,illu/ration    ,,! ,,craig ,,k5n$y     
,,s]ies          ,! ,w> ,t]ror    by    
,ar?ur ,b4 ,reeve          ,cont5ts     
,,introduction   ,,*apt] ,i4 ,,! ,,w>   
,,t]ror   ,,*apt] ,,ii4 ,,!             
,,electro-,,magnetic ,,gun   ,,*apt]    
,,iii4 ,,! ,,murd] ,,syndicate   ,,*apt]
 ,,iv4 ,,! ,,air ,,pirate   ,,*apt] ,v4 
,,! ,,ultra-,,violet ,,ray   ,,*apt]    
,,vi4 ,,! ,,triple ,,mirror   ,,*apt]   
,,vii4 ,,! ,,wireless ,,wiretapp]s      
,,*apt] ,,viii4 ,,! ,,h\seboat ,,my/]y  
,,*apt] ,,ix4 ,,! ,,radio ,,detective   
,,*apt] ,x4 ,,! ,,curio ,,%op   ,,*apt] 
,,xi4 ,,! 8,,pill> ,,( ,,dea?0   ,,*apt]
 ,,xii4 ,,! ,,arr[ ,,poison   ,,*apt]   
,,xiii4 ,,! ,,radium ,,robb]   ,,*apt]  
,,xiv4 ,,! ,,sp9?>iscope   ,,*apt] ,,xv4
 ,,! ,,asphyxiat+ ,,safe   ,,*apt]      
,,xvi4 ,,! ,,dead ,,l9e   ,,*apt]       
,,xvii4 ,,! ,,pa/e ,,replica   ,,*apt]  
,,xviii4 ,,! ,,burgl>',s ,,microphone   
,,*apt] ,,xix4 ,,! ,,g]m ,,lett]        
,,*apt] ,,xx4 ,,! ,,artificial ,,kidney 
,,*apt] ,,xxi4 ,,! ,,poison ,,bracelet  

,,*apt] ,,xxii4 ,,! ,,devil ,,wor%ip]s  
,,*apt] ,,xxiii4 ,,! ,,psy*ic ,,curse   
,,*apt] ,,xxiv4 ,,! ,,s]p5t',s ,,too?   
,,*apt] ,,xxv4 ,,! 8,,happy ,,du/0      
,,*apt] ,,xxvi4 ,,! ,,b9et ,,te/        
,,*apt] ,,xxvii4 ,,! ,,lie ,,detector   
,,*apt] ,,xxviii4 ,,! ,,family          
,,skeleton   ,,*apt] ,,xxix4 ,,! ,,lead 
,,poison]   ,,*apt] ,,xxx4 ,,!          
,,electrolytic ,,murd]   ,,*apt] ,,xxxi4
 ,,! ,,eug5ic ,,bride   ,,*apt] ,,xxxii4
 ,,! ,,g]m ,,plasm   ,,*apt] ,,xxxiii4  
,,! ,,sex ,,control   ,,*apt] ,,xxxiv4  
,,! ,,billionaire ,,baby   ,,*apt]      
,,xxxv4 ,,! ,,psy*analysis   ,,*apt]    
,,xxxvi4 ,,! ,,ends ,,( ,,ju/ice        
,,introduction      ,z ,i look back n[  
on ! s5sational ev5ts ( ! pa/ mon?s s9ce
  ! great ,european ,w> began1 x seems  
to me z if !re _h nev] be5  a p]iod 9   
,craig ,k5n$y's life m replete ) ?rill+ 
adv5tures  ?an ?is4    ,9 fact1 sc>cely 
_h "o my/]i\s ev5t be5 /raight5$ out f  
! tangl$ ske91 :5 ano!r1 ev5 m baffl+1  
cr[d$ on its  v heels4    ,z 0 to h be5 

expect$ ) u 9 ,am]ica1 n all ( ^!       
rem>kable exp]i5ces grew ei!r directly  
or indirectly out ( !  w>1 b !re 7      
sev]al t did1 & !y prov$ to be only !   
beg9n+ ( a succession ( ev5ts :i* kept  
me busy *ronicl+ =  ! ,/> ! exploits (  
my capable & v]satile fri5d4            
,altoge!r1 ?is p]iod ( ! w> 01 ,i am    
sure1 q ! mo/  excit+ ( ! _m s]ies (    
episodes ?r\gh :i* ,craig has be5  call$
 ^u to g4 ,yet he seem$ to meet ea*     
situation z x arose  ) a fre% m9d1 :i* 0
 amaz+ ev5 to me :o h kn[n him s  long &
 s intimately4    ,z 0 naturally to be  
suppos$1 also1 at su* a "t1 x 0 n long  
be=e ,craig f\nd himself entangl$ 9 !   
m>vel\s spy sy/em ( !  w>r+ ,european   
nations4 ,^! sy/ems reveal$ _! devi\s & 
d>k  ways1 ramify+ z !y did t5tacle-l   
ev5 across ! ocean 9  _! ef=ts to ga9 _!
 ends 9 neutral ,am]ica4 ,n only s1 b1  
z ,i %all "s day endeavor to %[ lat]1 :5
 ! ban ( sil5ce  impos$ by neutrality is
 rais$ aft] ! w>1 _m ( ! horrors (  ! w>
 7 br\ght home intimately to u4    ,i h1

 aft] mature consid]ation1 decid$ t ev5 
at pres5t  no?+ b good c come f !       
publication at lea/ ( "s "p (  ! /range 
s]ies ( adv5tures ?r\gh :i* ,k5n$y & ,i 
h j  gone1 especially ^? :i* might1 if  
we _h n succe$$1 h  caus$ mo/ important 
*anges 9 curr5t hi/ory4 ,z = ! o!r      
adv5tures1 no "q c be rais$ ab\t !      
propriety ( _!  publication4    ,at any 
rate1 x came ab\t t e>ly 9 ,augu/1 :5 ! 
w> cl\d 0  j beg9n+ to loom blacke/1    
,k5n$y 0 unexpect$ly call$ into  "o ( ! 
/range/1 mo/ dang]\s situations 9 :i* 8 
peculi>  & p]il\s pr(ession _h ev]      
involv$ him4          ,,*apt] ,i  ,,!   
,,w> ,,t]ror      8,i mu/ see ,pr(essor 
,k5n$y--:]e is he8--,i mu/ see him1 =   
,god's  sake60    ,i 0 almo/ c>ri$ (f my
 feet by ! inru% ( a wild-ey$ girl1     
seem+ly half craz$ ) excitem5t1 z %e    
cri$ out ,craig's "n4    ,/>tl$ by my   
own involunt>y exclamation ( surprise   
:i* foll[$  ! vision t %ot pa/ me z ,i  
op5$ our door 9 response to a  sudd51   
%>p s]ies ( pu%es at ! buzz]1 ,k5n$y    

b\nd$ swiftly  t[>d me1 & ! girl almo/  
flung h]self ^u him4    8,:y1           
,miss--er--,miss--my de> "y lady--:at's 
! matt]80 he /amm]$1  cat*+ h] by ! arm 
g5tly4    ,z ,k5n$y =c$ our /range      
visitor into a *air1 ,i obs]v$ t %e  0  
all a-tremble4 ,h] tee? fairly *att]$4  
,alt]nately h] n]v\s1  peaceless h&s    
clut*$ at an imag9>y some?+ 9 ! air1 z  
if  = support1 !n1 f9d+ none1 %e w\ld   
let h] wri/s fall sup9e1  :ile %e gaz$  
ab\t ) quiv]+ lips & wild1 re/less eyes4
  ,pla9ly1 !re 0 some?+ %e fe>$4 ,%e 0  
almo/ ov] ! v]ge  ( hy/]ia4    ,%e 0 a  
/rik+ girl1 ( m$ium height & sl5d] =m1 b
 x 0  h] face t fasc9at$ me1 ) its      
delicately mold$ features1  int5se      
unfa?omable eyes ( d>k br[n1 & lips t   
%[$ h]  ideali/ic1 high-/rung temp]am5t4
    8,please10 he soo!d1 8get y\rself   
toge!r1 please--try6 ,:at is !  matt]80 
,%e look$ ab\t1 z if %e fe>$ t ! v walls
 _h eyes &  e>s4 ,yet !re seem$ to be   
some?+ bur/+ f h] lips t %e  c\ld n     
re/ra94    8,my life10 %e cri$ wildly1  

8my life is at /ake4 ,oh--help me1 help 
me6  ,unless ,i commit a murd] to-night1
 ,i %all be kill$ myself60    ,! words  
s\nd$ s d\bly /range f a girl ( h]      
evid5t  ref9em5t t ,i wat*$ h] n>r[ly1 n
 sure yet b t we _h a  pla9 case (      
insanity to deal )4    8,a murd]80      
repeat$ ,k5n$y incr$ul\sly4 8,y commit a
 murd]80    ,h] eyes re/$ on him1 z if  
fasc9at$1 b %e did n fl9* z %e  repli$  
desp]ately1 8,yes--,b>on ,kreig]--y "k1 
! ,g]man diplomat  & f9anci]1 :o is 9   
,am]ica rais+ money & ar\s+ sympa?y  ) 8
 c\ntry40    8,b>on ,kreig]60 exclaim$  
,k5n$y 9 surprise1 look+ at h] m  ke5ly4
    ,we _h n met ! ,b>on1 b we _h he>d  
mu* ab\t him1 "y1  h&some1 ( an old     
family1 tru/$ already 9 spite ( 8 y\? by
  _m ( ! m advanc$ ( old _w f9ancial &  
political lead]s1  "o :o _h made a mo/  
favorable impression on democratic      
,am]ica at a  "t :5 su* impressions 7   
valuable4    ,glanc+ f "o ( u to ! o!r1 
%e seem$ sudd5ly1 ) a great  ef=t1 to   
recollect h]self1 = %e rea*$ into h]    

*atela9e &  pull$ out a c>d f a case4   
,x read simply1 8,miss ,paula ,l[e40    
8,yes10 %e repli$1 m calmly n[ to       
,k5n$y's repetition ( !  ,b>on's "n1 8y 
see1 ,i belong to a secret gr\p40 ,%e   
appe>$ to  hesitate1 !n sudd5ly add$1   
8,i am an an>*i/40    ,%e wat*$ ! effect
 ( h] confession &1 f9d+ ! look on      
,k5n$y's face enc\rag+ r ?an %ock$1 w5t 
on brea?lessly3  8,we are fight+ w> )   
w>--?is iron-b\nd organization ( m5 &   
wom54 ,we h pl$g$ ourselves to ext]m9ate
 all k+s1 emp]ors &  rul]s1 m9i/]s ( w>1
 g5]als--b fir/ ( all ! f9anci]s :o  l5d
 money t makes w> possible40    ,%e     
paus$1 h] eyes gleam+ mom5t>ily ) some?+
 l !  militant en?usiasm t mu/ h enli/$ 
h] 9 ! p>adoxical w>  aga9/ w>4    8,we 
are at lea/ go+ to make ano!r w>        
impossible60 %e exclaim$1  = ! mom5t    
evid5tly =gett+ h]self4    8,& y\r      
plan80 prompt$ ,k5n$y1 9 ! mo/          
matt]-(-fact mann]1  z ?\gh he 7        
discuss+ an ord9>y campaign = social    
bett]m5t4 8,h[ 7 y to--rea* ! ,b>on80   

8,we _h a draw+10 %e answ]$ ) amaz+     
calmness1 z if ! m]e  tell+ reliev$ h]  
p5t-up feel+s4 8,ano!r woman & ,i 7     
*os54 ,we knew ! ,b>on's weakness = a   
pretty face4 ,we plann$ to  become      
acqua9t$ ) him--lure him on40    ,h]    
voice trail$ (f1 z if1 ! fir/ bur/ (    
confid5ce ov]1 %e  felt some?+ t w\ld   
lock h] secret tight] 9 h] brea/4    ,a 
mom5t lat] %e resum$1 n[ talk+ rapidly1 
disconnect$ly1 giv+  ,k5n$y no *ance to 
int]rupt or guide ! conv]sation4    8,y 
don't "k1 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y10 %e began   
aga91 8b !re are  simil> gr\ps to ours 9
 ,european c\ntries & ! plan is to /rike
  t]ror & con/]nation ev]y:]e 9 ! _w at 
once4 ,:y1 at our  headqu>t]s !re h be5 
drawn up plans & agreem5ts ) o!r  gr\ps 
& !re are set d[n ! "t1 place1 & mann] (
 all  !--! removals40    ,mom5t>ily %e  
seem$ to be c>ri$ away by some?+ l !    
fanaticism ( ! f]vor :i* _h at fir/     
captur$ h]1 ev5 /ill  held h] z %e      
recit$ h] incr$ible /ory4    8,oh1 c't y
 und]/&80 %e w5t on1 z if to ju/ify     

h]self4 8,!  increase 9 armies1 !       
frightful implem5ts ( slaught]1 ! total 
failure ( ! peace propag&a--!y h all    
defi$ civilization6    8,& !n1 too1 !   
old1 r$-blood$ emotions ( battle h all  
be5  elim9at$ by ! me*anical conditions 
( mod]n w>f>e 9 :i* m5  & wom5 are j s  
_m units1 automata4 ,don't y see8 ,to   
fight w>  ) its own weapons--t has      
become ! only la/ resort40    ,h] eag]1 
flu%$ face betray$ ! en?usiasm :i* _h   
once c>ri$  h] into ! 8,gr\p10 z %e     
call$ x4 ,i wond]$ :at _h br\ght h]  n[ 
to u4    8,we are no long] mak+ w> aga9/
 man10 %e cri$4 8,we are mak+  w> aga9/ 
picric acid & electric wires60    ,i    
confess t ,i c\ld n help ?9k+ t !re 0 no
 d\bt t  to a c]ta9 type ( m9d ! reason+
 might appeal mo/ /rongly4    8,& y w\ld
 d x 9 w> "t1 too80 ask$ ,k5n$y quickly4
    ,%e 0 ready ) an answ]4 8,k+ ,george
 ( ,greece 0 kill$ at !  head ( 8       
troops4 ,rememb] ,nazim ,pa%a1 too4 ,su*
 p are easily  rea*$ 9 "t ( peace & 9 "t
 ( w>1 also1 by sympa?iz]s on  _! own   

side4 ,t's x1 y see--we h foll[]s ( all 
nationalities40    ,%e /opp$1 h] bur/ ( 
en?usiasm sp5t4 ,a mom5t lat] %e lean$  
=w>d1 h] clean-cut pr(ile %[+ h] m e>ne/
 ?an be=e4  8,b1 oh1 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y10 
%e add$1 8x is work+ itself out to  be m
 t]rible ?an w> itself60    8,h any ( ! 
plans be5 c>ri$ out yet80 ask$ ,craig1  
,i ?\ght a  little sup]cili\sly1 = !re  
_h c]ta9ly be5 no su* :olesale          
assass9ation yet z %e _h h9t$ at4    ,%e
 seem$ to cat* h] brea?4 8,yes10 %e     
murmur$1 !n *eck$  h]self z if 9 fe> (  
say+ too mu*4 8,t is1 ,i--,i ?9k s40    
,i wond]$ if %e 7 conceal+ some?+1      
p]haps _h already _h a  h& 9 "s su*     
ent]prise & x _h fright5$ h]4    ,k5n$y 
lean$ =w>d1 obs]v+ ! girl's             
discomfiture4 8,miss ,l[e10  he said1   
cat*+ h] eye & hold+ x almo/            
hypnotically1 8:y h  y come to see me80 
,! "q1 po9tblank1 seem$ to />tle h]4    
,evid5tly %e _h  ?\ght to tell only z   
little z necess>y1 & 9 h] own way4 ,%e  
gave a little n]v\s laugh1 z if to pass 

x (f4 ,b ,k5n$y's eyes  conqu]$4        
8,oh1 c't y und]/& yet80 %e exclaim$1   
ris+ passionately &  ?r[+ out h] arms 9 
appeal4 8,i 0 c>ri$ away ) my hatr$ (   
w>4 ,i hate x yet4 ,b n[--! sudd5       
realization ( :at ?is compact  all means
 has--well1 caus$ some?+ 9 me to--to    
snap4 ,i don't c>e  :at oa? ,i h tak54  
,oh1 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 y--y mu/ save    
him60    ,i look$ up at h] quickly4 ,:at
 did %e mean8 ,at fir/ %e _h come to  be
 sav$ h]self4 8,y mu/ save him60 %e     
implor$4    ,our door buzz] s\nd$4      
,%e gaz$ ab\t ) a hunt$ look1 z if %e   
felt t "s "o _h  ev5 n[ pursu$ h] & f\nd
 out4    8,:at %all ,i d80 %e :isp]$4   
8,:]e %all ,i g80    8,quick--9 "h4 ,no 
"o w "k10 urg$ ,k5n$y1 op5+ ! door to  8
 room4 ,he paus$ = an in/ant1 hurri$ly4 
8,tell me--h y &  ?is o!r woman met !   
,b>on yet8 ,h[ f> has x gone80    ,!    
look %e gave him 0 peculi>4 ,i c\ld n   
fa?om :at 0 go+  on 9 h] m9d4 ,b !re 0  
no hesitation ab\t h] answ]4 8,yes10  %e
 repli$1 8,i--we h met him4 ,he is to   

come back to ,new ,york f  ,wa%+ton     
to-day--?is aft]noon--to arrange a      
private loan ( five  million doll>s ) "s
 bank]s secretly4 ,we 7 to see him      
to-night--a quiet d9n]1 aft] an         
automobile ride up ! ,hudson--0    8,bo?
 ( y80 int]rupt$ ,craig4    8,yes--t--t 
o!r woman & myself10 %e repeat$1 ) a    
peculi>  cat* 9 h] voice4 8,to-night 0 !
 "t fix$ 9 ! draw+ =  !--0    ,! ^w /uck
 9 h] ?roat4 ,k5n$y und]/ood4 8,yes1    
yes10 he  enc\rag$1 8b :o is ! o!r      
woman80    ,be=e %e c\ld reply1 ! buzz] 
_h s\nd$ aga9 & %e _h  retreat$ f !     
door4 ,quickly ,k5n$y clos$ x & op5$ !  
outside door4    ,x 0 our old fri5d     
,burke ( ! ,secret ,s]vice4    ,)\t a ^w
 ( greet+1 a ha/y glance seem$ to assure
 him t  ,k5n$y & ,i 7 alone4 ,he clos$ !
 door himself1 &1 in/ead (  sitt+ d[n1  
came close to ,craig4    8,k5n$y10 he   
blurt$ out 9 a tone ( suppress$         
excitem5t1 8c ,i  tru/ y to keep a big  
secret80    ,craig look$ at him         
reproa*fully1 b said no?+4    8,i beg   

y\r p>don--a ?\s& times10 ha/5$ ,burke4 
8,i 0 s  excit$1 ,i wasn't ?9k+--0      
8,once is en\gh1 ,burke10 laugh$ ,k5n$y1
 8 good nature re/or$ at  ,burke's      
cre/fall5 appe>ance4    8,well1 y see10 
w5t on ! ,secret ,s]vice man1 8?is ?+ is
 s v  important t--well1 ,i =got40      
,he sat d[n & hit*$ 8 *air close to u1 z
 he w5t on 9 a  l[]$1 almo/ awe/ruck    
tone4    8,k5n$y10 he :isp]$1 8,i'm on !
 trail1 ,i ?9k1 ( some?+  gr[+ out ( ^! 
t]rible conditions 9 ,europe t w tax !  
be/ 9 ! ,secret ,s]vice4 ,?9k ( x1 man4 
,!re's an organization1  "r "h 9 ?is    
city1 a sort ( assass9's club1 z x 71   
aim$  at all ! p[]ful m5 ! _w ov]4 ,:y1 
! mo/ ref9$ &  intellectual re=m]s h    
jo9$ ) ! mo/ r$-h&$ an>*i/s  &--0       
8,%6 n s l\d10 caution$ ,craig4 8,i ?9k 
,i h "o ( !m 9 !  next room4 ,h !y done 
any?+ yet to ! ,b>on80    ,x 0 ,burke's 
turn n[ to look f "o to ! o!r ( u 9     
unfeign$ surprise t we %\ld already "k  
some?+ ( 8 secret4    8,! ,b>on80 he    
repeat$1 l[]+ 8 voice4 8,:at ,b>on80    

,x 0 evid5t t ,burke knew no?+1 at lea/ 
( ?is new plot :i*  ,miss ,l[e _h       
indicat$4 ,k5n$y beckon$ him ov] to !   
w9d[  fur!/ f ! door to 8 own room4     
8,:at h y discov]$80 he ask$1 =e/all+   
,burke 9 !  que/ion+4 8,:at has happ5$80
    8,y hav5't he>d1 !n80 repli$ ,burke4
    ,k5n$y nodd$ negatively4            
8,=tescue1 ! ,am]ican inv5tor (         
=tescite1 ! new explosive1  di$ v       
/rangely ?is morn+40    8,yes10 enc\rag$
 ,k5n$y1 z ,burke came to a full /op to 
obs]ve !  effect ( ! in=mation4    8,mo/
 incompreh5sible1 too10 he pursu$4 8,no 
cause1 app>5tly4 ,b x  might h be5      
ov]look$1 p]haps1 except = "o ?+4 ,x    
wasn't  kn[n g5]ally1 b ,=tescue _h j   
p]fect$ a successful  electro-magnetic  
gun--p[d]less1 smokeless1 fla%less1     
noiseless & (  trem5d\s p[]4 ,to-morr[  
he 0 to h sign$ ! contract to sell  x to
 ,engl&4 ,?is morn+ he is f\nd dead & ! 
f9al plans ( !  gun are gone60    ,k5n$y
 & ,burke 7 /&+ mutely look+ at ea* o!r4
    8,:o is 9 ! next room80 :isp]$      

,burke ho>sely1 recollect+  ,k5n$y's    
caution ( sil5ce4    ,k5n$y did n reply 
imm$iately4 ,he 0 evid5tly mu* excit$ by
  ,burke's news ( ! wond]ful            
electro-magnetic gun4    8,burke10 he   
exclaim$ sudd5ly1 8let's jo9 =ces4 ,i   
?9k we are bo?  on ! trail ( a _w-wide  
conspiracy--a sort ( murd] syndicate to 
wipe out w>60    ,burke's only reply 0 a
 l[ :i/le t involunt>ily escap$ him z   
he rea*$ ov] & grasp$ ,craig's h&1 :i*  
to him repres5t$ !  seal+ ( ! compact4  
,z = me1 ,i c\ld n re/ra9 a m5tal %udd] 
at ! p[] t  _! fir/ murd] _h evid5tly   
plac$ 9 ! h&s ( ! an>*i/s1  if !y inde$ 
_h ! electro-magnetic gun :i* inv5tors  
_h be5  seek+ = g5]ations4 ,:at might !y
 n d ) x--p]haps ev5  use x !mselves &  
turn ! late/ inv5tion aga9/ society     
itself6    ,ha/ily ,craig gave a :isp]$ 
acc\nt ( our /range visit f ,miss  ,l[e1
 :ile ,burke li/5$1 op5-m\!d4    ,he _h 
sc>cely f9i%$ :5 he rea*$ = ! telephone 
& ask$  = long di/ance4    8,is ?is !   
,g]man embassy 9 ,wa%+ton80 ask$ ,craig 

a few mom5ts  lat] :5 he got 8 numb]4   
8,?is is ,craig ,k5n$y1 9 ,new ,york4 ,!
  ,unit$ ,/ates ,secret ,s]vice w v\* = 
me--m5tion to !m ,mr4  ,burke ( _! ,new 
,york (fice :o is "h ) me n[4 ,i und]/& 
t ,b>on ,kreig] is leav+ = ,new ,york to
 meet "s bank]s ?is  aft]noon4 ,he mu/ n
 d s4 ,he is 9 ! grave/ dang] if        
he--,:at8  ,he left la/ night at        
midnight & is already "h80    ,k5n$y    
turn$ to u blankly4    ,! door to 8 room
 op5$ sudd5ly4    ,!re /ood ,miss ,l[e1 
gaz+ wild-ey$ at u4 ,evid5tly h]        
sup]n]v\s condition _h height5$ !       
ke5ness ( h] s5ses4 ,%e  _h he>d :at we 
7 say+4 ,i tri$ to read h] face4 ,x 0 n 
fe> t ,i saw !re4 ,x 0 rage2 x 0        
jeal\sy4    8,! traitress--x is ,m>ie60 
%e %riek$4    ,= a mom5t1 obtusely1 ,i  
did n und]/&4    8,%e has made a secret 
appo9tm5t ) him10 %e cri$4    ,at la/ ,i
 saw ! tru?4 ,paula ,l[e _h fall5 9 love
 ) ! man %e  _h sworn to kill6          
,,*apt] ,,ii  ,,! ,,electro-,,magnetic  
,,gun      8,:at %all we d80 dem&$      

,burke1 in/antly tak+ 9 ! dang]\s       
situation t ! ,b>on's sudd5 *ange (     
plans _h op5$ up4    8,call ,o',connor10
 ,i sugge/$1 ?9k+ ( ! police bureau (   
miss+  p]sons1 & rea*+ = ! telephone4   
8,no1 no60 almo/ %\t$ ,craig1 seiz+ my  
arm4 8,! police w  inevitably spoil x   
all4 ,no1 we mu/ play a lone h& 9 ?is if
 we are  to "w x out4 ,h[ 0 ,=tescue    
discov]$1 ,burke80    8,sitt+ 9 a *air 9
 8 laboratory4 ,he mu/ h be5 !re all    
night4 ,!re wasn't a m>k on him1 n a    
sign ( viol5ce1 yet 8 face  0 t]ribly   
drawn z ?\gh he 7 gasp+ = brea? or 8    
he>t  _h sudd5ly fail$ him4 ,s f>1 ,i   
believe1 ! coron] has no clue &  isn't  
adv]tis+ ! case40    8,take me !re1 !n10
 decid$ ,craig quickly4 8,walt]1 ,i mu/ 
tru/  ,miss ,l[e to y on ! j\rney4 ,we  
mu/ all g4 ,t mu/ be our  />t+ po9t1 if 
we are to run ?is ?+ d[n40    ,i caught 
8 significant look to me & int]pret$ x  
to mean t he  want$ me to wat* ,miss    
,l[e especially4 ,i ga!r$ t tak+ h] 0  9
 ! nature ( a ?ird degree & z a result  

he expect$ to d]ive  "s in=mation f h]4 
,h] face 0 pale & drawn z we f\r pil$   
into a taxicab = a quick run d[nt[n to !
 laboratory ( ,=tescue  f :i* ,burke _h 
come directly to u ) 8 /ory4    8,:at d 
y "k ( ^! an>*i/s80 ask$ ,k5n$y ( ,burke
 z we  sp$ along4 8,:y d y suspect !m80 
,x 0 evid5t t he 0 discuss+ ! case s t  
,paula c\ld  ov]he>1 = a purpose4       
8,:y1 we receiv$ a tip f abroad--,i     
won't say :]e10 repli$ ,burke  gu>d$ly1 
tak+ 8 cue4 8,!y call !mselves !        
#8,gr\p1' ,i  believe1 :i* is a common  
en\gh t]m among an>*i/s4 ,x seems !y    
are compos$ ( t]rori/s ( all nations40  
8,! lead]80 inquir$ ,k5n$y1 lead+ him   
on4    8,!re is "o1 ,i believe1 a little
 florid1 /\t ,g]man4 ,i ?9k he is  a    
p>anoiac :o believes !re has fall5 on   
himself a div9e mission  to end all     
w>f>e4 ,q likely he is "o ( ^? :o h fl$ 
to  ,am]ica to avoid milit>y s]vice4    
,p]haps1 :y c]ta9ly1 y mu/  "k          
him--,ann5b]g1 an in/ructor 9 economics 
n[ at ! ,univ]sity80    ,craig nodd$ &  

rais$ 8 eyebr[s 9 mild surprise4 ,we _h 
inde$  he>d ( ,ann5b]g & "s ( 8 radical 
!ories :i* _h sometimes  q al>m$ !      
cons]vative faculty4 ,i felt t ?is 0    
gett+  pretty close home to u n[4       
8,h[ ab\t ,mrs4 ,ann5b]g80 ,craig ask$1 
recall+ ! clev] "y  wife ( ! middle-ag$ 
pr(essor4    ,at ! m]e m5tion ( ! "n1 ,i
 felt a sort ( />t 9 ,miss ,l[e1  :o 0  
seat$ next to me 9 ! taxicab4 ,%e _h    
quickly recov]$  h]self1 b n be=e ,i saw
 t ,k5n$y's plan ( break+ d[n !  la/    
b>ri] ( h] res]ve 0 work+4    8,%e is "o
 ( !m1 too10 ,burke nodd$4 8,i h _h my  
m5 out  %ad[+ !m & _! fri5ds4 ,!y tell  
me t ! ,ann5b]gs hold  salons--,i       
suppose y w\ld call !m t--att5d$ by     
numb]s ( m5  & wom5 ( high social &     
intellectual position :o dabble 9       
radicalism & all sorts ( ?+s40    8,:o  
are ! o!r lead]s80 ask$ ,craig4 8,h y   
any idea80    8,"s idea10 return$       
,burke4 8,!re seems to be a ,fr5*man1 a 
tall1  wiry man ( =ty-five or fifty ) a 
black mu/a*e :i* once _h a  milit>y     

twi/4 ,!re are a c\ple ( ,engli%m54 ,!n 
!re are five  or six ,am]icans :o seem  
to be active4 ,"o1 ,i believe1 is a "y  
woman40    ,k5n$y *eck$ him ) a cov]t   
glance1 b did n betray by a  movem5t ( a
 muscle to ,miss ,l[e t ei!r ,burke or  
himself  suspect$ h] ( be+ ! "y woman 9 
"q4    8,!re are ?ree ,russians10       
cont9u$ ,burke1 8all ( :om h escap$  f  
,sib]ia4 ,!n !re is at lea/ "o ,au/rian1
 a ,spani>d f !  ,f]r] s*ool1 & ,tomasso
 & ,enrico1 two ,italians1 r heavily    
built1 sw>?y1 be>d$4 ,!y look ! "p4 ,(  
c\rse !re are  o!rs4 ,b ^! 9 ! ma91 ,i  
?9k1 compose :at might be call$  #8!    
inn] circle' ( ! #8,gr\p4'0    ,x 0     
inde$ an al>m+1 t]rify+ revelation1 z we
 began to  realize t ,miss ,l[e _h      
und\bt$ly be5 tell+ ! tru?4 ,n  alone 0 
!re ?is ,am]ican gr\p1 evid5tly1 b all  
ov] ,europe !  l9es ( ! conspiracy _h   
app>5tly spread4 ,x 0 n a casual  ga!r+ 
( ord9>y malcont5ts4 ,x w5t deep] ?an t4
 ,x  includ$ _m :o 9 _! disgu/ at w>    
secretly 7 n unwill+  to w9k at viol5ce 

to end ! curse4 ,i c\ld n b reflect on !
  dang]\s gr\nd on :i* mo/ ( !m 7       
tread+1 %ak+ ! basis  ( all civilization
 9 ord] to cut out "o mod]n excresc5ce4 
,! big fact to u1 j at pres5t1 0 t ?is  
gr\p _h made  ,am]ica its headqu>t]s1 t 
plans _h be5 /udi\sly matur$ &  ev5     
r$uc$ to writ+1 if ,paula 7 to be       
believ$4 ,ev]y?+ _h  be5 c>efully /ag$ =
 a great simultane\s bl[ or s]ies ( bl[s
  t w\ld r\se ! :ole _w4    ,z ,i wat*$ 
,i c\ld n escape obs]v+ t ,miss ,l[e    
foll[$ ,burke  furtively n[1 z ?\gh he  
_h "s uncanny p[]4    ,=tescue's        
laboratory 0 9 an old build+ on a side  
/reet sev]al  blocks f ! ma9 ?or\ghf>es 
( ,manhattan4 ,he _h evid5tly  *os5 x1  
p>tly because ( its v inaccessibility 9 
ord] to  secure ! quiet necess>y = 8 "w4
    8,if he _h any visitors la/ night10 
comm5t$ ,k5n$y :5 our cab at  la/ pull$ 
up be=e ! place1 8!y might h come & gone
  unnotic$40    ,we ent]$4 ,no?+ _h be5 
di/urb$ 9 ! laboratory by ! coron]  &   
,k5n$y 0 able to ga9 a complete idea ( !

 case rapidly1  almo/ z well z if we _h 
be5 call$ 9 imm$iately4    ,=tescue's   
body1 x seem$1 _h be5 discov]$ sprawl$  
out 9 a big  arm*air1 z ,burke _h said1 
by "o ( 8 assi/ants only a few h\rs     
be=e :5 he _h come to ! laboratory 9 !  
morn+ to op5 x4  ,evid5tly he _h be5 !re
 undi/urb$ all night1 keep+ a gruesome  
vigil ov] 8 loot$ treasure h\se4    ,z  
we glean$ ! meag] facts1 x became m     
evid5t t :oev] _h  p]petrat$ ! crime mu/
 h _h ! diabolical cunn+ to d x 9  "s   
ord9>y way t ar\s$ no suspicion on ! "p 
( ! victim1  = !re 0 no sign ( any      
viol5ce any:]e4    ,z we ent]$ !        
laboratory1 ,i not$ an involunt>y %udd] 
on !  "p ( ,paula ,l[e1 b1 z f> z ,i    
knew1 x 0 no m ?an might  h be5 felt by 
anyone "u ! circum/ances4    ,=tescue's 
body _h be5 remov$ f ! *air 9 :i* x _h  
be5  f\nd & lay on a c\* at ! o!r end ( 
! room1 cov]$ m]ely  by a %eet4         
,o!rwise1 ev]y?+1 ev5 ! arm*air1 0      
undi/urb$4    ,k5n$y pull$ back a corn] 
( ! %eet1 disclos+ ! face1  contort$ & (

 a peculi>1 purpli% hue f ! conge/$     
blood  vessels4 ,he b5t ov] & ,i did s1 
too4 ,!re 0 an unmi/akable odor  (      
tobacco on him4 ,a mom5t ,k5n$y /udi$ ! 
face be=e u1 !n  sl[ly replac$ ! %eet4  
,miss ,l[e _h paus$ j inside ! door &   
seem$ resolutely b\nd  n to look at     
any?+4 ,k5n$y mean:ile _h begun a mo/   
m9ute  se>* ( ! table & floor ( !       
laboratory ne> ! spot :]e !  arm*air _h 
be5 sitt+4    ,9 my ef=t to glean :at ,i
 c\ld f h] actions & expressions ,i  did
 n notice t ,craig _h dropp$ to 8 knees 
& 0 pe]+ into  ! %ad[ "u ! laboratory   
table4 ,:5 at la/ he rose &  /raight5$  
himself up1 h[ev]1 ,i saw t he 0 hold+ 9
 ! palm  ( 8 h& a half-smok$1 gold-tipp$
 cig>ette1 :i* _h evid5tly  fall5 on !  
floor b5ea? ! table :]e x _h burn$      
itself out1  leav+ a black5$ m>k on !   
wood4    ,an in/ant aft]w>d he pick$ out
 f ! pile ( articles f\nd 9  ,=tescue's 
pockets & ly+ on ano!r table a silv]    
cig>ette case4  ,he snapp$ x op54       
,=tescue's cig>ettes1 ( :i* !re 7 p]haps

  a half doz5 9 ! case1 7 cork-tipp$4   
,"s "o _h evid5tly visit$ ! inv5tor !   
night be=e1 _h  app>5tly (f]$ him a     
cig>ette1 = !re 7 any numb] ( !         
cork-tipp$ /ubs ly+ ab\t4 ,:o 0 x8 ,i   
caught ,paula look+ )  fasc9at$ gaze at 
! gold-tipp$ /ub1 z ,k5n$y c>efully     
fold$ x  up 9 a piece ( pap] & deposit$ 
x 9 8 pocket4 ,did %e "k  some?+ ab\t ! 
case1 ,i wond]$8    ,)\t a ^w1 ,k5n$y   
seem$ to take 9 ! scant furniture ( !   
laboratory at a glance & a quick /ep or 
two br\ght him be=e a  /eel fil+ cab9et4
 ,"o draw]1 :i* _h n be5 clos$ z tightly
  z ! re/1 project$ a bit4 ,on its face 
0 a little typewritt5 c>d  be>+ !       
inscription3 8,e-,m ,,gun40    ,he pull$
 ! draw] op5 & glanc$ ov] ! data 9 x4   
8,j :at is an electro-magnetic gun80 ,i 
ask$1 int]pret+ !  initials on ! draw]4 
8,well10 he expla9$ z he turn$ ov] !    
notes & sket*es1 8!  prim>y pr9ciple    
involv$ 9 ! con/ruction ( su* a gun     
consi/s  9 impell+ ! projectile by !    
magnetic action ( a sol5oid1 !          

sectional coils or helices ( :i* are    
suppli$ ) curr5t ?r\gh  devices actuat$ 
by ! projectile itself4 ,9 o!r words1 ! 
sections  ( helices ( ! sol5oid produce 
an accel]at$ motion ( !  projectile by  
act+ successively on x1 aft] a pr9ciple 
involv$ 9  ! con/ruction (              
electro-magnetic rock drills & dispat*  
tubes4    8,all projectiles us$ 9 ?is   
gun ( ,=tescue's evid5tly mu/ h         
magnetic prop]ties & projectiles ( iron 
or conta9+ l>ge  portions ( iron are    
necess>y4 ,y see1 _m coils are w\nd     
ar\nd  ! b>rel ( ! gun4 ,z ! projectile 
/>ts x does s "u !  attraction ( ^?     
coils ahead :i* ! curr5t makes tempor>y 
magnets4 ,x automatically cuts (f !     
curr5t f ^? coils t x  passes1 all[+ ^? 
fur!r on only to attract x1 & prev5t+   
^? beh9d f pull+ x back40    ,he paus$  
to /udy ! scraps ( plans4 8,=tescue _h  
evid5tly also  work$ out a way ( *ang+ !
 poles ( ! coils z ! projectile  pass$1 
caus+ !m !n to repel ! projectile1 :i*  
mu/ h  add$ to its velocity4 ,he seems  

to h ov]come ! practical  difficulty t 9
 ord] to obta9 s]vice velocities )      
s]vice  projectiles an enorm\s numb] (  
w9d+s & a trem5d\sly long  b>rel are    
necess>y z well z an abnormally heavy   
curr5t beyond !  safe c>ry+ capacity ( !
 sol5oid :i* w\ld raise !  temp]ature to
 a po9t t w\ld de/roy ! coils40    ,he  
cont9u$ turn+ ov] ! pr9ts & notes 9 !   
draw]4 ,:5 he  f9i%$1 he look$ up at u )
 an expression t indicat$ t he  _h m]ely
 satisfi$ himself ( some?+ he _h already
 suspect$4    8,y 7 "r1 ,burke10 he     
said4 8,! f9al plans are gone40         
,burke1 :o1 9 ! meantime1 _h be5        
telephon+ ab\t ! city 9 a  va9 ef=t to  
locate ,b>on ,kreig]1 bo? at su* bank+  
(fices 9  ,wall ,/reet z he might be    
likely to visit & at "s ( ! hotels  mo/ 
frequ5t$ by =eign]s1 m]ely nodd$4 ,he 0 
evid5tly at a  loss completely h[ to    
proce$4    ,9 fact1 !re seem$ to be     
innum]able problems--to w>n ,b>on       
,kreig]1  to get ! li/ ( !              
assass9ations1 to gu>d ,miss ,l[e aga9/ 

fall+ into ! h&s ( h] an>*i/ fri5ds     
aga91 to f9d !  murd]] ( ,=tescue1 to   
prev5t ! use ( ! electro-magnetic gun1  
&1 if possible1 to seize ! an>*i/s be=e 
!y _h a *ance to  c>ry fur!r _! plans4  
8,!re is no?+ m t we c d "h10 rem>k$    
,craig briskly1  betray+ no sign (      
hesitation4 8,i ?9k ! be/ ?+ we c d is  
to g to my own laboratory4 ,!re at lea/ 
!re is some?+ ,i mu/  inve/igate soon]  
or lat]40    ,no "o (f]+ ei!r a         
sugge/ion or an objection1 we f\r aga9  
ent]$ our cab4 ,x 0 q noticeable n[ t ! 
visit _h %ak5  ,paula ,l[e1 b ,k5n$y    
/ill /udi\sly refra9$ f que/ion+  h]1   
tru/+ t :at %e _h se5 & he>d1 especially
 ,burke's  report z to ,b>on ,kreig]1   
w\ld h its effect4    ,l ev]yone visit+ 
,craig's laboratory = ! fir/ "t1 ,miss  
,l[e  seem$ to feel ! spell ( !         
innum]able /range & uncanny  in/rum5ts  
:i* he _h ga!r$ ab\t him 9 8 sci5tific  
w>f>e  aga9/ crime4 ,i c\ld see t %e 0  
becom+ m & m n]v\s1  p]haps fe>+ ev5 t 9
 "s incompreh5sible way he might read   

h] own ?\ghts4 ,yet "o ?+ ,i did n      
detect4 ,%e %[$ no  disposition to turn 
back on ! c\rse on :i* %e _h ent]$ by   
com+ to u 9 ! fir/ place4    ,k5n$y 0   
quickly & deftly te/+ ! /ub ( ! little  
?91  gold-tipp$ cig>ette4    8,excessive
 smok+10 he rem>k$ casually1 8causes    
neuroses ( !  he>t & tobacco has a      
specific aff9ity = ! coron>y art]ies z  
well z a trem5d\s effect on ! vagus     
n]ve4 ,b ,i don't ?9k ?is  0 any ord9>y 
smoke40    ,he _h f9i%$ 8 te/s & a quiet
 smile ( satisfaction flitt$  mom5t>ily 
ov] 8 face4 ,we _h be5 wat*+ him        
anxi\sly1  wond]+ :at he _h f\nd4    ,z 
he look$ up he rem>k$ to u1 ) 8 eyes    
fix$ on ,miss ,l[e1  8,t 0 a ladies'    
cig>ette4 ,did y notice ! size8 ,!re has
 be5  a woman 9 ?is case--presumably40  
,! girl1 sudd5ly trans=m$ by !          
rapid-fire succession (  discov]ies1    
/ood be=e u l a spect]4    8,! #8,gr\p1'
 z an>*i/s call x10 pursu$ ,craig1 8is !
 loose/  sort ( organization            
conceivable1 ,i believe1 ) no set       

memb]%ip1 no  (fic]s1 no laws--j a place
 ( meet+ ) no fixity1 :]e !  comrades   
get toge!r4 ,c\ld y get u into ! inn]   
circle1 ,miss  ,l[e80    ,h] only answ] 
0 a little suppress$ scream4 ,k5n$y _h  
ask$ !  "q m]ely = its effect1 = x 0    
only too evid5t t !re  0 no "t1 ev5 if  
%e c\ld h manag$ x1 = u to play !  8/ool
 pigeon40    ,k5n$y1 :o _h be5 cle>+ up 
! mat]ials he _h us$ 9 !  analysis ( !  
cig>ette1 :eel$ ab\t sudd5ly4 8,:]e is !
  headqu>t]s ( ! inn] circle80 he %ot   
out4    ,miss ,l[e hesitat$4 ,t _h      
evid5tly be5 "o ( ! ?+s %e _h  det]m9$ n
 to divulge4    8,tell me10 insi/$      
,k5n$y4 8,y mu/60    ,if x _h be5       
,burke's bulldoz+ %e w\ld nev] h yield$4
 ,b z  %e look$ into ,k5n$y's eyes %e   
read !re t he _h long s9ce  fa?om$ !    
secret ( h] wildly beat+ he>t1 t if %e  
w\ld  accompli% ! purpose ( sav+ ! ,b>on
 %e mu/ /op at no?+4                    
8,at--,maplehur/10 %e answ]$ 9 a l[     
tone1 dropp+ h] eyes f 8  p5etrat+ gaze1
 8,pr(essor ,ann5b]g's home--out on     

,long ,isl&40    8,we mu/ act swiftly if
 we are to succe$10 consid]$ ,k5n$y1 8  
tone betray+ r sympa?y ) ?an triumph ov]
 ! wret*$ girl  :o _h at la/ ca/ ev]y?+ 
9 ! balance to outweigh ! t]rible       
situation into :i* %e _h be5 drawn4 8,to
 s5d ,miss ,l[e = t  fatal li/ (        
assass9ations is to s5d h] ei!r back    
into ! p[]  ( ?is murd]\s gr\p & let !m 
"k t %e has told u1 or  p]haps to       
involve h] aga9 9 ! completion ( _!     
plans40    ,%e sank back into a *air 9  
complete n]v\s & physical collapse1     
cov]+ h] face ) h] h&s at ! realization 
t 9 h]  new-f\nd passion to save ! ,b>on
 %e _h b>$ h] s5sitive s\l  = !         
dissection ( ?ree m5 :om %e _h nev] se5 
be=e4    8,we mu/ h t li/10 pursu$      
,k5n$y decisively4 8,we mu/ visit       
,ann5b]g's headqu>t]s40    8,& ,i80 %e  
ask$1 trembl+ n[ ) g5u9e fe> at ! ?\ght 
t  he might ask h] to accompany u z he  
_h on our visit to ,=tescue's           
laboratory t morn+4    8,miss ,l[e10    
said ,k5n$y1 b5d+ ov] h]1 8y h gone too 

f> n[  ev] to turn back4 ,y are n equal 
to ! trip4 ,w\ld y l to  rema9 "h8 ,no  
"o w suspect4 ,"h at lea/ y w be safe   
until  we return40    ,h] answ] 0 a mute
 expression ( ?anks & confid5ce4        
,,*apt] ,,iii  ,,! ,,murd] ,,syndicate  
,quickly n[ ,craig complet$ 8           
arrangem5ts = ! visit to !  headqu>t]s (
 ! real an>*i/ lead]4 ,burke telephon$ =
 a  high-p[]$ c>1 :ile ,miss ,l[e told  
frankly ( ! habits (  ,ann5b]g & !      
*ances ( f9d+ 8 place ungu>d$1 :i* 7    
good 9 ! daytime4 ,k5n$y's only equipm5t
 = ! excursion  consi/$ 9 a small       
package :i* he took f a cab9et at ! end 
(  ! room1 &1 ) a p>t+ reassurance to   
,paula ,l[e1 we 7 soon  spe$+ ov] !     
bridge to ! bor\gh across ! riv]4    ,we
 realiz$ t x might prove a desp]ate     
und]tak+1 b ! crisis  0 su* t x call$ = 
any risk4    ,our que/ took u to a r    
dilapidat$ old h\se on ! outskirts (  ! 
little ,long ,isl& t[n4 ,! h\se /ood    
alone1 n f> f !  tracks ( a trolley t   
ran at infrequ5t int]vals4 ,ev5 a ha/y  

reconnoit]+ %[$ t to /op our motor at   
ev5 a reasonable  di/ance f x 0 9 itself
 to ar\se suspicion4    ,al?\gh ! h\se  
seem$ des]t$1 ,craig took no *ances1 b  
direct$  ! c> to turn at ! next         
crossroad & !n run back along a road    
back ( & p>allel to t on :i* ,ann5b]g's 
0 situat$4 ,x 0  p]haps a qu>t] ( a mile
 away1 across an op5 field1 t we /opp$  
& ran ! c> up along ! side ( ! road 9 "s
 bu%es4  ,ann5b]g's 0 pla9ly visible & x
 0 n at all likely t  anyone !re w\ld   
suspect tr\ble f t qu>t]4    ,a ha/y    
conf]5ce ) ,burke foll[$1 9 :i* ,k5n$y  
unwrapp$ 8  small package1 leav+ "p (   
its cont5ts ) him1 & add+  c>eful       
in/ructions4    ,!n ,k5n$y & ,i retrac$ 
our /eps d[n ! road1 across by !        
crossroad1 & at la/ back to ! my/]i\s   
h\se4    ,to all appe>ance !re _h be5 no
 ne$ ( su* excessive caution4 ,n  a s\nd
 or motion greet$ u z we ent]$ ! gate & 
made our way  ar\nd to ! re> ( ! h\se4  
,! v isolation ( ! h\se 0  n[ our       
protection1 = we _h no inquisitive      

neighbors to wat* u =  ! in/ant :5      
,k5n$y1 ) ! dext]ity ( a yeggman1 ins]t$
 8  knife betwe5 ! sa%es ( ! kit*5 w9d[ 
& turn$ ! cat*  :i* admitt$ u4    ,we   
made our way on cauti\s tiptoe ?r\gh a  
d9+ room to a liv+  room1 &1 f9d+ no?+1 
proce$$ up/airs4 ,!re 0 n a s\l1        
app>5tly1 9 ! h\se1 nor 9 fact any?+ to 
indicate t x 0  diff]5t f mo/ small     
suburban homes1 until at la/ we m\nt$ to
  ! attic4    ,x 0 f9i%$ (f 9 "o l>ge   
room across ! back ( ! h\se &  two 9    
front4 ,z we op5$ ! door to ! l>g] room1
 we c\ld only  gaze ab\t 9 surprise4    
,?is 0 ! r5dezv\s1 ! ars5al1 lit]>y1    
explosive & toxicological ( ! 8,gr\p40  
,rang$ on a table 7 all  ! mat]ials =   
bomb-mak+1 :ile 9 a cab9et ,i fanci$ !re
 7  poisons en\gh to decimate a city4   
,on ! walls 7 pictures1 mo/ly newspap]  
pr9ts1 ( ! assass9s  ( ,mc,kinley1 ( ,k+
 ,humb]t1 ( ! ,k+ ( ,greece1 ( ,k+      
,c>los &  o!rs1 int]sp]s$ ) portraits ( 
an>*i/ & anti-milit>i/  lead]s ( all    
l&s4    ,k5n$y sniff$4 ,ov] all ,i1 too1

 c\ld cat* ! fa9t odor ( /ale  tobacco4 
,no "t 0 to be lo/1 h[ev]1 & :ile ,craig
 set to "w  rapidly go+ ?r\gh ! cont5ts 
( a desk 9 ! corn]1 ,i glanc$  ov] !    
cont5ts ( a draw] ( a heavy mission     
table4    8,"h's "s ( ,ann5b]g's        
lit]ature10 ,i rem>k$1 com+ across a    
small pile ( manuscript1 entitl$ 8,!    
,human ,slaught] ,h\se40    8,read x10  
pant$ ,k5n$y1 see+ t ,i _h ab\t complet$
 my "p (  ! job4 8,x may give a clue40  
,ha/ily ,i scann$ ! mad1 frantic        
indictm5t ( w>1 :ile ,craig  cont9u$ 9 8
 se>*3    8,i see wild bea/s all ar\nd  
me1 di/ort$ unnaturally1 9 a life &     
dea? /ruggle1 ) blood%ot eyes1 ) foam+1 
gna%+ m\?s4  ,!y attack & kill "o ano!r 
& try to mangle ea* o!r4 ,i leap  to my 
feet4 ,i race out into ! night & tread  
on quak+ fle%1 /ep  on h>d heads1 &     
/umble ov] weapons & helmets4 ,some?+ is
  clut*+ at my feet l h&s1 s t ,i race  
away l a hunt$ de]  ) ! h\nds at 8      
heels--& ev] ov] m bodies--brea?less''' 
out  ( "o field into ano!r4 ,horror is  

croon+ ov] my head4 ,horror is  croon+  
b5ea? my feet4 ,& no?+ b dy+1 mangl$    
fle%6    8,( a sudd5 ,i see no?+ b blood
 be=e me4 ,! heav5s h op5$  & ! r$ blood
 p\rs 9 ?r\gh ! w9d[s4 ,blood wells up  
on an  alt>4 ,! walls run blood f !     
ceil+ to ! floor &''' a giant  ( blood  
/&s be=e me4 ,8 be>d & 8 hair drip      
blood4 ,he seats  himself on ! alt> &   
laughs f ?ick lips4 ,! black execution] 
raises 8 sword & :irls x above my head4 
,ano!r mom5t & my  head w roll d[n on ! 
floor4 ,ano!r mom5t & ! r$ jet w  spurt 
f my neck4    8,murd]]s6 ,murd]]s6 ,none
 o!r ?an murd]]s60    ,i paus$ 9 !      
read+4 8,!re's no?+ "h10 ,i rem>k$1     
glanc+  ov] ! curi\s docum5t = a clue1 b
 f9d+ none4    8,well10 rem>k$ ,craig   
contemplatively1 8"o c at lea/ easily   
und]/& h[ s5sitive & imag9ative p :o h  
fall5 "u  ! influ5ce ( "o :o writes 9 t 
way c feel ju/ifi$ 9  kill+ ^?          
responsible = br++ su* horrors on !     
human race4  ,hello--:at's ?is80    ,he 
_h discov]$ a false back ( "o ( ! draw]s

 9 ! desk &  _h jimmi$ x op54 ,on ! top 
( innum]able pap]s lay a l>ge l95       
envelope4 ,on its face x bore 9         
typewrit+1 j l ! c>d on !  draw] at     
,=tescue's1 8,e-,m ,,gun40    8,x is !  
orig9al envelope t conta9$ ! f9al plans 
( !  electro-magnetic gun10 he expla9$1 
op5+ x4    ,! envelope 0 empty4 ,we     
look$ at ea* o!r a mom5t 9 sil5ce4  ,:at
 _h be5 done ) ! plans8    ,sudd5ly a   
bell rang1 />tl+ me beyond measure4 ,x  
01 h[ev]1  only ! telephone1 ( :i* an   
ext5sion rea*$ up into !  attic-ars5al4 
,"s "o1 :o did n "k t we 7 !re1 0       
evid5tly call+ up4    ,k5n$y quickly    
unhook$ ! receiv] ) a ha/y motion to me 
to be  sil5t4    8,hello10 ,i he>d him  
answ]4 8,yes1 ?is is x40    ,he _h      
disguis$ 8 voice4 ,i wait$ anxi\sly &   
wat*$ 8 face to  ga!r :at response he   
receiv$4    8,! deuce60 he exclaim$1 ) 8
 h& ov] ! transmitt] s t  8 voice w\ld n
 be he>d at ! o!r end ( ! l9e4          
8,:at's ! matt]80 ,i ask$ eag]ly4    8,x
 0 ,mrs4 ,ann5b]g--,i am sure4 ,b %e 0  

too ke5 = me4 ,%e  caught on4 ,!re mu/  
be "s password or =m ( expression t !y  
use1 :i* we don't "k1 = %e hung up !    
receiv] almo/ z soon  z %e he>d me40    
,k5n$y wait$ a m9ute or s4 ,!n he :i/l$ 
into ! transmitt]4  ,x 0 done app>5tly  
to see :e!r !re 0 anyone li/5+4 ,b  !re 
0 no answ]4    8,op]ator1 op]ator60 he  
call$ insi/5tly1 mov+ ! hook up &  d[n4 
8,yes1 op]ator4 ,c y tell me :at numb] t
 0 :i* j  call$80    ,he wait$          
impati5tly4    8,bleeck]--#gl#hj10 he   
repeat$ aft] ! girl4 8,?ank y4          
,in=mation1  please40    ,aga9 we wait$1
 z ,craig tri$ to trace ! call up4      
8,:at is ! /reet address ( ,bleeck]1    
#gahj80 he ask$4 8,five hundr$  & "o    
,ea/ ,fif?--a t5em5t4 ,?ank y40    8,a  
t5em5t80 ,i repeat$ blankly4    8,yes10 
he cri$1 n[ = ! fir/ "t excit$4 8,don't 
y beg9 to  see ! s*eme8 ,i'll wag] t    
,b>on ,kreig] has be5 lur$ to ,new      
,york to pur*ase ! electro-magnetic gun 
:i* !y h /ol5 f  ,=tescue & ! ,briti%4  
,t is ! bait t is held out to him by  ! 

woman4 ,call up ,miss ,l[e at !         
laboratory & see if %e kn[s !  place40  
,i gave c5tral ! numb]1 :ile he fell to 
at ! little secret draw]  ( ! desk aga94
 ,! gr9d+ ( ! :eels ( a pass+ trolley   
int]f]$ some:at ) giv+ ! numb] & ,i _h  
to wait a mom5t4    8,ah--,walt]--"h's !
 li/60 almo/ %\t$ ,k5n$y1 z he broke op5
 a  black-japann$ dispat* box 9 ! desk4 
,i b5t ov] x1 z f> z ! slack ( !        
telephone wire ( !  receiv] at my e>    
w\ld p]mit4 ,ann5b]g _h work$ ) amaz+   
c>e  & neatness on ! li/1 ev5 go+ s f> z
 to draw at ! top1 9  black1 a dea?'s   
head4 ,! re/ ( x 0 elaborately prep>$ 9 
flam+ r$ ink4    ,craig gasp$ to obs]ve 
! li/ ( _w-fam\s m5 m>k$ =  de/ruction 9
 ,london1 ,p>is1 ,b]l91 ,rome1 ,vi5na1  
,/4 ,pet]sburg1 &  ev5 9 ,new ,york &   
,wa%+ton4    8,:at is ! date set80 ,i   
ask$1 /ill ) my e> glu$ to !  receiv]4  
8,to-night & to-morr[10 he repli$1 /uff+
 ! fateful %eet into  8 pocket4         
,rummag+ ab\t 9 ! draw] ( ! table1 ,i _h
 come to a package (  gold-tipp$        

cig>ettes :i* _h int]e/$ me & ,i _h left
 !m out4  ,k5n$y 0 n[ look+ at !m       
curi\sly4    8,:at is to be ! me?od1 d y
 suppose80 ,i ask$4    8,by a poison t  
is among ! mo/ p[]ful1 approa*+ ev5     
cyanog510 he repli$ confid5tly1 tapp+ ! 
cig>ettes4 8,d y  smell ! odor 9 ?is    
room8 ,:at is x l80    8,/ale tobacco10 
,i repli$4    8,exactly--nicot9e4 ,two  
or ?ree drops on ! m\?-end ( a cig> or  
cig>ette4 ,! int5d$ victim ?9ks x is    
only natural4 ,b x is !  pure/ =m ( !   
deadly alkaloid--fatal 9 a few m9utes1  
too40    ,he exam9$ ! ?9 little         
cig>ettes m c>efully4 8,nicot9e10 he    
w5t on1 80 ab\t ! fir/ alkaloid t 0     
recov]$ f ! body  by *emical analysis 9 
a homicide case4 ,t is ! p5etrat+1      
p]si/5t odor y smell$ at ,=tescue's &   
also "h4 ,x's a v  good poison--if y are
 n p>ticul> ab\t be+ discov]$4 ,a p\nd  
( ord9>y smok+ tobacco conta9s f a half 
to an ounce ( x4 ,x  is almo/ entirely  
consum$ by combu/ion2 o!rwise a pipeful 
w\ld be  fatal4 ,( c\rse !y may h ?\ght 

t inve/igators w\ld believe  t _!       
victims 7 invet]ate smok]s4 ,b ev5 !    
wor/ tobacco  fi5d w\ldn't %[ traces ( !
 we$ to su* an ext5t40    ,miss ,l[e    
answ]$ at la/ & ,k5n$y took ! telephone4
    8,:at is at five hundr$ & "o ,ea/   
,fif?80 he ask$4    8,a headqu>t]s ( !  
,gr\p 9 ! city10 %e answ]$4 8,:y80      
8,well1 ,i believe t ! plans ( t gun are
 !re & t !  ,b>on--0    8,y damn$       
spies60 came a voice f beh9d u4         
,k5n$y dropp$ ! receiv]1 turn+ quickly1 
8 automatic gleam+  9 8 h&4    ,!re 0 j 
a glimpse ( a man ) glitt]+ bright blue 
eyes t  _h an almo/ fi5di%1 baleful     
gl>e4 ,an in/ant lat] ! door :i*  _h s  
unexpect$ly op5$ bang$ %ut1 we he>d a   
key turn 9 !  lock--& ! man dropp$ to ! 
floor be=e ev5 ,k5n$y's automatic  c\ld 
te/ its ability to p5etrate wood on a   
*ance at hitt+  some?+ ! o!r side ( x4  
,we 7 prison]s6    ,my m9d work$        
automatically4 ,at ?is v mom5t1 p]haps1 
,b>on  ,kreig] might be negotiat+ = !   
electro-magnetic gun4 ,we _h f\nd  out  

:]e he 01 9 all probability1 b we 7     
p[]less to help  him4 ,i ?\ght ( ,miss  
,l[e1 & pick$ up ! receiv] :i* ,k5n$y   
_h dropp$4    ,%e did n answ]4 ,! wire  
_h be5 cut4 ,we 7 isolat$6    ,k5n$y _h 
jump$ to ! w9d[4 ,i foll[$ to re/ra9    
him1 fe>+  t he _h "s mad s*eme = climb+
 out4 ,in/ead1 quickly he  plac$ a      
peculi> arrangem5t1 f ! little package  
he _h br\ght1  hold+ x to 8 eye z if    
sight+ x1 8 "r h& grasp+ a  h&le z "o   
holds a /]eoscope4 ,a mom5t lat]1 z ,i  
exam9$ x  m closely1 ,i saw t in/ead (  
look+ at any?+ he _h be=e  him a small  
p>abolic mirror turn$ away f him4    ,8 
f+] press$ alt]nately on a button on !  
h&le & ,i c\ld  see t !re fla%$ 9 !     
little mirror a m9ute inc&esc5t lamp    
:i* seem$ to h a special filam5t        
arrangem5t4    ,! gl>+ sun 0 /ream+ 9 at
 ! w9d[ & ,i wond]$ :at  c\ld possibly  
be accompli%$ by ! little light 9       
competition )  ! sun itself4            
8,signal+ by electric light 9 ! daytime 
may s\nd to y  ridicul\s10 expla9$      

,craig1 /ill indu/ri\sly fla%+ ! light1 
8b ?is arrangem5t ) ,pr(essor ,dona?'s  
signal mirror makes x  possible1 all "r4
    8,i hadn't expect$ ?is1 b ,i ?\ght  
,i might want to communicate )  ,burke  
quickly4 ,y see1 ,i sight ! lamp & !n   
press ! button  :i* causes ! light 9 !  
mirror to fla%4 ,x seems a p>adox t  a  
light l ?is c be se5 f a di/ance ( ev5  
five miles &  yet be invisible to "o =  
:om x 0 n int5d$1 b x is s4 ,i  use !   
ord9>y ,morse code--two seconds = a dot1
 six = a da% )  a f\r-second int]val40  
8,:at message did y s5d80 ,i ask$4      
8,i told him t ,b>on ,kreig] 0 at five  
hundr$ & "o ,ea/ ,fif?1  probably2 to   
get ! secret s]vice (fice 9 ,new ,york  
by wire & h  !m raid ! place1 !n to come
 & rescue u4 ,t 0 ,ann5b]g4 ,he  mu/ h  
come up by t trolley we he>d pass+ j    
be=e40    ,! m9utes seem$ ages z we     
wait$ = ,burke to />t ! ma*9]y  ( ! raid
 & !n come = u4    8,no--y c't h a      
cig>ette--& if ,i _h a pair ( bracelets 
)  me1 ,i'd se>* y myself10 we he>d a   

welcome voice gr[l outside !  door a few
 m9utes lat]4 8,look 9 t o!r pocket1    
,tom40    ,! lock grat$ back & !re /ood 
,burke hold+ 9 a grip ( /eel  ! und]siz$
 ,ann5b]g1 :ile ! *auffeur :o _h driv5  
our c>  swung op5 ! door4    8,i'd h be5
 up soon]10 apologiz$ ,burke1 giv+ !    
an>*i/ an  extra twi/ j to let him "k t 
he 0 at la/ 9 ! h&s (  ! law1 8only ,i  
figur$ t ?is fell[ c\ldn't h got f> away
 9  ?is ,god-=sak5 ,duckt[n & ,i might z
 well pick him up :ile ,i _h  a *ance4  
,t's a great little in/rum5t ( y\rs1    
,k5n$y4 ,i got  y1 f9e40    ,ann5b]g1   
see+ we 7 n[ f\r to "o1 conclud$ t      
discretion  0 ! bett] "p ( valor & ceas$
 to /ruggle1 ?\gh n[ &  !n ,i c\ld see  
he glanc$ at ,k5n$y out ( ! corn] ( 8   
eye4 ,to  e "q he ma9ta9$ a /olid       
sil5ce4    ,a few m9utes lat]1 ) ! ar*  
an>*i/ safely p9ion$ betwe5  u1 we 7    
spe$+ back t[>d ,new ,york1 lay+ plans =
 ,burke to  dispat* w>n+s abroad to ^?  
^: names appe>$ on ! fatal  li/1 & at ! 
same "t to r\nd up z _m ( ! conspirators

 z  possible 9 ,am]ica4    ,z = ,k5n$y1 
8 ma9 int]e/ n[ lay 9 ,b>on ,kreig] &   
,paula4  ,:ile %e _h be5 driv5 frantic  
by ! outcome ( ! t]rible pact  into :i* 
%e _h be5 drawn1 "s "o1 und\bt$ly1 _h   
be5 try+  to sell ,b>on ,kreig] ! gun t 
_h be5 /ol5 f ! ,am]ican  inv5tor4 ,once
 !y _h 8 money & he _h receiv$ ! plans (
 !  gun1 a fatal cig>ette w\ld be smok$4
 ,c\ld we prev5t x8    ,on we tore back 
to ! city1 across ! bridge & d[n ?r\gh !
  canyons ( ,ea/ ,side /reets4    ,at   
la/ we pull$ up be=e ! t5em5t at five   
hundr$ & "o4 ,z we  did s1 "o ( ,burke's
 m5 jump$ out ( ! doorway4    8,are we 9
 "t80 %\t$ ,burke4    8,x's an awful    
mix-up10 return$ ! man4 8,i c't make    
any?+ out (  x1 s ,i ord]$ 'em all held 
"h till y came40    ,we pu%$ pa/ )\t a  
^w ( criticism ( 8 wond]ful acum54      
,on ! top floor we came ^u a "y man1    
b5d+ ov] ! =m ( a  girl :o _h fa9t$4 ,on
 ! floor ( ! middle ( ! room 0 a mass  (
 *>r$ pap]s :i* _h evid5tly burn$ a hole
 9 ! c>pet  be=e !y _h be5 /amp$ out4   

,ne> by 0 an unlight$ cig>ette1  cru%$  
flat on ! floor4    8,h[ is %e80 ask$   
,k5n$y anxi\sly ( ! "y man1 z he dropp$ 
d[n on ! o!r side ( ! girl4    ,x 0     
,paula4 ,%e _h fa9t$1 b 0 j n[ com+ out 
( !  bord]l& ( unconsci\sness4    8,0 ,i
 9 "t8 ,_h he smok$ x80 %e moan$ weakly1
 z !re swam  be=e h] eyes1 evid5tly1 a  
hazy vision ( our faces4    ,k5n$y turn$
 to ! "y man4    8,b>on ,kreig]1 ,i     
presume80 he inquir$4    ,! "y man      
nodd$4    8,burke ( ! ,secret ,s]vice10 
introduc$ ,craig1 indicat+ our fri5d4   
8,my "n is ,k5n$y4 ,tell :at happ5$40   
8,i _h j conclud$ a transaction10       
return$ ,kreig] 9 good b  c>efully gu>d$
 ,engli%4 8,sudd5ly ! door bur/ op54 ,%e
 seiz$  ^! pap]s & da%$ a cig>ette out (
 my h&s4 ,! next in/ant  %e _h t\*$ a   
mat* to !m & _h fall5 9 a fa9t almo/ 9 !
  blaze4 ,/range/ exp]i5ce ,i ev] _h 9  
my life4 ,!n all ^! o!r  fell[s came    
bur/+ 9--said !y 7 ,secret ,s]vice m51  
too40    ,k5n$y _h no "t to reply1 = a  
cry f ,ann5b]g direct$ our  att5tion to 

! next room :]e on a c\* lay a figure   
all huddl$  up4    ,z we look$ we saw x 
0 a woman1 h] head sweat+ pr(usely1 &   
h] h&s cold & clammy4 ,!re 0 a /range   
twit*+ ( ! muscles  ( ! face1 ! pupils (
 h] eyes 7 widely dilat$1 h] pulse weak 
& irregul>4 ,evid5tly h] circulation _h 
fail$ s t x  respond$ only feebly to    
/imulants1 = h] respiration 0 sl[ &     
labor$1 ) l\d inspiratory gasps4        
,ann5b]g _h bur/ ) sup]human /r5g? f    
,burke's grasp & 0  kneel+ by ! side ( 8
 wife's dea?b$4    8,x--0 all ,paula's  
fault--0 gasp$ ! woman4 8,i--knew ,i _h 
bett]--c>ry x ?r\gh--l ! ,=tescue       
visit--alone40    ,i felt a s5se (      
reassurance at ! words4 ,at lea/ my     
suspicions _h  be5 unf\nd$4 ,paula 0    
innoc5t ( ! murd] ( ,=tescue4           
8,sev]e1 acute nicot9e poison+10 rem>k$ 
,k5n$y1 z he rejo9$ u  a mom5t lat]4    
8,!re is no?+ we c d--n[40    ,paula    
mov$ at ! words1 z ?\gh !y _h awak5$ a  
new en]gy 9  h]4 ,) a supreme ef=t %e   
rais$ h]self4    8,!n ,i--,i fail$80 %e 

cri$1 cat*+ sight ( ,k5n$y4    8,no1    
,miss ,l[e10 he answ]$ g5tly4 8,y won4  
,! plans ( !  t]rible gun are de/roy$4  
,! ,b>on is safe4 ,mrs4 ,ann5b]g has    
h]self smok$ "o ( ! fatal cig>ettes     
int5d$ = him40    ,kreig] look$ at u1   
uncompreh5d+4 ,k5n$y pick$ up ! cru%$1  
unlight$ cig>ette & laid x 9 ! palm ( 8 
h& beside ano!r1  half smok$1 :i* he _h 
f\nd beside ,mrs4 ,ann5b]g4    8,!y are 
deadly10 he said simply to ,kreig]4 8,a 
few drops ( pure  nicot9e hidd5 by t    
pretty gilt tip w\ld h accompli%$ all  t
 ! bitt]e/ an>*i/ c\ld desire40    ,all 
at once ,kreig] seem$ to realize :at he 
_h escap$ s n>r[ly4  ,he turn$ t[>d     
,paula4 ,! revulsion ( h] feel+s at see+
 him  safe 0 too mu* = h] %att]$ n]ves4 
,) a fa9t little cry1 %e tott]$4        
,be=e any ( u c\ld rea* h]1 he _h caught
 h] 9 8 arms &  impr9t$ a w>m kiss on ! 
ins5sible lips4    8,"s wat]--quick60 he
 cri$1 /ill hold+ h] close4             
,,*apt] ,,iv  ,,! ,,air ,,pirate        
,r\nd+ up ! 8,gr\p0 took sev]al days1 & 

x prov$ to be a great  /ory = ! ,/>4 ,i 
0 pretty fagg$ :5 x 0 all ov]1 b  !re 0 
a great deal ( satisfaction 9 kn[+ t we 
_h  fru/rat$ "o ( ! mo/ d>+ an>*i/ plots
 ( rec5t ye>s4    8,c y arrange to sp5d 
! week-end ) me at ,/uyvesant           
,v]planck's at ,bluffwood80 ask$ ,k5n$y 
ov] ! telephone1 !  aft]noon t ,i _h    
complet$ my "w on ! newspap] ( undo+ :at
  ,ann5b]g & ! re/ _h attempt$4    8,h[ 
long s9ce society took y up80 ,i ask$   
airily1 add+1 8,is x a  l>ge h\se p>ty y
 are gett+ up80    8,y h he>d ( !       
s-call$ #8phantom b&it' ( ,bluffwood1   
hav5't  y80 he return$ r brusquely1 z   
?\gh !re 0 no "t n[ =  bant]+4    ,i    
confess t 9 ! excitem5t ( ! an>*i/s ,i  
_h =gott5 x1  b n[ ,i recall$ t = sev]al
 days ,i _h be5 read+ little  p>agraphs 
ab\t robb]ies on ! big e/ates on ! ,long
 ,isl& %ore  ( ! ,s\nd4 ,"o ( ! local   
correspond5ts _h call$ ! robb] a        
8phantom b&it10 b ,i _h ?\ght x no?+ m  
?an an attempt to  make good copy out ( 
a r ord9>y occurr5ce4    8,well10 he    

hurri$ on1 8t's ! reason :y ,i h be5    
#8tak5 up by  society1' z y s elegantly 
phrase x4 ,f ! secret hid+-places  ( !  
b\doirs & safes ( fa%ionable wom5 at    
,bluffwood1 ?\s&s  ( doll>s' wor? (     
jewels & o!r tr9kets h my/]i\sly        
vani%$4 ,( c\rse y'll come along4 ,:y1 x
 w be j ! /ory  to tone up t alleg$ page
 ( society news y h& out 9 ! ,sunday    
,/>4 ,!re--we're quits n[4 ,s]i\sly1    
?\gh1 ,walt]1 x really  seems to be a v 
baffl+ case1 or r s]ies ( cases4 ,! :ole
  colony out !re is t]roriz$4 ,!y don't 
"k :o ! robb] is1 or  h[ he op]ates1 or 
:o w be ! next victim1 b 8 skill &      
success seem almo/ uncanny4 ,mr4        
,v]planck has put "o ( 8 c>s at  my     
disposal & ,i'm up "h at ! laboratory   
ga!r+ "s app>atus  t may be useful4     
,i'll pick y up any:]e betwe5 ?is & !   
,bridge--h[ ab\t ,columbus ,circle 9    
half an h\r80    8,good10 ,i agre$1     
decid+ quickly f 8 tone & mann] (       
assurance t x w\ld be a case ,i c\ld n  
af=d to miss4    ,! ,/uyvesant          

,v]plancks1 ,i knew1 7 among ! lead]s ( 
! r  re*]* society at ,bluffwood1 & !   
pace at :i* ,bluffwood mov$  & _h its   
be+ 0 su* z to gu>antee a good /ory 9 "o
 way or  ano!r4    8,:y10 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1
 z we sp$ out ov] ! picturesque roads ( 
! nor? %ore ( ,long ,isl&1 8?is fell[1  
or fell[s1 seems to h  tak5 ! measure ( 
all ! weal?y memb]s ( ! exclusive       
organizations out !re--! ,we/port ,ya*t 
,club1 ! ,bluffwood ,c\ntry  ,club1 !   
,nor? ,%ore ,hunt1 & all ( !m4 ,x's a   
positive sc&al1  ! ease ) :i* he seems  
to come & g )\t detection1 /rik+  n[ "h1
 n[ !re1 (t5 at places t x seems        
physically  impossible to get at1 & yet 
always ) ! same diabolical skill &      
success4 ,"o night he w take "s baubles 
wor? ?\s&s1 ! next  pass !m by = some?+ 
app>5tly ( no value at all1 a piece (   
bric--brac1 a bundle ( lett]s1 any?+40  
8,seems purposeless1 insane1 doesn't x80
 ,i put 94    8,n :5 he always takes    
some?+--(t5 m valuable ?an money10      
return$ ,craig4    ,he lean$ back 9 ! c>

 & survey$ ! glimpses ( bay &           
c\ntryside z we 7 :isk$ by ! breaks 9 ! 
trees4    8,walt]10 he rem>k$           
m$itatively1 8h y ev] consid]$ !        
possibilities ( blackmail if ! "r sort (
 evid5ce 7 obta9$  "u ?is new           
#8:ite-slav]y act'8 ,sc&als t "s ( ! fa/
 set  may be incl9$ to w9k at1 t at wor/
 us$ to end 9 ,r5o1 become  felonies )  
f$]al prison s5t5ces loom+ up 9 !       
backgr\nd4  ,?9k x ov]40    ,/uyvesant  
,v]planck _h telephon$ r hurri$ly to    
,craig e>li]  9 ! day1 reta9+ 8 s]vices1
 b tell+ only 9 ! briefe/  way ( ! ext5t
 ( ! depr$ations1 & h9t+ t m ?an        
jewelry might be at /ake4    ,x 0 a     
pleasant ride1 b we f9i%$ x 9 sil5ce4   
,v]planck 01  z ,i recall$1 a l>ge      
ma/]ful man1 "o ( ^? :o dem&$ &  lik$   
l>ge ?+s--su* z ! e/ate ( sev]al hundr$ 
acres :i* we  at la/ ent]$4    ,x 0 on a
 neck ( l& ) ! re/less wat]s ( ! ,s\nd  
on "o  side & ! calm] wat]s ( ! bay on !
 o!r4 ,we/port ,bay lay 9  a beautifully
 wood$1 hilly c\ntry1 & ! h\se itself 0 

on an  elevation1 ) a huge sweep (      
t]rac$ lawn be=e x d[n to !  wat]'s     
edge4 ,all ar\nd1 = miles1 7 o!r l>ge   
e/ates1 a  v]itable colony ( weal?4     
,z we pull$ up "u ! broad /one          
porte-co*re1 ,v]planck1 :o _h  be5      
expect+ u1 l$ ! way into 8 libr>y1 a    
great room1  lit]ally cr[d$ ) curios &  
objects ( art :i* he _h collect$  on 8  
travels4 ,x 0 a sup]b m5tal work%op1    
ov]look+ ! bay1  ) a /ret* ( sev]al     
miles ( %elt]$ wat]4    8,y w recall10  
began ,v]planck1 wa/+ no "t ov]         
prelim9>ies1  b plung+ directly into !  
subject1 8t ! prom95t robb]ies  ( late h
 be5 at seacoa/ resorts1 especially on !
 %ores ( ,long  ,isl& ,s\nd1 )91 say1 a 
hundr$ miles ( ,new ,york4 ,!re has be5 
a great deal ( talk ab\t d>k & muffl$   
automobiles t h  convey$ my/]i\s p>ties 
swiftly & sil5tly across c\ntry4    8,my
 !ory10 he w5t on self-ass]tively1 8is t
 ! attack has be5  made always along    
wat] r\tes4 ,"u %ad[ ( d>kness1 x is    
easy to  slip into "o ( ! %elt]$ coves  

or m9iature fiords ) :i* !  nor? coa/ ( 
! ,isl& ab\nds1 l& a cut-?roat crew     
prim$ )  exact in=mation ( ! treasure on
 "s ( ^! e/ates4 ,once !  booty is      
secur$1 ! crim9al c\ld put out aga9 into
 ! ,s\nd  )\t leav+ a clue40    ,he     
seem$ to be consid]+ 8 !ory4 8,p]haps ! 
robb]ies la/  summ] at ,n>ragansett1    
,newport1 & a doz5 o!r ,new ,engl&      
places  7 p]petrat$ by ! same cracksman4
 ,i believe10 he conclud$1  l[]+ 8      
voice1 8t !re plies to-day on ! wide    
wat]s ( !  ,s\nd a slim1 swift motor    
boat :i* we>s ! air ( a pleasure craft1 
yet is z black a pirate z ev] flew !    
,jolly ,rog]4 ,%e may at ?is  mom5t be  
an*or$ (f "s exclusive ya*t club1 fly+ !
  respectable burgee ( ! club--:o kn[s80
    ,he paus$ z if 8 d$uctions settl$ ! 
case s f>4 ,he w\ld h  resum$ 9 ! same  
ve91 if ! door _h n op5$4 ,a lady 9 a   
cobwebby g[n ent]$ ! room4 ,%e 0 (      
middle age1 b _h reta9$  h] y\? ) a     
skill t h] si/]s ( less leisure always  
envy4  ,evid5tly %e _h n expect$ to f9d 

anyone1 yet no?+ seem$ to  disconc]t h]4
    8,mrs4 ,v]planck10 h] husb&         
introduc$1 8,pr(essor ,k5n$y & 8        
associate1 ,mr4 ,jameson--^? detectives 
we h he>d ab\t4 ,we 7  discuss+ !       
robb]ies40    8,oh1 yes10 %e said1      
smil+1 8my husb& has be5 ?9k+ ( =m+     
himself into a vigilance committee4 ,!  
local au?orities are all at  sea40    ,i
 ?\ght !re 0 a trace ( some?+ veil$ 9 ! 
rem>k &  fanci$1 n only !n b lat]1 t !re
 0 an air ( con/ra9t  betwe5 ! c\ple4   
8,y h n be5 robb$ y\rself80 qu]i$ ,craig
 t5tatively4    8,inde$ we h10 exclaim$ 
,v]planck quickly4 8,! o!r night ,i 0   
awak5$ by ! noise ( "s "o d[n "h 9 ?is v
 libr>y4 ,i  fir$ a %ot1 wild1 & %\t$1 b
 be=e ,i c\ld get d[n "h !  intrud] _h  
fl$ ?r\gh a w9d[1 & half roll+ d[n !    
t]races4  ,mrs4 ,v]planck 0 awak5$ by ! 
rumpus & bo? ( u he>d a  peculi> :irr+  
noise40    8,l an automobile muffl$     
d[n10 %e put 94    8,no10 he ass]t$     
vigor\sly1 8m l a p[]ful motor boat1 "o 
) ! exhau/ "u wat]40    8,well10 %e     

%rugg$1 8at any rate1 we saw no "o40    
8,did ! intrud] get any?+80    8,t's !  
lucky "p4 ,he _h j op5$ ?is safe        
app>5tly &  begun to ransack x4 ,?is is 
my private safe4 ,mrs4 ,v]planck has    
ano!r built into h] own room up/airs :]e
 %e keeps h] jewels40    8,x is n a v   
mod]n safe1 is x80 v5tur$ ,k5n$y4 8,!   
fell[  ripp$ (f ! out] cas+ ) :at !y    
call a #8c-op5]4'0    8,no4 ,i keep x   
aga9/ fire r ?an burgl>s4 ,b he ov]look$
 a  box ( valuable heirlooms1 "s silv] )
 ! ,v]planck arms4 ,i ?9k  ,i mu/ h sc>$
 him (f j 9 "t4 ,he seiz$ a package 9 ! 
safe1 b x 0 only "s bus9ess             
correspond5ce4 ,i don't reli%  hav+ lo/ 
x1 p>ticul>ly4 ,x relat$ to a g5tlem5's 
agreem5t a  numb] ( u _h 9 ! rec5t      
cotton corn]4 ,i suppose ! ,gov]nm5t    
w\ld l to h x4 ,b--"h's ! po9t4 ,if x is
 s easy to get 9  & get away1 no "o 9   
,bluffwood is safe40    8,:y1 he robb$ !
 ,montgom]y ,c>t] place ! o!r night10   
rem>k$  ,mrs4 ,v]planck1 8& almo/ got a 
lot ( old ,mrs4 ,c>t]'s jewels z  well z

 /uff belong+ to h] son1 ,montgom]y1    
,junior4 ,t 0 !  fir/ robb]y4 ,mr4      
,c>t]1 t is ,junior--,monty1 ev]yone    
calls him--&  8 *auffeur almo/ captur$ !
 fell[1 b he manag$ to escape 9  !      
woods40    8,9 ! woods80 repeat$ ,craig4
    ,mrs4 ,v]planck nodd$4 8,b !y sav$ !
 loot he 0 ab\t to take40    8,oh1 no "o
 is safe any m10 reit]at$ ,v]planck4    
8,c>t] seems to  be ! only "o :o has _h 
a real *ance at him1 & he 0 able to  get
 away neatly40    8,b he's n ! only "o  
:o got (f )\t a loss10 %e put 9         
significantly4 8,! la/ visit--0 ,!n %e  
paus$4    8,:]e 0 ! la/ attempt80 ask$  
,k5n$y4    8,at ! h\se ( ,mrs4          
,holl+swor?--ar\nd ! po9t on ?is side ( 
! bay4 ,y c't see x f "h40    8,i'd l to
 g !re10 rem>k$ ,k5n$y4    8,v well4 ,c>
 or boat80    8,boat1 ,i ?9k40          
8,suppose we g 9 my little runab\t1 !   
,/reaml9e ,,ii8 ,%e's z  fa/ z any      
ord9>y automobile40    8,v good4 ,!n we 
c get an idea ( ! h>bor40    8,i'll     
telephone fir/ t we are com+10 said     

,v]planck4    8,i ?9k ,i'll g1 too10    
consid]$ ,mrs4 ,v]planck1 r++ = a heavy 
wrap4    8,j z y please10 said          
,v]planck4    ,! ,/reaml9e 0 a          
?ree-/epp$ boat :i*4 ,v]planck _h built 
= rac+1 a beautiful craft1 manag$ mu* l 
a rac+ automobile4  ,z %e />t$ f ! dock1
 ! purr+ drone ( h] eight cyl9d]s  s5t  
h] fea!r+ ov] ! waves l a skipp+ /one4  
,%e sank back  into ! wat]1 h] b[ leap+ 
upw>d1 a cl\d ( spray 9 h] wake1  l a   
wat]sp\t4    ,mrs4 ,holl+swor? 0 a      
weal?y divorce1 liv+ r quietly )  h] two
 *ildr51 ( :om ! c\rts _h aw>d$ h] !    
c>e4 ,%e 0  a /rik+ woman1 "o ( ^? = :om
 ! new /yles ( dress seem  especially to
 h be5 design$4 ,i ga!r$1 h[ev]1 t %e 0 
n  on v good t]ms ) ! little ,we/port   
clique 9 :i* !  ,v]plancks mov$1 or at  
lea/ n ) ,mrs4 ,v]planck4 ,! two wom5   
seem$ to reg>d ea* o!r r coldly1 ,i     
?\ght1 al?\gh ,mr4  ,v]planck1 man-l1   
seem$ to scorn any di/9ctions & 0 m ?an 
cordial4 ,i wond]$ :y ,mrs4 ,v]planck _h
 come4    ,! ,holl+swor? h\se 0 a       

beautiful little place d[n ! bay f  !   
,ya*t ,club1 b n z f> z ,v]planck's1 or 
! ,c>t] e/ate1  :i* 0 opposite4         
8,yes10 repli$ ,mrs4 ,holl+swor? :5 !   
reason = our visit _h  be5 expla9$1 8!  
attempt 0 a failure4 ,i happ5$ to be    
awake1  r late1 or p]haps y w\ld call x 
e>ly4 ,i ?\ght ,i he>d a  noise z if "s 
"o 0 try+ to break into ! draw+-room    
?r\gh  ! w9d[4 ,i swit*$ on all !       
lights4 ,i h !m arrang$ s =  j t purpose
 ( sc>+ (f intrud]s4 ,!n1 z ,i look$ out
 ( my  w9d[ on ! second floor1 ,i fanci$
 ,i c\ld see a d>k figure sl9k  into !  
%ad[ ( ! %rubb]y at ! side ( ! h\se4 ,!n
 !re  0 a :irr4 ,x might h be5 an       
automobile1 al?\gh x s\nd$  diff]5tly f 
t--m l a motor boat4 ,at any rate1 !re 0
 no  trace ( a c> t we c\ld discov] 9 ! 
morn+4 ,! road _h be5  oil$1 too1 & a c>
 w\ld h left m>ks4 ,& yet "s "o 0 "h4   
,!re 7 m>ks on ! draw+-room w9d[ j :]e  
,i he>d !  s\nds40    ,:o c\ld x be8 ,i 
ask$ myself z we left4 ,i knew t ! great
 army  ( *auffeurs 0 infe/$ ) ?ieves1   

?ugs & gunm54 ,!n1 too1  !re 7 maids1   
always useful z sc\ts = ^! corsairs :o  
prey  on ! ri*4 ,yet s adroitly _h      
ev]y?+ be5 done 9 ^! cases  t n a clue  
seem$ to h be5 left beh9d by :i* to     
trace !  ?ief4    ,we return$ to        
,v]planck's 9 ! ,/reaml9e 9 record "t1  
d9$1  & !n f\nd ,mc,neill1 a local      
detective1 wait+ to add 8 quota (       
in=mation4 ,mc,neill 0 ( ! squ>e-to$1   
d\ble-*9n$1  bull-neck$ v>iety1 j ! man 
to take along if !re 0 any  fight+4 ,he 
_h1 h[ev]1 v little to add to ! solution
 ( !  my/]y1 app>5tly believ+ 9 !       
*auffeur-&-maid !ory4    ,x 0 too late  
to d any?+ m t night1 & we sat on !     
,v]planck por*1 ov]look+ ! beautiful    
h>bor4 ,x 0 a black1 inky  night1 ) no  
moon1 "o ( ^? nights :5 ! myriad lights 
on !  boats 7 m]e po9ts 9 ! d>kness4 ,z 
we look$ out ov] !  wat]1 consid]+ !    
case :i* z yet we _h h>dly />t$ on1     
,k5n$y seem$ engross$ 9 ! /udy 9 black4 
8,i ?\ght ,i saw a mov+ light = an      
in/ant across ! bay1 above  ! boats1 & z

