Joe eased up, then slid his knees off to the floor, "I guess I can hold him if he tries anything, Dad. You can get off him now."
Dad got to his feet and stood aside, watchfully.
"Got that rope, Mother?" he asked. She handed it to him.
"You going to tie me up?" asked the young man in dazed tones. "What's going on here?"
"I believe he's got amnesia from hitting his head on the refrigerator," said Pearl.
Joe looked undecided. "You don't remember who you are?" he asked.
The young man shook his head. "I don't remember a thing. All I know is that I'm lying here and you two are apparently bent on strangling me. Can you tell me why?"
"I can tell you why, but if you've got amnesia, I don't think I should. In fact, if you aren't faking, you'll never know why, believe me!"
"Joe," said Pearl. "I think he's gone."
"He can't be," said Joe positively.