The gorilla was carrying a large book in one paw.
"Yes," Nancy said, smiling. "He's been nosing through the storeroom
again. Must have been in one of my old picture books."
The gorilla came up near their picnic basket and held out the book.
"He wants me to read to him, Ken. He gets that way now and then."
Nancy took the book and opened it to the title page. "Earth fairy
tales. This is one of your favorites, huh, Shandy?"
[Illustration: "_He wants me to read to him, Ken._"]
Bobbing his gorilla head, Shandy squatted down among the fallen leaves
and smacked his paws together.
"Is he _intelligent_?" Ken asked incredulously. His scalp began to
crawl.
"Oh, no.... Well, let's start at the very beginning again," Nancy said.
Shandy rested his head on one clenched paw.
"Once upon a time," Nancy started.
Holman stood and grabbed up his windbreaker. "I've heard this one
before. I'll drop by your place in the evening. Be finished by then?"