everyone did eventually come to this imbibery and since, also, everyone had heard of the wish of the most beautiful blonde in town to be a man, the Person whom she had been seeking made his appear- ance, after buying her three martinis in the rough, made the offer for which she had been waiting.

"Ooo! ** she cooed. "You mean to say you can make me into a man? Are you one of those doctors from Tangeria or like that?"

H

"No, " he smirked. "I'm afraid I come from quite a bit fur- ther off than the place you mentioned, wherever that might be. And he lit her cigarette without using any matches which is a favor- ite, if slightly hackneyed, trick of his kind.

"Oh, now I know. You'll trade me a man's body just for my little ol' soul?"

·

"Yes he said, "I'll turn you into any kind of a shape you want although if I looked like you, lady...well, never mind." "No," she said aghast. "I couldn't give up the body I have

now!

#

"I thought that's what you wanted?"

"I do.

I mean, I'd like to be a man and all that but a girl does have to eat. Even if she's a man, I mean. If you know what I mean?"

"That would entail another body,

# the Dark Person said. "And

a free soul, I suppose. No, that's impossible."

"Jeez, you ain't so much, fella! I thought you were a trader. You better get lost."

"Now, don't be impetuous, miss.

"

"G'wan, take a hike!"

"Allright! Allright!" He held up his hands placatingly. "Another body then. And I'll teach you how to float your soul back and forth.

#

"Oh, goody!"

"But we'll have to keep this quiet. Very quiet! Why, do you know what would happen to me if the news got out--" He peered at her with sharp scrutiny. "No, I don't suppose you do."

"You think I'd tell anybody?" she said archly.

19.