Part 1 (2/2)

”Maybe it's good to eat,” Peterson said nervously.

”We'll soon find out,” Franco said.

The wub survived the take-off, sound asleep in the hold of the s.h.i.+p.

When they were out in s.p.a.ce and everything was running smoothly, Captain Franco bade his men fetch the wub upstairs so that he might perceive what manner of beast it was.

The wub grunted and wheezed, squeezing up the pa.s.sageway.

”Come on,” Jones grated, pulling at the rope. The wub twisted, rubbing its skin off on the smooth chrome walls. It burst into the ante-room, tumbling down in a heap. The men leaped up.

”Good Lord,” French said. ”What is it?”

”Peterson says it's a wub,” Jones said. ”It belongs to him.” He kicked at the wub. The wub stood up unsteadily, panting.

”What's the matter with it?” French came over. ”Is it going to be sick?”

They watched. The wub rolled its eyes mournfully. It gazed around at the men.

”I think it's thirsty,” Peterson said. He went to get some water. French shook his head.

”No wonder we had so much trouble taking off. I had to reset all my ballast calculations.”

Peterson came back with the water. The wub began to lap gratefully, splas.h.i.+ng the men.

Captain Franco appeared at the door.

”Let's have a look at it.” He advanced, squinting critically. ”You got this for fifty cents?”

”Yes, sir,” Peterson said. ”It eats almost anything. I fed it on grain and it liked that. And then potatoes, and mash, and sc.r.a.ps from the table, and milk. It seems to enjoy eating. After it eats it lies down and goes to sleep.”

”I see,” Captain Franco said. ”Now, as to its taste. That's the real question. I doubt if there's much point in fattening it up any more. It seems fat enough to me already. Where's the cook? I want him here. I want to find out--”

The wub stopped lapping and looked up at the Captain.

”Really, Captain,” the wub said. ”I suggest we talk of other matters.”

The room was silent.

”What was that?” Franco said. ”Just now.”

”The wub, sir,” Peterson said. ”It spoke.”

They all looked at the wub.

”What did it say? What did it say?”

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