Transvestia

Gym to find the entire population of the town rising and applauding.

The young man was led onto the stage at the front of the gym and blushing profusely, he sat in silence while the banker, the minister and the President of the Eastern Star made speeches praising his virtues. When he was given the watch and the scroll, he man- aged a few sentences of thanks and sat back down while the entire audience turned a single ear to the banker as he rose again. At first, he didn't hear the words, but they began hammering at him in the loud, loud silence.

10 '...and therefore, not so much for one deed, but because of all you symbolize to us, we the people of Smedleyburg are determined that you should make your home among us. Within our modest abilities we will endeavor to make your fondest dreams come true--if ye will but tarry among us. You have but to speak.."

He

There was a sharp sound as the audience drew in a single breath--and held it, awaiting a sign from the young man. He sat there for a space, his head bowed, seeming to shrink in that collective gaze. He seemed to shake his head negatively. "Say.." rang from the audience. The young man looked up with terror in his eyes and horror in his soul. felt dissected before these people--woefully naked. "No!" he whispered. "No..." The banker came to- ward him, and expectant look on his face and eased him back to the center of the stage--"Please..." came the low crooning murmur in his ear and "Please!" echoed the devotional from beyond.

"You can't--you musn't!" cried the young man, as he attempted to twist away. Suddenly, he stopped and faced the audience again, and although his should- ers sagged and his face was twisted into a mask, his voice rang true. "All right. All right. I'll tell you--but you have no right--nor right to demand this of me. I'll tell you--here and now, before everyone.

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