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Dr. William Sledd was a light sleeper. He attributed this to the dry air in Alpine, one of the area's best features in his opinion. Thus, when his telephone rang at three in the morning, he awoke and answered it crisply.
"Hello? Yes, this is Dr. Sledd. May I ask who's calling?"
"By the frost! Of course, I remember you! Oh, my heavens, how could I not, after what you have done? My dear, dear, young lady, may I congra...what? I beg your pardon?"
"Ah. I see. Well, no names then, if that's what you prefer. I assure you, no one cares to eavesdrop on me. You, of course, may be another matter. At any rate, may I just tell you how exhilarating it was to have seen what you did at the, at the, ah...recently. I'm an old man, my dear, as you well know, but I'm glad I lived to see what you have shown us. You make me believe that there may be hope for our species after all."
"Yes, certainly, I remember the advice I gave you. It seems to me that you have followed it beyond anyone's wildest dreams."
"Yes, that is true. It is only the first half of the solution to your problem."
"The next step? What would I suggest? Well, then, it seems to me that you need an arena, if you will, a forum, perhaps, from which to convey your vital message. Given our people's current lamentable reading habits, that forum would seem to be television, wouldn't you think? “Perhaps an extended interview would be the answer. The interviewer should be, rather than one of the innumerable blow-dried weasels who infest the airwaves, an experienced, skeptical, and incorruptible person of sterling reputation. What are your thoughts, my dear?"
"Yes, I do happen to know a person like that. You asked for no names, but I will tell you that he is widely respected among the punditocracy. He is irascible, to the point, and very, very perceptive. He and I were classmates at Yale, back in the Bronze Age.
“I would be happy to contact him for you, if you wish. He seldom gets scoops, as it were, but a story such as yours would, I think, interest him greatly. His program is even broadcast internationally, which would doubtless suit your purposes nicely. Shall I call him for you, my dear?"
"It would be my privilege. I of course cannot promise that he could do it within the week, but I shall make every effort to convince him that the matter is urgent. How shall I contact you?"
"Certainly. I am almost always here. Call back any time. I look forward to our next meeting, as well! Thank you, and very good luck to you, my dear."
