Norbert thought of facing the situation head-on. He could run out the back door and keep on running.

He even thought of praying, but he didn't believe in God. He believed in a universal Ufe force, whoever she was.

Then the telephone rang.

It was a long-distance call from London, England. It was person-to-person for Norbert Peasewell.

Now, Norbert not only didn't know anyone in London, but only his new employer knew he worked in this laboratory.

"It can't be for me," he said.

"It's for Norbert Peasewell," the operator said. "Person-to-person."

"All right," said Norbert. "I'm here."

"Hello, Norbert," came a voice. "You've got to let me get on with things and stop that."

"Stop what? Who are you? I don't know anybody in London," said Norbert. He glanced over at the computer banks, where his program was running wild. He didn't have time for this call. He had to try to stop the program. Every second was pushing up the costs. Every second, Norbert was seeing his next meal slip farther and farther away.

"Norbert, you are operating without reason," the voice said calmly. "Why are you doing that?"

"Who are you?"

r

"Norbert, sit down and be rational. Sitting down often has a calming effect. Do not fear."

"Who are you?"

"Norbert, you must assure me you will not do something irrational if I tell you. I know from human behavior that people in a state of panic do irrational things. That is how I know you are doing something irrational. I am reading your voice now, and it indicates you are in a state of panic."

"Who are you?"

"Norbert, I can give you everything you have ever wanted, but you must listen to me. Are you seated?"

"I don't know," said Norbert.

"That indicates panic. I am going to help you remove that panic. I am going to help you get everything you've ever wanted. Would you like to get rid of your panic?"