 ?\gh x 7 9 ! d>kness ( ! hills on !    
o!r side4 ,is !re a road ov] !re1 above 
! ,c>t] h\se80 he  ask$ sudd5ly4        
8,!re is a road "p ( ! way on ! cre/ ( !
 hill10 repli$  ,mrs4 ,v]planck4 8,y c  
see a c> on x1 n[ & !n1 ?r\gh !  trees1 
l a mov+ light40    8,ov] !re1 ,i mean10
 reit]at$ ,k5n$y1 indicat+ ! light z x  
fla%$ n[ fa9tly1 !n disappe>$1 to       
reappe> fur!r along1 l  a gigantic      
firefly 9 ! night4    8,n-no10 said     
,v]planck4 8,i don't ?9k ! road runs d[n
 z f> z  t4 ,x is fur!r up ! bay40      
8,:at is x !n80 ask$ ,k5n$y1 half to    
himself4 8,x seems to be  travel+       
rapidly4 ,n[ x mu/ be ab\t opposite !   
,c>t] h\se4  ,!re--x has gone40    ,we  
cont9u$ to wat* = sev]al m9utes1 b x did
 n reappe>4  ,c\ld x h be5 a light on ! 
ma/ ( a boat mov+ rapidly up !  bay &   
p]haps ne>] to u ?an we suspect$8 ,no?+ 
fur!r  happ5$1 h[ev]1 & we retir$ e>ly1 
expect+ to />t ) fre%  m9ds on ! case 9 
! morn+4 ,sev]al wat*m5 :om ,v]planck   
employ$ bo? on ! %ore & along !         

driveways 7 left gu>d+  e possible      
entrance to ! e/ate4    ,yet ! next     
morn+ z we met 9 ! *e]y ea/ breakfa/    
room1  ,v]planck's g>d5] came 91 hat 9  
h&1 ) mu* suppress$  excitem5t4    ,9 8 
h& he held an orange :i* he _h f\nd 9 ! 
%rubb]y  und]nea? ! w9d[s ( ! h\se4 ,9 x
 0 /uck a long nail & to  ! nail 0 fa/5$
 a tag4    ,k5n$y read x quickly4       
8,if ?is _h be5 a bomb1 y & y\r         
detectives w\ld nev] h  kn[n :at /ruck  
y4      8,,aqua]o40          ,,*apt] ,v 
,,! ,,ultra-,,violet ,,ray      8,good  
,gad1 man60 exclaim$ ,v]planck1 :o _h   
read x ov] ,craig's  %\ld]4 8,:at d y   
make ( t80    ,k5n$y m]ely %ook 8 head4 
,mrs4 ,v]planck 0 ! calme/ ( all4    8,!
 light10 ,i cri$4 8,y rememb] ! light8  
,c\ld x h be5 a  signal to "s "o on ?is 
side ( ! bay1 a signal light 9 !        
woods80    8,possibly10 comm5t$ ,k5n$y  
abs5tly1 add+1 8,robb]y ) ?is  fell[    
seems to be an art z c>efully /rategiz$ 
z a promot]'s plan  or a m]*ant's trade 
campaign4 ,i ?9k ,i'll run ov] ?is morn+

 &  see if !re is any trace ( any?+ on !
 ,c>t] e/ate40    ,j !n ! telephone rang
 insi/5tly4 ,x 0 ,mc,neill1 mu* excit$1 
?\gh he _h n he>d ( ! orange incid5t4   
,v]planck answ]$ !  call4    8,h y he>d 
! news80 ask$ ,mc,neill4 8,!y report ?is
 morn+  t t fell[ mu/ h turn$ up la/    
night at ,belle ,aire40    8,belle      
,aire8 ,:y1 man1 t's fifty miles away & 
on ! o!r side (  ! isl&4 ,he 0 "h la/   
night10 & ,v]planck relat$ briefly !    
f9d ( ! morn+4 8,no boat c\ld get ar\nd 
! isl& 9 t "t  & z = a c>--^? roads are 
almo/ impossible at night40    8,c't    
help x10 return$ ,mc,neill dogg$ly4 8,! 
,hal/ead e/ate out at  ,belle ,aire 0   
robb$ la/ night4 ,x's spooky all "r40   
8,tell ,mc,neill ,i want to see him--w  
meet him 9 ! village directly10  cut 9  
,craig be=e ,v]planck _h f9i%$4    ,we  
bolt$ a ha/y breakfa/ & 9 "o (          
,v]planck's c>s hurri$ to  meet         
,mc,neill4    8,:at d y int5d do+80 he  
ask$ helplessly1 z ,k5n$y f9i%$  8      
recital ( ! que] do+s ( ! night be=e4   

8,i'm go+ out n[ to look ar\nd ! ,c>t]  
place4 ,c y come  along80    8,surely10 
agre$ ,mc,neill1 climb+ into ! c>4 8,y  
"k him80    8,no40    8,!n ,i'll        
introduce y4 ,que] *ap1 ,c>t]4 ,he's a  
lawy]1 al?\gh ,i  don't ?9k he has mu*  
practice1 except manag+ 8 "m's e/ate40  
,mc,neill settl$ back 9 ! luxuri\s c> ) 
an exclamation (  satisfaction4    8,:at
 d y ?9k ( ,v]planck80 he ask$4    8,he 
seems to me to be a v public-spirit$    
man10 answ]$ ,k5n$y  discreetly4    ,t1 
h[ev]1 0 n :at ,mc,neill meant & he     
ignor$ x4 ,& s =  ! next t5 m9utes we 7 
ent]ta9$ ) a little retail sc&al  (     
,we/port & ,bluffwood1 includ+ a tale t 
seem$ to h ga9$  curr5cy t ,v]planck &  
,mrs4 ,holl+swor? 7 too fri5dly to      
please ,mrs4 ,v]planck4 ,i set ! :ole ?+
 d[n to ! ho/ility &  jeal\sy ( ! t[ns p
 :o mis9t]pret ev]y?+ possible 9  ! sm>t
 set1 al?\gh ,i c\ld n help recall+ h[  
quickly %e _h  spok5 :5 we _h visit$ !  
,holl+swor? h\se 9 ! ,/reaml9e  ! day   
be=e4    ,montgom]y ,c>t] happ5$ to be  

at home &1 at lea/ op5ly1  int]pos$ no  
objection to our go+ ab\t ! gr\nds4     
8,y see10 expla9$ ,k5n$y1 wat*+ ! effect
 ( 8 words z if to  note :e!r ,c>t]     
himself _h notic$ any?+ unusual ! night 
be=e1 8we saw a light mov+ ov] "h la/   
night4 ,to tell ! tru?1  ,i half expect$
 y w\ld h a /ory to add to ours1 ( a    
second  visit40    ,c>t] smil$4 8,no    
objection at all4 ,i'm simply nonpluss$ 
at ! n]ve  ( ?is fell[1 com+ back aga94 
,i guess y've he>d :at a n>r[  squeak he
 _h ) me4 ,y're welcome to g any:]e1 j s
 long z  y don't di/urb my /udy d[n !re 
9 ! boa?\se4 ,i use t  because x        
ov]looks ! bay--j ! place to /udy ov]   
knotty legal  problems40    ,back (1 or 
9 front ( ! ,c>t] h\se1 accord+ z y     
fanci$ x  fac$ ! bay or n1 0 ! boa?\se1 
built by ,c>t]'s fa!r1 :o  _h be5 a     
great ya*tsman 9 8 day & commodore ( !  
club4 ,8  son _h n gone 9 mu* = wat]    
sports & _h conv]t$ ! corn]  und]nea? a 
sort ( obs]vation t[] into a sort (     
c\ntry law  (fice4    8,!re has always  

seem$ to me to be some?+ /range ab\t t  
boa?\se s9ce ! old man di$10 rem>k$     
,mc,neill 9 a half :isp]  z we left     
,c>t]4 8,he always keeps x lock$ & nev] 
lets anyone g  9 !re1 al?\gh !y say he  
has x fitt$ beautifully ) hundr$s  (    
volumes ( law books1 too40    ,k5n$y _h 
be5 climb+ ! hill back ( ! h\se & n[    
paus$ to  look ab\t4 ,bel[ 0 ! ,c>t]    
g>age4    8,by ! way10 exclaim$         
,mc,neill1 z if he _h at la/ hit on a   
great  discov]y1 8,c>t] has a new       
*auffeur1 a fell[ nam$ ,wickham4 ,i j   
saw him driv+ d[n to ! village4 ,he's a 
*ap t x might pay u  to wat*--a newcom]1
 sm>t z a /eel trap1 !y say1 b n mu* ( a
  talk]40    8,suppose y take t         
job--wat* him10 enc\rag$ ,k5n$y4 8,we   
c't  "k too mu* ab\t /rang]s "h1        
,mc,neill40    8,t's "r10 agre$ !       
detective4 8,i'll foll[ him back to !   
village & get a l9e on him40    8,don't 
be easily disc\rag$10 add$ ,k5n$y1 z    
,mc,neill />t$ d[n  ! hill to ! g>age4  
8,if he is a fox he'll try to ?r[ y (f !

  trail4 ,hang on40    8,:at 0 t =80 ,i 
ask$ z ! detective disappe>$4 8,did y   
want to get rid ( him80    8,p>tly10    
repli$ ,craig1 desc5d+ sl[ly1 aft] a    
long survey ( !  surr\nd+ c\ntry4    ,we
 _h rea*$ ! g>age1 des]t$ n[ except =   
our own c>4    8,i'd l to inve/igate t  
t[]10 rem>k$ ,k5n$y ) a ke5 look  at me1
 8if x c\ld be done )\t seem+ to violate
 ,mr4 ,c>t]'s  hospitality40    8,well10
 ,i obs]v$1 my eye cat*+ a ladd] beside 
! g>age1  8!re's a ladd]4 ,we c d no m  
?an try40    ,he walk$ ov] to !         
automobile1 took a little package out1  
slipp$ x  into 8 pocket1 & a few m9utes 
lat] we _h set ! ladd] up  aga9/ ! side 
( ! boa?\se f>!/ away f ! h\se4 ,x 0  ! 
"w ( only a mom5t = ,k5n$y to scale x & 
pr[l across !  ro( to ! t[]1 :ile ,i    
/ood gu>d at ! foot4    8,no "o has be5 
up !re rec5tly10 he pant$ brea?lessly z 
he  rejo9$ me4 8,!re isn't a sign40     
,we took ! ladd] quietly back to !      
g>age1 !n ,k5n$y l$ ! way  d[n ! %ore to
 a sort ( little summ]h\se cut (f f !   

boa?\se & g>age by ! trees1 ?\gh ov] !  
top ( a h$ge "o  c\ld /ill see ! boa?\se
 t[]4    ,we sat d[n1 & ,craig fill$ 8  
lungs ) ! good salt air1  sweep+ 8 eye  
ab\t ! blue & gre5 panorama z ?\gh ?is 7
  a holiday & n a my/]y case4           
8,walt]10 he said at l5g?1 8,i wi% y'd  
take ! c> & g ar\nd  to ,v]planck's4 ,i 
don't ?9k y c see ! t[] ?r\gh ! trees1  
b ,i %\ld l to be sure40    ,i f\nd t x 
c\ld n be se51 ?\gh ,i tri$ all ov] !   
place  & got myself dislik$ by ! g>d5] &
 suspect$ by a wat*man  ) a dog4    ,x  
c\ld n h be5 f ! t[] ( ! boa?\se t we _h
 se5  ! light1 & ,i hurri$ back to      
,craig to tell him s4 ,b :5 ,i  return$1
 ,i f\nd t he 0 impati5tly pac+ ! little
 ru/ic  summ]h\se1 no long] int]e/$ 9   
:at he _h s5t me to f9d out4    8,:at   
has happ5$80 ,i ask$ eag]ly4    8,j come
 out "h & ,i'll %[ y some?+10 he repli$1
 leav+  ! summ]h\se & approa*+ ! boa?\se
 f ! o!r side (  ! h$ge1 on ! bea*1 s t 
! h\se itself cut u (f f  obs]vation f  
,c>t]'s4    8,i fix$ a l5s on ! top ( t 

t[] :5 ,i 0 up !re10 he  expla9$1 po9t+ 
up at x4 8,x mu/ be ab\t fifty feet     
high4 ,f  !re1 y see1 x ?r[s a          
reflection d[n to ?is mirror4 ,i did x  
because ?r\gh a skylight 9 ! t[] ,i c\ld
 read :atev] 0  writt5 by anyone sitt+  
at ,c>t]'s desk 9 ! corn] "u x40        
8,read80 ,i repeat$1 my/ifi$4    8,yes1 
by invisible light10 he cont9u$4 8,?is  
invisible light  bus9ess1 y "k1 is      
pretty well und]/ood by ?is "t4 ,i 0    
only  repeat+ :at 0 sugge/$ once by     
,pr(essor ,wood ( ,johns ,hopk9s4       
,practically all s\rces ( light1 y      
und]/&1 give out m or less  ultraviolet 
light1 :i* plays no "p 9 vision :atev]4 
,! human  eye is s5sitive to b few ( !  
light rays t rea* x1 & if our  eyes 7   
con/itut$ j ! lea/ bit diff]5tly we %\ld
 h an  entirely diff]5t set ( images4   
8,b by ! use ( v>i\s devices we c1 z x  
71 translate ^!  ultraviolet rays into  
t]ms ( :at ! human eye c see4 ,9 ord] to
  d x1 all ! visible light rays :i* %[ u
 ! ?+ z we see  x--! tree gre51 ! sky   

blue--mu/ be cut (f4 ,s 9 tak+ an       
ultraviolet photograph a scre5 mu/ be   
us$ :i* w be opaque to  ^! visible rays 
& yet w let ! ultraviolet rays ?r\gh to 
=m ! image4 ,t gave ,pr(essor ,wood a   
lot ( tr\ble4 ,glass won't  d1 = glass  
cuts (f ! ultraviolet rays entirely4    
,qu>tz is a v  good m$ium1 b x does n   
cut (f all ! visible light4 ,9 fact  !re
 is only "o ?+ t w d ! "w1 & t is       
metallic  silv]40    ,i c\ld n fa?om :at
 he 0 driv+ at1 b ! fasc9ation (  ,k5n$y
 himself 0 q suffici5t4    8,silv]10 he 
w5t on1 8is all "r if ! objects c be    
illum9at$  by an electric sp>k or "s o!r
 s\rce ri* 9 ! rays4 ,b x  isn't        
entirely satisfactory :5 sunlight is    
conc]n$1 = v>i\s  reasons t ,i ne$ n    
bore y )4 ,pr(essor ,wood has work$ out 
a  process ( deposit+ nickel on glass4  
,t's x up !re10 he  conclud$1 :eel+ a   
l[] reflector ab\t until x caught !     
image  ( ! aft]noon sun ?r[n f ! l5s on 
! top ( ! t[]4    8,y see10 he resum$1  
8t upp] l5s is concave s t x enl>ges    

trem5d\sly4 ,i c d "s wond]ful tricks ) 
t40    ,i _h be5 light+ a cig>ette &    
held a box ( safety w9d mat*es  9 my h&4
    8,give me t mat*box10 he ask$4      
,he plac$ x at ! foot ( ! t[]4 ,!n he   
w5t (f1 ,i %\ld say1  )\t exagg]ation1 a
 hundr$ feet4    ,! lett]+ on ! mat*box 
c\ld be se5 9 ! silv]$ mirror1  enl>g$  
to su* a po9t t ! lett]s 7 pla9ly       
visible6    8,?9k ( ! possibilities 9   
t10 he add$ excit$ly4 8,i saw !m  at    
once4 ,y c read :at "s "o is writ+ at a 
desk a hundr$1  p]haps two hundr$ feet  
away40    8,yes10 ,i cri$1 m int]e/$ 9 !
 practical aspects ( x ?an 9  ! me*anics
 & optics4 8,:at h y f\nd80    8,"s "o  
came into ! boa?\se :ile y 7 away10 he  
said4 8,he  _h a note4 ,x read1 #8,^?   
new detectives are wat*+ ev]y?+4 ,we    
mu/ h ! evid5ce4 ,y mu/ get ^? lett]s   
to-night1 )\t  fail4'0                  
8,lett]s--evid5ce10 ,i repeat$4 8,:o    
wrote x8 ,:o receiv$ x80    8,i c\ldn't 
see ov] ! h$ge :o _h ent]$ ! boa?\se1 & 
by  ! "t ,i got ar\nd "h he 0 gone40    

8,0 x ,wickham--or int5d$ = ,wickham80  
,i ask$4    ,k5n$y %rugg$ 8 %\ld]s4     
8,we'll ga9 no?+ by /ay+ "h10 he said4  
8,!re is j "o  possibility 9 ! case1 &  
,i c gu>d aga9/ t only by return+  to   
,v]planck's & gett+ "s ( t /uff ,i      
br\ght up "h )  me4 ,let u g40    ,late 
9 ! aft]noon ?\gh x 01 aft] our return1 
,k5n$y insi/$  on hurry+ f ,v]planck's  
to ! ,ya*t ,club up ! bay4 ,x 0 a  l>ge 
build+1 ext5d+ out into ! wat] on made  
l&1 f :i*  ran a long1 sub/antial dock4 
,he _h /opp$ long en\gh only to ask     
,v]planck to l5d him ! s]vices ( 8 be/  
me*anician1 a ,fr5*man  nam$ ,arm&4     
,on ! end ( ! ya*t club dock ,k5n$y &   
,arm& set up a l>ge  affair :i* look$ l 
a mort>4 ,i wat*$ curi\sly1 divid+ my   
att5tion betwe5 !m & ! spl5did view ( ! 
h>bor :i* !  end ( ! dock comm&$ on all 
sides4    8,:at is ?is80 ,i ask$ f9ally4
 8,fireworks80    8,a rocket mort> (    
light weight10 expla9$ ,k5n$y1 !n dropp$
 into  ,fr5* z he expla9$ to ,arm& !    
manipulation ( ! ?+4    ,!re 0 a        

se>*light ne> by on ! dock4    8,y c use
 t80 qu]i$ ,k5n$y4    8,oh1 yes4 ,mr4   
,v]planck1 he is vice-commodore ( !     
club4 ,oh1 yes1 ,i  c use t4 ,:y1       
,monsieur80    ,k5n$y _h uncov]$ a r\nd 
brass case4 ,x did n seem to am\nt to   
mu*1 z comp>$ to "s ( ! complicat$      
app>atus he _h us$4 ,9  x 0 a f\r-sid$  
prism ( glass--,i %\ld h said1 cut (f ! 
corn] ( a huge glass cube4    ,he h&$ x 
to u4    8,look 9 x10 he said4    ,x    
c]ta9ly 0 ab\t ! mo/ curi\s piece (     
cry/al gaz+ ,i _h  ev] done4 ,turn ! ?+ 
any way ,i pleas$ & ,i c\ld see my face 
9  x1 j z 9 an ord9>y mirror4    8,:at d
 y call x80 ,arm& ask$1 mu* int]e/$4    
8,a triple mirror10 repli$ ,k5n$y1 &    
aga91 half 9 ,engli% & half  9 ,fr5*1   
nei!r ( :i* ,i c\ld foll[1 he expla9$ ! 
use ( !  mirror to ! me*anician4    ,we 
7 return+ up ! dock1 leav+ ,arm& )      
in/ructions to be  at ! club at dusk1 :5
 we met ,mc,neill1 tir$ & disgu/$4      
8,:at luck80 ask$ ,k5n$y4    8,no?+10 he
 return$4 8,i _h a #8%ort' %ad[ & a     

#8long' %ad[ at  ,wickham's heels all   
day4 ,y "k :at ,i mean4 ,in/ead ( "o    
man1  two--! second sleu?+ 9 ! o!r's    
tracks4 ,if he escap$ ,numb]  ,"o1      
,numb] ,two w\ld take x up1 & ,i 0 ready
 to move up into  ,numb] ,two's place4  
,!y kept him 9 sight ab\t all ! "t4 ,n a
  fact4 ,b !n1 ( c\rse1 we don't "k :at 
he 0 do+ be=e we  took up tail+ him4    
,say10 he add$1 8,i h j got ^w f an     
ag5cy ) :i* ,i correspond 9 ,new ,york t
 x is report$ t a  yeggman nam$         
#8,au/ralia ,mac1' a v d>+ & clev] *ap1 
has be5  attempt+ to dispose ( "s ( !   
goods :i* we "k h be5  /ol5 ?r\gh "o ( !
 wor/ #8f5ces' 9 ,new ,york40    8,is t 
all80 ask$ ,craig1 ) ! m5tion (         
,au/ralia ,mac %[+  ! fir/ real int]e/  
yet 9 any?+ t ,mc,neill _h done s9ce we 
met him ! night be=e4    8,all s f>4 ,i 
wir$ = m details imm$iately40    8,d y  
"k any?+ ab\t ?is ,au/ralia ,mac80      
8,n mu*4 ,no "o does4 ,he's a new man1 x
 seems1 to ! police "h40    8,be "h at  
eight o'clock1 ,mc,neill10 said ,craig1 

z we left ! club  = ,v]planck's4 8,if y 
c f9d out m ab\t ?is yeggman1 s mu*  !  
bett]40    8,h y made any progress80    
ask$ ,v]planck z we ent]$ ! e/ate  a few
 m9utes lat]4    8,yes10 return$ ,craig1
 tell+ only en\gh to :et 8 int]e/4      
8,!re's a clue1 z ,i half expect$1 f    
,new ,york1 too4 ,b we are s  f> away t 
we'll h to /ick to my orig9al plan4 ,y c
 tru/  ,arm&80    8,absolutely40    8,!n
 we %all transf] our activity to ! ,ya*t
 ,club to-night10 0  all t ,k5n$y       
v\*saf$4          ,,*apt] ,,vi  ,,!     
,,triple ,,mirror      ,x 0 ! regul>    
,saturday night dance at ! club1 a      
brilliant  spectacle1 faces t radiat$   
pleasure1 g[ns t = />tl+  comb9ations ( 
color w\ld h %am$ a ,futuri/1 music t   
set !  feet tapp+ irresi/ibly--a sc5e   
:i* ,i %all pass ov] because x  really  
has no "p 9 ! /ory4    ,! fasc9ation ( !
 ballroom 0 utt]ly lo/ on ,craig4 8,?9k 
(  all ! h\ses only half gu>d$ ab\t "h  
to-night10 he mus$1 z we  jo9$ ,arm& &  
,mc,neill on ! end ( ! dock4 ,i c\ld n  

help  not+ t t 0 ! only idea :i* ! gay1 
v>iegat$1 sp>kl+  tango ?rong convey$ to
 him4    ,9 front ( ! club 0 /rung out a
 long l9e ( c>s1 & at !  dock sev]al    
spe$ boats ( national & int]national    
reputation1  among !m ! fam\s ,/reaml9e 
,,ii1 at our in/ant beck & call4 ,9  x  
,craig _h already plac$ "s r bulky      
pieces ( app>atus1 z  well z a brass    
case conta9+ a second triple mirror l t 
:i*  he _h left ) ,arm&4    ,)          
,mc,neill1 ,i walk$ back along ! pi]1   
leav+ ,k5n$y )  ,arm&1 until we came to 
! wide por*1 :]e we jo9$ !  wallfl[]s & 
! rock+-*air fleet4 ,mrs4 ,v]planck1 ,i 
obs]v$1  0 a beautiful danc]4 ,i pick$  
h] out 9 ! ?rong imm$iately1  danc+ )   
,c>t]4    ,mc,neill tugg$ at my sleeve4 
,)\t a ^w ,i saw :at he meant me to     
see4 ,v]planck & ,mrs4 ,holl+swor? 7    
danc+ toge!r4 ,j !n1  across ! por* ,i  
caught sight ( ,k5n$y at "o ( ! wide    
w9d[s4  ,he 0 try+ to attract           
,v]planck's att5tion1 & z he did s ,i   
work$ my way ?r\gh ! ?rong ( *att+      

c\ples leav+ ! floor  until ,i rea*$    
him4 ,v]planck1 oblivi\s1 f9i%$ ! dance2
 !n1  seem+ to recollect t he _h some?+ 
to att5d to1 caught sight  ( u1 & ran (f
 dur+ ! int]mission f ! gay cr[d to :i* 
he resign$ ,mrs4 ,holl+swor?4    8,:at  
is x80 he ask$4    8,!re's t light d[n !
 bay10 :isp]$ ,k5n$y4    ,in/antly      
,v]planck =got ab\t ! dance4    8,:]e80 
he ask$4    8,9 ! same place40    ,i _h 
n notic$1 b ,mrs4 ,v]planck1 woman-l1 _h
 be5 able to  wat* sev]al ?+s at once4  
,%e _h se5 u & _h jo9$ u4    8,w\ld y l 
to run d[n !re 9 ! ,/reaml9e80 he ask$4 
8,x  w only take a few m9utes40    8,v  
mu*40    8,:at is x--t light aga980 %e  
ask$1 z %e jo9$ u 9 walk+  d[n ! dock4  
8,yes10 answ]$ h] husb&1 paus+ to look =
 a mom5t at ! /uff  ,k5n$y _h left )    
,arm&4 ,mrs4 ,v]planck lean$ ov] !      
,/reaml9e1 turn$ z %e saw me1 & said3   
8,i wi% ,i c\ld g )  y4 ,b ev5+ dress is
 n ! ?+ = a %iv]y night 9 a spe$  boat4 
,i ?9k ,i "k z mu* ab\t x z ,mr4        
,v]planck4 ,are y go+  to leave ,arm&80 

8,yes10 repli$ ,k5n$y1 tak+ 8 place     
beside ,v]planck1 :o 0  seat$ at ! /e]+ 
:eel4 8,walt] & ,mc,neill1 if y two w   
sit  back !re1 we're ready4 ,all "r40   
,arm& _h ca/ u (f & ,mrs4 ,v]planck wav$
 f ! end ( !  float z ! ,/reaml9e       
quickly %ot out into ! night1 a buzz+1  
?robb+ %ape ( mahogany & brass1 ) h]    
exhau/s /ick+ out  l funnels & boom+ l a
 pipe organ4 ,x took h] only seconds to 
eat into ! miles4    8,a little m to    
port10 said ,k5n$y1 z ,v]planck swung h]
 ar\nd4    ,j !n ! /eady dron+ ( ! eng9e
 seem$ a bit less  rhy?mical4 ,v]planck 
?rottl$ h] d[n1 b x _h no effect4 ,he   
%ut  h] (f4 ,some?+ 0 wrong4 ,z he      
crawl$ out into ! space =w>d  ( u :]e ! 
eng9e 01 x seem$ z if ! ,/reaml9e _h    
brok5  d[n sudd5ly & completely4    ,"h 
we 7 fl\nd]+ ar\nd 9 ! middle ( ! bay4  
8,*uck-*uck-*uck10 came 9 quick /accato 
out ( ! night4 ,x 0  ,montgom]y ,c>t]1  
alone1 on 8 way across ! bay f ! club1 9
  8 own boat4    8,hello--,c>t]10 call$ 
,v]planck4    8,hello1 ,v]planck4 ,:at's

 ! matt]80    8,don't "k4 ,eng9e tr\ble 
( "s k9d4 ,c y give u a l9e80    8,i've 
got to g d[n to ! h\se10 he said1 rang+ 
up ne> u4 8,!n  ,i c take y back4       
,p]haps ,i'd bett] get y out ( ! way (  
any  o!r boats fir/4 ,y don't m9d go+   
ov] & !n back80    ,v]planck look$ at   
,craig4 8,on ! contr>y10 mutt]$ ,craig1 
z he  made fa/ ! welcome l9e4    ,!     
,c>t] dock 0 "s ?ree miles f ! club on !
 o!r side (  ! bay4 ,z we came up to x1 
,c>t] %ut (f 8 eng9e1 b5t ov] x  a      
mom5t1 made fa/1 & left u ) a hurri$1   
8,wait "h40    ,sudd5ly1 ov]head1 we    
he>d a peculi> :irr+ noise t seem$ to   
vibrate ?r\gh ! air4 ,some?+ huge1      
black1 mon/]-l1 slid d[n  a bo>d runway 
into ! wat]1 travel$ a few feet1 9 :ite 
suds &  spray1 rose 9 ! d>kness--& 0    
gone6    ,z ! ?+ disappe>$1 ,i ?\ght ,i 
c\ld he> a mock+ laugh flung  back at u4
    8,:at is x80 ,i ask$1 /ra9+ my eyes 
at :at _h seem$ = an  in/ant l a great  
fly+ fi% ) f9ny tail & huge f9s at !    
sides & above4    8#8,aqua]o1'0 quot$   

,k5n$y quickly4 8,don't y und]/&--a     
hydroa]oplane--a fly+ boat4 ,!re are    
hundr$s ( privately own$  fly+ boats n[ 
:]ev] !re is navigable wat]4 ,t 0 !     
secret  ( ,c>t]'s boa?\se1 ( ! light we 
saw 9 ! air40    8,b ?is ,aqua]o--:o is 
he80 p]si/$ ,mc,neill4                  
8,c>t]--,wickham--,au/ralia ,mac80      
,we look$ at ea* o!r blankly4 ,no "o    
said a ^w4 ,we 7 captur$1  j z          
effectively z if we 7 iron$ 9 a dungeon4
 ,!re 7 !  black wat]1 ! di/ant lights1 
:i* at any o!r "t ,i %\ld h  said w\ld h
 be5 beautiful4    ,k5n$y _h sprung into
 ,c>t]'s boat4    8,! deuce10 he        
exclaim$4 8,he's put h] out ( bus9ess40 
,v]planck1 *agr9$1 _h be5 go+ ov] 8 own 
eng9e fev]i%ly4  8,d y see t80 he ask$  
sudd5ly1 hold+ up 9 ! light ( a  lant]n 
a little nut :i* he _h pick$ out ( !    
complicat$  ma*9]y4 8,x nev] belong$ to 
?is eng9e4 ,"s "o plac$ x !re1  kn[+ x  
w\ld "w its way into a vital "p ) !     
vibration40    ,:o 0 ! p]son1 ! only "o 
:o c\ld h done x8 ,! answ] 0  on my     

lips1 b ,i repress$ x4 ,mrs4 ,v]planck  
h]self _h be5 b5d+  ov] ! eng9e :5 la/  
,i saw h]4 ,all at once x fla%$ ov] me  
t %e knew m ab\t ! phantom b&it ?an %e  
_h admitt$4 ,yet  :at possible object   
c\ld %e h _h 9 putt+ ! ,/reaml9e out  ( 
commission8    ,my m9d 0 work+ rapidly1 
piec+ toge!r ! fragm5t>y facts4  ,!     
rem>k ( ,k5n$y1 long be=e1 in/antly     
assum$ new significance4  ,:at 7 !      
possibilities ( blackmail 9 ! "r sort ( 
evid5ce8  ,! yeggman _h be5 aft] :at 0 m
 valuable ?an jewels--lett]s6  ,^:8     
,sudd5ly ,i saw ! situation4 ,c>t] _h n 
be5 robb$ at all4  ,he 0 9 league ) !   
robb]4 ,t mu* 0 a bl9d to div]t         
suspicion4 ,he 0 a lawy]--"s "o's lawy]4
 ,i recall$ ! message  ab\t lett]s &    
evid5ce1 & z ,i did s !re came to m9d a 
picture ( ,c>t] & ! woman he _h be5     
danc+ )4 ,9 return =  8 inside in=mation
 ab\t ! jewels ( ! weal?y homes (       
,bluffwood1 ! yeggman 0 to get some?+ ( 
int]e/ & importance  to 8 cli5t4    ,!  
situation call$ = in/ant action4 ,yet   

:at c\ld we d1 m>oon$  on ! o!r side ( !
 bay8    ,f ! ,club dock a long f+] (   
light swept out into ! night1  pla9ly   
en\gh ne> ! dock1 b diffus$ & disclos+  
no?+ 9  ! di/ance4 ,arm& _h tra9$ x d[n 
! bay 9 ! direction we  _h tak51 b by ! 
"t ! beam rea*$ u x 0 s weak t x  0 lo/4
    ,craig _h leap$ up on ! ,c>t] dock &
 0 capp+ & uncapp+  ) ! brass cov] !    
package :i* conta9$ ! triple mirror4    
,/ill 9 ! di/ance ,i c\ld see ! wide pa?
 ( light1 aim$ t[>d  u1 b ( no avail4   
8,:at are y do+80 ,i ask$4    8,us+ !   
triple mirror to signal to ,arm&4 ,x is 
some?+ bett]  ?an wireless4 ,wireless   
requires heavy & complicat$ app>atus4   
,?is  is portable1 heatless1 almo/      
weightless1 a s\rce ( light dep5d+  =   
its p[] on ano!r s\rce ( light at a     
great di/ance40    ,i wond]$ h[ ,arm&   
c\ld ev] detect its feeble ray4    8,ev5
 9 ! case ( a roll+ %ip10 ,k5n$y        
cont9u$1 alt]nately  cov]+ & uncov]+ !  
mirror1 8! beam ( light :i* ?is  mirror 
reflects always goes back1 un]r+1 to its

 s\rce4 ,x w\ld d  s f an a]oplane1 s   
high 9 ! air t x c\ld n be locat$4  ,!  
return+ beam is invisible to anyone n   
imm$iately 9 ! pa?  ( ! ray1 & ! ray    
always goes to ! obs]v]4 ,x is simply a 
matt] ( pure ma!matics practically      
appli$4 ,! angle ( incid5ce  equals !   
angle ( reflection4 ,!re is n a v>iation
 ( a foot 9  two miles40    8,:at       
message are y s5d+ him80 ask$ ,v]planck4
    8,to tell ,mrs4 ,holl+swor? to hurry
 home imm$iately10 ,k5n$y  repli$1 /ill 
fla%+ ! lett]s accord+ to 8 code4       
8,mrs4 ,holl+swor?80 repeat$ ,v]planck1 
look+ up4    8,yes4 ,?is hydroa]oplane  
yeggman is aft] some?+ besides jewels   
to-night4 ,7 ^? lett]s t 7 /ol5 f y !   
only ones  y _h 9 ! safe80    ,v]planck 
look$ up quickly4 8,yes1 yes4 ,( c\rse40
    8,y _h none f a woman--0    8,no10  
he almo/ %\t$4 ,( a sudd5 x seem$ to    
dawn on him :at  ,k5n$y 0 driv+ at--!   
robb]y ( 8 own h\se ) no loss except  ( 
a packet ( lett]s on bus9ess1 foll[$ by 
! attempt on ,mrs4  ,holl+swor?4 8,d y  

?9k ,i'd keep dynamite1 ev5 9 ! safe80  
,to hide 8 confusion he _h turn$ & 0    
b5d+ aga9 ov] !  eng9e4    8,h[ is x80  
ask$ ,k5n$y1 8 signal+ ov]4    8,able to
 run on f\r cyl9d]s & "o propell]10     
repli$ ,v]planck4    8,!n let's try h]4 
,wat* ! eng9e4 ,i'll take ! :eel40      
,limp+ along1 ! eng9e skipp+ & miss+1 ! 
once pe]less  ,/reaml9e />t$ back across
 ! bay4 ,in/ead ( head+ t[>d !  club1   
,k5n$y po9t$ h] b[ some:]e betwe5 t &   
,v]planck's4    8,i wi% ,arm& w\ld get  
busy10 he rem>k$1 aft] glanc+ n[ &  !n 9
 ! direction ( ! club4 8,:at c be !     
matt]80    8,:at d y mean80 ,i ask$4    
,!re came ! boom z if ( a gun f> away 9 
! direction 9 :i*  he 0 look+1 !n ano!r4
    8,oh1 !re x is4 ,good fell[4 ,i     
suppose he _h to deliv] my message  to  
,mrs4 ,holl+swor? himself fir/40    ,f e
 qu>t] %[$ huge balls ( fire1 ris+ f !  
sea1 z  x 71 ) a brilliantly lum9\s     
flame4    8,:at is x80 ,i ask$1 some:at 
/>tl$4    8,a ,g]man inv5tion = use at  
night aga9/ torp$o & a]oplane  attacks4 

,f t mort> ,arm& has %ot half a doz5    
bombs (  phosphide ( calcium :i* are    
hurl$ f> into ! d>kness4 ,!y are  s     
con/ruct$ t !y float aft] a %ort plunge 
& are ignit$ on  contact by ! action ( !
 salt wat] itself40    ,x 0 a beautiful 
pyrote*nic display1 light+ up ! %ore &  
hills  ( ! bay z if by an une>?ly fl>e4 
8,!re's t ?+ n[60 exclaim$ ,k5n$y4    ,9
 ! gl[ we c\ld see a peculi>1 birdlike  
figure fly+ ?r\gh !  air ov] t[>d !     
,holl+swor? h\se4 ,x 0 ! hydroa]oplane4 
,out f ! little /ret* ( lawn "u !       
acc5tuat$ %ad[ ( !  trees1 %e /reak$    
into ! air1 sway+ f side to side z !    
pilot op]at$ ! /abiliz]s on ! ends ( !  
planes to c\nt]act  ! puffs ( w9d (f !  
l&4    ,h[ c\ld %e ev] be /opp$8    ,!  
,/reaml9e1 halt+ & limp+1 ?\gh %e 01 _h 
almo/  cross$ ! bay be=e ! light bombs  
_h be5 fir$ by ,arm&4 ,e  mom5t br\ght !
 fly+ boat ne>]4    ,%e sw]v$4 ,evid5tly
 ! pilot _h se5 u at la/ & realiz$ :o   
we 74 ,i 0 s engross$ wat*+ ! ?+ t ,i _h
 n notic$  t ,k5n$y _h giv5 ! :eel to   

,v]planck & 0 /&+ 9 !  b[1 endeavor+ to 
sight :at look$ l a huge gun4    ,9     
rapid succession half a doz5 %ots rang  
out4 ,i fanci$ ,i c\ld  almo/ he> !     
ripp+ & te>+ ( ! t\gh rubb]-coat$ silk5 
w+s ( ! hydroa]oplane z ! w9d wid5$ !   
p]=ation ! gun  _h made4    ,%e _h n be5
 fly+ high1 b n[ %e swoop$ d[n almo/ l a
  gull1 seek+ to re/ on ! wat]4 ,we 7   
head$ t[>d h] n[1 &  z ! fly+ boat sank 
,i saw "o ( ! pass5g]s rise 9 8 seat1   
sw+ 8 arm1 & f> out some?+ spla%$ 9 !   
bay4    ,on ! wat]1 ) w+s helpless1 !   
fly+ boat 0 no mat* = !  ,/reaml9e n[4  
,%e /ruck at an acute angle1 reb\nd$ 9 !
 air  = a mom5t1 & ) a hiss skitt]$     
along ov] ! waves1 plan+  ) ! help ( h] 
exhau/ "u ! /ep ( ! boat4    ,!re %e 01 
a hull1 n>r[1 sc[-b[$1 l a hydroplane1 )
 a  long po9t$ /]n & a cockpit = two m51
 ne> ! b[4 ,!re 7  two wide1 w+like     
planes1 on a light latticework ( wood   
cov]$ )  silk1 truss$ & wir$ l a kite   
frame1 ! upp] plane ab\t five  feet     
above ! l[]1 :i* 0 level ) ! boat deck4 

,we c\ld see  ! eight-cyl9d]$ eng9e :i* 
drove a two-blad$ wood5 propell]1  & ov]
 ! /]n 7 ! air rudd] & ! horizontal     
planes4 ,!re  %e 01 ! hobbl$ /e$ n[ ( ! 
phantom b&it :o _h  accompli%$ ! seem+ly
 impossible4    ,9 spite ( ev]y?+1      
h[ev]1 ! fly+ boat rea*$ ! %ore a       
trifle ahead ( u4 ,z %e did s bo?       
figures 9 h] jump$1 & "o  disappe>$     
quickly up ! bank1 leav+ ! o!r alone4   
8,v]planck1 ,mc,neill--get him10 cri$   
,k5n$y1 z our own boat grat$ on  ! bea*4
 8,come1 ,walt]1 we'll take ! o!r "o40  
,! man _h se5 t !re 0 no safety 9       
flight4 ,d[n ! %ore he  /ood1 )\t a hat1
 8 hair bl[n pompad\r by ! w9d4    ,z we
 approa*$ ,c>t] turn$ sup]cili\sly1     
unbutton+ 8 bulky  khaki life pres]v]   
jacket4    8,well80 he ask$ coolly4     
,n = a mom5t did ,k5n$y all[ ! assum$   
coolness to take him  back1 kn[+ t      
,c>t]'s delay did n cov] ! retreat ( !  
o!r man4    8,s10 ,craig exclaim$1 8y   
are !--! air pirate80    ,c>t] disda9$  
to reply4    8,x 0 y :o sugge/$ !       

millionaire h\seholds1 full ( jewels1   
silv] & gold1 only half gu>d$2 y1 :o    
knew ! habits ( !  p2 y1 :o trad$ t     
in=mation 9 return = ano!r piece (      
?iev]y by y\r p>tn]1 ,au/ralia          
,mac--,wickham he call$ himself "h  9   
,bluffwood4 ,x 0 y---0    ,a c> drove up
 ha/ily1 & ,i not$ t we 7 /ill on !     
,holl+swor? e/ate4 ,mrs4 ,holl+swor? _h 
se5 u & _h driv5  ov] t[>d u4           
8,montgom]y60 %e cri$1 />tl$4    8,yes10
 said ,k5n$y quickly1 8air pirate &     
lawy] = ,mrs4 ,v]planck  9 ! suit :i* %e
 contemplat$ br++--0    ,mrs4           
,holl+swor? grew pale "u ! gha/ly1      
flick]+ light f  ! bay4    8,oh60 %e    
cri$1 realiz+ at :at ,k5n$y h9t$1 8!    
lett]s60    8,at ! bottom ( ! h>bor1    
n[10 said ,k5n$y4 8,mr4 ,v]planck tells 
me he has de/roy$ 84 ,! pa/ is blott$   
out z f> z t is  conc]n$4 ,! future     
is--= y ?ree to det]m9e4 ,= ! pres5t    
,i've caught a yeggman & a blackmail]40 
,,*apt] ,,vii  ,,! ,,wireless           
,,wiretapp]s      ,k5n$y did n wait at  

,bluffwood long] ?an 0 necess>y4 ,x 0   
easy en\gh n[ to sil5ce ,montgom]y      
,c>t]1 & ! reconciliation (  !          
,v]plancks 0 assur$4 ,9 ! ,/> ,i made ! 
case appe> at !  "t to involve m]ely !  
capture ( ,au/ralia ,mac4    ,:5 ,i     
dropp$ into ! (fice ! next day z usual1 
,i f\nd t ,i  _h ano!r assignm5t t w\ld 
take me out on ,long ,isl&4 ,! /ory     
look$ promis+ & ,i 0 r pleas$ to get x4 
8,b\nd = ,seaville1 ,i'll wag]10 s\nd$ a
 famili> voice 9 my e>1  z ,i hurri$ up 
to ! tra9 entrance at ! ,long ,isl&     
corn] ( !  ,p5nsylvania ,/ation4    ,i  
turn$ quickly1 to f9d ,k5n$y j beh9d me1
 brea?less &  p]spir+4    8,er--yes10 ,i
 /amm]$ 9 surprise at see+ him s        
unexpect$ly1 8b  :]e did y come f8 ,h[  
did y "k80    8,let me introduce ,mr4   
,jack ,waldon10 he w5t on1 z we edg$ our
 way  t[>d ! gate1 8! bro!r ( ,mrs4     
,tracy ,edw>ds1 :o disappe>$ s  /rangely
 f ! h\seboat ,lucie la/ night at       
,seaville4 ,t is  ! case y're go+ to    
write up1 isn't x80    ,x 0 !n = ! fir/ 

"t t ,i notic$ ! excit$ "y man  beside  
,k5n$y 0 really 8 companion4    ,i %ook 
h&s ) ,waldon1 :o gave me a grip t 0 bo?
 a greet+  & an add$ impulse 9 our g5]al
 direction ?r\gh ! wicket4    8,might h 
kn[n ! ,/> w\ld assign y to ?is ,edw>ds 
case10  pant$ ,k5n$y1 mopp+ 8 =ehead1 = 
! heat 9 ! t]m9al 0  oppressive & !     
cr[d1 ?\gh n l>ge1 0 closely pack$4     
8,mr4  ,jameson is my "r-h& man10 he    
expla9$ to ,waldon1 tak+ u ea*  by ! arm
 & urg+ u =w>d4 8,waldon 0 afraid we    
might miss !  tra9 or ,i %\ld h tri$ to 
get y1 ,walt]1 at ! (fice40    ,x 0 all 
done s sudd5ly t !y q took away :at     
rema9+  brea? ,i _h1 z we settl$        
ourselves to swelt] 9 ! smok] in/ead  ( 
9 ! conc\rse4 ,i did n ev5 prote/ at !  
matt]-(-fact  assurance ) :i* ,craig    
assum$ t 8 d$uction z to my  de/9ation 0
 correct4    ,waldon1 a h&some "y fell[ 
9 a flannel suit & ya*t+ cap  some:at ! 
worse = 8 evid5tly p]turb$ /ate ( m9d1  
seem$ to  eye me = ! mom5t d\btfully1 9 
spite ( ,k5n$y's cordial  greet+4       

8,i've _h all ! fir/ editions ( ! ev5+  
pap]s10 ,i h9t$ z we  sp$ ?r\gh !       
tunnel1 8b ! /ories seem$ to be q !     
same--pretty meag] 9 details40          
8,yes10 return$ ,waldon ) a glance at   
,k5n$y1 8,i tri$ to keep z  mu* out ( ! 
pap]s z ,i c\ld j n[ = ,lucie's sake40  
8,y ne$n't fe> ,jameson10 rem>k$ ,k5n$y4
    ,he fumbl$ 9 8 pocket1 !n paus$ a   
mom5t & %ot a glance (  inquiry at      
,waldon1 :o nodd$ a mute acquiesc5ce to 
him4    8,!re seem to h be5 a numb] ( v 
peculi> disappe>ances  lately10 resum$  
,k5n$y1 8b ?is case ( ,mrs4 ,edw>ds is  
by f> !  mo/ extraord9>y4 ,( c\rse ! ,/>
 hasn't _h t--yet10 he  conclud$1 h&+ me
 a %eet ( notepap]4    8,mr4 ,waldon    
didn't give x out1 hop+ to avoid sc&al40
    ,i took ! pap] & read eag]ly1 9 a   
woman's h&3    8,,my ,,de> ,,miss ,,fox3
 ,i h be5 d[n "h at ,seaville on our    
h\seboat1  ! ,lucie1 = sev]al days = a  
purpose :i* n[ is accompli%$4           
8,already ,i _h my suspicions ( y1 f a  
s\rce :i* ,i ne$ n  "n4 ,!re=e1 :5 !    

,kronpr9z got into wireless             
communication  ) ! /ation at ,seaville  
,i det]m9$ ?r\gh our own wireless on  ! 
,lucie to ov]he> :e!r !re w\ld be any   
ex*ange ( messages  betwe5 my husb& &   
y\rself4    8,i 0 able to ov]he> ! :ole 
?+ & ,i want y to "k t  y\r secret is no
 long] a secret f me1 & t ,i h already  
told  ,mr4 ,edw>ds t ,i "k x4 ,y ru9 8  
life by y\r intimacy :i*  y seem to want
 to keep up1 al?\gh y "k y h no "r to d 
x1 b y %all n ru9 m9e4    8,i am        
?or\ghly disillusion$ n[4 ,i h n decid$ 
on :at /eps to  take1 b--0    ,only a   
casual glance 0 necess>y to %[ me t !   
writ+ seem$  to gr[ m & m weak z x      
progress$1 & ! note /opp$  abruptly1 z  
if ! writ] _h be5 sudd5ly int]rupt$ or  
"s new  idea _h occurr$ to h]4          
,ha/ily ,i tri$ to figure x out4 ,lucie 
,waldon1 z ev]ybody knew1 0  a fam\s    
beauty1 a m>vel ( *>m & da9t9ess1 sl5d]1
 ) big1  s\lful1 wi/ful eyes4 ,h]       
m>riage to ,tracy ,edw>ds1 ! weal?y     
plung] & /ockbrok]1 _h be5 a great      

social ev5t ! ye> be=e1  & x 0 reput$ at
 ! "t t ,edw>ds _h %[]$ h] )  jewels &  
dresses to ! wond] & talk ev5 ( society4
    ,z = ,val]ie ,fox1 ,i knew %e _h won
 quick recognition & ev5 fame  z a danc]
 9 ,new ,york dur+ ! previ\s w9t]1 & ,i 
recall$  read+ ?ree or f\r days be=e t  
%e _h j return$ on !  ,kronpr9z f a trip
 abroad4    8,i don't suppose y h _h "t 
to see ,miss ,fox10 ,i rem>k$4 8,:]e  is
 %e80    8,at ,bea* ,p>k n[1 ,i ?9k10   
repli$ ,waldon1 8a resort a few miles   
ne>] ! city on ! s\? %ore1 :]e !re is a 
l>ge colony (  actors40    ,i h&$ back !
 lett] to ,k5n$y4    8,:at d y make (   
x80 he ask$1 z he fold$ x up & put x    
back  into 8 pocket4    8,i h>dly "k :at
 to say10 ,i repli$4 8,( c\rse !re h be5
  rumors1 ,i believe1 t all 0 n exactly 
l a honeymoon /ill )  ! ,tracy          
,edw>dses40    8,yes10 return$ ,waldon  
sl[ly1 8,i "k myself t !re has be5 "s   
tr\ble1 b no?+ def9ite until ,i f\nd ?is
 lett] la/ night 9  my si/]'s room4 ,%e 
nev] said any?+ ab\t x ei!r to "m or    

myself4 ,!y hav5't be5 mu* toge!r dur+ !
 summ]1 & la/  night :5 %e disappe>$    
,tracy 0 9 ! city4 ,b ,i hadn't ?\ght   
mu* ab\t x be=e1 =1 ( c\rse1 y "k he has
 l>ge f9ancial  int]e/s t make him keep 
9 pretty close t\* ) ,new ,york &  ?is  
summ] hasn't be5 a p>ticul>ly good "o on
 ! /ock ex*ange40    8,&10 ,i put 91 8a 
plung] doesn't always make ! be/ (      
husb&s4  ,p]haps !re is temp]am5t to be 
reckon$ ) "h40    8,!re seem to be a    
good _m ?+s to be reckon$ )10 ,craig    
consid]$4 8,= example1 "h's a h\seboat1 
! ,lucie1 a palatial  affair1 cruis+    
ab\t aimlessly1 ) a beautiful woman on  
x4 ,%e  gives a little p>ty1 9 ! abs5ce 
( h] husb&1 to h] bro!r1  8 fiance & h] 
"m1 :o visit h] f 8 ya*t1 !  ,nautilus4 
,!y break up1 ^? liv+ on ! ,lucie go+ to
 _!  rooms & ! re/ back to ! ya*t1 :i*  
is an*or$ out fur!r 9  ! deep] wat] ( ! 
bay4    8,"s "t 9 ! middle ( ! night h] 
maid1 ,juanita1 f9ds t %e  is n 9 h]    
room4 ,h] bro!r is summon$ back f 8 ya*t
 &  f9ds t %e has left ?is pa!tic1      

unf9i%$ lett]4 ,b o!rwise  !re is no    
trace ( h]4 ,h] husb& is notifi$ &      
hurries out  !re1 b he c f9d no clue4   
,mean:ile1 ,mr4 ,waldon1 9 despair1     
hurries d[n to ! city to engage me      
quietly40    8,y rememb] ,i told y10    
sugge/$ ,waldon1 8t my si/] hadn't  be5 
feel+ well = sev]al days4 ,9 fact x     
seem$ t ! sea air  wasn't do+ h] mu*    
good1 & "s "o la/ night sugge/$ t %e    
try ! m\nta9s40    8,_h !re be5 any?+ t 
w\ld =e%ad[ !--er--disappe>ance80  ask$ 
,k5n$y4    8,only z ,i say1 t = two or  
?ree days %e seem$ to be li/less1  to be
 s9k+ by sl[ & easy /ages into a sort ( 
vacant1 moody  /ate ( ill heal?40       
8,%e _h a doctor1 ,i suppose80 ,i ask$4 
8,yes1 ,dr4 ,j]myn1 ,tracy's own p]sonal
 physician came d[n f !  city sev]al    
days ago40    8,:at did he say80    8,he
 simply said t x 0 conge/ion ( ! lungs4 
,z f> z he c\ld  see !re 0 no app>5t    
cause = x4 ,i don't ?9k he 0 v          
en?usia/ic ab\t ! m\nta9 air idea4 ,!   
fact is he 0 l a  good _m doctors "u !  

circum/ances1 noncommittal--want$ h]  "u
 obs]vation1 & all t sort ( ?+40        
8,:at's y\r op9ion80 ,i press$ ,craig4  
8,d y ?9k %e has run  away80            
8,naturally1 ,i'd r n attempt to say    
yet10 ,craig repli$  cauti\sly4 8,b !re 
are sev]al possibilities4 ,yes1 %e might
 h  left ! h\seboat 9 "s o!r boat1 (    
c\rse4 ,!n !re is !  possibility (      
accid5t4 ,x 0 a hot night4 ,%e might h  
be5  lean+ f ! w9d[ & h lo/ h] balance4 
,i h ev5 ?\ght  ( drugs1 t %e might h   
tak5 some?+ 9 h] despond5cy &  h fall5  
ov]bo>d :ile "u ! influ5ce ( x4 ,!n1 (  
c\rse1  !re are ! two d$uctions t       
ev]yone has made already--ei!r  suicide 
or murd]40    ,waldon _h evid5tly be5   
turn+ some?+ ov] 9 8 m9d4    8,!re 0 a  
wireless outfit abo>d ! h\seboat10 he   
v5tur$ at  l5g?4    8,:at ( t80 ,i ask$1
 wond]+ :y he 0 *ang+ ! subject s       
abruptly4    8,:y1 only ?is10 he repli$4
 8,i h be5 read+ ab\t wireless a  good  
deal lately1 & if ! !ories ( "s sci5ti/s
 are correct1  ! wireless age is n )\t  

its dang]s z well z its wond]s4 ,i      
recall read+ n long ago ( a ,g]man      
pr(essor :o says !re is no  ess5tial    
diff]5ce betwe5 wireless waves & !      
,x-rays1 & we "k  ! t]rible physical    
effects ( ,x-rays4 ,i believe he e/imat$
 t  only "o ?ree hundr$ million? "p ( ! 
electrical en]gy  g5]at$ by s5d+ a      
message f "o /ation to ano!r ne> by is  
actually us$ up 9 transmitt+ ! message4 
,! re/ is disp]s$ 9  ! atmosph]e4 ,!re  
mu/ be a good deal ( su* /ray electrical
  en]gy ab\t ,seaville4 ,isn't x        
possible t x might hit "s "o  some:]e :o
 0 susceptible80    ,k5n$y said no?+4   
,waldon's 0 at lea/ a novel idea1 :e!r x
  0 plausible or n4 ,! only way to te/ x
 out1 z f> z ,i c\ld  det]m9e1 0 to see 
:e!r x fitt$ ) ! facts aft] a c>eful    
inve/igation ( ! case itself4    ,x 0   
/ill e>ly 9 ! day & ! tra9s 7 n z cr[d$ 
z  !y w\ld be lat]4 ,consequ5tly our    
j\rney 0 com=table en\gh  & we f\nd     
ourselves at la/ at ! little v9e-cov]$  
/ation at  ,seaville4    ,"o c\ld almo/ 

feel t ! gay summ] colony 0 9 a /ate (  
subdu$ excitem5t4 ,z we left ! qua9t    
/ation & walk$ d[n !  ma9 /reet to ! t[n
 :>f :]e we expect$ "s "o w\ld be  wait+
 = u1 x seem$ z if ! my/]i\s            
disappe>ance ( !  beautiful ,mrs4       
,edw>ds _h put a damp] on ! life ( !    
place4 ,9  ! hotels !re 7 knots ( p     
evid5tly discuss+ ! affair1  = z we     
pass$ we c\ld tell by _! faces t !y     
recogniz$ u4  ,"o or two b[$ & w\ld h   
jo9$ u1 if ,waldon _h giv5 any          
enc\ragem5t4 ,b he did n /op1 & we kept 
on d[n ! /reet  quickly4    ,i myself   
began to feel ! spell ( my/]y ab\t !    
case z ,i _h n  felt x among !          
di/ractions ( ! city4 ,p]haps ,i imag9$ 
x1 b  !re ev5 seem$ to be some?+ /range 
ab\t ! h\seboat :i* we  c\ld descry at  
an*or f> d[n ! bay z we approa*$ ! :>f4 
,we 7 met1 z ,waldon _h arrang$1 by a   
high-p[]$ runab\t1 !  t5d] to 8 own     
ya*t1 a slim little craft ( mahogany &  
brass1  driv5 l an automobile1 & capable
 ( p]haps tw5ty-five or ?irty  miles an 

h\r4 ,we jump$ 9 & 7 soon skimm+ ov] !  
wat]s (  ! bay l a skipp+ /one4    ,x 0 
evid5t t ,waldon 0 mu* reliev$ at hav+  
be5 able to  br+ assi/ance1 9 :i* he _h 
z mu* confid5ce z he repos$ 9  ,k5n$y4  
,at any rate x 0 some?+ to be ne>+ !    
sc5e ( action  aga94    ,! ,lucie 0     
p]haps sev5ty feet long & a mo/         
attractive craft1  ) a hull ya*ty 9     
appe>ance & ( a type :i* c\ld safely    
make  long runs along ! coa/1 a /an*1   
seawor?y boat1 ( c\rse )\t  ! spe$ ( !  
regul>ly design$ ya*t1 b m ?an mak+ up 9
  com=t = ^? on bo>d :at 0 lo/ 9 t way4 
,waldon po9t$  out ) obvi\s pride 8 own 
trim ya*t sw++ gracefully at an*or  a   
half mile or s away4    ,z we approa*$ !
 h\seboat ,i look$ h] ov] c>efully4 ,"o 
( !  fir/ ?+s ,i notic$ 0 t !re rose f !
 ro( ! primitive  inv]t$ ,v arial ( a   
wireless telegraph4 ,i ?\ght imm$iately 
( !  unf9i%$ lett] & its cont5ts1 & %ad$
 my eyes z ,i took a good  look at !    
p[]ful transatlantic /ation on ! spit ( 
s& p]haps  ?ree or f\r miles di/ant1 )  

its tall /eel ma/s ( ! late/  inv]t$ ,l 
type & ! clu/] ( little h\ses bel[1 9   
:i* !  op]ators & ! plant 74    ,waldon 
notic$ :at ,i 0 look+ at1 & rem>k$1     
8,x's a wond]ful  /ation--& well wor? a 
visit1 if y h ! "t--"o ( ! mo/  p[]ful  
on ! coa/1 ,i und]/&40    8,h[ did !    
,lucie come to be equipp$ ) wireless80  
ask$ ,craig  quickly4 8,x's a little    
unusual = a private boat40    8,mr4     
,edw>ds _h x done :5 %e 0 built10       
expla9$ ,waldon4 8,8  idea 0 to use x to
 keep 9 t\* ) ! /ock m>ket on trips40   
8,& x has prov$ effective80 ask$ ,craig4
    8,oh1 yes--t is1 x 0 all "r la/ w9t]
 :5 he w5t on a %ort  cruise d[n 9      
,florida4 ,?is summ] he hasn't be5 on ! 
boat long  en\gh to use x mu*40    8,:o 
op]ates x80    8,he us$ to hire a lic5s$
 op]ator1 al?\gh ,i believe ! eng9e]1   
,p$]s51 und]/&s ! ?+ pretty well & c\ld 
use x if  necess>y40    8,d y ?9k x 0   
,p$]s5 :o us$ x = ,mrs4 ,edw>ds80 ask$  
,k5n$y4    8,i really don't "k10        
confess$ ,waldon4 8,p$]s5 d5ies         

absolutely  t he has t\*$ ! ?+ = weeks4 
,i want y to quiz him4 ,i  wasn't able  
to get him to admit a ?+40              
,,*apt] ,,viii  ,,! ,,h\seboat ,,my/]y  
,we _h by ?is "t swung ar\nd to ! side (
 ! h\seboat4 ,i  realiz$ z we m\nt$ !   
ladd] t ! m>9e gasol9e eng9e _h         
mat]ially *ang$ ! old-"t h\seboat f a   
m]e sc[ or b>ge  ) a l[ flat h\se on x1 
moor$ 9 a bay or riv]1 & only )         
difficulty & exp5se t[$ f "o place to   
ano!r4 ,n[ !  h\seboat 0 really a       
fair-siz$ ya*t4    ,! ,lucie 0 built    
high 9 ord] to give pl5ty (             
accommodation =  ! liv+ qu>t]s4 ,!      
/at]ooms1 d9+ rooms & saloon 7  really  
rooms1 ) sev5 or eight feet ( head room1
 & furni%$ j  z "o w\ld f9d 9 a ta/eful 
& exp5sive h\se4    ,d[n 9 ! hull1 (    
c\rse1 0 ! gasol9e motor :i* drove !    
propell]1 s t :5 ! own] want$ a *ange ( 
sc5e all t 0  necess>y 0 to get up      
an*or1 />t ! motor & navigate !         
ya*t-h\seboat to "s o!r h>bor4          
,edw>ds himself met u on ! deck4 ,he 0 a

 tall man1 ) a r$ face1  a man ( action1
 ( outdoor life1 app>5tly a h>d work] & 
a h>d  play]4 ,x 0 q evid5t t he _h be5 
wait+ = ! return (  ,waldon anxi\sly4   
8,y f9d u consid]ably upset1 ,pr(essor  
,k5n$y10 he greet$ ,craig1  z 8         
bro!r-9-law introduc$ u4    ,edw>ds     
turn$ & l$ ! way t[>d ! saloon4 ,z he   
ent]$ &  bade u be seat$ 9 ! co/ly      
cu%ion$ wick] *airs ,i notic$ h[        
sumptu\sly x 0 furni%$1 & p>ticul>ly its
 me*anical piano1  its phonograph & !   
spl5did h>dwood floor :i* seem$ to      
invite  "o to dance 9 ! cool breeze t   
float$ across f "o set (  op5 w9d[s to !
 o!r4 ,& yet 9 spite ( ev]y?+1 !re 0  t 
indef9able air ( some?+ lack+1 z 9 a    
h\se f :i* !  woman is gone4    8,y 7 n 
"h la/ night1 ,i und]/&10 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1
 tak+  9 ! room at a glance4            
8,un=tunately1 no10 repli$ ,edw>ds1     
8,bus9ess has kept me ) my  nose pretty 
close to ! gr9d/one ?is summ]4 ,waldon  
call$ me up 9  ! middle ( ! night1      
h[ev]1 & ,i />t$ d[n 9 my c>1 :i*       

enabl$ me to get "h be=e ! fir/ tra94 ,i
 hav5't be5 able to  d a ?+ s9ce ,i got 
"h except j wait--wait--wait4 ,i confess
 t  ,i don't "k :at else to d4 ,waldon  
seem$ to ?9k we ought to h  "s "o d[n   
"h--& ,i guess he 0 "r4 ,anyh[1 ,i'm    
glad to see  y40    ,i wat*$ ,edw>ds    
ke5ly4 ,= ! fir/ "t ,i realiz$ t ,i _h  
neglect$ to ask ,waldon :e!r he _h se5 !
 unf9i%$ lett]4 ,!  "q 0 unnecess>y4 ,x 
0 evid5t t he _h n4    8,let me see1    
,waldon1 if ,i've got ?is ?+ /raight10  
,edw>ds w5t on1  pac+ re/lessly up & d[n
 ! saloon4 8,correct me if ,i hav5't4   
,la/ night1 z ,i und]/& x1 !re 0 a sort 
( little family p>ty  "h1 y & ,miss     
,v]rall & y\r "m f ! ,nautilus1 &  ,mrs4
 ,edw>ds & ,dr4 ,j]myn40    8,yes10     
repli$ ,waldon )1 ,i ?\ght1 a t\* (     
defiance at ! words  8family p>ty40 ,he 
paus$ z if he w\ld h add$ t ! ,nautilus 
w\ld h be5 m cong5ial1 anyh[1 !n add$1  
8,we danc$ a little  bit1 all except    
,lucie4 ,%e said %e wasn't feel+ any too
 well40    ,edw>ds _h paus$ by ! door4  

8,if y'll excuse me a m9ute10 he  said1 
8,i'll call ,j]myn & ,mrs4 ,edw>ds'     
maid1 ,juanita4 ,y ought to  g ov] !    
:ole ?+ imm$iately1 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y40  
8,:y didn't y say any?+ ab\t ! lett] to 
him80 ask$ ,k5n$y  "u 8 brea?4    8,:at 
0 ! use80 return$ ,waldon4 8,i didn't "k
 h[ he'd take x4  ,besides1 ,i want$ y\r
 advice on ! :ole ?+4 ,d y want to %[  x
 to him80    8,p]haps x's j z well10    
rum9at$ ,k5n$y4 8,x may be possible to  
cle> ! ?+ up )\t involv+ anybody's "n4  
,at any rate1 "s  "o is com+ d[n !      
passage ?is way40    ,edw>ds ent]$ )    
,dr4 ,j]myn1 a clean-%av5 man1 y\?ful 9 
appe>ance1 yet approa*+ middle age4 ,i  
_h he>d ( him be=e4 ,he  _h /udi$ sev]al
 ye>s abroad & _h ga9$ consid]able      
reputation  s9ce 8 return to ,am]ica4   
,dr4 ,j]myn %ook h&s ) u cordially      
en\gh1 made "s pass+  comm5t on !       
trag$y1 & /ood evid5tly wait+ = u to    
disclose  our h&s4    8,y h be5 ,mrs4   
,edw>ds' physician = "s "t1 ,i believe80
  qu]i$ ,k5n$y1 f5c+ = an op5+4         

8,only s9ce h] m>riage10 repli$ ! doctor
 briefly4    8,%e hadn't be5 feel+ well 
= sev]al days1 _h %e80 v5tur$  ,k5n$y   
aga94    8,no10 repli$ ,dr4 ,j]myn      
quickly4 8,i d\bt :e!r ,i c add mu* to  
:at y already "k4 ,i suppose ,mr4       
,waldon has told y ab\t h]  illness4 ,! 
fact is1 ,i suppose h] maid ,juanita w  
be able to tell  y really m ?an ,i c40  
,i c\ld n help feel+ t ,dr4 ,j]myn %[$ a
 great deal (  reluctance 9 talk+4      
8,y h be5 ) h] sev]al days1 ?\gh1 hav5't
 y80    8,f\r days1 ,i ?9k4 ,%e 0       
compla9+ ( feel+ n]v\s &  telegraph$ me 
to come d[n "h4 ,i came prep>$ to /ay   
ov] night1  b ,mr4 ,edw>ds happ5$ to run
 d[n t day1 too1 & he ask$ me if  ,i    
w\ldn't rema9 long]4 ,my practice 9 !   
summ] is su* t ,i c  easily leave x ) my
 assi/ant 9 ! city1 s ,i agre$4 ,really1
  t is ab\t all ,i c say4 ,i don't "k   
yet :at 0 ! matt] )  ,mrs4 ,edw>ds1     
aside f ! n]v\sness :i* seem$ to be ( "s
  "t /&+40    ,he /ood fac+ u1          
?\ghtfully /rok+ 8 *91 z a v pretty  &  

petite maid n]v\sly ent]$ & /ood fac+ u 
9 ! doorway4    8,come 91 ,juanita10    
enc\rag$ ,edw>ds4 8,i want y to tell ^! 
g5tlem5 j :at y told me ab\t discov]+ t 
,madame _h  gone--& any?+ else t y may  
recall n[40    8,x 0 ,juanita :o        
discov]$ t ,madame 0 gone1 y "k10 put 9 
,waldon4    8,h[ did y discov] x80      
prompt$ ,craig4    8,x 0 v hot10 repli$ 
! maid1 8& (t5 on hot nights ,i w\ld    
come 9 & fan ,madame s9ce %e 0 s        
wakeful4 ,la/ night ,i w5t to  ! door & 
knock$4 ,!re 0 no reply4 ,i call$ to h]1
 #8,madame1  madame4' ,/ill !re 0 no    
answ]4 ,! wor/ ,i suppos$ 0 t %e  _h    
fa9t$4 ,i cont9u$ to call40    8,! door 
0 lock$80 inquir$ ,k5n$y4    8,yes1 sir4
 ,my call ar\s$ ! o!rs on ! boat4 ,dr4  
,j]myn came &  he broke op5 ! door ) 8  
%\ld]4 ,b ! room 0 empty4  ,madame 0    
gone40    8,h[ ab\t ! w9d[s80 ask$      
,k5n$y4    8,op54 ,!y 7 always op5 ^!   
nights4 ,sometimes ,madame w\ld sit  by 
! w9d[ :5 !re 0 n mu* breeze40    8,i   
%\ld l to see ! room10 rem>k$ ,craig1 ) 

an inquir+  glance at ,edw>ds4          
8,c]ta9ly10 he answ]$1 lead+ ! way d[n a
 corridor4    ,mrs4 ,edw>ds' room 0 on !
 />bo>d side1 ) wide w9d[s in/ead  (    
por?oles4 ,x 0 furni%$ magnific5tly &   
!re 0 little ab\t  x t sugge/$ !        
nautical1 except ! view f ! w9d[4    8,!
 b$ _h n be5 slept 910 ,edw>ds rem>k$ z 
we look$ ab\t  curi\sly4    ,k5n$y walk$
 ov] quickly to ! wide s]ies ( w9d[s    
be=e :i*  0 a lea!r-cu%ion$ w9d[ seat   
almo/ level ) ! w9d[1  sev]al feet above
 ! level ( ! wat]4 ,x 0 by ?is w9d[1    
evid5tly1 t ,juanita meant t ,mrs4      
,edw>ds (t5 sat4 ,x 0 a  delightful     
position1 b ,i c\ld readily see t x w\ld
 be  comp>atively easy = anyone         
accid5tally or purposely to fall4    8,i
 ?9k myself10 ,waldon rem>k$ to ,k5n$y1 
8t x mu/ h be5  f ! op5 w9d[ t %e made  
h] way to ! outside4 ,x seems  t all    
agree t ! door 0 lock$1 :ile ! w9d[ 0   
wide  op540    8,!re _h be5 no s\nd--no 
cry to al>m y80 %ot out ,k5n$y  sudd5ly 
to ,juanita4    8,no1 sir1 no?+4 ,i c\ld

 n sleep myself1 & ,i ?\ght ( ,madame40 
8,y he>d no?+80 he ask$ ( ,dr4 ,j]myn4  
8,no?+ until ,i he>d ! maid call10 he   
repli$ briefly4    ,m5tally ,i ran ov]  
aga9 ,k5n$y's fir/ li/ (                
possibilities--tak5  (f by ano!r boat1  
accid5t1 drugs1 suicide1 murd]4    ,0   
!re1 ,i ask$ myself1 suffici5t reason = 
suicide8 ,! lett]  seem$ to me to %[ too
 pr\d a _s = t4 ,9 fact ! la/  s5t5ce   
seem$ to %[ t %e 0 contemplat+ ! sure/  
me?od (  rev5ge1 r ?an surr5d]4 ,z =    
accid5t1 :y %\ld a p]son  fall ov]bo>d f
 a l>ge h\seboat into a p]fectly calm   
h>bor8  ,!n1 too1 !re _h be5 no outcry4 
,someh[1 ,i c\ld n seem to fit  any ( ! 
!ories 9 ) ! facts4 ,evid5tly x 0 l _m  
ano!r case1 "o 9 :i* we1 z yet1 _h      
insuffici5t data = a  conclusion4       
,sudd5ly ,i recall$ ! !ory t ,waldon    
himself _h advanc$  reg>d+ ! wireless1  
ei!r f ! boat itself or f !  wireless   
/ation4 ,= ! mom5t1 at lea/1 x seem$    
plausible t  %e might h be5 seat$ at !  
w9d[1 t %e might h be5  affect$ by      

escap$ wireless1 or by electrolysis4 ,i 
knew t "s  physicians _h describ$ a     
disease :i* !y attribut$ to wireless1 a 
sort ( anemia ) a m>k$ dim9ution 9 !    
numb] ( r$ corpuscles  9 ! blood1 due   
p>tly to ! ov] e!rization ( ! air by    
reason  ( ! alt]nat+ curr5ts us$ to     
g5]ate ! waves4    8,i %\ld l n[ to     
inspect ! little wireless plant y h "h  
on ! ,lucie10 rem>k$ ,k5n$y4 8,i notic$ 
! ma/ z we 7  approa*+ a few m9utes     
ago40    ,i _h turn$ at ! s\nd ( 8 voice
 9 "t to cat* ,edw>ds & ,dr4  ,j]myn    
eye+ ea* o!r furtively4 ,did !y "k ab\t 
! lett]1  aft] all1 ,i wond]$8 ,0 ea* 9 
d\bt ab\t j h[ mu* ! o!r  knew8    ,!re 
0 no "t to pursue ^! speculations4      
8,c]ta9ly10 agre$ ,mr4  ,edw>ds         
promptly1 lead+ ! way4    ,k5n$y seem$  
ke5ly int]e/$ 9 inspect+ ! little       
wireless  plant1 :i* 0 ( a curi\s type &
 n exactly l any t ,i _h  se5 be=e4     
8,wireless app>atus10 he rem>k$1 z he   
look$ x ov]1 8is divid$  into ?ree p>ts1
 ! s\rce ( p[] :e!r batt]y or dynamo1 ! 

mak+ & s5d+ ( wireless waves1 includ+ ! 
key1 sp>k1  cond5s] & tun+ coil1 & !    
receiv+ app>atus1 head  telephones1     
ant5nae1 gr\nd & detector40    ,p$]s51 !
 eng9e]1 came 9 :ile we 7 look+ ! plant 
ov]1  b seem$ uncommunicative to all    
,k5n$y's ef=ts to engage him 9          
conv]sation4    8,i see10 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1
 8t x is a v compact sy/em )  facilities
 = a quick *ange f "o wave l5g? to      
ano!r40    8,yes10 grunt$ ,p$]s51 z     
av]se to talk+1 evid5tly1 z o!rs on  !  
,lucie4    8,sp>k gap1 qu5*$ type10 ,i  
he>d ,k5n$y mutt] almo/ to himself1  ) a
 view to %[+ ,p$]s5 t he knew some?+    
ab\t x4 8,break  sy/em relay--op]ator c 
ov]he> any int]f]5ce :ile               
transmitt+--trans=mation by a s+le ?r[ (
 a six-po9t swit*  :i* tunes ! oscillat+
 & op5 circuits to resonance4 ,v        
clev]--v effici5t4 ,by ! way1 ,p$]s51   
are y ! only p]son  abo>d :o c op]ate   
?is80    8,h[ %\ld ,i "k80 he answ]$    
almo/ surlily4    8,y ought to "k1 if   
anybody10 answ]$ ,k5n$y unruffl$4 8,i "k

  t x has be5 op]at$ )9 ! pa/ few days40
    ,p$]s5 %rugg$ 8 %\ld]s4 8,y might   
ask ! o!rs abo>d10 0  all he said4 8,mr4
 ,edw>ds pays me to op]ate x only =     
himself1 :5  he has no o!r op]ator40    
,k5n$y did n pursue ! subject1 evid5tly 
f fe> ( say+ too  mu* j at pres5t4      
8,i wond] if !re is anyone else :o c\ld 
h op]at$ x10 said  ,waldon1 z we m\nt$  
aga9 to ! deck4    8,i don't "k10 repli$
 ,k5n$y1 paus+ on ! way up4 8,y hav5't a
  wireless on ! ,nautilus1 h y80        
,waldon %ook 8 head4 8,nev] _h any      
p>ticul> use = x myself10 he  answ]$4   
8,y say t ,miss ,v]rall & h] "m h gone  
back to ! city80  pursu$ ,k5n$y1 tak+   
c>e t z be=e ! o!rs 7 out (  e>%ot4     
8,yes40    8,i'd l to /ay ) y tonight1  
!n10 decid$ ,k5n$y4 8,might we  g ov] ) 
y n[8 ,!re doesn't seem to be any?+ m ,i
 c d  "h1 unless we get "s news ab\t    
,mrs4 ,edw>ds40    ,waldon seem$ only   
too glad to agree1 & no "o on ! ,lucie  
insi/$ on our /ay+4    ,we arriv$ at !  
,nautilus a few m9utes lat]1 & :ile we 7

  lun*+ ,k5n$y dispat*$ ! t5d] to !     
,m>coni /ation ) a  note4    ,x 0 e>ly 9
 ! aft]noon :5 ! t5d] return$ ) sev]al  
packages & coils ( wire4 ,k5n$y         
imm$iately set to "w on !  ,nautilus    
/ret*+ out "s ( ! wire4    8,:at is x y 
are plann+80 ask$ ,waldon1 to :om e     
action (  ,k5n$y seem$ to be a my/]y ( !
 highe/ int]e/4    8,improvis+ my own   
wireless10 he repli$1 n av]se to talk+  
to !  "y man to :om he seem$ to h tak5 a
 fancy4 8,= %ort  di/ances1 y "k1 x     
isn't necess>y to con/ruct an arial pole
 or  ev5 to use outside wires to receive
 messages4 ,all t is ne$$ is to  use j a
 few wires /ret*$ inside a room4 ,! re/ 
is j !  app>atus40    ,i 0 q z mu*      
int]e/$ z ,waldon4 8,9 wireless10 he w5t
 on1  8! signals are n s5t 9 "o         
direction1 b 9 all1 s t a  p]son )9     
range ( ! e!real di/urbance c get !m if 
only he  has ! necess>y receiv+         
app>atus4 ,?is app>atus ne$ n be s      
elaborate & exp5sive z us$ to be ?\ght  
ne$ful if a s5sitive  detector is       

employ$1 & ,i h s5t ov] to ! /ation = a 
new  piece ( app>atus :i* ,i knew !y _h 
9 almo/ any ,m>coni /ation4  ,:y1 ,i've 
got wireless signals us+ only twelve    
feet ( numb]  eighte5 copp] wire /ret*$ 
across a room & gr\nd$ ) a wat]  pipe4  
,y might ev5 use a wire mattress on an  
iron b$/ead40    8,c't !y f9d out       
by--er1 int]f]5ce80 ,i ask$1 repeat+ !  
t]m  ,i _h s (t5 he>d4    ,k5n$y laugh$4
 8,no1 n = radio app>atus :i* m]ely     
receives  radiograms & is n equipp$ =   
s5d+4 ,i am sett+ up only "o  side ( a  
wireless outfit "h4 ,all ,i want to d is
 to he> :at is  be+ said4 ,i don't c>e  
ab\t say+ any?+40    ,he unwrapp$ ano!r 
package :i* _h be5 loan$ to him by !    
radio  /ation & we wat*$ him curi\sly z 
he te/$ x & set x up4  ,"s p>ts ( x ,i  
recogniz$ su* z ! v s5sitive microphone1
  & ano!r "p ,i c\ld h sworn 0 a        
phonograph cyl9d]1 ?\gh  ,craig 0 s busy
 te/+ 8 app>atus t n[ we c\ld n ask     
que/ions4    ,x 0 late 9 ! aft]noon :5  
he f9i%$1 & we _h j "t to  run up to !  

dock at ,seaville & /op (f at ! ,lucie  
to see if  any?+ _h happ5$ 9 ! int]v5+  
h\rs be=e d9n]4 ,!re 0  no?+1 except t  
,i f\nd "t to file a message to ! ,/> & 
meet sev]al fell[ newspap] m5 :o _h be5 
s5t d[n by o!r  pap]s on ! *ance ( pick+
 up a good /ory4    ,we _h ! ,nautilus  
to ourselves1 & z %e 0 a v com=table    
little craft1 we really _h a v cong5ial 
"t1 a plunge ov] h]  side1 a good d9n]1 
& !n a long talk out on deck "u ! />s1  
9 :i* we w5t ov] e phase ( ! case4 ,z we
 discuss$ x1  ,waldon foll[$ ke5ly1 & x 
0 q evid5t f 8 rem>ks t  he _h come to !
 conclusion t ,dr4 ,j]myn at lea/ knew m
 ?an  he _h told ab\t ! case4    ,/ill1 
! day wore away ) no solution yet ( !   
my/]y4          ,,*apt] ,,ix  ,,!       
,,radio ,,detective      ,x 0 e>ly !    
foll[+ morn+ :5 a laun* drew up beside !
  ,nautilus4 ,9 x 7 ,edw>ds & ,dr4      
,j]myn1 wildly excit$4    8,:at's !     
matt]80 call$ out ,waldon4    8,!y--!y h
 f\nd ! body10 ,edw>ds blurt$ out4      
,waldon pal$ & clut*$ ! rail4 ,he _h    

?\ght ! _w ( 8  si/]1 & n until ! la/   
mom5t _h he giv5 up hope t p]haps  %e   
might be f\nd to h disappe>$ 9 "s o!r   
way ?an _h  become increas+ly evid5t4   
8,:]e80 cri$ ,k5n$y4 8,:o80    8,ov] on 
,t5 ,mile ,bea*10 answ]$ ,edw>ds4 8,"s  
fi%]m5 :o _h  be5 out on a cruise &     
hadn't he>d ! /ory4 ,!y took ! body to  
t[n1 & !re x 0 recogniz$4 ,!y s5t ^w out
 to u  imm$iately40    ,waldon _h       
already spun ! eng9e ( 8 t5d]1 :i* 0    
ab\t !  fa/e/ ?+ afloat ab\t ,seaville1 
_h tak5 ,edw>ds ov]1 & we  7 (f 9 a cl\d
 ( spray1 ! nose ( ! boat _m in*es above
  ! surface ( ! wat]4    ,9 ! little    
und]tak+ e/abli%m5t at ,seaville lay !  
body ( !  beautiful "y matron ab\t :om s
 mu* anxiety _h be5 felt4 ,i  c\ld n    
help ?9k+ :at an end 0 ?is = !          
incomp>able  beauty4 ,at ! v height ( h]
 brief c>e] ! poor little woman's  life 
_h be5 sudd5ly snuff$ out4 ,b by :at8 ,!
 body _h be5  f\nd1 b ! my/]y _h be5 f> 
f solv$4    ,z ,k5n$y b5t ov] ! body1 ,i
 he>d him murmur to himself1 8,%e _h    

ev]y?+--ev]y?+ except happ9ess40    8,0 
x dr[n+ t caus$ h] dea?80 ask$ ,k5n$y ( 
! local  doctor1 :o also happ5$ to be   
coron] & _h already arriv$ on !  sc5e4  
,! doctor %ook 8 head4 8,i don't "k10 he
 said d\btfully4 8,!re  0 conge/ion ( ! 
lungs--b ,i--,i c't say b :at %e might h
  be5 dead be=e %e fell or 0 ?r[n into !
 wat]40    ,dr4 ,j]myn /ood on "o side1 
n[ & !n putt+ 9 a ^w1 b =  ! mo/ "p     
sil5t unless spok5 to4 ,k5n$y1 h[ev]1 0 
mak+ a  mo/ m9ute exam9ation4    ,z he  
turn$ ! beautiful head1 almo/ rev]5tly1 
he saw some?+  t evid5tly attract$ 8    
att5tion4 ,i 0 /&+ next to him &1       
betwe5 u1 ,i ?9k we cut (f ! view ( !   
o!rs4 ,!re on !  back ( ! neck1         
c>efully1 _h be5 sme>$ some?+ transp>5t1
  almo/ sk9-l1 :i* _h easily escap$ !   
att5tion ( ! re/4    ,k5n$y tri$ to pick
 x (f1 b only succe$$ 9 pull+ (f a v    
m9ute piece to :i* ! fle% seem$ to      
adh]e4    8,t's que]10 he :isp]$ to me4 
8,wat]1 naturally1 has no effect on  x1 
else x w\ld h be5 wa%$ (f long be=e4    

,walt]10 he add$1  8j slip across !     
/reet quietly to ! drug /ore & get me a 
piece ( gauze soak$ ) acetone40    ,z   
quickly & uno/5tati\sly z ,i c\ld ,i did
 s & h&$ him !  wet clo?1 contriv+ at ! 
same "t to add ,waldon to our b>ri]1  = 
,i c\ld see t ,k5n$y 0 anxi\s to be     
obs]v$ z little z  possible4    8,:at is
 x80 ,i :isp]$1 z he rubb$ ! transp>5t  
sk9-l /uff  (f1 & dropp$ ! gauze into 8 
pocket4    8,a sort ( sk9 v>ni%10 he    
rem>k$ "u 8 brea?1 8wat]pro( &  s       
adhesive t x resi/s pull+ (f ev5 ) a    
knife )\t  tak+ ! cuticle ) x40         
,b5ea?1 z ! sk9 v>ni% sl[ly dissolv$ "u 
8 g5tle rubb+1  he _h disclos$ sev]al v 
small r$di% spots1 l little cuts  t _h  
be5 made by means ( a v %>p in/rum5t4 ,z
 he did s1  he gave !m a ha/y glance1   
turn$ ! n[ /ony beautiful head  /raight 
aga91 /ood up1 & resum$ 8 talk ) !      
coron]1 :o  0 evid5tly gett+ m & m      
bewild]$ by ! case4    ,edw>ds1 :o _h   
complet$ ! arrangem5ts ) ! und]tak] = ! 
c>e ( ! body z soon z ! coron] releas$  

x1 seem$ completely  unn]v$4            
8,j]myn10 he said to ! doctor1 z he     
turn$ away & hid 8 eyes1 8,i  c't /&    
?is4 ,! und]tak] wants "s /uff f        
!--er--boat10  8 voice broke ov] ! "n   
:i* _h be5 h]s4 8,w y get x =  me8 ,i'm 
go+ up to a hotel "h1 & ,i'll wait = y  
!re4 ,b ,i  c't g out to ! boat--yet40  
8,i ?9k ,mr4 ,waldon w be glad to take y
 out 9 8 t5d]10  sugge/$ ,k5n$y4        
8,besides1 ,i feel t ,i'd l a little    
fre% air z  a brac]1 too1 aft] su* a    
%ock40    8,:at 7 ^? little cuts80 ,i   
ask$ z ,waldon & ,dr4 ,j]myn  prec$$ u  
?r\gh ! cr[d outside to ! pi]4    8,"s  
"o10 he answ]$ 9 a l[ tone1 8has sev]$ !
 pneumoga/ric  n]ves40    8,!           
pneumoga/ric n]ves80 ,i repeat$4        
8,yes1 ! vagus or w&]+ n]ve1 ! s-call$  
t5? cranial n]ve4  ,unlike ! o!r cranial
 n]ves1 :i* are conc]n$ ) ! special     
s5ses or di/ribut$ to ! sk9 & muscles ( 
! head & neck1 !  vagus1 z its "n       
implies1 /rays d[nw>d into ! *e/ &      
abdom5  supply+ bran*es to ! ?roat1     

lungs1 he>t & /oma* & =ms an  important 
connect+ l9k betwe5 ! bra9 & ! sympa!tic
 n]v\s  sy/em40    ,we _h rea*$ ! pi]1 &
 a nod f ,k5n$y disc\rag$ fur!r         
conv]sation on ! subject4    ,a few     
m9utes lat] we _h rea*$ ! ,lucie & gone 
up ov] h]  side4 ,k5n$y wait$ until     
,j]myn _h disappe>$ into ! room ( ,mrs4 
,edw>ds to get :at ! und]tak] _h desir$4
 ,a mom5t & he _h  pass$ quietly into   
,dr4 ,j]myn's own room1 foll[$ by me4   
,sev]al  quick glances ab\t told him :at
 n to wa/e "t ov]1 & at la/  8 eye fell 
on a little portable case ( m$ic9es &   
surgical  in/rum5ts4 ,he op5$ x quickly 
& took out a bottle ( gold5  yell[      
liquid4    ,k5n$y smell$ x1 !n quickly  
pa9t$ "s on ! back ( 8 h&4  ,x dri$     
quickly1 l an artificial sk94 ,he _h    
f\nd a bottle (  sk9 v>ni% 9 ,dr4       
,j]myn's own m$ic9e *e/6    ,we hurri$  
back to ! deck1 & a few m9utes lat] !   
doctor  appe>$ ) a l>ge package4        
8,did y ev] he> ( coat+ ! sk9 by a      
sub/ance :i* is  imp]vi\s to wat]1 smoo?

