I was moved. After all, a poor, homeless alien being couldn't very well be expected to understand our manners and feelings. Yet this one did. All because he'd been touched by my friendship.
"Ashe," I said, feeling the the warmth of good will, "I'm happy to hear you say that. Bygones are bygones. The important thing is springing Tommy."
"Exactly," he said. "We'll go and explain everything to the police. But we'll do it in grand style. This is your big show. We must have Jones and the Mayor. We must have photographers, reporters, television, radio—everything!"
NAN RETURNED. "The girl will be all right. She was just upset."
"Honey," I told her excitedly, "we're about to stand the whole country on its collective ear. Ashe is going to reveal his identity!"
Nan's face pinched into a look of disgust. "You mean you're trusting this—this creature again?"
"Sure, honey. Anyone can make a mistake."
"That's right!" she exploded. "You're making one now! Oh, Ted, stop being such a fool!"
"Listen here," I said, "this is the last two minutes of the game. We're trying to score before the gun—and you start an argument!"