Wheeler nodded and smiled. "That's Blue Book on this model. Take it or
leave it. That's my top offer--cash."
Raymond turned away. "Come, my faithful manservant," he said
despondently. "Let us return to our dismal retreat, where I can get
properly and thoroughly liquored up."
* * * * *
Raymond was tired and dejected. His face was lined and despair was
in his eyes. He collapsed into his favorite chair and dispatched the
android to the bar.
Two highballs later an idea dashed itself to pieces in Raymond's
brain. He jumped up, ran over to the Televisor, and placed a call to
Allied-News-Facs. When the News-Facs android's plastic face appeared
on the screen, Raymond said, "I want to place an ad in the For Sale or
Swap section of the Four O'clock Edition."
"Yes, sir. What do you desire to say?"
Raymond frowned. "Just say this: Anyone desiring to take over the
payments of one darling, efficient, well-mannered, handsome, unbearably
conscientious android can purchase the equity extremely cheap at great
sacrifice."
"Is that all?"
"Yes, for now. If that doesn't work, I'll call you back." He gave his
address and televisor number and switched off.
Raymond turned to his android and said, "I've reconsidered. Maybe
psycho-electronic-therapy can really help--one of us." He glanced at
his watch. It was eleven a. m. "Let's go."
The android followed obediently and said, "This is extremely
monotonous."
* * * * *