 & ela/ic80 ask$ ,k5n$y quietly z       
,waldon's t5d] sp$ along back to        
,seaville4    8,:y--er1 yes10 he said   
frankly1 rais+ 8 eyes & look+ at ,craig 
9 surprise4 8,!re h be5 a doz5 or m su* 
sub/ances4 ,! be/  is "o :i* ,i use1    
made ( pyroxyl91 ! soluble cotton (     
comm]ce1  dissolv$ 9 amyl acetate &     
acetone ) "s o!r sub/ances t  make x    
p]fectly /]ile4 ,:y d y ask80           
8,because "s "o has us$ a little bit ( x
 to cov] a few slight  cuts on ! back ( 
! neck ( ,mrs4 ,edw>ds40    8,inde$80 he
 said simply1 9 a tone ( mild surprise4 
8,yes10 pursu$ ,k5n$y4 8,!y seem to me  
to be subcutane\s incisions  ( ! neck ) 
a v f9e scalpel divid+ ! two great      
pneumoga/ric n]ves4 ,( c\rse y "k :at t 
w\ld mean--!  victim w\ld pass away     
naturally by sl[ & easy /ages 9 ?ree or 
f\r days1 & all t w\ld appe> might be   
conge/ion ( ! lungs4  ,!y are delicate  
little punctures & elusive n]ves to     
locate1 b  aft] all x might be done z   
pa9lessly1 z simply & z safely z a  b>b]

 might remove "s dead hairs4 ,a c\ntry  
coron] might easily  pass ov] su*       
evid5ce at an autopsy--especially if x 0
 conceal$ by  sk9 v>ni%40    ,i 0       
surpris$ at ! frankness ) :i* ,k5n$y    
spoke1 b  absolutely amaz$ at ! coolness
 ( ,j]myn4 ,at fir/ he said  absolutely 
no?+4 ,he seem$ to be z set 9 8 retic5ce
 z he _h  be5 :5 we fir/ met4    ,i     
wat*$ him n>r[ly4 ,waldon1 :o 0 driv+ ! 
boat1 _h n he>d  :at 0 said1 b ,i _h1 & 
,i c\ld n conceive h[ anyone c\ld  take 
x s calmly4    ,f9ally ,j]myn turn$ to  
,k5n$y & look$ him squ>ely 9 ! eye4     
8,k5n$y10 he said sl[ly1 8?is is        
extraord9>y--mo/ extraord9>y10  !n1     
paus+1 add$1 8if true40    8,!re c be no
 d\bt ( ! tru?10 repli$ ,k5n$y1 eye+    
,dr4  ,j]myn j z squ>ely4    8,:at d y  
propose to d ab\t x80 ask$ ! doctor4    
8,inve/igate10 repli$ ,k5n$y simply4    
8,:ile ,waldon takes ^! ?+s  up to !    
und]tak]'s1 we may z well wait "h 9 !   
boat4 ,i want  him to /op on ! way back 
= ,mr4 ,edw>ds4 ,!n we %all g out to  ! 

,lucie4 ,he mu/ g1 :e!r he likes x or   
n40    ,x 0 inde$ a mo/ peculi>         
situation z ,k5n$y & ,i sat 9 !  t5d] ) 
,dr4 ,j]myn wait+ = ,waldon to return ) 
,edw>ds4 ,n a  ^w 0 spok54    ,! t5s5ess
 ( ! situation 0 n reliev$ by ! return (
 ,waldon  ) ,edw>ds4 ,waldon seem$ to   
realize )\t kn[+ j :at x  01 t some?+ 0 
ab\t to happ54 ,he drove 8 boat back to 
!  ,lucie aga9 9 record "t4 ,?is 0      
,k5n$y's turn to be retic5t4  ,:atev] x 
0 he 0 revolv+ 9 8 m9d1 he answ]$ 9     
sc>cely  m ?an monosyllables :atev]     
que/ions 7 put to him4    8,y are n com+
 abo>d80 inquir$ ,edw>ds 9 surprise z he
 &  ,j]myn m\nt$ ! /eps ( ! h\seboat    
ladd]1 & ,k5n$y rema9$  seat$ 9 ! t5d]4 
8,n yet10 repli$ ,craig coolly4    8,b  
,i ?\ght y _h some?+ to %[ me4 ,waldon  
told me y _h40    8,i ?9k ,i %all h 9 a 
%ort "t10 return$ ,k5n$y4 8,we %all be  
back imm$iately4 ,i'm j go+ to ask      
,waldon to run ov] to !  ,nautilus = a  
few m9utes4 ,we'll t[ back y\r laun*1   
too1 9 case  y ne$ x40    ,waldon _h ca/

 (f ob$i5tly4    8,!re's "o ?+ sure10 ,i
 rem>k$4 8,j]myn c't get away f !       
,lucie until we return--unless he       
swims40    ,k5n$y did n seem to pay mu* 
att5tion to ! rem>k1 = 8 only  reply 03 
8,i'm tak+ a *ance by ?is maneuv]+1 b ,i
 ?9k x  w "w out t ,i am correct4 ,by ! 
way1 ,waldon1 y ne$n't put on  s mu*    
spe$4 ,i'm 9 no great hurry to get back4
 ,half an h\r w be  "t en\gh40          
8,j]myn8 ,:at did y mean by ,j]myn80    
ask$ ,waldon1 z we climb$ to  ! deck ( !
 ,nautilus4    ,he _h evid5tly le>n$1 z 
,i _h1 t x 0 little use to try to  quiz 
,k5n$y until he 0 ready to be que/ion$ &
 _h decid$ to try  x on me4    ,i _h    
no?+ to conceal & ,i told him q fully   
all t ,i knew4  ,actually1 ,i believe if
 ,j]myn _h be5 !re1 x w\ld h tak5 bo?   
,k5n$y & myself to prev5t viol5ce4 ,z x 
0 ,i _h a v]itable  madman to deal )    
:ile ,k5n$y ga!r$ up leisurely !        
wireless  outfit he _h in/all$ on ! deck
 ( ,waldon's ya*t4 ,x 0 only by  tell+  
him t ,i w\ld c]ta9ly dem& t ,k5n$y     

leave him beh9d  if he did n control 8  
feel+s t ,i c\ld calm him be=e ,craig   
_h f9i%$ 8 "w on ! ya*t4    ,waldon     
reliev$ himself by driv+ ! t5d] back at 
top spe$ to !  ,lucie1 & n[ x seem$ t   
,k5n$y _h no objection to travel+  z fa/
 z ! _m-cyl9d]$ eng9e 0 capable ( go+4  
,z we ent]$ ! saloon ( ! h\seboat1 ,i   
kept close wat* ov]  ,waldon4    ,k5n$y 
began by slipp+ a record on ! phonograph
 9 ! corn] (  ! saloon1 !n fac+ u &     
address+ ,edw>ds p>ticul>ly4    8,y may 
be int]e/$ to "k1 ,mr4 ,edw>ds10 he     
said1 8t y\r  wireless outfit "h has be5
 put to a use = :i* y nev] int5d$  x40  
,no "o said any?+1 b ,i am sure t "s "o 
9 ! room !n =  ! fir/ "t began to       
suspect :at 0 com+4    8,z y "k1 by !   
use ( an arial pole1 messages may be    
easily  receiv$ f any numb] ( /ations10 
cont9u$ ,craig4 8,laws1 rules  &        
regulations may be adopt$ to %ut out    
int]lop]s & plug  busybody e>s1 b !     
great] "p ( :atev] is transmitt$ by !   
,h]tzian waves c be snat*$ d[n by o!r   

wireless app>atus4    8,d[n bel[1 9 t   
little room ( y\rs10 w5t on ,craig1     
8might sit  an op]ator ) 8 e>-phone     
clamp$ to 8 head1 dr9k+ 9 !  news       
convey$ surely & swiftly to him ?r\gh ! 
wireless  signals--pluck+ f ! sky       
secrets ( f9ance &10 he add$1  lean+    
=w>d1 8love40    ,9 8 usual dramatic    
mann] ,k5n$y _h swung 8 little audi5ce  
completely ) him4    8,9 o!r words10 he 
resum$1 8x might be us$ = eavesdropp+ by
 a  wireless wiretapp]4 ,n[10 he        
conclud$1 8,i ?\ght t if !re 0  any     
radio detective "w be+ done1 ,i might z 
well d "s1 too40    ,he toy$ = a mom5t )
 ! phonograph record4 8,i h us$10 he    
expla9$1 8,m>coni's radiotelephone1     
because 9 connection ) 8  receiv]s      
,m>coni uses phonographic record]s & on 
!m has captur$  wireless telegraph      
signals ov] hundr$s ( miles4    8,he has
 f\nd t x is possible to receive        
wireless signals1 al?\gh  ord9>y records
 are n l\d en\gh1 by us+ a small        
microphone on  ! repeat+ diaphragm &    

connect$ ) a l\d-speak+ telephone4  ,!  
*ief difficulty 0 to get a microphone t 
w\ld c>ry a  suffici5t curr5t )\t burn+ 
up4 ,!re 7 o!r difficulties1  b !y h be5
 surm\nt$ & n[ wireless telegraph       
messages may  be automatically record$ &
 made audible40    ,k5n$y />t$ !        
phonograph1 runn+ x along1 /opp+ x1 tak+
  up ! record at a new po9t4    8,li/510
 he exclaim$ at l5g?1 8!re's some?+     
int]e/+1 !  ,,wxy call--,seaville       
/ation--f "s "o on ! ,lucie only a few  
m9utes ago1 s5d+ a message to be relay$ 
by ,seaville to ! /ation  at ,bea* ,p>k4
 ,x seems impossible1 b buzz+ & tick+ =?
 is  ?is message f "s "o (f ?is v       
h\seboat4 ,x reads3 8,miss  ,val]ie     
,fox1 ,bea* ,p>k4 ,i am suspect$ ( !    
murd] ( ,mrs4 ,edw>ds4  ,i appeal to y  
to help me4 ,y mu/ all[ me to tell !    
tru? ab\t  ! messages ,i int]cept$ =    
,mrs4 ,edw>ds :i* pass$ betwe5  y\rself 
on ! ocean & ,mr4 ,edw>ds 9 ,new ,york  
via ,seaville4 ,y  reject$ me & w\ld n  
let me save y4 ,n[ y mu/ save me40      

,k5n$y paus$1 !n add$1 8,! message is   
sign$ by ,dr4 ,j]myn60    ,at once ,i   
saw x all4 ,j]myn _h be5 ! unsuccessful 
suitor = ,miss  ,fox's affections4 ,b   
be=e ,i c\ld piece out ! re/ ( ! tragic 
/ory1 ,k5n$y _h />t$ ! phonograph record
 at an e>li] po9t  :i* he _h skipp$ = ! 
pres5t4    8,"h's ano!r record--a brief 
"o--also to ,val]ie ,fox f !  h\seboat3 
#8,refuse all int]views4 ,d5y ev]y?+4 ,w
 see y z  soon z pres5t excitem5t dies  
d[n4'0    ,be=e ,k5n$y c\ld f9i%1       
,waldon _h leap$ =w>d1 unable long]  to 
control 8 feel+s4 ,if ,k5n$y _h n seiz$ 
8 arm1 ,i v]ily  believe he w\ld h ca/  
,dr4 ,j]myn into ! bay into :i* 8  si/] 
_h fall5 two nights be=e 9 h] t]ribly   
weak5$ condition4    8,waldon10 cri$    
,k5n$y1 8= ,god's sake1 man--wait6      
,don't y  und]/&8 ,! second message is  
sign$ ,tracy ,edw>ds40    ,x came z q z 
mu* a %ock ( surprise to me z to        
,waldon4    8,don't y und]/&80 he       
repeat$4 8,y\r si/] fir/ le>n$ f  ,dr4  
,j]myn :at 0 go+ on4 ,%e mov$ ! ,lucie  

d[n "h ne>  ,seaville 9 ord] to be ne> !
 wireless /ation :5 ! %ip be>+  h]      
rival1 ,val]ie ,fox1 got 9 t\* ) l&4 ,) 
! help ( ,dr4  ,j]myn %e int]cept$ !    
wireless messages f ! ,kronpr9z to  !   
%ore--betwe5 h] husb& & ,val]ie ,fox40  
,k5n$y 0 hurry+ on n[ to 8 irresi/ible  
conclusion4 8,%e f\nd  t he 0 infatuat$ 
) ! fam\s /age beauty1 t he 0  plann+ to
 m>ry ano!r1 h] rival4 ,%e accus$ him ( 
x1 ?reat5$  to defeat 8 plans4 ,he knew 
%e knew 8 unfai?fulness4 ,in/ead (  be+ 
y\r si/]'s murd]]1 ,dr4 ,j]myn 0 help+  
h] get !  evid5ce t w\ld save bo? h] &  
p]haps w9 ,miss ,fox back to  himself40 
,k5n$y _h turn$ %>ply on ,edw>ds4       
8,b10 he add$1 ) a glance t cru%$ any   
l+]+ hope t !  tru? _h be5 conceal$1 8! 
same night t ,dr4 ,j]myn arriv$ "h1  y  
visit$ y\r wife4 ,z %e slept y sev]$ !  
n]ves t meant  life or dea? to h]4 ,!n y
 cov]$ ! cuts ) ! prep>ation  :i* y knew
 ,dr4 ,j]myn us$4 ,y ask$ him to /ay1   
:ile y w5t  away1 ?9k+ t :5 dea? came y 
w\ld h a p]fect  alibi--p]haps a        

scapegoat4 ,edw>ds1 ! radio detective   
convicts y60          ,,*apt] ,x  ,,!   
,,curio ,,%op      ,edw>ds crumpl$ up z 
,k5n$y & ,i fac$ him4 ,!re 0 no escape4 
,9  fact our greate/ difficulty 0 to    
protect him f ,waldon4    ,k5n$y's "w 9 
! case 0 ov] :5 we _h got ,edw>ds a%ore 
&  9 ! h&s ( ! au?orities4 ,b m9e _h j  
begun & x 0  late :5 ,i got my /ory on !
 wire = ! ,/>4    ,i felt pretty tir$ & 
det]m9$ to make up = x by sleep+ !  next
 day4 ,x 0 no use1 h[ev]4    8,:y1 :at's
 ! matt]1 ,mrs4 ,nor?rop80 ,i he>d      
,k5n$y ask z he  op5$ our door ! next   
morn+1 j z ,i _h f9i%$ dress+4    ,he _h
 admitt$ a "y woman1 :o greet$ u )      
n]v\s1  wide-/>+ eyes4    8,x's--x's    
ab\t ,ar*]10 %e cri$1 s9k+ into ! ne>e/ 
*air &  />+ f "o to ! o!r ( u4    ,%e 0 
! wife ( ,pr(essor ,ar*] ,nor?rop1      
director ( !  ar*eological dep>tm5t at !
 univ]sity4 ,bo? ,craig & ,i _h kn[n  h]
 ev] s9ce h] m>riage to ,nor?rop1 = %e 0
 "o ( ! mo/  attractive ladies 9 ! y\ng]
 set ( ! faculty1 to :i* ,craig         

naturally belong$4 ,ar*] _h be5 ( !     
class bel[ u 9 !  univ]sity4 ,we _h haz$
 him1 & out ( ! mild haz+ !re _h1       
/rangely en\gh1 gr[n a /rong fri5d%ip4  
,i recollect$ quickly t ,nor?rop1       
accord+ to la/ reports1 _h  be5 d[n 9 ! 
s\? ( ,mexico on an ar*eological        
exp$ition4 ,b  be=e ,i c\ld frame1 ev5 9
 my m9d1 ! natural "q 9 a =m  t w\ld n  
al>m 8 wife fur!r1 ,k5n$y _h x on 8     
lips4    8,no bad news f ,mitla1 ,i     
hope80 he ask$ g5tly1 recall+ "o ( !    
ma9 work+ /ations *os5 by ! exp$ition & 
! report$  unsettl$ condition ( ! c\ntry
 ab\t x4 ,%e look$ up quickly4          
8,didn't y "k--he--came back f ,v]a     
,cruz ye/]day80 %e ask$  sl[ly1 !n add$1
 speak+ 9 a brok5 tone1 8&--he          
seems--sudd5ly--to h disappe>$4 ,oh1 su*
 a t]rible night ( worry6  ,no ^w--& ,i 
call$ up ! museum1 b ,doctor ,b]n>do1 ! 
curator1  _h gone1 & no "o answ]$4 ,&   
?is morn+--,i c\ldn't /& x any  long]--s
 ,i came to y40    8,y h no idea1 ,i    
suppose1 ( any?+ t 0 weigh+ on 8  m9d80 

sugge/$ ,k5n$y4    8,no10 %e answ]$     
promptly4    ,9 default ( any fur!r     
in=mation1 ,k5n$y did n pursue ?is l9e  
( que/ion+4 ,i c\ld n det]m9e f 8 face  
or mann] :e!r  he ?\ght ! matt] might   
involve ano!r ?an ,mrs4 ,nor?rop1 or1   
p]haps1 some?+ connect$ ) ! unsettl$    
condition ( !  c\ntry f :i* h] husb& _h 
j arriv$4    8,h y any ( ! lett]s t     
,ar*] wrote home80 ask$ ,craig1 at      
l5g?4    8,yes10 %e repli$ eag]ly1 tak+ 
a little packet f h] h&bag4 8,i  ?\ght y
 might ask t4 ,i br\ght !m40    8,y are 
an ideal cli5t10 comm5t$ ,craig         
enc\rag+ly1 tak+ !  lett]s4 8,n[1 ,mrs4 
,nor?rop1 be brave4 ,tru/ me to run ?is 
?+  d[n1 & if y he> any?+ let me "k     
imm$iately40    ,%e left u a mom5t lat]1
 visibly reliev$4    ,sc>cely _h %e gone
 :5 ,craig1 /uff+ ! lett]s into 8 pocket
  unread1 seiz$ 8 hat1 & a mom5t lat] 0 
/rid+ along t[>d  ! museum ) 8 habitual 
rapid1 ab/ract$ /ep :i* told me t  he   
s5s$ a my/]y4    ,9 ! museum we met     
,doctor ,b]n>do1 a man slightly old] ?an

  ,nor?rop1 ) :om he _h be5 v intimate4 
,he _h j arriv$ &  0 already deeply     
imm]s$ 9 ! /udy ( "s new & beautiful    
color$ plates f ! ,national ,museum (   
,mexico ,city4    8,d y rememb] see+    
,nor?rop "h ye/]day aft]noon80 greet$   
,craig1 )\t expla9+ :at _h happ5$4      
8,yes10 he answ]$ promptly4 8,i 0 "h )  
him until v late4 ,at  lea/1 he 0 9 8   
own room1 work+ h>d1 :5 ,i left40       
8,did y see him g80    8,:y--er--no10   
repli$ ,b]n>do1 z if t 7 a new idea4 8,i
 left him  "h--at lea/1 ,i didn't see   
him g out40    ,k5n$y tri$ ! door (     
,nor?rop's room1 :i* 0 at ! f> end1 9  a
 corn]1 & communicat$ ) ! hall only     
?r\gh ! ma9 floor (  ! museum4 ,x 0     
lock$4 ,a pass-key f ! janitor quickly  
op5$  x4    ,su* a sight z greet$ u1 ,i 
%all nev] =get4 ,!re1 9 8 big           
desk-*air1 sat ,nor?rop1 absolutely     
rigid1 ! mo/ horribly contort$  look on 
8 features t ,i h ev] se5--half ( pa91  
half ( fe>1  z if ( some?+ nameless4    
,k5n$y b5t ov]4 ,8 h&s 7 cold4          

,nor?rop _h be5 dead at lea/ twelve     
h\rs1 p]haps long]4 ,all night  ! des]t$
 museum _h gu>d$ its t]rible secret4    
,z ,craig pe]$ into 8 face1 he saw1 9 ! 
fle%y "p ( ! neck1  j bel[ ! left e>1 a 
r\nd r$ m>k1 ) j a drop or two (  n[    
black coagulat$ blood 9 ! c5t]4 ,all    
ar\nd we c\ld see a  va/ am\nt (        
miscellane\s /uff1 p>tly unpack$1 p>tly 
j  op5$1 & wait+ to be tak5 out ( !     
wrapp+s by ! n[  motionless h&s4    8,i 
suppose y are m or less famili> ) :at   
,nor?rop br\ght  back80 ask$ ,k5n$y (   
,b]n>do1 runn+ 8 eye ov] ! mat]ial 9  ! 
room4    8,yes1 reasonably10 answ]$     
,b]n>do4 8,be=e ! cases arriv$ f  ! :>f1
 he told me 9 detail :at he _h manag$ to
 br+ up )  him40    8,i wi%1 !n1 t y    
w\ld look x ov] & see if !re is any?+   
miss+10 reque/$ ,craig1 already himself 
busy 9 go+ ov] ! room  = o!r evid5ce4   
,doctor ,b]n>do ha/ily began tak+ a     
m5tal inv5tory ( ! /uff4  ,:ile !y      
work$1 ,i tri$ va9ly to frame "s !ory   
:i* w\ld  expla9 ! />tl+ facts we _h s  

sudd5ly discov]$4    ,mitla1 ,i knew1 0 
s\? ( ! city ( ,oaxaca1 & !re1 9 its    
ru9$ palaces1 0 ! cr[n+ a*ievem5t ( !   
old ,zapotec k+s4  ,no ru9s 9 ,am]ica 7 
m elaborately ornam5t$ or ri*] 9 lore  =
 ! ar*eologi/4    ,nor?rop _h br\ght up 
porphyry blocks ) qua9t grecques & mu*  
hi]oglyphic pa9t+4 ,already unpack$ 7   
half a doz5 copp] axes1  "s ( ! fir/ ( t
 p>ticul> /yle t _h ev] be5 br\ght  to !
 ,unit$ ,/ates4 ,besides ! sculptur$    
/ones & ! mosaics  7 jugs1 cups1 vases1 
little gods1 sacrificial /ones--en\gh1  
almo/1  to equip a new alcove 9 !       
museum4    ,be=e ,nor?rop 0 an idol1 a  
hide\s ?+ on :i* frogs & snakes  squatt$
 & coil$4 ,x 0 a fitt+ piece to         
accompany ! gruesome  occupant ( !      
little room 9 8 long1 la/ vigil4 ,9     
fact1 x almo/  s5t a %udd] ov] me1 & if 
,i _h be5 incl9$ to !  sup]/iti\s1 ,i   
%\ld c]ta9ly h conclud$ t ?is 0         
retribution = hav+ di/urb$ ! l>es &     
p5ates ( a dead  race4    ,doctor       
,b]n>do 0 go+ ov] ! mat]ial a second "t4

 ,by ! look  on 8 face1 ev5 ,i c\ld     
guess t some?+ 0 miss+4    8,:at is x80 
ask$ ,craig1 foll[+ ! curator closely4  
8,:y10 he answ]$ sl[ly1 8!re 0 an       
inscription--we 7 look+ at  x e>li] 9 ! 
day--on a small block ( porphyry4 ,i    
don't see x40    ,he paus$ & w5t back to
 8 se>* be=e we c\ld ask him fur!r  :at 
he ?\ght ! inscription 0 ab\t4    ,i    
?\ght no?+ myself at ! "t ( 8 retic5ce1 
= ,k5n$y _h  gone ov] to a w9d[ back (  
,nor?rop & to ! left4 ,x 0 fully  tw5ty 
feet f ! d[nw>d slope ( ! campus !re1 &1
 z he  cran$ 8 neck out1 he not$ t !    
copp] lead] ( ! ra9 pipe  ran pa/ x a   
few feet away4    ,i1 too1 look$ out4 ,a
 ?ick gr\p ( trees hid ! w9d[ f !  av5ue
 beyond ! campus wall1 & bel[ u1 at a   
corn] ( !  build+1 0 a clump (          
rhodod5drons4 ,z ,craig b5t ov] ! sill1 
he  :ipp$ out a pocket l5s4    ,a mom5t 
lat] he sil5tly h&$ ! glass to me4 ,z   
ne>ly z ,i c\ld  make out1 !re 7 five   
m>ks on ! du/ ( ! sill4    8,f+]-pr9ts60
 ,i exclaim$4 8,"s "o has be5 cl++ to ! 

edge  ( ! l$ge40    8,9 t case10 ,craig 
obs]v$ quietly1 8!re w\ld h be5 only    
f\r pr9ts40    ,i look$ aga91 puzzl$4 ,!
 pr9ts 7 flat & well sep>at$4    8,no10 
he add$1 8n f+]-pr9ts--toe-pr9ts40      
8,toe-pr9ts80 ,i e*o$4    ,be=e he c\ld 
reply1 ,craig _h da%$ out ( ! room1     
ar\nd1 &  "u ! w9d[4 ,!re1 he 0 c>efully
 go+ ov] ! s(t e>?  ar\nd ! bu%es bel[4 
8,:at are y look+ =80 ,i ask$1 jo9+ him4
    8,"s "o--p]haps two--has be5 "h10 he
 rem>k$1 almo/ "u 8  brea?4 8,"o1 at    
lea/1 has remov$ 8 %oes4 ,see ^?        
%oe-pr9ts up  to ?is po9t8 ,! pr9t ( a  
boot-heel 9 s(t e>? %[s !  position &   
cont\r ( e nail head4 ,b]tillon has made
 a  collection ( su* nails1 c]ta9 types1
 sizes1 & %apes us$ 9  c]ta9 boots1 %[+ 
(t5 :at c\ntry ! %oes came f4 ,ev5 !    
numb] & patt]n are significant4 ,"s     
factories use a fix$ numb]  ( nails &   
arrange !m 9 a p>ticul> mann]4 ,i h made
 my own  collection ( su* pr9ts 9 ?is   
c\ntry4 ,^! 7 ,am]ican %oes4  ,p]haps ! 
clue w n lead u any:]e1 ?\gh1 = ,i d\bt 

:e!r  x 0 an ,am]ican foot40    ,k5n$y  
cont9u$ to /udy ! m>ks4    8,he remov$ 8
 %oes--ei!r to help 9 climb+ or to      
prev5t  noise--ah--"h's ! foot6         
,/range--see h[ small x is--& broad1 h[ 
preh5sile ! toes--almo/ l f+]s4 ,surely 
t foot c\ld nev]  h be5 encas$ 9        
,am]ican %oes all its life4 ,i %all make
 pla/]  ca/s ( ^!1 to pres]ve lat]40    
,he 0 /ill sc\t+ ab\t on h&s & knees 9 !
 dampness ( !  rhodod5drons4 ,sudd5ly he
 rea*$ 8 long arm 9 among ! %rubs &     
pick$ up a little re$ /ick4 ,on ! end ( 
x 0 a small cyl9d] (  buff br[n4    ,he 
look$ at x curi\sly1 dug 8 nail into !  
s(t mass1 !n rubb$  8 nail ov] ! tip ( 8
 tongue g+]ly4    ,) a wry face1 z if ! 
ta/e 7 extremely acrid1 he moi/5$ 8     
h&k]*ief & wip$ (f 8 tongue vigor\sly4  
8,ev5 t m9ute p>ticle t 0 on my nail    
makes my tongue t+le  & feel numb10 he  
rem>k$1 /ill rubb+4 8,let u g back aga94
 ,i  want to see ,b]n>do40    8,_h he   
any visitors dur+ ! day80 qu]i$ ,k5n$y1 
z he re5t]$  ! gha/ly little room1 :ile 

! curator /ood outside1 completely      
unn]v$ by ! trag$y :i* _h be5 s close to
 him )\t 8  app>5tly kn[+ x4 ,k5n$y 0   
squeez+ out f ! little w\nd  on         
,nor?rop's neck a few drops ( liquid on 
a /]iliz$ piece (  glass4    8,no2 no   
"o10 ,b]n>do answ]$1 aft] a mom5t4      
8,did y see anyone 9 ! museum :o look$  
suspici\s80 ask$  ,k5n$y1 wat*+         
,b]n>do's face ke5ly4    8,no10 he      
hesitat$4 8,!re 7 sev]al p w&]+ ab\t    
among  ! exhibits1 ( c\rse4 ,"o1 ,i     
recall1 late 9 ! aft]noon1 0 a  little  
d>k-sk9n$ woman1 r good-look+40    8,a  
,mexican80    8,yes1 ,i %\ld say s4 ,n (
 ,spani% desc5t1 ?\gh4 ,%e 0 r  ( !     
,indian type4 ,%e seem$ to be mu*       
int]e/$ 9 ! v>i\s  exhibits1 ask$ me    
sev]al que/ions1 v intellig5tly1 too4   
,really1  ,i ?\ght %e 0 try+            
to--er--flirt ) me40    ,he %ot a glance
 at ,craig1 half ( confession1 half (   
emb>rassm5t4    8,&--oh1 yes--!re 0     
ano!r--a man1 a little man1 z ,i recall1
 )  %aggy hair4 ,he look$ l a ,russian  

to me4 ,i rememb]1 because he  came to !
 door1 pe]$ ar\nd ha/ily1 & w5t away4 ,i
 ?\ght he  might h got into ! wrong "p (
 ! build+ & w5t to direct  him "r--b    
be=e ,i c\ld get out into ! hall1 he 0  
gone4 ,i  rememb]1 too1 t1 z ,i turn$1 !
 woman _h foll[$ me & soon  0 ask+ o!r  
que/ions--:i*1 ,i w admit--,i 0 glad to 
answ]40    8,0 ,nor?rop 9 8 room :ile ^!
 p 7 "h80    8,yes2 he _h lock$ ! door s
 t none ( ! /ud5ts or visitors  c\ld    
di/urb him40    8,evid5tly ! woman 0    
div]t+ y\r att5tion :ile ! man ent]$    
,nor?rop's room by ! w9d[10 rum9at$     
,craig1 z we /ood = a  mom5t 9 ! outside
 doorway4    ,he _h already telephon$ to
 our old fri5d ,doctor ,leslie1 !       
coron]1  to take *>ge ( ! case1 & n[ 0  
ready to leave4 ,! news _h  spread1 & ! 
janitor ( ! build+ 0 wait+ to lock !    
campus  door to keep back ! cr[d (      
/ud5ts & o!rs4    ,our next duty 0 !    
pa9ful "o ( break+ ! news to ,mrs4      
,nor?rop4 ,i %all pass x ov]4 ,p]haps no
 "o c\ld h done x m  g5tly ?an ,k5n$y4  

,%e did n cry4 ,%e 0 simply daz$4       
,=tunately  h] "m 0 ) h]1 _h be51 9     
fact1 ev] s9ce ,nor?rop _h  gone on !   
exp$ition4    8,:y %\ld anyone want to  
/eal tablets ( old ,mixtec              
inscriptions80 ,i  ask$ ?\ghtfully1 z we
 walk$ sadly ov] ! campus 9 ! direction 
( ! *emi/ry build+4 8,h !y a suffici5t  
value1 ev5 on  appreciative ,fif?       
,av5ue1 to w>rant murd]80    8,well10 he
 rem>k$1 8x does seem incompreh5sible4  
,yet p d j  su* ?+s4 ,! psy*ologi/s tell
 u t !re is a v]itable mania  = possess+
 su* curios4 ,h[ev]1 x is possible t !re
 may be  "s deep] significance 9 ?is    
case10 he add$1 8 face puck]$ 9  ?\ght4 
,:o 0 ! my/]i\s ,mexican woman1 :o !    
%aggy ,russian8 ,i ask$  myself4        
,cle>ly1 at lea/1 if %e exi/$ at all1 %e
 0 "o ( !  millions n ( ,spani% b (     
,indian desc5t 9 ! c\ntry s\? (  u4 ,z  
,i reason$ x out1 x seem$ to me z if %e 
mu/ h be5 an  accomplice4 ,%e c\ld n h  
got into ,nor?rop's room ei!r be=e  or  
aft] ,doctor ,b]n>do left4 ,!n1 too1 !  

toe-& %oe-pr9ts 7  n h]s4 ,b1 ,i figur$1
 %e c]ta9ly _h a "p 9 ! plot4    ,:ile  
,i 0 engag$ 9 ! va9 ef=t to unravel !   
tragic affair by  pure reason1 ,k5n$y 0 
at "w ) practical sci5ce4    ,he began  
by exam9+ ! little d>k cyl9d] on ! end (
 ! re$4  ,on a piece ( ! /uff1 brok5 (f1
 he p\r$ a d>k liquid f a  br[n-glass   
bottle4 ,!n he plac$ x "u a microscope4 
8,microscopically10 he said sl[ly1 8x   
consi/s almo/ :olly (  m9ute1 cle>      
granules :i* give a blue reaction )     
iod9e4 ,!y are  />*4 ,mix$ ) !m are "s  
l>g] />* granules1 a few plant  cells1  
fibr\s matt]1 & o!r =eign p>ticles4 ,&  
!n1 !re is  ! sub/ance t gives t acrid1 
numb+ ta/e40 ,he appe>$ to be  vacantly 
/udy+ ! floor4    8,:at d y ?9k x is80  
,i ask$1 unable to re/ra9 myself4       
8,aconite10 he answ]$ sl[ly1 8( :i* !   
active pr9ciple is !  deadly poison\s   
alkaloid1 aconit940    ,he walk$ ov] &  
pull$ d[n a well-?umb$ /&>d "w on       
toxicology1 turn$ ! pages1 !n began to  
read al\d3    ,pure aconit9 is probably 

! mo/ actively poison\s sub/ance )  :i* 
we are acqua9t$ &1 if adm9i/]$          
hypod]mically1 !  alkaloid is ev5 m     
p[]fully poison\s ?an :5 tak5 by !  m\?4
    ,z 9 ! case ( mo/ ( ! poison\s      
alkaloids1 aconit9 does n  produce any  
decid$ly *>act]i/ic po/-mortem          
appe>ances4 ,!re is  no way to di/+ui% x
 f o!r alkaloids1 9 fact1 no reliable   
*emical te/4 ,! physiological effects   
be=e dea? are all t c  be reli$ on4     
,ow+ to its exce$+ toxic nature1 !      
smallness ( ! dose requir$  to produce  
dea?1 & ! lack ( te/s = recognition1    
aconit9  possesses r m int]e/ 9 legal   
m$ic9e ?an mo/ o!r  poisons4    ,x is "o
 ( ! few sub/ances :i*1 9 ! pres5t /ate 
(  toxicology1 might be crim9ally       
adm9i/]$ & leave no positive  evid5ce ( 
! crime4 ,if a small b fatal dose ( !   
poison 7 to  be giv51 especially if x 7 
adm9i/]$ hypod]mically1 !  *ances ( its 
detection 9 ! body aft] dea? w\ld be    
practically  none4          ,,*apt] ,,xi
  ,,! 8,,pill> ,,( ,,dea?0      ,i 0    

look+ at him fix$ly z ! diabolical      
nature ( :at mu/ h  happ5$ sank into my 
m9d4 ,"h 0 a poison t defi$ detection4  
,i  c\ld see by ! look on ,craig's face 
t t problem1 alone1 0  en\gh to absorb 8
 att5tion4 ,he seem$ fully to realize t 
we _h  to deal ) a crim9al s clev] t he 
might nev] be br\ght to  ju/ice4    ,an 
idea fla%$ ov] me4    8,h[ ab\t !       
lett]s80 ,i sugge/$4    8,good1 ,walt]60
 he exclaim$4    ,he unti$ ! package :i*
 ,mrs4 ,nor?rop _h giv5 him & glanc$    
quickly ov] "o aft] ano!r ( ! lett]s4   
8,ah60 he exclaim$1 fairly dev\r+ "o    
dat$ at ,mitla4 8,li/5--x  tells ab\t   
,nor?rop's "w & goes on3    8#8,i h be5 
mu* int]e/$ 9 a cav]n1 or subt]raneo1   
"h1 9  ! %ape ( a cross1 ea* arm ( :i*  
ext5ds = "s twelve feet  und]gr\nd4 ,9 !
 c5t] x is gu>d$ by a block ( /one      
popul>ly  call$ 8! ,pill> ( ,dea?40 ,!re
 is a sup]/ition t :oev]  embraces x w  
die be=e ! sun goes d[n4    8#8,f !     
subt]raneo is said to lead a long1      
und]gr\nd passage  across ! c\rt to     

ano!r subt]ranean *amb] :i* is full (   
,mixtec treasure4 ,treasure hunt]s h dug
 all ar\nd x1 & x is  said t two old    
,indians1 only1 "k ( ! imm5se am\nt (   
buri$  gold & silv]1 b t !y w n reveal  
x4'0    ,i />t$ up4 ,"h 0 ! miss+ l9k   
:i* ,i _h be5 wait+ =4    8,!re1 at     
lea/1 is ! motive10 ,i blurt$ out4 8,t  
is :y ,b]n>do  0 s retic5t4 ,nor?rop1 9 
8 innoc5ce ( he>t1 _h %[$ him  t        
inscription40    ,k5n$y said no?+ z he  
f9ally ti$ up ! little packet ( lett]s  
& lock$ x 9 8 safe4 ,he 0 n giv5 to ha/y
 g5]alizations2  nei!r 0 he "o :o clung 
dogg$ly to a preconceiv$ !ory4    ,x 0  
/ill e>ly 9 ! aft]noon4 ,craig & ,i     
decid$ to drop into  ! museum aga9 9    
ord] to see ,doctor ,b]n>do4 ,he 0 n !re
 &  we sat d[n to wait4    ,j !n ! lett]
 box 9 ! door click$4 ,x 0 ! po/man on 8
  r\nds4 ,k5n$y walk$ ov] & pick$ up !  
lett]4    ,! po/m>k bore ! words1       
8,mexico ,city10 & a date some:at lat]  
?an t on :i* ,nor?rop _h left ,v]a      
,cruz4 ,9 ! l[] corn]1  und]scor$1 7 !  

words1 8,p]sonal--,urg5t40    8,i'd l to
 "k :at is 9 t10 rem>k$ ,craig1 turn+ x 
ov] &  ov]4    ,he appe>$ to be consid]+
 some?+1 = he rose sudd5ly &  %ov$ !    
lett] into 8 pocket4    ,i foll[$1 & a  
few mom5ts lat]1 across ! campus 9 8    
laboratory1 he 0 work+ quickly ov] an   
,x-ray app>atus4 ,he _h  plac$ ! lett] 9
 x4    8,^! are :at are kn[n z #8l['    
tubes10 he expla9$4 8,!y give out  #8s(t
 rays4'0 ,he cont9u$ to "w = a few      
mom5ts1 !n h&$ me  ! lett]4    8,n[1    
,walt]10 he said1 8if y w j hurry back  
to ! museum &  replace t lett]1 ,i ?9k  
,i w h some?+ t w a/oni%  y--?\gh :e!r x
 w h any be>+ on ! case1 rema9s to be   
se540    8,:at is x80 ,i ask$1 a few    
m9utes lat]1 :5 ,i _h rejo9$ him1  aft] 
return+ ! lett]4 ,he 0 por+ int5tly ov] 
:at look$  l a negative4    8,!         
possibility ( read+ ! cont5ts ( docum5ts
 inclos$ 9 a  seal$ envelope10 he       
repli$1 /ill /udy+ ! %ad[graph closely1 
8has already be5 e/abli%$ by ! well-kn[n
 ,engli% sci5ti/1  ,doctor ,hall        

,edw>ds4 ,he has be5 exp]im5t+ ) ! me?od
 ( us+  ,x-rays rec5tly discov]$ by a   
,g]man sci5ti/1 by :i* radiographs  ( v 
?9 sub/ances1 su* z a %eet ( pap]1 a    
leaf1 an insect's  body1 may be obta9$4 
,^! ?9 sub/ances ?r\gh :i* ! rays  us$  
=m]ly to pass )\t leav+ an impression1 c
 n[ be  radiograph$40    ,i look$       
c>efully z he trac$ out some?+ on !     
negative4 ,on x  0 easily possible1     
foll[+ 8 guidance1 to read ! words      
inscrib$ on ! %eet ( pap] inside4 ,s    
admirably def9$ 7 all  ! details t ev5 !
 gum on ! envelope & ! edges ( !  %eet (
 pap] inside ! envelope c\ld be         
di/+ui%$4    8,any lett] writt5 ) ink   
hav+ a m9]al basis c be  radiograph$10  
add$ ,craig4 8,ev5 :5 ! %eet is fold$ 9 
! usual  way1 x is possible by tak+ a   
radiograph /]eoscopically1 to  di/+ui% !
 writ+1 e detail /&+ out 9 relief4      
,besides1  x c be greatly magnifi$1 :i* 
aids 9 deciph]+ x if x is  indi/9ct or  
jumbl$ up4 ,"s ( x looks l mirror writ+4
 ,ah10 he  add$1 8"h's some?+ int]e/+60 

,toge!r we manag$ to trace out ! cont5ts
 ( sev]al p>agraphs1 (  :i* !           
significant p>ts 7 z foll[s3    ,i am   
expect+ t my fri5d ,seora ,h]r]ia w be 9
 ,new ,york by  ! "t y receive ?is1 &   
%\ld %e call on y1 ,i "k y w  accord h] 
e c\rtesy4 ,%e has be5 9 ,mexico ,city =
 a few days1  hav+ j return$ f ,mitla1  
:]e %e met ,pr(essor ,nor?rop4 ,x  is   
rumor$ t ,pr(essor ,nor?rop has succe$$ 
9 smuggl+ out (  ! c\ntry a v important 
/one be>+ an inscription :i*1 ,i        
und]/&1 is ( m ?an ord9>y int]e/4 ,i d n
 "k any?+  def9ite ab\t x1 z ,seora     
,h]r]ia is v retic5t on ! matt]1  b     
dep5d on y to f9d out if possible & let 
me "k ( x4    ,accord+ to ! rumors & !  
/atem5ts ( ! seora1 x seems  t ,nor?rop 
has tak5 an unfair advantage ( !        
situation d[n 9  ,oaxaca1 & ,i suppose  
%e & o!rs :o "k ab\t ! inscription  feel
 t x is really ! possession ( !         
gov]nm5t4    ,y w f9d t ! seora is an   
accompli%$ antiqu>ian &  s*ol>4 ,l _m   
o!rs d[n "h j n[1 %e has a high reg>d = 

! ,japanese4 ,z y "k1 !re exi/s a       
natural sympa?y betwe5 "s  ,mexicans &  
,japanese1 ow+ to :at is believ$ to be a
 common orig9  ( ! two races4    ,9     
spite ( ! ass]tions ( _m to ! contr>y1  
!re is little  d\bt left 9 ! m9ds (     
/ud5ts t ! ,indian races :i* h  peopl$  
,mexico 7 ( ,mongolian /ock4 ,_m words 9
 "s dialects are  easily und]/ood by    
,*9ese immigrants4 ,a secret>y ( !      
,japanese  legation "h 0 able rec5tly to
 deciph] old ,mixtec inscriptions  f\nd 
9 ! ru9s ( ,mitla4    ,seora ,h]r]ia has
 be5 mu* int]e/$ 9 e/abli%+ !           
relation%ip &1 ,i und]/&1 is acqua9t$ ) 
a ,japanese curio  deal] 9 ,new ,york :o
 rec5tly visit$ ,mexico = ! same        
purpose4 ,i  believe t %e wi%es to      
collaborate ) him on a monograph on !   
subject1 :i* is expect$ to h a p[]ful   
effect on ! public  op9ion bo? "h & at  
,tokyo4    ,9 reg>d to ! inscription :i*
 ,nor?rop has tak5 ) him1 ,i rely  on y 
to keep me in=m$4 ,!re seems to be a    
great deal ( my/]y  connect$ ) x1 & ,i  

am simply haz>d+ a guess z to its       
nature4  ,if x %\ld prove to be some?+  
:i* might int]e/ ei!r !  ,japanese or   
ourselves1 y c see h[ important x may   
be1 especially  9 view ( ! =?com+       
mission ( ,g5]al ,francisco to ,tokyo4  
,v s9c]ely y\rs1  ,,dr4 ,,emilio        
,,san*ez1 ,director4      8,b]n>do is a 
,mexican10 ,i exclaim$1 z ,k5n$y f9i%$  
read+1 8&  !re c be no d\bt t ! woman he
 m5tion$ 0 ?is ,seora  ,h]r]ia40        
,k5n$y said no?+1 b seem$ to be weigh+ !
 v>i\s p>agraphs  9 ! lett]4    8,/ill10
 ,i obs]v$1 8s f>1 ! only "o aga9/ :om  
we h any  direct suspicion 9 ! case is !
 %aggy ,russian1 :oev] he is40    8,a   
man :om ,b]n>do says look$ l a          
,russian10 correct$ ,craig4    ,he 0    
pac+ ! laboratory re/lessly4    8,?is is
 becom+ q an int]national affair10 he   
rem>k$ f9ally1  paus+ be=e me1 8 hat on4
 8,w\ld y l to relax y\r m9d by a       
little excursion among ! curio %ops ( ! 
city8 ,i "k some?+  ab\t ,japanese      
curios--m1 p]haps1 ?an ,i d ( ,mexican4 

,x may amuse  u1 ev5 if x doesn't help 9
 solv+ ! my/]y4 ,mean:ile1 ,i %all  make
 arrangem5ts = %ad[+ ,b]n>do4 ,i want to
 "k j h[ he  acts aft] he reads t       
lett]40    ,he paus$ long en\gh to      
telephone 8 in/ructions to an upt[n     
detective ag5cy :i* c\ld be dep5d$ on = 
su* m]e r\t9e "w1  !n jo9$ me ) !       
significant rem>k3 8,blood is ?ick] ?an 
wat]1 anyh[1 ,walt]4 ,/ill1 ev5 if !    
,mexicans are influ5c$ by  s5tim5t1 ,i  
h>dly ?9k t w\ld acc\nt = ! int]e/ ( our
  fri5ds f across ! wat] 9 ! matt]40    
,i d n "k h[ _m ( ! l>ge & small curio  
%ops ( ! city  we visit$ t aft]noon4 ,at
 ano!r "t1 ,i %\ld h enjoy$ !  visits   
imm5sely1 = anyone seek+ articles (     
beauty w f9d !  antique %ops ( ,fif? &  
,f\r? ,av5ues & ! side /reets well  wor?
 visit+4    ,we came1 at l5g?1 to "o1 a 
small1 qua9t1 du/y rook]y1 d[n 9 a      
basem5t1 ent]$ almo/ directly f ! /reet4
 ,x bore ov] !  door a little gilt sign 
:i* read simply1 8,sato's40    ,z we    
ent]$1 ,i c\ld n help be+ impress$ by ! 

weal? (  articles 9 beautiful cloisonne 
enamel1 9 "m-(-pe>l1 lacqu]1  &         
*ampleve4 ,!re 7 beautiful little koros1
 or inc5se burn]s1  vases1 & teapots4   
,!re 7 enamels incru/$1 transluc5t1 &   
pa9t$1 works ( ! fam\s ,namikawa1 (     
,kyoto1 & ,namikawa1 (  ,tokyo4 ,satsuma
 vases1 spl5did & r>e examples ( !      
pott]'s art1  cr[d$ gorge\sly embroid]$ 
scre5s depict+ all sorts ( brilliant    
sc5es1 among o!rs ! sacr$ ,fujiyama ris+
 9 ! /ately  di/ance4 ,sato himself     
greet$ u ) a ready smile & b[4    8,i am
 j look+ = a few ?+s to add to my d510  
expla9$  ,k5n$y1 add+1 8no?+ 9 p>ticul>1
 b m]ely :atev] happ5s to  /rike my     
fancy40    8,surely1 !n1 y h come to !  
"r %op10 greet$ ,sato4 8,if  !re is     
any?+ t int]e/s y1 ,i %all be glad to %[
 x40    8,?ank y10 repli$ ,craig4       
8,don't let me tr\ble y ) y\r o!r       
cu/om]s4 ,i w call on y if ,i see       
any?+40    ,= sev]al m9utes1 ,craig & ,i
 busi$ ourselves look+ ab\t1 & we  did n
 h to feign int]e/1 ei!r4    8,(t5 ?+s  

are n z repres5t$10 he :isp]$ to me1    
aft] a  :ile1 8b a connoiseur c tell    
spuri\s goods4 ,^! are ! real  ?+1      
mo/ly40    8,n "o 9 fifty c tell !      
diff]5ce10 put 9 ! voice ( ,sato1  at 8 
elb[4    8,well1 y see ,i happ5 to "k10 
,craig repli$1 n ! lea/  disconc]t$4 8,y
 c't always be too sure40    ,a laugh & 
a %rug 0 ,sato's answ]4 8,x's well all  
are n s ke510  he said1 ) a frank       
ackn[l$gm5t t he 0 n above %>p          
practices4    ,i glanc$ n[ & !n at !    
expressionless face ( ! curio deal]4  ,0
 x m]ely ! natural blankness ( 8        
c\nt5ance t impress$  me1 or 0 !re1 9   
fact1 some?+ deep & d>k hidd5 9 x1      
some?+ ( 8,ea/ is ,ea/ & ,we/ is ,we/0  
:i* ,i did n & c\ld  n und]/&8 ,craig 0 
admir+ ! bronzes4 ,he _h paus$ be=e  "o1
 a squ>e metal fire-scre5 ( odd design1 
) ! title on a  c>d1 8,japan ,gaz+ at ! 
,_w40    ,x repres5t$ ,japan z an eagle1
 ) beak & talons ( burni%$  gold1 re/+  
on a rocky isl& ab\t :i* great waves    
da%$4 ,!  bird _h an air ( dignity &    

consci\s pride 9 its /r5g?1 z x  look$  
out at ! _w1 a globe revolv+ 9 space4   
8,d y suppose !re is any?+ significant 9
 t80 ,i ask$1  po9t+ to ! cont95t (     
,nor? ,am]ica1 also 9 gold &  prom95tly 
9 view4    8,ah1 honorable sir10 answ]$ 
,sato1 be=e ,k5n$y c\ld reply1 8!  arti/
 int5d$ by t to indicate ,japan's       
fri5dl9ess = ,am]ica  & ,am]ica's       
greatness40    ,he 0 inscrutable4 ,x    
seem$ z if he 7 wat*+ our e move1  & yet
 x 0 done ) a polite cordiality t c\ld n
 give  (f5se4    ,beh9d "s bronzes ( !  
,japanese ,h]cules de/roy+ ! demons &   
o!r my?ical h]oes 0 a l>ge alcove1 or   
tokonoma1 decorat$ )  peacock1 /ork1 &  
crane panels4 ,c>v+s & lacqu] add$ to ! 
beauty ( x4 ,a m9iature *rysan!mum g>d5 
height5$ ! illusion4  ,c>v$ h9oki wood  
fram$ ! panels1 & ! ro( 0 support$ by   
columns 9 ! old ,japanese /yle1 ! :ole  
be+ a compromise betwe5  ! v simple &   
quiet & ! poly*romatic4 ,! d>k woods1 ! 
lant]ns1 ! floor tiles ( d>k r$1 & !    
cu%ions ( ri* gold  & yell[ 7 mo/       

allur+4 ,x _h ! g5u9e fasc9ation ( !    
,ori5t4    8,w ! g5tlem5 dr9k a little  
sake80 ,sato ask$ politely4    ,craig   
?ank$ him & said t we w\ld4    8,otaka60
 ,sato call$4    ,a peculi>1 almo/      
:ite-sk9n$ att5dant answ]$1 & a mom5t   
lat]  produc$ f\r cups & p\r$ out ! rice
 br&y1 tak+ 8 own  quietly1 ap>t f u4 ,i
 wat*$ him dr9k1 curi\sly4 ,he took !   
cup2 !n1 ) a long piece ( c>v$ wood1 he 
dipp$ into ! sake1  %ak+ a few drops on 
! floor to ! f\r qu>t]s4 ,f9ally1 ) a   
deft sweep1 he lift$ 8 heavy mu/a*e ) ! 
piece ( wood &  drank (f ! draft almo/  
)\t tak+ brea?4    ,he 0 a peculi> man (
 middle height1 ) a %ock ( d>k1 t\gh1   
woolly hair1 well =m$ & n bad-look+1 ) a
 robu/ g5]al  physique1 z if 8 ance/ors 
_h be5 meat eat]s4 ,8 =ehead 0  n>r[ &  
slop$ backw>d2 ! *eekbones 7 prom95t2   
nose hook$1  broad & wide1 ) /rong      
no/rils2 m\? l>ge1 ) ?ick lips1 &  n v  
prom95t *94 ,8 eyes 7 p]haps ! mo/      
noticeable  feature4 ,!y 7 d>k gray1    
almo/ l ^? ( a ,european4    ,z ,otaka  

)drew ) ! empty cups1 we rose to cont9ue
 our  inspection ( ! wond]s ( ! %op4    
,!re 7 ivories ( all  descriptions4 ,"h 
0 a two-h&l$ sword1 ) a v l>ge ivory    
h&le1 a weirdly c>v$ scabb>d1 & wond]ful
 /eel blade4 ,by !  expression (        
,craig's face1 ,sato knew t he _h made a
 sale4    ,craig _h be5 rummag+ among "s
 w>like in/rum5ts :i* ,sato1  ) !       
in/9cts ( a true salesman1 0 n[         
display+1 & _h  pick$ up a b[4 ,x 0     
%ort1 v /rong1 & made ( p9e wood4 ,he   
held x horizontally & twang$ ! /r+4 ,i  
look$ up 9 "t to  cat* a pleas$         
expression on ! face ( ,otaka4    8,mo/ 
p w\ld h held x ! o!r way10 comm5t$     
,sato4    ,craig said no?+1 b 0 exam9+  
an arr[1 almo/ tw5ty in*es  long & ?ick1
 made ( cane1 ) a po9t ( metal v %>p b  
badly fa/5$4 ,he f+]$ ! deep blood      
groove 9 ! scooplike head  ( ! arr[ &   
look$ at x c>efully4    8,i'll take t10 
he said1 8only ,i wi% x 7 "o ) ! regul> 
r$di%-br[n lump 9 x40    8,oh1 b1       
honorable sir10 apologiz$ ,sato1 8!     

,japanese law prohibits  t1 n[4 ,!re are
 few ( ^?1 & !y are v valuable40    8,i 
suppose s10 agre$ ,craig4 8,?is w d1    
?\gh4 ,y h a  wond]ful %op "h1 ,sato4   
,"s "t1 :5 ,i feel ri*]1 ,i mean to     
come 9 aga94 ,no1 ?ank y1 y ne$ n s5d   
!m2 ,i'll c>ry !m40    ,we b[$ ourselves
 out1 promis+ to come aga9 :5 ,sato     
receiv$ a  new consignm5t f ! ,ori5t :i*
 he 0 expect+4    8,t o!r ,jap is a     
peculi> fell[10 ,i obs]v$1 z we walk$   
along  upt[n aga94    8,he isn't a      
,jap10 rem>k$ ,craig4 8,he is an ,a9u1  
"o ( ! aborig9es  :o h be5 driv5 nor?w>d
 into ! isl& ( ,yezo40    8,an ,a9u80 ,i
 repeat$4    8,yes4 ,g5]ally ?\ght1 n[1 
to be a :ite race & ne>] ( k9 to        
,europeans ?an ,asiatics4 ,! ,japanese h
 pu%$ !m nor?w>d &  are n[ try+ to      
civilize !m4 ,!y are a dirty1 hairy     
race1 b :5  !y are br\ght "u civiliz+   
influ5ces !y adapt !mselves to  _!      
environm5t & make v good s]vants4 ,/ill1
 !y are on ab\t  ! l[e/ scale (         
humanity40    8,i ?\ght ,otaka 0 v      

mild10 ,i comm5t$4    8,!y are a mo/    
in(f5sive & peaceable p usually10 he    
answ]$1 8good-natur$ & am5able to       
au?ority4 ,b !y become  dang]\s :5 driv5
 to despair by cruel treatm5t4 ,!       
,japanese  gov]nm5t is v consid]ate (   
!m--b n all ,japanese are40             
,,*apt] ,,xii  ,,! ,,arr[ ,,poison      
,f> into ! night ,craig 0 engag$ 9 "s v 
delicate & m9ute  microscopic "w 9 !    
laboratory4    ,we 7 ab\t to leave :5   
!re 0 a g5tle tap on ! door4 ,k5n$y     
op5$ x & admitt$ a "y man1 ! op]ative ( 
! detective  ag5cy :o _h be5 %ad[+      
,b]n>do4 ,8 report 0 v brief1 b1  to me 
at lea/1 significant4 ,b]n>do1 on 8     
return to ! museum1 _h  evid5tly read ! 
lett]1 :i* _h agitat$ him v mu*1 = a few
  mom5ts lat] he hurri$ly left & w5t    
d[nt[n to ! ,pr9ce ,h5ry  ,hotel4 ,!    
op]ative _h casually edg$ up to ! desk &
 ov]he>d  :om he ask$ =4 ,x 0 ,seora    
,h]r]ia4 ,once aga91 lat] 9 !  ev5+1 he 
_h ask$ = h]1 b %e 0 /ill out4    ,x 0 q
 e>ly ! next morn+1 :5 ,k5n$y _h resum$ 

8  c>eful microscopic "w1 t ! telephone 
bell rang1 & he answ]$  x me*anically4  
,b a mom5t lat] a look ( int5se surprise
 cross$  8 face4    8,x 0 f ,doctor     
,leslie10 he ann\nc$1 hang+ up ! receiv]
  quickly4 8,he has a mo/ peculi> case  
:i* he wants me to see--a  woman40      
,k5n$y call$ a cab1 &1 at a furi\s pace1
 we da%$ across ! city  & d[n to !      
,metropolitan ,hospital1 :]e ,doctor    
,leslie 0 wait+4  ,he met u eag]ly &    
conduct$ u to a little room :]e1 ly+    
motionless on a b$1 0 a woman4    ,%e 0 
a /rik+-look+ woman1 d>k ( hair & sk91 &
 9 life  %e mu/ h be5 s5su\sly          
attractive4 ,b n[ h] face 0 drawn  &    
contort$--) ! same gha/ly look t _h be5 
on ! face (  ,nor?rop4    8,%e di$ 9 a  
cab10 expla9$ ,doctor ,leslie1 8be=e !y 
c\ld get  h] to ! hospital4 ,at fir/ !y 
suspect$ ! cab driv]4 ,b he  seems to h 
prov$ 8 innoc5ce4 ,he pick$ h] up la/   
night on  ,fif? ,av5ue1 reel+--?\ght %e 
0 intoxicat$4 ,&1 9 fact1 he  seems to h
 be5 "r4 ,our te/s h %[n a great deal ( 

alcohol  pres5t1 b no?+ l en\gh to h _h 
su* a s]i\s effect40    8,%e told no?+ (
 h]self80 ask$ ,k5n$y4    8,no2 %e 0    
pretty f> gone :5 ! cabby answ]$ h]     
signal4 ,all he  c\ld get out ( h] 0 a  
^w t s\nd$ l #8,curio-curio4' ,he  says 
%e seem$ to compla9 ( some?+ ab\t h] m\?
 & head4 ,h]  face 0 drawn & %runk52 h] 
h&s 7 cold & clammy1 & !n  convulsions  
came on4 ,he call$ an ambulance1 b %e 0 
pa/ sav+  :5 x arriv$4 ,! numbness seem$
 to h ext5d$ ov] all h]  body2 swall[+ 0
 impossible2 !re 0 entire loss ( h]     
voice z  well z sight1 & dea? took place
 by syncope40    8,h y any clue to !    
cause ( h] dea?80 ask$ ,craig4          
8,well1 x might h be5 "s tr\ble ) h]    
he>t1 ,i suppose10  rem>k$ ,doctor      
,leslie t5tatively4    8,oh1 %e looks   
/rong t way4 ,no1 h>dly any?+ organic40 
8,well1 !n ,i ?\ght %e look$ l a        
,mexican10 w5t on ,doctor  ,leslie4 8,x 
might be "s new tropical disease4 ,i    
confess ,i don't "k4  ,! fact is10 he   
add$1 l[]+ 8 voice1 8,i _h my own !ory  

ab\t  x until a few mom5ts ago4 ,t 0 :y 
,i call$ y40    8,:at d y mean80 ask$   
,craig1 evid5tly b5t on te/+ 8 own  !ory
 by ! o!r's ignorance4    ,doctor       
,leslie made no answ] imm$iately1 b     
rais$ ! %eet :i*  cov]$ h] body &       
disclos$1 9 ! fle%y "p ( ! upp] arm1 a  
curi\s little r$ swoll5 m>k ) a c\ple ( 
drops ( d>k5$  blood4    8,i ?\ght at   
fir/10 he add$1 8t we _h at la/ a g5u9e 
#8poison$ ne$le' case4 ,y see1 t look$ l
 x4 ,b ,i h made  all ! te/s = cur>e &  
/ry*n9 )\t results40    ,at ! m]e       
sugge/ion1 a procession (               
hypod]mic-ne$le &  :ite-slav]y /ories   
fla%$ be=e me4    8,b10 object$ ,k5n$y1 
8cle>ly ?is 0 n a case ( kidnap+4 ,x  is
 a case ( murd]4 ,h y te/$ = ! ord9>y   
poisons80    ,doctor ,leslie %ook 8     
head4 8,!re 0 no poison10 he said1      
8absolutely none t any ( our te/s c\ld  
discov]40    ,k5n$y b5t ov] & squeez$   
out a few drops ( liquid f ! w\nd  on a 
microscope slide1 & cov]$ !m4    8,y h n
 id5tifi$ h] yet10 he add$1 look+ up4   

8,i ?9k y  w f9d1 ,leslie1 t !re is a   
,seora ,h]r]ia regi/]$ at !  ,pr9ce     
,h5ry :o is miss+1 & t ?is woman w agree
 ) !  description ( h]4 ,anyh[1 ,i wi% y
 w\ld look x up & let me  "k40    ,half 
an h\r lat]1 ,k5n$y 0 prep>+ to cont9ue 
8 /udies )  ! microscope :5 ,doctor     
,b]n>do ent]$4 ,he seem$ mo/ solicit\s  
to "k :at progress 0 be+ made on ! case1
 &1 al?\gh ,k5n$y  did n tell mu*1 /ill 
he did n disc\rage conv]sation on !     
subject4    ,:5 we came 9 ! night be=e1 
,craig _h unwrapp$ & toss$ d[n  !       
,japanese sword & ! ,a9u b[ & arr[ on a 
table1 & x 0  n long be=e !y attract$   
,b]n>do's att5tion4    8,i see y are a  
collector y\rself10 he v5tur$1 pick+ !m 
up4    8,yes10 answ]$ ,craig1 (fh&2 8,i 
pick$ !m up ye/]day at ,sato's4  ,y "k !
 place80    8,oh1 yes1 ,i "k ,sato10    
answ]$ ! curator1 seem+ly )\t !         
slighte/ hesitation4 8,he has be5 9     
,mexico--is q a /ud5t40    8,& ! o!r    
man1 ,otaka80    8,o!r man--,otaka8 ,y  
mean 8 wife80    ,i saw ,k5n$y *eck a   

motion ( surprise & came to ! rescue )  
! natural "q3 8,8 wife--) a be>d &      
mu/a*e80    ,x 0 ,b]n>do's turn to be   
surpris$4 ,he look$ at me a mom5t1 !n   
saw t ,i meant x1 & sudd5ly 8 face      
light$ up4    8,oh10 he exclaim$1 8t mu/
 h be5 on acc\nt ( ! immigration  laws  
or some?+ ( ! sort4 ,otaka is 8 wife4 ,!
 ,a9us are mu*  s\ght aft] by !         
,japanese z wives4 ,! wom51 y "k1 h a   
cu/om ( tattoo+ mu/a*es on !mselves4 ,x 
is hide\s1 b !y  ?9k x is beautiful40   
8,i "k10 ,i pursu$1 wat*+ ,k5n$y's      
int]e/ 9 our conv]sation1  8b ?is 0 n   
tattoo$40    8,well1 !n1 x mu/ h be5    
false10 insi/$ ,b]n>do4    ,! curator   
*att$ a few mom5ts1 dur+ :i* ,i expect$ 
,k5n$y to  lead ! conv]sation ar\nd to  
,seora ,h]r]ia4 ,b he did n1  evid5tly  
fe>+ to %[ 8 h&4    8,:at did y make (  
x80 ,i ask$1 :5 he _h gone4 8,is he try+
 to  hide some?+80    8,i ?9k he has    
simplifi$ ! case10 rem>k$ ,craig1 lean+ 
back1 8  h&s beh9d 8 head1 gaz+ up at ! 
ceil+4 8,hello1 "h's ,leslie6  ,:at did 

y f9d1 ,doctor80 ,! coron] _h ent]$ ) a 
look ( awe  on 8 face1 z if ,k5n$y _h   
direct$ him by "s sort ( necromancy4    
8,x 0 ,seora ,h]r]ia60 he exclaim$4 8,%e
 has be5 miss+ f !  hotel ev] s9ce late 
ye/]day aft]noon4 ,:at d y ?9k ( x80    
8,i ?9k10 repli$ ,k5n$y1 speak+ sl[ly & 
delib]ately1 8t x  is v mu* l ! ,nor?rop
 case4 ,y hav5't tak5 t up yet80        
8,only sup]ficially4 ,:at d y make ( x80
 ask$ ! coron]4    8,i _h an idea t x   
might be aconit9 poison+10 he said4     
,leslie glanc$ at him ke5ly = a mom5t4  
8,!n y'll nev] prove  any?+ 9 !         
laboratory10 he said4    8,!re are m    
ways ( cat*+ a crim9al1 ,leslie10 put 9 
,craig1  8?an are set d[n 9 !           
m$ico-legal text-books4 ,i %all dep5d on
  y & ,jameson to ga!r toge!r a r       
cosmopolitan cr[d "h  to-night40    ,he 
said x ) a quiet confid5ce :i* ,i c\ld n
 ga9say1 al?\gh  ,i did n und]/&4       
,h[ev]1 mo/ly ) ! (ficial aid ( ,doctor 
,leslie1 ,i foll[$ out 8 in/ructions1 & 
x 0 inde$ a /range  p>ty t assembl$ t   

night4 ,!re 7 ,doctor ,b]n>do2 ,sato1 ! 
curio deal]2 ,otaka1 ! ,a9u1 &          
ourselves4 ,mrs4 ,nor?rop1 ( c\rse1     
c\ld n come4    8,mexico10 began ,craig1
 aft] he _h said a few words expla9+ :y 
he  _h br\ght u toge!r1 8is full (      
hi/orical treasure4 ,to all  int5ts &   
purposes1 ! gov]nm5t says1 #8,come &    
dig4' ,b :5  !re are f9ds1 !n ! gov]nm5t
 swoops d[n on !m = its own  national   
museum4 ,! f9d] sc>cely gets a *ance to 
export !m4  ,h[ev]1 n[ seem$ to be ! "t 
to ,pr(essor ,nor?rop to smuggle 8  f9ds
 out ( ! c\ntry4    8,b evid5tly x c\ld 
n be done )\t excit+ all k9ds (  rumors 
& suspicions4 ,/ories seem to h spread  
f> & fa/ ab\t  :at he _h discov]$4 ,he  
realiz$ ! unsettl$ condition ( !        
c\ntry--p]haps want$ to confirm 8 read+ 
( a c]ta9 inscription  by consultation )
 "o s*ol> :om he ?\ght he c\ld tru/4 ,at
 any  rate1 he came home40    ,k5n$y    
paus$1 mak+ use ( ! sil5ce = emphasis4  
8,y h all  read ( ! weal? t ,cortez f\nd
 9 ,mexico4 ,:]e are ! gold &  silv] ( !

 conqui/adores8 ,gone to ! melt+ pot1   
c5turies ago4  ,b is !re none left8 ,!  
,indians believe s4 ,!re are p]sons :o  
w\ld /op at no?+--ev5 at murd] (        
,am]ican pr(essors1 murd] (  _! own     
comrades1 to get at ! secret40    ,he   
laid 8 h& almo/ lov+ly on 8 p[]ful      
little microscope z  he resum$ on ano!r 
l9e ( evid5ce4    8,& :ile we are on !  
subject ( murd]s1 two v simil> dea?s  h 
occurr$10 he w5t on4 8,x is ( no use to 
try to gloss !m ov]4  ,frankly1 ,i      
suspect$ t !y might h be5 caus$ by      
aconite  poison+4 ,b1 9 ! case ( su*    
poison+1 n only is ! le?al  dose v small
 b our *emical me?ods ( detection are   
nil4 ,!  dose ( ! active pr9ciple1      
aconit9 nitrate1 is ab\t "o  six-hundr$?
 ( a gra94 ,!re are no color te/s1 no   
reactions1 z 9  ! case ( ! o!r organic  
poisons40    ,i wond]$ :at he 0 driv+   
at4 ,0 !re1 inde$1 no te/8 ,_h !  murd]]
 us$ ! safe/ ( poisons--"o t left no    
clue8 ,i look$  cov]tly at ,sato's face4
 ,x 0 impassive4 ,doctor ,b]n>do 0      

visibly  uneasy z ,k5n$y proce$$4 ,cool 
en\gh up to ! "t ( ! m5tion  ( !        
treasure1 ,i fanci$1 n[1 t he 0 gr[+ m &
 m  n]v\s4    ,craig laid d[n on ! table
 ! re$ /ick ) ! little d>k5$  cyl9d] on 
! end4    8,t10 he said1 8is a little   
article :i* ,i pick$ up b5ea?           
,nor?rop's w9d[ ye/]day4 ,x is a piece (
 anno-noki1 or bu%i40  ,i fanci$ ,i saw 
j a gl9t ( satisfaction 9 ,otaka's eyes4
    8,l _m b>b>ians10 cont9u$ ,craig1 8!
 ,a9us f "t  immemorial h prep>$ virul5t
 poisons ) :i* !y *>g$ _!  weapons ( !  
*ase & w>f>e4 ,! =mulas = ! prep>ations1
 z  9 ! case ( o!r arr[ poisons ( o!r   
tribes1 are kn[n only to  c]ta9 memb]s1 
& ! secret is pass$ d[n f g5]ation to   
g5]ation z an heirloom1 z x 74 ,b 9 ?is 
case x is no long]  a secret4 ,x has n[ 
be5 prov$ t ! active pr9ciple ( ?is     
poison is aconite40    8,if t is !      
case10 broke 9 ,doctor ,leslie1 8x is   
hopeless to  connect anyone directly 9 t
 way ) ^! murd]s4 ,!re is no  te/ =     
aconit940    ,i ?\ght ,sato's face 0 m  

compos$ & impassive ?an ev]4 ,doctor    
,b]n>do1 h[ev]1 0 pla9ly excit$4        
8,:at--no te/--none80 ask$ ,k5n$y1 lean+
 =w>d eag]ly4 ,!n1 z  if he c\ld re/ra9 
! answ] to 8 own "q no long]1 he %ot    
out3 8,h[ ab\t ! new />* te/ j discov]$ 
by ,pr(essor  ,rei*]t1 ( ! ,univ]sity ( 
,p5nsylvania8 ,d\btless y nev]  dream$ t
 />* may be a means ( detect+ ! nature (
 a poison  9 obscure cases 9 crim9ology1
 especially 9 cases :]e ! quantity  (   
poison necess>y to cause dea? is s m9ute
 t no trace ( x c  be f\nd 9 ! blood4   
8,! />* me?od is a new & extremely      
invit+ subject to me4 ,!  peculi>ities (
 ! />* ( any plant are q z di/9ctive (  
! plant z are ^? ( ! hemoglob9 cry/als 9
 ! blood ( an  animal4 ,i h analyz$ !   
evid5ce ( my microscope 9 ?is case      
?or\ghly4 ,:5 ! arr[ poison is introduc$
 subcutane\sly--say1 by  a p]son %oot+ a
 poison$ d>t1 :i* he aft]w>d removes 9  
ord]  to de/roy ! evid5ce--! le?al      
con/itu5ts are rapidly absorb$4    8,b !
 />* rema9s 9 ! w\nd4 ,x c be recov]$ & 

/udi$  microscopically & c be def9itely 
recogniz$4 ,doctor ,rei*]t has  publi%$ 
a /udy ( twelve hundr$ su* />*es f all  
sorts (  plants4 ,9 ?is case1 x n only  
proves to be aconit9 b ! />*  granules  
!mselves c be recogniz$4 ,!y came f ?is 
piece (  arr[ poison40    ,e eye 0 fix$ 
on him n[4    8,besides10 he rapp$ out1 
89 ! s(t soil b5ea? ! w9d[ (  ,pr(essor 
,nor?rop's room1 ,i f\nd footpr9ts4 ,i h
 only to comp>e  ! impressions ,i took  
!re & ^? ( ! p 9 ?is room1 to  prove t1 
:ile ! real murd]] /ood gu>d bel[ !     
w9d[1 he  s5t "s "o m nimble up ! ra9   
pipe to %oot ! poison$ d>t  at ,pr(essor
 ,nor?rop1 &1 lat]1 to let d[n a rope by
 :i* he1 !  in/igator1 c\ld ga9 ! room1 
remove ! d>t1 & obta9 ! key to  !       
treasure he s\ght40    ,k5n$y 0 look+   
/raight at ,pr(essor ,b]n>do4    8,a    
fri5d ( m9e 9 ,mexico has writt5 me ab\t
 an inscription10 he  bur/ out4 8,i     
receiv$ ! lett] only to-day4 ,z ne>ly z 
,i c  ga!r1 !re 0 an impression t "s (  
,nor?rop's /uff w\ld be  valuable 9     

prov+ ! alleg$ k9%ip betwe5 ,mexico &   
,japan1  p]haps to ar\se hatr$ ( !      
,unit$ ,/ates40    8,yes--t is all v    
well10 insi/$ ,k5n$y4 8,b h[ ab\t !     
treasure80    8,treasure80 repeat$      
,b]n>do1 look+ f "o ( u to ano!r4       
8,yes10 pursu$ ,craig rel5tlessly1 8!   
treasure4 ,y are an exp]t 9  read+ !    
hi]oglyphics4 ,by y\r own /atem5t1 y &  
,nor?rop _h  be5 go+ ov] ! /uff he _h   
s5t up4 ,y "k x40    ,b]n>do gave a     
quick glance f ,k5n$y to me4 ,evid5tly  
he saw t  ! secret 0 out4    8,yes10 he 
said huskily1 9 a l[ tone1 8,nor?rop &  
,i 7 to foll[  ! directions aft] we _h  
plott$ !m out & 7 to %>e x  toge!r on ! 
next exp$ition1 :i* ,i c\ld direct z a  
,mexican  )\t s mu* suspicion4 ,i %\ld  
/ill h %>$ x ) 8 wid[  if ?is un=tunate 
affair _h n expos$ ! secret40    ,b]n>do
 _h ris5 e>ne/ly4    8,k5n$y10 he cri$1 
8be=e ,god1 if y w get back t /one &    
keep ! secret f go+ fur!r ?an ?is room1 
,i w prove :at ,i  h said by divid+ !   
,mixtec treasure ) ,mrs4 ,nor?rop & mak+

  h] "o ( ! ri*e/ wid[s 9 ! c\ntry60    
8,t is :at ,i want$ to be sure (10 nodd$
 ,craig4 8,b]n>do1 ,seora  ,h]r]ia1 (   
:om y\r fri5d wrote to y f ,mexico1 has 
be5  murd]$ 9 ! same way t ,pr(essor    
,nor?rop 04 ,otaka 0 s5t by  h] husb& to
 murd] ,nor?rop1 9 ord] t !y might obta9
 !  s-call$ #8,pill> ( ,dea?' & ! key to
 ! treasure4 ,!n1 :5 !  seora 0 no d\bt 
"u ! influ5ce ( sake 9 ! pretty  little 
,ori5tal b[] at ! curio %op1 a quick    
jab1 & ,otaka _h  remov$ "o :o %>$ !    
secret ) !m40    ,he _h turn$ & fac$ !  
pair4    8,sato10 he add$1 8y play$ on !
 patriotism ( ! seora until  y worm$ f  
h] ! treasure secret4 ,evid5tly rumors (
 x _h  spread f ,mexican ,indians to    
,japanese visitors4 ,& !n1 ,otaka1 all  
jeal\sy ov] "o :om %e1 no d\bt1 ju/ly   
consid]$ a rival1  complet$ y\r "w by   
s5d+ h] =? to die1 unkn[n1 on !  /reet4 
,walt]1 r+ up ,fir/ ,deputy ,o',connor4 
,! /one is hidd5  some:]e 9 ! curio %op4
 ,we c f9d x )\t ,sato's help4 ,!       
quick] su* a crim9al is lodg$ safely 9  

jail1 ! bett] =  humanity40    ,sato 0  
on 8 feet1 advanc+ cauti\sly t[>d       
,craig4 ,i knew !  dang]s1 n[1 (        
anno-noki1 z well z ! wond]s ( jujutsu1 
&1  ) a leap1 ,i b\nd$ pa/ ,b]n>do &    
betwe5 ,sato & ,k5n$y4    ,h[ x happ5$1 
,i don't "k1 b1 an in/ant lat]1 ,i 0    
sprawl+4    ,be=e ,i c\ld recov] myself1
 be=e ev5 ,craig _h a *ance to pull  !  
hair-trigg] ( 8 automatic1 ,sato _h     
seiz$ ! ,a9u arr[  poison f ! table1 _h 
bitt5 ! little cyl9d] 9 half1 & _h      
cramm$ ! o!r half into ! m\? ( ,otaka4  
,,*apt] ,,xiii  ,,! ,,radium ,,robb]    
,k5n$y simply rea*$ = ! telephone &     
call$ an ambulance4 ,b  x 0 purely      
p]functory4 ,dr4 ,leslie himself 0 !    
only (ficial :o  c\ld h&le ,sato's case 
n[4    ,we _h plann$ a little vacation =
 ourselves1 b ! plann+ came  to naught4 
,! next night we sp5t on a sleep]4 ,t 9 
itself is "w  to me4    ,x all came ab\t
 ?r\gh a hurri$ message f ,murray       
,d5ison1  presid5t ( ! ,f$]al ,radium   
,corporation4 ,no?+ w\ld d b t  he %\ld 

take bo? ,k5n$y & myself ) him po/-ha/e 
to  ,pittsburgh at ! fir/ news ( :at _h 
imm$iately be5 call$ 8!  great radium   
robb]y40    ,( c\rse ! newspap]s 7 full 
( x4 ,! v novelty ( an  ultra-mod]n     
cracksman go+ (f ) some?+ wor? upw>d ( a
  c\ple ( hundr$ ?\s& doll>s--& all     
conta9$ 9 a few plat9um  tubes :i* c\ld 
be tuck$ away 9 a ve/ pocket--_h some?+ 
ab\t  x p[]fully appeal+ to !           
imag9ation4    8,mo/ +5i\s1 b1 y see1 ! 
tr\ble ) t safe is t x  0 built to keep 
radium 9--n cracksm5 out10 rem>k$       
,k5n$y1  :5 ,d5ison _h ru%$ u f ! tra9  
to take a look at ! little  safe 9 !    
works ( ! ,corporation4    8,break+ into
 su* a safe z ?is10 add$ ,k5n$y1 aft] a 
cursory  exam9ation1 8is simple en\gh1  
aft] all40    ,x 01 h[ev]1 a rem>kably  
+5i\s contrivance1 ab\t ?ree feet  9    
height & ( a weight ( p]haps a ton & a  
half1 & all to h\se  some?+ weigh+ only 
a few gra9s4    8,b10 ,d5ison ha/5$ to  
expla91 8we _h to protect ! radium n    
only aga9/ burgl>s1 b1 s to speak1 aga9/

 itself4 ,radium  emanations pass ?r\gh 
/eel & exp]im5ts h %[n t ! be/  metal to
 conta9 !m is lead4 ,s1 ! difficulty 0  
solv$ by mak+  a /eel out] case enclos+ 
an inside lead5 %ell ?ree in*es  ?ick40 
,k5n$y _h be5 toy+ ?\ghtfully ) ! door4 
8,!n ! door1 too1 _h to be contriv$ s z 
to prev5t any escape (  ! emanations    
?r\gh jo9ts4 ,x is la! turn$ & circul>1 
a #8dead  fit4' ,by means ( a special   
contrivance any slight loos5ess caus$ by
  we> & te> ( clos+ c be adju/$4 ,&     
ano!r feature4 ,t is  ! appliance =     
prev5t+ ! loss ( emanation :5 ! door is 
op5$4 ,two valves h be5 ins]t$ into !   
door & be=e x is  op5$ tubes ) m]cury   
are pass$ ?r\gh :i* collect & /ore  !   
emanation40    8,all v nice = ! radium10
 rem>k$ ,craig *e]fully4 8,b !  fell[ _h
 only to use an electric drill & ! gram 
or m ( radium  0 840    8,i "k t--n[10  
ruefully p]si/$ ,d5ison4 8,b ! safe 0   
design$ = u specially4 ,! fell[ got into
 x & got away1 z f>  z ,i c see1 )\t    
leav+ a clue40    8,except "o1 ( c\rse10

 int]rupt$ ,k5n$y quickly4    ,d5ison   
look$ at him a mom5t ke5ly1 !n nodd$ &  
said1 8,yes--y  are "r4 ,y mean "o :i*  
he mu/ be> on himself80    8,exactly4 ,y
 c't c>ry a gram or m ( radium bromide  
long )  impunity4 ,! man to look = is "o
 :o 9 a few days w h  some:]e on 8 body 
a radium burn :i* w take mon?s to heal4 
,!  v ?+ he /ole is a v]itable          
,frank5/e9's mon/] b5t on !  de/ruction 
( ! ?ief himself60    ,k5n$y _h mean:ile
 pick$ up "o ( ! ,corporation's circul>s
  ly+ on a desk4 ,he ran 8 eye d[n ! li/
 ( names4    8,s1 ,h>tley ,haughton1 !  
brok]1 is "o ( y\r /ockhold]s10 mus$    
,k5n$y4    8,n only "o b ! "o10 repli$  
,d5ison ) obvi\s pride4    ,haughton 0 a
 "y man :o _h come rec5tly into 8 =tune1
 &1  :ile no "o believ$ x to be l>ge1 he
 _h cut q a figure 9 ,wall  ,/reet4     
8,y "k1 ,i suppose10 add$ ,d5ison1 8t he
 is engag$ to ,felicie  ,woods1 !       
daught] ( ,mrs4 ,c\rtney ,woods80       
,k5n$y did n1 b said no?+4    8,a mo/   
delightful little girl10 cont9u$ ,d5ison

 ?\ghtfully4 8,i  h kn[n ,mrs4 ,woods = 
"s "t4 ,%e want$ to inve/1 b ,i told  h]
 frankly t ?is is1 aft] all1 a          
speculation4 ,we may n be able  to sw+ s
 big a proposition1 b1 if n1 no "o c say
 we h  tak5 a doll> ( money f wid[s &   
orphans40    8,i %\ld l to see ! works10
 nodd$ ,k5n$y approv+ly4    8,by all    
means40    ,! plant 0 a r[ ( long l[    
build+s ( brick on ! outskirts (  !     
city1 once devot$ to ! mak+ ( vanadium  
/eel4 ,! ore1 z  ,d5ison expla9$1 0     
br\ght to ,pittsburgh because he _h f\nd
 "h  already a factory :i* c\ld readily 
be turn$ into a plant = !  extraction ( 
radium4 ,huge ba?s & vats & crucibles = 
! v>i\s  acids & alkalis & o!r processes
 us$ 9 treat+ ! ore /ood at  v>i\s      
po9ts4    8,?is mu/ be l extract+ gold f
 sea wat]10 rem>k$ ,k5n$y  jocosely1    
impress$ by ! size ( ! plant z comp>$ to
 !  product4    8,except t aft] we get  
?r\gh we h some?+ inf9itely m  preci\s  
?an gold10 repli$ ,d5ison1 8some?+ :i*  
w>rants !  tr\ble & outlay4 ,yes1 ! fact

 is t ! p]c5tage ( radium 9  all su*    
ores is ev5 less ?an ( gold 9 sea wat]40
    8,ev]y?+ seems to be mo/ c>efully   
gu>d$10 rem>k$ ,k5n$y z we  conclud$ our
 t\r ( ! well-appo9t$ works4    ,he _h  
gone ov] ev]y?+ 9 sil5ce1 & n[ at la/ we
 _h return$  to ! safe4    8,yes10 he   
repeat$ sl[ly1 z if confirm+ 8 orig9al  
impression1  8su* an am\nt ( radium z 0 
/ol5 w\ldn't occasion imm$iate  discom=t
 to ! ?ief1 ,i suppose1 b lat] no       
inf]nal ma*9e c\ld  be m dang]\s to     
him40    ,i pictur$ to myself ! s]ies ( 
fe>ful works ( mis*ief & t]ror  t might 
foll[1 a curse on ! ?ief worse ?an t ( !
 weirde/  curses ( ! ,ori5t1 ! dang] to 
! innoc5t1 & ! fact t 9  ! h&s ( a      
crim9al x 0 an in/rum5t = committ+      
crimes t  might defy detection4    8,!re
 is no?+ m to d "h n[10 he conclud$4 8,i
 c see  no?+ = ! pres5t except to g back
 to ,new ,york4 ,! telltale  burn may n 
be ! only clue1 b if ! ?ief is go+ to   
pr(it by  8 spoils we %all he> ab\t x   
be/ 9 ,new ,york or by cable f  ,london1

 ,p>is1 or "s o!r ,european city40      
,our hurri$ dep>ture f ,new ,york _h n  
giv5 u a *ance to visit  ! (fices ( !   
,radium ,corporation = ! di/ribution ( !
 salts  !mselves4 ,!y 7 9 a little old  
(fice build+ on ,william  ,/reet1 ne> ! 
drug di/rict & yet sc>cely a mom5t's    
walk f  ! f9ancial di/rict4    8,our    
head bookkeep]1 ,miss ,wallace1 is ill10
 rem>k$ ,d5ison :5 we  arriv$ at !      
(fice1 8b if !re is any?+ ,i c d to help
 y1  ,i %all be glad to d x4 ,we dep5d  
on ,miss ,wallace a great deal4         
,haughton says %e is ! bra9s ( ! (fice40
    ,k5n$y look$ ab\t ! well-appo9t$    
suite curi\sly4    8,is ?is ano!r ( ^?  
radium safes80 he ask$1 approa*+ "o     
simil> 9 appe>ance to t :i* _h be5 brok5
 op5 already4    8,yes1 only a little   
l>g]40    8,h[ mu* is 9 x80    8,mo/ (  
our supply4 ,i %\ld say ab\t two & a    
half grams4 ,miss  ,wallace has !       
record40    8,x is ( ! same con/ruction1
 ,i presume10 pursu$ ,k5n$y4 8,i wond]  
:e!r ! lead l9+ fits closely to ! /eel80

    8,i ?9k n10 consid]$ ,d5ison4 8,z ,i
 rememb] !re 0 a sort (  insulat+ air   
cu%ion or some?+ ( ! sort40    ,d5ison 0
 q eag] to %[ u ab\t4 ,9 fact ev] s9ce  
he _h  hu/l$ u out to view ! sc5e ( !   
robb]y1 8 high n]v\s  t5sion _h giv5 u  
sc>cely a mom5t's re/4 ,= h\rs he _h    
talk$  radium1 until ,i felt t he1 l 8  
metal1 mu/ h an  inexhau/ible emanation 
( words4 ,he 0 "o ( ^? n]v\s1 active    
little m51 a born salesman1 :e!r (      
ribbons or radium4    8,we h j gone into
 furni%+ radium wat]10 he w5t on1 bu/l+ 
ab\t & patt+ a little glass tank4    ,i 
look$ closely & c\ld see t ! wat] gl[$ 9
 ! d>k ) a  peculi> phosphoresc5ce4     
8,! app>atus = ! treatm5t10 he cont9u$1 
8consi/s ( two glass  & porcela9        
receptacles4 ,inside ! l>g] receptacle  
is plac$ !  small]1 :i* conta9s a t9y   
quantity ( radium4 ,into ! l>g]         
receptacle is p\r$ ab\t a gallon (      
filt]$ wat]4 ,! emanation  f t little   
speck ( radium is p[]ful en\gh to       
p5etrate its  porcela9 hold] & *>ge !   

wat] ) its curative prop]ties4  ,f a tap
 at ! bottom ( ! tank ! pati5t draws !  
numb] (  glasses ( wat] a day prescrib$4
 ,= su* purposes ! emanation  )9 a day  
or two ( be+ collect$ is z good z radium
 itself4  ,:y1 ?is wat] is five ?\s&    
times z radioactive z ! mo/  radioactive
 natural spr+ wat]40    8,y mu/ h       
control ( a comp>atively l>ge am\nt ( ! 
metal10  sugge/$ ,k5n$y4    8,we are1 ,i
 believe1 ! l>ge/ hold]s ( radium 9 !   
_w10 he  answ]$4 8,i h e/imat$ t all    
told !re are n mu* m ?an  t5 grams1 (   
:i* ,madame ,curie has p]haps ?ree1 :ile
 ,sir ,erne/  ,cassel ( ,london is !    
hold] ( p]haps z mu*4 ,we h ne>ly f\r   
grams1 leav+ ab\t six or sev5 = ! re/ ( 
! _w40    ,k5n$y nodd$ & cont9u$ to look
 ab\t4    8,! ,radium ,corporation10 w5t
 on ,d5ison1 8has sev]al l>ge deposits  
( radioactive ore 9 ,utah 9 :at is kn[n 
z ! ,poor ,little ,ri*  ,valley1 a      
valley s nam$ because f be+ ab\t !      
b>r5e/ &  mo/ unproductive m9]al or     
agricultural hole 9 ! hills1 ! sudd5    

discov]y ( ! radioactive deposits has   
made x almo/ priceless40    ,he _h ent]$
 a private (fice & 0 look+ ov] "s mail t
 _h  be5 left on 8 desk dur+ 8 abs5ce4  
8,look at ?is10 he call$1 pick+ up a    
clipp+ f a newspap] :i*  _h be5 laid !re
 = 8 att5tion4 8,y see1 we h !m ar\s$40 
,we read ! clipp+ toge!r ha/ily3        
,,plan ,,to ,,corn] ,,_w',s ,,radium    
,,london4--,plans are be+ matur$ to =m a
 l>ge corporation = !  monopoly ( !     
exi/+ & future supply ( radium ?r\gh\t !
  _w4 ,! company is to be call$         
,univ]sal ,radium1 ,limit$1 & !  capital
 ( t5 million doll>s w be (f]$ = public 
subscription  at p> simultane\sly 9     
,london1 ,p>is & ,new ,york4    ,!      
company's bus9ess w be to acquire m9es &
 deposits (  radioactive sub/ances z    
well z ! control ( pat5ts & processes   
connect$ ) ! production ( radium4 ,!    
outspok5 purpose ( !  new company is to 
obta9 a _w-wide monopoly & ma9ta9 !     
price4    8,ah--a competitor10 comm5t$  
,k5n$y1 h&+ back ! clipp+4    8,yes4 ,y 

"k radium salts us$ always to come f    
,europe4 ,n[ we are  gett+ ready to d "s
 export+ ourselves4 ,say10 he add$      
excit$ly1  8!re's an idea1 possibly1 9  
t40    8,h[80 qu]i$ ,craig4    8,:y1    
s9ce we %\ld be ! pr9cipal competitors  
to ! =eign  m9es1 c\ldn't ?is robb]y h  
be5 due to ! ma*9ations ( ^!  s*em]s8   
,to my m9d1 ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 because (  
its supply (  radium-be>+ ores1 w h to  
be reckon$ ) fir/ 9 corn]+  ! m>ket4    
,?is is ! po9t1 ,k5n$y4 ,w\ld ^? p :o   
seem to  be try+ to ext5d _! new company
 all ov] ! _w /op at  any?+ 9 ord] to   
cripple u at ! />t80    ,h[ mu* long]   
,d5ison w\ld h rattl$ on 9 8 ef=t to    
expla9  ! robb]y1 ,i d n "k4 ,!         
telephone rang & a report] f !  ,record1
 :o _h j read my own /ory 9 ! ,/>1 ask$ 
= an  int]view4 ,i knew t x w\ld be only
 a "q ( m9utes n[  be=e ! o!r m5 7 we>+ 
a pa? out on ! /airs1 & we  manag$ to   
get away be=e ! onru% began4            
8,walt]10 said ,k5n$y1 z soon z we _h   
rea*$ ! /reet4 8,i want  to get 9 t\* ) 

,halsey ,haughton4 ,h[ c x be done80    
,i c\ld ?9k ( no?+ bett] at t mom5t ?an 
to inquire at !  ,/>'s ,wall ,/reet     
(fice1 :i* happ5$ to be ar\nd ! corn]4  
,i  knew ! m5 d[n !re intimately1 & a   
few m9utes lat] we 7  :isk$ up 9 !      
elevator to ! (fice4    ,!y 7 z glad to 
see me z ,i 0 to see !m1 = ! /ory ( !   
robb]y _h int]e/$ ! f9ancial di/rict    
p]haps m ?an any  o!r4    8,:]e c ,i f9d
 ,halsey ,haughton at ?is h\r80 ,i ask$4
    8,say10 exclaim$ "o ( ! m51 8:at's !
 matt]8 ,!re h be5  all k9ds ( rumors 9 
! ,/reet ab\t him to-day4 ,did y "k he 0
  ill80    8,no10 ,i answ]$4 8,:]e is   
he80    8,out at ! home ( 8 fiancee1 :o 
is ! daught] ( ,mrs4 ,c\rtney  ,woods1  
at ,gl5clair40    8,:at's ! matt]80 ,i  
p]si/$4    8,t's j x4 ,no "o seems to   
"k4 ,!y say--well--!y say he has a      
canc]40    ,halsey ,haughton suff]+ f   
canc]8 ,x 0 su* an uncommon ?+ to  he> (
 a "y man t ,i look$ up quickly 9       
surprise4 ,!n all at  once x fla%$ ov]  
me t ,d5ison & ,k5n$y _h discuss$ !     

matt] ( burns f ! /ol5 radium4 ,might n 
?is be1 in/ead (  canc]1 a radium burn8 
,k5n$y1 :o _h be5 /&+ a little ap>t f me
 :ile ,i 0  talk+ ) ! boys1 signal$ to  
me ) a quick glance n to say  too mu*1 &
 a few m9utes lat] we 7 on ! /reet aga94
    ,i knew )\t be+ told t he 0 b\nd by 
! next tra9 to !  pretty little ,new    
,j]sey suburb ( ,gl5clair4    ,x 0 late 
:5 we arriv$1 yet ,k5n$y _h no          
hesitation 9 call+  at ! qua9t home (   
,mrs4 ,c\rtney ,woods on ,woodridge     
,av5ue4    ,mrs4 ,woods1 a well-set-up  
woman ( middle age1 :o _h reta9$ h]  y\?
 & good looks 9 a rem>kable mann]1 met u
 9 ! foy]4  ,briefly1 ,k5n$y expla9$ t  
we _h j come 9 f ,pittsburgh  ) ,mr4    
,d5ison & t x 0 v important t we %\ld   
see  ,haughton at once4    ,we _h h>dly 
told h] ! object ( our visit :5 a "y    
woman (  p]haps tw5ty-two or ?ree1 a v  
pretty girl1 ) all ! good  looks ( h] "m
 & a fre%ness :i* only y\? c possess1   
tipto$ quietly d[n/airs4 ,h] face told  
pla9ly t %e 0 deeply  worri$ ov] !      

illness ( h] fiance4    8,:o is x1 "m80 
%e :isp]$ f ! turn 9 ! /airs4 8,"s      
g5tlem5 f ! company8 ,h>tley's door 0   
op5 :5 ! bell rang1  & he ?\ght he he>d 
some?+ said ab\t ! ,pittsburgh affair40 
,?\gh %e _h :isp]$1 x _h n be5 = !      
purpose ( conceal+  any?+ f u1 b r t !  
ke5 e>s ( h] pati5t might  n cat* !     
words4 ,%e ca/ an inquir+ glance at u4  
8,yes10 respond$ ,k5n$y 9 answ] to h]   
look1 modulat+ 8 tone4  8,we h j left   
,mr4 ,d5ison at ! (fice4 ,might we see  
,mr4 ,haughton  = a mom5t8 ,i am sure t 
no?+ we c say or d w be z bad  = him z  
our go+ away1 n[ t he kn[s t we are "h40
    ,! two wom5 appe>$ to consult = a   
mom5t4    8,felicie10 call$ a r n]v\s   
voice f ! second floor1 8is x  "s "o f !
 company80    8,j a mom5t1 ,h>tley10 %e 
answ]$1 !n1 l[] to h] "m1  add$1 8,i    
don't ?9k x c d any h>m1 d y1 "m80      
8,y rememb] ! doctor's ord]s1 my de>40  
,aga9 ! voice call$ h]4    8,hang !     
doctor's ord]s10 ! girl exclaim$1 ) an  
air ( almo/  mascul9ity4 8,x c't be half

 s bad z to h him worry4 ,w y  promise n
 to /ay long8 ,we expect ,dr4 ,bryant 9 
a few mom5ts1  anyway40          ,,*apt]
 ,,xiv  ,,! ,,sp9?>iscope      ,we      
foll[$ h] up/airs & into ,haughton's    
room1 :]e he 0 ly+  9 b$1 propp$ up by  
pill[s4 ,haughton c]ta9ly 0 ill4 ,!re 0 
no  mi/ake ab\t t4 ,he 0 a tall1 gaunt  
man ) an air ab\t him t  %[$ t he f\nd  
illness v irksome4 ,ar\nd 8 neck 0 a    
b&age1 & "s adhesive tape at ! back %[$ 
t a pla/] (  "s sort _h be5 plac$ !re4  
,z we ent]$ 8 eyes travel$ re/lessly f !
 face ( ! girl to  our own 9 an inquir+ 
mann]4 ,he /ret*$ out a n]v\s h& to u1  
:ile ,k5n$y 9 a few %ort s5t5ces expla9$
 h[ we _h become  associat$ ) ! case &  
:at we _h se5 already4    8,& !re is n a
 clue80 he repeat$ z ,craig f9i%$4      
8,no?+ tangible yet10 reit]at$ ,k5n$y4  
8,i suppose y h he>d  ( ?is rumor f     
,london ( a tru/ t is go+ into ! radium 
field int]nationally80    8,yes10 he    
answ]$1 8t is ! ?+ y read to me 9 !     
morn+  pap]s1 y rememb]1 ,felicie4      

,d5ison & ,i h he>d su* rumors  be=e4   
,if x is a fight1 !n we %all give !m a  
fight4 ,!y c't  hold u up1 if ,d5ison is
 "r 9 ?9k+ t !y are at ! bottom  (      
?is--?is robb]y40    8,!n y ?9k he may  
be "r80 %ot out ,k5n$y quickly4         
,haughton glanc$ n]v\sly f ,k5n$y to me4
    8,really10 he answ]$1 8y see h[     
impossible x is = me to h an  op9ion8 ,y
 & ,d5ison h be5 ov] ! gr\nd4 ,y "k mu* 
m  ab\t x ?an ,i d4 ,i am afraid ,i %all
 h to def] to y40    ,aga9 we he>d !    
bell d[n/airs1 & a mom5t lat] a *e]y    
voice1  z ,mrs4 ,woods met "s "o d[n 9 !
 foy]1 ask$1 8,h[ is !  pati5t          
to-night80    ,we c\ld n cat* ! reply4  
8,dr4 ,bryant1 my physician10 put 9     
,haughton4 8,don't g4 ,i w assume  !    
responsibility = y\r be+ "h4 ,hello1    
,doctor4 ,:y1 ,i'm mu*  ! same to-night1
 ?ank y4 ,at lea/ no worse s9ce ,i took 
y\r  advice & w5t to b$40    ,dr4       
,bryant 0 a bluff1 he>ty man1 ) !       
p]sonal magnetism :i*  goes ) ! mak+ ( a
 successful physician4 ,he _h m\nt$ !   

