Chapter 23

⁠​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌​⁠He leaped from his hateful couch, swearing at himself like an army teamster. He stumbled to the telephone and curtly demanded the exact time, hoping to prove his watch a liar. Back from space came the reply: "K'reck time is 'le'm fifty-eight."

His "Thanks!" had almost the effect of an oath. He slammed the innocent receiver on the hook and stood staring at the bare feet protruding from his indolent