Chuck

It made it hard to breathe.

It made her sleepy.

With evening approaching, the darkening sky was burned with purple and orange.

She thought it probably meant another blisterer tomorrow.

She went back into the cave with the ice cream and the plates, slammed the special door, which hermetically sealed it, and they started talking about their plans again.

This was the night of August 14th, the night which would initiate Arthur Hodges to the part he would play, which, in its way, would make him as famous in the sweep of history as the names of Darwin or Columbus, or...

Fran, aside from being pretty, was a methodical girl.

She was self-appointed watchdog of the budget.

No, darling, Fran insisted.

It would be a lot of fun to have a celebration.

Next weekend would be fine, and she mentioned his very best friends, the Fisks and the Barnes.

She'd blown out the big guns.

I'm going to call them, she said resolutely.

Arthur suggested.

It's nearly 8 o'clock, said Fran, reproachfully, with a new look at the small desk clock getting ready to tinkle the news.

I'll try Jack and Cynthia.

Doodling with a phone pad, she noted the time, 8 p.m., just as the clock chimed out musically.

She asked the operator for the Fisk's number and waited for three rings.

Cynthia, she helloed to the feminine voice that answered.

It's Fran Hodges.