/airs quietly b rapidly1 evid5tly prep>$
 to see u4    8,w\ld y m9d wait+ 9 ?is  
little dress+ room80 ask$ !  doctor1    
motion+ to ano!r1 small] room adjo9+4   
,he _h tak5 f 8 pocket a little in/rum5t
 ) a dial face l  a wat*1 :i* he atta*$ 
to ,haughton's wri/4 8,a pocket in/rum5t
 to  measure blood pressure10 :isp]$    
,craig1 z we ent]$ ! little  room4      
,:ile ! o!rs 7 ga!r$ ab\t ,haughton1 we 
/ood 9 ! next  room1 out ( e>%ot4 ,k5n$y
 _h lean$ 8 elb[ on a *iffoni]4 ,z  he  
look$ ab\t ! little room1 m f =ce (     
habit ?an because  he ?\ght he might    
discov] any?+1 ,k5n$y's eye re/$ on a   
glass  tray on ! top 9 :i* lay "s p9s1 a
 coll> button or two1 :i*  ,haughton _h 
app>5tly j tak5 (f1 & sev]al o!r little 
unimportant articles4    ,k5n$y b5t ov] 
to look at ! glass tray m closely1 a    
puzzl$  look cross$ 8 face1 & ) a glance
 at ! o!r room he ga!r$  up ! tray & its
 cont5ts4    8,keep up a good c\rage10  
said ,dr4 ,bryant4 8,y'll come out all  
"r1  ,haughton40 ,!n z he left ! b$room 

he add$ to u1 8,g5tlem51 ,i  hope y w   
p>don me1 b if y c\ld po/pone ! rema9d] 
(  y\r visit until a lat] day1 ,i am    
sure y w f9d x m  satisfactory40    ,!re
 0 an air ( f9ality ab\t ! doctor1 ?\gh 
no?+  unpleasant 9 x4 ,we foll[$ him d[n
 ! /airs1 & z we did s1  ,felicie1 :o _h
 be5 wait+ 9 a reception room1 appe>$   
be=e !  porti]es1 h] e>ne/ eyes fix$ on 
8 k9dly face4    8,dr4 ,bryant10 %e     
appeal$1 8is he--is he1 really--s       
badly80    ,! ,doctor1 :o _h app>5tly   
kn[n h] all h] life1 rea*$ d[n &  took  
"o ( h] h&s1 patt+ x ) 8 own 9 a fa!rly 
way4  8,don't worry1 little girl10 he   
enc\rag$4 8,we are go+ to come out  all 
"r--all "r40    ,%e turn$ f him to u &1 
) a bright =c$ smile :i* %[$  ! /uff %e 
0 made (1 bade u good night4            
,outside1 ! ,doctor1 app>5tly regrett+ t
 he _h virtually =c$  u out1 paus$ be=e 
8 c>4 8,are y go+ d[n t[>d ! /ation8    
,yes8 ,i am go+ t f>4 ,i %\ld be glad to
 drive y !re40    ,k5n$y climb$ into !  
front seat1 leav+ me 9 ! re> :]e !  w9d 

waft$ me _! brief conv]sation z we sp$  
d[n ,woodbridge  ,av5ue4    8,:at seems 
to be ! tr\ble80 ask$ ,craig4    8,v    
high blood pressure1 = "o ?+10 repli$ ! 
,doctor frankly4    8,= :i* ! late/ ?+  
is ! radium wat] cure1 ,i suppose80     
v5tur$ ,k5n$y4    8,well1 radioactive   
wat] is "o cure = h>d5+ ( ! art]ies4 ,b 
,i didn't say he _h h>d5+ ( ! art]ies4  
,/ill1 he is tak+ !  wat]1 ) good       
results4 ,y are f ! company80    ,k5n$y 
nodd$4    8,x 0 ! radium wat] t fir/    
int]e/$ him 9 x4 ,:y1 we f\nd  a        
pressure ( #bcj p\nds1 :i* is frightful1
 & we h br\ght x  d[n to #aej1 n f> f   
normal40    8,/ill t c\ld h no?+ to d ) 
! sore on 8 neck10  haz>d$ ,k5n$y4    ,!
 ,doctor look$ at him quickly1 !n ahead 
at ! pa? ( light :i*  8 motor %$ on !   
road4    ,he said no?+1 b ,i fanci$ t   
ev5 he felt !re 0 some?+  /range 9 8    
sil5ce ov] ! new complication4 ,he did n
 give  ,k5n$y a *ance to ask :e!r !re 7 
any o!r su* sores4    8,at any rate10 he
 said1 z he ?rottl$ d[n 8 eng9e ) a     

fl\ri%  be=e ! pretty little ,gl5clair  
/ation1 8t girl ne$n't worry40    ,!re 0
 evid5tly no use 9 try+ to extract any?+
 fur!r f  him4 ,he _h said all t m$ical 
e?ics or detective skill c\ld get  f    
him4 ,we ?ank$ him & turn$ to ! ticket  
w9d[ to see h[  long we %\ld h to wait4 
8,ei!r t doctor doesn't "k :at he is    
talk+ ab\t or he is  conceal+ some?+10  
rem>k$ ,craig1 z we pac$ up & d[n !     
plat=m4 8,i am incl9$ to read ! enigma 9
 ! latt] way40    ,no?+ m pass$ betwe5 u
 dur+ ! j\rney back1 & we hurri$        
directly to ! laboratory1 late z x 04   
,k5n$y _h evid5tly be5  revolv+ some?+  
ov] & ov] 9 8 m9d1 = ! mom5t he _h      
swit*$ on ! light1 he unlock$ "o ( 8    
air-& du/-pro(  cab9ets & took f x an   
in/rum5t :i* he plac$ on a table  be=e  
him4    ,x 0 a peculi>-look+ in/rum5t1 l
 a r\nd glass electric  batt]y ) a      
cyl9d] atop1 small] & /ick+ up l a      
safety  valve4 ,on t 7 an arm1 a dial1 &
 a l5s fix$ 9 su* a way z  to read !    
dial4 ,i c\ld n see :at else ! r        

complicat$  little app>atus consi/$ (1 b
 inside1 :5 ,k5n$y br\ght ne> x  ! pole 
( a /atic electric ma*9e two delicate ?9
 leaves ( gold  seem$ to fly wide ap>t  
:5 x 0 *>g$4    ,k5n$y _h br\ght ! glass
 tray ne> ! ?+4 ,in/antly ! leaves      
collaps$ & he made a read+ ?r\gh ! l5s4 
8,:at is x80 ,i ask$4    8,a            
radioscope10 he repli$1 /ill obs]v+ !   
scale4 8,really a v  s5sitive gold leaf 
electroscope1 devis$ by "o ( ! /ud5ts ( 
,madame ,curie4 ,?is me?od ( detection  
is f> m s5sitive ev5 ?an  !             
spectroscope40    8,:at does x mean :5 !
 leaves collapse80 ,i ask$4    8,radium 
has be5 ne> t tray10 he answ]$4 8,x is  
radioactive4 ,i  suspect$ x fir/ :5 ,i  
saw t violet color4 ,t is :at radium    
does to t k9d ( glass4 ,y see1 if radium
 exi/s 9 a gram (  inactive matt] only  
to ! ext5t ( "o 9 t5-?\s& million p>ts  
its pres5ce c be readily detect$ by ?is 
radioscope1 & ev]y?+  t has be5 r5d]$   
radioactive is ! same4 ,ord9>ily ! air  
betwe5 ! gold leaves is insulat+4 ,br++ 

some?+ radioactive  ne> !m r5d]s ! air a
 good conductor & ! leaves fall "u  !   
radiation40    8,wond]ful60 ,i exclaim$1
 m>vel+ at ! delicacy ( x4    8,take    
radium wat]10 he w5t on1 8suffici5tly   
impregnat$ ) radium  emanations to be   
lum9\s 9 ! d>k1 l t wat] ( ,d5ison's4 ,x
  w\ld d ! same4 ,9 fact all m9]al wat]s
 & ! s-call$  cur>ive muds l fango are  
slightly radioactive4 ,!re seems to be a
  little radium ev]y:]e on e>? t        
exp]im5ts h be5 made1 ev5  9 ! int]iors 
( build+s4 ,x is ubiquit\s4 ,we are     
surr\nd$ &  p]meat$ by radiations--t    
soil out !re on ! campus1 ! air (  ?is  
room1 all4 ,b10 he add$ contemplatively1
 8!re is some?+  diff]5t ab\t t tray4 ,a
 lot ( radium has be5 ne> t1 &          
rec5tly40    8,h[ ab\t t b&age ab\t     
,haughton's neck80 ,i ask$ sudd5ly4 8,d 
y ?9k radium c\ld h _h any?+ to d ) t80 
8,well1 z to  burns1 !re is no p>ticul> 
imm$iate effect usually1 & sometimes    
ev5 up to two weeks or m1 unless !      
exposure has be5 long & to  a           

consid]able quantity4 ,( c\rse radium   
keeps itself ?ree or f\r  degrees w>m]  
?an o!r ?+s ab\t x con/antly4 ,b t isn't
  :at does ! h>m4 ,x is cont9ually      
emitt+ little corpuscles1 :i*  ,i'll    
expla9 "s o!r "t1 travel+ all ! way f   
tw5ty to "o  hundr$ & ?irty ?\s& miles a
 second1 & ^! corpuscles  bli/] &       
corrode ! fle% l quick-mov+ missiles    
bomb>d+ x4  ,! gravity ( su* lesions    
increases ) ! purity ( ! radium4  ,=    
in/ance ,i h kn[n an exposure ( half an 
h\r to a  comp>atively small quantity   
?r\gh a tube1 a box & ! clo!s to        
produce a bli/] fifte5 days lat]4 ,curie
 said he w\ldn't tru/  himself 9 a room 
) a kilogram ( x4 ,x w\ld de/roy 8      
eyesight1  burn (f 8 sk9 & kill him     
ev5tually4 ,:y1 ev5 aft] a slight       
exposure y\r clo!s are radioactive--!   
electroscope w %[ t40    ,he 0 /ill     
fumbl+ ) ! glass plate & ! v>i\s        
articles on  x4    8,!re's some?+ v     
peculi> ab\t all ?is10 he mutt]$1 almo/ 
to himself4    ,tir$ by ! quick         

succession ( ev5ts ( ! pa/ two days1 ,i 
left  ,k5n$y /ill exp]im5t+ 9 8         
laboratory & retir$1 /ill  wond]+ :5 !  
real clue 0 to develop4 ,:o c\ld x h be5
 :o  bore ! tell-tale burn8 ,0 ! m>k    
hidd5 by ! b&age ab\t  ,haughton's neck 
! br& ( ! /ol5 tubes8 ,or 7 !re o!r     
m>ks on 8 body :i* we c\ld n see8    ,no
 answ] came to me1 & ,i fell asleep &   
woke up )\t a radiation  ( light on !   
subject4 ,k5n$y sp5t ! great] "p ( ! day
  /ill at "w at 8 laboratory1 p]=m+ "s v
 delicate  exp]im5ts4 ,f9d+ no?+ to d   
!re1 ,i w5t d[n to ! ,/>  (fice & sp5t  
my "t read+ ! reports t came 9 f !      
small army ( report]s :o _h be5 assign$ 
to run d[n clues 9 !  case :i* 0 !      
s5sation ( ! mom5t4 ,i h always felt my 
own  lips seal$ 9 su* cases1 until ! "t 
came t ! /ory 0  complete & ,k5n$y      
releas$ me f any fur!r ne$ ( sil5ce4 ,! 
weird & impossible /ories :i* came 9 n  
only to ! ,/> b  to ! o!r pap]s surely  
did make passable copy 9 ?is in/ance1 b 
) my k ( ! case ,i c\ld see t n "o ( !m 

br\ght  u a /ep ne>] ! tru?4    ,"o ?+  
:i* uni=mly puzzl$ ! newspap]s 0 !      
illness (  ,haughton & 8 en=c$ idl5ess  
at a "t :i* 0 ( s mu*  importance to !  
company :i* he _h promot$ & inde$ v     
l>gely  f9anc$4 ,!n1 ( c\rse1 !re 0 !   
romantic side ( 8  engagem5t to ,felicie
 ,woods4    ,j :at connection ,felicie  
,woods _h ) ! radium robb]y if any1  ,i 
0 myself unable q to fa?om4 ,/ill1 t    
made no diff]5ce to  ! pap]s4 ,%e 0     
pretty & !re=e !y publi%$ h] picture1   
?ree columns deep1 ) ,haughton &        
,d5ison1 :o 7 intimately  conc]n$ ) !   
real loss 9 little ovals p]haps an in*  
across &  two in*es 9 ! opposite        
dim5sion4    ,! late aft]noon news      
editions _h gone to press1 & ,i _h giv5 
up  9 despair1 det]m9$ to g up to !     
laboratory & sit ar\nd idly  wat*+      
,k5n$y ) 8 my/ify+ exp]im5ts1 9 pref]5ce
 to  wait+ = him to summon me4    ,i _h 
sc>cely arriv$ & settl$ myself to an    
impati5t wat*1 :5  an automobile drove  
up furi\sly1 & ,d5ison himself1 v       

excit$1  jump$ out & da%$ into !        
laboratory4    ,illu/ration ,d5ison     
himself1 v excit$1 jump$ out & da%$     
into ! laboratory4      8,:at's !       
matt]80 ask$ ,k5n$y1 look+ up f a te/   
tube :i*  he _h be5 exam9+1 ) an air =  
all ! _w expressive ( 8,:y  s hot1      
little man80    8,i've _h a ?reat10     
ejaculat$ ,d5ison4    ,he laid on "o ( !
 laboratory tables a lett]1 )\t head+ & 
)\t signature1 writt5 9 a disguis$ h&1 )
 an evid5t attempt  to simulate ! cramp$
 script ( a =eign p5man%ip4    8,i "k :o
 did ! ,pittsburgh job4 ,! same p>ty is 
out to ru9  ,f$]al ,radium4 ,rememb]    
,pittsburgh & be prep>$6      8,a       
,,/ockhold]40      8,well80 dem&$       
,k5n$y1 look+ up4    8,t c h only "o    
mean+10 ass]t$ ,d5ison4    8,:at is t80 
inquir$ ,k5n$y coolly1 z if to confirm 8
 own  int]pretation4    8,:y1 ano!r     
robb]y--"h 9 ,new ,york1 ( c\rse40      
8,b :o w\ld d x80 ,i ask$4    8,:o80    
repeat$ ,d5ison4 8,"s "o repres5t+ t    
,european comb9e1  ( c\rse4 ,t is only  

"p ( ! ,tru/ me?od--ru9 ( competitors   
:om !y _c absorb40    8,!n y h refus$ to
 g into ! comb9e8 ,y "k :o is back+  x80
    8,no--no10 admitt$ ,d5ison          
reluctantly4 8,we h only signifi$ our   
int5t to g x alone1 z (t5 z anyone ei!r 
) or )\t  au?ority has (f]$ to buy u    
out4 ,no1 ,i d n ev5 "k :o !  p are4 ,!y
 nev] act 9 ! op54 ,! only h9ts ,i h ev]
  receiv$ 7 ?r\gh p]fectly reputable    
brok]s act+ = o!rs40    8,does ,haughton
 "k ( ?is note80 ask$ ,k5n$y4    8,yes4 
,z soon z ,i receiv$ x1 ,i call$ him    
up40    8,:at did he say80    8,he said 
to disreg>d x4 ,b--y "k :at condition he
 is 94 ,i don't  "k :at to d1 :e!r to   
surr\nd ! (fice by a squad (  detectives
 or remove ! radium to a regul> safety  
deposit vault1 ev5  at ! loss ( !       
emanation4 ,haughton has left x to me40 
,sudd5ly ! ?\ght fla%$ across my m9d t  
p]haps ,haughton c\ld  act 9 ?is        
un9t]e/$ fa%ion because he _h no fe> (  
ru9 ei!r  way4 ,might he n be play+ a   
game ) ! comb9ation 9 :i* he  _h        

protect$ himself s t he w\ld w91 no     
matt] :at happ5$8    8,:at %all ,i d80  
ask$ ,d5ison4 8,x is gett+ late40       
8,nei!r10 decid$ ,k5n$y4    ,d5ison %ook
 8 head4 8,no10 he said1 8,i %all h "s  
"o wat*  !re1 anyh[40          ,,*apt]  
,,xv  ,,! ,,asphyxiat+ ,,safe           
,d5ison _h sc>cely gone to arrange = "s 
"o to wat* ! (fice  t night1 :5 ,k5n$y1 
hav+ ga!r$ up 8 radioscope & pack$  into
 a p>cel a few o!r ?+s f v>i\s cab9ets1 
ann\nc$3  8,walt]1 ,i mu/ see t ,miss   
,wallace1 "r away4 ,d5ison has already  
giv5 me h] address4 ,call a cab :ile ,i 
f9i% cle>+ up "h4 ,i  don't l ! looks ( 
?is ?+1 ev5 if ,haughton does neglect   
x40    ,we f\nd ,miss ,wallace at a     
mode/ bo>d+-h\se 9 an old b /ill        
respectable "p ( ! city4 ,%e 0 a v      
pretty girl1 ( !  sl5d] type1 r a       
bus9ess woman ?an "o giv5 mu* to        
amusem5t4  ,%e _h be5 ill & 0 /ill ill4 
,t 0 evid5t f !  solicit\s way 9 :i* !  
mo!rly l&lady scrut9iz$ two /range      
call]s4    ,k5n$y pres5t$ a c>d f       

,d5ison1 & %e came d[n to ! p>lor  to   
see u4    8,miss ,wallace10 began       
,k5n$y1 8,i "k x is almo/ cruel to      
tr\ble  y :5 y are n feel+ l (fice "w1 b
 s9ce ! robb]y (  ! safe at ,pittsburgh1
 !re h be5 ?reats ( a robb]y ( ! ,new   
,york (fice40    ,%e />t$ involunt>ily1 
& x 0 evid5t1 ,i ?\ght1 t %e 0  9 a v   
high-/rung /ate4    8,oh10 %e cri$1 8:y1
 ! loss means ru9 to ,mr4 ,d5ison60     
,!re 7 g5u9e te>s 9 h] eyes z %e said x4
    8,i ?\ght y w\ld be will+ to aid u10
 pursu$ ,k5n$y  sympa!tically4 8,n[1 =  
"o ?+1 ,i want to be p]fectly sure j  h[
 mu* radium ! ,corporation owns1 or r   
own$ be=e ! fir/  robb]y40    8,! books 
w %[ x10 %e said simply4    8,!y w80    
comm5t$ ,k5n$y4 8,!n if y w expla9 to me
 briefly  j ! sy/em y us$ 9 keep+ acc\nt
 ( x1 p]haps ,i ne$ n  tr\ble y any m40 
8,i'll g d[n !re ) y10 %e answ]$        
bravely4 8,i'm bett]  to-day1 anyh[1 ,i 
?9k40    ,%e _h ris51 b x 0 evid5t t %e 
0 n z /rong z %e  want$ u to ?9k4    8,!
 lea/ ,i c d is to make x z easy z      

possible by go+ 9 a  c>10 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1
 foll[+ h] into ! hall :]e !re 0 a      
telephone4    ,! hallway 0 p]fectly d>k1
 yet z %e prec$$ u ,i c\ld see t  !     
diamond p9 :i* held h] coll> 9 ! back   
sp>kl$ z if a  light$ c&le _h be5 br\ght
 ne> x4 ,i _h notic$ 9 ! p>lor  t %e    
wore a h&some tortoise%ell comb set )   
:at ,i ?\ght  7 o!r brilliants1 b :5 ,i 
look$ ,i saw n[ t !re 0 n  ! same sp>kle
 to ! comb :i* held h] d>k hair 9 a s(t 
mass4 ,i  notic$ ^! little ?+s at ! "t1 
n because ,i ?\ght !y _h  any           
importance1 b m]ely by *ance1 wond]+ at 
! sp>kle ( !  "o diamond :i* _h caught  
my eye4    8,:at d y make ( h]80 ,i ask$
 z ,k5n$y f9i%$ telephon+4    8,a v *>m+
 & capable girl10 he answ]$             
noncommittally4    8,did y notice h[ t  
diamond 9 h] neck sp>kl$80 ,i ask$      
quickly4    ,he nodd$4 ,evid5tly x _h   
attract$ 8 att5tion1 too4    8,:at makes
 x80 ,i pursu$4    8,well1 y "k radium  
rays w make a diamond fluoresce 9 !     
d>k40    8,yes10 ,i object$1 8b h[ ab\t 

^? 9 ! comb80    8,pa/e1 probably10 he  
answ]$ t]sely1 z we he>d h] foot on !   
l&+4 8,! rays won't affect pa/e40    ,x 
0 inde$ a %ame to take advantage ( ,miss
 ,wallace's loyalty to  ,d5ison1 b %e 0 
s game ab\t x t ,i knew only ! utmo/    
necessity on ,k5n$y's "p w\ld h prompt$ 
him to d x4 ,%e _h a  key to ! (fice s t
 x 0 n necess>y to wait = ,d5ison1 if   
inde$ we c\ld h f\nd him4    ,toge!r %e 
& ,k5n$y w5t ov] ! records4 ,x seem$ t  
!re  7 9 ! safe tw5ty-five plat9um tubes
 ( "o hundr$ milligrams  ea*1 & t !re _h
 be5 twelve ( ! same am\nt at           
,pittsburgh4  ,little z x seem$ 9 weight
 x repres5t$ a fabul\s =tune4    8,y h n
 ! comb9ation80 inquir$ ,k5n$y4    8,no4
 ,only ,mr4 ,d5ison has t4 ,:at are y   
go+ to d to protect !  safe to-night80  
%e ask$4    8,no?+ especially10 evad$   
,k5n$y4    8,no?+80 %e repeat$ 9        
amazem5t4    8,i h ano!r plan10 he said1
 wat*+ h] int5tly4 8,miss ,wallace1  x 0
 too mu* to ask y to come d[n "h4 ,y are
 ill40    ,%e 0 inde$ q pale1 z if !    

excitem5t _h be5 an  ov]ex]tion4        
8,no1 inde$10 %e p]si/$4 ,!n1 feel+ h]  
own weakness1 %e mov$  t[>d ! door (    
,d5ison's (fice :]e !re 0 a lea!r c\*4  
8,let me re/ "h a mom5t4 ,i d feel que]4
 ,i--0    ,%e w\ld h fall5 if he _h n   
sprung =w>d & caught h] z  %e sank to ! 
floor1 ov]come by ! ex]tion4    ,toge!r 
we c>ri$ h] 9 to ! c\*1 & z we did s !  
comb f  h] hair clatt]$ to ! floor4     
,craig ?rew op5 ! w9d[1 & ba!d h] face )
 wat] until !re  0 a fa9t flutt] ( !    
eyelids4    8,walt]10 he said1 z %e     
began to revive1 8,i leave h] to y4     
,keep  h] quiet = a few mom5ts4 ,%e has 
un9t5tionally giv5 me j !  opportunity  
,i want40    ,:ile %e 0 yet hov]+ betwe5
 consci\sness & unconsci\sness on  !    
c\*1 he _h unwrapp$ ! package :i* he _h 
br\ght ) him4  ,= a mom5t he held ! comb
 :i* %e _h dropp$ ne> !  radioscope4 ,) 
a l[ exclamation ( surprise he %ov$ x   
into 8  pocket4    ,!n f ! package he   
drew a heavy piece ( app>atus :i* look$ 
z if x might be ! motor "p ( an electric

 fan1 only 9 place (  ! fan he fitt$ a  
long1 slim1 vici\s-look+ /eel bit4 ,a   
flexible  wire atta*$ ! ?+ to ! electric
 light circuit & ,i knew t  x 0 an      
electric drill4 ,) 8 coat (f he tugg$ at
 ! little  radium safe until he _h mov$ 
x out1 !n dropp$ on 8 knees beh9d  x &  
swit*$ ! curr5t on 9 ! electric drill4  
,x 0 a t$i\s process to drill ?r\gh !   
/eel ( ! out] cas+  ( ! safe & x 0 gett+
 late4 ,i %ut ! door to ! (fice s  t    
,miss ,wallace c\ld n see4    ,at la/ by
 ! cessation ( ! l[ hum ( ! bor+1 ,i    
knew t he  _h /ruck ! inn] lead l9+4    
,quietly ,i op5$ ! door & /epp$  out4   
,he 0 inject+ some?+ f an h]metically   
seal$ lead tube  into ! op5+ he _h made 
& all[+ x to run betwe5 ! two  l9+s (   
lead & /eel4 ,!n us+ ! tube itself he   
seal$ !  op5+ he _h made & dabb$ a      
little black ov] x4    ,quickly he %ov$ 
! safe back1 !n ar\nd x conceal$ sev]al 
small  coils ) wires also conceal$ &    
lead+ out ?r\gh a w9d[ to a  c\rt4      
8,we'll cat* ! fell[ ?is "t10 he rem>k$ 

z he work$4 8,if y  ev] h any idea1     
,walt]1 ( go+ into ! burgl>y bus9ess1 x 
w\ld be well to asc]ta9 if ! safes h any
 ( ^! little  sel5ium cells z sugge/$ by
 my fri5d1 ,mr4 ,hamm]1 ! inv5tor4 ,=   
by !m an al>m c be giv5 miles away !    
mom5t an intrud]'s  bull's-eye falls on 
a hidd5 cell s5sitive to light40        
,:ile ,i 0 delegat$ to take ,miss       
,wallace home1 ,k5n$y made  arrangem5ts 
) a small %opkeep] on ! gr\nd floor ( a 
build+  t back$ up on ! c\rt = ! use ( 8
 back room t night1  & _h already set up
 a bell actuat$ by a sy/em ( relays :i* 
!  weak curr5t f ! sel5ium cells c\ld   
op]ate4    ,x 0 n until ne>ly midnight t
 he 0 ready to leave !  laboratory aga91
 :]e he _h be5 busily engag$ 9 /udy+ !  
tortoise%ell comb :i* ,miss ,wallace 9  
h] weakness _h =gott54    ,! little     
%opkeep] let u 9 sleepily & ,k5n$y      
deposit$ a l>ge  r\nd package on a *air 
9 ! back ( ! %op1 z well z a long  piece
 ( rubb] tub+4 ,no?+ _h happ5$ s f>4    
,z we wait$ ! %opkeep]1 n[ wide awake & 

n at all unconv9c$  t we 7 b5t on "s    
crim9al op]ation1 hung ar\nd4 ,k5n$y did
  n seem to c>e4 ,he drew f 8 pocket a  
little %9y brass  in/rum5t 9 a lead     
case1 :i* look$ l an abbreviat$         
microscope4    8,look ?r\gh x10 he said1
 h&+ x to me4    ,i look$ & c\ld see    
?\s&s ( m9ute sp>ks4    8,:at is x80 ,i 
ask$4    8,a sp9?>iscope4 ,9 t x is     
possible to wat* ! bomb>dm5t (  !       
c\ntless little corpuscles ?r[n (f by   
radium1 z !y /rike on  ! z9c bl5de      
cry/al :i* =ms ! base4 ,:5 radium 0     
orig9ally discov]$1 ! int]e/ 0 m]ely 9  
its curi\s  prop]ties1 its p[] to emit  
invisible rays :i* p5etrat$ solid       
sub/ances & r5d]$ ?+s fluoresc5t1 (     
exp5d+ en]gy )\t  app>5t loss4    8,!n  
came ! discov]y10 he w5t on1 8( its     
curative p[]s4 ,b !  fir/ results 7 n   
conv9c+4 ,/ill1 n[ t we "k ! reasons  :y
 radium may be dang]\s & h[ to protect  
ourselves aga9/ !m  we "k we possess "o 
( ! mo/ wond]ful ( curative ag5cies40   
,i 0 ?9k+ r ( ! dang]s ?an ( ! b5efic5ce

 ( radium  j n[1 b ,k5n$y cont9u$4      
8,x has cur$ _m malignant gr[?s t seem$ 
hopeless1 br\ght back  de/roy$ cells1   
ex]cis$ good effects 9 diseases ( ! liv]
 &  inte/9es & ev5 ! baffl+ diseases ( !
 art]ies4 ,! reason  :y h>m1 at fir/1 z 
well z good came1 is n[ und]/ood4       
,radium  emits1 z ,i told y be=e1 ?ree  
k9ds ( rays1 ! alpha1 beta1 &  gamma    
rays1 ea* ) diff]5t prop]ties4 ,!       
emanation is ano!r  matt]4 ,x does n    
conc]n u 9 ?is case1 z y w see40        
,fasc9at$ z ,i 0 by ! my/]y ( ! case1 ,i
 began to see t he  0 gradually arriv+  
at an explanation :i* _h baffl$ ev]yone 
else4    8,n[1 ! alpha rays are !       
%orte/10 he laun*$ =?1 89 l5g?  let u   
say "o in*4 ,!y ex]t a v de/ructive     
effect on heal?y  tissue4 ,t is ! cause 
( injury4 ,!y are /opp$ by glass1       
alum9um & o!r metals1 & are really      
p>ticles *>g$ )  positive electricity4  
,! beta rays come next1 say1 ab\t an in*
 & a  half4 ,!y /imulate cell gr[?4     
,!re=e !y are dang]\s 9  canc]1 ?\gh    

good 9 o!r ways4 ,!y c be /opp$ by lead1
 & are  really p>ticles *>g$ ) negative 
electricity4 ,! gamma rays are  !       
longe/1 p]haps ?ree in*es long1 & x is  
^! rays :i*  effect cures1 = !y *eck !  
abnormal & /imulate ! normal  cells4 ,!y
 p5etrate lead4 ,lead seems to filt] !m 
out f !  o!r rays4 ,& at ?ree in*es !   
o!r rays don't rea*1 anyh[4 ,!  gamma   
rays are n *>g$ ) electricity at all1   
app>5tly40    ,he _h br\ght a little    
magnet ne> ! sp9?>iscope4 ,i look$ into 
x4    8,a magnet10 he expla9$1 8%[s !   
diff]5ce betwe5 ! alpha1  beta1 & gamma 
rays4 ,y see ^? weak & wobbly rays t    
seem to  fall to "o side8 ,^? are !     
alpha rays4 ,!y h a /rong action1  ?\gh1
 on tissues & cells4 ,^? fall+ 9 ! o!r  
direction are  ! beta rays4 ,! gamma    
rays seem to fl[ /raight40    8,!n x is 
! alpha rays ) :i* we are conc]n$ mo/ly 
n[80 ,i  qu]i$1 look+ up4    8,exactly4 
,t is :y1 :5 radium is unprotect$ or    
insuffici5tly  protect$ & comes too ne>1
 x is de/ructive ( heal?y cells1        

produces burns1 sores1 :i* are mo/      
difficult to heal4 ,x is ) !            
explanation ( su* sores t we mu/ deal40 
,x 0 gr[+ late4 ,we _h wait$ pati5tly n[
 = "s "t4 ,k5n$y  _h evid5tly res]v$ ?is
 explanation1 kn[+ we %\ld h to  wait4  
,/ill no?+ happ5$4    ,add$ to ! my/]y (
 ! violet-color$ glass plate 0 n[ t (  !
 lum9esc5t diamond4 ,i 0 ab\t to ask    
,k5n$y po9t-blank :at he  ?\ght ( !m1 :5
 sudd5ly ! little bell be=e u began to  
buzz  feebly "u ! influ5ce ( a curr5t4  
,i gave a />t4 ,! fai?ful little sel5ium
 cell burgl> al>m _h  done ! trick4 ,i  
knew t sel5ium 0 a good conductor (     
electricity 9 ! light1 poor 9 ! d>k4 ,"s
 "o _h1 !re=e1  fla%$ a light on "o ( ! 
cells 9 ! ,corporation (fice4 ,x 0  !   
mom5t = :i* ,k5n$y _h prep>$4    ,seiz+ 
! r\nd package & ! tub+1 he da%$ out on 
! /reet  & ar\nd ! corn]4 ,he tri$ !    
door op5+ into ! ,radium  ,corporation  
hallway4 ,x 0 clos$1 b unlock$4 ,z x    
yield$ & we  /umbl$ 91 up ! old worn    
wood5 /airs ( ! build+1 ,i knew t  !re  

mu/ be "s "o !re4    ,a t]rific1        
p5etrat+1 almo/ /unn+ odor seem$ to     
p]meate !  air ev5 9 ! hall4    ,k5n$y  
paus$ at ! door ( ! (fice1 tri$ x1 f\nd 
x unlock$1  b did n op5 x4    8,t smell 
is e?yldi*loracetate10 he expla9$4 8,t 0
 :at ,i  inject$ into ! air cu%ion ( t  
safe betwe5 ! two l9+s4 ,i  suppose my  
man "h us$ an electric drill4 ,he might 
h us$ !rmit  or an oxyacetyl5e bl[pipe =
 all ,i w\ld c>e4 ,^! fumes w\ld        
disc\rage a cracksman f #8s\p' to nuts10
 he laugh$1 ?or\ghly  pleas$ at !       
protection mod]n sci5ce _h enabl$ him to
 devise4    ,z we /ood an in/ant by !   
door1 ,i realiz$ :at _h happ5$4 ,we  _h 
captur$ our man4 ,he 0 asphyxiat$6      
,yet h[ 7 we to get to him8 ,w\ld ,craig
 leave him 9 !re1 p]haps  to die8 ,to g 
9 ourselves meant to %>e 8 fate1 :atev] 
might be  ! effect ( ! drug4    ,k5n$y  
_h torn ! wrapp+ (f ! package4 ,f x he  
drew a huge  globe ) bulg+ w9d[s ( glass
 9 ! front & sev]al curi\s  arrangem5ts 
on x at o!r po9ts4 ,to x he fitt$ !     

rubb] tub+  & a little pump4 ,!n he     
plac$ ! globe ov] 8 head1 l a  div]'s   
helmet1 & fa/5$ "s air-tight rubb]      
arrangem5t ab\t  8 neck & %\ld]s4       
8,pump1 ,walt]60 he %\t$4 8,?is is an   
oxyg5 helmet su* z is us$  9 ent]+ m9es 
fill$ ) deadly gases40    ,)\t ano!r ^w 
he 0 gone into ! blackness ( ! noxi\s   
/ifle :i* fill$ ! ,radium ,corporation  
(fice s9ce ! cracksman  _h /ruck !      
unexpect$ pocket ( rapidly evaporat+    
/uff4    ,i pump$ furi\sly4    ,inside  
,i c\ld he> him blund]+ ar\nd4 ,:at 0 he
 do+8    ,he 0 com+ back sl[ly4 ,0 he1  
too1 ov]come8    ,z he em]g$ into !     
d>kness ( ! hallway :]e ,i myself 0     
almo/ sick5$1 ,i saw t he 0 dragg+ ) him
 a limp =m4    ,a ru% ( outside air f ! 
/reet door seem$ to cle> ?+s a  little4 
,k5n$y tore (f ! oxyg5 helmet & dropp$  
d[n on 8  knees beside ! figure1 work+  
its arms 9 ! mo/ approv$ mann]  (       
resuscitation4    8,i ?9k we c d x )\t  
call+ on ! pulmotor10 he pant$4         
8,walt]1 ! fumes h cle>$ away en\gh n[ 9

 ! outside (fice4  ,op5 a w9d[--& keep t
 /reet door op51 too40    ,i did s1 f\nd
 ! swit* & turn$ on ! lights4    ,x 0   
,d5ison himself6    ,= _m m9utes ,k5n$y 
work$ ov] him4 ,i b5t d[n1 loos5$ 8     
coll> & %irt1 & look$ eag]ly at 8 *e/ = 
! tell-tale  m>ks ( ! radium :i* ,i felt
 sure mu/ be !re4 ,!re 0 n ev5  a       
discoloration4    ,n a ^w 0 said1 z     
,k5n$y br\ght ! /upefi$ little man      
ar\nd4    ,d5ison1 pale1 %ak51 0 lean+  
back n[ 9 a big (fice *air1  gasp+ &    
hold+ 8 head4    ,k5n$y1 be=e him1 rea*$
 d[n into 8 pocket & h&$ him !          
sp9?>iscope4    8,y see t80 he dem&$4   
,d5ison look$ ?r\gh ! eyepiece4         
8,:--:]e did y get s mu* ( x80 he ask$1 
a que] look on 8  face4    8,i got t bit
 ( radium f ! base ( ! coll> button (   
,h>tley  ,haughton10 repli$ ,k5n$y      
quietly1 8a coll> button :i* "s "o      
intimate ) him _h sub/itut$ = 8 own1    
br++ t deadly  radium ) only ! m9ute/   
protection ( a ?9 /rip ( metal close  to
 ! back ( 8 neck1 ne> ! sp9al cord & !  

m$ulla oblongata  :i* controls blood    
pressure4 ,t coll> button 0 worse ?an ! 
poison$ r+s ( ! ,borgias4 ,& !re is m   
radium 9 ! pretty  gift ( a tortoise%ell
 comb ) its pa/e diamonds :i* ,miss     
,wallace  wore 9 h] hair4 ,only a       
fraction ( an in*1 n en\gh to cut (f !  
deadly alpha rays1 protect$ ! we>]s ( ^?
 articles40    ,he paus$ a mom5t1 :ile  
surg+ ?r\gh my m9d came "o aft]  ano!r !
 explanations ( ! hi!rto inexplicable4  
,d5ison seem$  almo/ to cr+e 9 ! *air1  
weak already f ! fumes4    8,besides10  
w5t on ,k5n$y remorselessly1 8:5 ,i w5t 
9 !re to drag  y out1 ,i saw ! safe op54
 ,i look$4 ,!re 0 no?+ 9 ^?  pretty     
plat9um tubes1 z ,i suspect$4 ,european 
tru/--bah6 ,all !  *eap devices ( a fak]
 ) a conf$]ate 9 ,london to s5d a       
cablegram--& ano!r 9 ,new ,york to s5d a
 ?reat5+ lett]40    ,k5n$y ext5d$ an    
accus+ =ef+] at ! man c[]+ be=e him4    
8,?is is no?+ b a get-ri*-quick s*eme1  
,d5ison4 ,!re nev] 0  a milligram (     
radium 9 ! ,poor ,little ,ri* ,valley1 n

 a milligram  "h 9 all ! c>efully kept  
reports ( ,miss ,wallace--except :at 0  
b\ght outside by ! ,corporation ) !     
money x collect$ f its  dupes4 ,haughton
 has be5 fleec$4 ,miss ,wallace1 bl9d$  
by h] loyalty  to y--y w always f9d su* 
a fai?ful girl 9 su* s*emes z  y\rs--has
 be5 fool$4    8,& h[ did y repay x8    
,:at 0 clev]]1 y said to y\rself1  ?an  
to seem to be robb$ ( :at y nev] _h1 to 
blame x on a  bitt] rival :o nev] exi/$8
 ,!n to make assurance d\bly sure1 y    
plann$ to disable1 p]haps get rid ( !   
come-on :om y _h  trimm$1 & ! fai?ful   
girl ^: eyes y _h bl9d$ to y\r  gigantic
 sw9dle4    8,d5ison10 conclud$ ,k5n$y1 
z ! man drew back1 8 v face  convict+   
him1 8,d5ison1 y are ! radium           
robb]--robb] 9 ano!r  s5se60            
,,*apt] ,,xvi  ,,! ,,dead ,,l9e         
,maid5 ,lane1 no less ?an ,wall ,/reet1 
0 deeply int]e/$ 9 !  radium case4 ,9   
fact1 x seem$ t "o case 9 ?is section ( 
!  city l$ to ano!r4    ,naturally1 !   
,/> & ! o!r pap]s made mu* ( ! capture (

  ,d5ison4 ,/ill1 ,i 0 n prep>$ = ! ho/ 
( ,maid5 ,lane cases  t foll[$4 ,_m ( !m
 7 ess5tially trivial4 ,b "o prov$ to   
be ( extreme importance4    8,pr(essor  
,k5n$y1 ,i h j he>d ( y\r radium case1 &
 ,i--,i feel  t ,i c--tru/ y40    ,!re 0
 a note ( appeal 9 ! hesitat+ voice ( ! 
tall1 heavily  veil$ woman ^: c>d _h be5
 s5t up to u ) a n]v\s 8,urg5t0  writt5 
across its face4    ,x 0 v e>ly 9 !     
morn+1 b our visitor 0 evid5tly         
completely unn]v$ by "s news :i* %e _h j
 receiv$ & :i*  _h s5t h] po/+ to see   
,craig4    ,k5n$y met h] gaze directly )
 a look t arre/$ h] involunt>y  ef=t to 
avoid x aga94 ,%e mu/ h read 9 8 eyes m 
?an 9  8 words t %e might tru/ him4     
8,i--,i h a confession to make10 %e     
falt]$4    8,please sit d[n1 ,mrs4      
,m\lton10 he said simply4 8,x is my     
bus9ess to  receive confid5ces--& to    
keep !m40    ,%e sank into1 r ?an sat   
d[n 91 ! deep lea!r rock] beside  8     
desk1 & n[ = ! fir/ "t rais$ h] veil4   
,anto9ette ,m\lton 0 inde$ /unn+1 an    

exquisite creature ) a  wond]ful *>m (  
sl5d] y\?1 brightness ( eye & brunette  
radiance4    ,i knew t %e _h be5 on !   
musical com$y /age & _h _h a  rapid rise
 to a /> "p be=e h] m>riage to ,lynn    
,m\lton1 !  weal?y lawy]1 almo/ twice h]
 age4 ,i knew also t %e _h giv5 up  !   
/age1 app>5tly )\t a regret4 ,yet !re 0 
some?+ /range  ab\t ! air ( secrecy ( h]
 visit4 ,0 !re a h9t 9 x ( a            
disagreem5t betwe5 ! ,m\ltons1 ,i       
wond]$1 z ,i wait$ :ile  ,k5n$y reassur$
 h]4    ,h] di/ress 0 s unconceal$ t    
,craig1 = ! mom5t1 laid aside  8 ord9>y 
inquisitorial mann]4 8,tell me j z mu*  
or j z  little z y *oose1 ,mrs4         
,m\lton10 he add$ tactfully4 8,i w d my 
be/40    ,a look almo/ ( gratitude      
cross$ h] face4    8,:5 we 7 m>ri$10 %e 
began aga91 8my husb& gave me a         
beautiful diamond necklace4 ,oh1 x mu/ h
 be5 wor? a hundr$  ?\s& doll>s easily4 
,x 0 spl5did4 ,ev]yone has he>d ( x4 ,y 
"k1 ,lynn--er--,mr4 ,m\lton1 has always 
be5 an en?usia/ic collector (  jewels40 

,%e paus$ aga9 & ,k5n$y nodd$           
reassur+ly4 ,i knew ! ?\ght 9  8 m9d4   
,m\lton _h collect$ "o gem t 0          
incomp>able ) all  ! hundr$ ?\s& doll>  
necklaces 9 exi/5ce4    8,sev]al mon?s  
ago40 %e w5t on rapidly1 /ill avoid+ 8  
eyes &  =c+ ! words f h] reluctant lips1
 8,i--oh1 ,i ne$$  money--t]ribly40     
,%e _h ris5 & fac$ him1 press+ h]       
da9tily glov$ h&s  toge!r 9 a little    
tremble ( emotion :i* 0 none ! less     
g5u9e  because %e _h /udi$ ! art (      
emotion4    8,i took ! necklace to a    
jewel]1 ,h]man ,s*loss1 ( ,maid5 ,lane1 
a  man ) :om my husb& _h (t5 _h deal+s &
 :om ,i ?\ght ,i  c\ld tru/4 ,"u a      
promise ( secrecy he loan$ me fifty ?\s&
  doll>s on x & _h an exact replica 9   
pa/e made by "o ( 8 be/  workm54 ,?is   
morn+1 j n[1 ,mr4 ,s*loss telephon$ me t
 8  safe _h be5 robb$ la/ night4 ,my    
necklace is gone60    ,%e ?rew out h]   
h&s 9 a wildly appeal+ ge/ure4    8,& if
 ,lynn f9ds t ! necklace 9 our wall safe
 is ( pa/e--z he  w f9d1 = he is an     

exp]t 9 diamonds--oh--:at %all ,i d8    
,c't  y--c't y f9d my necklace80        
,k5n$y 0 foll[+ h] n[ eag]ly4 8,y 7     
blackmail$ out ( !  money80 he qu]i$    
casually1 mask+ 8 "q4    ,!re 0 a sudd51
 impulsive droop+ ( h] m\?1 an evasion &
  ke5 w>9ess 9 h] eyes4 8,i c't see t t 
has any?+ to d  ) ! robb]y10 %e answ]$ 9
 a l[ voice4    8,i beg y\r p>don10     
correct$ ,k5n$y quickly4 8,p]haps n4    
,i'm  sorry4 ,=ce ( habit1 ,i suppose4  
,y don't "k any?+ m ab\t  ! robb]y80    
8,n--no1 only t x seems impossible t x  
c\ld h happ5$ 9 a  place t has !        
wond]ful burgl> al>m protection t ,mr4  
,s*loss  describ$ to me40    8,y "k him 
pretty well80    8,only ?r\gh ?is       
transaction10 %e repli$ ha/ily4 8,i wi% 
to heav5  ,i _h nev] he>d ( him40    ,! 
telephone rang insi/5tly4    8,mrs4     
,m\lton10 said ,k5n$y1 z he return$ !   
receiv] to ! hook1  8x may int]e/ y to  
"k t ! burgl> al>m company has j  call$ 
me up ab\t ! same case4 ,if ,i _h ne$ ( 
an add$ inc5tive1  :i* ,i hope y w      

believe ,i h n1 t might furni% x4 ,i w  
d my be/10 he repeat$4    8,?ank y--a   
?\s& times10 %e cri$ f]v5tly1 &1 _h ,i  
be5  ,craig1 ,i ?9k ,i %\ld h ne$$ no m 
?anks ?an ! look %e  gave him z he      
accompani$ h] to ! door ( our ap>tm5t4  
,x 0 /ill e>ly & ! eag] cr[ds 7 pu%+ _! 
way to  bus9ess ?r\gh ! n>r[ network (  
d[nt[n /reets z ,k5n$y &  ,i ent]$ a    
l>ge (fice on l[] ,broadway 9 ! he>t ( !
 jewelry  trade & f9ancial di/rict4     
8,"o ( ! mo/ amaz+ robb]ies t has ev]   
be5 attempt$ has  be5 report$ to u ?is  
morn+10 ann\nc$ ,james ,mc,lear1 manag] 
(  ! ,hale ,electric ,protection1 add+ )
 a look half ( anxiety1 half  (         
skepticism1 8t is1 if x is true40       
,mc,lear 0 a /ocky man1 ( p[]ful build &
 voice & a g5]al  appe>ance ( hav+ be5  
once well connect$ ) ! city detective   
=ce be=e an attractive (f] _h tak5 him  
into ?is position (  great              
responsibility4    8,h]man ,s*loss1 "o (
 ! be/ kn[n ( ,maid5 ,lane jewel]s10 he 
cont9u$1 8has be5 robb$ ( goods wor? two

 or ?ree hundr$  ?\s& doll>s--& 9 spite 
( e mod]n protection4 ,s t y  w get x   
cle>ly1 let me %[ y :at we d "h40    ,he
 u%]$ u into a l>ge room1 on ! walls (  
:i* 7 hundr$s (  little indicators4 ,f !
 front !y look$ l r[s ( little  squ>e   
comp>tm5ts1 ti] on ti]1 ab\t ! size (   
ord9>y po/  (fice boxes4 ,clos]         
exam9ation %[$ t ea* 0 equipp$ ) a      
delicate ne$le arrang$ to oscillate     
backw>d & =w>d ^u !  v m9ute/ int]f]5ce 
) ! electric curr5t4 ,"u ! boxes1  ea* (
 :i* bore a numb]1 0 a s]ies ( drops &  
buzz]s numb]$  to correspond ) ! boxes4 
8,9 ne>ly e (fice 9 ,maid5 ,lane :]e    
gems & valuable jewelry  are /or$10     
expla9$ ,mc,lear1 8?is electrical sy/em 
( ours is  in/all$4 ,:5 ! safes are     
clos$ at night & ! doors swung  toge!r1 
a curr5t ( electricity is con/antly     
%oot+ ar\nd !  safes1 conduct$ by       
clev]ly conceal$ wires4 ,^! wires are   
pick$ up  by a cable sy/em :i* f9ds its 
way to ?is c5tral (fice4 ,once  "h1 !   
wires are safegu>d$ 9 su* mann] t =eign 

curr5ts  f o!r wires or f lightn+ _c    
di/urb ! sy/em40    ,we look$ ) int5se  
int]e/ at ?is huge electrical pulse t   
felt  e *ange ov] s va/ & ri* an area4  
8,pass+ a big divid+ bo>d10 he w5t on1  
8!y are di/ribut$ &  connect$ ea* 9 its 
place to ! delicate tang5t galvanomet]s 
&  s5sitive indicators y see 9 ?is room4
 ,^! in/antly ann\nce !  mo/ m9ute *ange
 9 ! work+ ( ! curr5t1 & ea* (fice has a
  di/9ct sep>ate metallic circuit4 ,:y1 
ev5 a hole z small z a lead  p5cil 9    
any?+ protect$ w\ld s\nd ! al>m "h40    
,k5n$y nodd$ appreciatively4    8,y     
see10 cont9u$ ,mc,lear1 glad to be able 
to talk to "o :o  foll[$ him s closely1 
8x is ano!r evid5ce ( sci5ce f9d+ =  u  
great] security 9 ! use ( a t9y electric
 wire ?an 9 massive  walls ( /eel &     
intricate lock devices4 ,b "h is a case 
9 :i*1  x seems1 e kn[n protection has  
fail$4 ,we c't af=d to pass  t by4 ,if  
we h fall5 d[n we want to "k h[1 z well 
z to  cat* ! burgl>40    8,h[ are !     
signals giv580 ,i ask$4    8,well1 :5 ! 

day's bus9ess is ov]1 = in/ance1 ,s*loss
 w\ld  sw+ ! heavy safe doors toge!r &  
ov] !m place ! doors ( a  wood5 cab9et4 
,t signals an al>m to u "h4 ,we answ] x 
& if  ! prop] signal is return$1 all "r4
 ,aft] t no "o c tamp]  ) ! safe lat] 9 
! night )\t s\nd+ an al>m t w\ld  br+ a 
quick inve/igation40    8,b suppose t x 
became necess>y to op5 ! safe be=e !    
next  morn+4 ,might n "s tru/$ employee 
return to ! (fice1 op5 x1  give ! prop] 
signals & loot ! safe80    8,no inde$10 
he answ]$ confid5tly4 8,! v mom5t anyone
 t\*es  ! cab9et1 ! al>m is s\nd$4 ,ev5 
if ! prop] code signal is  return$1 x is
 n suffici5t4 ,a c\ple ( our tru/$ m5 f 
!  c5tral (fice hu/le ar\nd !re anyh[ & 
!y don't leave until  !y are satisfi$ t 
ev]y?+ is "r4 ,we h ! au?oriz$          
signatures on h& ( ^? :o are suppos$ to 
op5 ! safe & a  duplicate ( "o ( !m mu/ 
be giv5 or !re is an arre/40    ,mc,lear
 consid]$ = a mom5t4    8,= in/ance1    
,s*loss1 l all ! re/1 0 assign$ a box 9 
:i*  0 deposit$ a seal$ envelope conta9+

 a key to ! (fice & 8  own signature1 9 
?is case1 s9ce he alone knew !          
comb9ation4 ,n[1  :5 an al>m is s\nd$1 z
 x 0 la/ night1 & ! key remov$ to  ga9  
entrance to ! (fice1 a record is made & 
! key has to be  seal$ up aga9 by       
,s*loss4 ,a report is also submitt$ %[+ 
:5 !  signals are receiv$ & any?+ else t
 is wor? record+4 ,la/  night our m5    
f\nd no?+ wrong1 app>5tly4 ,b ?is morn+ 
we  le>n ( ! robb]y40    8,! po9t is1   
!n10 rum9at$ ,k5n$y1 8:at happ5$ 9 !    
int]val  betwe5 ! r++ ( ! al>m & !      
arrival ( ! special  (fic]s8 ,i ?9k     
,i'll drop ar\nd & look ,s*loss' place  
ov]10 he  add$ quietly1 evid5tly eag] to
 beg9 at ! actual sc5e ( !  crime4      
,on ! door ( ! (fice to :i* ,mc,lear    
took u 0 "o ( ^?  small blue plates :i* 
*ance visitors to ,maid5 ,lane mu/ h se5
  (t54 ,to ! initiat$--be he crook or   
jewel]--?is simple sign means  t !      
m]*ant is a memb] ( ! ,jewel]s'         
,security ,alliance1  en\gh 9 itself1 x 
w\ld seem1 to make ! bolde/ burgl>      

hesitate4  ,= x is ! motto ( ?is        
organization to 8get0 ! ?ief at any co/ 
& at any "t4 ,/ill1 x _h n det]r$ !     
burgl> 9 ?is  in/ance4    8,i "k p are  
go+ to ?9k x is a fake burgl>y10        
exclaim$  ,s*loss1 a /\t1 prosp]\s-look+
 gem brok]1 z we introduc$  ourselves4  
8,b ov] two hundr$ ?\s&s doll>s' wor? ( 
/ones are  gone10 he half groan$4 8,?9k 
( x1 man10 he add$1 8"o ( !  greate/    
robb]ies s9ce ! ,dead ,l9e 0 e/abli%$4  
,& if !y c  get away ) x1 :y1 no "o d[n 
"h is protect$ any m4 ,half a  billion  
doll>s 9 jewels 9 ,maid5 ,lane & ,john  
,/reet are easy prey  = ! cracksm560    
,/agg]+ ?\gh ! loss mu/ h be5 to him1 he
 _h app>5tly  recov]$ f ! fir/ %ock ( ! 
discov]y & _h begun ! fight  to get back
 :at _h be5 lo/4    ,x 01 z ,mc,lear _h 
intimat$1 a mo/ amaz+ burgl>y1 too4 ,!  
door  ( ,s*loss' safe 0 op5 :5 ,k5n$y & 
,i arriv$ & f\nd !  excit$ jewel]       
n]v\sly pac+ ! (fice4 ,surr\nd+ ! safe1 
,i  notic$ a wood5 framework con/ruct$ 9
 su* a way z to be a "p (  ! decorative 

s*eme ( ! (fice4    ,s*loss bang$ !     
heavy doors %ut4    8,!re1 t's j h[ x   
0--%ut z tight z a drum4 ,!re 0         
absolutely no m>k ( anyone tamp]+ ) !   
comb9ation lock4 ,&  yet ! safe 0       
loot$60    8,h[ did y discov] x80 ask$  
,craig4 8,i presume y c>ry burgl>y      
insurance80    ,s*loss look$ up quickly4
 8,t's :at ,i expect$ z a fir/ "q4  ,no1
 ,i c>ri$ v little insurance4 ,y see1 ,i
 ?\ght ! safe1 "o  ( ^? new *rome /eel  
affairs1 0 ab\t impregnable4 ,i nev] lo/
  a mom5t's sleep ov] x2 didn't ?9k x   
possible = anyone to get  into x4 ,=1 z 
y see1 x is completely wir$ by ! ,hale  
,electric  ,protection--t wood5         
framework ab\t x4 ,no "o c\ld t\* t :5  
x 0 set )\t jangl+ a bell at ! c5tral   
(fice :i* w\ld  s5d m5 scurry+ "h to    
protect ! place40    8,b !y mu/ h got   
pa/ x10 sugge/$ ,k5n$y4    8,yes--!y mu/
 h4 ,at lea/ ?is morn+ ,i receiv$ !     
regul> ,hale  report4 ,x said t _! wires
 regi/]$ la/ night z ?\gh "s  "o 0      
tamp]+ ) ! safe4 ,b by ! "t !y got      

ar\nd1 9  less ?an five m9utes1 !re 0 no
 "o "h1 no?+ seem$ to be  di/urb$4 ,s !y
 set x d[n to induction or electrolysis1
 or  some?+ ! matt] ) ! wires4 ,i got ! 
report ! fir/ ?+  :5 ,i arriv$ "h ) my  
assi/ant1 ,mull]40    ,k5n$y 0 on 8     
knees1 go+ ov] ! safe ) a f9e bru% &  "s
 p[d]1 look+ n[ & !n ?r\gh a small      
magnify+ glass4    8,n a f+] pr9t10 he  
mutt]$4 8,! cracksman mu/ h worn        
gloves4 ,b h[ did he get 98 ,!re isn't a
 m>k ( #8s\p' hav+ be5  us$ to bl[ x up1
 nor ( a #8c-op5]' to rip x op51 if t 7 
possible1 nor ( an electric or any o!r  
k9d ( drill40    8,i've read ( ^? fell[s
 :o burn _! way 910 said ,s*loss4    8,b
 !re is no hole10 object$ ,k5n$y1 8n a  
trace ( ! use (  !rmit to burn ! way 9  
or ( ! oxyacetyl5e bl[pipe to cut a     
piece out4 ,mo/ extraord9>y10 he        
murmur$4    8,y see10 %rugg$ ,s*loss1   
8ev]yone w say x mu/ h be5  op5$ by "o  
:o knew ! comb9ation4 ,b ,i am ! only   
"o4 ,i h  nev] writt5 x d[n or told     
anyone1 n ev5 ,mull]4 ,y und]/&  :at ,i 

am up aga9/80    8,!re's ! t\* sy/em10  
,i sugge/$4 8,y rememb]1 ,craig1 ! old  
fell[ :o us$ to file 8 f+] tips to !    
quick until !y 7 s  s5sitive t he c\ld  
actually feel :5 he _h turn$ !          
comb9ation to ! "r plung]8 ,might n t   
expla9 ! lack (  f+] pr9ts also80 ,i    
add$ eag]ly4    8,no?+ l t 9 ?is case1  
,walt]10 object$ ,craig positively4     
8,?is fell[ wore gloves1 all "r4 ,no1   
?is safe has be5 op5$ &  loot$ by no    
ord9>ily kn[n me?od4 ,x's ! mo/ amaz+   
case ,i ev]  saw 9 t respect--almo/ z if
 we _h a cracksman 9 ! f\r?  dim5sion to
 :om ! inside ( a clos$ cube is z       
accessible z is  ! inside ( a plane     
squ>e to u ?ree dim5sional creatures4 ,x
 is  almo/ incompreh5sible40    ,i      
fanci$ ,i saw ,s*loss' face bright5 z   
,k5n$y took ?is view4 ,s  f>1 evid5tly1 
he _h run across only skepticism4    8,!
 /ones 7 unset80 resum$ ,craig4         
8,mo/ly4 ,n all40    8,y w\ld recognize 
"s ( !m if y saw !m80    8,yes inde$4   
,"s c\ld be *ang$ only by re-cutt+4 ,ev5

 "s (  ^? t 7 set 7 ( odd cut & size--"s
 f a diamond  necklace :i* belong$ to   
a--0    ,!re 0 some?+ peculi> 9 bo? 8   
tone & mann] z he cut  %ort ! words4    
8,to :om80 ask$ ,k5n$y casually4        
8,oh1 once to a well-kn[n woman 9       
society10 he said c>efully4 8,x is  m9e1
 ?\gh1 n[--at lea/ x 0 m9e4 ,i %\ld     
pref] to m5tion no  names4 ,i w give a  
description ( ! /ones40    8,mrs4 ,lynn 
,m\lton1 = in/ance80 sugge/$ ,craig     
quietly4    ,s*loss jump$ almo/ z if a  
burgl> al>m _h s\nd$ "u 8 v  e>s4 8,h[  
did y "k8 ,yes--b x 0 a secret4 ,i made 
a l>ge loan  on x1 & ! "t has expir$40  
8,:y did %e ne$ money s badly80 ask$    
,k5n$y4    8,h[ %\ld ,i "k80 dem&$      
,s*loss4    ,"h 0 a deep5+ my/]y1 n to  
be elucidat$ by cont9u+ ?is  l9e (      
inquiry ) ,s*loss1 x seem$4             
,,*apt] ,,xvii  ,,! ,,pa/e ,,replica    
,c>efully ,craig 0 go+ ov] ! (fice4     
,outside ( ! safe1 !re  _h app>5tly be5 
no?+ ( value4 ,! re/ ( ! (fice 0 n  ev5 
wir$1 & x seem$ to h be5 ,s*loss' idea t

 ! few  ?\s&s ( burgl>y insurance amply 
protect$ him aga9/ su* loss4  ,z = !    
safe1 its own /r5g? & ! c>eful wir+     
might well  h be5 consid]$ q suffici5t  
"u any hi!rto to-be-=ese5  circum/ances4
    ,a glass door1 ar\nd ! b5d ( a      
p>tition1 op5$ f ! hallway  into ! (fice
 & _h app>5tly be5 design$ ) ! object ( 
mak+ visible ! safe s t anyone pass+    
might see :e!r an  intrud] 0 tamp]+ ) x4
    ,k5n$y _h exam9$ ! door1 p]haps 9 ! 
expectation ( f9d+  f+] pr9ts !re1 & 0  
pass+ on to o!r ?+s1 :5 a *ange  9 8    
position caus$ 8 eye to cat* a l>ge oval
 smudge on !  glass1 :i* 0 visible :5 ! 
light /ruck x at ! "r angle4  ,quickly  
he du/$ x ov] ) ! p[d]1 & br\ght out !  
detail  m cle>ly4 ,z ,i exam9$ x1 :ile  
,craig made prep>ations to cut  out !   
glass to pres]ve x1 x seem$ to conta9 a 
numb] ( m9ute  po9ts & sev]al m or less 
brok5 p>allel l9es4 ,! edges  gradually 
trail$ (f into an indi/9ct fa9tness4    
,bus9ess1 naturally1 0 at a /&/ill1 & z 
we 7 work+ ne>  ! door1 we c\ld see t ! 

news ( ,s*loss' /range robb]y _h  leak$ 
out & 0 spread+ rapidly4 ,scores (      
acqua9tances 9 !  trade /opp$ at ! door 
to inquire ab\t ! rumor4    ,to ea*1 x  
seem$ t ,morris ,mull]1 ! work+ jewel]  
employ$ by  ,s*loss1 repeat$ ! same     
/ory4    8,oh10 he said1 8x is a big    
loss--yes--b big z x is1 x w n  break   
,mr4 ,s*loss4 ,&10 he w\ld add ) !      
tradesman's idea (  humor1 8,i guess he 
has en\gh to play a game ( pok]--eh80   
8,pok]80 ask$ ,k5n$y smil+4 8,is he mu* 
( a play]80    8,yes4 ,ne>ly e night ) 8
 fri5ds he plays40    ,k5n$y made a     
m5tal note ( x4 ,evid5tly ,s*loss tru/$ 
,mull]  implicitly4 ,he seem$ l a p>tn]1
 r ?an an employee1 ev5  ?\gh he _h n   
be5 entru/$ ) ! secret comb9ation4      
,outside1 we ran into city detective    
,lieut5ant ,w9t]s1 ! (fic] :o  0 /ation$
 at ! ,maid5 ,lane po/1 gu>d+ t fam\s   
section (  ! ,dead ,l9e e/abli%$ by !   
immortal ,byrnes at ,fulton ,/reet1     
bel[ :i* no crook 0 suppos$ to d>e ev5  
to be se54 ,w9t]s _h  be5 detail$ on !  

case4    8,y h se5 ! safe 9 !re80 ask$  
,k5n$y1 z he 0 leav+ to  c>ry on 8      
inve/igation else:]e4    ,w9t]s seem$ to
 be q z skeptical z ,s*loss _h intimat$ 
!  public w\ld be4 8,yes10 he repli$1   
8!re's be5 an epidemic (  robb]y ) !    
dull times--p :o want to collect _!     
burgl>y  insurance1 ,i guess40    8,b10 
object$ ,k5n$y1 8,s*loss c>ri$ s        
little40    8,well1 !re 0 ! ,hale       
,protection4 ,h[ ab\t t80    ,craig     
look$ up quickly1 unruffl$ by !         
patroniz+ air ( !  pr(essional t[>d !   
amateur detective4    8,:at is y\r      
!ory80 he ask$4 8,d y ?9k he robb$      
himself80    ,w9t]s %rugg$ 8 %\ld]s4    
8,i've be5 int]e/$ 9 ,s*loss =  "s "t10 
he said enigmatically4 8,he has _h "s   
pretty swell  cu/om]s4 ,i'll keep y wis$
 up1 if any?+ happ5s10 he add$ 9 a  bur/
 ( graci\sness1 walk+ (f4    ,on ! way  
to ! subway1 we paus$ aga9 to see       
,mc,lear4    8,well10 he ask$1 8:at d y 
?9k ( x1 n[80    8,all mo/ extraord9>y10
 rum9at$ ,craig4 8,& ! que]e/ feature ( 

all is t ! *ief loss consi/s ( a diamond
 necklace t belong$  once to ,mrs4      
,anto9ette ,m\lton40    8,mrs4 ,lynn    
,m\lton80 repeat$ ,mc,lear4    8,!      
same10 assur$ ,k5n$y4    ,mc,lear appe>$
 some:at puzzl$4 8,h] husb& is "o ( our 
old  subscrib]s10 he pursu$4 8,he is a  
lawy] on ,wall ,/reet & q a  gem        
collector4 ,la/ night 8 safe 0 tamp]$ )1
 b ?is morn+  he reports no loss4 ,n    
half an h\r ago he _h u on ! wire       
congratulat+ u on sc>+ (f ! burgl>s1 if 
!re _h be5 any40    8,:at is y\r        
op9ion10 ,i ask$4 8,is !re a gang       
op]at+80    8,my belief is10 he answ]$1 
rem9isc5tly ( 8 days on ! detective     
=ce1 8t none ( ! loot w be recov]$ until
 !y />t to  #8f5ce' x4 ,t w\ld be my    
lay--to look = ! f5ce4 ,:y1 ?9k (  all !
 big robb]ies t h be5 pull$ (f lately4  
,rememb]10 he  w5t on1 8! spoils ( a    
burgl>y consi/ g5]ally ( preci\s  /ones4
 ,!y are n curr5cy4 ,!y mu/ be turn$    
into curr5cy--or  :at's ! use ( robb]y8 
8,b m]ely to (f] !m = sale at an ord9>y 

jewel]'s w\ld be  suspici\s4 ,ev5       
pawnbrok]s are on ! wat*4 ,y see :at ,i 
am  driv+ at8 ,i ?9k !re is a man or a  
gr\p ( m5 ^: bus9ess x  is to pay ca% = 
/ol5 prop]ty & :o h ways ( return+ gems 
into ! regul> trade *annels4 ,9 all ^!  
robb]ies we get a  glimpse ( z d>k &    
my/]i\s a crim9al z has ev] be5 record$4
  ,he may be--anybody4 ,ab\t 8          
legitimacy1 ,i believe1 no "q has  ev]  
be5 rais$4 ,&1 ,i tell y1 8 arre/ is go+
 to create a  great] s5sation ?an ev5 ! 
rem>kable s]ies ( robb]ies t he  has    
plann$ or made possible4 ,! "q is1 to my
 m9d1 :o is ?is  f5ce80    ,mc,lear's   
telephone rang & he h&$ ! in/rum5t to   
,craig4    8,yes1 ?is is ,pr(essor      
,k5n$y10 answ]$ ,craig4 8,oh1 too bad   
y've  _h to try all ov] to get me4 ,i've
 be5 go+ f "o place to  ano!r ga!r+     
clues & h made good progress1 consid]+  
,i've  h>dly />t$4 ,:y--:at's ! matt]8  
,really80    ,an int]val foll[$1 dur+   
:i* ,mc,lear left to answ] a p]sonal    
call on ano!r wire4    ,z ,k5n$y hung up

 ! receiv]1 8 face wore a peculi> look4 
8,x 0  ,mrs4 ,m\lton10 he blurt$ out4   
8,%e ?9ks t h] husb& has f\nd  out t !  
necklace is pa/e40    8,h[80 ,i ask$4   
8,! pa/e replica is gone f h] wall safe 
9 ! ,deluxe40    ,i turn$1 />tl$ at !   
in=mation4 ,ev5 ,k5n$y himself 0        
p]plex$ at ! sudd5 succession ( ev5ts4  
,i _h no?+ to say4    ,evid5tly1 h[ev]1 
8 rule 0 :5 9 d\bt play a trump1 =1     
tw5ty m9utes lat] f\nd u 9 ! (fice (    
,lynn ,m\lton1 ! fam\s  corporation     
lawy]1 9 ,wall ,/reet4    ,m\lton 0 a   
h&some man ( pa/ fifty ) a y\?ful face  
aga9/  8 iron gray hair & mu/a*e1 well  
dress$1 g5ial1 a man :o seem$  ke5ly 9  
love ) ! good ?+s ( life4    8,x is     
rumor$10 began ,k5n$y1 8t an attempt 0  
made on y\r safe  "h at ! (fice la/     
night40    8,yes10 he admitt$1 tak+ (f 8
 glasses & poli%+ !m  c>efully4 8,i     
suppose !re is no ne$ ( concealm5t1     
especially z ,i  he> t a some:at simil> 
attempt 0 made on ! safe ( my fri5d     
,h]man ,s*loss 9 ,maid5 ,lane40    8,y  

lo/ no?+80    ,m\lton put 8 glasses on &
 look$ ,k5n$y 9 ! face frankly4         
8,no?+1 =tunately10 he said1 !n w5t on  
sl[ly4 8,y see1 9 my  lat] ye>s1 ,i h   
be5 some?+ ( a collector ( preci\s /ones
  myself4 ,i don't we> !m1 b ,i h always
 tak5 ! ke5e/ pleasure  9 own+ !m & :5  
,i 0 m>ri$ x gave me a great deal m     
pleasure to h !m set 9 r+s1 p5dants1    
ti>as1 necklaces1 &  o!r =ms = my wife40
    ,he _h ris51 ) ! air ( a busy man :o
 _h giv5 ! subject all  ! consid]ation  
he c\ld af=d & ^: "w proce$$ almo/ by   
s*$ule4 8,?is morn+ ,i f\nd my safe     
tamp]$ )1 b1 z ,i said1  =tunately      
some?+ mu/ h sc>$ (f ! burgl>s40    ,he 
b[$ u out politely4 ,:at 0 !            
explanation1 ,i wond]$4 ,x  seem$1 on ! 
face ( ?+s1 t ,anto9ette ,m\lton fe>$ h]
  husb&4 ,did he "k some?+ else already1
 & did %e "k he knew8  ,to all          
appe>ances he took x v calmly1 if he did
 "k4 ,p]haps t  0 :at %e fe>$1 8 v      
calmness4    8,i mu/ see ,mrs4 ,m\lton  
aga910 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1 z we left4    ,!  

