Holman closed his eyes. "And how do you know what Shandy is? Maybe he's
why this place got a bad name in the first place."
"He's a harmless pet. I'm very fond of him."
"Didn't your father have any ideas about him?"
"Dad couldn't figure Shandy out. He made all kinds of tests. Shandy's
the only one of his kind we ever saw. But, see, dad wasn't sure what he
was originally. He's a mimic, an over-done chameleon. I don't know. I
like him."
Sitting up, Holman said, "Okay." He touched Nancy's shoulder. "Look,
we've known each other, what? over a year now."
"Since you made that ridiculous field trip with your pupils and
trampled all over everything." She tucked her legs under her and leaned
toward him.
"Yeah. So let's not argue or anything. But, really, Nancy, I would sort
of like to marry you."
"I know."
"Have you any idea if you're nearing a decision?"
"Oh, yes."
"And?"
"Well, I think we can."
"Marry?"
"Uh huh."
"Fine." After he'd kissed Nancy, Holman became aware of a shambling off
in the trees beyond their picnic spot.
Twigs crackled and a medium-sized gorilla crashed into the open.