Robert Heinlein - Waldo

‘Hm-m-m - I think I see what you mean.

‘I believe,' Waldo said seriously, ‘that he regards our manipulations with gadgets as rather childish.

‘I suppose. Tell me, what do you intend to do with your-self?

‘Me? I don't know, exactly. But I can tell you this: I'm going to have fun. I'm going to have lots of fun. I'm just beginning to find out bow much fun it is to be a man!

His dresser tackled the other slipper. ‘To tell you just why I took up dancing would be a long story,' he continued. ‘I want details.

‘Hospital calling,' someone in the dressing room said. ‘Tell ‘em I'll be right there, fast. Suppose you come in to­morrow afternoon?' he added to the woman reporter. ‘Can you?

‘Right.

A man was shouldering his way through the little knot around him. Waldo caught his eye. ‘Hello, Stanley. Glad to see you.

‘Hello, Waldo.' Gleason pulled some papers out from under his cape and dropped them in the dancer's lap. ‘Brought these over myself as I wanted to see your act again.

‘Like it?

‘Swell!

Waldo grinned and picked up the papers. ‘Where is the dotted line?

‘Better read them first,' Gleason cautioned him

‘Oh shucks, no. If it suits you, it suits me. Can I borrow your stylus?

A worried little man worked his way up to them. ‘About that recording, Waldo-

‘We've discussed that,' Waldo said flatly. ‘I only perform before audiences.

‘We've combined it with the Warm Springs benefit.

‘That's different. OK.

‘While you're about it, take a look at this layout.' It was areduction, for a twenty-four sheet:

THE GREAT WALDO AND HIS TROUPE

with the opening date and theatre left blank, but with a picture of Waldo, as Harlequin, poised high in the air

‘Fine, Sam, fine!' Waldo nodded happily

‘Hospital calling again!

‘I'm ready now,' Waldo answered, and stood up. His dresser draped his street cape over his lean shoulders. Waldo whistled sharply. ‘Here, Baldur! Come along.' At the door he stopped an instant, and waved. ‘Goodnight, fellows!

‘Goodnight, Waldo.

They were all such grand guys