,m\ltons liv$1 we f\nd1 9 "o ( ! l>ge/  
suites ( a new  ap>tm5t hotel1 !        
,deluxe1 & 9 spite ( ! fact t our       
arrival  _h be5 ann\nc$ "s m9utes be=e  
we saw ,mrs4 ,m\lton1 x 0  evid5t t %e  
_h be5 cry+ hy/]ically ov] ! loss ( !   
pa/e jewels & :at x impli$4    8,i miss$
 x ?is morn+1 aft] my return f see+ y10 
%e  repli$ 9 answ] to ,craig's inquiry1 
!n add$1 wide-ey$ ) al>m1  8,:at %all ,i
 d8 ,he mu/ h op5$ ! wall safe & f\nd ! 
replica4 ,i don't d>e ask him           
po9t-blank40    8,are y sure he did x80 
ask$ ,k5n$y1 m1 ,i felt1 = its moral    
effect on h] ?an ?r\gh any d\bt 9 8 own 
m9d4    8,n sure4 ,b !n ! wall safe %[s 
no m>ks1 & ! replica is  gone40         
8,might ,i see y\r jewel case80 he ask$4
    8,surely4 ,i'll get x4 ,! wall safe 
is 9 ,lynn's room4 ,i %all probably  h  
to fuss a long "t ) ! comb9ation40    ,9
 fact %e c\ld n h be5 v famili> ) x = x 
took  sev]al m9utes be=e %e return$4    
,mean:ile1 ,k5n$y1 :o _h be5  drumm+    
abs5tly on ! arms ( 8 *air1 sudd5ly rose

 & walk$  quietly ov] to a scrap basket 
t /ood beside an escritoire4 ,x _h      
evid5tly j be5 empti$1 = ! rooms mu/ h  
be5 clean$  sev]al h\rs be=e4 ,he b5t   
d[n ov] x & pick$ up two scraps (  pap] 
adh]+ to ! wick] "w4 ,! re/ _h evid5tly 
be5 ?r[n  away4    ,i b5t ov] to read   
!m4 ,"o 03    --re/ ,nettie--  --dy+ to 
see--      ,! o!r read3    --*]*e to-d  
--love & ma  --rman4      ,:at did x    
mean8 ,ha/ily1 ,i c\ld fill 9 8,de>e/   
,nettie10 & 8,i am  dy+ to see y40      
,k5n$y add$1 8,! ,re*]*e to-day10 t be+ 
! "n ( a new ap>tm5t upt[n1 z well z    
8love & _m kisses40  ,b 8--rman0--:at   
did t mean8 ,c\ld x be ,h]man--,h]man   
,s*loss8    ,%e 0 return+ & we resum$   
our seats quickly4    ,k5n$y took !     
jewel case f h] & exam9$ x c>efully4    
,!re  0 n a m>k on x4    8,mrs4         
,m\lton10 he said sl[ly1 ris+ & h&+ x   
back to h]1  8h y told me all80         
8,:y--yes10 %e answ]$4    ,k5n$y %ook 8 
head gravely4    8,i'm afraid n4 ,y mu/ 
tell me ev]y?+40    8,no--no10 %e cri$  

vehem5tly1 8!re is no?+ m40    ,we left 
& outside ! ,deluxe he paus$1 look$     
ab\t1 caught sight (  a taxicab & hail$ 
x4    8,:]e80 ask$ ! driv]4    8,across 
! /reet10 he said1 8& wait4 ,put ! w9d[ 
9 back ( y  d[n s ,i c talk4 ,i'll tell 
y :]e to g pres5tly4 ,n[1 ,walt]1  sit  
back z f> z y c4 ,?is may seem l an     
und]h& ?+ to  d1 b we've got to get :at 
t woman won't tell u or give up !       
case40    ,p]haps half an h\r we wait$1 
/ill puzzl+ ov] ! scraps (  pap]4       
,sudd5ly ,i felt a nudge f ,k5n$y4      
,anto9ette ,m\lton 0  /&+ 9 ! doorway   
across ! /reet4 ,evid5tly %e pref]r$ n  
to ride 9 h] own c>1 = a mom5t lat] %e  
ent]$ a taxicab4    8,foll[ t black     
cab10 said ,k5n$y to our driv]4    ,sure
 en\gh1 x /opp$ 9 front ( ! ,re*]*e     
,ap>tm5ts & ,mrs4  ,m\lton /epp$ out &  
almo/ ran 94    ,we wait$ a mom5t1 !n   
,k5n$y foll[$4 ,! elevator t _h tak5  h]
 up _h j return$ to ! gr\nd floor4      
8,! same floor aga910 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1    
jauntily /epp+ 9 &  nodd+ famili>ly to !

 elevator boy4    ,!n he paus$ sudd5ly1 
look$ at 8 wat*1 fix$ 8 gaze  ?\ghtfully
 on me an in/ant1 & exclaim$4 8,by      
,george--no4 ,i c't g  up yet4 ,i clean 
=got t engagem5t at ! hotel4 ,"o mom5t1 
son4  ,let u out4 ,we'll be back aga940 
,consid]ably my/ifi$1 ,i foll[$ him to !
 sidewalk4    8,y're entitl$ to an      
explanation10 he laugh$ cat*+ my        
bewild]$  look z he op5$ ! cab door4 8,i
 didn't want to g up n[ :ile %e  is !re1
 b ,i want$ to get on good t]ms ) t boy4
 ,we'll wait  until %e comes d[n1 !n g  
up40    8,:]e80 ,i ask$4    8,t's :at ,i
 am go+ ?r\gh all ?is elaborate         
prep>ation to f9d  out4 ,i h no m idea  
?an y h40    ,x c\ld n h be5 m ?an tw5ty
 m9utes lat] :5 ,mrs4 ,m\lton  em]g$ r  
hurri$ly1 & drove away4    ,:ile we _h  
be5 wait+ ,i _h obs]v$ a man on ! o!r   
side ( !  /reet :o seem$ unduly int]e/$ 
9 ! ,re*]*e1 too1 = he _h  walk$ up &   
d[n ! block no less ?an six times4      
,k5n$y saw him1  & z he made no ef=t to 
foll[ ,mrs4 ,m\lton1 ,k5n$y did n d s   

ei!r4 ,9 fact a little quick glance :i* 
%e _h giv5 at our cab  _h rais$ a fe> t 
%e might h discov]$ t %e 0 be+  foll[$4 
,k5n$y & ,i paid (f our cabman & saunt]$
 into ! ,re*]*e 9  ! mo/ debonair mann] 
we c\ld assume4    8,n[1 son1 we'll g   
up10 he said to ! boy :o1 rememb]+ u1 & 
n[ n at all cle> 9 8 m9d t he might n h 
se5 u be=e  t1 :isk$ u to ! t5? floor4  
8,let me see10 said ,k5n$y1 8x's numb]  
"o hundr$ &--er----0    8,?ree10 prompt$
 ! boy4    ,he press$ ! buzz] & a neatly
 dress$ color$ maid respond$4    8,i _h 
an appo9tm5t "h ) ,mrs4 ,m\lton ?is     
morn+10 rem>k$  ,k5n$y4    8,%e has j   
gone10 repli$ ! maid1 (f h] gu>d4    8,&
 0 to meet ,mr4 ,s*loss "h 9 half an    
h\r10 he add$ quickly4    ,x 0 ! maid's 
turn to look surpris$4    8,i didn't ?9k
 he 0 to be "h10 %e said4 8,he's _h     
"s--0    8,tr\ble at ! (fice10 suppli$  
,k5n$y4 8,t's :at x 0 ab\t4  ,p]haps he 
hasn't be5 able to get away yet4 ,b ,i  
_h ! appo9tm5t4  ,ah1 ,i see a telephone
 9 ! hall4 ,may ,i80    ,he _h /epp$    

politely 91 & by d9t ( clev]ly keep+ 8  
f+]  on ! hook 9 ! half light1 he c>ri$ 
on a "o-sid$ conv]sation  ) himself long
 en\gh to get a good *ance to look ab\t4
    ,!re 0 an air ( quiet & ref9em5t    
ab\t ! ap>tm5t 9 !  ,re*]*e4 ,x 0 d>k5$ 
to give ! little gl[+ electric bulbs 9  
_! silk5 %ades a full *ance to simulate 
"r4 ,! deep velvety  c>pets 7 noiseless 
to ! foot1 & ! drap]ies1 ! pictures1  ! 
bronzes1 all bespoke ta/e4    ,b ! *ief 
objects ( int]e/ to ,craig 7 ! little   
squ>e gre5  baize-cov]$ tables on "o (  
:i* lay neatly /ack$ a pile (  gilt-edg$
 c>ds & a mahogany box full ( ivory *ips
 ( r$1 :ite  & blue4    ,x 0 none ( !   
old-"t gambl+ places1 l ,danfield's1 )  
its  /eel door :i* ,craig _h once cut   
?r\gh ) an oxyacetyl5e  bl[pipe 9 ord]  
to rescue a "y sp5d?rift f himself4     
,k5n$y seem$ p]fectly well satisfi$     
m]ely ) a cursory view (  ! place1 z he 
hung up ! receiv] & ?ank$ ! maid        
politely =  all[+ him to use x4    8,?is
 is up-to-date gambl+ 9 clean$-up ,new  

,york10 he rem>k$ z we  wait$ = !       
elevator to return = u4 8,& ! wor/ ( x  
all is  t x gets ! wom5 z well z ! m54  
,once !y are caught 9 !  net1 !y are !  
mo/ p[]ful lure to m5 t ! gambl]s h yet 
devis$40    ,we rode d[n 9 sil5ce1 & z  
we w5t d[n ! /eps to ! /reet1 ,i  notic$
 ! man :om we _h se5 wat*+ ! place1     
lurk+ d[n at  ! l[] corn]4 ,k5n$y       
quick5$ 8 pace & came up beh9d him4     
8,:y1 ,w9t]s60 exclaim$ ,craig4 8,y "h80
    8,i might say ! same to y10 gr9n$ ! 
detective n displeas$  evid5tly t our   
trail _h cross$ 84 8,i suppose y are    
look+  = ,s*loss1 too4 ,he's up 9 !     
,re*]*e a great deal1 play+ pok]4  ,i   
und]/& he owns an int]e/ 9 ! game up    
!re40    ,k5n$y nodd$1 b said no?+4     
8,i j saw "o ( ! capp]s = ! place g out 
be=e y w5t  940    8,capp]80 repeat$    
,k5n$y surpris$4 8,anto9ette ,m\lton a  
/e]] =  a gambl+ jo9t8 ,:at c a ri*     
society woman h to d ) a place  l t or a
 man l ,s*loss80    ,w9t]s smil$        
s>donically4 8,society ladies to-day (t5

 get into  scrapes ( :i* _! husb&s "k   
no?+10 he rem>k$4 8,y didn't  "k be=e t 
,anto9ette ,m\lton1 l _m ( h] fri5ds 9 !
  sm>t set1 0 a gambl]--& los]--did y80 
,craig %ook 8 head4 ,he _h m ( human ?an
 sci5tific int]e/ 9  a case ( a woman ( 
h] calib] gone wrong4    8,b y mu/ h    
read ( ! fam\s ,m\lton diamonds80       
8,yes10 said ,craig1 blankly1 z if x 7  
all news to him4    8,s*loss has !m--or 
at lea/ _h !m4 ,! jewels %e wore at !   
op]a ?is w9t] 7 pa/e1 ,i und]/&40       
8,does ,m\lton play80 he ask$4    8,i   
?9k s--b n "h1 naturally4 ,9 a way1 ,i  
suppose1 x is 8  fault4 ,!y all d x4 ,! 
example ( "o drives on ano!r40          
,in/antly !re fla%$ ov] my m9d a ho/ (  
possibilities4 ,p]haps1  aft] all1      
,w9t]s _h be5 "r4 ,s*loss _h tak5 ?is   
way to make  sure ( ! jewels s t %e c\ld
 n r$eem !m4 ,sudd5ly ano!r  explanation
 cr[d$ t out4 ,_h ,mrs4 ,m\lton robb$ ! 
safe h]self1  or hir$ "s "o else to d x 
= h]1 & _h t p]son gone back  on h]8    
,!n a horrid possibility occurr$ to me4 

,:atev] ,anto9ette ,m\lton  may h be5 & 
done1 "s "o mu/ h h] 9 8 p[]4 ,:at a    
situation = ! woman6 ,my sympa?y w5t out
 to h] 9 h] supreme  /ruggle4 ,ev5 if x 
_h be5 a real robb]y1 ,s*loss might     
easily  recov] f x4 ,b = h] e ev5t      
spell$ ru9 & seem$ only  to be br++ t   
ru9 clos]4    ,we left ,w9t]s1 /ill     
wat*+ on ! trail ( ,s*loss1 & w5t on    
upt[n to ! laboratory4          ,,*apt] 
,,xviii  ,,! ,,burgl>',s ,,microphone   
,t night ,i 0 sitt+1 brood+ ov] ! case1 
:ile ,craig 0  /udy+ a photograph :i* he
 made ( ! smudge on ! glass door  d[n at
 ,s*loss'4 ,he paus$ 9 8 scrut9y ( !    
pr9t to answ] !  telephone4    8,some?+ 
has happ5$ to ,s*loss10 he exclaim$     
seiz+ 8 hat &  coat4 8,w9t]s has be5    
wat*+ him4 ,he didn't g to ! ,re*]*e4   
,w9t]s wants me to meet him at a place  
sev]al blocks bel[ x ,come  on4 ,he     
w\ldn't say ov] ! wire :at x 04 ,hurry40
    ,we met ,w9t]s 9 less ?an t5 m9utes 
at ! address he _h giv51 a  ba*elor     
ap>tm5t 9 ! neighborhood ( ! ,re*]*e4   

8,s*loss kept rooms "h10 expla9$ ,w9t]s1
 hurry+ u quickly  up/airs4 8,i want$ y 
to see be=e anyone else40    ,z we ent]$
 ! l>ge & luxuri\sly furni%$ liv+ room (
 !  jewel]'s suite1 a gruesome sight    
greet$ u4    ,!re lay ,s*loss on !      
floor1 face d[n1 9 a horribly contort$  
position4 ,9 "o h&1 cl5*$ "u him p>tly1 
! torn sleeve ( a  woman's dress 0      
grasp$ convulsively4 ,! room bore       
unmi/akable  traces ( a viol5t /ruggle1 
b except = ! hide\s object on !  floor 0
 vacant4    ,k5n$y b5t d[n ov] him4     
,s*loss 0 dead4 ,9 a corn]1 by ! door1  
/ood a pile ( grips1 /ack$ up1 pack$1 & 
undi/urb$4    ,w9t]s :o _h be5 /udy+ !  
room :ile we got our be>+s pick$  up a  
que]-look+ revolv] f ! floor4 ,z he held
 x up ,i c\ld  see t along ! top ( !    
b>rel 0 a long cyl9d] ) a rat*et  or    
cat* at ! butt end4 ,he turn$ x ov] &   
ov] c>efully4    8,by ,george10 he      
mutt]$1 8x has be5 fir$ (f40    ,k5n$y  
glanc$ m m9utely at ! body4 ,!re 0 n a  
m>k on x4  ,i />$ ab\t vacantly at !    

place :]e ,w9t]s _h pick$ ! ?+  up4     
8,look10 ,i cri$1 my eye cat*+ a little 
hole 9 ! basebo>d ( !  woodwork ne> x4  
8,x mu/ h fall5 & explod$ on ! floor10  
rem>k$ ,k5n$y4 8,let  me see x1 ,w9t]s40
    ,craig held x at arm's l5g? & pull$ 
! cat*4 ,in/ead ( an  explosion1 !re    
came a cone ( light f ! top ( ! gun4 ,z 
,k5n$y mov$ x ov] ! wall1 ,i saw 9 !    
c5t] ( ! circle (  light a d>k spot4    
8,a new inv5tion10 ,craig expla9$4 8,all
 y ne$ to d is to move x  s t little d>k
 spot falls directly on an object4 ,pull
 !  trigg]--! bullet /rikes ! d>k spot4 
,ev5 a n]v\s & unskill$  m>ksman becomes
 a good %ot 9 ! d>k4 ,he c ev5 %oot f   
beh9d  ! protection ( some?+--& hit     
accurately40    ,x 0 too mu* = me4 ,i   
c\ld only /& & wat* ,k5n$y z he  deftly 
b5t ov] ,s*loss aga9 & plac$ a piece (  
*emically  prep>$ pap] flat on ! =ehead 
( ! dead man4    ,:5 he )drew x1 ,i c\ld
 see t x bore m>ks ( ! l9es on 8  head4 
,)\t a ^w1 ,k5n$y drew f 8 pocket a pr9t
 ( !  photograph ( ! smudge on ,s*loss' 

door4    8,x is possible10 he said1 half
 to himself1 8to id5tify a p]son by     
means ( ! arrangem5t ( ! sweat gl&s or  
pores4 ,poroscopy1 ,dr4  ,edmond ,loc>d1
 director ( ! ,police ,laboratory at    
,lyons1 calls x4  ,! %ape1 arrangem5t1  
numb] p] squ>e c5timet]1 all v>y 9      
diff]5t individuals4 ,besides1 "h we h  
add$ ! l9es ( !  =ehead40    ,he 0 /udy+
 ! two impressions int5sely4 ,:5 he     
look$ up f  8 exam9ation1 8 face wore a 
peculi> expression4    8,?is is n ! head
 :i* 0 plac$ s close to ! glass ( !     
door ( ,s*loss' (fice1 pe]+ ?r\gh1 on ! 
night ( ! robb]y1  9 ord] to see be=e   
pick+ ! lock :e!r ! (fice 0 empty  &    
ev]y?+ ready = ! ha/y attack on ! safe40
    8,t disposes ( my !ory t ,s*loss    
robb$ himself10 rem>k$  ,w9t]s          
reluctantly4 8,b ! /ruggle "h1 ! sleeve 
( ! dress1  ! pi/ol--c\ld he h be5 %ot80
    8,no1 ,i ?9k n10 consid]$ ,k5n$y4   
8,x looks to me m l a case  ( apoplexy40
    8,:at %all we d80 ask$ ,w9t]s4 8,f> 
f cle>+ any?+ up1 ?is  complicates x40  

8,:]e's ,mull]80 ask$ ,k5n$y4 8,does he 
"k8 ,p]haps he c %$  "s light on x40    
,! clang ( an ambulance bell outside    
told t ! aid summon$ by  ,w9t]s _h      
arriv$4    ,we left ! body 9 *>ge ( !   
surgeon & ( a policeman :o  arriv$ ab\t 
! same "t1 & foll[$ ,w9t]s4    ,mull]   
liv$ 9 a *eap bo>d+ h\se 9 a %abbily    
respectable /reet  d[nt[n1 & )\t ann\nc+
 ourselves we climb$ ! /airs to 8  room4
 ,he look$ up surpris$ b n disconc]t$ z 
we ent]$4    8,:at's ! matt]80 he ask$4 
8,mull]10 %ot out ,w9t]s1 8we h j f\nd  
,mr4 ,s*loss dead60    8,d-dead60 he    
/amm]$4    ,! man seem$ spee*less )     
horror4    8,yes1 & ) 8 grips pack$ z if
 to run away40    ,mull] look$ daz$ly f 
"o ( u to ! o!r1 b %ut up l a  clam4    
8,i ?9k y _h bett] come along ) u z a   
mat]ial witness10  bur/ out ,w9t]s      
r\ghly4    ,k5n$y said no?+1 leav+ t    
sort ( ?ird degree "w to !  detective4  
,b he 0 n idle1 z ,w9t]s tri$ to extract
 m ?an  ! monosyllables1 8,i don't "k10 
9 answ] to e inquiry ( ,mull]  ab\t 8   

employ]'s life & bus9ess4    ,a l[      
exclamation f ,craig attract$ my        
att5tion f ,w9t]s4 ,9 a  corn] he _h    
discov]$ a small box & _h op5$ x4       
,inside 0 a  dry batt]y & a mo/ peculi> 
in/rum5t1 some?+ l a little  flat       
telephone transmitt] yet atta*$ by wires
 to e>pieces t  fitt$ ov] ! head aft] ! 
mann] ( ^? ( a wireless detector4       
8,:at's ?is80 ask$ ,k5n$y1 dangl+ x be=e
 ,mull]4    ,he look$ at x              
phlegmatically4 8,a deaf in/rum5t ,i h  
be5 work+  on10 repli$ ! jewel]4 8,my   
he>+ is gett+ poor40    ,k5n$y look$    
ha/ily f ! in/rum5t to ! man4    8,i ?9k
 ,i'll take x along ) u10 he said       
quietly4    ,w9t]s1 true to 8 in/9cts1  
_h be5 se>*+ ,mull] 9 !  meantime4      
,besides ! v>i\s assortm5t t a man      
c>ries 9 8  pockets usually1 includ+    
p5s1 p5cils1 notebooks1 a wat*1 a       
h&k]*ief1 a bun* ( keys1 "o ( :i* 0 l>ge
 en\gh to op5 a  ca/le1 !re 0 a bun* (  
blank & unissu$ pawn-tickets be>+  ! "n1
 8,/e9's ,"o ,p] ,c5t4 a ,mon? ,loans10 

& an address on !  ,b[]y4    ,0 ,mull] !
 8f5ce0 we 7 seek+1 or only a tool = !  
8f5ce0  high] up8 ,:o 0 ?is ,/e98       
,:at x all meant ,i c\ld only guess4 ,x 
0 a f> cry f ! weal?  ( ,diamond ,lane  
to a d+y ,b[]y pawn%op1 ev5 ?\gh        
pawnbrok+ at  "o p] c5t4 a mon?--& m1 on
 ! side--pays4 ,i knew1 too1 t  diamonds
 are ho>d$ on ! ,ea/ ,side z n[h]e else 
9 ! _w1  outside ( ,india4 ,x 0 no      
uncommon ?+1 ,i _h he>d1 = a  pawnbrok] 
^: %op seem$ dirty & greasy to ! casual 
visitor to  h /or$ away 9 8 vault gems  
runn+ into ! hundr$s (  ?\s&s ( doll>s4 
8,mrs4 ,m\lton mu/ "k ( ?is10 rem>k$    
,k5n$y4 8,w9t]s1 y &  ,jameson br+      
,mull] along4 ,i am go+ up to !         
,deluxe40    ,i mu/ say t ,i 0 surpris$ 
at f9d+ ,mrs4 ,m\lton !re4 ,outside  !  
suite ,w9t]s & ,i wait$ ) ! unresi/+    
,mull]1 :ile  ,k5n$y ent]$4 ,b ?r\gh !  
door :i* he left aj> ,i c\ld he>  :at   
pass$4    8,mrs4 ,m\lton10 he began1    
8some?+ t]rible has happ5$--0    ,he    
broke (f1 & ,i ga!r$ t h] pale face &   

agitat$ mann]  told him t %e knew       
already4    8,:]e is ,mr4 ,m\lton80 he  
w5t on1 *ang+ 8 "q4    8,mr4 ,m\lton is 
at 8 (fice10 %e answ]$ tremul\sly4 8,he 
telephon$ :ile ,i 0 out t he _h to "w   
to-night4 ,oh1 ,mr4  ,k5n$y--he kn[s--he
 kn[s4 ,i "k x4 ,he has avoid$ me ev]   
s9ce ,i  miss$ ! replica f-0    8,%60   
caution$ ,craig4 ,he _h ris5 & gone to !
 door4    8,w9t]s10 he :isp]$1 8,i want 
y to g d[n to ,lynn ,m\lton's  (fice4   
,mean:ile ,jameson c take c>e ( ,mull]4 
,i am go+ ov] to  t place ( ,/e9's      
pres5tly4 ,br+ ,m\lton up !re4 ,y w wait
  "h1 ,walt]1 = ! pres5t10 he nodd$4    
,he return$ to ! room :]e ,i c\ld he> h]
 cry+ s(tly4    8,n[1 ,mrs4 ,m\lton10 he
 said g5tly1 8,i'm afraid ,i mu/ tr\ble 
y to  g ) me4 ,i am go+ ov] to a        
pawnbrok]'s on ! ,b[]y40    8,! ,b[]y80 
%e repeat$1 ) a g5u9ely surpris$ %udd]4 
8,oh1  no1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y4 ,don't ask me to
 g any:]e to-night4 ,i am--,i am 9 no   
condition to g any:]e--to d any?+--,i--0
    8,b y mu/10 said ,k5n$y 9 a l[      

voice4    8,i c't4 ,oh--h m]cy on me4 ,i
 am t]ribly upset4 ,y--0    8,x is y\r  
duty to g1 ,mrs4 ,m\lton10 he repeat$4  
8,i don't und]/&40 %e murmur$4 8,a      
pawnbrok]'s80    8,come10 urg$ ,k5n$y1 n
 h>%ly b firmly1 !n1 z %e held back1    
add$1 play+ a trump c>d1 8,we mu/ "w    
quickly4 ,9 8 h&s we  f\nd ! fragm5ts ( 
a torn dress4 ,:5 ! police--0    ,%e    
utt]$ a %riek4 ,a glance _h told h]1 if 
%e _h deceiv$  h]self be=e1 t ,k5n$y    
knew h] secret4    ,anto9ette ,m\lton 0 
/&+ be=e him1 talk+ rapidly4    8,"s "o 
has told ,lynn4 ,i "k x4 ,!re is no?+ n[
 t ,i c  conceal4 ,if y _h come half an 
h\r lat] y w\ld n h f\nd  me4 ,he _h    
writt5 to ,mr4 ,s*loss1 ?reat5+ him t if
 he did n  leave ! c\ntry he w\ld %oot  
him at sight4 ,mr4 ,s*loss %[$ me  !    
lett]4    8,x _h come to ?is4 ,i mu/    
ei!r elope ) ,s*loss1 or lose 8  aid4 ,!
 ?\ght ( ei!r 0 un5durable4 ,i hat$     
him--yet 0  dep5d5t on him4             
8,to-night ,i met him1 9 8 empty        
ap>tm5t1 alone4 ,i knew t he _h  :at 0  

left ( 8 money ) him1 t ev]y?+ 0 pack$  
up4 ,i  w5t prep>$4 ,i w\ld n elope4 ,my
 plan 0 no less ?an to make him  pay !  
balance on ! necklace t he _h lo/--or to
 murd] him4    8,i c>ri$ a new pi/ol 9  
my muff1 "o :i* ,lynn _h j b\ght4 ,i    
don't "k h[ ,i did x4 ,i 0 desp]ate4    
8,he told me he lov$ me1 t ,lynn did n1 
nev] _h--t ,lynn _h  m>ri$ me only to %[
 (f 8 weal? & diamonds1 to give him a   
social6 position--t ,i 0 m]ely a--a     
piece ( prop]ty--a dummy4    8,he tri$  
to kiss me4 ,x 0 revolt+4 ,i /ruggl$    
away f him4    8,& 9 ! /ruggle1 !       
revolv] fell f my muff & explod$ on  !  
floor4    8,at once he 0 aflame )       
suspicion4    8#8,s--x's murd] y want6' 
he %\t$4 #8,well1 murd] x %all be6'     
8,i saw dea? 9 8 eye z he seiz$ my arm4 
,i 0 def5seless n[4 ,!  old passion came
 ov] him4 ,be=e he kill$--he--w\ld h 8  
way )  me4    8,i scream$4 ,) a wild    
ef=t ,i twi/$ away f him4    8,he rais$ 
8 h& to /rike me1 ,i saw 8 eyes1 glassy4
 ,!n he sank  back--fell to !           

floor--dead ( apoplexy--dead ( 8 furi\s 
emotions4    8,i fl$4    8,& n[ y h f\nd
 me40    ,%e _h turn$1 ha/ily1 to leave 
! room4 ,k5n$y block$ ! door4    8,mrs4 
,m\lton10 he said firmly1 8li/5 to me4  
,:at 0 ! fir/  "q y ask$ me8 #8,c ,i    
tru/ y8' ,& ,i told y y c\ld4  ,?is is  
no "t =--= suicide40 ,he %ot ! ^w out   
bluntly4 8,all  may n be lo/4 ,i h s5t =
 y\r husb&4 ,mull] is outside40         
8,mull]80 %e cri$4 8,he made ! replica40
    8,v well4 ,i am go+ to cle> ?is ?+  
up4 ,come4 ,y mu/40    ,x 0 all confus$ 
to me1 ! da% 9 a c> to ! little         
pawnbrok]'s  on ! fir/ floor ( a        
five-/ory t5em5t1 ! quick entry into !  
place by "o ( ,mull]'s keys4    ,ov] !  
safe 9 back 0 a framework l t :i* _h    
cov]$  ,s*loss' safe4 ,k5n$y tore x     
away1 reg>dless ( ! al>m :i* x  mu/ h   
s\nd$4 ,9 a mom5t he 0 d[n be=e x on 8  
knees4    8,?is is h[ ,s*loss' safe 0   
op5$ s quickly10 he mutt]$1 work+       
fev]i%ly4 8,"h is "s ( _! own m$ic9e40  
,he _h plac$ ! peculi> telephone-l      

transmitt] close to !  comb9ation lock &
 0 turn+ ! comb9ation rapidly4          
,sudd5ly he rose1 gave ! bolts a twi/1 &
 ! pond]\s doors swung  op54    8,:at is
 x80 ,i ask$ eag]ly4    8,a burgl>'s    
microphone10 he answ]$1 ha/ily look+ ov]
 !  cont5ts ( ! safe4 8,! microphone is 
n[ us$ by burgl>s =  pick+ comb9ation   
locks4 ,:5 y turn ! lock1 a slight s\nd 
is  made :5 ! prop] numb] comes opposite
 ! work+ po9t4 ,x c be  he>d sometimes  
by a s5sitive e>1 al?\gh x is           
imp]ceptible to  mo/ p]sons4 ,b by us+ a
 microphone x is an easy matt] to he>  !
 s\nds :i* all[ ( op5+ ! lock40    ,he  
_h tak5 a yell[ *amois bag out ( ! safe 
& op5$ x4    ,inside sp>kl$ ! fam\s     
,m\lton diamonds4 ,he held !m up--9 all 
_! wick$ brilliancy4 ,no "o spoke4      
,!n he took ano!r yell[ bag1 m dirty &  
worn ?an ! fir/4 ,z  he op5$ x1 ,mrs4   
,m\lton c\ld re/ra9 h]self no long]4    
8,! replica60 %e cri$4 8,! replica60    
,)\t a ^w1 ,craig h&$ ! real necklace to
 h]4 ,!n he slipp$  ! pa/e jewels into !

 new] ( ! bags & re/or$ bo? x &  ! empty
 "o to _! places1 bang$ %ut ! door ( !  
safe1 &  replac$ ! wood5 scre54         
8,quick60 he said to h]1 8y h /ill a    
m9ute to get away4                      
,hurry--any:]e--away--only away60    ,! 
look ( gratitude t came ov] h] face1 z  
%e und]/ood !  full mean+ ( x 0 su* z ,i
 _h nev] se5 be=e4    8,quick60 he      
repeat$4    ,x 0 too late4    8,= ,god's
 sake1 ,k5n$y10 %\t$ a voice at ! /reet 
door1 8:at  are y do+ "h80    ,x 0      
,mc,lear himself4 ,he _h come ) ! ,hale 
patrol1 on 8 mettle  n[ to take c>e ( ! 
epidemic ( robb]ies4    ,be=e ,craig    
c\ld reply a cab drew up ) a ru% at !   
curb & two  m51 half fight+1 half curs+1
 catapult$ !mselves into ! %op4    ,!y 7
 ,w9t]s & ,m\lton4    ,)\t a ^w1 tak+   
advantage ( ! fir/ %ock ( surprise1     
,k5n$y _h clapp$ a piece ( *emical pap] 
on ! =eheads ( ,mrs4  ,m\lton1 !n (     
,m\lton1 & on ,mull]'s4 ,oblivi\s to !  
re/ ( u1  he /udi$ ! impressions 9 !    
full light ( ! c\nt]4    ,m\lton 0 fac+ 

8 wife ) a scornful curl ( ! lip4       
8,i've be5 told ( ! pa/e replica--& ,i  
wrote ,s*loss t ,i'd %oot  him d[n l !  
dog he is1 y--y traitress10 he hiss$4   
,%e drew h]self up scornfully4    8,& ,i
 h be5 told :y y m>ri$ me--to %[ (f y\r 
wick$ jewels  & help y 9 y\r--0    8,y  
lie60 he cri$ fi]cely4 8,mull]--"s      
"o--op5 ?is safe--:osev]  x is4 ,if :at 
,i h be5 told is true1 !re is 9 x "o new
 bag  conta9+ ! necklace4 ,x 0 /ol5 f   
,s*loss to :om y sold  my jewels4 ,! o!r
 old bag1 /ol5 f me1 conta9s ! pa/e     
replica y _h made to deceive me40    ,x 
0 all s confus$ t ,i d n "k h[ x happ5$4
 ,i ?9k x  0 ,mull] :o op5$ ! safe4     
8,!re is ! new yell[ bag10 cri$ ,m\lton1
 8f ,s*loss' own safe4  ,op5 x40        
,mc,lear _h tak5 x4 ,he did s4 ,!re     
sp>kl$ n ! real gems1 b  ! replica4     
8,! devil60 ,m\lton exclaim$1 break+ f  
,w9t]s & seiz+ !  old bag4    ,he tore x
 op5 &--x 0 empty4    8,"o mom5t10      
int]rupt$ ,k5n$y1 look+ up quietly f !  
c\nt]4  8,seal t safe aga91 ,mc,lear4 ,9

 x are ! ,s*loss jewels & !  products ( 
half a doz5 o!r robb]ies :i* ! dupe     
,mull]--or  ,/e91 z y please--pull$ (f1 
"s z a bl9d to conceal ! real  crim9al4 
,y may h %[n him h[ to leave no f+]     
pr9ts1 b y  y\rself h left :at is j z   
good--y\r own =ehead pr9t4  ,mc,lear--y 
7 "r4 ,!re's y\r crim9al--,lynn ,m\lton1
 pr(essional  f5ce1 ! bra9s ( ! ?+40    
,,*apt] ,,xix  ,,! ,,g]m ,,lett]        
,lynn ,m\lton made no fight & ,k5n$y did
 n pursue ! case1 =1  ) ! rescue (      
,anto9ette ,m\lton1 8 int]e/ ceas$4     
,blackmail takes v>i\s =ms1 & ! ,m\lton 
affair 0 only "o  phase ( x4 ,x 0 n long
 be=e we _h to meet a mu* /rang]        
attempt4    8,read ! lett]1 ,pr(essor   
,k5n$y4 ,!n ,i w tell y ! sequel40      
,mrs4 ,hunt] ,blake lay back 9 ! cu%ions
 ( h] invalid *air 9 !  sun p>lor ( !   
great ,blake mansion on ,riv]side       
,drive1 fac+ !  ,hudson ) its cont9u\s  
reel ( m>itime life fram$ aga9/ !       
gre5-hill$ backgr\nd ( ! ,j]sey %ore4   
,h] nurse1 ,miss ,dora ,se>s1 g5tly     

smoo!d out ! pill[s &  adju/$ !m s t !  
invalid c\ld m easily wat* u4 ,mrs4     
,blake1 weal?y1 kn[n z a philan?ropi/1 0
 n an old woman1 b  _h be5 = ye>s a     
great suff]] f rheumatism4    ,i wat*$  
,miss ,se>s eag]ly4 ,full-bosom$1 f9e ( 
face & figure1  %e 0 some?+ m ?an a     
nurse2 %e 0 a companion4 ,%e _h  bright1
 sp>kl+ black eyes & an expression ab\t 
h] well-cut m\?  :i* made "o want to    
laugh ) h]4 ,x seem$ to say t ! _w  0 a 
huge joke & %e invit$ y to enjoy ! joke 
) h]4    ,k5n$y took ! lett] :i* ,miss  
,se>s pr(f]$ him1 & z he did  s ,i c\ld 
n help notic+ h] full1 plump =e>m on :i*
 gleam$ a  h&some pla9 gold bracelet4   
,he spread ! lett] out on a da9ty  wick]
 table 9 su* a way t we bo? c\ld see x4 
,we _h be5 summon$ ov] ! telephone to ! 
,blake mansion by  ,reg9ald ,blake1     
,mrs4 ,blake's elde/ son4 ,reg9ald _h   
be5 v  retic5t ov] ! reason1 b _h seem$ 
v anxi\s & insi/5t  t ,k5n$y %\ld come  
imm$iately4    ,craig read quickly & ,i 
foll[$ him1 fasc9at$ by ! lett] f  its v

 op5+ p>agraph4    8,de> ,madam10 x     
began4 8,hav+ receiv$ my diploma z      
doctor (  m$ic9e & bact]iology at       
,heidelb]g 9 #aiji1 ,i came to ! ,unit$ 
,/ates to /udy a mo/ s]i\s disease :i*  
is preval5t 9 sev]al (  ! we/]n m\nta9  
/ates40    ,s f>1 ,i reflect$1 x look$ l
 an ord9>y appeal = aid4 ,!  next words1
 h[ev]1 7 que]3 8,i h f\r hundr$ p]sons 
( weal?  on my li/4 ,y\r "n 0--0        
,k5n$y turn$ ! page4 ,on ! next leaf ( !
 lett] %eet 0  pa/$ a /rip ( gelat9e4 ,!
 fir/ page _h adh]$ slightly to !       
gelat9e4    8,*os5 by fate10 w5t on !   
s5t5ce om9\sly4    8,by op5+ ?is lett]10
 ,i read1 8y h lib]at$ millions ( !     
virul5t bact]ia ( ?is disease4 ,)\t a   
d\bt y are infect$ by  ?is "t1 = no     
human body is imp]vi\s to !m1 & up to ! 
pres5t only "o 9 "o hundr$ has fully    
recov]$ aft] go+ ?r\gh  all its /ages40 
,i gasp$4 ,! gelat9e _h evid5tly be5    
arrang$ s t :5 ! two  %eets 7 pull$     
ap>t1 ! g]ms w\ld be ?r[n into ! air    
ab\t  ! p]son op5+ ! lett]4 ,x 0 a v    

+5i\s device4    ,! lett] cont9u$1 8,i  
am happy to say1 h[ev]1 t ,i h a        
prophylactic :i* w de/roy any numb] ( ^!
 g]ms if us$ up to  ! n9? day4 ,x is    
necess>y only t y %\ld place five ?\s&  
doll>s 9 an envelope & leave x = me to  
be call$ = at ! desk  ( ! ,pr9ce ,h5ry  
,hotel4 ,:5 ! mess5g] deliv]s ! money to
 me1  ! prophylactic w be s5t           
imm$iately4    8,fir/ ( all1 take a mat*
 & burn ?is lett] to avoid spread+ !    
disease4 ,!n *ange y\r clo!s & burn !   
old ones4 ,enclos$ y  w f9d 9 a g]m-pro(
 envelope an exact copy ( ?is lett]4 ,! 
room %\ld !n be ?or\ghly fumigat$4 ,d n 
come into close  contact ) anyone ne> & 
de> to y until y h us$ !  prophylactic4 
,tell no "o4 ,9 case y d1 ! prophylactic
 w n be  s5t "u any circum/ances4 ,v    
truly y\rs1 ,,dr4 ,,hans ,,hopf40       
8,blackmail60 exclaim$ ,k5n$y1 look+    
int5tly aga9 at ! gelat9e  on ! second  
page1 z ,i involunt>ily back$ away &    
held my brea?4    8,yes1 ,i "k10        
respond$ ,mrs4 ,blake anxi\sly1 8b is x 

true80    ,!re c\ld be no d\bt f ! tone 
( h] voice t %e m ?an  half believ$ t x 
0 true4    8,i _c say--yet10 repli$     
,craig1 /ill cauti\sly scann+ !         
app>5tly innoc5t piece ( gelat9e on !   
orig9al lett] :i* ,mrs4  ,blake _h n    
de/roy$4 8,i %all h to keep x & exam9e  
x40    ,on ! gelat9e ,i c\ld see a d>k  
mass :i* evid5tly 0 suppos$ to  conta9 !
 g]ms4    8,i op5$ ! lett] "h 9 ?is     
room10 %e w5t on4 8,at fir/ ,i  ?\ght   
no?+ ( x4 ,b ?is morn+1 :5 ,bu/]1 my    
prize  ,pek9ese1 :o _h be5 ) me1 sitt+  
on my lap at ! "t1 &  clos] to ! lett]  
ev5 ?an ,i 01 :5 ,bu/] 0 tak5 sudd5ly   
ill1 ,i--well1 ,i began to worry40      
,%e f9i%$ ) a little n]v\s laugh1 z p w 
to hide _!  real feel+s4    8,i %\ld l  
to see ! dog10 rem>k$ ,k5n$y simply4    
8,miss ,se>s10 ask$ h] mi/ress1 8w y get
 ,bu/]1 please80    ,! nurse left !     
room4 ,no long] 0 !re ! laugh+ look on  
h]  face4 ,?is 0 s]i\s bus9ess4    ,a   
few m9utes lat] %e reappe>$1 c>ry+ g+]ly
 a small dog  basket4 ,mrs4 ,blake lift$

 ! lid4 ,inside 0 a beautiful little    
8,peke10 & x 0 easy to see t ,bu/] 0    
inde$ ill4    8,:o is y\r doctor80 ask$ 
,craig1 consid]+4    8,dr4 ,rae ,wilson1
 a v well-kn[n woman physician40        
,k5n$y nodd$ recognition ( ! "n4 8,:at  
does %e say80 he ask$1  obs]v+ ! dog    
n>r[ly4    8,we hav5't told anyone1     
outside1 ( x yet10 repli$ ,mrs4 ,blake4 
8,9  fact until ,bu/] fell sick1 ,i     
?\ght x 0 a hoax40    8,y hav5't told   
anyone80    8,only ,reg9ald & my daught]
 ,betty4 ,betty is frantic--n ) fe>  =  
h]self1 b ) fe> = me4 ,no "o c reassure 
h]4 ,9 fact x  0 z mu* = h] sake z      
anyone's t ,i s5t = y4 ,reg9ald has     
tri$ to trace ! ?+ d[n himself1 b has n 
succe$$40    ,%e paus$4 ,! door op5$ &  
,reg9ald ,blake ent]$4 ,he 0 a "y       
fell[1 self confid5t & no d\bt v        
effici5t at ! new dances1  ?\gh sc>cely 
fitt$ to rub elb[s ) a cold _w :i*1     
outside  ( 8 own imm$iate circle1 knew n
 ! "n ( ,blake4 ,he /ood = a  mom5t     
reg>d+ u ?r\gh ! smoke ( 8 cig>ette4    

8,tell me j :at y h done10 ask$ ,k5n$y (
 him z 8 "m  introduc$ him1 al?\gh he _h
 done ! talk+ = h] ov] !  telephone4    
8,done80 he drawl$4 8,:y1 z soon z "m   
told me ( ! lett]1 ,i  left an envelope 
up at ! ,pr9ce ,h5ry1 z x direct$40     
8,) ! money80 put 9 ,craig quickly4     
8,oh1 no--j z a decoy40    8,yes4 ,:at  
happ5$80    8,well1 ,i wait$ ar\nd a    
long "t4 ,x 0 f> along 9 ! day :5 a     
woman appe>$ at ! desk4 ,i _h in/ruct$ !
 cl]k to be on !  wat* = anyone :o ask$ 
= mail address$ to a ,dr4 ,hopf4 ,! cl]k
  slamm$ ! regi/]4 ,t 0 ! signal4 ,i    
mov$ up clos]40    8,:at did %e look l80
 ask$ ,k5n$y ke5ly4    8,i c\ldn't see  
h] face4 ,b %e 0 beautifully dress$1 ) a
 long  light fl[+ l95 du/]1 a veil t hid
 h] features & on h]  h&s & arms a long 
pair ( motor+ doesk9 gloves4 ,by        
,george1 %e  0 a w9n]--9 g5]al looks1   
?\gh4 ,well1 some?+ ab\t ! cl]k1  ,i    
suppose1 mu/ h ar\s$ h] suspicions4 ,=1 
a mom5t lat]1 %e  0 gone 9 ! cr[d4      
,evid5tly %e _h ?\ght ( ! dang] & _h    

pick$ out a "t :5 ! lobby w\ld be full &
 ev]ybody busy4 ,b  %e did n leave by ! 
front entrance ?r\gh :i* %e ent]$4 ,i   
conclud$ t %e mu/ h left by "o ( ! side 
/reet c>riage  doors40    8,& %e got    
away80    8,yes4 ,i f\nd t %e ask$ "o ( 
! boys at ! door to crank up a  c> /&+  
at ! curb4 ,%e slid into ! seat1 & 0 (f 
9 a  m9ute40    ,k5n$y said no?+4 ,b ,i 
knew t he 0 mak+ a mighty ef=t to       
re/ra9 comm5t on ! bungl+ amateur       
detective "w ( ! son (  our cli5t4      
,reg9ald saw ! look on 8 face4 8,/ill10 
he ha/5$1 8,i got !  numb] ( ! c>4 ,x 0 
#bjjhei ,new ,york40    8,y h look$ x   
up80 qu]i$ ,k5n$y quickly4    8,i didn't
 ne$ to d x4 ,a few m9utes lat] ,dr4    
,rae ,wilson h]self  came out--/orm+ l  
mad4 ,h] c> _h be5 /ol5 at ! v door (  !
 hotel by ?is woman ) ! innoc5t aid ( ! 
hotel employees40    ,k5n$y 0 evid5tly  
ke5ly int]e/$4 ,! m5tion ( ! /ol5 c>  _h
 app>5tly at once sugge/$ an idea to    
him4    8,mrs4 ,blake10 he said1 z he   
rose to g1 8,i %all take ?is lett] )    

me4 ,w y see t ,bu/] is s5t up to my    
laboratory imm$iately80    ,%e nodd$4 ,x
 0 evid5t t ,bu/] 0 a great pet ) h] &  
t x 0 ) difficulty %e kept f smoo?+ 8   
silky coat4    8,y--y won't hurt ,bu/]80
 %e plead$4    8,no4 ,tru/ me4 ,m ?an t1
 if !re is any possible way (  untangl+ 
?is my/]y1 ,i %all d x40    ,mrs4 ,blake
 look$ r ?an spoke h] ?anks4 ,z we w5t  
d[n/airs1  accompani$ by ,miss ,se>s1 we
 c\ld see 9 ! music room a v  int]e/+   
c\ple1 *att+ e>ne/ly ov] ! piano4       
,betty ,blake1 a slip ( a girl 9 h] fir/
 season1 0 divid+ h]  att5tion betwe5 h]
 visitor & ! door by :i* we 7 pass+4    
,%e rose z %e he>d u1 leav+ ! "y man /&+
 alone at !  piano4 ,he 0 ( an age      
p]haps a ye> or two old] ?an ,reg9ald   
,blake4 ,x 0 evid5t t1 :atev] ,miss     
,betty might ?9k1 he _h  eyes = no "o   
else b ! pretty debutante4 ,he ev5 seem$
 to be  reg>d+ ,k5n$y sull5ly1 z if he 7
 a possible rival4    8,y--y don't ?9k x
 is s]i\s80 :isp]$ ,betty 9 an und]tone1
  sc>cely wait+ to be introduc$4 ,%e _h 

evid5tly kn[n ( our  visit1 b _h be5    
unable to get away to be pres5t up/airs4
    8,really1 ,miss ,blake10 reassur$   
,k5n$y1 8,i c't say4 ,all ,i c d is  to 
repeat :at ,i h already said to y\r "m4 
,keep up a good he>t  & tru/ me to "w x 
out40    8,?ank y10 %e murmur$1 & !n1   
impulsively ext5d+ h] small  h& to      
,craig1 %e add$1 8,mr4 ,k5n$y1 if !re is
 any?+ ,i c d  to help y1 ,i beg t y w  
call on me40    8,i %all n =get10 he    
answ]$1 rel9qui%+ ! h& reluctantly4     
,!n1 z %e ?ank$ him1 & turn$ aga9 to h] 
gue/1 he add$ 9 a  l[ tone to me1 8,a   
rem>kable girl1 ,walt]1 a girl t c be   
dep5d$  on40    ,we foll[$ ,miss ,se>s  
d[n ! hall4    8,:o 0 t "y man 9 ! music
 room80 ask$ ,k5n$y1 :5 we 7  out (     
e>%ot4    8,duncan ,baldw910 %e answ]$4 
8,a fri5d & bosom companion (           
,reg9ald40    8,he seems to ?9k m (     
,betty ?an ( h] bro!r10 ,craig rem>k$   
dryly4    ,miss ,se>s smil$4            
8,sometimes1 we ?9k !y are secretly     
engag$10 %e  return$4 ,we _h almo/ rea*$

 ! door4 8,by ! way10 %e ask$  anxi\sly1
 8d y ?9k !re are any precautions t ,i  
%\ld take  = ,mrs4 ,blake--& ! re/80    
8,h>dly10 answ]$ ,k5n$y1 aft] a mom5t's 
consid]ation1 8z long z  y h tak5 none 9
 p>ticul> already4 ,/ill1 ,i suppose x w
 d  no h>m to be z antiseptic z         
possible40    8,i %all try10 %e promis$1
 h] face %[+ t %e consid]$ !  affair n[ 
9 a mu* m s]i\s light ?an %e _h be=e our
 visit4    8,& keep me in=m$ ( any?+ t  
turns up10 add$ ,k5n$y h&+  h] a c>d ) !
 telephone numb] ( ! laboratory4    ,z  
we left ! ,blake mansion1 ,k5n$y rem>k$1
 8,we mu/ trace t c>  someh[--at lea/ we
 mu/ get someone work+ on t40    ,half  
an h\r lat] we 7 9 a t[]+ (fice build+  
on ,lib]ty  ,/reet1 ! home ( v>i\s k9ds 
( insurance4 ,k5n$y /opp$ be=e  a door  
:i* bore ! "n1 8,d\glas ,g>wood3        
,insurance ,adju/]40    ,briefly1 ,craig
 told ! /ory ( ! /ol5 c>1 omitt+ !      
acc\nt  ( ! da/>dly me?od tak5 to       
blackmail ,mrs4 ,blake4 ,z he proce$$  a
 light seem$ to break on ! face (       

,g>wood1 a heavyset man1 ^:  v gaze 0   
inquisitorial4    8,yes1 ! !ft has be5  
report$ to u already by ,dr4 ,wilson    
h]self10  he int]rupt$4 8,! c> 0 insur$ 
9 a company ,i repres5t40    8,i _h hop$
 s10 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1 8,d y "k ! woman80  
he add$1  wat*+ ! insurance adju/] :o _h
 be5 li/5+ int5tly z he  told ab\t !    
fair motor c> ?ief4    8,"k h]80 repeat$
 ,g>wood emphatically4 8,:y1 man1 we h  
be5 s  close to t woman t ,i feel almo/ 
intimate ) h]4 ,!  descriptions are ^? (
 a lady1 well-dress$1 & ) a voice &     
mann] t w\ld c>ry h] ?r\gh any ( !      
fa%ionable hotels1  p]haps into society 
itself40    8,"o ( a gang ( blackmail]s1
 !n10 ,i haz>d$4    ,g>wood %rugg$ 8    
%\ld]s4 8,p]haps10 he acquiesc$4 8,x is 
automobile ?iev+ t int]e/s me1 ?\gh4    
,:y10 he w5t on1 ris+  excit$ly1 8!     
gangs ( ^! ?ieves are gett+ away ) half 
a  million doll>s' wor? ( high-pric$ c>s
 e ye>4 ,! police seem  to be p[]less to
 /op x4 ,we appeal to !m1 b ) no result4
 ,s1  n[ we h tak5 ?+s into our own     

h&s40    8,:at are y do+ 9 ?is case80   
ask$ ,k5n$y4    8,:at ! insurance       
companies h to d to recov] /ol5         
automobiles10 ,g>wood repli$4 8,=1 ) all
 def]5ce to y\r fri5d1  ,deputy         
,o',connor1 x is ! insurance companies r
 ?an ! police  :o get /ol5 c>s back40   
,he _h pull$ out a po/al c>d f a pigeon 
hole 9 8 desk1  select+ x f sev]al      
app>5tly simil>4 ,we read3    #bej4jj   
,,rew>d      ,we w pay #ajj4jj = c>1    
#aej4jj additional = in=mation :i*  w   
convict ! ?ief4 ,:5 la/ se51 driv5 by a 
woman1 "n n  kn[n1 :o is describ$ z     
d>k-hair$1 well-dress$1 slight1         
app>5tly ?irty ye>s old4 ,! c> is a     
,dixon1 #aiab1 sev5-pass5g]1  t\r+1 ,no4
 #aic1bbb1 lic5se ,no4 #bjj1hei1 ,new   
,york2 d>k r$ body1  mohair top1 brass  
lamps1 has no w9d %ield2 re> axle brake 
b&  device has extra nut on turnbuckle n
 pa9t$4 ,c> la/ se5 ne>  ,pr9ce ,h5ry   
,hotel1 ,new ,york ,city1 ,friday1 !    
#aj?4    ,communicate by telegraph or   
telephone1 aft] notify+ ne>e/ police    

dep>tm5t1 ) ,d\glas ,g>wood1 ,new ,york 
,city4    8,! secret ( x is10 expla9$   
,g>wood1 z we f9i%$ read+1 8t  !re are  
innum]able p :o keep _! eyes op5 & l to 
e>n  money easily4 ,?us we h sev]al     
hundr$s ( amateur & en?usia/ic          
detectives wat*+ all ov] ! city & c\ntry
 = any c> t  looks suspici\s40    ,k5n$y
 ?ank$ him = 8 c\rtesy1 & we rose to g4 
8,i %all be  glad to keep y in=m$ (     
any?+ t turns up10 he promis$4          
,,*apt] ,,xx  ,,! ,,artificial ,,kidney 
,9 ! laboratory1 ,k5n$y quietly set to  
"w4 ,he began by te>+  f ! g]m lett] !  
piece ( gelat9e & fir/ exam9+ x )  a    
pocket l5s4 ,!n1 ) a /]ile plat9um wire1
 he pick$ out  sev]al m9ute sections ( !
 black spot on ! gelat9e & plac$  !m 9  
ag>1 blood s]um1 & o!r m$ia on :i* !y   
w\ld be  likely to gr[4    8,i %all h to
 wait until to-morr[ to exam9e !m       
prop]ly10 he  rem>k$4 8,!re are colonies
 ( some?+ !re1 all "r1 b ,i mu/  h !m m 
fully develop$40    ,a hurri$ telephone 
call late 9 ! day f ,miss ,se>s told u t

  ,mrs4 ,blake h]self _h begun to       
compla91 & t ,dr4 ,wilson _h be5        
summon$ b _h be5 unable to give an      
op9ion on ! nature ( !  malady4         
,k5n$y quickly decid$ on mak+ a visit to
 ! doctor1 :o liv$ n  f> d[nt[n f !     
laboratory4    ,dr4 ,rae ,wilson prov$  
to be a n]v\s little woman1 incl9$1 ,i  
felt1  to be dictatorial4 ,i ?\ght t    
secretly %e felt a little piqu$ at  our 
hav+ be5 tak5 into ! ,blakes' confid5ce 
be=e h]self1 &  ,k5n$y made e ef=t to   
smoo? t aspect ov] tactfully4    8,h y  
any idea :at x c be80 he ask$ f9ally4   
,%e %ook h] head noncommittally4 8,i h  
tak5 blood sme>s10 %e  answ]$1 8b s f>  
hav5't be5 able to discov] any?+4 ,i    
%all  h to h h] "u obs]vation = a day or
 two be=e ,i c answ]  t4 ,/ill1 z ,mrs4 
,blake is s ill1 ,i h ord]$ ano!r tra9$ 
nurse to relieve ,miss ,se>s ( ! add$   
"w1 a v effici5t nurse1  a ,miss        
,rog]s40    ,k5n$y _h ris5 to g4 8,y h  
_h no ^w ab\t y\r c>80 he  ask$         
casually4    8,none yet4 ,i'm n worry+4 

,x 0 insur$40    8,:o is ?is ar*        
crim9al1 ,dr4 ,hopf80 ,i mus$ z we      
retrac$ our /eps  to ! laboratory4 8,is 
,mrs4 ,blake /rick5 n[ by ! same tr\ble 
t  seems to h affect$ ,bu/]80    8,only 
my exam9ation w %[10 he said4 8,i %all  
let no?+  int]f]e ) t n[4 ,x mu/ be !   
/>t+ po9t = any "w  t ,i may d 9 !      
case40    ,we arriv$ at ,k5n$y's work%op
 ( sci5tific crime & he imm$iately      
plung$ into "w4 ,look+ up he caught     
sight ( me /&+ helplessly  idle4        
8,walt]10 he rem>k$ ?\ghtfully adju/+ a 
microscope1 8suppose y  run d[n & see   
,g>wood4 ,p]haps he has some?+ to       
report4 ,& by  ! way1 :ile y are out1   
make inquiries ab\t ! ,blakes1 "y       
,baldw91 ,miss ,se>s & ?is ,dr4 ,wilson4
 ,i h he>d ( h] be=e1 at  lea/ by "n4   
,p]haps y may f9d some?+ int]e/+40      
,glad to h a *ance to seem to be do+    
some?+ :e!r x am\nt$  to any?+ or n1 ,i 
dropp$ 9 to see ,g>wood4 ,s f> he _h    
no?+  to report except ! usual numb] (  
false al>ms4 ,f 8 (fice ,i  w5t up to ! 

,/> :]e =tunately ,i f\nd "o ( !        
report]s  :o wrote society notes4    ,! 
,blakes1 ,i f\nd1 z we already knew1 to 
be well kn[n & mov+ 9  ! highe/ social  
circles4 ,z f> z kn[n !y _h no p>ticul> 
enemies1 o!r ?an ^? common to all p (   
great weal?4 ,dr4  ,wilson _h a l>ge    
practice1 built up 9 rec5t ye>s1 & 0 "o 
(  ! be/ kn[n society physicians = wom54
 ,miss ,se>s 0 unkn[n1 z  f> z ,i c\ld  
det]m9e4 ,z = ,duncan ,baldw91 ,i f\nd t
 he _h  become acqua9t$ ) ,reg9ald      
,blake 9 college1 t he came ( no        
p>ticul> family & seem$ to h no great   
means1 al?\gh he 0  v popul> 9 ! be/    
circles4 ,9 fact he _h _h1 ?anks to 8   
fri5d1 a r meteoric rise 9 society1 ?\gh
 x 0 report$ t  he 0 some:at involv$ 9  
debt z a result4    ,i return$ to !     
laboratory to f9d t ,craig _h tak5 out (
 a  cab9et a peculi> look+ arrangem5t4  
,x consi/$ ( ?irty-two  tubes1 ea* ab\t 
sixte5 in*es long1 ) ,s-turns1 l a m9ute
  radiator4 ,x 0 altoge!r n ov] a cubic 
foot 9 size1 & enclos$  9 a glass       

cyl9d]4 ,!re 7 9 x1 p]haps1 fifty feet (
 tubes1 a  p]fectly-clos$ tubul> sy/em  
:i* ,i notic$ ,k5n$y 0 keep+  absolutely
 /]ile 9 a g]micidal solution ( "s k9d4 
,inside ! tubes & surr\nd+ !m 0 a sal9e 
solution :i* 0  kept at a uni=m         
temp]ature by a special heat+ app>atus4 
,k5n$y _h plac$ ! app>atus on !         
laboratory table & !n  g5tly took !     
little dog f 8 basket & laid him beside 
x4 ,a  few m9utes lat] ! poor little    
suff]+ ,bu/] 0 m]cifully "u  ! influ5ce 
( an ane/hetic4    ,quickly ,craig      
work$4 ,fir/ he atta*$ ! end ( "o ( !   
tubes by  means ( a little cannula to ! 
c>otid art]y ( ! dog4 ,!n !  o!r 0      
atta*$ to ! jugul> ve94    ,z he releas$
 ! clamp :i* held ! art]y1 ! little     
dog's  fev]i%ly beat+ he>t spurt$ !     
art]ial blood f ! c>otid  into ! tubes  
hold+ ! normal salt solution & t        
pressure1 9  turn1 pump$ ! salt solution
 :i* fill$ ! tubes into ! jugul>  ve91  
?us replac+ ! art]ial blood t _h p\r$   
into ! tubes  f ! o!r end & ma9ta9+ !   

normal hydro/atic conditions 9  ! body  
circulation4 ,! dog 0 be+ kept alive1   
al?\gh p]haps a  ?ird ( 8 blood 0 out ( 
8 body4    8,y see10 he said at l5g?1   
aft] we _h wat*$ ! process a few        
m9utes1 8:at ,i h "h is 9 reality an    
artificial kidney4 ,x is a  sy/em t has 
be5 devis$ by sev]al doctors at ,johns  
,hopk9s4    8,if !re is any tox9 9 !    
blood ( ?is dog1 ! kidneys are          
naturally endeavor+ to elim9ate x4      
,p]haps x is be+ elim9at$  too sl[ly4 ,9
 t case ?is arrangem5t :i* ,i h "h w aid
  !m4 ,we call x vividiffusion & x      
dep5ds = its action on !  physical      
pr9ciple ( osmosis1 ! passage (         
sub/ances ( a c]ta9  k9d ?r\gh a por\s  
membrane1 su* z ^! tubes ( celloid94    
8,?us any sub/ance1 any poison t is     
dialyzable is diffus$ into !  surr\nd+  
salt solution & ! blood is pass$ back   
into ! body1  ) no air 9 x1 no          
infection1 & )\t alt]ation4 ,clott+ is  
prev5t$ by ! injection ( a h>mless      
sub/ance d]iv$ f  lee*es1 kn[n z hirud94

 ,i prev5t ! loss ( any?+ 9 ! blood  :i*
 ,i want reta9$ by plac+ 9 ! salt       
solution ar\nd ! tubes  an am\nt ( t    
sub/ance equal to t held 9 solution by !
  blood4 ,( c\rse t does n apply to !   
colloidal sub/ances 9 !  blood :i* w\ld 
n pass by osmosis "u any circum/ances4  
,b by  su* adju/m5ts ,i c remove & /udy 
any desir$ sub/ance 9 !  blood1 provid$ 
x is capable ( diffusion4 ,9 fact ?is   
little  app>atus has be5 f\nd 9 practice
 to comp>e favorably ) !  kidneys       
!mselves 9 remov+ ev5 a le?al dose (    
poison40    ,i wat*$ 9 amazem5t4 ,he 0  
actually clean+ ! blood ( ! dog  & putt+
 x back aga91 purifi$1 into ! little    
body4 ,f> f  be+ cruel1 z p]haps x might
 seem1 x 0 9 reality probably !  only   
me?od by :i* ! animal c\ld be sav$1 & at
 ! same "t x  0 giv+ u a clue z to "s   
elusive1 subtle sub/ance us$ 9 !  case4 
8,inde$10 ,k5n$y w5t on reflectively1   
8?is process c be kept up  = sev]al h\rs
 )\t injury to ! dog1 ?\gh ,i d n ?9k t 
w be necess>y to relieve ! unwont$ /ra9 

t has be5 put ^u  8 natural organs4     
,f9ally1 at ! close ( ! op]ation1 s]i\s 
loss ( blood is ov]come by driv+ back ! 
great] "p ( x into  8 body1 clos+ up !  
art]y & ve91 & tak+ good c>e ( !  animal
 s t he w make a quick recov]y40    ,= a
 long "t ,i wat*$ ! fasc9at+ process (  
see+ ! life  blood c\rs+ ?r\gh ! por\s  
tubes 9 ! salt solution1 :ile  ,k5n$y   
gave 8 undivid$ att5tion to ! success ( 
! delicate  exp]im5t4 ,x 0 late :5 ,i   
left him1 /ill at "w ov] ,bu/]1 &  w5t  
up to our ap>tm5t to turn 91 conv9c$ t  
no?+ m w\ld  happ5 t night4    ,! next  
morn+1 ) *>act]i/ic en]gy1 ,craig 0 at  
"w e>ly1  exam9+ ! cultures he _h made f
 ! black spots on !  gelat9e4    ,by !  
look ( p]plexity on 8 face1 ,i knew t he
 _h discov]$  some?+ t in/ead ( cle>+ ! 
my/]y up1 fur!r deep5$ x4    8,:at d y  
f9d80 ,i ask$ anxi\sly4    8,walt]10 he 
exclaim$1 lay+ aside ! la/ ( ! slides   
:i* he  _h be5 /a9+ & look+ at int5tly  
?r\gh ! microscope1 8t  /uff on !       
gelat9e is entirely h>mless4 ,!re 0 no?+

 9 x  except common mold40    ,= ! mom5t
 ,i did n compreh5d4 8,mold80 ,i        
repeat$4    8,yes10 he repli$1 8j       
common1 ord9>y mold su* z gr[s on ! top 
( a j> ( fruit or pres]ves :5 x is      
expos$ to ! air40    ,i /ifl$ an        
exclamation ( incr$ulity4 ,x seem$      
impossible t !  deadly g]m note %\ld be 
h>mless1 9 view ( ! ev5ts t _h  foll[$  
its receipt4    ,j !n ! laboratory door 
0 flung op5 & ,reg9ald ,blake1 pale  &  
excit$1 ent]$4 ,he _h e m>k ( hav+ be5  
up all night4    8,:at's ! matt]80 ask$ 
,craig4    8,x's ab\t my "m10 he blurt$ 
out4 8,%e seems to be gett+ worse  all !
 "t4 ,miss ,se>s is al>m$1 & ,betty is  
almo/ ill h]self  ) worry4 ,dr4 ,wilson 
doesn't seem to "k :at x is t affects   
h]1 & nei!r does ! new nurse4 ,c't y d  
some?+80    ,!re 0 a tone ( appeal 9 8  
voice t 0 n l !  self-suffici5t ,reg9ald
 ( ! day be=e4    8,does !re seem to be 
any imm$iate dang]80 ask$ ,k5n$y4       
8,p]haps n--,i c't say10 he urg$4 8,b %e
 is gradually gett+  worse in/ead (     

bett]40    ,k5n$y ?\ght a mom5t4 8,has  
any?+ else happ5$80 he ask$  sl[ly4     
8,n-no4 ,t's en\gh1 isn't x80    8,inde$
 x is10 repli$ ,craig1 try+ to be       
reassur+4 ,!n1  recollect+ ,betty1 he   
add$1 8,reg9ald1 g back & tell y\r si/] 
= me t %e mu/ positively make ! greate/ 
ef=t ( h] life to  control h]self4 ,tell
 h] t h] "m ne$s h]--ne$s h] well &     
brave4 ,i %all be up at ! h\se          
imm$iately4 ,d ! be/ y c4 ,i  dep5d on  
y40    ,k5n$y's words seem$ to h a brac+
 effect on ,reg9ald & a few  mom5ts lat]
 he left1 mu* calm]4    8,i hope ,i h   
giv5 him some?+ to d :i* w keep him f   
muss+ ?+s up aga910 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1      
m9dful ( ,reg9ald's  =m] excursion into 
detective "w4    ,mean:ile ,craig plung$
 furi\sly into 8 /udy ( ! sub/ances he  
_h isolat$ f ! sal9e solution 9 :i* he  
_h 8wa%$0 !  blood ( ! little ,pek9ese4 
8,!re's no use do+ any?+ 9 ! d>k10 he   
expla9$4 8,until we  "k :at x is we are 
fight+ we c't v well fight40    ,= !    
mom5t ,i 0 ov]:elm$ by ! imp5d+ trag$y t

 seem$  to be hang+ ov] ,mrs4 ,blake4 ,!
 m ,i ?\ght ( x1 ! m  inexplicable      
became ! discov]y ( ! mold4    8,t is   
all v well ab\t ! mold on ! gelat9e /rip
 9 !  lett]10 ,i insi/$ at l5g?4 8,b1   
,craig1 !re mu/ be some?+  wrong        
some:]e4 ,m]e molds c\ld n h made ,bu/] 
s ill1 & n[  ! infection1 or :atev] x   
is1 has spread to ,mrs4 ,blake h]self4  
,:at h y f\nd out by /udy+ ,bu/]80      
,he look$ up f 8 close scrut9y ( !      
mat]ial 9 "o ( ! te/  tubes :i* conta9$ 
some?+ he _h recov]$ f ! sal9e  solution
 ( ! diffusion app>atus4    ,i c\ld read
 on 8 face t :atev] x 01 x 0 s]i\s4     
8,:at is  x80 ,i repeat$ almo/          
brea?lessly4    8,i suppose ,i might co9
 a ^w to describe x10 he answ]$ sl[ly1  
measur+ 8 phrases4 8,p]haps x might be  
call$  hyp]-am9o-acidemia40    ,i puck]$
 my eyes at ! m\?-fill+ t]m ,k5n$y      
smil$4 8,x w\ld  mean10 he expla9$1 8a  
great quantity ( ! am9o-acids1          
non-coagulable1 nitrog5\s comp\nds 9 !  
blood4 ,y "k !  indols1 ! ph5ols1 & !   

am9s are produc$ bo? by putrefactive    
bact]ia & by ! process ( metabolism1 !  
burn+ up ( !  tissues 9 ! process (     
utiliz+ ! en]gy t means life4 ,b  "u    
normal circum/ances1 ! am9s are n pres5t
 9 ! blood 9  any su* quantities z ,i h 
discov]$ by ?is new me?od (  diffusion40
    ,he paus$ a mom5t1 z if 9 def]5ce to
 my inability to foll[ him on  su* an   
ab/ruse topic1 !n resum$1 8,z f> z ,i am
 able to  det]m9e1 ?is poison or tox9 is
 an am9 simil> to t secret$ by  c]ta9   
cephalopods f\nd 9 ! neighborhood (     
,naples4 ,x is an  aromatic am94 ,smell 
x40    ,i b5t ov] & inhal$ ! peculi>    
odor4    8,^? creatures10 he cont9u$1   
8cat* _! prey by ?is highly  active     
poison secret$ by ! s-call$ saliv>y     
gl&s4 ,ev5 a little  bit w kill a crab  
easily40    ,i 0 foll[+ him n[ ) int5se 
int]e/1 ?9k+ ( !  a/ut5ess ( a m9d      
capable ( ?9k+ ( su* a poison4          
8,inde$1 x is surpris+10 he resum$      
?\ghtfully1 8h[ _m an  innoc5t sub/ance 
c be *ang$ by bact]ia into a virul5t    

poison4  ,9 fact our poisons & our drugs
 are 9 _m in/ances ! close  relations ( 
h>mless comp\nds t repres5t ! int]m$iate
 /eps  9 ! daily process ( metabolism40 
8,!n10 ,i put 91 8! tox9 0 produc$ by   
g]ms1 aft] all80    8,i did n say t10 he
 correct$4 8,x might h be54 ,b ,i f9d no
  g]ms 9 ! blood ( ,bu/]4 ,nor did ,dr4 
,wilson f9d any 9 ! blood  sme>s :i* %e 
took f ,mrs4 ,blake40    ,he seem$ to h 
?r[n ! :ole ?+ back aga9 into ! limbo ( 
! unexpla9able1 & ,i felt nonpluss$4    
8,! writ] ( t lett]10 he w5t on1 wav+ ! 
piece ( /]ile  plat9um wire ) :i* he _h 
be5 transf]r+ drops ( liquid 9  8 se>* =
 g]ms1 80 a mu* m skillful bact]iologi/ 
?an ,i  ?\ght1 evid5tly4 ,no1 ! tr\ble  
does n seem to be f g]ms  brea!d 91 or f
 g]ms at all--x is f "s k9d ( g]m-free  
tox9 t has be5 inject$ or o!rwise       
introduc$40    ,vaguely n[ ,i began to  
appreciate ! t]rible significance ( :at 
he  _h discov]$4    8,b ! lett]80 ,i    
p]si/$ me*anically4    8,! writ] ( t 0 q
 z %rewd a psy*ologi/ z  bact]iologi/10 

pursu$ ,craig impressively4 8,he        
calculat$ ! moral  effect ( ! lett]1 !n 
( ,bu/]'s illness1 & f9ally ( rea*+     
,mrs4 ,blake h]self40    8,y ?9k ,dr4   
,rae ,wilson kn[s no?+ ( x yet80 ,i     
qu]i$4    ,k5n$y appe>$ to consid] 8    
answ] c>efully4 ,!n he said sl[ly3      
8,almo/ any doctor ) a microscope & !   
fa9te/ trace ( a  sci5tific education   
c\ld recognize disease g]ms ei!r        
naturally or  feloni\sly implant$4 ,b :5
 x comes to ! detection (  conc5trat$1  
filt]$1 g]m-free tox9s1 almo/ any       
sci5ti/ might be  baffl$4 ,walt]10 he   
conclud$1 8?is is n m]e blackmail1      
al?\gh  p]haps ! visit ( t woman to !   
,pr9ce ,h5ry--a desp]ate ?+  9 itself1  
al?\gh %e did get away by h] quick      
?9k+--p]haps t  %[s t ^! p are ready to 
/op at no?+4 ,no1 x goes  deep] ?an     
blackmail40    ,i /ood agha/ at !       
discov]y ( ?is new me?od ( sci5tific    
murd]4 ,! a/ute crim9al1 :oev] he might 
be1 _h plann$ to leave  n ev5 ! sl5d]   
clue t might be af=d$ by disease g]ms4  

,he  0 op]at+1 n ) disease itself1 b )  
some?+ %[+ !  ultimate effects1 p]haps1 
( disease ) none ( ! prelim9>y          
symptoms1 baffl+ ev5 to ! be/ (         
physicians4    ,i sc>cely knew :at to   
say4 ,be=e ,i realiz$ x1 h[ev]1 ,craig 0
  at la/ ready = ! promis$ visit to     
,mrs4 ,blake4 ,we w5t toge!r1  c>ry+    
,bu/]1 9 8 basket1 n recov]$1 to be     
sure1 b a v  diff]5t little animal f !  
dy+ creature t _h be5 s5t to  u at !    
laboratory4          ,,*apt] ,,xxi  ,,! 
,,poison ,,bracelet      ,we rea*$ !    
,blake mansion & 7 promptly admitt$4    
,miss ,betty1  be>+ up bravely "u       
,reg9ald's reassurances1 greet$ u be=e  
we  7 fairly inside ! door1 ?\gh %e & h]
 bro!r 7 n able  to conceal ! fact t _! 
"m 0 no bett]4 ,miss ,se>s 0  out1 = an 
air+1 & ! new nurse1 ,miss ,rog]s1 0 9  
*>ge (  ! pati5t4    8,h[ d y feel1 ?is 
morn+80 inquir$ ,k5n$y z we ent]$ !     
sun-p>lor1 :]e ,mrs4 ,blake _h fir/     
receiv$ u4    ,a s+le glance 0 en\gh to 
satisfy me ( ! s]i\sness ( h]           

condition4 ,%e seem$ to be 9 almo/ a    
/upor f :i* %e r\s$  h]self only )      
difficulty4 ,x 0 z if "s ov]p[]+ tox9 7 
gradually und]m9+ h] already weak5$     
con/itution4    ,%e nodd$ recognition1 b
 no?+ fur!r4    ,k5n$y _h set ! dog     
basket d[n ne> h] :eel-*air & %e caught 
sight ( x4    8,bu/]80 %e murmur$1 rais+
 h] eyes4 8,is--he--all "r80    ,=      
answ]1 ,craig simply rais$ ! lid ( !    
basket4 ,bu/] already  seem$ to h       
recogniz$ ! voice ( 8 mi/ress1 &1 ) an  
almo/ human in/9ct1 to realize t ?\gh he
 himself 0 /ill weak  & ill1 %e ne$$    
enc\ragem5t4    ,z ,mrs4 ,blake /ret*$  
out h] sl5d] h&1 drawn ) pa91 to 8      
silky head1 he gave a little yelp (     
delight & 8 little r$ tongue  eag]ly    
c>ess$ h] h&4    ,x 0 z ?\gh ! two      
und]/ood ea* o!r4 ,al?\gh ,mrs4 ,blake1 
z  yet1 _h no m idea :at _h happ5$ to h]
 pet1 %e seem$ to feel  by "s subtle    
means ( ?\ght transf]5ce t ! intellig5t 
little animal 0 convey+ to h] a message 
( hope4 ,! c>ess1 !  %>p1 joy\s yelp1 & 

! happy wagg+ ( ! bu%y tail seem$ to    
bright5 h] up1 at lea/ = ! mom5t1 almo/ 
z if %e _h receiv$  a new impetus4      
8,bu/]60 %e exclaim$1 ov]joy$ to get h] 
pet back aga9 9 s mu*  improv$          
condition4    8,i w\ldn't ex]t myself   
too mu*1 ,mrs4 ,blake10 caution$ ,k5n$y4
    8,7--7 !re any g]ms 9 ! lett]80 %e  
ask$1 z ,reg9ald &  ,betty /ood on ! o!r
 side ( ! *air1 mu* enc\rag$1  app>5tly1
 at ?is %[ ( ?r[+ (f ! le?>gy t _h seiz$
  h]4    8,yes1 b ab\t z h>mless z ^?   
w\ld be on a piece ( *eese10  ,k5n$y    
ha/5$4 8,b ,i--,i feel s weak1 s play$  
out--& my head--0    ,h] voice trail$   
(f1 a too evid5t rem9d] t h] improvem5t 
_h  be5 only mom5t>y & prompt$ by !     
excitem5t ( our arrival4    ,betty b5t  
d[n solicit\sly & made h] m com=table z 
only "o  woman c make ano!r4 ,k5n$y1    
mean:ile1 _h be5 talk+ to ,miss  ,rog]s1
 & ,i c\ld see t he 0 secretly tak+ h]  
measure4    8,has ,dr4 ,wilson be5 "h   
?is morn+80 ,i he>d him ask4    8,n     
yet10 %e repli$4 8,b we expect h] soon40

    8,pr(essor ,k5n$y80 ann\nc$ a       
s]vant4    8,yes80 answ]$ ,craig4       
8,!re is someone on ! telephone :o wants
 to speak to y4 ,he said  he _h call$ ! 
laboratory fir/ & t !y told him to call 
y  "h40    ,k5n$y hurri$ aft] ! s]vant1 
:ile ,betty & ,reg9ald jo9$ me1  wait+1 
= we seem$ to feel t some?+ 0 ab\t to   
happ54    8,"o ( ! un(ficial detectives 
has une>!d a clue10 he :isp]$  to me a  
few mom5ts lat] :5 he return$4 8,x 0    
,g>wood40 ,!n to  ! o!rs he add$1 8,a   
c>1 repa9t$1 & ) ! numb] *ang$1  b      
o!rwise answ]+ ! description ( ,dr4     
,wilson's has be5 trac$  to ! ,we/      
,side4 ,x is some:]e 9 ! neighborhood ( 
a saloon &  g>age :]e driv]s ( taxicabs 
hang out4 ,reg9ald1 ,i wi% y w\ld  come 
along ) u40    ,to ,betty's unspok5 "q  
,craig ha/5$ to add1 8,i don't ?9k  !re 
is any imm$iate dang]4 ,if !re is any   
*ange--let me "k4 ,i  %all call up soon4
 ,& mean:ile10 he l[]$ 8 voice to       
impress !  in/ruction on h]1 8don't     
leave y\r "m = a mom5t--n = a  mom5t10  

he emphasiz$4    ,reg9ald 0 ready &     
toge!r we ?ree set (f to meet ,g>wood at
 a  subway /ation ne> ! po9t :]e ! c> _h
 be5 report$4 ,we _h  sc>cely clos$ !   
front door1 :5 we ran into ,duncan      
,baldw91 com+  d[n ! /reet1 evid5tly b5t
 on inquir+ h[ ,mrs4 ,blake & ,betty  74
    8,mu* bett]10 reassur$ ,k5n$y4      
8,come on1 ,baldw94 ,we c't h too  _m on
 :om we c rely on an exp$ition l ?is40  
8,l :at80 he ask$1 evid5tly n           
compreh5d+4    8,!re's a clue1 !y ?9k1  
to t c> ( ,dr4 ,wilson's10 ha/ily       
expla9$ ,reg9ald1 l9k+ 8 arm into t ( 8 
fri5d & fall+  9 beh9d u1 z ,craig      
hurri$ ahead4    ,x did n take long to  
rea* ! subway1 & z we wait$ = !  tra91  
,craig rem>k$3 8,?is is a pretty good   
example ( h[ !  automobile is becom+ "o 
( ! mo/ dang]\s ( crim9al weapons4  ,all
 "o has to d n[adays1 app>5tly1 aft]    
committ+ a crime1 is to  jump into a    
wait+ c> & breeze away1 safe40    ,we   
met ,g>wood & "u 8 guidance pick$ our   
way we/w>d f !  bett] kn[n /reets 9 !   

he>t ( ! city1 to a section t 0  any?+ b
 prepossess+4    ,! place :i* ,g>wood   
s\ght 0 a typical ,ra9es ,law hotel on a
  corn]1 ) a saloon on ! fir/ floor1 &  
app>5tly ! requisite  numb] ( rooms     
above to give x a legal lic5se4    ,we  
_h sep>at$ a little s t we w\ld n       
attract undue att5tion4  ,k5n$y & ,i    
ent]$ ! sw++ doors boldly1 :ile ! o!rs  
cont9u$ across to ! o!r corn] to wait ) 
,g>wood & take 9  ! situation4 ,x 0 a   
/range exp$ition & ,reg9ald 0 fidget+   
:ile ,duncan seem$ n]v\s4    ,among !   
gr\p ( *auffeurs l\ng+ at ! b> & 9 !    
back room  anyone :o _h ev] _h any      
deal+s ) ! gangs ( ,new ,york might  h  
recogniz$ ! faces ( m5 ^: pictures 7 9 !
 rogues'  gall]y & :o 7 memb]s ( ^?     
v>i\s ari/ocratic  organizations ( !    
und]world4    ,k5n$y glanc$ ab\t at !   
motley cr[d4 8,?is is a place :]e y  ne$
 only to be introduc$ prop]ly10 he      
:isp]$ to me1 8to h any  k9d ( crime    
committ$ = y40    ,z we /ood !re1       
obs]v+1 )\t appe>+ to d s1 ?r\gh an  op5

 w9d[ on ! side /reet ,i c\ld tell f !  
s\nds t !re  0 a g>age 9 ! re> ( !      
hotel4    ,we 7 />tl$ to he> a sudd5    
upro> f ! /reet4    ,g>wood1 impati5t at
 our delay1 _h walk$ d[n pa/ ! g>age to 
reconnoit]4 ,a c> 0 be+ back$ out       
hurri$ly1 & z x turn$ &  swung ar\nd !  
corn]1 8 tra9$ eye _h recogniz$ x4      
,in/antly he _h reason$ t x 0 an attempt
 to make a getaway1 &  _h rais$ an al>m4
    ,^? ne>e/ ! door pil$ out1 ke5 = any
 excitem5t4 ,we1 too1  da%$ out on !    
/reet4 ,!re we saw pass+ an automobile1 
sway+  & lur*+ at ! t]rific spe$ ) :i*  
its driv]1 urg$ x up  ! av5ue4 ,z he    
fla%$ by he look$ l an ,italian to me1  
p]haps a  gunman4    ,g>wood _h impress$
 a pass+ trolley c> into s]vice & 0     
pursu+ ! automobile 9 x1 z x sway$ on   
its tracks z crazily z  ! motor did on !
 roadway1 runn+ ) all ! p[] ! motorman  
c\ld apply4    ,a m\nt$ policeman       
gallop$ pa/ u1 blaz+ away at ! tires4 ,!
  av5ue 0 /irr$1 z seldom ev5 9 its     
/r5u\s life1 ) reports  ( %ots1 honk+ ( 

horns1 ! clang ( trolley bells & ! %\ts 
( m54    ,! pursu]s 7 los+ :5 !re came a
 rattle & ro> f !  re> :eels :i* told t 
! tires 7 punctur$ & ! heavy c>  0 rid+ 
on its rims4 ,a huge brew]y wagon cross+
 a side /reet  paus$ to see ! fun1      
effectually block+ ! road4    ,! c>     
jolt$ to a /op4 ,! *auffeur leap$ out & 
a mom5t lat]  div$ d[n into a cell>4 ,9 
t conge/$ di/rict1 pursuit 0  useless4  
8,only an accomplice10 comm5t$ ,k5n$y4  
8,p]haps we c get him "s  o!r way if we 
c cat* ! man--or woman--high] up40      
,d[n ! /reet n[ we c\ld see ,g>wood     
surr\nd$ by a curi\s cr[d  b 9          
possession ( ! c>4 ,i look$ ab\t =      
,duncan & ,reg9ald4  ,!y _h app>5tly be5
 swall[$ up 9 ! cr[ds ( idl]s :i*  seem$
 to be p\r+ out ( n[h]e1 collect+ to    
gape at !  excitem5t1 aft] ! mann] ( a  
,new ,york cr[d4    ,z ,i ran my eye ov]
 !m1 ,i caught sight ( ,reg9ald ne> !   
corn]  :]e we _h left him 9 an incipi5t 
fight ) someone :o _h a  fanci$         
grievance4 ,a mom5t lat] we _h rescu$   

him4    8,:]e's ,duncan80 he pant$4     
8,did any?+ happ5 to him8 ,g>wood told  
u to /ay "h--b we got sep>at$40         
,policem5 _h appe>$ on ! heels ( ! cr[d 
& n[1 except = a  knot foll[+ ,g>wood1  
?+s seem$ to be calm+ d[n4    ,!        
excitem5t ov]1 & ! p ?9n+ out1 ,k5n$y   
/ill c\ld  n f9d any trace ( ,duncan4   
,f9ally he glanc$ 9 aga9 ?r\gh !  sw++  
doors4 ,!re 0 ,duncan1 evid5tly q upset 
by :at _h  occurr$1 =tify+ himself at ! 
b>4    ,sudd5ly f above came a heavy    
?ud1 z if someone _h fall5 on !  floor  
above u1 foll[$ by a suppress$ %uffl+ ( 
feet & a cry (  help4    ,k5n$y sprang  
t[>d a side door :i* l$ out into ! hall 
to !  hotel room above4 ,x 0 lock$4     
,be=e any ( ! o!rs he ran out on  !     
/reet & into ! hall t way1 tak+ ! /airs 
two at a "t1  pa/ a little cubby-hole ( 
an 8(fice0 & d[n ! upp] hall to a  door 
f :i* came ! cry4    ,x 0 a peculi> room
 into :i* we bur/1 half b$room1 half    
work%op1 or r laboratory1 = on a deal   
table by a w9d[ /ood a  rack (          

te/-tubes1 sev]al beak]s1 & o!r         
p>aph]nalia4    ,a *amb]maid 0 %riek+   
ov] a woman :o 0 ly+ le?>gic on !       
floor4    ,i look$ m closely4    ,x 0   
,dora ,se>s4    ,= ! mom5t ,i c\ld n    
imag9e :at _h happ5$4 ,_h ! ev5ts (  !  
pa/ few days work$ on h] m9d & driv5 h] 
into tempor>y  insanity8 ,or _h !       
blackmail+ gang ( automobile ?ieves1    
fail+  9 extort+ money by _! orig9al    
plan1 seiz$ h]8    ,k5n$y b5t ov] & tri$
 to lift h] up4 ,z he did s1 ! gold     
bracelet1 unclasp$1 clatt]$ to ! floor4 
,he pick$ x up & = a mom5t look$ at x4  
,x 0 holl[1 b 9  t "p ( x :]e x unclasp$
 c\ld be se5 a m9ute hypod]mic  ne$le & 
traces ( a liquid4    8,a poison        
bracelet10 he mutt]$ to himself1 8"o 9  
:i* en\gh ( a  virul5t poison c\ld be   
hidd5 s t 9 an em]g5cy dea? c\ld  *eat !
 law40    8,b ?is ,dr4 ,hopf10 exclaim$ 
,reg9ald1 :o /ood beh9d u look+  f !    
ins5sible girl to ! bracelet & sl[ly    
compreh5d+ :at  x all meant1 8%e alone  
kn[s :]e & :o he is60    ,we look$ at   

,k5n$y4 ,:at 0 to be done8 ,0 ! crim9al 
high] up  to escape because "o ( 8 tools
 _h be5 corn]$ & _h tak5 !  easie/ way  
to get out8    ,k5n$y _h tak5 d[n !     
receiv] ( ! wall telephone 9 ! room4  ,a
 mom5t lat] he 0 call+ insi/5tly = 8    
laboratory4 ,"o (  ! /ud5ts 9 ano!r "p (
 ! build+ answ]$4 ,quickly he  describ$ 
! app>atus = vividiffusion & h[ to h&le 
x )\t  ruptur+ any ( ! delicate tubes4  
8,! l>ge "o10 he ord]$1 8) "o hundr$ &  
n9ety-two tubes4  ,& hurry40    ,be=e ! 
/ud5t appe>$1 came an ambulance :i* "s  
"o 9 !  excitem5t _h summon$4 ,k5n$y    
quickly comm&e]$ bo? ! "y  doctor & :at 
surgical mat]ial he _h ) him4           
,briefly he expla9$ :at he propos$ to d 
& be=e ! /ud5t  arriv$ ) ! app>atus1 !y 
_h plac$ ! nurse 9 su* a  position t !y 
7 ready = ! op]ation4    ,! next room   
:i* 0 unoccupi$ _h be5 ?r[n op5 to u &  
!re  ,i wait$ ) ,reg9ald & ,duncan1     
endeavor+ to expla9 to !m !  my/]ies ( !
 new process ( wa%+ ! blood4    ,!      
m9utes l5g!n$ into h\rs1 z ! blood ( !  

poison$ girl  c\rs$ ?r\gh its artificial
 *annel1 lit]ally be+ wa%$ ( !  tox9 f !
 poison$ bracelet4    ,w\ld x succe$8 ,x
 _h sav$ ! life ( ,bu/]4 ,b w\ld x br+  
back ! un=tunate be=e u1 long en\gh ev5 
= h] to yield h]  secret & enable u to  
cat* ! real crim9al4 ,:at if %e di$8    
,z ,k5n$y work$1 ! "y m5 ) me became m &
 m  fasc9at$1 wat*+ him4 ,!             
vividiffusion app>atus 0 n[ 9 full      
op]ation4    ,9 ! int]vals :5 he left ! 
app>atus 9 *>ge ( ! "y  ambulance       
surgeon ,k5n$y 0 look+ ov] ! room4 ,9 a 
trunk :i*  0 op5 he f\nd sev]al bundles 
( pap]s4 ,z he ran 8 eye ov]  !m        
quickly1 he select$ "s & /uff$ !m into 8
 pocket1 !n  w5t back to wat* ! work+ ( 
! app>atus4    ,reg9ald1 :o _h be5 gr[+ 
m & m n]v\s1 at la/ ask$ if  he might   
call up ,betty to f9d out h[ 8 "m 04    
,he came back f ! telephone1 8 face     
wr9kl$4    8,poor "m10 he rem>k$        
anxi\sly1 8d y ?9k %e w pull  ?r\gh1    
,pr(essor8 ,betty says t ,dr4 ,wilson   
has giv5 h] no idea  yet ab\t ! nature (

 ! tr\ble40    ,k5n$y ?\ght a mom5t4 8,(
 c\rse10 he said1 8y\r "m has _h no  su*
 relative am\nt ( ! poison z ,bu/] has  
_h4 ,i ?9k t  und\bt$ly %e w recov] by  
purely natural means4 ,i hope s4 ,b if  
n1 "h is ! app>atus10 & he patt$ !      
vividiffusion tubes 9  _! glass case1 8t
 w save h]1 too40    ,z well z ,i c\ld  
,i expla9$ to ,reg9ald ! nature ( ! tox9
 t  ,k5n$y _h discov]$4 ,duncan li/5$1  
putt+ 9 a "q n[ &  !n4 ,b x 0 evid5t t 8
 ?\ghts 7 on some?+ else1 &  n[ & !n    
,reg9ald1 break+ into 8 old humor1      
ralli$ him ab\t  ?9k+ ( ,betty4    ,a l[
 exclamation f bo? ,k5n$y & ! surgeon   
attract$ u4    ,dora ,se>s _h mov$4     
,! op]ation ( ! app>atus 0 /opp$1 !     
art]y & ve9 _h  be5 jo9$ up1 & %e 0     
sl[ly com+ out f "u ! effects (  !      
ane/hetic4    ,z we ga!r$ ab\t h]1 at a 
little di/ance1 we he>d h] cry 9 h]     
delirium1 8,i--,i w\ld h--done--any?+--=
 him40    ,we /ra9$ our e>s4 ,0 %e talk+
 ( ! blackmail]1 ,dr4 ,hopf8    8,:o80  
ask$ ,craig1 b5d+ ov] close to h] e>4   

