Sigismund was so wrapped up in Marvella's television show that he didn't hear Renfrew come into the living room. "Sigismund, I'd like you to meet a friend of mine," the android said.

Sigismund turned to look at Renfrew's "friend" and fainted dead away. There, in the doorway, was a very large snake.

"I think you scared him," Renfrew whispered.

"You should have explained the situation before he had a chance to look," Beatrice scolded as the two of them tried to revive Sigismund.

"The snake won't hurt you," Renfrew explained as Sigismund came to. "She's an android, just like me. She doesn't have a stomach, so she wouldn't be able to swallow anything even if she wanted to. Sigismund, I'd like you to meet Beatrice Anaconda."

Sigismund looked warily at Beatrice, who was transfixed by what was happening on the television screen. "Look, guys," she said, "there's a puppet show. I love puppet shows. But why is the princess wearing a bathmat over her shoulders?"

Renfrew frowned. "That's the same design as the mat Orly had when he was murdered. Or at least that's how he described it." He turned to Sigismund. "How did your granddaughter get hold of it. It's a murder weapon. Shouldn't the police have custody of it?"

"Are we sure that a murder acually occurred?" Beatrice asked. "And even if it did, might there be more than one bathmat with that design? Maybe there's an innocent explanation."

Sigismund got his coat out of the closet. "I guess I'll have to go over to Marvella's studio and find out what I can," he said. "I hope Lanny and the girls will forgive me for being late to this important show. I don't want them to think I forgot about it."

Renfrew turned off the TV and followed his master out the door. "Beatrice, it might not be wise for you to come with us," he said. "People might think you're a real snake."

"How about if I disguise myself as an inchworm?" Beatrice joked. "Oh, all right. I guess I can stay here and tidy up a bit. This place is a mess." I'm more like a ten-yard worm, she thought as she worked.

Fortunately, Sigismund didn't hear this last comment, as he was already in his car.

Paulh