right."