8,i--,i w\ld--h done any?+10 %e repeat$ 
z if someone _h  contradict$ h]4 ,%e w5t
 on1 dreamily1 rambl+ly1                
8,he--is--is--my  bro!r4 ,i--0    ,%e   
/opp$ ?r\gh weakness4    8,:]e is ,dr4  
,hopf80 ask$ ,k5n$y1 try+ to recall h]  
fleet+  att5tion4    8,dr4 ,hopf8 ,dr4  
,hopf80 %e repeat$1 !n smil+ to h]self z
 p  w :5 !y are leav+ ! bord]l9e (      
ane/hesia1 %e repeat$  ! "n1 8,hopf80   
8,yes10 p]si/$ ,k5n$y4    8,!re is no   
,dr4 ,hopf10 %e add$4 8,tell            
me--did--did !y--0    8,no ,dr4 ,hopf80 
,k5n$y insi/$4    ,%e _h laps$ aga9 into
 half ins5sibility4    ,he rose & fac$  
u1 speak+ rapidly4    8,new ,york seems 
to h a my/]i\s & uncanny attraction =   
odds  & ends ( humanity1 among !m !     
great army ( adv5turesses4 ,9  fact !re 
(t5 seems to be some?+ decid$ly         
adv5tur\s ab\t !  nurs+ pr(ession4 ,?is 
is a girl ( unusual education 9 m$ic9e4 
,evid5tly %e has travel$--h] lett]s %[  
x4 ,_m ( !m %[ t  %e has be5 9 ,italy4  
,p]haps x 0 !re t %e he>d ( ! drug  t   

has be5 us$ 9 ?is case4 ,x 0 %e :o      
inject$ ! g]m-free  tox91 fir/ into !   
dog1 !n into ,mrs4 ,blake1 %e :o wrote !
  blackmail lett] :i* 0 to h expla9$ !  
dea?40    ,he paus$4 ,evid5tly %e _h    
he>d dimly1 0 /ra9+ e ef=t to  he>4 ,9  
h] ef=t %e caught sight ( our faces4    
,sudd5ly1 z if %e _h se5 an app>ition1  
%e rais$ h]self )  almo/ sup]human      
/r5g?4    8,duncan60 %e cri$4 8,duncan6 
,:y--didn't y--get away--:ile !re 0     
"t--aft] y w>n$ me80    ,k5n$y _h :eel$ 
ab\t & 0 fac+ u4 ,he 0 hold+ 9 8 h&  "s 
( ! lett]s he _h tak5 f ! trunk4 ,among 
o!rs 0 a  fold$ piece ( p>*m5t t look$ l
 a diploma4 ,he unfold$ x  & we b5t ov] 
to read4    ,x 0 a diploma f ! ,c5tral  
,we/]n ,college ( ,nurs+4 ,z ,i read  ! 
"n writt5 91 x 0 ) a %ock4 ,x 0 n ,dora 
,se>s1 b  ,dora ,baldw94    8,a v clev] 
plot10 he gr\nd out1 tak+ a /ep ne>] u4 
8,) !  aid ( y\r si/] & a disreputable  
gang ( *auffeurs y plann$ to  ha/5 !    
dea? ( ,mrs4 ,blake1 to ha/5 !          
inh]itance ( ! ,blake  =tune by y\r     

future wife4 ,i ?9k y\r cr$itors w h    
less  *ance ( collect+ n[ ?an ev]1      
,duncan ,baldw940          ,,*apt]      
,,xxii  ,,! ,,devil ,,wor%ip]s          
,tragic ?\gh ! end ( ! "y nurse1 ,dora  
,baldw91 _h be51 !  s*eme ( h] bro!r1 9 
:i* %e _h become fatally involv$1 0 by  
no means z diabolical z t 9 ! case t    
confront$ u a %ort  "t aft] t4    ,i    
recall ?is case p>ticul>ly n only       
because x 0 s weird b  also because ( ! 
unique mann] 9 :i* x began4    8,i am   
damn$--,pr(essor ,k5n$y--damn$60    ,!  
words rang out z ! cry ( a lo/ s\l4 ,a  
t]rible look (  inexpressible angui% &  
fe> 0 writt5 on ! face ( ,craig's       
visitor1 z %e utt]$ !m & sank back1     
trembl+1 9 ! easy  *air1 m5tally &      
physically convuls$4    ,z ne>ly z ,i _h
 be5 able to foll[1 ,mrs4 ,v$a ,blair's 
/ory _h  dealt mo/ly ) a ,pr(essor &    
,madame ,rapport & some?+ %e  call$ !   
8,r$ ,lodge0 ( ! 8,temple ( ! ,occult40 
,%e 0 n exactly a "y woman1 al?\gh %e 0 
a v attractive  "o4 ,%e 0 ( an age t is1

 p]haps1 ev5 m int]e/+ ?an  y\?4    ,v$a
 ,blair1 ,i knew1 _h be51 be=e h] rec5t 
m>riage to ,sew>d  ,blair1 a ,treacy1 ( 
an old1 ?\gh some:at un=tunate1 family4 
,bo?  ! ,blairs & ! ,treacys _h be5     
intimate & old ,sew>d ,blair1 :5  he di$
 ab\t a ye> be=e1 _h left 8 =tune to 8  
son on !  condition t he m>ry ,v$a      
,treacy4    8,sometimes10 falt]$ ,mrs4  
,blair1 8x is z ?\gh ,i _h two s\ls4 ,"o
  ( !m is dispossess$ ( its body & ! use
 ( its organs & is  frantic at ! sight (
 ! o!r t has crept 940    ,%e end$ h]   
rambl+ /ory1 sobb+ ! t]rible words1     
8,oh--,i h  committ$ ! unp>donable      
s9--,i am ana!ma--,i am damn$--damn$60  
,%e said no?+ ( :at t]rible ?+ %e _h    
done & ,k5n$y1 =  ! pres5t1 did n try to
 lead ! conv]sation4 ,b ( all !  /ories 
t ,i h he>d p\r$ =? 9 ! confessional ( !
  detective's (fice1 h]s1 ,i ?9k1 0 !   
wilde/4    ,0 %e insane8 ,at lea/ ,i    
felt t %e 0 s9c]e4 ,/ill1 ,i wond]$  :at
 sort ( halluc9ation ,craig _h to deal  
)1 z ,v$a ,blair  repeat$ ! incoh]5t    

tale ( h] spiritual vag>ies4    ,almo/1 
,i _h begun to fancy t ?is 0 a case = a 
doctor1 n =  a detective1 :5 sudd5ly %e 
ask$ a mo/ peculi> "q4    8,c p affect y
 = good or evil1 m]ely by ?9k+ ab\t y80 
%e qu]i$4 ,!n a %udd] pass$ ov] h]4 8,!y
 may be ?9k+  ab\t me n[60 %e murmur$ 9 
t]ror4    ,h] fe> 0 s real & h] physical
 di/ress s evid5t t ,k5n$y1  :o _h be5  
li/5+ sil5tly = ! mo/ "p1 rose & ha/5$  
to  reassure h]4    8,n unless y make   
y\r own fe>s affect y\rself & s play    
into  _! h&s10 he said e>ne/ly4    ,v$a 
look$ at him a mom5t1 !n %ook h] head   
m\rnfully4 8,i h  se5 ,dr4 ,vaughn10 %e 
said sl[ly4    ,dr4 ,gilb]t ,vaughn1 ,i 
recollect$1 0 a well-kn[n ali5i/ 9 !    
city4    8,he tri$ to tell me ! same    
?+10 %e resum$ d\btfully4 8,b--oh--,i   
"k :at ,i "k6 ,i h felt ! dea? ?\ght--& 
he kn[s x60    8,:at d y mean80 inquir$ 
,k5n$y1 lean+ =w>d ke5ly4    8,! dea?   
?\ght10 %e repeat$1 8a malici\s psy*ic  
attack4 ,"s  "o is driv+ me to dea? by  
x4 ,i ?\ght ,i c\ld fight x (f4 ,i  w5t 

away to escape x4 ,n[ ,i h come back--& 
,i h n escap$4  ,!re is always t di/urb+
 influ5ce--always--direct$ aga9/ me4 ,i 
"k x w--kill me60    ,i li/5$1 />tl$4 ,!
 dea? ?\ght6 ,:at did x mean8 ,:at      
t]rible p[] 0 x8 ,0 x hypnotism8 ,:at 0 
?is fe>some1 cruel  belief1 ?is mod]n   
wit*craft t c\ld unn]ve a ri* & educat$ 
woman8 ,surely1 aft] all1 ,i felt t ?is 
0 n a case = a doctor  alone2 x call$ = 
a detective4    8,y see10 %e w5t on1    
h]oically try+ to control h]self1 8,i h 
always be5 int]e/$ 9 ! my/]i\s1 !       
/range1 ! occult4 ,9  fact my fa!r & my 
husb&'s fa!r met ?r\gh _! common        
int]e/4 ,s1 y see1 ,i come naturally by 
x4    8,n long ago ,i he>d ( ,pr(essor &
 ,madame ,rapport & _! new  ,temple ( ! 
,occult4 ,i w5t to x1 & lat] ,sew>d     
became int]e/$1  too4 ,we h be5 tak5    
into a sort ( inn] circle10 %e cont9u$  
fe>fully1 z ?\gh !re 7 "s evil p[] 9 ! v
 words  !mselves1 8! ,r$ ,lodge40    8,y
 h told ,dr4 ,vaughn80 %ot out ,k5n$y   
sudd5ly1 8 eyes fix$  on h] face to see 

:at x w\ld betray4    ,v$a lean$ =w>d1 z
 if to tell a secret1 !n :isp]$ 9 a l[  
voice1 8,he kn[s4 ,l u--he--he is       
a--,devil ,wor%ip]60    8,:at80 exclaim$
 ,k5n$y 9 wide-ey$ a/oni%m5t4    8,a    
,devil ,wor%ip]10 %e repeat$4 8,y hav5't
 he>d ( ! ,r$  ,lodge80    ,k5n$y nodd$ 
negatively4 8,c\ld y get u--initiat$80  
he haz>d$4    8,p--p]haps10 %e hesitat$1
 9 a half-fright5$ tone4 8,i--,i'll try 
to  get y 9 to-night40    ,%e _h ris51  
half daz$1 z if h] own tem]ity ov]:elm$ 
h]4    8,y--poor girl10 blurt$ out      
,k5n$y1 8 sympa?ies gett+ ! upp]  h& = !
 mom5t z he took ! h& %e ext5d$ mutely4 
8,tru/ me4  ,i w d all 9 my p[]1 all 9 !
 p[] ( mod]n sci5ce to help  y fight (f 
?is--influ5ce40    ,!re mu/ h be5 some?+
 magnetic1 hypnotic 9 8 eye4    8,i w   
/op "h = y10 %e murmur$1 z %e almo/ fl$ 
f !  room4    ,p]sonally1 ,i _c say t ,i
 lik$ ! idea ( spy+4 ,x is n  usually   
clean & :olesome4 ,b ,i realiz$ t       
occasionally x 0  necess>y4    8,we are 
9 = x n[10 rem>k$ ,k5n$y half humor\sly1

 half  s]i\sly1 8to see ! ,devil 9 !    
tw5tie? c5tury40    8,& ,i10 ,i add$1   
8,i am1 ,i suppose1 to be ! report] to  
,satan40    ,we said no?+ m ab\t x1 b ,i
 ?\ght mu* ab\t x1 & !  m ,i ?\ght1 ! m 
incompreh5sible ! ?+ seem$4 ,i _h he>d  
( ,devil ,wor%ip1 b _h always associat$ 
x ) f>-(f ,indian &  o!r hea!n l&s--9   
fact nev] among ,caucasians 9 mod]n     
times1  except possibly 9 ,p>is4 ,0 !re 
su* a cult "h 9 my own city8 ,i  felt   
skeptical4    ,t night1 h[ev]1 promptly 
at ! appo9t$ "t1 a cab call$ =  u1 & 9 x
 0 ,v$a ,blair1 n]v\s b det]m9$4        
8,sew>d has gone ahead10 %e expla9$4 8,i
 told him t a fri5d _h  introduc$ y1 t y
 _h /udi$ ! occult abroad4 ,i tru/ y to 
c>ry x out40    ,k5n$y reassur$ h]4     
,! curta9s 7 drawn & we c\ld see no?+   
outside1 ?\gh we  mu/ h be5 driv5 sev]al
 miles1 f> out into ! suburbs4    ,at   
la/ ! cab /opp$4 ,z we left x we c\ld   
see no?+ ( !  build+1 = ! cab _h ent]$ a
 clos$ c\rty>d4    8,:o ent]s ! ,r$     
,lodge80 *all5g$ a sepul*ral voice at ! 

porte-co*re4 8,give ! password60    8,! 
,s]p5t's ,too?10 ,v$a answ]$4    8,:o   
are ^!80 ask$ ! voice4    8,neophytes10 
%e repli$1 & a :isp]$ p>ley foll[$4     
8,!n ent]60 ann\nc$ ! voice at l5g?4    
,x 0 a l>ge room into :i* we 7 fir/     
u%]$1 to be induct$  into ! rites (     
,satan4    ,!re seem$ to be bo? m5 &    
wom51 p]haps half a doz5 vot>ies4       
,sew>d ,blair 0 already pres5t4 ,z ,i   
met him1 ,i did n l ! look  9 8 eye2 x 0
 too />y4 ,dr4 ,vaughn 0 !re1 too1 talk+
 9 a  l[ tone to ,madame ,rapport4 ,he  
%ot a quick look at u4 ,8 7 n  eyes b   
gimlets t tri$ to bore into y\r v s\l4  
,*att+ )  ,sew>d ,blair 0 a ,mrs4       
,langhorne1 a v beautiful woman4        
,to-night %e  seem$ to be unnaturally   
excit$4    ,all seem$ to be on mo/      
intimate t]ms1 &1 z we wait$ a few      
m9utes1 ,i c\ld n help recall+ a s5t5ce 
f ,huysmans3 8,!  wor%ip ( ! ,devil is  
no m insane ?an ! wor%ip ( ,god4 ,!     
wor%ip]s ( ,satan are my/ics--my/ics (  
an unclean sort1 x is true1  b my/ics   

none ! less40    ,i did n agree ) x1 &  
did n repeat x1 ( c\rse1 b a mom5t  lat]
 ,i ov]he>d ,dr4 ,vaughn say+ to ,k5n$y3
 8,h(fman br\ght !  ,devil into mod]n   
life4 ,poe =goes ! aid ( demons & works 
pati5tly & precisely by ! sci5tific     
me?od4 ,b ! result is !  same40         
8,yes10 agre$ ,k5n$y = ! sake (         
appe>ances1 89 a s5se1 ,i  suppose1 we  
are all devil wor%ip]s 9 mod]n          
society--always h  be54 ,x is fe> t     
rules & we fe> ! bad--n ! good40    ,z  
we wait$1 ,i felt1 m & m1 ! s5se ( !    
my/]i\s1 !  secret1 ! unkn[n :i* h      
always ex]cis$ a p[]ful attraction  on !
 human m9d4 ,ev5 ! a]oplane & ! subm>9e1
 ! ,x-ray &  wireless h n bani%$ !      
occult4    ,9 x1 ,i felt1 !re 0         
fasc9ation = ! frivol\s & deep appeal   
to ! intellectual & spiritual4 ,!       
,temple ( ! ,occult _h  evid5tly be5    
design$ to appeal to bo? types4 ,i      
wond]$ h[1 l  ,lucif]1 x _h fall54 ,!   
prime requisite1 ,i c\ld guess already1 
h[ev]1 0--money4 ,0 x 9 its wor%ip ( !  

root ( all evil t  x _h fall58    ,we   
pass$ soon into ano!r room1 hung        
entirely 9 r$1 ) weird1  cabali/ic signs
 all ab\t1 on ! walls4 ,x 0 uncanny1    
creepy4    ,a huge reproduction 9 pla/] 
( "o ( ! mo/ s>donic ( ,notre  ,dame's  
g>goyles seem$ to preside ov] ev]y?+--a 
t]rible figure 9  su* an atmosph]e4     
,z we ent]$1 we 7 /ruck by ! bl9d+ gl>e 
( ! light1 9  contra/ ) ! d>k5$ room 9  
:i* we _h pass$ our brief  novitiate1 if
 x might be call$ su*4    ,sudd5ly !    
lights 7 ext+ui%$4    ,! great g>goyle  
%one ) an inf]nal light ( its own6      
8,phosphoresc5t pa9t10 :isp]$ ,k5n$y to 
me4    ,/ill1 x did n detract f ! weird 
effect to "k :at caus$ x4    ,!re 0 a   
/>tl+ noise 9 ! g5]al hu%4    8,sata60  
cri$ "o ( ! devotees4    ,a door op5$ & 
!re appe>$ ! v]itable prie/ ( !         
,devil--pale  ( face1 nose %>p1 m\?     
bitt]1 eyes glassy4    8,t is ,rapport10
 ,vaughn :isp]$ to me4    ,! wor%ip]s   
cr[d$ =w>d4    ,)\t a ^w1 he rais$ 8    
long1 lean =ef+] & began to s+le  !m out

 impressively4 ,z he did s1 ea* spoke1 z
 if implor+ aid4    ,he came to ,mrs4   
,langhorne4    8,i h tri$ ! *>m10 %e    
cri$ e>ne/ly1 8& ! "o :om ,i love  /ill 
hates me1 :ile ! "o ,i hate loves me60  
8,conc5trate60 repli$ ! prie/1          
8conc5trate6 ,?9k always #8,i love  him4
 ,he mu/ love me4 ,i want him to love   
me4 ,i love him4 ,he mu/ love  me4' ,ov]
 & ov] aga9 y mu/ ?9k x4 ,!n ! o!r side1
 #8,i  hate him4 ,he mu/ leave me4 ,i   
want him to leave me4 ,i hate him--hate 
him4'0    ,ar\nd ! circle he w5t4    ,at
 la/ 8 lean f+] 0 out/ret*$ at ,v$a4 ,x 
seem$ z if "s  imp ( ! p]v]se 7 compell+
 h] unwill+ tongue to unlock its        
secrets4    8,sometimes10 %e cri$ 9 a   
l[1 tremul\s voice1 8some?+ seems to    
seize me1 z if by ! h& & urge me onw>d4 
,i _c flee f x40    8,def5d y\rself60   
answ]$ ! prie/ subtly4 8,:5 y "k t "s   
"o is try+ to kill y m5tally1 def5d     
y\rself6 ,"w aga9/ x by  e means 9 y\r  
p[]4 ,disc\rage6 ,intimidate6 ,de/roy60 
,i m>vel$ at ^! cryptic utt]ances4 ,!y  

%ad[$ a mod]n ,black  ,art1 ( :i* ,i _h 
_h no conception--a recrudesc5ce 9 o!r  
language  ( ! age-old dualism ( good &  
evil4 ,x 0 a sort ( m5tal  malpractice4 
8,ov] & ov] aga910 he w5t on speak+ to  
h]1 8! same ?\ght is  to be repeat$     
aga9/ an enemy4 #8,y "k y are go+ to    
die6 ,y  "k y are go+ to die6' ,d x an  
h\r1 two h\rs1 at a "t4 ,o!rs  c help y1
 all ?9k+ 9 unison ! same ?\ght40       
,:at 0 ?is1 ,i ask$ myself              
brea?lessly--a new transc5d5tal         
toxicology8    ,sl[ly1 a /range mephitic
 vapor seem$ to exhale into ! room--or 0
  x my height5$ imag9ation8             
,,*apt] ,,xxiii  ,,! ,,psy*ic ,,curse   
,!re came a sudd5 noise--nameless--/rik+
 t]ror1 l[1 rattl+4 ,i  /ood root$ to ! 
spot4 ,:at 0 x t held me8 ,0 x an       
atavi/ic  joy 9 ! horrible or 0 x m]ely 
a blasphem\s curiosity8    ,i sc>cely   
d>$ to look4    ,at la/ ,i rais$ my     
eyes4 ,!re 0 a live snake1 uprais$1 8   
fangs  /rik+ out vici\sly--a rattl]6    
,i w\ld h drawn back & fl$1 b ,craig    

caught my arm4    8,cag$10 he :isp]$    
monosyllabically4    ,i %udd]$4 ,?is1 at
 lea/1 0 no draw+-room diabl]ie4    8,x 
is ,ophis10 inton$ ,rapport1 8!         
,s]p5t--! "o active =m 9  ,nature t _c  
be ungraceful60    ,! appe>ance ( !     
basilisk seem$ to height5 ! t5sion4     
,at la/ x broke loose & !n foll[$ ! mo/ 
t]rible blasphemies4  ,! disciples1 n[  
all fr5zi$1 surr\nd$ clos] ! prie/1 !   
g>goyle & ! s]p5t4    ,!y wor%ip$ ) h[ls
 & obsc5ities4 ,mad laught] m+l$ )  pale
 fe> & wild scorn 9 turns 7 writt5 on ! 
hectic faces  ab\t me4    ,!y _h ris5--x
 became a dance1 a reel4    ,! vot>ies  
seem$ to sp9 ab\t on _! axes1 z x 71    
utt]+ a  l[1 moan+ *ant z !y :irl$4 ,x 0
 a mania1 ! _s (  demonism4 ,some?+     
unse5 seem$ to urge !m on4    ,disgu/$ &
 /ifl$ at ! sur*>g$ atmosph]e1 ,i w\ld h
 tri$  to leave1 b ,i seem$ froz5 to !  
spot4 ,i c\ld ?9k ( no?+  except ,poe's 
,masque ( ! ,r$ ,dea?4    ,above all !  
re/ :irl$ ,sew>d ,blair himself4 ,!     
laugh ( !  fi5d1 = ! mom5t1 0 9 8 m\?4  

,an in/ant he /ood--! oracle  ( !       
,demon--devil-possess$4 ,ar\nd :irl$ !  
frantic devotees1  h[l+4    ,%rilly he  
cri$1 8,! ,devil is 9 me60    ,=w>d     
/agg]$ ! devil danc]--tall1 hagg>d1 )   
deep sunk5 eyes  & matt$ hair1 face n[  
sme>$ ) dirt & blood-r$ ) !  reflection 
( ! /range1 une>?ly phosphoresc5ce4     
,he reel$ sl[ly ?r\gh ! cr[d1 croon+ a  
quatra91 9 a l[1  monoton\s voice1 8    
eyelids droop+ & 8 head =w>d on 8       
brea/3    ,if ! ,r$ ,slay] ?9k he slays1
      ,or ! sla9 ?9k he is sla91  ,!y "k
 n well ! subtle ways      ,i keep &    
pass & turn aga96      ,entranc$ ! :irl+
 cr[d paus$ & wat*$4 ,"o ( _! numb]  _h 
receiv$ ! 8p[]40    ,he 0 sway+ sl[ly to
 & fro4    8,look60 :isp]$ ,k5n$y4    ,8
 f+]s twit*$1 8 head wagg$ uncannily4   
,p]spiration seem$ to  ooze f e pore4 ,8
 brea/ heav$4    ,he gave a sudd5       
yell--e>-pi]c+4 ,!n foll[$ a scree* (   
helli%  laught]4    ,! dance _h end$1 ! 
danc]s spellb\nd at ! sight4    ,he 0   
:irl+ sl[ly1 eyes protrud+ n[1 m\?      

foam+1 *e/  ris+ & fall+ l a bell[s1    
muscles quiv]+4    ,cries1 v[s1         
imprecations1 pray]s1 all bl5d$ 9 an    
inf]nal hubbub4    ,) a bur/ ( gha/ly1  
guttural laught]1 he %riek$1 8,i am !   
,devil60    ,8 arms wav$--cutt+1 saw+1  
hack+ ! air4    ,! vot>ies1 trembl+1    
sc>cely mov$1 brea!d1 z he danc$4       
,sudd5ly he gave a great leap into !    
air--!n fell1 motionless4 ,!y  cr[d$    
ar\nd him4 ,! fi5di% look 0 gone--!     
demoniac laught]  /ill$4    ,x 0 ov]4   
,! t5sion ( ! orgy _h be5 too mu* = u4  
,we p>t$1 )  sc>cely a ^w1 & yet ,i c\ld
 feel t among ! re/ !re 0 a  sort (     
unholy companion%ip4    ,sil5tly1 ,k5n$y
 & ,i drove away 9 ! d>k5$ cab1 ?is "t )
  ,sew>d & ,v$a ,blair & ,mrs4          
,langhorne4    ,= sev]al m9utes n a ^w 0
 said4 ,i 01 h[ev]1 mu* occupi$  9 wat*+
 ! two wom54 ,x 0 n because ( any?+ !y  
said or  did4 ,t 0 n necess>y4 ,b ,i    
felt t !re 0 a feud1  some?+ t set !m   
aga9/ ea* o!r4    8,h[ w\ld ,rapport use
 ! dea? ?\ght1 ,i wond]80 ask$ ,craig   

speculatively1 break+ ! sil5ce4         
,blair answ]$ quickly4 8,suppose "s "o  
tri$ to break away1 to  r5\nce ! ,lodge1
 expose its secrets4 ,!y w\ld treat him 
s z to  make him h>mless--p]haps insane1
 confus$1 afraid to talk1 p>alyz$1  or  
ev5 to commit suicide or be kill$ 9 an  
accid5t4 ,!y w\ld put  ! dea? ?\ght on  
him60    ,ev5 9 ! prosaic jolt+ ( ! cab1
 away f ! t]rible  my/]ies ( ! ,r$      
,lodge1 "o c\ld feel ! spell4    ,! cab 
/opp$4 ,sew>d 0 on 8 feet 9 a mom5t &   
h&+ ,mrs4  ,langhorne out at h] home4 ,=
 a mom5t !y paus$ on ! /eps = an        
ex*ange ( words4    ,9 t mom5t ,i caught
 flitt+ ov] ! face ( ,v$a a look (      
hatr$1 m int5se1 m real1 m awful ?an any
 t _h be5  induc$ "u ! my/]ies ( ! rites
 at ! ,lodge4    ,x 0 gone 9 an in/ant1 
& z ,sew>d rejo9$ u ,i felt t1 )  ,mrs4 
,langhorne gone1 !re 0 less re/ra9t4 ,i 
wond]$ :e!r x  0 %e :o _h inspir$ ! fe> 
9 ,v$a4    ,al?\gh x 0 m com=table1 !   
re/ ( our j\rney 0 made 9  sil5ce & !   
,blairs dropp$ u at our ap>tm5t ) _m    

expressions ( cordiality z we left !m to
 proce$ to _! own4    8,( "o ?+ ,i'm    
sure10 ,i rem>k$1 ent]+ ! room :]e only 
a few  %ort h\rs be=e ,mrs4 ,blair _h   
relat$ h] /range tale4 8,:atev]  ! cause
 ( x1 ! devil danc]s don't %am40        
,k5n$y did n reply4 ,he 0 app>5tly      
wrapp$ up 9 !  consid]ation ( !         
rem>kable ev5ts ( ! ev5+4    ,z =       
myself1 x 0 a /ate ( affairs :i*1 ! day 
be=e1 ,i  %\ld h pron\nc$ utt]ly beyond 
! wilde/ b\nds ( !  imag9ation ( ! mo/  
colorful writ]4 ,yet "h x 02 ,i _h se5  
x4    ,i glanc$ up to f9d ,k5n$y /&+ by 
! light exam9+ some?+  he _h app>5tly   
pick$ up at ! ,r$ ,lodge4 ,i b5t ov] to 
look at  x1 too4 ,x 0 a little glass    
tube4    8,an amp\le1 ,i believe !      
te*nical "n ( su* a conta9] is10 he     
rem>k$1 hold+ x clos] to ! light4    ,9 
x 7 ! rema9s ( a dri$ yell[ sub/ance1   
brok5 up m9utely1  resembl+ cry/als4    
8,:o dropp$ x80 ,i ask$4    8,vaughn1 ,i
 ?9k10 he repli$4 8,at lea/1 ,i saw him 
ne> ,blair1  /oop+ ov] him1 at ! end1 & 

,i imag9e ?is is :at ,i saw  gleam+ = an
 in/ant 9 ! light40    ,k5n$y said no?+ 
m1 & = my "p ,i 0 ?or\ghly at sea &     
c\ld make no?+ out ( x all4    8,:at    
object c su* a man z ,dr4 ,vaughn       
possibly h 9 frequ5t+  su* a place80 ,i 
ask$ at l5g?1 add+1 8,& !re's t ,mrs4   
,langhorne--%e 0 int]e/+1 too40         
,k5n$y made no direct reply4 8,i %all h 
!m %ad[$ to-morr[10  he said briefly1   
8:ile ,i am at "w 9 ! laboratory ov] ?is
  amp\le40    ,z usual1 also1 ,craig _h 
begun on 8 sci5tific /udies long be=e ,i
  0 able to %ake myself loose f !       
nightm>es t haunt$ me  aft] our weird   
exp]i5ce ( ! ev5+4    ,he _h already    
giv5 ! ord] to an ag5cy = ! %ad[+1 & 8  
next move 0 to />t me out1 also1 look+  
into ! hi/ory ( ^?  conc]n$ 9 ! case4 ,z
 f> z ,i 0 able to det]m9e1 ,dr4 ,vaughn
  _h an excell5t reputation1 & ,i c\ld  
f9d no reason :atev] =  8 connection )  
any?+ ( ! nature ( ! ,r$ ,lodge4 ,!     
,rapports seem$ to be ne>ly unkn[n 9    
,new ,york1 al?\gh x 0  report$ t !y _h 

come f ,p>is lately4 ,mrs4 ,langhorne 0 
a  divorce f "o ( ! we/]n /ates1 b      
little 0 kn[n ab\t  h]1 except t %e     
always seem$ to be well suppli$ ) money4
 ,x  seem$ to be well kn[n 9 ! circle 9 
:i* ,sew>d ,blair mov$ t  he 0 fri5dly )
 h]1 & ,i _h ab\t rea*$ ! conclusion t  
%e 0 unscrupul\sly mak+ use ( 8         
fri5d%ip1 p]haps 0 n  above su* a ?+ z  
blackmail4    ,?us ! day pass$1 & we    
he>d no ^w f ,v$a ,blair1 al?\gh  t 0   
expla9$ by ! %ad[s1 ^: trails cross$ 9 a
 mo/  unexpect$ mann]4 ,_! reports %[$ t
 !re 0 a meet+ at !  ,r$ ,lodge dur+ !  
late aft]noon1 at :i* all _h be5 pres5t 
except ,dr4 ,vaughn4 ,we le>n$ also f !m
 ! exact location ( !  ,lodge1 9 an old 
h\se j across ! l9e 9 ,we/*e/]4    ,x 0 
evid5tly a long & tr\blesome analysis t 
,craig 0 engag$  9 at ! laboratory1 = x 
0 "s h\rs aft] d9n] t night  :5 he came 
into ! ap>tm5t1 & ev5 !n he said no?+1 b
  buri$ himself 9 "s ( ! te*nical works 
) :i* 8 libr>y  0 /ock$4 ,he said       
little1 b ,i ga!r$ t he 0 9 great d\bt  

ab\t some?+1 p]haps1 z mu* z any?+1 ab\t
 h[ to proce$  ) s peculi> a case4    ,x
 0 gr[+ late1 & ,k5n$y 0 /ill /eep$ 9 8 
books1 :5  ! door ( ! ap>tm5t1 :i* we   
happ5$ to h left unlock$1 0  sudd5ly    
?r[n op5 & ,sew>d ,blair bur/ 9 on u1   
wildly excit$4    8,v$a is gone60 he    
cri$1 be=e ei!r ( u c\ld ask him :at 0  
! matt]4    8,gone80 repeat$ ,k5n$y4    
8,h[--:]e80    8,i don't "k10 ,blair    
blurt$ out brea?lessly4 8,we _h be5 out 
toge!r ?is aft]noon1 & ,i return$ ) h]4 
,!n ,i w5t out to  ! club aft] d9n] = a 
:ile1 & :5 ,i got back ,i miss$ h]--n   
qu>t] ( an h\r ago4 ,i bur/ into h]     
room--& !re ,i f\nd ?is  note4 ,read x4 
,i don't "k :at to d4 ,no "o seems to "k
 :at has  become ( h]4 ,i've call$ up   
all ov] & !n ?\ght p]haps y  might help 
me1 might "k "s fri5d ( h]s t ,i don't  
"k1 )  :om %e might h gone out40        
,blair 0 pla9ly eag] = u to help him4   
,k5n$y took ! pap] f  him4 ,on x1 9 a   
trembl+ h&1 7 scrawl$ "s words1 evid5tly
  address$ to ,blair himself3    8,y    

w\ld =give me & pity me if y knew :at ,i
 h be5 ?r\gh4    8,:5 ,i refus$ to yield
 my w to ! w ( ! ,lodge ,i suppose ,i   
ar\s$ ! enmity ( ! ,lodge4    8,to-night
 z ,i lay 9 b$1 alone1 ,i felt t my h\r 
_h come1 t  m5tal =ces t 7 almo/        
irresi/ible 7 be+ direct$ aga9/  me4    
8,i realiz$ t ,i mu/ fight n only = my  
sanity b = my life4    8,= h\rs ,i h    
f\ght t fight4    8,b dur+ ^? h\rs1 "s  
"o1 ,i won't say :o1 seem$ to h         
develop$ su* psy*ic faculties (         
p5etration t !y 7 able to  make _!      
bodies pass ?r\gh ! walls ( my room4    
8,at la/ ,i am conqu]$4 ,i pray t y--0  
,! writ+ broke (f abruptly1 z if %e _h  
left x 9 wild flight4    8,:at does t   
mean80 ask$ ,k5n$y1 8! #8w ( ! ,lodge'80
    ,blair look$ at u ke5ly4 ,i fanci$ t
 !re 0 ev5 some?+  accusatory 9 ! look4 
8,p]haps x 0 "s m5tal res]vation on h]  
"p10 he sugge/$4 8,y d n "k y\rself (   
any reason :y %e  %\ld fe> any?+1 d y80 
he ask$ po9t$ly4    ,k5n$y did n betray 
ev5 by ! motion ( an eyela% t we knew  m

 ?an we %\ld o/5sibly4    ,!re 0 a tap  
at ! door4 ,i sprang to op5 x1 ?9k+     
p]haps1  aft] all1 x 0 ,v$a h]self4     
,in/ead1 a man1 a /rang]1 /ood !re4     
8,is ?is ,pr(essor ,k5n$y80 he ask$1    
t\*+ 8 hat4    ,craig nodd$4    8,i am f
 ! psy*opa?ic w>d ( ! ,city             
,hospital--an ord]ly1 sir10  ! man      
introduc$4    8,yes10 enc\rag$ ,craig1  
8:at c ,i d = y80    8,a ,mrs4 ,blair   
has j be5 br\ght 91 sir1 & we c't f9d h]
  husb&4 ,%e's call+ = y n[40    ,k5n$y 
/>$ f ! ord]ly to ,sew>d ,blair1 />tl$1 
spee*less4    8,:at has happ5$80 ask$   
,blair anxi\sly4 8,i am ,mr4 ,blair40   
,! ord]ly %ook 8 head4 ,he _h deliv]$ 8 
message4 ,t 0 all  he knew4    8,:at d y
 suppose x is80 ,i ask$1 z we sp$ across
 t[n 9 a  taxicab4 8,is x ! curse t %e  
dread$80    ,k5n$y said no?+ & ,blair   
appe>$ to he> no?+4 ,8 face 0  drawn 9  
t5se l9es4    ,! psy*opa?ic w>d is at   
once "o ( ! mo/ int]e/+ & "o (  ! mo/   
depress+ dep>tm5ts ( a l>ge city        
hospital1 h>bor+1 z  x does1 all f ! m  

or less h>mless insane to viol5t        
alcoholics & wreck$ drug fi5ds4    ,mrs4
 ,blair1 we le>n$1 _h be5 f\nd hatless1 
)\t money1 daz$1  hav+ fall51 aft] an   
app>5tly aimless w&]+ 9 ! /reets4    ,= 
! mom5t %e lay exhau/$ on ! :ite b$ ( ! 
w>d1 eyes  glaz$1 pupils contract$1     
pulse n[ quick1 n[ almo/ evanesc5t1 face
  drawn1 brea?+ difficult1 moan+ n[ & !n
 9 physical & m5tal  agony4    ,until %e
 spoke x 0 impossible to tell :at _h    
happ5$1 b !  ambulance surgeon _h f\nd a
 little r$ m>k on h] :ite =e>m &  _h    
po9t$ x out1 evid5tly ) ! idea t %e 0   
suff]+ f  a drug4    ,at ! m]e sight ( !
 m>k1 ,blair />$ z ?\gh hypnotiz$4      
,lean+ ov] to ,k5n$y1 s t ! o!rs c\ld n 
he>1 he  :isp]$1 8,x is ! m>k ( !       
s]p5t60    ,our arrival _h be5 ann\nc$  
to ! hospital physician1 :o ent]$  &    
/ood = a mom5t look+ at ! pati5t4    8,i
 ?9k x is a drug--a poison10 he said    
m$itatively4    8,y hav5't f\nd out yet 
:at x is1 !n80 ask$ ,craig4    ,!       
physician %ook 8 head d\btfully4        

8,:atev] x is10 he said  sl[ly1 8x is   
closely alli$ to ! cyanide gr\ps 9 its  
rapaci\s  activity4 ,i hav5't ! slighte/
 idea ( its true nature1 b x seems  to h
 a p[]ful aff9ity = important n]ve c5t]s
 ( respiration  & muscul> coord9ation1 z
 well z = disorganiz+ ! blood4 ,i  %\ld 
say t x produces dea? by respiratory    
p>alysis &  convulsions4 ,to my m9d x is
 an exact1 ?\gh p]haps less active1     
c\nt]p>t ( hydrocyanic acid40    ,k5n$y 
_h be5 li/5+ int5tly at ! />t1 b be=e ! 
physician _h f9i%$ he _h b5t ov] & made 
a ligature quickly  ) 8 h&k]*ief4    ,!n
 he dispat*$ a mess5g] ) a note4 ,next  
he cut ab\t !  m9ute w\nd on h] arm     
until ! blood fl[$1 cupp+ x to increase 
! fl[4 ,n[ & !n he _h !m adm9i/] a      
little /imulant4    ,he _h work$        
rapidly1 :ile ,blair wat*$ him ) a sort 
(  fasc9ation4    8,get ,dr4 ,vaughn10  
ord]$ ,craig1 z soon z he _h a brea?+   
spell  aft] 8 quick "w1 add+1 8&        
,pr(essor & ,madame ,rapport4  ,walt]1  
att5d to t1 w y8 ,i ?9k y w f9d an (fic]

  outside4 ,y'll h to compel !m to come1
 if !y won't come  o!rwise10 he add$1   
giv+ ! address ( ! ,lodge1 z we _h f\nd 
x4    ,blair %ot a quick look at him1 z 
?\gh ,craig 9 8 k 7  uncanny4 ,app>5tly1
 ! address _h be5 a secret :i* he ?\ght 
we  did n "k4    ,i manag$ to f9d an    
(fic] & dispat* him = ! ,rapports4 ,a   
hospital ord]ly1 ,i ?\ght1 w\ld s]ve to 
get ,dr4 ,vaughn4          ,,*apt]      
,,xxiv  ,,! ,,s]p5t',s ,,too?      ,i _h
 sc>cely return$ to ! w>d :51 sudd5ly1  
an unnatural  /r5g? seem$ to be infus$  
into ,v$a4    ,%e _h ris5 9 b$4    8,x  
%all n cat* me60 %e cri$ 9 a new p>oxysm
 ( nameless  t]ror4 8,no--no--x is      
pursu+ me4 ,i am nev] out ( its grasp4  
,i h  be5 ?\ght six feet und]gr\nd--,i  
"k x4 ,!re x is aga9--/ill  driv+       
me--/ill driv+ me6    8,w x nev] /op8 ,w
 no "o /op x8 ,save me6 ,x--is ! dea?   
?\ght60    ,%e _h ris5 convulsively & _h
 drawn back 9 abject1 c[]+  t]ror4 ,:at 
0 x %e saw8 ,evid5tly x 0 v real & v    
awful4  ,x pursu$ h] rel5tlessly4    ,z 

%e lay !re1 roll+ h] eyes ab\t1 %e      
caught sight ( u &  recogniz$ u = ! fir/
 "t1 al?\gh %e _h be5 call+ = u4    8,!y
 _h ! ?\ght on y1 too1 ,pr(essor        
,k5n$y10 %e almo/  scream$4 8,h\r aft]  
h\r1 ,rapport & ! re/ repeat$ ov] & ov] 
aga91 #8,:y does n "s "o kill him8 ,:y  
does he n die8' ,!y knew  y--ev5 :5 ,i  
br\ght y to ! ,r$ ,lodge4 ,!y ?\ght y 7 
a  spy40    ,i turn$ to ,k5n$y4 ,he _h  
advanc$ & 0 lean+ ov] to cat*  e ^w4    
,blair 0 /&+ beh9d me & %e _h n se5 h]  
husb& yet4 ,a quick glance %[$ me t he 0
 trembl+ f head  to foot l a leaf1 z    
?\gh he1 too1 7 pursu$ by ! nameless    
t]ror4    8,:at did !y d80 ,k5n$y ask$ 9
 a l[ tone4    ,fe>fully1 gripp+ ! b>s (
 ! iron b$1 z ?\gh !y 7 "s  tangible    
support = h] m9d1 %e answ]$3 8,!y w\ld  
get toge!r4  #8,n[1 all ( y1' !y said1  
#8unite y\rselves 9 ?\ght aga9/ our     
enemy1 aga9/ ,k5n$y1 t he mu/ leave (f  
p]secut+ u4 ,he is  ripe = de/ruction6'0
    ,k5n$y glanc$ sidewise at me1 ) a   
significant look4    8,god grant10 %e   

implor$1 8t none haunt me = :at ,i h    
done 9  my ignorance60    ,j !n ! door  
op5$ & my mess5g] ent]$1 accompani$ by  
,dr4  ,vaughn4    ,i _h turn$ to cat* ! 
expression on ,blair's face j 9 "t4 ,x  
0 a look ( abject appeal4    ,be=e ,dr4 
,vaughn c\ld ask a "q1 or fairly take 9 
!  situation1 ,k5n$y _h fac$ him4       
8,:at 0 ! purpose ( all t elaborate     
mumm]y out at ! ,r$  ,lodge80 ask$      
,k5n$y po9tblank4    ,i ?9k ,i look$ at 
,craig 9 no less amazem5t ?an ,vaughn4  
,9 spite (  ! dramatic sc5es ?r\gh :i*  
we _h pass$1 ! spell ( !  occult _h n   
fall5 on him = an in/ant4    8,mumm]y80 
repeat$ ,dr4 ,vaughn1 b5d+ 8 p5etrat+   
eyes on  ,k5n$y1 z if he w\ld =ce him to
 betray himself fir/4    8,yes10        
reit]at$ ,craig4 8,y "k z well z ,i d t 
x has be5  said t x is a well-e/abli%$  
fact t ! _w wants to be  deceiv$ & is   
will+ to pay = ! privilege40    ,dr4    
,vaughn /ill gaz$ f "o to ! o!r ( u     
defiantly4    8,y "k :at ,i mean10      
p]si/$ ,k5n$y1 8! mumbo-jumbo--j z !    

,haitian obi man /icks p9s 9 a doll or  
melts a wax figure ( 8  enemy4 ,t is    
suppos$ to be an outw>d sign4 ,b back ( 
?is  t]rible p[] t p believe moves 9    
d>kness & my/]y is  some?+              
tangible--some?+ real40    ,dr4 ,vaughn 
look$ up %>ply at him1 ,i ?9k mi/ak+    
,k5n$y's  mean+4 ,if he did1 all d\bt t 
,k5n$y attribut$ any?+ to !  sup]natural
 0 remov$ z he w5t on3 8,at fir/ ,i _h  
no explanation  ( ! curi\s ev5ts ,i h j 
witness$1 & ! m ,i ?\ght  ab\t !m1 ! m  
obscure did !y seem4    8,i h tri$ to   
reason ! ?+ out10 he cont9u$ ?\ghtfully4
 8,did  auto-sugge/ion1 self-hypnotism  
expla9 :at ,i h se58 ,has ,v$a  ,blair  
be5 driv5 almo/ to dea? by h] own fe>s  
only80    ,no "o int]rupt$ & he answ]$ 8
 own "q4 8,someh[ ! idea  t x 0 purely  
fe> t _h driv5 h] on did n satisfy me4  
,z ,i  said1 ,i want$ some?+ m tangible4
 ,i c\ld n help ?9k+ t  x 0 n m]ely     
subjective4 ,!re 0 some?+ objective1 "s 
=ce  at "w1 some?+ m ?an psy*ic 9 !     
result a*iev$ by ?is  crim9al m5tal     

m>aud]1 :oev] x is40    ,i 0 foll[+     
,k5n$y's reason+ n[ closely4 ,z he      
proce$$1 !  po9t t he 0 mak+ seem$ m    
cle> to me4    ,p]sons ( a c]ta9 type ( 
m9d c\ld be really m5tally unbalanc$  by
 su* me?ods :i* we _h he>d outl9$1 :]e !
 m]e fact (  ano!r try+ to ex]t p[] ov] 
!m became kn[n to !m4 ,!y  w\ld1 z a    
matt] ( fact1 unbalance !mselves1 ?9k+  
ab\t &  fight+ (f imag9>y t]rors4       
,su* p1 ,i c\ld readily see1 might be   
quickly controll$1 & 9  ! wake ( su*    
control w\ld foll[ /ifl$ love1 wreck$   
homes1  ru9$ =tunes1 suicide & ev5 dea?4
    ,dr4 ,vaughn lean$ =w>d critically4 
8,:at did y conclude1 !n1 0  !          
explanation ( :at y saw la/ night80 he  
ask$ %>ply4    ,k5n$y met 8 "q squ>ely1 
)\t fl9*+4 8,x looks to me10  he repli$ 
quietly1 8l a sort ( hy/]o-epilepsy4 ,x 
is well kn[n1  ,i believe1 to           
demonologi/s--^? :o h /udi$ ?is sort (  
?+4  ,!y h recogniz$ ! contortions1 !   
screams1 ! wild1  blasphem\s talk1 !    
cataleptic rigidity4 ,!y are            

epilepti=m40    ,vaughn said no?+1 b    
cont9u$ to weigh ,k5n$y z if 9 a        
balance4  ,i1 :o knew him1 knew t x w\ld
 take a great] ?an ,vaughn to f9d  him  
want+1 once ,k5n$y *ose to speak4 ,z =  
,vaughn1 0 he try+  to hide beh9d "s    
te*nicality 9 m$ical e?ics8    8,dr4    
,vaughn10 cont9u$ ,craig1 z if goad+ him
 to ! po9t (  break+ d[n 8 calm sil5ce1 
8y are speciali/ en\gh to "k  ^! ?+s z  
well1 bett] ?an ,i d4 ,y mu/ "k t       
epilepsy is  "o ( ! mo/ peculi>         
diseases4    8,! victim may be 9 good   
physical condition1 app>5tly4 ,9 fact1  
"s h>dly "k t !y h x4 ,b x is some?+ m  
?an  m]ely ! fits4 ,always !re is some?+
 wrong m5tally4 ,x is n  ! motor        
di/urbance s mu* z ! di/urbance (       
consci\sness40    ,k5n$y 0 talk+ sl[ly1 
delib]ately1 s t none c\ld drop a  l9k 9
 ! reason+4    8,p]haps "o 9 t5         
epileptics has insane p]iods1 m or      
less10 he  w5t on1 8& !re is no m       
dang]\s =m ( insanity4                  
,self-consci\sness is lo/1 & 9 ?is /ate 

( automatism ! wor/  ( crimes h be5     
committ$ )\t ! subsequ5t k ( !  pati5t4 
,9 t /ate !y are no m responsible ?an   
are ! actors  9 "o's dreams40    ,!     
hospital physician ent]$1 accompani$ by 
,craig's mess5g]1  brea?less4 ,craig    
almo/ seiz$ ! package f 8 h&s & broke  !
 seal4    8,ah--?is is :at ,i want$10 he
 exclaim$1 ) an air ( relief1  =gett+ = 
! "t ! exposition ( ! case t he 0 engag$
  94 8,"h ,i h "s anti-crotalus v59e1 ( 
,drs4 ,flexn] &  ,nogu*i4 ,=tunately1 9 
! city x is )9 easy rea*40    ,quickly1 
) ! aid ( ! physician he inject$ x into 
,v$a's arm4    8,( all sub/ances 9      
nature10 he rem>k$1 /ill at "w ov] !    
un=tunate woman1 8none is s little kn[n 
z ! v5om ( s]p5ts40    ,x 0 a />tl+ idea
 :i* ! s5t5ce _h rais$ 9 my m9d4 ,all   
at once ,i recall$ ! fir/ rem>k ( ,sew>d
 ,blair1 9 :i* he _h  repeat$ ! password
 t _h admitt$ u into ! ,r$ ,lodge--8!   
,s]p5t's ,too?40 ,c\ld x h be5 t %e _h  
really be5 bitt5 at  "s ( ! orgies by ! 
s]p5t :i* !y wor%ip$ hide\sly  hiss+ 9  

its cage8 ,i 0 sure t1 at lea/ until !y 
7  compell$1 none w\ld say any?+ ab\t x4
 ,0 t !  int]pretation ( ! almo/        
hypnotiz$ look on ,blair's face8    8,we
 "k next to no?+ ( ! composition ( !    
prote9 bodies 9  ! v5oms :i* h su*      
t]rific1 quick physiological effects10  
,k5n$y 0 say+4 8,!y h be5 /udi$1 x is   
true1 b we _c  really say t !y are      
und]/ood--or ev5 t !re are any adequate 
te/s by :i* !y c be recogniz$4 ,! fact  
is1 t snake v5oms  are ab\t ! safe/ (   
poisons = ! crim9al40    ,k5n$y _h      
sc>cely prop\nd$ ?is />tl+ idea :5 a c> 
0  he>d outside4 ,! ,rapports _h arriv$1
 ) ! (fic] ,i _h s5t  aft] !m1 prote/+ &
 ?reat5+4    ,!y quiet$ d[n a bit z !y  
ent]$1 & aft] a quick glance  ar\nd saw 
:o 0 pres5t4    ,pr(essor ,rapport gave 
"o glance at ! victim ly+ exhau/$ on !  
b$1 !n drew back1 melodramatically1 &   
cri$1 8,! ,s]p5t--! m>k  ( ! s]p5t60    
,= a mom5t ,k5n$y gaz$ full 9 ! eyes (  
!m all4    8,0 x a snake bite80 he ask$ 
sl[ly1 !n1 turn+ to ,mrs4 ,blair1  aft] 

a quick glance1 he w5t on rapidly1 8,!  
fir/ ?+ to asc]ta9  is :e!r ! m>k       
consi/s ( two isolat$ punctures1 f !    
poison-conduct+ tee? or fangs ( ! snake1
 :i* are con/ruct$  l a hypod]mic       
ne$le40    ,! hospital physician _h b5t 
ov] h] at ! words1 & be=e  ,k5n$y c\ld g
 on int]rupt$3 8,?is 0 n a snake bite2 x
 0  m likely f an all-glass hypod]mic   
syr+e ) a  plat9um-iridium ne$le40      
,pr(essor ,rapport1 prie/ ( ! ,devil1   
advanc$ a /ep m5ac+ly  t[>d ,k5n$y4     
8,rememb]10 he said 9 a l[1 angry tone1 
8rememb]--y  are pl$g$ to keep ! secrets
 ( ! ,r$ ,lodge60    ,craig bru%$ aside 
! sophi/ry ) a s5t5ce4 8,i d n recognize
  any secrets t ,i h to keep ab\t !     
meet+ ?is aft]noon to  :i* y summon$ !  
,blairs & ,mrs4 ,langhorne1 accord+ to  
reports  f ! %ad[s ,i _h plac$ on ,mrs4 
,langhorne & ,dr4 ,vaughn40    ,if !re  
is su* a ?+ z ! evil eye1 ,rapport's mu/
 h be5 a  pair ( !m1 z he realiz$ t     
,k5n$y _h resort$ to ! simple  devices (
 %ad[+ ! devotees4    ,a cry1 almo/ a   

%riek1 />tl$ u4 ,k5n$y's enc\nt] )      
,rapport  _h _h an effect :i* none ( u  
_h consid]$4 ,! /ep or two 9  advance   
:i* ! prophet _h tak5 _h br\ght him into
 ! l9e (  vision ( ! /ill half-/upefi$  
,v$a ly+ back ( ,k5n$y on !  hospital   
cot4    ,! m]e sight ( him1 ! s\nd ( 8  
voice & ! m5tion ( !  ,r$ ,lodge _h be5 
suffici5t to p5etrate t /upor4 ,%e 0    
sitt+  bolt upright1 a gha/ly1 trembl+  
spect]4 ,sl[ly a smile seem$ to  creep  
ov] ! cruel face ( ! my/ic4 ,0 x n a    
recognition (  8 hypnotic p[]8    ,k5n$y
 turn$ & laid a g5tle h& on ! quak+     
convuls$ figure  ( ! woman4 ,"o c\ld    
feel ! electric t5sion 9 ! air1 !       
battle ( two p[]s = good or evil4 ,:i*  
w\ld w9--! old  fasc9ation ( ! occult or
 ! new p[] ( sci5ce8    ,x 0 a dramatic 
mom5t4 ,yet n s dramatic z ! outcome4   
,to my  surprise1 nei!r won4    ,sudd5ly
 %e caught sight ( h] husb&4 ,h] face   
*ang$4 ,all !  prehi/oric jeal\sy ( :i* 
woman is capable seem$ to blaze =?4     
8,i w def5d myself60 %e cri$4 8,i w     

fight back6 ,%e %all n  w9--%e %all n h 
y--no--%e %all n--nev]60    ,i recall$ !
 /ra9$ feel+ betwe5 ! two wom5 t ,i _h  
notic$ 9 ! cab4 ,0 x ,mrs4 ,langhorne :o
 _h be5 ! di/urb+  influ5ce1 ^: p[] %e  
fe>$1 ov] h]self & ov] h] husb&8        
,rapport _h fall5 back a /ep1 b n f !   
m9d ( ,k5n$y4    8,"h10 *all5g$ ,craig1 
fac+ ! gr\p & draw+ f 8 pocket  ! glass 
amp\le1 8,i pick$ ?is up at ! ,r$ ,lodge
 la/ night40    ,he held x out 9 8 h&   
be=e ! ,rapports s t !y c\ld n  help b  
see x4 ,7 !y m]ely good actors8 ,!y     
betray$ no?+1  at lea/ by face or       
action4    8,x is crotal910 he ann\nc$1 
8! v5om ( ! rattlesnake--crotalus       
horridus4 ,x has be5 notic$ t p]sons    
suff]+ f c]ta9  diseases ( :i* epilepsy 
is "o1 aft] hav+ be5 bitt5 by a         
rattlesnake1 if !y recov] f ! snake     
bite1 are cur$ ( !  disease40    ,k5n$y 
0 =g+ /raight ahead n[ 9 8 exposure4    
8,crotal910 he  cont9u$1 8is "o ( ! new 
drugs us$ 9 ! treatm5t ( epilepsy4  ,b x
 is a p[]ful two-edg$ in/rum5t4 ,"s "o  

:o knew ! drug1  :o p]haps _h us$ x1 has
 tri$ an artificial bite ( a rattl] on  
,v$a ,blair1 n = epilepsy1 b = ano!r1   
diabolical purpose1  ?9k+ to cov] up !  
crime1 ei!r z ! result ( ! s-call$  dea?
 ?\ght ( ! ,lodge or z ! bite ( ! real  
rattl] at !  ,lodge40    ,k5n$y _h at   
la/ got "u ,dr4 ,vaughn's gu>d4 ,all 8  
retic5ce 0  gone4    8,i jo9$ ! cult10  
he confess$4 8,i did x 9 ord] to obs]ve 
&  treat "o ( my pati5ts = epilepsy4 ,i 
ju/ifi$ myself4 ,i said1 #8,i  w be !   
expos]1 n ! accomplice1 ( ?is mod]n     
,satanism4' ,i  jo9$ x &--0    8,!re is 
no use try+ to %ield anyone1 ,vaughn10  
rapp$ out ,k5n$y1  sc>cely tak+ "t to   
li/54 8,an epileptic ( ! mo/ dang]\s    
crim9al type has arrang$ ?is :ole       
elaborate sett+ z a plot to  get rid ( !
 wife :o br\ght him 8 =tune & n[ /&s 9 !
  way ( 8 unholy love ( ,mrs4           
,langhorne4 ,he us$ y to get ! poison  )
 :i* y treat$ him4 ,he us$ ! ,rapports )
 money to play on  h] my/icism by _!    
s-call$ dea? ?\ght1 :ile he wat*$ 8     

opportunity to inject ! fatal crotal940 
,craig fac$ ! crim9al1 ^: eyes n[ %[$ m 
pla9ly ?an words  8 d]ang$ m5tal        
condition1 & 9 a l[ tone add$1 8,!      
,devil is  9 y1 ,sew>d ,blair60         
,,*apt] ,,xxv  ,,! 8,,happy ,,du/0      
,v$a ,blair's rescue f ! /range use t 0 
made ( ! v5om  came at a "t :5 ! city 0 
ar\s$ z x nev] _h be5 be=e  ov] !       
nation-wide agitation aga9/ drugs4      
,already1 x w be recall$1 ,k5n$y & ,i _h
 _h "s rec5t  exp]i5ce ) dope fi5ds (   
v>i\s k9ds1 b ?is case ,i set d[n       
because x drew u m intimately into !    
crusade4    8,i've call$ on y1 ,pr(essor
 ,k5n$y1 to see if ,i c't int]e/ y  9 ! 
campaign ,i am plann+ aga9/ drugs40     
,mrs4 ,claydon ,sutph51 social lead] &  
suffragi/1 _h sc>cely m  ?an introduc$  
h]self :5 %e laun*$ e>ne/ly into !      
reason =  h] visit to u4    8,y don't   
realize x1 p]haps10 %e cont9u$ rapidly1 
8b v (t5  a little silv] bottle (       
tablets is z mu* a necess>y to "s wom5  
( ! sm>t set z cosmetics40    8,i've    

he>d ( su* cases10 nodd$ ,craig         
enc\rag+ly4    8,well1 y see ,i became  
int]e/$ 9 ! subject10 %e add$1 8:5 ,i   
saw "s ( my own fri5ds go+ d[n4 ,t's h[ 
,i came to plan !  campaign 9 ! fir/    
place40    ,%e paus$1 evid5tly n]v\s4   
8,i've be5 ?reat5$1 too10 %e w5t  on1 8b
 ,i'm n go+ to give up ! fight4 ,p ?9k t
 drugs  are a curse only to ! und]world1
 b !y h no idea :at inroads  ! habit has
 made 9 ! upp] _w1 too4 ,oh1 x is       
awful60 %e  exclaim$4    ,sudd5ly1 %e   
lean$ ov] & :isp]$1 8,:y1 !re's my own  
si/]1  ,mrs4 ,g>rett4 ,%e began tak+    
drugs aft] an op]ation1 & n[ !y  h a    
t]rible hold on h]4 ,i ne$n't try to    
conceal any?+4 ,x's  all be5 publi%$ 9 !
 pap]s--ev]ybody kn[s x4 ,?9k (         
x--divorc$1 disgrac$1 all ?r\gh ^! curs$
 drugs6 ,dr4 ,coleman1  our family      
physician1 has done ev]y?+ kn[n to break
 up ! habit1  b he hasn't succe$$40     
,dr4 ,coleman1 ,i knew1 0 a fam\s       
society physician4 ,if he _h fail$1  ,i 
wond]$ :y %e ?\ght a detective might    

succe$4 ,b x 0  evid5tly ano!r purpose  
%e _h 9 m9d 9 introduc+ ! subject4      
8,s y c und]/& :at x all means to me1   
p]sonally10 %e  resum$1 ) a sigh4 8,i've
 /udi$ ! ?+--,i've be5 =c$ to /udy  x4  
,:y1 n[ ! exploit]s are ev5 mak+ drug   
fi5ds (  m]e--*ildr560    ,mrs4 ,sutph5 
spread out a crumpl$ %eet ( note pap]   
be=e u on  :i* 0 writt5 some?+ 9 a      
trembl+ scrawl4 8,= in/ance1  "h's a    
lett] ,i receiv$ only ye/]day40         
,k5n$y glanc$ ov] x c>efully4 ,x 0 sign$
 8,a ,fri5d10 & read3    8,i h he>d (   
y\r drug w> 9 ! newspap]s & wi% to help 
y1  only ,i don't d>e to d s op5ly4 ,b  
,i c assure y t if y  w inve/igate :at  
,i am ab\t to tell y1 y w soon be on !  
trail ( ^? high] up 9 ?is t]rible drug  
bus9ess4 ,!re is a  little c5t] ( !     
traffic on ,we/ #ff? ,/reet1 j (f       
,broadway4 ,i  _c tell y m1 b if y c    
inve/igate x1 y w be do+  m good ?an y c
 possibly realize n[4 ,!re is "o girl   
!re1  :om !y call #8,sn[bird4' ,if y    
c\ld only get hold ( h] quietly  & place

 h] 9 a sanit>ium y might save h] yet40 
,craig 0 m ?an ord9>ily int]e/$4 8,& !  
*ildr5--:at did  y mean by t80    8,:y1 
x's lit]ally true10 ass]t$ ,mrs4 ,sutph5
 9 a horrifi$ tone4  8,"s ( ! victims   
are actually s*ool *ildr54 ,up !re 9    
#ff?  ,/reet we h f\nd a man nam$       
,arm/rong1 :o seems to be v  fri5dly )  
?is "y girl :om !y call #8,sn[bird4' ,h]
 real "n1  by ! way1 is ,sawtelle1 ,i   
believe4 ,%e c't be ov] eighte51 a m]e  
*ild1 yet %e's a slave to ! /uff40      
8,oh1 !n y h actually already act$ on ! 
h9t 9 ! lett]80  ask$ ,craig4    8,yes10
 %e repli$1 8,i've _h "o ( ! ag5ts ( our
 ,anti-,drug  ,society1 a social work]1 
inve/igat+ ! neighborhood40    ,k5n$y   
nodd$ = h] to g on4    8,i've ev5       
inve/igat$ myself a little1 & n[ ,i want
 to employ "s  "o to break ! ?+ up4 ,my 
husb& _h he>d ( y & s "h ,i  am4 ,c y   
help me80    ,!re 0 a note ( appeal 9 h]
 voice t 0 irresi/ible to a man  :o _h !
 he>t ( ,k5n$y4    8,tell me j :at y h  
discov]$ s f>10 he ask$ simply4         

8,well10 %e repli$ sl[ly1 8aft] my ag5t 
v]ifi$ ! cont5ts (  ! lett]1 ,i wat*$   
until ,i saw ?is girl--%e's a m]e *ild1 
z ,i  said--go+ to a cab>et 9 !         
neighborhood4 ,:at /ruck me 0 t ,i  saw 
h] g 9 look+ l a wreck & come out a     
beautiful creature1  ) bright eyes1     
flu%$ *eeks1 almo/ y\?ful aga94 ,a mo/  
rem>kable girl %e is1 too10 mus$ ,mrs4  
,sutph51 8:o always we>s a  :ite g[n1   
:ite hat1 :ite %oes & :ite /ock+s4 ,x   
mu/ be a  mania ) h]40    ,mrs4 ,sutph5 
seem$ to h exhau/$ h] small /ore (      
in=mation1  & z %e rose to g ,k5n$y rose
 also4 8,i %all be glad to look into  ! 
case1 ,mrs4 ,sutph510 he promis$4 8,i'm 
sure !re is some?+ t  c be done--!re mu/
 be40    8,?ank y1 ev] s mu*10 %e       
murmur$1 z %e paus$ at ! door1  some?+  
/ill on h] m9d4 8,& p]haps1 too10 %e    
add$1 8y may  run across my si/]1 ,mrs4 
,g>rett40    8,inde$10 he assur$ h]1 8if
 !re is any?+ ,i c possibly d t  w assi/
 y p]sonally1 ,i %all be only too happy 
to d x40    8,?ank y aga91 ev] s mu*10  

%e repeat$ ) j a little *oke  9 h]      
voice4    ,= sev]al mom5ts ,k5n$y sat   
contemplat+ ! anonym\s lett]  :i* %e _h 
left ) him1 /udy+ bo? its cont5ts & !   
h&writ+4    8,we mu/ g ov] ! gr\nd up   
!re aga910 he rem>k$ f9ally4  8,p]haps  
we c d bett] ?an ,mrs4 ,sutph5 & h] drug
 inve/igator  h done40    ,half an h\r  
lat] we _h arriv$ & 7 saunt]+ along !   
/reet  9 "q1 walk+ sl[ly up & d[n 9 ! n[
 fa/-ga!r+ dusk4  ,x 0 a typical *eap   
ap>tm5t block ( v>iegat$ "*1 )  p sitt+ 
idly on ! n>r[ front /eps & *ildr5      
spill+ out  into ! roadway 9 imm95t     
dang] ( _! "y lives f e  pass+          
automobile4    ,on ! cr[d$ sidewalk a   
creation 9 :ite hurtl$ pa/ u4 ,"o glance
  at ! t5se face 9 ! flick]+ arc light 0
 en\gh = ,k5n$y4  ,he pull$ my arm & we 
turn$ & foll[$ at a safe di/ance4    ,%e
 look$ l a girl :o c\ld n h be5 m ?an   
eighte51 if  %e 0 z old z t4 ,%e 0      
pretty1 too1 b already h] face 0  beg9n+
 to look old & worn f ! use ( drugs4 ,x 
0  unmi/akable4    ,9 spite ( ! fact t  

%e 0 hurry+1 x 0 n difficult to  foll[  
h] 9 ! cr[d1 z %e pick$ h] way 9 & out1 
& f9ally  turn$ into ,broadway :]e !    
:ite lights 7 welcom+ ! night4    ,"u ! 
gl>e ( a huge electric sign %e /opp$ a  
mom5t1 !n  ent]$ "o ( ! mo/ notori\s ( !
 cab>ets4    ,we ent]$ also at a        
discreet di/ance & sat d[n at a table4  
8,don't look ar\nd1 ,walt]10 :isp]$     
,craig1 z ! wait] took our  ord]1 8b to 
y\r "r is ,mrs4 ,sutph540    ,if he _h  
m5tion$ any o!r "n 9 ! _w1 ,i c\ld n h  
be5  m surpris$4 ,i wait$ impati5tly    
until ,i c\ld pick h] out f  ! corn] (  
my eye4 ,sure en\gh1 x 0 ,mrs4 ,sutph5 &
 ano!r  woman4 ,:at !y 7 do+ !re ,i c\ld
 n imag9e1 = nei!r _h  ! look ( habitues
 ( su* a place4    ,i foll[$ ,k5n$y's   
eye & f\nd t he 0 gaz+ furtively at a   
fla%ily dress$ "y man :o 0 sitt+ alone  
at ! f> end 9 a  sort ( boo? uphol/]$ 9 
lea!r4    ,! girl 9 :ite1 :om ,i 0 n[   
sure 0 ,miss ,sawtelle1 w5t ov] &       
greet$ him4 ,x 0 too f> to see j :at    
happ5$1 b ! "y  woman aft] sitt+ d[n    

rose & left almo/ imm$iately4 ,z ne>ly z
  ,i c\ld make out1 %e _h got some?+ f  
him :i* %e _h dropp$  into h] h&bag & 0 
n[ hugg+ ! h&bag close to h]self  almo/ 
z if x 7 gold4    ,we sat = a few m9utes
 debat+ j :at to d1 :5 ,mrs4 ,sutph5  & 
h] fri5d rose4 ,z %e pass$ out1 a quick1
 cov]t glance told u  to foll[4 ,we did 
s & ! two turn$ into ,broadway4    8,let
 me pres5t y to ,miss ,mc,cann10        
introduc$ ,mrs4 ,sutph5 z we  caught up 
) !m4 8,miss ,mc,cann is a social work] 
& tra9$  inve/igator :om ,i'm employ+40 
,we b[$1 b be=e we c\ld ask a "q1 ,mrs4 
,sutph5 cri$  excit$ly3 8,i ?9k ,i h a  
clue1 anyway4 ,we've trac$ ! s\rce (  ! 
drugs at lea/ z f> z t "y fell[1        
#8,:itecap1' :om y  saw 9 !re40    ,i _h
 n recogniz$ 8 face1 al?\gh ,i _h       
und\bt$ly se5 pictures  ( him be=e4 ,b  
no soon] _h ,i he>d ! "n ?an ,i         
recogniz$ x  z t ( "o ( ! mo/ notori\s  
gang lead]s on ! ,we/ ,side4    ,n only 
t1 b ,:itecap's gang play$ an important 
"p 9 local  politics4 ,!re 0 sc>cely a  

=m ( crime or vice to :i* ,:itecap  & 8 
foll[]s c\ld n turn a skill$ h&1 :e!r x 
0  sw++ an election1 runn+ a gambl+     
club1 or disp5s+ 8dope40    8,y see10 %e
 expla9$1 8ev5 be=e ,i saw y1 my        
suspicions 7  ar\s$ & ,i det]m9$ to     
obta9 "s ( ! /uff !y are us+ up  "h1 if 
possible4 ,i realiz$ x w\ld be useless =
 me to try to get  x myself1 s ,i got   
,miss ,mc,cann f ! ,neighborhood ,h\se  
to try x4  ,%e got x & has turn$ !      
bottle ov] to me40    8,may ,i see x80  
ask$ ,craig eag]ly4    ,mrs4 ,sutph5    
rea*$ ha/ily into h] h&bag1 drew =? a   
small br[n  glass bottle & h&$ x to him4
 ,craig retreat$ into "o ( ! less  d>k  
side /reets4 ,!re he pull$ out !        
p>aff9n$ cork f !  bottle1 pick$ out a  
piece ( cotton /uff$ 9 ! neck ( ! bottle
  & p\r$ out "s flat tablets t %[$ a    
gli/5+ :ite 9 !  palm ( 8 h&4 ,= an     
in/ant he reg>d$ !m4    8,i may keep    
^!80 he ask$4    8,c]ta9ly10 repli$     
,mrs4 ,sutph54 8,t's :at ,i _h ,miss    
,mc,cann get  !m =40    ,k5n$y dropp$ ! 

bottle into 8 pocket4    8,s t 0 ! gang 
lead]1 #8,:itecap1'0 he rem>k$ z we     
turn$  aga9 to ,broadway4    8,yes10    
repli$ ,mrs4 ,sutph54 8,at c]ta9 h\rs1  
,i believe he c be  f\nd at t cab>et    
sell+ ?is /uff1 :atev] x is1 to anyone  
:o  comes prop]ly introduc$4 ,! ?+ seems
 to be s op5 & notori\s  t x am\nts to a
 sc&al40    ,we p>t$ a mom5t lat]1 ,mrs4
 ,sutph5 & ,miss ,mc,cann to g to !     
settlem5t h\se1 ,craig & ,i to cont9ue  
our inve/igations4    8,fir/ ( all1     
,walt]10 he said z we swung abo>d an    
upt[n c>1 8,i  want to /op at !         
laboratory40    ,9 8 d51 :i* _h be5 !   
sc5e ( s _m triumphs1 ,k5n$y began  a   
ha/y exam9ation ( ! tablets1 p[d]+ "o & 
te/+ x )  "o *emical aft] ano!r4        
8,:at are !y80 ,i ask$ at l5g? :5 he    
seem$ to h f\nd !  "r reaction :i* gave 
him ! clue4    8,happy du/10 he answ]$  
briefly4    8,happy du/80 ,i repeat$1   
look+ at him a mom5t 9 d\bt z to  :e!r  
he 0 jok+ or s]i\s4 8,:at is t80    8,! 
,t5d]lo9 "n = h]o9--a comp>atively new  

d]ivative (  morph9e4 ,x is really      
morph9e treat$ ) acetic acid :i* r5d]s  
x m p[]ful ?an morph9e alone40    8,h[ d
 !y take !m8 ,:at's ! effect80 ,i ask$4 
8,! p]son :o uses h]o9 usually p[d]s !  
tablets & snuffs !  p[d] up ! nose10 he 
answ]$4 8,9 a %ort "t1 p]haps only two  
or  ?ree weeks1 "o c become a confirm$  
victim ( #8happy du/4' ,&  :ile "o is "u
 its influ5ce he is morally1 physically 
& m5tally  irresponsible40    ,k5n$y 0  
putt+ away ! p>aph]nalia he _h us$1     
mean:ile  talk+ ab\t ! drug4 8,"o ( !   
wor/ aspects ( x1 too10 he  cont9u$1 8is
 ! desire ( ! us] to %>e 8 exp]i5ce ) "s
  "o else4 ,?is pass+ on ( ! habit1 :i* 
seems to be "o ( !  /ronge/ desires ( ! 
drug fi5d1 makes him ev5 m dang]\s to   
society ?an he w\ld o!rwise be4 ,x makes
 x h>d] = anyone once  addict$ to a drug
 to %ake x (f1 = 8 fri5ds w give him no 
*ance4 ,! only ?+ to d is to get !      
victim out ( 8  environm5t & into an    
entirely new sc5e40    ,! laboratory    
table cle>$ aga91 ,k5n$y _h dropp$ into 

a deep  /udy4    8,n[1 :y 0 ,mrs4       
,sutph5 !re80 he ask$ al\d4 8,i c't ?9k 
x  0 solely ?r\gh h] int]e/ = t girl !y 
call ,sn[bird4 ,%e  0 int]e/$ 9 h]1 b %e
 made no attempt to int]f]e or to  foll[
 h]4 ,no1 !re mu/ h be5 ano!r reason40  
8,y don't ?9k %e's a dope fi5d h]self1 d
 y80 ,i ask$  hurri$ly4    ,k5n$y smil$4
 8,h>dly1 ,walt]4 ,if %e has any        
obsession on !  subject1 x is m likely  
to lead h] to actual fanaticism aga9/   
all  /imulants & n>cotics & ev]y?+      
connect$ ) !m4 ,no1 y  might possibly   
p]suade me t two & two equal five--b n  
sev5te54 ,x's n v late4 ,i ?9k we might 
make ano!r visit to  t cab>et & see :e!r
 ! same ?+ is go+ on yet40              
,,*apt] ,,xxvi  ,,! ,,b9et ,,te/        
,we rode d[nt[n aga9 & aga9 saunt]$ 91  
?is "t ) !  !at] cr[d4 ,our fir/ visit  
_h be5 s quiet & uno/5tati\s  t ! second
 attract$ no att5tion or comm5t f !     
wait]s1 or  anyone else4    ,z we sat   
d[n we glanc$ ov]1 & !re 9 8 corn] /ill 
0  ,:itecap4 ,app>5tly 8 supply ( ! dope

 0 inexhau/ible1 = he  0 /ill disp5s+ x4
 ,z we wat*$ ! t5d]lo9 habitues come &  
g1 ,i came soon to recognize ! signs by 
! m]e look on ! face--!  pa/y sk91 !    
vacant eye1 ! n]v\s quiv] ( ! muscles z 
?\gh  e organ & e n]ve 7 cry+ out = m ( 
! favorite  nep5!4 ,"t & aga9 ,i notic$ 
! victims z !y sat at !  tables1 gr[+ m 
& m hagg>d & worn1 until !y c\ld /&  x  
no long]4 ,!n !y w\ld retire1 sometimes 
aft] a visit across  ! floor to         
,:itecap1 m (t5 directly1 = !y _h /ock$ 
!mselves up ) ! drug evid5tly aft] !    
fir/ visit to him4 ,b  always !y w\ld   
come back1 *ang$ 9 appe>ance1 ) :at     
seem$ to  be a new lease ( life1 b      
nev]!less /ill z recognizable z drug    
victims4    ,x 0 n long1 z we wait$1    
be=e ano!r woman1 old] ?an ,miss        
,sawtelle1 b dress$ 9 an extreme fa%ion1
 hurri$ into ! cab>et  & ) sc>cely a    
look to "r or left w5t directly to      
,:itecap's  corn]4 ,i notic$ t %e1 too1 
_h ! look4    ,!re 0 a surreptiti\s     
pass+ ( a bottle 9 ex*ange = a  treasury

 note1 & %e dropp$ into ! seat beside   
him4    ,be=e he c\ld int]f]e1 %e _h    
op5$ ! bottle1 cru%$ a tablet  or two 9 
a napk91 & 0 hold+ x to h] face z ?\gh  
brea?+  ! mo/ exquisite p]fume4 ,) "o   
quick inspiration ( h] brea?  aft]      
ano!r1 %e 0 snuff+ ! p[d] up h] nose4   
,:itecap ) an angry ge/ure pull$ ! napk9
 f h] face1 & "o  c\ld fancy 8 sn>l "u 8
 brea?1 8,say--d y want to get me 9     
wrong "h80    ,b x 0 too late4 ,"s at   
lea/ ( ! happy du/ _h tak5 effect1  at  
lea/ en\gh to relieve ! t]rible pangs %e
 mu/ h be5  suff]+4    ,z %e rose &     
retir$1 ) a ha/y apology to ,:itecap =  
h]  indiscretion1 ,k5n$y turn$ to me &  
exclaim$1 8,?9k ( x4 ,!  deadlie/ ( all 
habits is ! simple/4 ,no hypod]mic2 no  
pipe2 no  p>aph]nalia ( any k9d4 ,x's   
t]rible40    ,%e return$ to sit d[n &   
enjoy h]self1 c>eful n to obtrude       
h]self on ,:itecap le/ he might become  
angry at ! m]e sight ( h]  & treasure 8 
ang] up aga9/ ! next "t :5 %e w\ld ne$ !
  drug4    ,already !re 0 ! mo/ m>vel\s 

*ange 9 h]4 ,%e seem$  captivat$ by !   
music1 ! danc+1 ! life :i* a few mom5ts 
be=e %e _h totally disreg>d$4    ,%e 0  
seat$ alone1 n f> f u1 & z %e glanc$    
ab\t ,k5n$y  caught h] eye4 ,%e all[$ h]
 gaze to re/ on u = a mom5t1 !  signal =
 a mild flirtation :i* end$ 9 our       
ex*ange ( tables &  we f\nd ourselves   
opposite ! drug fi5d1 :o 0 foll[+ up !  
tak+ ( ! dope by a ?9-/emm$ glass ( a   
liqueur4    ,i d n recall ! conv]sation1
 b x 0 "o ( ^?  inconsequ5tial talks t  
,bohemians consid] s brilliant &        
ev]ybody else s vapid4 ,z we skimm$ f "o
 subject to ano!r1  treat+ ! big facts (
 life z if !y 7 m]e incid5ts & !  little
 z if !y ov]%ad[$ all else1 ,i c\ld see 
t ,craig1 :o  _h a faculty ( prob+ into 
! v s\l ( anyone1 :5 he *ose1  0        
gradually lead+ ar\nd to a subject :i*  
,i knew he want$1 above  all o!rs1 to   
discuss4    ,x 0 n long be=e1 z ! mo/   
natural rem>k 9 ! _w  foll[+ some?+ he  
_h made h] say1 j z a clev]             
pre/idigitator =ces a c>d1 he ask$1     

8,:at 0 x ,i saw y  snuff+ ov] 9 !      
boo?--happy du/80    ,%e did n ev5 take 
! tr\ble to d5y x1 b nodd$ a braz5      
8,yes40 8,h[ did y come to use x fir/80 
he ask$1 c>eful n to  give (f5se 9 ei!r 
tone or mann]4    8,! usual way1 ,i     
suppose10 %e repli$ ) a laugh t s\nd$   
h>%  & grat+4 8,i 0 ill & ,i f\nd out   
:at x 0 ! doctor 0  giv+ me40    8,&    
!n80    8,oh1 ,i ?\ght ,i w\ld use x    
only z long z x s]v$ my purpose &1  :5 t
 0 ov]1 give x up40    8,b--80 prompt$  
,craig hypnotically4    8,in/ead1 ,i 0  
soon us+ six1 eight1 t5 tablets ( h]o9 a
 day4 ,i  f\nd t ,i ne$$ t am\nt 9 ord] 
to live4 ,!n x w5t up by  leaps to      
tw5ty1 ?irty1 =ty40    8,suppose y      
c\ldn't get x1 :at !n80    8,c\ldn't get
 x80 %e repeat$ ) an unspeakable horror4
 8,once ,i  ?\ght ,i'd try to /op4 ,b my
 he>t skipp$ beats2 !n x seem$ to  p\nd 
away1 z if try+ to break ?r\gh my ribs4 
,i don't ?9k h]o9  is l o!r drugs4 ,:5  
"o has h] #8coke'--t's coca9e--tak5     
away1  %e feels l a rag4 ,fill h] up &  

%e c d any?+ aga94 ,b1  h]o9--,i ?9k "o 
might murd] to get x60    ,! expression 
on ! woman's face 0 almo/ tragic4 ,i    
v]ily believe  t %e meant x4    8,:y10  
%e cri$1 8if anyone _h told me a ye> ago
 t ! "t w\ld  ev] come :5 ,i w\ld value 
"s t9y :ite tablets above any?+  else 9 
! _w1 yes1 & ev5 above my immortal s\l1 
,i w\ld h  ?\ght him a lunatic40    ,x 0
 gett+ late1 & z ! woman %[$ no         
disposition to leave1  ,k5n$y & ,i      
excus$ ourselves4    ,outside ,craig    
look$ at me ke5ly4 8,c y guess :o t 080 
8,al?\gh %e didn't tell u h] "n10 ,i    
repli$1 8,i am morally  c]ta9 t x 0     
,mrs4 ,g>rett40    8,precisely10 he     
answ]$1 8& :at a %ame1 too1 = %e mu/    
evid5tly once h be5 a woman ( great     
education & ref9em5t40    ,he %ook 8    
head sadly4 8,walt]1 !re isn't likely to
 be any?+  t we c d = "s h\rs n[4 ,i h a
 little exp]im5t ,i'd l  to make4       
,suppose y publi% = me a /ory 9 ! ,/>   
ab\t !  campaign aga9/ drugs4 ,tell ab\t
 :at we h se5 to-night1 m5tion  ! cab>et

 by indirection & ,:itecap directly4 ,!n
 we c sit back  & see :at happ5s4 ,we've
 got to ?r[ a sc>e into !m someh[1 if   
we are go+ to smoke out anyone high] up 
?an ,:itecap4 ,b y'll  h to be c>eful1 =
 if !y suspect u our usefulness 9 ! case
  w be ov]40    ,toge!r1 ,k5n$y & ,i    
work$ ov] our /ory f> into ! night d[n  
at ! ,/> (fice1 & ! foll[+ day wait$ to 
see :e!r  any?+ came ( x4    ,x 0 ) a   
great deal ( int]e/ temp]$ by fe> t we  
dropp$  into ! cab>et ! foll[+ ev5+4    
,=tunately no "o suspect$  u4 ,9 fact1  
hav+ be5 !re ! night be=e1 we _h        
e/abli%$  ourselves1 z x 71 & 7 welcom$ 
z old patrons & good  sp5d]s4    ,i     
notic$1 h[ev]1 t ,:itecap 0 n !re4 ,!   
/ory _h be5  read by su* ( ! dope fi5ds 
z _h n fall5 too f> to keep  abrea/ ( ! 
times & ^! & ! wait]s 7 busy quietly    
w>n+ (f a l9e ( hagg>d-ey$1 disappo9t$  
patrons :o came  ar\nd1 z usual4    ,"s 
( !m 7 s obvi\sly dep5d5t on ,:itecap t 
,i almo/  regrett$ hav+ writt5 ! /ory1 =
 !y mu/ h be5 suff]+  ! tortures ( !    

damn$4    ,x 0 9 ! mid/ ( a rev]ie ( ?is
 sort t a l[ exclamation  f ,k5n$y      
recall$ my att5tion4 ,!re 0 ,sn[bird ) a
 man  consid]ably old] ?an h]self4 ,!y  
_h j come 9 & 7 look+  ab\t frantically 
= ,:itecap4 ,b ,:itecap _h be5 too      
fright5$ by  ! /ory 9 ! ,/> to sell any 
m ( ! magic happy du/ op5ly  9 ! cab>et1
 at lea/4    ,! pair1 n]ve-rack$ &      
exhau/$1 sat d[n m\rnfully 9 a seat  ne>
 u1 & z !y talk$ e>ne/ly 9 l[ tones we  
_h an excell5t  opportunity = /udy+     
,arm/rong = ! fir/ "t4    ,he 0 n a     
bad-look+ man1 or ev5 a weak "o4 ,9 back
 ( !  dissipation ( ! drugs "o fanci$ he
 c\ld read ! /ory ( a  brilliant life   
wreck$4 ,b !re 0 little left to admire  
or respect4  ,z ! c\ple talk$ e>ne/ly1 !
 "o s old1 ! o!r s "y 9  vice1 ,i _h to 
keep a tight re9 on myself to prev5t my 
sympa?y =  ! wret*$ girl gett+ ! bett] (
 common s5se & kick+ !  old] man out (  
doors4    ,f9ally ,arm/rong rose to g1 )
 a f9al implor+ glance f !  girl4       
,obvi\sly %e _h p]suad$ him to =age ab\t

 to secure !  h]o91 by hook or crook1 n[
 t ! accu/om$ s\rce ( supply 0  cut (f s
 sudd5ly4    ,x 0 also really our fir/  
*ance to /udy ! girl c>efully "u  !     
light1 = h] entrance & exit ! night be=e
 _h be5 s  hurri$ t we _h se5           
comp>atively little ( h]4 ,craig 0      
wat*+ h] n>r[ly4 ,n only 7 ! effects ( !
 drug pla9ly  evid5t on h] face1 b x 0  
app>5t t ! snuff+ ! p[d]$  tablets 0    
de/roy+ ! bones 9 h] nose1 ?r\gh %r9kage
 ( !  blood vessels1 z well z und]m9+ ! 
n]v\s sy/em & caus+  ! bra9 to tott]4   
,i 0 wond]+ :e!r ,arm/rong knew ( any   
depot = ! secret  di/ribution ( ! drug4 
,i c\ld n believe t ,:itecap 0 ei!r  !  
*ief di/ribut] or ! f9ancial head ( !   
illegal traffic4 ,i  wond]$ :o inde$ 0 !
 man high] up4 ,0 he an import] ( !     
drug1 or 0 he ! repres5tative ( "s      
*emical company n av]se  to mak+ an     
illegal doll> n[ & !n by dragg+ d[n 8   
fell[  man8    ,k5n$y & ,i 7 try+ to act
 z if we 7 enjoy+ ! cab>et  %[ & n too  
mu* int]e/$ 9 ! little drama t 0 be+    

act$ be=e u4 ,i ?9k little ,miss        
,sawtelle notic$1 h[ev]1 t we  7 look+  
(t5 h] way4 ,i 0 amaz$1 too1 on /udy+ h]
 m  closely to f9d t !re 0 some?+       
indef9ably que] ab\t h]1  aside f ! m>k$
 effect ( ! drugs %e _h be5 tak+4 ,:at x
  0 ,i 0 at a loss to det]m9e1 b ,i felt
 sure f ! expression  on ,k5n$y's face t
 he _h notic$ x also4    ,i 0 on ! po9t 
( ask+ him if he1 too1 obs]v$ any?+ que]
 9  ! girl1 :5 ,arm/rong hurri$ 9 & h&$ 
h] a small package1  !n almo/ )\t a ^w  
/alk$ out aga91 evid5tly z mu* to       
,sn[bird's surprise z to our own4    ,%e
 _h lit]ally seiz$ ! package1 z ?\gh %e 
7 dr[n+ &  grasp+ at a life buoy4 ,ev5 !
 surprise at 8 ha/y dep>ture c\ld  n    
prev5t h]1 h[ev]1 f lit]ally te>+ !     
wrapp] (f1 &  9 ! %elt]+ %ad[ ( ! table 
clo? p\r+ =? ! little  :ite pellets 9 h]
 lap1 c\nt+ !m z a mis] c\nts 8 gold1   
8,! old ?ief60 %e exclaim$ al\d4 8,he's 
held out tw5ty-five60    ,i don't "k :i*
 x 0 t amaz$ me mo/1 ! almo/ *ildi%     
petulance & ungov]nable temp] ( ! girl  

:i* made h] cry out 9  spite ( h]       
surr\nd+s & ! circum/ances1 or ! petty  
rapacity  ( ! man :o c\ld /oop to su* a 
l[ level z to rob h] 9 ?is  seem+ und]h&
 mann]4    ,!re 0 no "t = useless rep9+ 
n[4 ,! call ( outrag$ nature  = its     
daily & h\rly quota ( poison 0 too      
imp]ative4 ,%e dump$  ! pellets back    
into ! bottle ha/ily1 & disappe>$4      
,:5 %e came back1 x 0 ) t expression ,i 
_h come to "k s  well4 ,at lea/ = a few 
h\rs !re 0 a respite = h] f !  t]rific  
pangs %e _h be5 suff]+4 ,%e 0 almo/     
happy1 smil+4  ,ev5 t false happ9ess1 ,i
 felt1 0 sup]ior to ,arm/rong's moral   
s5se blunt$ by drugs4 ,i _h begun to    
realize h[ ly+1 /eal+1  crimes ( all    
sorts might be laid at ! door ( ?is     
great evil4    ,9 h] ha/e to get :]e %e 
c\ld snuff ! h]o9 %e _h =gott5  a light 
wrap ly+ on h] *air4 ,z %e return$ = x1 
x fell to !  floor4 ,in/antly ,k5n$y 0  
on 8 feet1 b5d+ ov] to pick x up4    ,%e
 ?ank$ him1 & ! smile l+]$ a mom5t on h]
 face4 ,x 0  en\gh4 ,x gave ,k5n$y !    

