Dignity, Always Dignity

The man finally cracked a smile at Astra's honorific, and said, "Jocko, give the young lady some help," while pointing to a burly young man who wore a short-sleeved white shirt without a collar. Jocko rose from his bench, and climbed on to the stage.

While Astra was giving Jocko instructions, Fred took to the front of the stage, aware that an extended period of silence would be awkward. He walked front and center, and said, "Gentlemen, I am about to engage in single combat with ... the enemy. I have been basely and unfairly insulted. But I shall defend the honor, and the dignity, of our sex."

Just as Fred was commenting on his dignity, the banana skin loin cloth slipped down an inch, and Fred grabbed the twine, barely saving himself from possible obscenity charges. The men in the crowd snickered and a few burst out into laughter.

"But I need a second as well, to help arrange matters. Do I have any volunteers?"

An old man with a flushed red face rose. "I will. You need to replace that banana first."

Another man, wearing a shirt with a busy pattern, said, "It is too loose. I have a peanut shell that will fit snugly." There was a wave of laughter from the crowd.

1. The heckling continues.
2. Fred's new second climbs on the stage, and improvises better fitting clothes.
3. Astra and Jocko have by now finished setting up the arm wrestling stage.

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