Masks Joseph Buehler O.k. Gladys, if you would just relax you would find that the procedure is quite harmless, in and of itself, unless, of course, we might run into complications, which are quite common in the European countries, but here, of course, in the good old United States, they are rarely of much concern, especially since our equipment is so up to date—we haven’t lost anyone in quite a while—with the possible exception of Ecuadorians. It seems that, for some unknown reason, they are susceptible to this type of—ah— procedure while under the knife, so to speak, and we seem to lose a goodly percentage of them. So, since you obviously have none of their particular characteristics, there is very little danger to speak of. So if you will just lie back and breathe deeply into the rubber cone—that’s the ticket—we can get started with the operation. It shouldn’t take more than four or five hours at the most. Good! She’s out. Janice, will you hand me the scalpel—no!—not that one you fool!—the big extra sharp one. And put on your mask! I’m the only one around here who doesn’t require a mask! Chip, do you have the saw ready? Well, go get a clean one! Do you think we have all night? And put your mask on! How many times do I have to tell you people anyway? Put your mask on! That’s the ticket!
87.