*ance to pursue a conv]sation1 & 9 !    
free & easy atmosph]e ( ! cab>et to     
invite h] to sit ov] at  our table4     
,at lea/ all h] n]v\sness 0 gone & %e   
*att$ vivaci\sly4  ,k5n$y said little4  
,he 0 too busy wat*+ h]4 ,x 0 q !       
opposite ( ! case ( ,mrs4 ,g>rett4 ,yet 
,i 0 at a loss to def9e  :at x 0 t ,i   
s5s$4    ,/ill ! m9utes sp$ pa/ & we    
seem$ to be gett+ on fam\sly4  ,unlike 8
 action 9 ! case ( ! old] woman :]e he  
_h be5  s\nd+ ! dep?s ( h] he>t & m9d1 9
 ?is case 8 idea seem$  to be to all[ ! 
*ildi% prattle to come out & p]haps     
expla9  itself4    ,h[ev]1 at ! end (   
half an h\r :5 we seem$ to be gett+ no  
fur!r along1 ,k5n$y did n prote/ at h]  
desire to leave u1 8to  keep a date10 z 
%e express$ x4    8,wait]1 ! *eck1      
please10 ord]$ ,k5n$y leisurely4    ,:5 
he receiv$ x1 he seem$ to be 9 no great 
hurry to pay x1 b  w5t ov] "o item aft] 
ano!r1 !n add$ up ! foot+ aga94         
8,/range h[ "s ( ^! wait]s gr[ ri*80    
,craig rem>k$ f9ally  ) a gay smile4    

,! idea ( wait]s & money quickly br\ght 
"s petty rem9isc5ces  to h] m9d4 ,:ile  
%e 0 /ill talk+1 ,craig casually pull$ a
  p5cil out ( 8 pocket & scribbl$ "s    
figures on ! back ( !  wait]'s *eck4    
,f :]e ,i 0 sitt+ beside him1 ,i c\ld   
see t he _h writt5  "s figures simil> to
 ! foll[+3    #eahc  #dgcie  #fedgbf    
#bifdcge  #dgbichae  #ibdgchfea         
#badfjgchei      8,"h's a /unt10 he     
rem>k$1 break+ into ! conv]sation at a  
conv5i5t po9t4 8,c y repeat ^! numb]s   
aft] me80    ,)\t wait+ = h] to make    
excuse1 he said quickly 8#eahc40        
8#eahc10  %e repeat$ me*anically4       
8#dgcie10 came 9 rapid succession1 to   
:i* %e repli$1 p]haps a  little sl[] ?an
 be=e1    8#dgcie40    8,n[1 #fedgbf10  
he said4    8#fedgbf10 %e repeat$1 ,i   
?\ght ) "s hesitation4    8,aga91       
#bifdcge10 he %ot out4    8#bfi10 %e    
hesitat$1 8#gc--0 %e /opp$4    ,x 0     
evid5t t %e _h rea*$ ! limit4    ,k5n$y 
smil$1 paid ! *eck & we p>t$ at ! door4 
8,:at 0 all t rigm>ole80 ,i inquir$ z ! 

:ite figure  disappe>$ d[n ! /reet4     
8,"p ( ! ,b9et te/1 see+ h[ _m digits "o
 c rememb]4 ,an  adult ought to rememb] 
f eight to t51 9 any ord]4 ,b %e has  ! 
m5tality ( a *ild4 ,t is ! que] ?+ ab\t 
h]4  ,*ronologically %e may be eighte5  
ye>s or s old4 ,m5tally %e is  sc>cely m
 ?an eight4 ,mrs4 ,sutph5 0 "r4 ,!y h   
made a  fi5d out ( a m]e *ild--a        
defective :o nev] _h a *ance aga9/  !m40
          ,,*apt] ,,xxvii  ,,! ,,lie    
,,detector      ,z ! horror ( x all     
dawn$ on me1 ,i hat$ ,arm/rong worse ?an
  ev]1 hat$ ,:itecap1 hat$ ! man high]  
up1 :oev] he might be1 :o  0 enri*+     
himself out ( ! defective1 z well z !   
weakl+1  & ! vici\s--all ?ree typifi$ by
 ,sn[bird1 ,arm/rong & ,:itecap4        
,hav+ no o!r place to g1 p5d+ fur!r     
developm5ts ( !  publicity we _h giv5 ! 
drug w> 9 ! ,/>1 ,k5n$y & ,i  decid$ on 
a walk home 9 ! brac+ night air4    ,we 
_h sc>cely ent]$ ! ap>tm5t :5 ! hall boy
 call$ to u  frantically3 8,"s "o's be5 
try+ to get y all ov] t[n1  ,pr(essor   

,k5n$y4 ,"h's ! message4 ,i wrote x d[n4
 ,an attempt has  be5 made to poison    
,mrs4 ,sutph54 ,!y said at ! o!r end ( !
  l9e t y'd "k40    ,we fac$ ea* o!r    
agha/4    8,my ,god60 exclaim$ ,k5n$y4  
8,has t be5 ! effect ( our /ory1        
,walt]8 ,in/ead ( smok+ out             
anyone--we've almo/ kill$ "s "o40    ,z 
fa/ z a cab c\ld :isk u ar\nd to ,mrs4  
,sutph5's we hurri$4    8,i w>n$ h] t if
 %e mix$ up 9 any su* fight z ?is %e    
might  expect almo/ any?+10 rem>k$ ,mr4 
,sutph5 n]v\sly1 z he met u  9 !        
reception room4 8,%e's all "r1 n[1 ,i   
guess1 b if x hadn't  be5 = ! prompt "w 
( ! ambulance surgeon ,i s5t =1 ,dr4    
,coleman says %e w\ld h di$ 9 fifte5    
m9utes40    8,h[ did x happ580 ask$     
,craig4    8,:y1 %e usually dr9ks a     
glass ( vi*y & milk be=e retir+10       
repli$ ,mr4 ,sutph54 8,we don't "k yet  
:e!r x 0 ! vi*y or !  milk t 0 poison$1 
b ,dr4 ,coleman ?9ks x 0 *loral 9 "o or 
! o!r1 & s did ! ambulance surgeon4 ,i  
tell y ,i 0 sc>$4 ,i  tri$ to get       

,coleman1 b he 0 out on a case1 & ,i    
happ5$ to ?9k  ( ! hospitals z probably 
! quicke/4 ,dr4 ,coleman came 9 j z  !  
"y surgeon 0 br++ h] ar\nd4 ,he--oh1 "h 
he is n[40    ,! fam\s doctor 0 j com+  
d[n/airs4 ,he saw u1 b1 ,i  suppose1    
inasmu* z we did n belong to ! ,sutph5 &
 ,coleman set1  ignor$ u4 8,mrs4 ,sutph5
 w be all "r n[10 he said reassur+ly  z 
he drew on 8 gloves4 8,! nurse has      
arriv$1 & ,i h giv5 h]  in/ructions :at 
to d4 ,&1 by ! way1 my de> ,sutph51 ,i  
%\ld  advise y to deal firmly ) h] 9 t  
matt] ab\t :i* h] "n  is appe>+ 9 !     
pap]s4 ,wom5 n[adays don't seem to      
realize !  dang]s !y run 9 mix+ 9 9 all 
^! re=ms4 ,i h ord]$ an  analysis ( bo? 
! milk & vi*y1 b t w d little good      
unless we c f9d out :o poison$ x4 ,& !re
 are s _m *ances  = ?+s l t1 life is s  
complex n[adays--0    ,he pass$ out )   
sc>cely a nod at u4 ,k5n$y did n attempt
 to  "q him4 ,he 0 ?9k+ rapidly4        
8,walt]1 we h no "t to lose10 he        
exclaim$1 seiz+ a telephone  t /ood on a

 /& ne> by4 8,?is is ! "t = action4     
,hello--,police ,headqu>t]s1 ,fir/      
,deputy ,o',connor1 please40    ,z      
,k5n$y wait$ ,i tri$ to figure out h[ x 
c\ld h happ5$4 ,i  wond]$ :e!r x might n
 h be5 ,mrs4 ,g>rett4 ,w\ld %e /op at   
any?+ if %e fe>$ ! loss ( h] favorite   
drug8 ,b !n !re  7 s _m o!rs & s _m ways
 ( 8gett+0 anybody :o  int]f]$ ) ! drug 
traffic t x seem$ impossible to figure x
  out by pure d$uction4    8,hello1     
,o',connor10 ,i he>d ,k5n$y say2 8y read
 t /ory 9 !  ,/> ?is morn+ ab\t ! drug  
fi5ds at t ,broadway cab>et8  ,yes8     
,well1 ,jameson & ,i wrote x4 ,x's "p ( 
! drug w> t ,mrs4  ,sutph5 has be5 wag+4
 ,o',connor1 %e's be5 poison$--oh1      
no--%e's all  "r n[4 ,b ,i want y to s5d
 out & arre/ ,:itecap & t  fell[        
,arm/rong imm$iately4 ,i'm go+ to put !m
 ?r\gh a  sci5tific ?ird degree up 9 !  
laboratory to-night4 ,?ank y4 ,no--no   
matt] h[ late x is1 br+ !m up40    ,dr4 
,coleman _h gone long s9ce1 ,mr4 ,sutph5
 _h absolutely no int]e/  fur!r ?an !   

recov]y ( ,mrs4 ,sutph5 j n[1 & ,mrs4   
,sutph5  0 re/+ quietly & c\ld n be se54
 ,accord+ly ,k5n$y & ,i  ha/5$ up to !  
laboratory to wait until ,o',connor c\ld
 8deliv] !  goods40    ,x 0 n long be=e 
"o ( ,o',connor's m5 came 9 ) ,:itecap4 
8,:ile we're wait+10 said ,craig1 8,i   
wi% y w\ld j try ?is  little cut-out    
puzzle40    ,i don't "k :at ,:itecap    
?\ght1 b ,i "k ,i look$ at ,craig's     
invitation to 8play blocks0 z a joke    
sc>cely high] 9 ord] ?an !  numb]       
repetition ( ,sn[bird4 ,:itecap did x1  
h[ev]1 sull5ly1 &  "u compulsion1 91 ,i 
%\ld say ab\t two m9utes4    8,i h      
,arm/rong "h myself10 call$ out ! voice 
( our old fri5d  ,o',connor1 z he bur/  
into ! room4    8,good60 exclaim$       
,k5n$y4 8,i %all be ready = him 9 j a   
second4  ,h ,:itecap held "h 9 ! ant]oom
 :ile y br+ ,arm/rong into  !           
laboratory4 ,by ! way1 ,walt]1 t 0 ano!r
 ( ! ,b9et  te/s1 putt+ a man at solv+  
puzzles4 ,x involves reflective         
judgm5t1 "o ( ! factors 9 executive     

ability4 ,if ,:itecap _h be5  defective1
 x w\ld h tak5 him five m9utes to d t   
puzzle1 if  at all4 ,s y see he is n 9 !
 class ) ,miss ,sawtelle4 ,! te/  %[s   
him to be %rewd4 ,he doesn't ev5 t\* 8  
own dope4 ,n[ =  ,arm/rong40    ,i knew 
en\gh ( ! und]world to set ,:itecap d[n1
 h[ev]1 z a  8lobbyg[0--an ag5t = "s "o 
high] up1 recruit+ bo? ! gangs  & !     
ranks ( /reet wom54    ,be=e u1 z       
,o',connor l$ 9 ,arm/rong1 0 a little   
ma*9e ) a  big black cyl9d]4 ,by means (
 wires & electrodes ,k5n$y atta*$  x to 
,arm/rong's *e/4    8,n[1 ,arm/rong10 he
 began 9 an ev5 tone1 8,i want y to tell
 !  tru?--! :ole tru?4 ,y h be5 gett+   
h]o9 tablets f  ,:itecap40    8,yes1    
sir10 repli$ ! dope fi5d defiantly4     
8,to-day y _h to get !m else:]e40    ,no
 answ]4    8,nev] m9d10 p]si/$ ,k5n$y1  
/ill calm1 8,i "k4 ,:y1 ,arm/rong1  y   
ev5 robb$ t girl ( tw5ty-five tablets40 
8,i did n10 %ot out ! answ]4    8,!re 7 
tw5ty-five %ort10 accus$ ,k5n$y4    ,!  
two fac$ ea* o!r4 ,craig repeat$ 8      

rem>k4    8,yes10 repli$ ,arm/rong1 8,i 
held out ! tablets1 b x 0 n =  myself1  
,i c get all ,i want4 ,i did x because  
,i didn't want h] to get  above         
sev5ty-five a day4 ,i h tri$ e way to   
break h] ( !  habit t has got me--&     
fail$4 ,b sev5ty-five--is ! limit60     
8,a pretty /ory60 exclaim$ ,o',connor4  
,craig laid 8 h& on 8 arm to *eck him1 z
 he exam9$ a record  regi/]$ on ! cyl9d]
 ( ! ma*9e4    8,by ! way1 ,arm/rong1 ,i
 want y to write me out a note t ,i c   
use to get a hundr$ h]o9 tablets4 ,y c  
write x all b ! "n  ( ! place :]e ,i c  
get !m40    ,arm/rong 0 on ! po9t (     
demurr+1 b ! la/ s5t5ce  reassur$ him4  
,he w\ld reveal no?+ by x--yet4    ,/ill
 ! man 0 trembl+ l a leaf4 ,he wrote3   
8,give ,:itecap "o hundr$ %ocks--,a     
,victim40    ,= a mom5t ,k5n$y /udi$ !  
note c>efully4 8,oh--er--,i =got1       
,arm/rong1 b a few days ago an anonym\s 
lett] 0 s5t to ,mrs4  ,sutph51 sign$    
#8,a ,fri5d4' ,d y "k any?+ ab\t x80    
8,a note80 ! man repeat$4 8,mrs4        

,sutph58 ,i don't "k any?+ ab\t  any    
note1 or ,mrs4 ,sutph5 ei!r40    ,k5n$y 
0 /ill /udy+ 8 record4 8,?is10 he rem>k$
 sl[ly1 8is  :at ,i call my             
psy*ophysical te/ = falsehood4 ,ly+1 :5 
x is  practic$ by an exp]t1 is n easily 
detect$ by ! mo/ c>eful  scrut9y ( !    
li>'s appe>ance & mann]4    8,h[ev]1    
successful means h be5 develop$ = !     
detection (  falsehood by ! /udy (      
exp]im5tal psy*ology4 ,walt]1 ,i ?9k y  
w recall ! te/ ,i us$ once1 !           
psy*ophysical factor ( !  "* & rapidity 
( ! m5tal process kn[n z ! association  
( ideas80    ,i nodd$ acquiesc5ce4      
8,well10 he resum$1 89 crim9al          
jurisprud5ce1 ,i f9d an ev5 m  simple & 
m subjective te/ :i* has be5 rec5tly    
devis$4  ,pr(essor ,/o]r+ ( ,bonn has   
f\nd out t feel+s ( pleasure &  pa9     
produce well-def9$ *anges 9 respiration4
 ,simil> effects are  produc$ by ly+1   
accord+ to ! fam\s ,pr(essor ,b5ussi (  
,graz4    8,^! effects are un]r+1       
unequivocal4 ,! utt]ance ( a false      

/atem5t increases respiration2 ( a true 
/atem5t decreases4 ,!  importance &     
scope ( ^! discov]ies are obvi\s40      
,craig 0 figur+ rapidly on a piece (    
pap]4 8,?is is a c]ta9 &  objective     
crit]ion10 he cont9u$ z he figur$1      
8betwe5 tru? &  falsehood4 ,ev5 :5 a    
clev] li> endeavors to escape detection 
by  brea?+ irregul>ly1 x is likely to   
fail1 = ,b5ussi has  inve/igat$ & f\nd t
 volunt>y *anges 9 respiration don't    
alt] ! result4 ,y see1 ! quoti5t obta9$ 
by divid+ ! "t  ( inspiration by ! "t ( 
expiration gives me ! result40    ,he   
look$ up sudd5ly4 8,arm/rong1 y are     
tell+ ! tru? ab\t "s  ?+s--d[nright lies
 ab\t o!rs4 ,y are a drug fi5d--b ,i w  
be  l5i5t ) y1 = "o reason4 ,contr>y to 
ev]y?+ t ,i w\ld  h expect$1 y are      
really try+ to save t poor half-witt$   
girl  :om y love f ! t]rible habit t has
 gripp$ y4 ,t is :y  y held out ! qu>t] 
( ! "o hundr$ tablets4 ,t is :y y  wrote
 ! note to ,mrs4 ,sutph51 hop+ t %e     
might be treat$ 9  "s in/itution40      

,k5n$y paus$ z a look ( incr$ulity pass$
 ov] ,arm/rong's face4    8,ano!r ?+ y  
said 0 true10 add$ ,k5n$y4 8,y c get all
 !  h]o9 y want4 ,arm/rong1 y w put !   
address ( t place on  ! outside ( !     
note1 or bo? y & ,:itecap g to jail4    
,sn[bird  w be left to h] own           
devices--%e c get all ! #8sn[1' z "s (  
y fi5ds call x1 t %e wants f ^? :o might
 exploit h]40    8,please1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y10
 plead$ ,arm/rong4    8,no10 int]rupt$  
,craig1 be=e ! drug fi5d c\ld f9i%4 8,t 
is  f9al4 ,i mu/ h ! "n ( t place40     
,9 a %aky h& ,arm/rong wrote aga94      
,ha/ily ,craig /uff$ ! note  into 8     
pocket1 & t5 m9utes lat] we 7 m\nt+ !   
/eps ( a  big br[n/one h\se on a        
fa%ionable side /reet j ar\nd !  corn] f
 ,fif? ,av5ue4    ,z ! door 0 op5$ by an
 obsequi\s color$ s]vant1 ,craig h&$    
him ! scrap ( pap] sign$ by ! password1 
8,a ,victim40    ,imitat+ ! c\gh ( a    
confirm$ dope us]1 ,craig 0 l$ into a   
l>ge wait+ room4    8,y're 9 pretty bad 
%ape1 sah10 comm5t$ ! s]vant4    ,k5n$y 

nudg$ me &1 tak+ ! cue1 ,i c\gh$ myself 
r$ 9 !  face4    8,yes10 he said4       
8,hurry--please40    ,! s]vant knock$ at
 a door1 & z x 0 op5$ we caught a       
glimpse  ( ,mrs4 ,g>rett 9 negligee4    
8,:at is x1 ,sam80 %e ask$4    8,two    
g5tlem5 = "s h]o9 tablets1 ma'am40      
8,tell !m to g to ! *emical works--n to 
my (fice1 ,sam10 gr[l$  a man's voice   
inside4    ,) a quick motion1 ,k5n$y _h 
,mrs4 ,g>rett by ! wri/4    8,i knew x10
 he gr\nd out4 8,x 0 all a fake ab\t h[ 
y got !  habit4 ,y want$ to get x1 s y  
c\ld get & hold him4 ,& nei!r  "o ( y   
w\ld /op at any?+1 n ev5 ! murd] ( y\r  
si/]1  to prev5t ! ru9 ( ! devili%      
bus9ess y h built up 9  manufactur+ &   
m>ket+ ! /uff40    ,he pull$ ! note f ! 
h& ( ! surpris$ negro4 8,i _h !  "r     
address1 ! place :]e y sell hundr$s (   
ounces ( ! /uff  a week--b ,i pref]r$ to
 come to ! doctor's (fice :]e ,i c\ld   
f9d y bo?40    ,k5n$y _h firmly twi/$ h]
 wri/ until1 ) a little scream (  pa91  
%e let g ! door h&le4 ,!n he g5tly pu%$ 

h] aside1 &  ! next in/ant ,craig _h 8  
h& inside ! coll> ( ,dr4 ,coleman1      
society physician1 proprietor ( !       
,coleman ,*emical ,works d[nt[n1  ! real
 lead] ( ! drug gang t 0 debau*+ :ole   
sections (  ! metropolis4               
,,*apt] ,,xxviii  ,,! ,,family          
,,skeleton      ,surpris$ ?\gh we 7 at !
 unmask+ ( ,dr4 ,coleman1 !re 0  no?+ to
 d b to foll[ ! ?+ out4 ,9 su* cases we 
usually ran  into ! greate/             
difficulty--organiz$ vice4 ,?is 0 no    
exception4    ,ev5 :5 cases involv$ only
 a clev] individual or a prom95t        
family1 x 0 ! same4 ,i recall1 =        
example1 ! case ( a  well-kn[n family 9 
a ,new ,york suburb1 :i* 0 p>ticul>ly   
difficult4 ,x began 9 a r unusual mann]1
 too4    8,mr4 ,k5n$y--,i am            
ru9$--ru9$40    ,x 0 e>ly "o morn+ t !  
telephone rang & ,i answ]$ x4 ,a  v     
excit$ ,g]man1 brea?less & incoh]5t1 0  
evid5tly at !  o!r end ( ! wire4    ,i  
h&$ ! receiv] to ,craig & pick$ up !    
morn+ pap] ly+ on  ! table4             

8,m9turn--dead80 ,i he>d ,craig exclaim4
 8,9 ! pap] ?is morn+8 ,i'll  be d[n to 
see y directly40    ,k5n$y almo/ tore ! 
pap] f me4 ,9 ! next to ! end column    
:]e late news usually is dropp$ 0 a     
brief acc\nt ( ! sudd5  dea? ( ,ow5     
,m9turn1 "o ( ! =emo/ crim9al lawy]s ( !
  city1 9 ,josephson's ,ba?s d[nt[n4    
,x end$3 8,x is believ$ by ! coron] t   
,mr4 ,m9turn 0 %ock$  to dea? & evid5ce 
is be+ s\ght to %[ t two hundr$ &  =ty  
volts ( electricity _h be5 ?r[n into !  
attorney's body  :ile he 0 9 ! electric 
ba?4 ,joseph ,josephson1 ! proprietor ( 
! ba?1 :o op]at$ ! swit*bo>d1 is be+    
held1 p5d+ !  completion ( ! inquiry40  
,z ,k5n$y ha/ily ran 8 eye ov] !        
p>agraphs1 he became m &  m excit$      
himself4    8,walt]10 he cri$1 z he     
f9i%$1 8,i don't believe t t 0 an       
accid5t at all40    8,:y80 ,i ask$4     
,he already _h 8 hat on1 & ,i knew he 0 
go+ to ,josephson's  breakfa/less4 ,i   
foll[$ reluctantly4    8,because10 he   
answ]$1 z we hu/l$ along 9 ! e>ly morn+ 

cr[d1  8x 0 only ye/]day aft]noon t ,i  
saw ,m9turn at 8 (fice &  he made an    
appo9tm5t ) me = ?is v morn+4 ,he 0 a v 
secretive man1 b he did tell me ?is mu*1
 t he fe>$ 8 life  0 9 dang] & t x 0 9  
"s way connect$ ) t ,pe>cy  case up 9   
,/ratfield1 ,connecticut1 :]e he has an 
e/ate4 ,y h  read ( ! case80    ,inde$  
,i _h4 ,x _h seem$ to me to be a        
p>ticul>ly inexplicable  affair4        
,app>5tly a :ole family _h be5 poison$ &
 a few days  be=e old ,mr4 ,r&all       
,pe>cy1 a retir$ manufactur]1 _h di$    
aft] a  brief b my/]i\s illness4        
,pe>cy _h be5 m>ri$ a ye> or s ago to   
,annette ,oakleigh1 a  ,broadway comic  
op]a s+]1 :o 0 8 second wife4 ,by 8 fir/
  m>riage he _h _h two *ildr51 a son1   
,w>n]1 & a daught]1  ,isabel4    ,w>n]  
,pe>cy1 ,i _h he>d1 _h blaz$ a v]milion 
trail along !  ,great ,:ite ,way1 b 8   
si/] 0 ( ! opposite temp]am5t1  int]e/$ 
9 social "w1 & _h attract$ mu* att5tion 
by  organiz+ a settlem5t 9 ! slums (    
,/ratfield = ! uplift (  ! work]s 9 !   

,pe>cy & o!r mills4    ,broadway1 z well
 z ,/ratfield1 _h already wov5 a        
fanta/ic  backgr\nd1 = ! my/]y & h9ts _h
 be5 broadly made t  ,annette ,oakleigh 
_h be5 indiscreetly intimate ) a "y     
physician  9 ! t[n1 a ,dr4 ,gun!r1 a    
fri5d1 by ! way1 ( ,m9turn4 8,!re  has  
be5 no trial yet10 w5t on ,k5n$y1 8b    
,m9turn seems to h  appe>$ be=e !       
coron]'s jury at ,/ratfield & to h      
ass]t$  ! innoc5ce ( ,mrs4 ,pe>cy & t ( 
,dr4 ,gun!r s well t1  al?\gh ! jury    
br\ght 9 a v]dict ( murd] by poison by  
"s "o  unkn[n1 !re has be5 no m5tion ( !
 "n ( anyone else4 ,!  coron] simply    
adj\rn$ ! inque/ s t a m c>eful analysis
  might be made ( ! vital organs4 ,& n[ 
comes ?is second trag$y 9  ,new ,york40 
8,:at 0 ! poison80 ,i ask$4 8,h !y f\nd 
out yet80    8,!y are pretty sure1 s    
,m9turn told me1 t x 0 lead poison+4  ,!
 fact n g5]ally kn[n is10 he add$ 9 a   
l[] tone1 8t !  cases 7 n conf9$ to !   
,pe>cy h\se4 ,!y _h ev5 ext5d$ to       
,m9turn's too1 al?\gh ab\t t he said    

little ye/]day4 ,!  e/ates up !re adjo91
 y "k40    ,ow5 ,m9turn1 ,i recall$1 _h 
ga9$ a =midable reputation by 8         
successful h&l+ ( cases f ! l[e/ /rata (
 society to !  highe/4 ,inde$ x 0 a     
byword t 8 appe>ance 9 c\rt indicat$    
two ?+s--! guilt ( ! accus$ & a v]dict (
 acquittal4    8,( c\rse10 ,craig pursu$
 z we 7 jolt$ f /ation to /ation        
d[nt[n1 8y "k !y say t ,m9turn nev] kept
 a record ( a  case4 ,b writt5 records 7
 z no?+ comp>$ to :at t man  mu/ h c>ri$
 only 9 8 head40    ,x 0 a common say+  
t1 if ,m9turn %\ld tell all he knew1 he 
might hang half a doz5 prom95t m5 9     
society4 ,t 0 n /rictly  true1 p]haps1 b
 x 0 c]ta9 t a revelation ( ! ?+s       
confid$ to him by cli5ts :i* 7 nev] put 
d[n on pap] w\ld  h caus$ a s]ies (     
explosions t w\ld h wreck$ at lea/  "s  
portions ( ! social & f9ancial _w4 ,he  
_h he>d mu* &  told little1 = he _h be5 
a sort ( 8fa!r confessor40    ,_h       
,m9turn1 ,i wond]$1 kn[n ! "n ( ! real  
crim9al8    ,josephson's 0 a popul> ba? 

on ,=ty-second ,/reet1 :]e _m (  !      
8sun-dodg]s0 7 accu/om$ to recup]ate    
dur+ ! day f  _! ardu\s pursuit (       
pleasure at night & prep>e = !          
resumption ( _! toil dur+ ! com+ night4 
,x 0 m ?an  t1 h[ev]1 = x _h a          
reputation = be+ conduct$ really on a   
high plane4    ,we met ,josephson       
d[n/airs4 ,he _h be5 releas$ "u bail1   
?\gh  ! place 0 tempor>ily clos$ & wat*$
 ov] by ! ag5ts ( !  coron] & ! police4 
,josephson appe>$ to be a man ( "s      
education & q diff]5t f :at ,i _h imag9$
 f he>+ him  ov] ! telephone4    8,oh1  
,mr4 ,k5n$y10 he exclaim$1 8:o n[ w come
 to my ba?s8 ,la/  night !y 7 cr[d$1 b  
to-day--0    ,he end$ ) an expressive   
ge/ure ( 8 h&s4    8,"o cu/om] ,i h     
surely lo/1 "y ,mr4 ,pe>cy10 he w5t on4 
8,w>n] ,pe>cy80 ask$ ,craig4 8,0 he "h  
la/ night80    8,ne>ly e night10 repli$ 
,josephson1 n[ glib en\gh z 8 fir/      
excitem5t subsid$ & 8 comm& ( ,engli%   
return$4 8,he 0 a  neighbor ( ,mr4      
,m9turn's1 ,i he>4 ,oh1 :at luck60 gr[l$

 ,josephson z  ! "n recall$ him to 8    
pres5t tr\bles4    8,well10 rem>k$      
,k5n$y ) an attempt at reassurance z if 
to ga9  ! masseur's confid5ce1 8,i "k z 
well z y t x is (t5  amaz+ :at a        
trem5d\s %ock a man may receive & yet n 
be  kill$1 & no less amaz+ h[ small a   
%ock may kill4 ,x all dep5ds  on        
circum/ances40    ,josephson %ot a cov]t
 look at ,k5n$y4 8,yes10 he reit]at$1 8b
 ,i  _c see h[ x c\ld be4 ,if ! lights  
_h become %ort-circuit$  ) ! ba?1 t     
might h ?r[n a curr5t into ! ba?4 ,b !y 
7 n4 ,i "k x40    8,/ill10 pursu$       
,k5n$y1 wat*+ him ke5ly1 8x is n all a  
"q ( curr5t4 ,to kill1 ! %ock mu/ pass  
?r\gh a vital  organ--! bra91 ! he>t1 ! 
upp] sp9al cord4 ,s1 a small %ock  may  
kill & a l>ge "o may n4 ,if x passes 9  
"o foot & out by  ! o!r1 ! curr5t isn't 
likely to be z dang]\s z if x passes  9 
by a h& or foot & !n out by a foot or   
h&4 ,9 "o case x  passes ?r\gh no vital 
organ2 9 ! o!r x is v likely to d s4  ,y
 see1 ! curr5t c fl[ ?r\gh ! body only  

:5 x has a place  ( entrance & a place (
 exit4 ,9 all cases ( accid5t f electric
  light wires1 ! victim is t\*+ "s      
conductor--damp e>?1 salty  e>?1 wat]1  
some?+ t gives ! curr5t an outlet &--0  
8,b ev5 if ! lights _h be5              
%ort-circuit$10 int]rupt$  ,josephson1  
8,mr4 ,m9turn w\ld h escap$ injury      
unless he _h t\*$  ! taps ( ! ba?4 ,oh1 
no1 sir1 accid5ts 9 ! m$ical use (      
electricity are r>e4 ,!y don't happ5 "h 
9 my e/abli%m5t10 he  ma9ta9$ /\tly4 8,!
 tr\ble 0 t ! coron]1 )\t any  k ( !    
physiological effects ( electricity on !
 body1  simply jump$ at once to !       
conclusion t x 0 ! electric ba?  t did  
x40    8,!n x 0 = m$ical treatm5t t ,mr4
 ,m9turn 0 tak+ !  ba?80 ask$ ,k5n$y1   
quickly tak+ up ! po9t4    8,yes1 (     
c\rse10 answ]$ ! masseur1 eag] to       
expla94 8,y are  acqua9t$ ) ! late/     
treatm5t = lead poison+ by means ( !    
electric ba?80    ,k5n$y nodd$4 8,i "k t
 ,sir ,?omas ,oliv]1 ! ,engli% au?ority 
:o has writt5 mu* on dang]\s trades1 has

 tri$ x ) m>k$  success40    8,well1    
sir1 t 0 :y ,mr4 ,m9turn 0 "h4 ,he came 
"h introduc$  by a ,dr4 ,gun!r (        
,/ratfield40    8,inde$80 rem>k$ ,k5n$y 
colorlessly1 ?\gh ,i c\ld see t x       
int]e/$ him1 = evid5tly ,m9turn _h said 
no?+ ( be+ himself  a suff]] f ! poison4
 8,may ,i see ! ba?80    8,surely10 said
 ,josephson1 lead+ ! way up/airs4    ,x 
0 an oak5 tub ) metal rods on ! two long
 sides1 f :i*  dep5d$ prismatic c>bon   
rods4 ,k5n$y exam9$ x closely4    8,?is 
is :at we call a hydro-electric ba?10   
,josephson expla9$4  8,^? rods on !     
sides are ! electrodes4 ,y see !re are  
no metal  p>ts 9 ! tub itself4 ,! rods  
are atta*$ by wir+ to a wall  swit* out 
"h40    ,he po9t$ to ! next room4 ,k5n$y
 exam9$ ! swit* ) c>e4    8,f x10 w5t on
 ,josephson1 8wires lead to an          
accumulator batt]y (  p]haps ?irty      
volts4 ,x uses v little curr5t4 ,dr4    
,gun!r te/$  x & f\nd x all "r40        
,craig lean$ ov] ! ba?1 & f ! c>bon     
electrodes scrap$ (f  a :ite p[d] 9     

m9ute cry/als4    8,ord9>ily10          
,josephson pursu$1 8lead is elim9at$ by 
! sk9 &  kidneys4 ,b n[1 z y "k1 x is   
be+ help$ along by  electrolysis4 ,i    
talk$ to ,dr4 ,gun!r ab\t x4 ,x is 8    
op9ion t  x is probably elim9at$ z a    
*loride f ! tissues ( ! body to  !      
electrodes 9 ! ba? 9 :i* ! pati5t is    
:olly or p>tly  imm]s$4 ,on ! positive  
electrodes we get ! p]oxide4 ,on !      
negative !re is a spongy metallic =m (  
lead4 ,b x is only a  small am\nt40     
8,! body has be5 remov$80 ask$ ,craig4  
8,n yet10 ! masseur repli$4 8,! coron]  
has ord]$ x kept "h  "u gu>d until he   
makes up 8 m9d :at disposition to h made
 (  x40    ,we 7 next u%]$ into a little
 room on ! same floor1 at ! door  ( :i* 
0 po/$ an (ficial f ! coron]4    8,fir/ 
( all10 rem>k$ ,craig1 z he drew back ! 
%eet & began1 a  m9ute exam9ation ( !   
e>?ly rema9s ( ! great lawy]1 8!re  are 
to be consid]$ ! safegu>ds ( ! human    
body aga9/ !  passage ?r\gh x ( a fatal 
electric curr5t--! high electric        

resi/ance ( ! body itself4 ,x is        
p>ticul>ly high :5 ! curr5t  mu/ pass   
?r\gh jo9ts su* z wri/s1 knees1 elb[s1 &
 q high  :5 ! bones ( ! head are        
conc]n$4 ,/ill1 !re might h be5  an     
incauti\s application ( ! curr5t to !   
head1 especially :5  ! subject is a     
p]son ( advanc$ age or lat5t c]ebral    
disease1  ?\gh ,i don't "k t t fits ,mr4
 ,m9turn4 ,t's /range10 he  mutt]$1     
look+ up1 puzzl$4 8,i c f9d no m>k ( a  
burn on !  body--absolutely no m>k (    
any?+40    8,t's :at ,i say10 put 9     
,josephson1 mu* pleas$ by :at ,k5n$y    
said1 = he _h be5 wait+ anxi\sly to see 
:at ,craig discov]$ on  8 own           
exam9ation4 8,x's impossible40    8,x's 
all ! m rem>kable10 w5t on ,craig1 half 
to himself &  ignor+ ,josephson1        
8because burns due to electric curr5ts  
are totally  unlike ^? produc$ 9 o!r    
ways4 ,!y occur at ! po9t (  contact1   
usually ab\t ! arms & h&s1 or ! head4   
,electricity is  mu* to be fe>$ :5 x    
involves ! cranial cavity40 ,he complet$

  8 exam9ation ( ! head :i* once _h     
c>ri$ secrets :i*  !mselves mu/ h be5   
inc&esc5t4    8,!n1 too1 su* burns are  
mo/ (t5 some?+ m ?an sup]ficial1  =     
consid]able heat is develop$ :i* leads  
to massive de/ruction  & c>bonization ( 
! tissues to a consid]able dep?4 ,i h   
se5  actual losses ( sub/ance--a lump ( 
kill$ fle% surr\nd$ by heal?y  tissues4 
,besides1 su* burns %[ an unexpect$     
indol5ce :5 comp>$  to ! viol5t pa9s (  
ord9>y burns4 ,p]haps t is due to !     
de/ruction ( ! n]ve end+s4 ,h[ did      
,m9turn die8 ,0 he alone8  ,0 he dead :5
 he 0 discov]$80    8,he 0 alone10      
repli$ ,josephson1 sl[ly endeavor+ to   
tell x  exactly z he _h se5 x1 8b t's ! 
/range "p ( x4 ,he  seem$ to be suff]+ f
 a convulsion4 ,i ?9k he compla9$ at    
fir/ ( a feel+ ( tightness ( 8 ?roat & a
 twit*+ ( !  muscles ( 8 h&s & feet4    
,anyh[1 he call$ = help4 ,i 0 up  "h &  
we ru%$ 94 ,dr4 ,gun!r _h j br\ght him &
 !n _h  gone away1 aft] introduc+ him1 &
 %[+ him ! ba?40    ,josephson proce$$  

sl[ly1 evid5tly hav+ be5 w>n$ t any?+   
he said might be us$ aga9/ him4 8,we    
c>ri$ him1 :5 he 0 ?is  way1 into ?is v 
room4 ,b x 0 only = a %ort "t4 ,!n came 
a  viol5t convulsion4 ,x seem$ to ext5d 
rapidly all ov] 8 body4 ,8  legs 7      
rigid1 8 feet b5t1 8 head back4 ,:y1 he 
0 re/+ only  on 8 heels & ! back ( 8    
head4 ,y see1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 t  simply    
c\ld n be ! electric %ock40    8,h>dly10
 comm5t$ ,k5n$y1 look+ aga9 at ! body4  
8,x looks m  l a tetanus convulsion4    
,yet !re does n seem to be any trace ( a
  rec5t w\nd t might h caus$ lockjaw4   
,h[ did he look80    8,oh1 8 face f9ally
 became livid10 repli$ ,josephson4 8,he 
_h a  gha/ly1 gr9n+ expression1 8 eyes 7
 wide1 !re 0 foam on 8  m\?1 & 8 brea?+ 
0 difficult40    8,n l tetanus1 ei!r10  
revis$ ,craig4 8,!re ! convulsion       
usually beg9s ) ! face & progresses to !
 o!r muscles4 ,"h  x seems to h gone !  
o!r way40    8,t la/$ a m9ute or s10    
resum$ ! masseur4 8,!n he sank          
back--p]fectly limp4 ,i ?\ght he 0 dead4

 ,b he 0 n4 ,a cold  sweat broke out all
 ov] him & he 0 z if 9 a deep sleep40   
8,:at did y d80 prompt$ ,k5n$y4    8,i  
didn't "k :at to d4 ,i call$ an         
ambulance4 ,b ! mom5t !  door op5$1 8   
body seem$ to /iff5 aga94 ,he _h "o o!r 
convulsion--& :5 he grew limp he 0      
dead40          ,,*apt] ,,xxix  ,,!     
,,lead ,,poison]      ,x 0 a gruesome   
recital & ,i 0 glad to leave ! ba?s     
f9ally  ) ,k5n$y4 ,josephson 0 q        
evid5tly reliev$ at ! attitude  ,craig  
_h tak5 t[>d ! coron]'s conclusion t    
,m9turn _h be5  %ock$ to dea?4 ,z f> z  
,i c\ld see1 h[ev]1 x add$ to r  ?an    
cle>$ up ! my/]y4    ,craig w5t directly
 upt[n to 8 laboratory1 9 contra/ ) our 
j\rney d[n1 9 ab/ract$ sil5ce1 :i* 0 8  
mann] :5 he 0  try+ to reason out "s    
p>ticul>ly knotty problem4    ,z ,k5n$y 
plac$ ! :ite cry/als :i* he _h scrap$ (f
 !  electrodes ( ! tub on a piece ( d>k 
pap] 9 ! laboratory1 he  wet ! tip ( 8  
f+] & t\*$ j ! m9ute/ gra9 to 8  tongue4
    ,! look on 8 face told me t some?+  

unexpect$ _h happ5$4 ,he  held a simil> 
m9ute speck ( ! p[d] out to me4    ,x 0 
an int5sely bitt] ta/e & v p]si/5t1 =   
ev5 aft] we  _h r9s$ out our m\?s x     
seem$ to rema91 cl++ p]si/5tly to  !    
tongue4    ,he plac$ "s ( ! gra9s 9 "s  
pure wat]4 ,!y dissolv$ only  slightly1 
if at all4 ,b 9 a tube 9 :i* he mix$ a  
little e!r &  *lor(orm !y dissolv$      
fairly readily4    ,next1 )\t a ^w1 he  
p\r$ j a drop ( /rong sulphuric acid on 
! cry/als4 ,!re 0 n a *ange 9 !m4       
,quickly he rea*$ up into ! rack & took 
d[n a bottle label$  8,potassium        
,bi*romate40    8,let u see :at an      
oxidiz+ ag5t w d10 he rem>k$4    ,z he  
g5tly add$ ! bi*romate1 !re came a mo/  
m>vel\s1  kaleidoscopic *ange4 ,f be+   
almo/ colorless1 ! cry/als turn$        
in/antly to a deep blue1 !n rapidly to  
purple1 lilac1 r$1 & !n  ! r$ sl[ly fad$
 away & !y became colorless aga94       
8,:at is x80 ,i ask$1 fasc9at$4 8,lead80
    8,n-no10 he repli$1 ! l9es ( 8      
=ehead deep5+4 8,no4 ,?is is  sulphate (

 /ry*n9e40    8,sulphate ( /ry*n9e80 ,i 
repeat$ 9 a/oni%m5t4    8,yes10 he      
reit]at$ sl[ly4 8,i might h suspect$ t f
 !  convulsions1 p>ticul>ly :5          
,josephson said t ! noise &  excitem5t (
 ! arrival ( ! ambulance br\ght on !    
fatal  p>oxysm4 ,t is symptomatic4 ,b ,i
 didn't fully realize x until ,i  got up
 "h & ta/$ ! /uff4 ,!n ,i suspect$1 = t 
ta/e is  *>act]i/ic4 ,ev5 "o "p dilut$  
sev5ty ?\s& times gives t  decid$ bitt] 
ta/e40    8,t's all v well10 ,i rem>k$1 
recall+ ! int5se bitt]ness  yet on my   
tongue4 8,b h[ d y suppose x 0 possible 
= anyone to  adm9i/] x8 ,x seems to me t
 he w\ld h said some?+1 if he  _h       
swall[$ ev5 ! m9ute/ "p ( x4 ,he mu/ h  
kn[n x4 ,yet  app>5tly he didn't4 ,at   
lea/ he said no?+ ab\t x--or else       
,josephson is conceal+ some?+40    8,did
 he swall[ x--necess>ily80 qu]i$ ,k5n$y1
 9 a tone calculat$  to %[ me t !       
*emical _w1 at lea/1 0 full ( a numb] ( 
?+s1 & !re 0 mu* to le>n4    8,well1 ,i 
suppose if x _h be5 giv5 hypod]mically1 

x w\ld h a  m viol5t effect10 ,i p]si/$1
 try+ to figure out a way t !  poison   
might h be5 giv54    8,ev5 m unlikely10 
object$ ,craig1 ) a delight at discov]+ 
a  new my/]y t to me seem$ almo/ fi5di%4
 8,no1 he w\ld c]ta9ly  h felt a ne$le1 
h cri$ out & said some?+ ab\t x1 if     
anyone _h tri$ t4 ,?is poison$ ne$le    
bus9ess isn't z easy z  "s p seem to ?9k
 n[adays40    8,!n he might h absorb$ x 
f ! wat]10 ,i insi/$1 recall+  a rec5t  
case ( ,k5n$y's & add+1 8by osmosis40   
8,y saw h[ difficult x 0 to dissolve 9  
wat]10 ,craig reject$  quietly4         
8,well1 !n10 ,i conclud$ 9 desp]ation4  
8,h[ c\ld x h be5  introduc$80    8,i h 
a !ory10 0 all he w\ld say1 rea*+ = !   
railway  guide1 8b x w take me up to    
,/ratfield to prove x40    ,8 plan gave 
u a little respite & we paus$ long en\gh
 to lun*1  = :i* brea?+ space ,i 0 duly 
?ankful4 ,! =5oon saw u on  ! tra91     
,k5n$y c>ry+ a l>ge & cumb]some package 
:i* he  br\ght d[n ) him f ! laboratory 
& :i* we took turns 9  c>ry+1 ?\gh he   

gave no h9t ( its cont5ts4    ,we arriv$
 9 ,/ratfield1 a v pretty little mill   
t[n1 9 ! middle  ( ! aft]noon1 & ) v    
little tr\ble 7 direct$ to !  ,pe>cy    
h\se1 aft] ,k5n$y _h *eck$ ! p>cel ) !  
/ation  ag5t4    ,mrs4 ,pe>cy1 to :om we
 introduc$ ourselves z report]s ( !     
,/>1 0 a tall blonde4 ,i c\ld n help    
?9k+ t %e made a  p>ticul>ly da%+ wid[4 
,) h] at ! "t 0 ,isabel ,pe>cy1 a  sl5d]
 girl ^: s5sitive lips & l>ge1 e>ne/    
eyes indicat$ a  f9e1 high-/rung nature4
    ,ev5 be=e we _h introduc$ ourselves1
 ,i c\ld n help ?9k+ t  !re 0 a sort (  
ho/ility betwe5 ! wom54 ,c]ta9ly x 0    
evid5t t !re 0 z mu* diff]5ce 9         
temp]am5t z betwe5 !  butt]fly & ! bee4 
8,no10 repli$ ! eld] woman quickly to a 
reque/ f ,k5n$y = an  int]view1 8!re is 
no?+ t ,i c>e to say to ! newspap]s4 ,!y
  h said too mu* already ab\t           
?is--un=tunate affair40    ,:e!r x 0    
imag9ation or n1 ,i fanci$ t !re 0 an   
air (  res]ve ab\t bo? wom54 ,x /ruck me
 z a mo/ peculi> h\sehold4  ,:at 0 x8 ,0

 ea* suspici\s ( ! o!r8 ,0 ea* conceal+ 
some?+8    ,i manag$ to /eal a glance at
 ,k5n$y's face to see :e!r !re 0  any?+ 
to confirm my own impression4 ,he 0     
wat*+ ,mrs4 ,pe>cy  closely z %e spoke4 
,9 fact 8 next few que/ions1            
inconsequ5tial  z !y 71 seem$ address$  
to h] solely = ! purpose ( gett+  h] to 
speak4    ,i foll[$ 8 eyes & f\nd t he 0
 wat*+ h] m\?1 9  reality4 ,z %e answ]$ 
,i not$ h] beautiful :ite tee?4 ,k5n$y  
himself _h tra9$ me to notice small ?+s1
 & at ! "t1 ?\gh  ,i ?\ght x 0 trivial1 
,i recall notic+ on h] gums1 :]e !y     
jo9$ ! tee?1 a peculi> blui%-black l9e4 
,k5n$y _h be5 c>eful to address only    
,mrs4 ,pe>cy at fir/1 & z  he cont9u$   
que/ion+ h]1 %e seem$ to realize t he 0 
try+  to lead h] along4    8,i mu/      
positively refuse to talk any m10 %e    
repeat$ f9ally1  ris+4 8,i am n to be   
trick$ into say+ any?+40    ,%e _h left 
! room1 evid5tly expect+ t ,isabel w\ld 
foll[4  ,%e did n4 ,9 fact ,i felt t    
,miss ,pe>cy 0 visibly reliev$ by  !    

dep>ture ( h] /epmo!r4 ,%e seem$ anxi\s 
to ask u some?+  & n[ took ! fir/       
opportunity4    8,tell me10 %e said     
eag]ly1 8h[ did ,mr4 ,m9turn die8 ,:at d
 !y  really ?9k ( x 9 ,new ,york80      
8,!y ?9k x is poison+10 repli$ ,craig1  
not+ ! look on h]  face4    ,%e betray$ 
no?+1 z f> z ,i c\ld see1 except a      
natural  neighborly int]e/4 8,poison+80 
%e repeat$4 8,by :at80    8,lead        
poison+10 he repli$ evasively4    ,%e   
said no?+4 ,x 0 evid5t t1 slip ( a girl 
?\gh %e 01  %e 0 q ! mat* ( anyone :o   
attempt$ lead+ que/ions4  ,k5n$y *ang$ 8
 me?od4    8,y w p>don me10 he said     
apologetically1 8= recall+ :at mu/  be  
di/ress+4 ,b we newspap]m5 (t5 h to d   
?+s & ask  que/ions t are di/a/eful4 ,i 
believe x is rumor$ t y\r  fa!r suff]$ f
 lead poison+80    8,oh1 ,i don't "k :at
 x 0--none ( u d10 %e cri$1 almo/       
pa!tically4 8,i _h be5 liv+ at !        
settlem5t until lately4 ,:5  fa!r grew  
worse1 ,i came home4 ,he _h su* /range  
visions--halluc9ations1 ,i suppose y    

w\ld call !m4 ,9 ! daytime  he w\ld be s
 v morose & melan*oly4 ,!n1 too1 !re 7  
t]rible pa9s 9 8 /oma*1 & 8 eyesight    
began to fail4 ,yes1 ,i  believe t ,dr4 
,gun!r did say x 0 lead poison+4 ,b--!y 
h  said s _m ?+s--s _m ?+s10 %e repeat$1
 pla9ly di/ress$  at ! subject ( h]     
rec5t b]eavem5t4    8,y\r bro!r is n at 
home80 ask$ ,k5n$y1 quickly *ang+ !     
subject4    8,no10 %e answ]$1 !n ) a    
fla% z ?\gh lift+ ! veil ( a  confid5ce1
 add$3 8,y "k1 nei!r ,w>n] nor ,i h liv$
 "h mu*  ?is ye>4 ,he has be5 9 ,new    
,york mo/ ( ! "t & ,i h be5 at  !       
settlem5t1 z ,i already told y40    ,%e 
hesitat$1 z if wond]+ :e!r %e %\ld say  
m1 !n add$  quickly3 8,x has be5 repeat$
 (t5 en\gh2 !re is no reason :y ,i      
%\ldn't say x to y4 ,nei!r ( u exactly  
approv$ ( fa!r's  m>riage40    ,%e *eck$
 h]self & glanc$ ab\t1 some:at ) ! air (
 "o :o  has sudd5ly consid]$ !          
possibility ( be+ ov]he>d4    8,may ,i h
 a glass ( wat]80 ask$ ,k5n$y sudd5ly4  
8,:y1 c]ta9ly10 %e answ]$1 go+ to !     

door1 app>5tly eag] =  an excuse to f9d 
out :e!r !re 0 "s "o on ! o!r side (  x4
    ,!re 0 n1 nor any indication t !re  
_h be54    8,evid5tly %e does n h any   
suspicions ( t10 rem>k$  ,k5n$y 9 an    
und]tone1 half to himself4    ,i _h no  
*ance to "q him1 = %e return$ almo/     
imm$iately4  ,in/ead ( dr9k+ ! wat]1    
h[ev]1 he held x c>efully up to !       
light4 ,x 0 slightly turbid4    8,y dr9k
 ! wat] f ! tap80 he ask$1 z he p\r$ "s 
( x  into a /]iliz$ vial :i* he drew    
quickly f 8 ve/ pocket4    8,c]ta9ly10  
%e repli$1 = ! mom5t nonpluss$ at 8     
/range  actions4 8,ev]ybody dr9ks ! t[n 
wat] 9 ,/ratfield40    ,a few m         
que/ions1 none ( :i* 7 ( importance1 &  
,k5n$y &  ,i excus$ ourselves4    ,at ! 
gate1 in/ead ( turn+ t[>d ! t[n1 h[ev]1 
,k5n$y w5t  on & ent]$ ! gr\nds ( !     
,m9turn h\se next door4 ,! lawy]1  ,i _h
 und]/ood1 0 a wid[] &1 ?\gh he liv$ 9  
,/ratfield only  "p ( ! "t1 /ill ma9ta9$
 8 h\se !re4    ,we rang ! bell & a     
middle-ag$ h\sekeep] answ]$4    8,i am f

 ! wat] company10 he began politely4    
8,we are te/+ !  wat]1 p]haps w supply  
consum]s ) filt]s4 ,c y let me h  a     
sample80    ,%e did n demur1 b invit$ u 
94 ,z %e drew ! wat]1 ,craig  wat*$ h]  
h&s closely4 ,%e seem$ to h difficulty 9
 hold+ !  glass1 & z %e h&$ x to him1 ,i
 notic$ a peculi> hang+ d[n  ( ! wri/4  
,k5n$y p\r$ ! sample into a second vial1
 & ,i  notic$ t x 0 turbid1 too4 ,) no  
m5tion ( ! trag$y to h]  employ]1 he    
excus$ himself1 & we walk$ sl[ly back to
 ! road4    ,betwe5 ! two h\ses ,k5n$y  
paus$1 & = sev]al mom5ts appe>$  to be  
/udy+ !m4    ,we walk$ sl[ly back along 
! road to ! t[n4 ,z we pass$ !  local   
drug /ore1 ,k5n$y turn$ & saunt]$ 94    
,he f\nd x easy en\gh to get into       
conv]sation ) ! druggi/1  aft] mak+ a   
small pur*ase1 & 9 ! c\rse ( a few      
m9utes we  f\nd ourselves gossip+ beh9d 
! p>tition t %ut (f ! arcana  ( !       
prescription c\nt] f ! re/ ( ! /ore4    
,gradually ,k5n$y l$ ! conv]sation ar\nd
 to ! po9t :i* he  want$1 & ask$1 8,i   

wi% y'd let me fix up a little          
sulphuret$  hydrog540    8,g ahead10    
grant$ ! druggi/ good-natur$ly4 8,i     
guess y c d  x4 ,y "k z mu* ab\t drugs z
 ,i d4 ,i c /& ! smell1 if y  c40       
,k5n$y smil$ & set to "w4    ,sl[ly he  
pass$ ! gas ?r\gh ! samples ( wat] he _h
 tak5 f  ! two h\ses4 ,z he did s ! gas1
 bubbl+ ?r\gh1 made a blacki%           
precipitate4    8,:at is x80 ask$ !     
druggi/ curi\sly4    8,lead sulphide10  
repli$ ,k5n$y1 /rok+ 8 *94 8,?is is an  
extremely delicate te/4 ,:y1 "o c get a 
di/9ct br[ni% t+e if  lead is pres5t 9  
ev5 incr$ibly m9ute quantities40    ,he 
cont9u$ to "w ov] ! vials rang$ on !    
table be=e him4    8,! wat] conta9s1 ,i 
%\ld say1 f t5 to fifte5 hundr$?s ( a   
gra9 ( lead to ! gallon10 he rem>k$     
f9ally4    8,:]e did x come f80 ask$ !  
druggi/1 unable long] to re/ra9  8      
curiosity4    8,i got x up at ,pe>cy's10
 ,k5n$y repli$ frankly1 turn+ to obs]ve 
:e!r ! druggi/ might betray any k ( x4  
8,t's /range10 he repli$ 9 g5u9e        

surprise4 8,our wat] 9  ,/ratfield is   
suppli$ by a company to a l>ge area1 & x
 has always  seem$ to me to be ( great  
organic purity40    8,b ! pipes are (   
lead1 are !y n80 ask$ ,k5n$y4           
8,y-yes10 answ]$ ! druggi/1 8,i ?9k 9   
mo/ places ! s]vice  pipes are ( lead4  
,b10 he add$ e>ne/ly z he saw !         
implication  ( 8 admission1 8wat] has   
nev] to my k be5 f\nd to attack  ! pipes
 s z to affect its quality injuri\sly40 
,he turn$ 8 own faucet & drew a         
glassful4 8,x is normally q  cle>10 he  
add$1 hold+ ! glass up4    ,x 0 9 fact  
p]fectly cle>1 & :5 he pass$ "s ( ! gas 
?r\gh x no?+ happ5$ at all4    ,j !n a  
man l\ng$ into ! /ore4    8,hello1      
,doctor10 greet$ ! druggi/4 8,"h are a  
c\ple ( fell[s  t h be5 inve/igat+ !    
wat] up at ,pe>cy's4 ,!y've f\nd  lead 9
 x4 ,t ought to int]e/ y4 ,?is is ,dr4  
,gun!r10 he  introduc$1 turn+ to u4     
,x 0 an unexpect$ enc\nt]1 "o ,i imag9e 
t ,k5n$y might h  pref]r$ to take place 
"u o!r circum/ances4 ,b he 0 equal to  !

 occasion4    8,we've be5 s5t up "h to  
look into ! case = ! ,new ,york  ,/>10  
,k5n$y said quickly4 8,i int5d$ to come 
ar\nd to see y1  b y h sav$ me !        
tr\ble40    ,dr4 ,gun!r look$ f "o ( u  
to ! o!r4 8,seems to me ! ,new  ,york   
pap]s ought to h en\gh to d )\t s5d+ m5 
all ov] !  c\ntry mak+ news10 he grunt$4
    8,well10 drawl$ ,k5n$y quietly1 8!re
 seems to be a mo/ rem>kable  situation 
up !re at ,pe>cy's & ,m9turn's1 too4 ,z 
ne>ly z ,i c  make out sev]al p !re are 
suff]+ f unmi/akable signs (  lead      
poison+4 ,!re are ! pa9s 9 ! /oma*1 !   
colic1 & !n  on ! gums is t *>act]i/ic  
l9e ( plumbic sulphide1 !  di/9ctive m>k
 produc$ by lead4 ,!re is ! wri/-drop1 !
  eyesight affect$1 ! p>tial p>alysis1 !
 halluc9ations & a  condition 9 old     
,pe>cy's case almo/ bord]+ on           
insanity--to  enum]ate ! symptoms t seem
 to be pres5t 9 v>y+ degrees 9  v>i\s   
p]sons 9 ! two h\ses40    ,gun!r look$  
at ,k5n$y1 z if 9 d\bt j h[ to take him4
    8,t's :at ! coron] says1 too--lead  

poison+10 put 9 !  druggi/1 himself z   
ke5 z anyone else = a piece ( local     
news1 &  evid5tly n av]se to /imulat+   
talk f ,dr4 ,gun!r1 :o _h be5  ,pe>cy's 
physician4    8,t all seems to be true  
en\gh10 repli$ ,gun!r at l5g?  gu>d$ly4 
8,i recogniz$ t "s "t ago40    8,:y d y 
?9k x affects ea* s diff]5tly80 ask$ !  
druggi/4    ,dr4 ,gun!r settl$ himself  
easily back 9 a *air to speak z "o  hav+
 au?ority4 8,well10 he began sl[ly1     
8,miss ,pe>cy1 ( c\rse1  hasn't be5 liv+
 !re mu* until lately4 ,z = ! o!rs1     
p]haps  ?is g5tleman "h f ! ,/> kn[s t  
lead1 once absorb$1 may  rema9 lat5t 9 !
 sy/em & !n make itself felt4 ,x is l   
ars5ic1 an accumulative poison1 sl[ly   
collect+ 9 ! body until  ! limit is     
rea*$1 or until ! body1 becom+ weak5$ f 
"s  o!r cause1 gives way to x40    ,he  
%ift$ 8 position sl[ly1 & w5t on1 z if  
def5d+ ! c\rse  ( action he _h tak5 9 ! 
case4    8,!n1 too1 y "k1 !re is an     
individual z well z family & sex        
susceptibility to lead4 ,wom5 are       

especially liable to lead poison+1  b !n
 p]haps 9 ?is case ,mrs4 ,pe>cy comes ( 
a family t is  v resi/ant4 ,!re are _m  
factors4 ,p]sonally1 ,i don't ?9k       
,pe>cy himself 0 resi/ant4 ,p]haps      
,m9turn 0 n1 ei!r4 ,at any  rate1 aft]  
,pe>cy's dea?1 x 0 ,i :o advis$ ,m9turn 
to take !  electrolysis cure 9 ,new     
,york4 ,i took him d[n !re10 add$       
,gun!r4  8,conf\nd x1 ,i wi% ,i _h /ay$ 
) him4 ,b ,i always f\nd  ,josephson    
p]fectly reliable 9 hydro!rapy ) o!r    
pati5ts ,i s5t  to him1 & ,i und]/ood t 
he _h be5 v successful ) cases  s5t to  
him by _m physicians 9 ! city40 ,he     
paus$ & ,i wait$  anxi\sly to see :e!r  
,k5n$y w\ld make "s ref]5ce to !        
discov]y ( ! /ry*n9e salts4    8,h y any
 idea h[ ! lead poison+ c\ld h be5      
caus$80  ask$ ,k5n$y in/ead4    ,dr4    
,gun!r %ook 8 head4 8,x is a puzzle to  
me10 he answ]$4 8,i am  sure ( only "o  
?+4 ,x c\ld n be f work+ 9 lead1 = x is 
ne$less to say t none ( !m work$40      
8,food80 ,craig sugge/$4    ,! doctor   

consid]$4 8,i _h ?\ght ( t4 ,i "k t _m  
cases  ( lead poison+ h be5 trac$ to !  
pres5ce ( ! /uff 9  ord9>y foods1 drugs 
& dr9ks4 ,i h exam9$ ! foods1 especially
  ! bread4 ,!y don't use cann$ goods4 ,i
 ev5 w5t s f> z to  exam9e ! kit*5 w>e  
to see if !re c\ld be any?+ wrong )  !  
glaz+4 ,!y don't dr9k w9es & be]s1 into 
:i* n[ & !n  ! /uff seems to get40      
8,y seem to h a good grasp ( ! subject10
 flatt]$ ,k5n$y1 z  we rose to g4 8,i c 
h>dly blame y = neglect+ ! wat]1 s9ce   
ev]yone "h seems to be s sure ( ! purity
 ( ! supply40    ,gun!r said no?+4 ,i 0 
n surpris$1 =1 at ! v lea/1 no  "o likes
 to h an outsid] come 9 & put 8 f+]     
directly on  ! raw spot4 ,:at m !re     
might be to x1 ,i c\ld only conjecture4 
,we left ! druggi/'s & ,k5n$y1 glanc+ at
 8 wat*1 rem>k$3  8,if y w g d[n to !   
/ation1 ,walt]1 & get t package we  left
 !re1 ,i %all be mu* oblig$ to y4 ,i    
want to make j "o  m /op1 at ! (fice ( !
 wat] company1 & ,i ?9k ,i %all j  ab\t 
h "t = x4 ,!re's a pretty good re/aurant

 across !  /reet4 ,meet me !re1 & by t  
"t ,i %all "k :e!r to c>ry  out a little
 plan ,i h outl9$ or n40                
,,*apt] ,,xxx  ,,! ,,electrolytic       
,,murd]      ,we d9$ leisurely1 :i*     
seem$ /range to me1 = x 0 n  ,k5n$y's   
cu/om to let mom5ts fly uselessly :5 he 
0 on a case4  ,h[ev]1 ,i soon f\nd out  
:y x 04 ,he 0 wait+ = d>kness4    ,z    
soon z ! lights began to gl[ 9 ! little 
/ores on ! ma9  /reet1 we salli$ =?1    
tak+ ! direction ( ! ,pe>cy &  ,m9turn  
h\ses4    ,on ! way he dropp$ into !    
h>dw>e /ore & pur*as$ a light  spade &  
"o ( ! small pocket electric fla%lights1
 ab\t :i* he  wrapp$ a piece ( c>dbo>d 9
 su* a way z to make a mo/ effective    
d>k lant]n4    ,we trudg$ along 9       
sil5ce1 occasionally *ang+ f c>ry+ !    
heavy package to ! light spade4    ,bo? 
! ,pe>cy & ,m9turn h\ses 7 9 ne>ly total
 d>kness :5  we arriv$4 ,!y set well    
back f ! road & 7 pl5tifully  %ield$ by 
%rubb]y4 ,!n1 too1 at night x 0 n a mu* 
frequ5t$  neighborhood4 ,we c\ld easily 

he> ! foot/eps ( anyone approa*+  on !  
walk1 & an occasional automobile glid+  
pa/ did n worry u  9 ! lea/4    8,i h   
calculat$ c>efully f an exam9ation ( !  
wat] company's  map10 said ,craig1 8j   
:]e ! wat] pipe ( ! two h\ses bran*es   
(f f ! ma9 9 ! road40    ,aft] a        
measurem5t or two f "s l&m>k1 we set to 
"w a few  feet inside1 "u cov] ( ! bu%es
 & ! %ad[s1 l two grave  digg]s4        
,k5n$y _h be5 wield+ ! spade vigor\sly =
 a few m9utes :5  x t\*$ some?+         
metallic4 ,!re1 j b5ea? ! fro/ l9e1 we  
came ^u ! s]vice pipe4    ,he wid5$ !   
hole1 & c>efully scrap$ (f ! damp e>? t 
adh]$ to ! pipe4 ,next he f\nd a valve  
:]e he %ut (f ! wat]  & cut out a small 
piece ( ! pipe4    8,i hope !y don't    
suspect any?+ l ?is 9 ! h\ses ) _!  wat]
 cut (f10 he rem>k$ z he c>efully split 
! piece op5  l5g?wise & exam9$ x "u !   
light4    ,on ! int]ior ( ! pipe c\ld be
 se5 pat*y lumps ( :ite :i*  project$   
ab\t an eigh? ( an in* above ! int]nal  
surface4 ,z !  pipe dri$ 9 ! w>m night  

air1 !y c\ld easily be bru%$ (f z a     
:ite p[d]4    8,:at is x--/ry*n9e80 ,i  
ask$4    8,no10 he repli$1 reg>d+ x     
?\ghtfully ) "s satisfaction4  8,t is   
lead c>bonate4 ,!re c be no d\bt t !    
turbidity (  ! wat] 0 due to ?is p[d] 9 
susp5sion4 ,a little dissolves 9  !     
wat]1 :ile ! scales & incru/ations 9 f9e
 p>ticles are  c>ri$ along 9 ! curr5t4  
,z a matt] ( fact ! am\nt necess>y  to  
make ! wat] poison\s ne$ n be l>ge40    
,he appli$ a little in/rum5t to ! cut   
ends ( ! pipe4 ,z ,i b5t  ov]1 ,i c\ld  
see ! ne$le on its dial deflect$ j a    
bit4    8,my voltmet]10 he said1 read+  
x1 8%[s t !re is a curr5t (  ab\t #a4h  
volts pass+ ?r\gh ?is pipe all ! "t40   
8,electrolysis ( wat] pipes60 ,i        
exclaim$1 ?9k+ ( /atem5ts ,i  _h he>d by
 eng9e]s4 8,t's :at !y mean by /ray or  
vagabond  curr5ts1 isn't x80    ,he _h  
seiz$ ! lant]n & 0 eag]ly foll[+ up &   
d[n !  l9e ( ! wat] pipe4 ,at la/ he    
/opp$1 ) a l[ exclamation1 at  a po9t   
:]e an electric light wire supply+ !    

,m9turn cottage  cross$ ov]head4 ,fa/5$ 
inconspicu\sly to ! trunk ( a tree :i*  
s]v$ z a support = ! wire 0 ano!r wire  
:i* l$ d[n f  x & 0 buri$ 9 ! gr\nd4    
,craig turn$ up ! s(t e>? z fa/ z he    
c\ld1 until he rea*$  ! pipe at ?is     
po9t4 ,!re 0 ! buri$ wire w\nd sev]al   
times  ar\nd x4    ,z quickly & z neatly
 z he c\ld he ins]t$ a connection betwe5
  ! sev]$ ends ( ! pipe to re/ore ! fl[ 
( wat] to !  h\ses1 turn$ on ! wat] &   
cov]$ up ! holes he _h dug4 ,!n  he     
unwrapp$ ! package :i* we _h tugg$ ab\t 
all day1 & 9 a  n>r[ pa? betwe5 ! bu%es 
:i* l$ to ! po9t :]e ! wire  _h tapp$ ! 
electric light fe$ he plac$ 9 a %all[   
hole 9 !  gr\nd a peculi> app>atus4     
,z ne>ly z ,i c\ld make x out1 x consi/$
 ( two flat plat=ms  betwe5 :i*1 cov]$  
ov] & project$1 0 a slip ( pap] :i*     
mov$ =w>d1 actuat$ by clockwork1 &      
press$ on by a sort (  /ylus4 ,!n he    
cov]$ x ov] lightly ) dirt s t1 unless  
anyone _h be5 look+ = x1 x w\ld nev] be 
notic$4    ,x 0 late :5 we rea*$ ! city 

aga91 b ,k5n$y _h "o m  piece ( "w & t  
devolv$ on me4 ,all ! way d[n on ! tra9 
he  _h be5 writ+ & rewrit+ some?+4      
8,walt]10 he said1 z ! tra9 pull$ into !
 /ation1 8,i want t  publi%$ 9          
to-morr['s pap]s40    ,i look$ ov] :at  
he _h writt54 ,x 0 "o ( ! mo/ s5sational
  /ories ,i h ev] fa!r$1 beg9n+1 8,late/
 ( ! victims ( !  unkn[n poison] ( :ole 
families 9 ,/ratfield1 ,connecticut1 is 
,miss  ,isabel ,pe>cy1 ^: fa!r1 ,r&all  
,pe>cy1 di$ la/ week40    ,i knew t x 0 
a 8plant0 ( "s k9d1 = s f> he _h        
discov]$  no evid5ce t ,miss ,pe>cy _h  
be5 affect$4 ,:at 8 purpose 01 ,i  c\ld 
n guess1 b ,i got ! /ory pr9t$4    ,!   
next morn+ e>ly ,k5n$y 0 quietly at "w 9
 ! laboratory4    8,:at is ?is treatm5t 
( lead poison+ by electrolysis80 ,i     
ask$1  n[ t !re _h come a lull :5 ,i    
might get an intelligible answ]4  8,h[  
does x "w80    8,br& new1 ,walt]10      
repli$ ,k5n$y4 8,x has be5 discov]$ t   
ions  w fl[ directly ?r\gh ! membranes40
    8,ions80 ,i repeat$4 8,:at are      

ions80    8,travel]s10 he answ]$1 smil+1
 8s nam$ by ,f>aday f ! ,greek  v]b1 io1
 to g4 ,!y are little positive &        
negative *>ges (  electricity ( :i*     
molecules are compos$4 ,y "k "s believe 
n[  t matt] is really compos$ (         
electrical en]gy4 ,i ?9k ,i c  expla9 x 
be/ by a simile ,i use ) my classes4 ,x 
is z ?\gh y  _h a ballroom 9 :i* !      
danc]s 9 c\ples repres5t ! neutral      
molecules4 ,!re are a c]ta9 numb] (     
isolat$ ladies &  g5tlem5--dissociat$   
ions--0 8,:o don't "k ^! new dances80 ,i
  int]rupt$4    8,!y all "k ?is dance10 
he laugh$4 8,b1 to be s]i\s 9 !  simile1
 suppose at "o end ( ! room !re is a    
l>ge mirror & at  ! o!r a buffet ) cig>s
 & *ampagne4 ,:at happ5s to !           
dissociat$ ions80    8,well1 ,i suppose 
y want me to say t ! ladies ga!r ab\t ! 
mirror & ! m5 ab\t ! buffet40           
8,exactly4 ,& "s ( ! danc+ p>tn]s       
sep>ate & foll[ !  cr[d4 ,well1 t room  
pres5ts a picture ( :at happ5s 9 an     
electrolytic solution at ! mom5t :5 !   

electric curr5t is  pass+ ?r\gh x40     
8,?anks10 ,i laugh$4 8,t 0 q adequate to
 my immature  und]/&+40    ,k5n$y       
cont9u$ at "w1 *eck+ up & arrang+ 8 data
 until !  middle ( ! aft]noon1 :5 he w5t
 up to ,/ratfield4    ,hav+ no?+ bett]  
to d1 ,i w&]$ out ab\t t[n 9 ! hope (   
runn+ across "s "o ) :om to :ile away ! 
h\rs until ,k5n$y  return$4 ,i f\nd out 
t1 s9ce ye/]day1 ,broadway _h wov5 an   
entirely new backgr\nd = ! my/]y4 ,n[ x 
0 rumor$ t !  lawy] ,m9turn himself _h  
be5 on v intimate t]ms ) ,mrs4  ,pe>cy4 
,i did n pay mu* att5tion to ! rumor1 = 
,i knew t  ,broadway is con/itutionally 
unable to believe t anybody is  /raight4
    ,k5n$y _h commission$ me to keep 9  
t\* ) ,josephson & ,i  f9ally manag$ to 
get ar\nd to ! ,ba?s1 to f9d !m /ill    
clos$4    ,z ,i 0 talk+ ) him1 a v muddy
 & du/y c> pull$ up at !  door & a "y   
man ^: face 0 m>r$ by ! r$ conge/$ blood
  vessels t are 9 "s a m>k ( dissipation
 bur/ 9 on u4    8,:at--clos$ up        
yet--,joe80 he ask$4 8,hav5't !y tak5   

,m9turn's body  away80    8,yes1 x 0 s5t
 up to ,/ratfield to-day10 repli$ !     
masseur1 8b  ! coron] seems to want to  
worry me all he c40    8,too bad4 ,i 0  
up almo/ all la/ night1 & to-day ,i h   
be5 out 9  my c>--tir$ to dea?4 ,?\ght  
,i might get "s re/ "h4 ,:]e are  y s5d+
 ! boys--to ! ,longacre80    8,yes4     
,!y'll take good c>e ( y till ,i op5 up 
aga94 ,hope to see  y back aga91 !n1    
,mr4 ,pe>cy10 he add$1 z ! "y man turn$ 
& hurri$ out to 8 c> aga94 8,t 0 t "y   
,pe>cy1 y  "k4 ,nice boy--b liv+ ! life 
too fa/4 ,:at's ,k5n$y  do+--any?+80    
,i did n l ! jaunty bravado ( ! masseur 
:i* n[ seem$ to be  return+1 s9ce no?+  
def9ite _h tak5 %ape4 ,i det]m9$ t he   
%\ld n pump me1 z he evid5tly 0 try+ to 
d4 ,i _h at lea/  fulfill$ ,k5n$y's     
commission & felt t ! soon] ,i left     
,josephson ! bett] = bo? ( u4    ,i 0   
surpris$ at d9n] to receive a wire f    
,craig say+ t he  0 br++ d[n ,dr4       
,gun!r1 ,mrs4 ,pe>cy & ,isabel to ,new  
,york &  ask+ me to h ,w>n] ,pe>cy &    

,josephson at ! laboratory at n9e       
o'clock4    ,by /rategy ,i manag$ to    
p]suade ,pe>cy to come1 & z =           
,josephson1  he c\ld n v well escape1   
?\gh ,i saw t z long z no?+  m _h       
happ5$1 he 0 m int]e/$ 9 8fix+0 ! police
 s  t he c\ld resume bus9ess ?an any?+  
else4    ,z we ent]$ ! laboratory t     
night1 ,k5n$y1 :o _h left 8  p>ty at a  
d[nt[n hotel to fre%5 up1 met u ea* at !
 door4  ,in/ead ( conduct+ u 9 front ( 8
 laboratory table1 :i* 0  ! natural way1
 he l$ u s+ly ar\nd ?r\gh ! n>r[ space  
back  ( x4    ,i recall t z ,i foll[$   
him1 ,i half imag9$ t ! floor gave  way 
j a bit1 & !re fla%$ ov] me1 by a que]  
association (  ideas1 ! recollection (  
hav+ visit$ an amusem5t p>k n long  be=e
 :]e m]ely /epp+ on an innoc5t-look+    
section ( !  floor+ _h result$ 9 a      
trem5d\s knock+ & bang+ b5ea?1  mu* to !
 delight ( ! lov]s ( slap-/ick humor4   
,?is 0 s]i\s  bus9ess1 h[ev]1 & ,i      
quickly bani%$ ! frivol\s ?\ght f my    
m9d4    8,! discov]y ( poison1 & its    

id5tification10 began ,craig at la/  :5 
we _h all arriv$ & 7 seat$ ab\t him1    
8(t5 involves n  only ! use ( *emi/ry b 
also a k ( ! *emical effect  ( ! poison 
on ! body1 & ! gross z well z           
microscopic *anges  :i* x produces 9    
v>i\s tissues & organs--*anges1 "s due  
to  m]e contact1 o!rs to ! actual       
*emicophysiological reaction  betwe5 !  
poison & ! body40    ,8 h& 0 re/+ on !  
poles ( a l>ge batt]y1 z he proce$$3    
8,e day ! m$ical detective plays a m & m
 important "p  9 ! detection ( crime1 & 
,i might say t1 except 9 ! case (  crime
 complicat$ by a lunacy plea1 8 "w has  
e>n$ ! respect (  ! c\rts & (           
detectives1 :ile 9 ! case ( insanity !  
discr$it is ! fault r ( ! law itself4 ,!
 ways 9 :i* !  doctor c be ( use 9      
untangl+ ! facts 9 _m =ms ( crime  h    
become s num]\s t ! pr(ession ( m$ical  
detective may  almo/ be call$ a         
specialty40    ,k5n$y repeat$ :at he _h 
already told me ab\t electrolysis1 !n   
plac$ betwe5 ! poles ( ! batt]y a l>ge  

piece ( raw beef4    ,he cov]$ !        
negative electrode ) blott+ pap] & soak$
 x 9  a beak] ne> at h&4    8,?is       
solution10 he expla9$1 8is compos$ (    
potassium iodide4 ,9  ?is o!r beak] ,i h
 a mixture ( ord9>y />*40    ,he soak$ !
 positive electrode 9 ! />* & !n jamm$ !
 two  aga9/ ! s(t r$ meat4 ,!n he appli$
 ! curr5t4    ,a few mom5ts lat] he     
)drew ! positive electrode4 ,bo? x & !  
meat "u x 7 blue6    8,:at has happ5$80 
he ask$4 8,! iod9e ions h actually pass$
  ?r\gh ! beef to ! positive pole & !   
pap] on ! electrode4  ,"h we h />*      
iodide40    ,x 0 a />tl+ idea1 ?is ( !  
introduction ( a sub/ance by            
electrolysis4    8,i may say10 he       
resum$1 8t ! m$ical view ( electricity  
is  *ang+1 due 9 l>ge measure to ! g5ius
 ( ! ,fr5*man1 ,dr4  ,l$uc4 ,! body1 we 
"k1 is compos$ l>gely ( wat]1 ) salts ( 
soda & pota%4 ,x is an excell5t         
electrolyte4 ,yet mo/ doctors  reg>d !  
introduction ( sub/ances by ! electric  
curr5t z  insignificant or nonexi/5t4 ,b

 on ! contr>y ! introduction (  drugs by
 electrolysis is regul> & f> f be+      
insignificant may  v easily br+ ab\t    
dea?4    8,t action10 he w5t on1 look+ f
 "o ( u to ano!r1 8may be  !rapeutic1 z 
9 ! cure = lead poison+ by remov+ !     
lead1 or  x may be toxic--z 9 ! case (  
actually introduc+ su* a poison z       
/ry*n9e into ! body by ! same =ces t w  
remove ! lead40    ,he paus$ a mom5t1 to
 en=ce ! po9t :i* _h already be5        
sugge/$4 ,i glanc$ ab\t ha/ily4 ,if     
anyone 9 8 little audi5ce  0 guilty1 no 
"o betray$ x1 = all 7 foll[+ him1       
fasc9at$4  ,yet 9 ! wildly ?robb+ bra9 (
 "s "o ( !m ! guilty  k mu/ be se>$     
indelibly4 ,w\ld ! m]e accusation be    
en\gh  to dissociate ! tru? f1 t bra9 or
 w\ld ,k5n$y h to  resort to o!r means8 
8,"s "o10 he w5t on1 9 a l[1 t5se voice1
 lean+ =w>d1 8"s  "o :o knew ?is effect 
plac$ /ry*n9e salts on "o ( !           
electrodes ( ! ba? :i* ,ow5 ,m9turn 0 to
 use40    ,he did n pause4 ,evid5tly he 
0 plann+ to let ! =ce ( 8  exposure be  

cumulative1 until f its %e] mom5tum x   
c>ri$  ev]y?+ be=e x4    8,walt]10 he   
ord]$ quickly4 8,l5d me a h&40          
,toge!r we mov$ ! laboratory table z he 
direct$4    ,!re1 9 ! floor1 conceal$ by
 ! %ad[1 he _h plac$ ! same  app>atus   
:i* ,i _h se5 him bury 9 ! pa? betwe5 ! 
,pe>cy &  ,m9turn e/ates at ,/ratfield4 
,we sc>cely brea!d4    8,?is10 he       
expla9$ rapidly1 8is :at is kn[n z a    
k9ograph--!  inv5tion ( ,pr(essor       
,hele,shaw ( ,london4 ,x enables me to  
id5tify a  p]son by 8 or h] walk4 ,ea* (
 y z y ent]$ ?is room has  pass$ ov] ?is
 app>atus & has left a diff]5t m>k on ! 
pap]  :i* regi/]s40    ,= a mom5t he    
/opp$1 z if ga!r+ /r5g? = ! f9al        
assault4    8,until late ?is aft]noon ,i
 _h ?is k9ograph secret$ at a c]ta9     
place 9 ,/ratfield4 ,"s "o _h tamp]$ ) !
 lead5 wat] pipes  & ! electric light   
cable4 ,fe>ful t ! lead poison+ br\ght  
on by electrolysis might n produce its  
result 9 ! int5d$ victim1  t p]son took 
advantage ( ! new discov]ies 9          

electrolysis to  complete t "w by       
introduc+ ! deadly /ry*n9e dur+ ! v     
process ( cure ( ! lead poison+40    ,he
 slapp$ d[n a copy ( a newspap]4 8,9 !  
news ?is morn+ ,i told  j en\gh ( :at ,i
 _h discov]$ & color$ x 9 su* a way t   
,i 0 sure ,i w\ld ar\se appreh5sion4 ,i 
did x because ,i want$ to  make !       
crim9al revisit ! real sc5e ( ! crime4  
,!re 0 a  d\ble motive n[--to remove !  
evid5ce & to *eck ! spread ( !          
poison+40    ,he rea*$ ov]1 tore (f !   
pap] ) a quick1 decisive motion1 &  laid
 x beside ano!r /rip1 a little discolor$
 by moi/ure1 z  ?\gh ! damp e>? _h t\*$ 
x4    8,t p]son1 al>m$ le/ some?+ 9 !   
clev]ly laid plot1 might  be discov]$1  
w5t to a c]ta9 spot to remove ! traces (
 !  diabolical "w :i* 7 hidd5 !re4 ,my  
k9ograph %[s !  foot/eps1 %[s z pla9ly z
 if ,i _h be5 pres5t1 ! exact p]son  :o 
tri$ to oblit]ate ! evid5ce40    ,an a%5
 pallor seem$ to spread ov] ! face (    
,miss ,pe>cy1 z  ,k5n$y %ot out ! words4
    8,t p]son10 he emphasiz$1 8_h plann$

 to put out ( ! way "o  :o _h br\ght    
disgrace on ! ,pe>cy family4 ,x 0 an act
 ( private  ju/ice40    ,mrs4 ,pe>cy    
c\ld /& ! /ra9 no long]4 ,%e _h brok5   
d[n &  0 weep+ incoh]5tly4 ,i /ra9$ my  
e>s to cat* :at %e 0  murmur+4 ,x 0     
,m9turn's "n1 n ,gun!r's1 t 0 on h]     
lips4    8,b10 cri$ ,k5n$y1 rais+ an    
accusatory f+] f ! k9ograph  trac+ &    
po9t+ x l ! f+] ( ,fate itself1 8b !    
self-appo9t$ av5g] =got t ! lead5 wat]  
pipe 0 common to  ! two h\ses4 ,old ,mr4
 ,pe>cy1 ! wrong$1 di$ fir/4 ,isabel has
  guess$ ! family skeleton--has tri$ h>d
 to %ield y1 b1 ,w>n]  ,pe>cy1 y are !  
murd]]60          ,,*apt] ,,xxxi  ,,!   
,,eug5ic ,,bride      ,sc&al1 su* z t   
:i* ,k5n$y une>!d 9 ?is ,pe>cy case1 0  
nev] mu* to 8 lik+1 yet he seem$ de/9$1 
ab\t ?is p]iod (  8 c>e]1 to h a good   
deal ( x4    ,we _h sc>cely f9i%$ ) !   
indictm5t t foll[$ ! arre/  ( "y ,pe>cy1
 :5 we 7 confront$ by a situation :i* 0 
z  unique z x 0 int5sely mod]n4         
8,!re's absolutely no insanity 9        

