A young veterinarian, Oliver Watts, feels trapped in a mundane life dictated by family expectations and societal norms. His dreams of becoming a wildlife trainer are stifled by his overbearing Aunt Katisha and his practical fiancée, Orella Simms. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he is summoned by the eccentric millionaire, Mr. Furnay, to treat a sick polar bear from a recently acquired menagerie. Upon arriving at the Furnay estate, Oliver discovers a vast collection of exotic animals, including elephants, giraffes, and various predators. He meets a mysterious girl, Perrl-high-C-trill-and-A-above, who assists him. As he attempts to treat the bear, chaos ensues when the bear escapes, leading to a series of comedic and dangerous events. Oliver's initial fears of the bear turn into a sense of adventure, and he finds himself drawn to Perrl-high-C-trill-and-A-above. After a tumultuous encounter, Oliver begins to suspect that Mr. Furnay and his associates are not human but rather extraterrestrial beings. His suspicions deepen when he connects various odd occurrences, including the strange behavior of the animals and the peculiar language spoken by Mr. Furnay. Despite his doubts, he feels compelled to rescue Perrl-high-C-trill-and-A-above, believing she is a captive. In a moment of impulsive bravery, Oliver crashes through the estate's gates to confront the aliens and save Perrl-high-C-trill-and-A-above. Upon regaining consciousness, he learns that she is not a prisoner but a performer in an interstellar circus, hired to train animals from her home planet. Mr. Furnay, revealed to be an alien, explains that they are scouting for new exhibits and that Oliver's skills could be valuable to their show. Perrl-high-C-trill-and-A-above expresses her desire for Oliver to join them, and he is swept up in the excitement of the intergalactic circus life. The story concludes with Oliver embracing this new adventure, leaving behind his old life and family obligations. He and Perrl-high-C-trill-and-A-above become a successful duo, traveling across galaxies and raising a family, while the mundane life he once knew fades into the past.
By Roger Dee Aycock · First published 1970 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure