After the termites consume the mailbox post, Popeye runs to his fence. Two hinges are seen on the left side of the gate, but they disappear when the gate is closed. From inside the fence, where Popeye has now pressed his body against the gate, the hinges are not seen either. For some reason, the termites do not eat the wood that matches the outline of Popeye's body, but the gate stays in place, even though its only contact with the gate posts is where Popeye's hands were, which is precisely between where the hinges had been. Despite this, the "Popeye" gate swings open as if the wood where his left fingers and left foot were acts as gate hinges. Also, when the termites ate the gate, his left foot was not in contact with the gate post.