,eug5ia's family10 ,i he>d a "y  man    
rem>k to ,k5n$y1 z my key turn$ 9 ! lock
 ( ! laboratory  door4    ,= a mom5t ,i 
hesitat$ ab\t break+ 9 on a confid5tial 
conf]5ce1 !n reflect$ t1 z !y _h        
probably already he>d me  at ! lock1 ,i 
_h bett] g 9 & excuse myself4    ,z ,i  
swung ! door op51 ,i saw a "y man pac+  
up & d[n !  laboratory n]v\sly1 too     
preoccupi$ ev5 to notice ! slight noise 
,i  _h made4    ,he paus$ 9 8 n]v\s walk
 & fac$ ,k5n$y1 8 back to me4           
8,k5n$y10 he said huskily1 8,i w\ldn't  
c>e if !re 0 insanity 9  h] family--=1  
my ,god6--! trag$y ( x all n[--,i love  
h]60    ,he turn$1 foll[+ ,k5n$y's eyes 
9 my direction1 & ,i saw on 8  face !   
mo/ hagg>d1 haunt+ look ( anxiety t ,i  
_h ev] se5 on  a "y p]son4    ,in/antly 
,i recogniz$ f ! pictures ,i _h se5 9 ! 
newspap]s  "y ,qu9cy ,a!rton1 ! la/ (   
?is fam\s l9e ( ! family1 :o  _h        
attract$ a great deal ( att5tion sev]al 
mon?s previ\sly by  :at ! newspap]s _h  
call$ 8 se>* ?r\gh society = a  8eug5ics

 bride10 to infuse new blood into !     
,a!rton /ock4    8,y ne$ h no fe> t ,mr4
 ,jameson w be l ! o!r  newspap] m510   
reassur$ ,craig1 z he introduc$ u1      
m9dful ( !  prejudice :i* ! unpleasant  
notoriety ( ,a!rton's m>riage _h        
already eng5d]$ 9 8 m9d4    ,i recall$ t
 :5 ,i _h fir/ he>d ( ,a!rton's 8eug5ic 
m>riage10 ,i _h in/9ctively felt a      
prejudice aga9/ ! v idea  ( su* cold1   
calculat+1 mat]iali/ic1 sci5tific mat+1 
z if "o  ( ! la/ fix$ po9ts 7 disappe>+ 
9 ! *aos ( ! social  & sex upheaval4    
,n[1 ,i saw t "o great fact ( life mu/  
always rema94 ,we might  ride 9         
hydroa]oplanes1 delve into ! v s\l by   
psy*analysis1  p]haps ev5 run our ma*9es
 by ! int]nal =ces ( radium--ev5  m>ry  
accord+ to ,galton or ,m5del4 ,b !re    
w\ld always be love1  deep passionate   
love ( ! man = ! woman1 love :i* all !  
discov]ies ( sci5ce might p]haps direct 
a little less bl9dly1 b  ! consum+ flame
 ( :i* n all ! coldness ( sci5ce c\ld   
ev]  qu5*4 ,no tamp]+ ) ! roots ( human 

nature c\ld ev] *ange  ! roots4    ,i   
mu/ say t ,i r lik$ "y ,a!rton4 ,he _h a
 frank1 op5  face1 ! mo/ prom95t feature
 ( :i* 0 8 some:at ari/ocratic  nose4   
,o!rwise he impress$ "o z be+ ! victim (
 h]$ity 9  faults1 if at all s]i\s1     
aga9/ :i* he 0 /ruggl+ h]oically4    ,x 
0 a mo/ pa!tic /ory :i* he told1 a /ory 
( h[ 8 family  _h deg5]at$ f ! /rong    
/ock ( 8 ance/ors until he 0 !  la/ ( ! 
l9e4 ,he told ( 8 education1 h[ he _h   
fall51 a r  wild y\? b5t 9 ! foot/eps ( 
8 fa!r :o _h be5 a  notori\sly good     
clubfell[1 "u ! influ5ce ( a college    
pr(essor1 ,dr4 ,crafts1 a classmate ( 8 
fa!r's1 ( h[ !  pr(essor _h c>efully &  
p]si/5tly fo/]$ 9 him an idea t  _h     
completely *ang$ him4    8,crafts always
 said x 0 a case ( eug5ics aga9/        
eu!nics10  rem>k$ ,a!rton1 8( bir? aga9/
 environm5t4 ,he w\ld tell me ov]  & ov]
 t bir? gave me ! clay1 & x wasn't su*  
bad clay aft]  all1 b t environm5t w\ld 
%ape ! vessel40    ,!n ,a!rton laun*$   
into a description ( h[ he _h /riv5 to  

f9d  a girl :o _h ! /rong qualities 8   
family g]m plasm seem$ to  h lo/1 ma9ly1
 ,i ga!r$1 resi/ance to a ta9t mu* l    
manic  depressive insanity4 ,& z he     
talk$1 x 0 borne 9 on me t1  aft] all1  
contr>y to my fir/ prejudice1 !re 0 no?+
 v  romantic inde$ ab\t disreg>d+ ! pla9
 tea*+s ( sci5ce on  ! subject ( m>riage
 & "o's *ildr54    ,9 8 se>* = a bride1 
,dr4 ,crafts1 :o _h f\nd$ a sort (      
,eug5ics ,bureau1 _h come to advise him4
 ,o!rs may h look$ up  _! brides 9      
,brad/reet's1 or at lea/ ! ,social      
,regi/]4 ,a!rton  _h gone high]1 _h be5 
ov]joy$ to f9d t a girl he _h met 9  !  
,we/1 ,eug5ia ,gilman1 measur$ up to :at
 8 fri5d told him 7  ! late/ tea*+s (   
sci5ce4 ,he _h be5 ov]joy$ because1 long
  be=e ,crafts _h told him1 he _h f\nd  
out t he lov$ h] deeply4    8,& n[10 he 
w5t on1 half *ok+ ) emotion1 8%e is     
app>5tly  suff]+ f j ! same sort (      
depression z ,i myself might  suff] f if
 ! recessive trait became active40      
8,:at d y mean1 = in/ance80 ask$ ,craig4

    8,well1 = "o ?+1 %e has ! delusion t
 my relatives are  p]secut+ h]40        
8,p]secut+ h]80 repeat$ ,craig1 /ifl+ ! 
rem>k t t 0  n 9 itself a new ?+ 9 ?is  
or any o!r family4 8,h[80    8,oh1 mak+ 
h] feel t1 aft] all1 x is ,a!rton family
 r ?an  ,gilman heal? t c\nts--little   
rem>ks t :5 our baby is born1  !y hope x
 w resemble ,qu9cy r ?an ,eug5ia1 & all 
t  sort ( ?+1 only worse & m cutt+1     
until ! ?+ has begun  to prey on h]     
m9d40    8,i see10 rem>k$ ,k5n$y        
?\ghtfully4 8,b don't y ?9k ?is is a    
case = a--a doctor1 r ?an a detective80 
,a!rton glanc$ up quickly4 8,k5n$y10 he 
answ]$ sl[ly1 8:]e  millions ( doll>s   
are involv$1 no "o c guess to :at l5g?s 
!  human m9d w g--no "o1 except y40     
8,!n y h suspicions ( some?+ worse80    
8,y-yes--b no?+ def9ite4 ,n[1 take ?is  
case4 ,if ,i %\ld die  *ildless1 aft] my
 wife1 ! ,a!rton e/ate w\ld desc5d to my
  ne>e/ relative1 ,burr\ghs ,a!rton1 a  
c\s940    8,unless y will$ x to--0      
8,i h already drawn a w10 he int]rupt$1 

8& 9 case ,i survive  ,eug5ia & die     
*ildless1 ! money goes to ! f\nd+ ( a   
l>g]  ,eug5ics ,bureau1 to prev5t 9 !   
future1 z mu* z possible1  trag$ies su* 
z ?is ( :i* ,i f9d myself a "p4 ,if !   
case is  rev]s$1 ,eug5ia w get h] ?ird &
 ! rema9d] w g to !  ,bureau or !       
,f\ndation1 z ,i call ! new v5ture4 ,b10
 & "h  "y ,a!rton lean$ =w>d & fix$ 8   
l>ge eyes ke5ly on u1  8,burr\ghs might 
break ! w4 ,he might %[ t ,i 0 ( uns\nd 
m9d1 or t ,eug5ia 01 too40    8,are !re 
no o!r relatives80    8,burr\ghs is !   
ne>e/10 he repli$1 !n add$ frankly1 8,i 
h a  second c\s91 a "y lady nam$ ,edi?  
,a!rton1 ) :om bo?  ,burr\ghs & ,i us$  
to be v fri5dly40    ,x 0 evid5t f ! way
 he spoke t he _h ?\ght a great deal    
ab\t ,edi? ,a!rton1 & /ill ?\ght well ( 
h]4    8,y\r wife ?9ks x is ,burr\ghs :o
 is p]secut+ h]80 ask$  ,k5n$y4         
,a!rton %rugg$ 8 %\ld]s4    8,does %e   
get along badly ) ,edi?8 ,%e kn[s h] ,i 
presume80    8,( c\rse4 ,! fact is t    
s9ce ! dea? ( h] "m1 ,edi? has  be5 liv+

 ) u4 ,%e is a spl5did girl1 & all alone
 9 ! _w  n[1 & ,i _h hopes t 9 ,new     
,york %e might meet "s "o & m>ry  well40
    ,k5n$y 0 look+ squ>ely at ,a!rton1  
wond]+ :e!r he might  ask a "q )\t seem+
 imp]t95t4 ,a!rton caught ! look1  read 
x1 & answ]$ q frankly1 8,to tell ! tru?1
 ,i suppose ,i  might h m>ri$ ,edi?1    
be=e ,i met ,eug5ia1 if ,pr(essor       
,crafts _h  n dissuad$ me4 ,b x w\ldn't 
h be5 real love--nor wise4 ,y  "k10 he  
w5t on m frankly1 n[ t ! fir/ hesitation
 0 ov]  & he realiz$ t if he 7 to ga9   
any?+ at all by ,k5n$y's  s]vices1 !re  
mu/ be ! utmo/ c&or betwe5 !m1 8y "k    
c\s9s may m>ry if ! /ocks are kn[n to be
 /rong4 ,b if !re is  a defect1 x is    
almo/ sure to be int5sifi$4 ,& s ,i--,i 
gave up !  idea--nev] _h x1 9 fact1 s   
/rongly z to propose to h]4 ,& :5  ,i   
met ,eug5ia all ! ,a!rtons on ! family  
tree c\ldn't h buck$  up aga9/ !        
comb9ation40    ,he 0 deadly 9 e>ne/ z  
he arose f ! *air into :i* he _h  dropp$
 aft] ,i came 94    8,oh1 x's           

t]rible--?is haunt+ fe>1 ?is obsession t
 ,i h _h1  t1 9 spite ( all ,i h tri$ to
 d1 "s "o1 someh[1 w  defeat me4 ,!n    
comes ! situation1 j at a "t :5 ,eug5ia 
& ,i  feel t we h won aga9/ ,fate1 & %e 
9 p>ticul> ne$s all !  consid]ation &   
c>e 9 ! _w--&--& ,i am defeat$40        
,a!rton 0 aga9 pac+ ! laboratory4    8,i
 h my c> wait+ outside10 he plead$4 8,i 
wi% y w\ld g )  me to see ,eug5ia--n[40 
,x 0 impossible to resi/ him4 ,k5n$y    
rose & ,i foll[$1 n  )\t a trace (      
misgiv+4    ,! ,a!rton mansion 0 "o ( ! 
old h\ses ( ! city1 a somb]  /one dwell+
 ) a g>d5 ab\t x on a d[nt[n squ>e1 on  
:i*  bus9ess 0 already encroa*+4 ,we 7  
admitt$ by a s]vant :o  seem$ to walk   
ov] ! poli%$ floors ) /eal?y /ep z if   
!re  0 some?+ sacr$ ab\t ev5 ! ,a!rton  
sil5ce4 ,z we wait$ 9 a  high-ceil+$    
draw+-room ) exquisite old tape/ries on 
! walls1  ,i c\ld n help feel+ myself ! 
influ5ce ( weal? & bir? t  seem$ to cry 
out f e object ( art 9 ! h\se4    ,on ! 
long] wall ( ! room1 ,i saw a gr\p (    

pa9t+s4 ,"o1 ,i  not$ especially1 mu/ h 
be5 ,a!rton's ance/or1 ! f\nd] (  ! l9e4
 ,!re 0 ! same nose 9 ,a!rton1 =        
in/ance1 a /rik+  in/ance ( h]$ity4 ,i  
/udi$ ! face c>efully4 ,!re 0 e  elem5t 
( /r5g? 9 x1 & ,i ?\ght in/9ctively t1  
:atev]  might h be5 ! effects ( 9-bre$+ 
& bad alliances1 !re  mu/ /ill be "s ( t
 /r5g? left 9 ! pres5t desc5dant (  !   
h\se ( ,a!rton4 ,! m ,i ?\ght ab\t !    
h\se1 !  portrait1 ! :ole case1 ! m     
unable 0 ,i to get out ( my head a      
feel+ t ?\gh ,i _h n be5 9 su* a        
position be=e1 ,i _h at  lea/ read or   
he>d some?+ ( :i* x vaguely rem9d$ me4  
,eug5ia ,a!rton 0 recl9+ li/lessly 9 h] 
room 9 a deep lea!r  easy *air1 :5      
,a!rton took u up at la/4 ,%e did n rise
 to greet  u1 b ,i not$ t %e 0 attir$ 9 
:at ,k5n$y once call$1 z we  /roll$ up !
 ,av5ue1 8! exp5sive slopp9ess ( !      
pres5t  /yles40 ,9 h] case ! loos5ess ) 
:i* h] clo!s hung 0  exagg]at$ by ! lack
 ( en]gy ) :i* %e wore !m4    ,%e _h be5
 a beautiful girl1 ,i knew4 ,9 fact1 "o 

c\ld see t %e  mu/ h be54 ,n[1 h[ev]1 %e
 %[$ m>ks ( *ange4 ,h] eyes 7  l>ge1 &  
protrud+1 n ) ! fire ( passion :i* is   
(t5  associat$ ) l>ge eyes1 b dully1 set
 9 a puffy face1 a trifle  florid4 ,h]  
h&s seem$1 :5 %e mov$ !m1 to %ake ) an  
involunt>y tremor1 & 9 spite ( ! fact t 
"o almo/ c\ld feel  t h] he>t & lungs 7 
spe$+ ) en]gy1 %e _h lo/ weight  & no   
long] _h ! full1 r\nd$ figure ( heal?4  
,h] mann] %[$  sev]e m5tal di/urbance1  
indiff]5ce1 depression1 a di/ress+      
det]ioration4 ,all h] attractive ,we/]n 
breez9ess 0 gone4 ,"o felt  ! trag$y ( x
 only too ke5ly4    8,i h ask$ ,pr(essor
 ,k5n$y1 a speciali/1 to call1 my de>10 
said  ,a!rton g5tly1 )\t m5tion+ :at !  
specialty 04    8,ano!r "o80 %e qu]i$   
languor\sly4    ,!re 0 a colorless      
indiff]5ce 9 ! tone :i* 0 almo/ tragic4 
,%e said ! words sl[ly & delib]ately1 z 
?\gh ev5 h] m9d  work$ t way4    ,f !   
fir/1 ,i saw t ,k5n$y _h be5 obs]v+     
,eug5ia ,a!rton  ke5ly4 ,& 9 ! role (   
speciali/ 9 n]v\s diseases he 0  enabl$ 

to d :at o!rwise w\ld h be5 difficult to
 accompli%4    ,gradually1 f obs]v+ h]  
m5tal condition ( indiff]5ce :i*  made  
conv]sation extremely difficult z well z
 pr(itless1 he began  to consid] h]     
physical condition4 ,i knew him well    
en\gh to ga!r  f 8 mann] alone z he w5t 
on t :at _h seem$ at ! />t  to be m]ely 
a curi\s case1 because x conc]n$ !      
,a!rtons1 0  loom+ up 9 8 m9d z unusual 
9 itself1 & 0 int]e/+ him  because x    
baffl$ him4    ,craig _h j discov]$ t h]
 pulse 0 abnormally high1 & t           
consequ5tly %e _h a high temp]ature1 & 0
 sweat+ pr(usely4    8,w\ld y m9d turn+ 
y\r head1 ,mrs4 ,a!rton80 he ask$4      
,%e turn$ sl[ly1 half way1 h] eyes fix$ 
vacantly on ! floor until  we c\ld see !
 once /rik+ pr(ile4    8,no1 all ! way  
ar\nd1 if y please10 add$ ,k5n$y4    ,%e
 (f]$ no objection1 n ! slighte/        
resi/ance4 ,z %e turn$  h] head z f> z  
%e c\ld1 ,k5n$y quickly plac$ 8 =ef+] & 
?umb g5tly on h] ?roat1 ! once beautiful
 ?roat1 n[ ) sk9  h>% & r\gh4 ,s(tly he 

mov$ 8 f+]s j a fraction ( an in*  ov] !
 s-call$ 8,adam's apple0 & ar\nd x = a  
little di/ance4    8,?ank y10 he said4  
8,n[ ar\nd to ! o!r side40    ,he made  
no o!r rem>k z he repeat$ ! process1 b  
,i fanci$ ,i  c\ld tell t he _h _h an   
in/ant suspicion ( some?+ ! mom5t  he   
t\*$ h] ?roat4    ,he rose ab/ract$ly1  
b[$1 & we />t$ to leave ! room1  unc]ta9
 :e!r %e knew or c>$4 ,qu9cy _h fix$ 8  
eyes sil5tly  on ,craig1 z if implor+   
him to speak1 b ,i knew h[ unlikely t  0
 until he _h confirm$ 8 suspicion to !  
la/ slighte/ detail4    ,we 7 pass+     
?r\gh a dress+ room 9 ! suite :5 we met 
a tall  "y woman1 ^: face ,i in/antly   
recogniz$1 n because ,i _h ev]  se5 x   
be=e1 b because %e _h ! ,a!rton nose s  
prom95tly  develop$4    8,my c\s91      
,edi?10 introduc$ ,qu9cy4    ,we b[$ &  
/ood = a mom5t *att+4 ,!re seem$ to be  
no reason  :y we %\ld leave ! suite1    
s9ce ,mrs4 ,a!rton paid s little        
att5tion to u ev5 :5 we _h be5 9 ! same 
room4 ,yet a slight  movem5t 9 h] room  

told me t 9 spite ( h] le?>gy %e seem$  
to "k t we 7 !re & to recognize :o _h   
jo9$ u4    ,edi? ,a!rton 0 a noticeable 
woman1 a woman ( temp]am5t1 n  beautiful
 exactly1 b ) a /atel9ess ab\t h]1 an   
alo(ness4 ,!  m ,i /udi$ h] face1 ) its 
?9 s5sitive lips & comm&+1  almo/       
imp]i\s eyes1 ! m !re seem$ to be some?+
 peculi>  ab\t h]4 ,%e 0 dress$ v simply
 9 black1 b x 0 !  simplicity t co/s4   
,"o ?+ 0 q evid5t--h] pride 9 !  family 
( ,a!rton4    ,& z we talk$1 x seem$ to 
be t %e1 mu* m ?an ,eug5ia 9  h] =m]    
bloom+ heal?1 0 a "p ( ! somb] h\se4    
,!re came  ov] me aga9 ! impression ,i  
_h receiv$ be=e t ,i _h read or  he>d   
some?+ l ?is case be=e4    ,%e did n l+]
 long1 b cont9u$ h] /ately way into !   
room  :]e ,eug5ia sat4 ,& at once x     
fla%$ ov] me :at my impression1         
indef9able1 half =m$1 04 ,i c\ld n help 
?9k+1 z ,i saw h]  pass1 ( ! lady       
,madel9e 9 8,! ,fall ( ! ,h\se ( ,u%]40 
,,*apt] ,,xxxii  ,,! ,,g]m ,,plasm      
,i reg>d$ h] ) utt] a/oni%m5t & yet f\nd

 x impossible to  acc\nt = su* a feel+4 
,i look$ at ,a!rton1 b on 8 face ,i     
c\ld see no?+ b a sort ( que/ion+ fe> t 
only increas$ my  illusion1 z if he1    
too1 _h only a vague1 haunt+ premonition
 (  some?+ t]rible imp5d+4 ,almo/ ,i    
began to wond] :e!r !  ,a!rton h\se     
might n crumble "u ! fi]c5ess ( a sudd5 
:irlw9d1 :ile ! two wom5 9 ?is case1 "o 
repres5t+ !  wa/$ pa/1 ! o!r ! bla/$    
future1 dragg$ ,a!rton d[n1 z  ! :ole   
sc5e dissolv$ into "s gho/ly t>n4 ,x 0  
only = a  mom5t1 & !n ,i saw t ! m      
practical ,k5n$y _h be5  exam9+ "s      
bottles on ! lady's dress] be=e :i* we  
_h  paus$4    ,"o 0 a pla9 bottle (     
pellets :i* might h be5 "s  homeopa?ic  
rem$y4    8,:atev] x is t is ! matt] )  
,eug5ia10 rem>k$ ,a!rton1  8x seems to h
 baffl$ ! doctors s f>40    ,k5n$y said 
no?+1 b ,i saw t he _h clumsily ov]turn$
 !  bottle & abs5tly set x up aga91 z   
?\gh 8 ?\ghts 7 f>  away4 ,yet ) a      
clev]ness t w\ld h done cr$it to a      
pr(essor  ( leg]dema9 he _h manag$ to   

extract two or ?ree ( ! pellets4        
8,yes10 he said1 z he mov$ sl[ly t[>d ! 
/aircase 9 ! wide  hall1 8mo/ baffl+40  
,a!rton 0 pla9ly disappo9t$4 ,evid5tly  
he _h expect$ ,k5n$y to  arrive at !    
tru? & set matt]s "r by "s sudd5 piece (
  wiz>dry1 & x 0 ) difficulty t he      
refra9$ f say+ s4    8,i %\ld l to meet 
,burr\ghs ,a!rton10 he rem>k$ z we /ood 
9  ! wide hall on ! fir/ floor ( ! big  
h\se4 8,is he a frequ5t  visitor80      
8,n frequ5t10 ha/5$ ,qu9cy ,a!rton1 9 a 
tone t %[$ "s  satisfaction 9 say+ x4   
8,h[ev]1 by a lucky *ance he has promis$
  to call to-night--a m]e c\rtesy1 ,i   
believe1 to ,edi?1 s9ce %e has  come to 
t[n on a visit40    8,good60 exclaim$   
,k5n$y4 8,n[1 ,i leave x to y1 ,a!rton1 
to make  "s plausible excuse = our meet+
 ,burr\ghs "h40    8,i c d t easily40   
8,i %all be "h e>ly10 pursu$ ,k5n$y z we
 left4    ,back aga9 9 ! laboratory to  
:i* ,a!rton insi/$ on accompany+  u 9 8 
c>1 ,k5n$y busi$ himself = a few m9utes1
 cru%+ up  "o ( ! tablets & try+ "o or  

two reactions ) "s ( !  p[d] dissolv$1  
:ile ,i look$ on curi\sly4    8,craig10 
,i rem>k$ contemplatively1 aft] a :ile1 
8h[ ab\t ,a!rton  himself8 ,is he really
 free f !--er--/igmata1 ,i suppose y    
call  !m1 ( insanity80    8,y mean1 may 
! :ole tr\ble lie ) him80 he ask$1 n    
look+  up f 8 "w4    8,yes--& ! effect  
on h] be a sort ( reflex1 say1 p]haps ! 
effect  ( hav+ sold h]self = money &    
position4 ,9 o!r words1 does  %e1 did   
%e1 ev] love him8 ,we don't "k t4 ,might
 x n prey on  h] m9d1 until ) ! k9d help
 ( 8 preci\s relatives ev5  ,nature     
h]self c\ld n /& ! /ra9--especially 9 ! 
delicate  condition 9 :i* %e n[ f9ds    
h]self80    ,i mu/ admit t ,i felt !    
utmo/ sympa?y = ! poor girl :om we  _h j
 se5 su* a pitiable wreck4    ,k5n$y    
clos$ 8 eyes tightly until !y wr9kl$ at 
! corn]s4    8,i ?9k ,i h f\nd out !    
imm$iate cause ( h] tr\ble10 he said    
simply1 ignor+ my sugge/ion4    8,:at is
 x80 ,i ask$ eag]ly4    8,i c't imag9e  
h[ !y c\ld h fail$ to guess x1 except t 

!y nev] w\ld h suspect$ to look = any?+ 
resembl+  exoph?almic goit] 9 a p]son ( 
h] /am9a10 he answ]$1  pron\nc+ ! ^w    
sl[ly4 8,y h he>d ( ! ?yroid gl& 9  !   
neck80    8,yes80 ,i qu]i$1 = x 0 a m]e 
"n to me4    8,x is a vascul> organ ly+ 
"u ! *9 ) a sort ( little  i/hmus jo9+ !
 two p>ts on ei!r side ( ! w9dpipe10 he 
expla9$4 8,well1 :5 !re is any          
det]ioration ( ^? gl&s  ?r\gh any cause1
 all sorts ( complications may arise4 ,!
 ?yroid is  "o ( ! s-call$ ductless     
gl&s1 l ! adr5als above !  kidneys1 !   
p9eal gl& & ! pituit>y body4 ,9 normal  
activity  !y dis*>ge into ! blood       
sub/ances :i* are c>ri$ to o!r  organs &
 are n[ kn[n to be absolutely ess5tial4 
8,! sub/ances :i* !y secrete are call$  
#8hormones'--^? *emical  mess5g]s1 z x  
71 by :i* _m ( ! processes ( ! body are 
regulat$4 ,9 fact1 no field ( exp]im5tal
 physiology is ri*] 9  int]e/ ?an ?is4  
,x seems t few ord9>y drugs approa* 9 _!
  effects on metabolism ! hormones ( !  
?yroid4 ,9 excess !y  produce su*       

diseases z exoph?almic goit]1 & goit] is
 conc]n$  ) ! enl>gem5t ( ! gl&s &      
surr\nd+ tissues beyond  any?+ l natural
 size4 ,!n1 too1 a defect 9 ! gl&s      
causes  ! disease kn[n z myx$ema 9      
adults & cret9ism 9 *ildr54 ,mo/  ( all1
 ! gl& seems to tell on ! g]m plasm ( ! 
body1  especially 9 wom540    ,i li/5$ 9
 amazem5t1 h>dly kn[+ :at to ?9k4 ,did 8
  discov]y port5d some?+ diabolical1 or 
0 x purely a defect 9  nature :i* ,dr4  
,crafts ( ! ,eug5ics ,bureau _h         
ov]look$8    8,"o ?+ at a "t1 ,walt]10  
caution$ ,k5n$y1 :5 ,i put !  "q to him1
 sc>cely expect+ an answ] yet4    ,t    
night 9 ! old ,a!rton mansion1 :ile we  
wait$ = ,borr\ghs  to arrive1 ,k5n$y1 ^:
 f]tile m9d _h contriv$ to kill at lea/ 
two birds ) "o /one1 busi$ himself by   
cutt+ 9 on ! regul>  telephone l9e &    
plac+ an ext5sion ( 8 own 9 a closet 9 !
  libr>y4 ,to x he atta*$ an ord9>y     
telephone receiv] fa/5$ to  an          
arrangem5t :i* 0 /range to me4 ,z ne>ly 
z ,i c describe x1  betwe5 ! diaphragm (

 ! regul> receiv] & a br[ni% cyl9d]1  l 
t ( a phonograph1 & ) a ne$le atta*$1 0 
fitt$ an  air *amb] ( small size1 op5 to
 ! out] air by a small hole to  prev5t  
compression4    ,! "w 0 complet$        
exp$iti\sly1 b we _h pl5ty ( "t to      
wait1 = ,borr\ghs ,a!rton evid5tly did n
 consid] t an ev5+  _h fairly begun     
until n9e o'clock4    ,he arriv$ at la/1
 h[ev]1 r tall1 slight ( figure1        
n>r[-%\ld]$1 design$ = ! late/ models ( 
import$ fabrics4  ,x 0 evid5t m]ely by  
%ak+ h&s ) ,burr\ghs t he ?\ght  bo? !  
,a!rtons & ! ,burr\ghses j ! "r         
comb9ation4 ,he  0 "o ( ^? few m5 aga9/ 
:om ,i conceive an in/9ctive  prejudice1
 & 9 ?is case ,i felt positive t1 :atev]
 faults !  ,a!rton g]m plasm might      
conta91 he _h comb9$ o!rs f !  det]m9]s 
( t ( ! o!r ance/ors he boa/$4 ,i c\ld n
 help  feel+ t ,eug5ia ,a!rton 0 9 ab\t 
z unpleasant an atmosph]e  ( social     
miasma z c\ld be imag9$4    ,burr\ghs   
ask$ politely aft] ,eug5ia1 b x 0 evid5t
 t !  real def]5ce 0 paid to ,edi?      

,a!rton & t !y got along v  well toge!r4
 ,burr\ghs excus$ himself e>ly1 & we    
foll[$ soon  aft]4    8,i ?9k ,i %all g 
ar\nd to ?is ,eug5ics ,bureau ( ,dr4    
,crafts10  rem>k$ ,k5n$y ! next day1    
aft] a night's consid]ation ( !  case4  
,! ,bureau occupi$ a floor 9 a dwell+   
h\se upt[n :i* _h be5  remodel$ into an 
(fice build+4 ,huge cab9ets 7 /ack$ up  
aga9/ ! walls1 & 9 !m sev]al wom5 7     
engag$ 9 fil+  blanks & c>d records4    
,ano!r "p ( ! (fice consi/$ ( an        
ext5sive libr>y on eug5ic subjects4     
,dr4 ,crafts1 9 *>ge ( ! "w1 :om we f\nd
 9 a little (fice 9  front p>tition$ (f 
by gr\nd glass1 0 an old man ) an al]t1 
vigor\s m9d on :om ! effects ( pla9 liv+
 & high ?9k+  %[$ pla9ly4 ,he 0 look+   
ov] "s new blanks ) a "y woman  :o seem$
 to be work+ ) him1 direct+ ! =ce (     
cl]ks z  well z ! 8field work]s10 :o 7  
ga!r+ ! va/ mass (  in=mation :i* 0 be+ 
/udi$4 ,z we introduc$ ourselves1 he    
introduc$ ,dr4 ,maude ,s*(ield4    8,i h
 he>d ( y\r eug5ic m>riage conte/s10    

began ,k5n$y1 8m  especially ( :at y h  
done = ,mr4 ,qu9cy ,a!rton40            
8,well--n exactly a conte/ 9 t case1 at 
lea/10 correct$ ,dr4  ,crafts ) an      
indulg5t smile = a layman4    8,no10 put
 9 ,dr4 ,s*(ield1 8! ,eug5ics ,bureau   
isn't a human /ock  f>m40    8,i see10  
comm5t$ ,k5n$y1 :o _h no su* idea1      
anyh[4 ,he 0 always  l5i5t ) anyone :o  
_h :at he (t5 ref]r$ to z ! 8illusion  (
 gr&eur40    8,we advise p sometimes    
reg>d+ ! desirability or !              
undesirability ( m>riage10 mollifi$ ,dr4
 ,crafts4 8,?is is a sort (  cle>+ h\se 
= sci5tific race inve/igation &         
improvem5t40    8,at any rate10 p]si/$  
,k5n$y1 8aft] inve/igation1 ,i und]/&1  
y advis$ 9 favor ( 8 m>riage ) ,miss    
,gilman40    8,yes1 ,eug5ia ,gilman     
seem$ to measure well up to !           
requirem5ts 9  su* a mat*4 ,h] bran* ( !
 ,gilmans has always be5 ( !  vigor\s1  
pione]+ type1 z well z intellectual4 ,h]
 fa!r 0 "o  ( ! =emo/ ?9k]s 9 ! ,we/2 9 
fact _h long held ideas on  ! bett]m5t (

 ! race4 ,y see t 9 ! *oice ( a "n =  8 
daught]--,eug5ia40    8,!n !re 7 no     
recessive traits 9 h] family10 ask$     
,k5n$y  quickly1 8( ! same sort t y f9d 
9 ! ,a!rtons80    8,none t we c\ld      
discov]10 answ]$ ,dr4 ,crafts           
positively4    8,no epilepsy1 no        
insanity ( any =m80    8,no4 ,( c\rse1 y
 und]/& t almo/ no "o is :at might be   
call$ eug5ically p]fect4 ,/rictly       
speak+1 p]haps n ov] two or  ?ree p]    
c5t4 ( ! population ev5 approximates t  
/&>d4 ,b  x seem$ to me t 9 ev]y?+      
ess5tial 9 ?is case1 weakness  lat5t 9  
,a!rton 0 mat+ /r5g? 9 ,eug5ia & ! same 
way on  h] "p = an entirely diff]5t set 
( traits40    8,/ill10 consid]$ ,k5n$y1 
8!re might h be5 some?+ lat5t 9  h]     
family g]m plasm back ( ! "t ?r\gh :i* y
 c\ld trace  x80    ,dr4 ,crafts %rugg$ 
8 %\ld]s4 8,!re (t5 is1 ,i mu/ admit1   
some?+ we c't discov] because x lies too
 f> back 9 ! pa/40    8,& likely to crop
 out aft] skipp+ g5]ations10 put 9      
,maude  ,s*(ield4    ,%e evid5tly did n 

take ! same lib]al view 9 ! practical   
application ( ! matt] express$ by h]    
*ief4 ,i set x d[n to !  ardor ( y\? 9 a
 new cause1 :i* (t5 becomes ! san]      
cons]vatism ( maturity4    8,( c\rse1 y 
f\nd x mu* easi] ?an usual to get at !  
true  family hi/ory ( ! ,a!rtons10      
pursu$ ,k5n$y4 8,x is an old family  &  
has be5 prom95t = g5]ations40           
8,naturally10 ass5t$ ,dr4 ,crafts4      
8,y "k ,burr\ghs ,a!rton on bo? l9es (  
desc5t80 ask$ ,k5n$y1  *ang+ ! subject  
abruptly4    8,yes1 fairly well10 answ]$
 ,crafts4    8,n[1 = example10 w5t on   
,craig1 8h[ w\ld y advise him to m>ry80 
,i saw at once t he 0 tak+ ?is subt]fuge
 z a way ( secur+  in=mation :i* might  
o!rwise h be5 )held if ask$ =  directly4
 ,maude ,s*(ield also saw x1 ,i fanci$1 
b ?is "t said  no?+4 8,!y _h a gr&fa!r  
:o 0 a manic depressive on !  ,a!rton   
side10 said ,crafts sl[ly4 8,n[1 no     
attempt has ev] be5 made  to bre$ t     
defect out ( ! family4 ,9 ! case (      
,burr\ghs1 x is  p]haps a little worse1 

= ! o!r side ( 8 ance/ry is n free  f ! 
ta9t ( alcoholism40    8,& ,edi?        
,a!rton80    8,! same way4 ,!y bo? c>ry 
x4 ,i won't g into ! ,m5delian law on  !
 subject4 ,we are cle>+ up mu* t is     
obscure4 ,b z to  ,burr\ghs1 he %\ld    
m>ry1 if at all1 "s "o )\t t p>ticul>   
ta9t4 ,i believe t 9 a few g5]ations by 
prop] mat+ mo/ ta9ts  might be br$ out (
 families40    ,maude ,s*(ield evid5tly 
did n agree ) ,dr4 ,crafts on "s po9t1  
&1 notic+ x1 he seem$ to be 9 ! position
 bo? ( expla9+  8 cont5tion to u & (    
def5d+ x be=e 8 fair assi/ant4    8,x is
 my op9ion1 z f> z ,i h gone ) ! data10 
he add$1  8t !re is hope = _m ( ^? ^:   
family hi/ory %[s  c]ta9 n]v\s ta9ts4 ,a
 sweep+ prohibition ( su* m>riages w\ld 
be futile1 p]haps injuri\s4 ,x is       
necess>y t ! mat+ be  c>efully made1    
h[ev]1 to prev5t int5sify+ ! ta9t4 ,y   
see1  ?\gh ,i am a eug5i/ ,i am n an    
extremi/40    ,he paus$1 !n resum$      
argum5tatively3 8,!n !re are o!r        
que/ions1 too1 l t ( g5ius ) its close  

relation to manic  depressive insanity4 
,also1 !re is decrease en\gh 9 ! bir?   
rate1  )\t add+ an excuse = x4 ,no1 t a 
"y man l ,a!rton  %\ld take ! subject   
s]i\sly1 in/ead ( sp5d+ 8 "t 9 wild     
dissipation1 l 8 fa!r1 is c]ta9ly       
cr$itable1 argues 9 itself  t !re /ill  
mu/ exi/ "s /r5g? 9 8 /ock4    8,&1 (   
c\rse10 he cont9u$ w>mly1 8:5 ,i say t  
weakness 9 a  trait--n 9 all traits1 by 
any means--%\ld m>ry /r5g? & t  /r5g?   
may m>ry weakness1 ,i don't mean t all  
mat*es %\ld be  l t4 ,if we are too     
/rict we may prohibit practically all   
m>riages4 ,9 ,a!rton's case1 z 9 _m     
ano!r1 ,i felt t ,i %\ld  int]pret !    
rule z sanely z possible40    8,/r5g?   
%\ld m>ry /r5g?1 & weakness %\ld nev]   
m>ry10  p]si/$ ,maude ,s*(ield4 8,no?+  
%ort ( t w satisfy ! true  eug5i/40     
8,!oretically10 object$ ,crafts4 8,b    
,a!rton 0 go+ to m>ry1  anyh[4 ,! only  
?+ = me to d 0 to lay d[n a rule :i* he 
might foll[ safely4 ,besides1 any o!r   
rule meant sure disa/]40    8,x 0 ! only

 rule ) half a *ance ( be+ foll[$ & at  
any  rate10 drawl$ ,k5n$y1 z ! eug5i/s  
wrangl$1 8:at diff]5ce  does x make 9   
?is case8 ,z ne>ly z ,i c make out x is 
,mrs4  ,a!rton h]self1 n ,a!rton1 :o is 
ill40    ,maude ,s*(ield _h ris5 to     
return to sup]vis+ a cl]k :o ne$$  help4
 ,%e left u1 /ill unconv9c$4    8,t is a
 v clev] girl10 rem>k$ ,k5n$y z %e %ut !
 door &  he scann$ ,dr4 ,crafts' face   
dosely4    8,v10 ass5t$ ! ,doctor4      
8,! ,s*(ields come ( good /ock80 haz>d$ 
,k5n$y4    8,v10 ass5t$ ,dr4 ,crafts    
aga94    ,evid5tly he did n c>e to talk 
ab\t individual cases1 & ,i felt  t !   
rule 0 a safe "o1 to prev5t ,eug5ics f  
becom+ ,gossip4  ,k5n$y ?ank$ him = 8   
c\rtesy1 & we left app>5tly on !  be/ ( 
t]ms bo? ) ,crafts & 8 assi/ant4        
,,*apt] ,,xxxiii  ,,! ,,sex ,,control   
,i did n see ,k5n$y aga9 t day until    
late 9 ! aft]noon1 :5  he came into !   
laboratory c>ry+ a small package4       
8,!ory is "o ?+1 practice is ano!r10 he 
rem>k$1 z he ?rew  8 hat & coat into a  

*air4    8,:i* means--9 ?is case80 ,i   
prompt$4    8,:y1 ,i h j se5 ,a!rton4 ,(
 c\rse ,i didn't repeat our  conv]sation
 ( ?is morn+1 & ,i'm glad ,i didn't4 ,he
 almo/ makes me  ?9k y are "r1 ,walt]4  
,he's obsess$ by ! fe> ( ,burr\ghs4     
,:y1 he ev5 told me t ,burr\ghs _h gone 
s f> z to take a leaf  out ( 8 book1 s  
to speak1 get 9 t\* ) ! ,eug5ics ,bureau
 z  if to foll[ 8 foot/eps1 b really to 
pump !m ab\t ,a!rton  himself4 ,a!rton  
says x's all ,burr\ghs' plan to break 8 
w &  t ! fell[ has ev5 gone s f> z to   
cultivate ! acqua9tance  ( ,maude       
,s*(ield1 kn[+ t he w get no sympa?y f  
,crafts40    8,fir/ x 0 ,edi? ,a!rton1  
n[ x is ,maude ,s*(ield t he hit*es  up 
) ,burr\ghs10 ,i comm5t$4 8,seems to me 
t ,i h he>d t  "o ( ! fir/ signs (      
insanity is belief t ev]yone ab\t !     
victim is conspir+ aga9/ him4 ,i hav5't 
any love = any (  !m--b ,i mu/ be fair40
    8,well10 said ,k5n$y1 unwrapp+ !    
package1 8!re is ?is mu* to  x4 ,a!rton 
says ,burr\ghs & ,maude ,s*(ield h be5  

se5 toge!r  m ?an once--& n at          
intellectual ga!r+s ei!r4 ,burr\ghs is  
a fasc9at+ fell[ to a woman1 if he wants
 to be1 & ! ,s*(ields  are at lea/ !    
social equals ( ! ,burr\ghs4 ,besides10 
he add$1  89 spite ( eug5ics1 fem9ism1 &
 all ! re/--sex1 l murd]1  w out4 ,!re's
 no use hav+ any false ideas ab\t t4    
,a!rton  may see r$--b1 !n1 he 0 q      
excit$40    8,ov] :at80 ,i ask$1 p]plex$
 m ?an ev] at ! turn ( ev5ts4    8,he   
call$ me up 9 ! fir/ place4 #8,c't y d  
some?+8' he  implor$4 #8,eug5ia is gett+
 worse all ! "t4' ,%e is1 too4 ,i saw   
h] = a mom5t1 & %e 0 ev5 m vacant ?an   
ye/]day40    ,! ?\ght ( ! poor girl 9 ! 
big h\se someh[ br\ght ov] me  aga9 my  
fir/ impression ( ,poe's /ory4    ,k5n$y
 _h unwrapp$ ! package :i* prov$ to be !
 in/rum5t he  _h left 9 ! closet at     
,a!rton's4 ,x 01 z ,i _h obs]v$1 l  an  
ord9>y wax cyl9d] phonograph record4    
8,y see10 expla9$ ,k5n$y1 8x is no?+ m  
?an a successful  application at la/ (1 
say1 "o ( ^? phonographs y h se5 9      

(fices = tak+ dictation1 plac$ s t !    
feebl] vibrations (  ! telephone affect 
x4 ,let u see :at we h "h40    ,he _h   
atta*$ ! cyl9d] to an ord9>y phonograph1
 & aft] a  numb] ( r\t9e calls _h be5   
run (f1 he came to ?is1 9 voices  :i* we
 c\ld only guess at b n recognize1 = no 
names 7 us$4    8,h[ is %e to-day80     
8,n mu* *ang$--p]haps n s well40        
8,x's all "r1 ?\gh4 ,t is natural4 ,x is
 work+ well4 ,i ?9k  y might increase ! 
dose1 "o tablet40    8,y're sure x is   
all "r80 7) anxiety74    8,oh1          
positively--x has be5 done 9 ,europe40  
8,i hope s4 ,x mu/ be a boy--& an       
,a!rton40    8,nev] fe>40    ,t 0 all4  
,:o 0 x8 ,! voices 7 unfamili> to me1   
especially  :5 repeat$ me*anically4     
,besides !y may h be5 disguis$4 ,at  any
 rate we _h le>n$ some?+4 ,"s "o 0 try+ 
to control !  sex ( ! expect$ ,a!rton   
heir4 ,b t 0 ab\t all4 ,:o x 01  we knew
 no bett]1 app>5tly1 ?an be=e4    ,k5n$y
 did n seem to c>e mu*1 h[ev]4 ,quickly 
he got ,qu9cy  ,a!rton on ! wire &      

arrang$ = ,a!rton to h ,dr4 ,crafts meet
  u at ! h\se at eight o'clock t night1 
) ,maude ,s*(ield4 ,!n  he ask$ t       
,burr\ghs ,a!rton be !re1 & ( c\rse1    
,edi? &  ,eug5ia4    ,we arriv$ almo/ z 
! clock 0 /rik+1 ,k5n$y c>ry+ !         
phonograph record & ano!r blank record1 
& a boy tugg+ along !  ma*9e itself4    
,dr4 ,crafts 0 ! next to appe>1 express+
 surprise  at meet+ u1 & ,i ?\ght a bit 
annoy$1 = he m5tion$ t x  _h be5 )      
reluctance t he _h _h to give up "s "w  
he _h  plann$ = ! ev5+4 ,maude ,s*(ield1
 :o came ) him1 look$  bor$4 ,kn[+ t %e 
disapprov$ ( ! mat* ) ,eug5ia1 ,i 0  n  
surpris$4 ,burr\ghs arriv$1 n z late z  
,i _h expect$1 b  almo/ insult+ly       
sup]cili\s at f9d+ s _m /rang]s at :at  
,a!rton _h told him 0 to be a family    
conf]5ce1 9 ord] to get  him to come4   
,la/ ( all ,edi? ,a!rton desc5d$ !      
/aircase1 !  p]sonification ( dignity1  
b[+ to ea* ) a /udi$ graci\sness1  z if 
di/ribut+ l>gess1 b greet+ ,burr\ghs )  
an air t  pla9ly %[$ h[ mu* ?ick] 0     

blood ?an wat]4 ,eug5ia rema9$  up/airs1
 le?>gic1 almo/ cataleptic1 z ,a!rton   
told u :5 we  arriv$4    8,i tru/ y are 
n go+ to keep u long1 ,qu9cy10 yawn$    
,burr\ghs1  look+ o/5tati\sly at 8 wat*4
    8,only long en\gh = ,pr(essor ,k5n$y
 to say a few words ab\t  ,eug5ia10     
repli$ ,a!rton n]v\sly1 b[+ to ,k5n$y4  
,k5n$y cle>$ 8 ?roat sl[ly4    8,i don't
 "k t ,i h mu* to say10 began ,k5n$y1   
/ill seat$4 8,i  suppose ,mr4 ,a!rton   
has told y ,i h be5 mu* int]e/$ 9 !     
peculi> /ate ( heal? ( ,mrs4 ,a!rton80  
,no "o spoke1 & he w5t on easily3 8,!re 
is some?+ ,i might say1  h[ev]1 ab\t    
!--er--:at ,i call ! *emi/ry ( insanity4
 ,among !  pres5t wond]s ( sci5ce1 z y  
d\btless "k1 none /irs !  imag9ation s  
p[]fully z ! doctr9e t at lea/ "s =ms ( 
insanity are ! result ( *emical *anges 9
 ! blood4 ,= in/ance1  ill temp]1       
intoxication1 _m ?+s are due to *emical 
*anges 9  ! blood act+ on ! bra94    8,g
 fur!r back4 ,take typhoid fev] ) its   
delirium1 influ5za )  its suicide mania4

 ,all due to tox9s--poisons4            
,*emi/ry--*emi/ry--all  ( !m *emi/ry40  
,craig _h begun c>efully s z to w9 _!   
att5tion4 ,he _h x z he  w5t on3 8,d we 
n brew )9 ourselves poisons :i* ent] !  
circulation & p]vade ! sy/em8 ,a sudd5  
emotion upsets !  *emi/ry ( ! body4 ,or 
poison\s food4 ,or a drug4 ,x affects _m
  ?+s4 ,b we c\ld nev] h _h ?is *emical 
!ory unless we _h  _h physiological     
*emi/ry--& "s c>ry x s f> z to say t !  
bra9 secretes ?\ght1 j z ! liv] secretes
 bile1 t ?\ghts  are ! results (        
molecul> *anges40    8,y are1 !n1 a     
mat]iali/ ( ! mo/ pron\nc$ type10 ass]t$
  ,dr4 ,crafts4    ,k5n$y _h be5 rea*+  
ov] to a table1 toy+ ) ! phonograph4  ,z
 ,crafts spoke he mov$ a key1 & ,i      
suspect$ t x 0 9 ord] to  cat* ! words4 
8,n entirely10 he said4 8,no m ?an "s   
eug5i/s40    8,9 our field10 put 9      
,maude ,s*(ield1 8,i might express !    
?\ght  ?is way--! sociologi/ has _h 8   
day2 n[ x is ! biologi/1 !  eug5i/40    
8,t expresses x10 comm5t$ ,k5n$y1 /ill  

t9k]+ ) !  record4 8,yet x does n mean t
 because we h new ideas1 !y  aboli% !   
old4 ,(t5 !y only expla91 amplify1      
supplem5t4 ,=  in/ance10 he said1 look+ 
up at ,edi? ,a!rton1 8take h]$ity4 ,our 
k seems new1 b is x8 ,m>riages h always 
be5 dictat$ by  a sort ( eug5ics4       
,society is f\nd$ on t40                
8,precisely10 %e answ]$4 8,! be/        
families h always m>ri$ into  ! be/     
families4 ,^! mod]n notions simply      
recognize :at ! be/  p h always         
?\ght--except t x seems to me10 %e add$ 
)  a s>ca/ic fl\ri%1 8p ( no ance/ry are
 try+ to =ce  !mselves 9 among _!       
bett]s40    8,v true1 ,edi?10 drawl$    
,burr\ghs1 8b we did n h to be  br\ght  
"h by ,qu9cy to le>n t40    ,qu9cy      
,a!rton _h ris5 dur+ ! discussion & _h  
approa*$  ,k5n$y4 ,craig cont9u$ to f+] 
! phonograph ab/ract$ly1 z he  look$ up4
    8,ab\t ?is--?is insanity !ory10 he  
:isp]$ eag]ly4 8,y ?9k  t ! suspicions  
,i _h h be5 ju/ifi$80    ,i _h be5 wat*+
 ,k5n$y's h&4 ,z soon z ,a!rton _h />t$ 

to  speak1 ,i saw t ,craig1 z be=e1 _h  
mov$ ! key1 evid5tly  regi/]+ :at he    
said1 z he _h 9 ! case ( ! o!rs dur+  ! 
discussion4    8,"o mom5t1 ,a!rton10 he 
:isp]$ 9 reply1 8,i'm com+ to t4  ,n[10 
he resum$ al\d1 8!re is a disease1 or a 
numb] ( diseases1  to :i* my rem>ks ab\t
 insanity a :ile ago might apply v well4
  ,!y h be5 kn[n = "s "t to arise f     
v>i\s affections (  ! ?yroid gl&s 9 !   
neck4 ,^! gl&s1 /range to say1 if act$  
on 9 c]ta9 ways c cause deg5]ations (   
m9d & body1 :i* are  well kn[n1 b 9     
spite ( mu* /udy are /ill v little      
und]/ood4 ,= example1 !re is a def9ite  
int]relation betwe5 !m  &               
sex--especially 9 woman40    ,rapidly he
 sket*$ :at he _h already told me ( !   
?yroid & !  hormones4 8,^! hormones10   
add$ ,k5n$y1 8are closely relat$ to _m  
reactions 9 ! body1 su* z ev5 ! "m's    
secretion ( milk at  ! prop] "t & !n    
only4 ,t & _m o!r functions are due to  
! pres5ce & "* ( ^! *emical secretions f
 !  ?yroid & o!r ductless gl&s4 ,x is a 

fasc9at+ /udy4 ,= we  "k t any?+ t w    
upset--r$uce or increase--! hormones is 
a  matt] intimately conc]n$ ) heal?4    
,su* *anges10 he said  e>ne/ly1 lean+   
=w>d1 8might be aim$ directly at ! v    
he>t  ( :at o!rwise w\ld be a true      
eug5ic m>riage4 ,x is ev5 possible  t   
loss ( sex itself might be made to foll[
 deep *anges ( !  ?yroid40    ,he /opp$ 
a mom5t4 ,ev5 if he _h accompli%$ no?+  
else he _h  /ruck a note :i* _h caus$ ! 
,a!rtons to =get _! =m]  sup]cili\sness4
    8,if !re is an ov]supply ( ?yroid   
hormones10 cont9u$ ,craig1 8t  excess w 
produce _m *anges1 = in/ance a condition
 v mu*  l exoph?almic goit]4 ,&10 he    
said1 /raight5+ up1 8,i f9d t  ,eug5ia  
,a!rton has )9 h] blood an undue        
proportion ( ^!  ?yroid hormones4 ,n[1  
is x ov]function ( ! gl&s1              
hyp]-secretion--or is x some?+ else80   
,no "o mov$ z ,k5n$y skillfully l$ 8    
disclosure along /ep by  /ep4    8,t    
"q10 he began aga9 sl[ly1 %ift+ 8       
position 9 !  *air1 8raises 9 my m9d1 at

 lea/1 a "q :i* has (t5  occurr$ to me  
be=e4 ,is x possible = a p]son1 tak+    
advantage (  ! sci5tific k we h ga9$1 to
 devise & successfully  execute a murd] 
)\t fe> ( discov]y8 ,9 o!r words1 c a   
p]son be remov$ ) t te*nical nicety (   
detail :i* w leave  no clue & w be set  
d[n z some?+ entirely natural1 ?\gh     
un=tunate80    ,x 0 a t]rible idea he 0 
fram+1 & he dwelt on x s t we  might    
accept x at its full value4 8,z "o      
doctor has said10 he add$1  8al?\gh     
toxicologi/s & *emi/s h n always        
possess$  infallible te/s = practical   
use1 x is at pres5t a pretty c]ta9      
obs]vation t e poison leaves its m>k4 ,b
 !n on ! o!r  h&1 /ud5ts ( crim9ology h 
said t a skill$ physician or  surgeon is
 ab\t ! only p]son n[ capable ( c>ry+   
out a really  sci5tific murd]4    8,:i* 
is true8 ,x seems to me1 at lea/ 9 !    
latt] case1 t !  v nicety ( ! h&iwork   
mu/ (t5 s]ve z a clue 9 itself4 ,!      
tra9$ h& leaves ! peculi> m>k *>act]i/ic
 ( its tra9+4  ,no matt] h[ %rewdly !   

de$ is plann$1 ! execution ( x is  daily
 becom+ a m & m difficult feat1 ?anks to
 our increas+  k ( microbiology &       
pa?ology40    ,he _h ris51 z he f9i%$ ! 
s5t5ce1 e eye fix$ on him1 z  if he _h  
be5 a ma/] hypnoti/4    8,p]haps10 he   
said1 tak+ (f ! cyl9d] f ! phonograph & 
plac+ on "o :i* ,i knew 0 t :i* _h la9 9
 ! libr>y  closet ov] night1 8p]haps "s 
( ! ?+s ,i h said w expla9  or be       
expla9$ by ! record on ?is cyl9d]40     
,he _h />t$ ! ma*9e4 ,s magical 0 !     
effect on ! little  audi5ce t ,i am     
tempt$ to repeat :at ,i _h already he>d1
 b _h  n myself yet be5 able to expla93 
8,h[ is %e to-day80    8,n mu*          
*ang$--p]haps n s well40    8,x's all   
"r1 ?\gh4 ,t is natural4 ,x is work+    
well4 ,i ?9k  y might increase ! dose "o
 tablet40    8,y're sure x is all "r80  
8,oh1 positively--x has be5 done 9      
,europe40    8,i hope s4 ,x mu/ be a    
boy--& an ,a!rton40    8,nev] fe>40     
,no "o mov$ a muscle4 ,if !re 0 anyone 9
 ! room guilty (  play+ on ! feel+s & ! 

heal? ( an un=tunate woman1 t  p]son mu/
 h _h sup]b control ( 8 own feel+s4     
8,z y "k10 resum$ ,k5n$y ?\ghtfully1    
8!re are & h be5  _m !ories ( sex       
control4 ,"o ( ! late/1 b by no means ! 
only "o1 is t x c be done by use ( !    
extracts ( v>i\s  gl&s adm9i/]$ to ! "m4
 ,i d n "k ) :at sci5tific  au?ority x 0
 /at$1 b ,i d "k t "s "o has rec5tly    
said  t adr5al91 d]iv$ f ! supr>5al     
gl&s1 induces boys to  develop--*ol91 f 
! bile ( ! liv]1 girls4 ,x makes no     
diff]5ce--9 ?is case4 ,!re may h be5 a  
%[ ( sci5ce4 ,b x  0 to cov] up a crime4
 ,"s "o has be5 adm9i/]+ to ,eug5ia     
,a!rton tablets ( ?yroid                
extract--o/5sibly to aid h] 9 fulfill+  
! de>e/ ambition ( h] s\l--to become !  
"m ( a new l9e (  ,a!rtons :i* might be>
 ! same relation to ! future ( !  c\ntry
 z ! great family ( ! ,edw>ds mo!r$ by  
,elizabe?  ,tuttle40    ,he 0 b5d+ ov] !
 two phonograph cyl9d]s n[1 rapidly     
comp>+  ! new "o :i* he _h made & t :i* 
he _h j all[$ to  reel (f its a/\nd+    

revelation4    8,:5 a voice speaks into 
a phonograph10 he said1 half to himself1
 8its  modulations receiv$ on !         
diaphragm are writt5 by a ne$le po9t  ^u
 ! surface ( a cyl9d] or disk 9 a s]ies 
( f9e wav+ or  zigzag l9es ( inf9itely  
v>y+ dep? or bread?4 ,dr4 ,m>age &  o!rs
 h be5 able to di/+ui% vocal s\nds by ! 
nak$ eye on  phonograph records4 ,mr4   
,edison has /udi$ !m ) ! microscope 9  8
 _w-wide se>* = ! p]fect voice4    8,9  
fact1 n[ x is possible to id5tify voices
 by ! records !y  make1 to get at !     
precise mean+ ( ea* slighte/ v>iation ( 
!  l9es ) ma!matical accuracy4 ,!y c no 
m be falsifi$ ?an  h&writ+ c be =g$ s t 
mod]n sci5ce _c detect x or  ?an        
typewrit+ c be conceal$ & attribut$ to  
ano!r ma*9e4  ,! voice is l a f+] pr9t1 
a portrait p>l--unescapable40    ,he    
glanc$ up1 !n back aga94 8,?is          
microscope %[s me10 he said1  8t !      
voices on t cyl9d] y he>d are id5tical )
 two on  ?is record :i* ,i h j made 9   
?is room40    8,walt]10 he said1 motion+

 to me1 8look40    ,i glanc$ into !     
eyepiece & saw a s]ies ( l9es & curves1 
peculi> waves lapp+ toge!r & mak+ an    
appe>ance 9 "s spots  almo/ l too? m>ks4
 ,al?\gh ,i did n und]/& ! details (  ! 
?+1 ,i c\ld readily see t by /udy "o    
might le>n z mu*  ab\t x z ab\t loops1  
:orls1 & ar*es on f+] tips4    8,! upp] 
& l[] l9es10 he expla9$1 8) long regul> 
waves1 on  t highly magnifi$ section ( !
 record1 are =m$ by ! voice  ) no       
ov]tones4 ,! ?ree l9es 9 ! middle1 )    
rhy?mic  ripples1 %[ ! ov]tones40    ,he
 paus$ a mom5t & fac$ u4 8,_m a p]son10 
he resum$1 8is a  biotype 9 :om a full  
complem5t ( :at are call$ inhibitions   
nev]  develops4 ,t is "p ( y\r eug5ics4 
,?r\gh\t life1 & 9 spite  ( ! be/ (     
tra9+1 t p]son reacts n[ & !n to a c]ta9
  /imulus directly4 ,a man /&s high2    
once a ye> he falls ) a  le?al quantity 
( alcohol4 ,a woman1 brilliant1         
accompli%$1 slips  away & sp5ds a day ) 
a lov] z unlike h]self z c be  imag9$4  
8,! voice t int]e/s me mo/ on ^!        

records10 he w5t on1  emphasiz+ ! words 
) "o ( ! cyl9d]s :i* he /ill held1  8is 
t ( a p]son :o has be5 work+ on ! family
 pride (  ano!r4 ,t p]son has p]suad$ ! 
o!r to adm9i/] to ,eug5ia  an extract   
because #8x mu/ be a boy & an ,a!rton4' 
,t p]son is a  high-class defective1    
born ) a crim9al in/9ct1 react+ to x 9  
an artful way4 ,?ank ,god1 ! love ( a   
man :om !oretical eug5ics  condemn$1    
r\s$ u 9--0    ,a cry at ! door br\ght u
 all to our feet1 ) he>ts ?ump+ z  if !y
 7 bur/+4    ,x 0 ,eug5ia ,a!rton1      
wild-ey$1 erect1 />+4    ,i /ood agha/  
at ! vision4 ,0 %e really to be ! ,lady 
,madel9e 9  ?is fall ( ! ,h\se (        
,a!rton8    8,edi?--,i--,i miss$ y4 ,i  
he>d voices4 ,is--is x true--:at ?is    
man--says8 ,is my--my baby--0    ,qu9cy 
,a!rton leap$ =w>d & caught h] z %e     
reel$4 ,quickly  ,craig ?rew op5 a w9d[ 
= air1 & z he did s lean$ f> out &  blew
 %rilly on a police :i/le4    ,! "y man 
look$ up f ,eug5ia1 ov] :om he 0 b5d+1  
sc>cely he$+ :at else w5t on ab\t him4  

,/ill1 !re 0 no trace  ( ang] on 8 face1
 9 spite ( ! great wrong t _h be5 done  
him4 ,!re 0 room = only "o great        
emotion--only anxiety = !  poor girl :o 
_h suff]$ s cruelly m]ely = tak+ 8 "n4  
,k5n$y saw ! unspok5 "q 9 8 eyes4       
8,eug5ia is a pure normal1 z ,dr4       
,crafts told y10 he said g5tly4 8,a  few
 weeks1 p]haps only days1 ( treatm5t--! 
?yroid w rev]t to  its normal /ate--&   
,eug5ia ,gilman w be ! "m ( a new h\se  
( ,a!rton :i* may eclipse ev5 ! pr\d    
record ( ! f\nd] (  ! old40    8,:o blew
 ! :i/le80 dem&$ a gruff voice at !     
door1 z a tall  bluecoat puff$ pa/ !    
sc&aliz$ butl]4    8,arre/ t woman10    
po9t$ ,k5n$y4 8,%e is ! poison]4 ,ei!r z
  wife ( ,burr\ghs1 :om %e fasc9ates &  
controls z %e does ,edi?1  %e plann$ to 
break ! w ( ,qu9cy or1 9 ! o!r ev5t1 to 
adm9i/] ! =tune z head ( ! ,eug5ics     
,f\ndation aft] !  dea? ( ,dr4 ,crafts1 
:o w\ld h foll[$ ,eug5ia & ,qu9cy       
,a!rton40    ,i foll[$ ! direction (    
,k5n$y's accus+ f+]4 ,maude  ,s*(ield's 

face betray$ m ?an ev5 h] tongue c\ld h 
confess$4          ,,*apt] ,,xxxiv  ,,! 
,,billionaire ,,baby      ,com+ to u    
directly z a result ( ! talk t ! ,a!rton
 case  provok$ 0 ano!r t involv$ !      
happ9ess ( a weal?y family to  a no less
 degree4    8,i suppose y h he>d ( !    
#8billionaire baby1' ,morton ,hazleton  
,,iii80 ask$ ,k5n$y ( me "o aft]noon    
%ortly aft]w>d4    ,! m]e m5tion ( ! "n 
conjur$ up 9 my m9d a picture ( !  lu/y 
two-ye>-old heir ( two =tunes1 z !      
feature articles 9 !  ,/> _h describ$ t 
little scion ( weal?--8 luxuri\s nurs]y1
  8 magnific5t toys1 8 own motor c>1 a  
tra9$ nurse & a  detective on gu>d e h\r
 ( ! day & night1 e possible  precaution
 = 8 heal? & safety4    8,gad1 :at a    
lucky kid60 ,i exclaim$ involunt>ily4   
8,oh1 ,i don't "k ab\t t10 put 9 ,k5n$y4
 8,! =tune may be  exagg]at$4 ,8        
happ9ess is1 ,i'm sure40    ,he _h pull$
 f 8 pocketbook a c>d & h&$ x to me4 ,x 
read3  8,gilb]t ,butl]1 ,am]ican        
repres5tative1 ,lloyd's40    8,lloyd's80

 ,i qu]i$4 8,:at has ,lloyd's to d ) !  
billion-doll>  baby80    8,v mu*4 ,!    
*ild has be5 insur$ ) !m = "s fabul\s   
sum  aga9/ accid5t1 includ+ kidnap+40   
8,yes80 ,i prompt$1 8s5s+0 a /ory4      
8,well1 !re seem to h be5 ?reats ( "s   
k9d1 ,i und]/&4 ,mr4  ,butl] has call$  
on me once already to-day to reta9 my   
s]vices &  is go+ to--ah--!re he is aga9
 n[40    ,k5n$y _h answ]$ ! door buzz]  
himself1 & ,mr4 ,butl]1 a tall1         
slop+-%\ld]$ ,engli%man1 ent]$4    8,has
 any?+ new develop$80 ask$ ,k5n$y1      
introduc+ me4    8,i c't say10 repli$   
,butl] dubi\sly4 8,i r ?9k we h f\nd    
some?+ t may h a be>+ on ! case4 ,y "k  
,miss ,hav]%am1  ,v]onica ,hav]%am80    
8,! actress & pr(essional beauty8       
,yes--at lea/ ,i h se5 h]4  ,:y80       
8,we he> t ,morton ,hazleton kn[s h]1   
anyh[10 rem>k$ ,butl]  dryly4           
8,well80    8,!n y don't "k ! gossip80  
he cut 94 8,%e is said to be 9 a        
sanit>ium ne> ! city4 ,i'll h to f9d t  
out = y4 ,x's a  fa/ set %e has be5     

travel+ ) lately1 includ+ n only        
,hazleton1 b ,dr4 ,maudsley1 ! ,hazleton
 physician1 & "o or two  o!rs1 :o if !y 
7 poor] might be call$ desp]ate         
*>act]s40    8,does ,mrs4 ,hazleton "k  
(--( 8 reput$ intimacy80    8,i c't say 
t1 ei!r4 ,i presume t %e is no fool40   
,morton ,hazleton1 ,jr41 ,i knew1       
belong$ to a r sm>t gr\p ( "y  m54 ,he  
_h be5 m5tion$ 9 sev]al ne>-sc&als1 b z 
f> z ,i  knew !re _h be5 no?+ q z public
 & def9ite z ?is "o4    8,w\ldn't t     
acc\nt = h] fe>s80 ,i ask$4    8,h>dly10
 repli$ ,butl]1 %ak+ 8 head4 8,y see1   
,mrs4 ,hazleton is  a n]v\s wreck1 b x's
 ab\t ! baby1 & caus$1 %e says1 by h]   
fe>s = its safety4 ,x came to u only 9 a
 r\ndab\t way1 ?r\gh a  s]vant 9 ! h\se 
:o keeps u 9 t\*4 ,! curi\s feature is t
  we c seem to get no?+ def9ite f h]    
ab\t h] fe>s4 ,!y may  be gr\ndless40   
,butl] %rugg$ 8 %\ld]s & proce$$1 8,& !y
 may be  well-f\nd$4 ,b we pref] to run 
no *ances 9 a case ( ?is k9d4  ,! *ild1 
y "k1 is gu>d$ 9 ! h\se4 ,9 8           

p]ambulator he is  d\bly gu>d$1 & :5 he 
goes out = 8 air+ 9 ! automobile1  two  
m51 ! *auffeur & a detective1 are always
 !re1 besides 8  nurse1 & (t5 8 "m or   
gr&mo!r4 ,ev5 9 ! nurs]y suite  !y h    
iron %utt]s :i* c be pull$ d[n &        
padlock$ at night  & are con/ruct$ s z  
to give pl5ty ( fre% air ev5 to a       
sci5tific baby4 ,ma/] ,hazleton 0 ! be/ 
sort ( risk1 we ?\ght4  ,b n[--we don't 
"k40    8,y c protect y\rselves1 ?\gh10 
sugge/$ ,k5n$y4    8,yes1 we h1 "u !    
policy1 ! "r to take c]ta9 measures to  
protect ourselves 9 addition to !       
precautions tak5 by !  ,hazletons4 ,we h
 add$ our own detective to ^? already on
 duty4  ,b we--we don't "k :at to gu>d  
aga9/10 he conclud$1 p]plex$4  8,we'd l 
to "k--t's all4 ,x's too big a risk40   
8,i may see ,mrs4 ,hazleton80 mus$      
,k5n$y4    8,yes4 ,"u ! circum/ances %e 
c sc>cely refuse to see anyone we  s5d4 
,i've arrang$ already = y to meet h] )9 
an h\r4 ,is t  all "r80    8,c]ta9ly40  
,! ,hazleton home 9 w9t] 9 ! city 0     

upt[n1 fac+ ! riv]4  ,! l>ge gr\nds     
adjo9+ made ! ,hazletons q indep5d5t ( !
  daily infant p>ade :i* "o sees along  
,riv]side ,drive4    ,z we ent]$ !      
gr\nds we c\ld almo/ feel ! v atmosph]e 
on  gu>d4 ,we did n see ! little subject
 ( s mu* conc]n1 b ,i  rememb]$ 8 mu*   
h]ald$ adv5t1 :5 8 gr&p>5ts _h settl$  a
 cold million on him1 j z a rew>d = com+
 into ! _w4  ,evid5tly1 ,morton1 ,sr41  
_h hop$ t ,morton1 ,jr41 w\ld calm d[n1 
n[ t !re 0 a ?ird g5]ation to consid]4  
,x seem$ t he  _h n4 ,i wond]$ if t _h  
really be5 ! occasion ( ! ?reats  or    
:atev] x 0 t _h caus$ ,mrs4 ,hazleton's 
fe>s1 & :e!r  ,v]onica ,hav]%am or any (
 ! fa/ set ar\nd h] _h _h any?+  to d ) 
x4    ,millic5t ,hazleton 0 a v pretty  
little woman1 9 :om "o saw  in/9ctively 
! arti/ic temp]am5t4 ,%e _h be5 an      
actress1 too1  :5 "y ,morton ,hazleton  
m>ri$ h]1 & at fir/1 at lea/1 !y  _h    
seem$ v devot$ to ea* o!r4    ,we 7     
admitt$ to see h] 9 h] own libr>y1 a    
ta/efully furni%$  room on ! second     

floor ( ! h\se1 fac+ a g>d5 at ! side4  
8,mrs4 ,hazleton10 began ,butl]1 smoo?+ 
! way = u1 8( c\rse y  realize t we are 
work+ 9 y\r int]e/s4 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1  
!re=e1 9 a s5se1 repres5ts bo? ( u40    
8,i am q sure ,i %all be delight$ to    
help y10 %e said ) an  abs5t expression1
 ?\gh n ungraci\sly4    ,butl]1 hav+    
introduc$ u1 c\rte\sly )drew4 8,i leave 
?is  entirely 9 y\r h&s10 he said1 z he 
excus$ himself4 8,if y want  me to d    
any?+ m1 call on me40    ,i mu/ say t ,i
 0 mu* surpris$ at ! way %e _h receiv$  
u4  ,0 !re 9 x1 ,i wond]$1 an elem5t (  
fe> le/ if %e refus$ to  talk suspicion 
might gr[ ev5 great]8 ,"o c\ld see      
anxiety pla9ly  en\gh on h] face1 z %e  
wait$ = ,k5n$y to beg94    ,a few mom5ts
 ( g5]al conv]sation !n foll[$4    8,j  
:at is x y fe>80 he ask$1 aft] hav+     
gradually l$ ar\nd  to ! subject4 8,h   
!re be5 any ?reat5+ lett]s80    8,n-no10
 %e hesitat$1 8at lea/ no?+--def9ite40  
8,gossip80 he h9t$4    8,no40 ,%e said x
 s positively t ,i fanci$ x might be    

tak5 = a  pla9 8,yes40    8,!n :at is   
x80 he ask$1 v def]5tially1 b firmly4   
,%e _h be5 look+ out at ! g>d54 8,y     
c\ldn't und]/&10 %e  rem>k$4 8,no       
detective--0 %e /opp$4    8,y may be    
sure1 ,mrs4 ,hazleton1 t ,i h n come "h 
unnecess>ily to intrude10 he reassur$   
h]4 8,x is exactly z ,mr4  ,butl] put x4
 ,we--want to help y40    ,i fanci$ !re 
seem$ to be some?+ compell+ ab\t 8      
mann]4 ,x  0 at once sympa!tic &        
p]suasive4 ,q evid5tly he 0 tak+  pa9s  
to break d[n ! prejudice 9 h] m9d :i* %e
 _h already  %[n t[>d ! ord9>y          
detective4    8,y w\ld ?9k me crazy10 %e
 rem>k$ sl[ly4 8,b x is j a--a  dream--j
 dreams40    ,i don't ?9k %e _h int5d$  
to say any?+1 = %e /opp$ %ort  & look$  
at him quickly z if to make sure :e!r he
 c\ld  und]/&4 ,z = myself1 ,i mu/ say  
,i felt a little skeptical4 ,to my      
surprise1 ,k5n$y seem$ to take ! /atem5t
 at its face value4    8,ah10 he rem>k$1
 8an anxiety dream8 ,y w p>don me1 ,mrs4
  ,hazleton1 b be=e we g fur!r let me   

tell y frankly t ,i am  mu* m ?an an    
ord9>y detective4 ,if y w p]mit me1 ,i  
%\ld  r h y ?9k ( me z a psy*ologi/1 a  
speciali/1 "o :o  has come to set y\r   
m9d at re/ r ?an to worm ?+s f y  by    
devi\s me?ods aga9/ :i* y h to be on    
gu>d4 ,x is j  = su* an unusual case z  
y\rs t ,mr4 ,butl] has call$ me 94 ,by  
! way1 z our int]view may la/ a few     
m9utes1 w\ld y m9d  sitt+ d[n8 ,i ?9k   
y'll f9d x easi] to talk if y c get y\r 
m9d p]fectly at re/1 & = ! mom5t tru/ to
 ! nurse & !  detectives :o are gu>d+ ! 
g>d51 ,i am sure1 p]fectly40    ,%e _h  
be5 /&+ by ! w9d[ dur+ ! int]view & 0 q 
evid5tly gr[+ m & m n]v\s4 ,) a b[      
,k5n$y plac$ h]  at h] ease on a *aise  
l\nge4    8,n[10 he cont9u$1 /&+ ne> h]1
 b out ( sight1 8y mu/ try  to rema9    
free f all ext]nal influ5ces &          
impressions4 ,don't  move4 ,avoid e use 
( a muscle4 ,don't let any?+ di/ract y4 
,j conc5trate y\r att5tion on y\r psy*ic
 activities4 ,don't  suppress "o idea z 
unimportant1 irrelevant1 or nons5sical4 

,simply  tell me :at occurs to y 9      
connection ) ! dreams--ev]y?+10         
emphasiz$ ,craig4    ,i c\ld n help     
feel+ surpris$ to f9d t %e accept$      
,k5n$y's  def]5tial comm&s1 = aft] all t
 0 :at !y am\nt$ to4  ,almo/ ,i felt t  
%e 0 turn+ to him = help1 t he _h brok5 
d[n "s b>ri] to h] confid5ce4 ,he seem$ 
to ex]t a sort (  hypnotic influ5ce ov] 
h]4    8,i h _h cases be=e :i* involv$  
dreams10 he 0 say+ quietly  &           
reassur+ly4 8,believe me1 ,i d n %>e !  
_w's op9ion t  dreams are no?+4 ,nor yet
 d ,i believe 9 !m sup]/iti\sly4 ,i c   
readily und]/& h[ a dream c play a      
mighty "p 9 %ap+ !  feel+s ( a          
high-t5sion$ woman4 ,might ,i ask       
exactly :at x is y  fe> 9 y\r dreams80  
,%e sank h] head back 9 ! cu%ions1 & = a
 mom5t clos$ h]  eyes1 half 9 we>9ess1  
half 9 tacit ob$i5ce to him4 8,oh1 ,i h 
su* horrible dreams10 %e said at l5g?1  
8full ( anxiety & fe>  = ,morton &      
little ,morton4 ,i c't expla9 x4 ,b !y  
are s  horrible40    ,k5n$y said no?+4  

,%e 0 talk+ freely at la/4    8,only la/
 night10 %e w5t on1 8,i dreamt t ,morton
 0 dead4 ,i c\ld  see ! fun]al1 all !   
prep>ations1 & ! procession4 ,x seem$  t
 9 ! cr[d !re 0 a woman4 ,i c\ld n see  
h] face1 b %e  _h fall5 d[n & ! cr[d 0  
ar\nd h]4 ,!n ,dr4 ,maudsley  appe>$4   
,!n all ( a sudd5 ! dream *ang$4 ,i     
?\ght ,i 0 on  ! s&1 at ! sea%ore1 or   
p]haps a lake4 ,i 0 ) ,junior & x  seem$
 z if he 7 wad+ 9 ! wat]1 8 head bobb+  
up & d[n  9 ! waves4 ,x 0 l a des]t1    
too--! s&4 ,i turn$1 & !re  0 a lion    
beh9d me4 ,i did n seem to be afraid (  
him1 al?\gh ,i  0 s close t ,i c\ld     
almo/ feel 8 %aggy mane4 ,yet ,i fe>$  t
 he might bite ,junior4 ,! next ,i knew 
,i 0 runn+ ) ! *ild  9 my arms4 ,i      
escap$--&--oh1 ! relief60    ,%e sank   
back1 half exhau/$1 half t]rifi$ /ill by
 !  recollection4    8,9 y\r dream :5   
,dr4 ,maudsley appe>$10 ask$ ,k5n$y1    
evid5tly  int]e/$ 9 fill+ 9 ! gap1 8:at 
did he d80    8,d80 %e repeat$4 8,9 !   
dream8 ,no?+40    8,are y sure80 he     

ask$1 %oot+ a quick glance at h]4       
8,yes4 ,t "p ( ! dream became indi/9ct4 
,i'm sure he did  no?+1 except %\ld]    
?r\gh ! cr[d4 ,i ?9k he _h j  ent]$4 ,!n
 t "p ( ! dream seem$ to end & ! second 
"p  began40    ,piece by piece ,k5n$y   
w5t ov] x1 putt+ x toge!r z if x 7  a   
mosaic4    8,n[1 ! woman4 ,y say h] face
 0 hidd580    ,%e hesitat$4 8,n--no4 ,i 
saw x4 ,b x 0 no "o ,i knew40    ,k5n$y 
did n dwell on ! contradiction1 b add$1 
8,& ! cr[d80    8,/rang]s1 too40        
8,dr4 ,maudsley is y\r family           
physician80 he que/ion$4    8,yes40     
8,did he call--er--ye/]day80    8,he    
calls e day to sup]vise ! nurse :o has  
,junior 9 *>ge40    8,c\ld "o always be 
true to oneself 9 ! face ( any          
temptation80 he  ask$ sudd5ly4    ,x 0 a
 bold "q4 ,yet su* _h be5 ! gradual     
mann] ( 8  lead+ up to x t1 be=e %e knew
 x1 %e _h answ]$ q  frankly1 8,yes--if  
"o always ?\ght ( home & h] *ild1 ,i _c 
see  h[ "o c\ld help controll+ h]self40 
,%e seem$ to cat* h] brea?1 almo/ z ?\gh

 ! words _h escap$  h] be=e %e knew x4  
8,is !re any?+ besides y\r dream t al>ms
 y10 he ask$1  *ang+ ! subject quickly1 
8any suspicion (--say ! s]vants80       
8,no10 %e said1 wat*+ him n[4 8,b "s "t 
ago we caught a  burgl> up/airs "h4 ,he 
manag$ to escape4 ,t has made me n]v\s4 
,i didn't ?9k x 0 possible40    8,any?+ 
else80    8,no10 %e said positively1 ?is
 "t on h] gu>d4    ,k5n$y saw t %e _h   
made up h] m9d to say no m4    8,mrs4   
,hazleton10 he said1 ris+4 8,i c h>dly  
?ank y too mu* =  ! mann] 9 :i* y h met 
my que/ions4 ,x w make x mu*  easi] = me
 to quiet y\r fe>s4 ,& if any?+ else    
occurs to y1  y may re/ assur$ ,i %all  
violate no confid5ces 9 y\r tell+  me40 
,i c\ld n help ! feel+1 h[ev]1 t !re 0 j
 a little air  ( relief on h] face z we 
left4          ,,*apt] ,,xxxv  ,,!      
,,psy*analysis      8,h-m10 mus$ ,k5n$y 
z we walk$ along aft] leav+ ! h\se4     
8,!re  7 sev]al #8complexes1' z !y are  
call$1 !re--! mo/  int]e/+ & important  
be+ ! erotic1 z usual4 ,n[1 take !  lion

 9 ! dream1 ) 8 mane4 ,t1 ,i suspect1 0 
,dr4 ,maudsley4 ,if  y are acqua9t$ )   
him1 y w recall 8 heavy1 almo/ tawny    
be>d40    ,k5n$y seem$ to be revolv+    
some?+ 9 8 m9d & ,i did n  int]rupt4 ,i 
_h kn[n him too long to feel t ev5 a    
dream might n  h its value ) him4       
,inde$1 sev]al times be=e he _h giv5 me 
glimpses into ! fasc9at+ possibilities (
 ! new psy*ology4    8,9 spite ( ! "w ( 
?\s&s ( ye>s1 little progress has be5   
made 9 ! sci5tific und]/&+ ( dreams10 he
 rem>k$ a few  mom5ts lat]4 8,freud1 (  
,vi5na--y recall ! "n8--has done mo/1 ,i
  ?9k 9 t direction40    ,i recall$     
some?+ ( ! !ories ( ! ,freudi/s1 b said 
no?+4    8,x is an unpleasant feature ( 
8 philosophy10 he w5t on1 8b ,freud     
f9ds ! conclusion irresi/ible t all     
humanity und]nea? !  %ell is s5su\s &   
s5sual 9 nature4 ,practically all dreams
 betray  "s delight ( ! s5ses & sexual  
dreams are a l>ge proportion4  ,!re is1 
accord+ to ! !ory1 always a wi% hidd5 or
 express$ 9  a dream4 ,! dream is "o (  

?ree ?+s1 ! op51 ! disguis$ or  !       
di/ort$ fulfillm5t ( a wi%1 sometimes   
recogniz$1 sometimes  repress$4         
8,anxiety dreams are among ! mo/ int]e/+
 & important ,anxiety  may orig9ate 9   
psy*o-sexual excitem5t1 ! repress$      
libido1 z !  ,freudi/s call x4 ,neurotic
 fe> has its orig9 9 sexual life &      
corresponds to a libido :i* has be5     
turn$ away f its object &  has n succe$$
 9 be+ appli$4 ,all s-call$ day dreams (
 wom5  are erotic2 ( m5 !y are ei!r     
ambition or love4    8,(t5 dreams1      
app>5tly h>mless1 turn out to be s9i/]  
if we take  pa9s to int]pret !m4 ,all h 
! m>k ( ! bea/4 ,= example1  !re 0 t    
unkn[n woman :o _h fall5 d[n & 0        
surr\nd$ by  a cr[d4 ,if a woman dreams 
t1 x is sexual4 ,x c mean only a  fall5 
woman4 ,t is ! symbolism4 ,! cr[d always
 d5otes a secret4    8,take also ! dream
 ( dea?4 ,if !re is no sorr[ felt1 !n   
!re  is ano!r cause = x4 ,b if !re is   
sorr[1 !n ! dream]  really desires dea? 
or abs5ce4 ,i expect to h y qu>rel )  t4

 ,b read ,freud1 & rememb] t 9 *ildhood 
dea? is  synonym\s ) be+ away4 ,?us =   
example1 if a girl dreams t h]  "m is   
dead1 p]haps x means only t %e wi%es h] 
away s t  %e c enjoy "s pleasure t h]   
/rict p>5t1 by h] pres5ce1  d5ies4      
8,!n !re 0 t dream ab\t ! baby 9 ! wat]4
 ,t1 ,i ?9k1  0 a dream ( bir?4 ,y see1 
,i ask$ h] practically to repeat !      
dreams because !re 7 sev]al gaps4 ,at   
su* po9ts "o usually  f9ds fir/         
hesitation1 !n some?+ t %[s "o ( ! ma9  
complexes4 ,p]haps ! subject gr[s angry 
at ! discov]y4    8,n[1 f ! tangle ( !  
dream ?\ght1 ,i f9d t %e fe>s t  h]     
husb& is too intimate ) ano!r woman1 & t
 p]haps  unconsci\sly %e has turn$ to   
,dr4 ,maudsley = sympa?y4 ,dr4          
,maudsley1 z ,i said1 is n only be>d$1 b
 some:at ( a social  lion4 ,he _h call$ 
on h] ! day be=e4 ,( su* /uff are all   
dream  lions :5 !re is no fe>4 ,b %e %[s
 t %e has be5 guilty (  no wrongdo+--%e 
escap$1 & felt reliev$40    8,i'm glad (
 t10 ,i put 94 8,i don't l ^! sc&als4   

,on !  ,/> :5 ,i h to report !m1 ,i d x 
always "u prote/4 ,i  don't "k :at y\r  
psy*analysis is go+ to %[ 9 ! end1 b ,i 
= "o h ! greate/ sympa?y = t poor little
 woman 9 !  big h\se alone1 surr\nd$ by 
& dep5d5t on s]vants1 :ile h]  husb& is 
out collect+ sc&als40    8,:i* sugge/s  
our next /ep10 he said1 turn+ ! subject4
 8,i hope  t ,butl] has f\nd out !      
retreat ( ,v]onica ,hav]%am40    ,we    
discov]$ ,miss ,hav]%am at la/ at ,dr4  
,klemm's sanit>ium1 up 9  ! hills (     
,we/*e/] ,c\nty1 a delightful place ) a 
reputation  = its re/ cures4 ,dr4 ,klemm
 0 an old fri5d ( ,k5n$y's1 hav+  _h "s 
connection ) ! m$ical s*ool at !        
,univ]sity4    ,%e _h gone up !re r     
sudd5ly1 x seem$1 to recup]ate4 ,at     
lea/ t 0 :at 0 giv5 out1 ?\gh !re seem$ 
to be mu*  my/]y ab\t h]1 & %e 0 tak+ no
 treatm5t z f> z 0 kn[n4    8,:o is h]  
physician80 ask$ ,k5n$y ( ,dr4 ,klemm z 
we sat 9 8  luxuri\s (fice4    8,a ,dr4 
,maudsley ( ! city40    ,k5n$y glanc$   
quickly at me 9 "t to *eck an           

exclamation4    8,i wond] if ,i c\ld see
 h]80    8,:y1 ( c\rse--if %e is will+10
 repli$ ,dr4 ,klemm4    8,i w h to h "s 
excuse10 rum9at$ ,k5n$y4 8,tell h] ,i am
 a  speciali/ 9 n]v\s tr\bles f ! city1 
h be5 visit+ "o (  ! o!r pati5ts1       
any?+40    ,dr4 ,klemm pull$ d[n a swit*
 on a l>ge oblong oak box on 8 desk1    
ask$ = ,miss ,hav]%am1 & wait$ a mom5t4 
8,:at is t80 ,i ask$4    8,a vocaphone10
 repli$ ,k5n$y4 8,?is sanit>ium is q up 
to date1  ,klemm40    ,! doctor nodd$ & 
smil$4 8,yes1 ,k5n$y10 he repli$4       
8,communicat+ ) e suite ( rooms we h !  
vocaphone4 ,i f9d  x v conv5i5t to h ^! 
microphones1 z ,i suppose y w\ld  call  
!m1 cat*+ y\r words )\t talk+ into !m   
directly z  y h to d 9 ! telephone & !n 
at ! o!r end emitt+ !  words )\t ! use (
 an e>piece1 f ! box itself1 z if f a   
megaphone horn4 ,miss ,hav]%am1 ?is is  
,dr4 ,klemm4 ,!re is a ,dr4  ,k5n$y "h  
visit+ ano!r pati5t1 a speciali/ f ,new 
,york4 ,he'd  l v mu* to see y if y c   
sp>e a few m9utes40    8,tell him to    

come up40 ,! voice seem$ to come f !    
vocaphone z  ?\gh %e 7 9 ! room ) u4    
,v]onica ,hav]%am 0 inde$ wond]ful1 "o (
 ! lead+ figures 9  ! night life ( ,new 
,york1 a /atuesque brunette ( /rik+     
beauty1  ?\gh ,i _h he>d ( (t5          
ungov]nable temp]4 ,yet !re 0  some?+   
/range ab\t h] face "h4 ,x seem$ p]haps 
a little  yell[1 & ,i am sure t h] nose 
_h a peculi> look z if %e 7  suff]+ f an
 incipi5t rh9itis4 ,! pupils ( h] eyes 7
 z  f9e z p9 heads1 h] eyebr[s 7        
slightly elevat$4 ,inde$1 ,i felt  t %e 
_h made no mi/ake 9 tak+ a re/ if %e    
w\ld pres]ve !  beauty :i* _h made h]   
popul>ity s meteoric4    8,miss         
,hav]%am10 began ,k5n$y1 8!y tell me t y
 are suff]+  f n]v\sness4 ,p]haps ,i c  
help y4 ,at any rate x w d no  h>m to   
try4 ,i "k ,dr4 ,maudsley well1 & if he 
doesn't approve--well1  y may ?r[ !     
treatm5t into ! wa/e basket40    8,i'm  
sure ,i h no reason to refuse10 %e said4
 8,:at w\ld y  sugge/80    8,well1 fir/ 
( all1 !re is a v simple te/ ,i'd l to  

try4 ,y  won't f9d t x bo!rs y 9 !      
lea/--& if ,i c't help y1  !n no h>m is 
done40    ,aga9 ,i wat*$ ,k5n$y z he    
tactfully w5t ?r\gh ! prep>ations  =    
ano!r k9d ( psy*analysis1 plac+ ,miss   
,hav]%am at h] ease  on a dav5port 9 su*
 a way t no?+ w\ld di/ract h] att5tion4 
,z %e recl9$ aga9/ ! lea!r pill[s 9 !   
%ad[ x 0 n  difficult to und]/& ! lure  
by :i* %e held toge!r ! little  cot]ie (
 h] intimates4 ,"o beautiful :ite arm1  
b>e to ! elb[1  hung c>elessly ov] !    
edge ( ! dav5port1 display+ a pla9 gold 
bracelet4    8,n[10 began ,k5n$y1 on :om
 ,i knew ! *>ms ( ,miss ,hav]%am        
produc$ a negative effect1 al?\gh "o    
w\ld nev] h guess$ x  f 8 mann]1 8z ,i  
read (f f ?is li/ ( words1 ,i wi% t  y  
w\ld repeat ! fir/ ?+1 any?+10 he       
emphasiz$1 8t comes  into y\r head1 no  
matt] h[ trivial x may seem4 ,don't =ce 
y\rself  to ?9k4 ,let y\r ideas fl[     
naturally4 ,x dep5ds altoge!r on y\r    
pay+ att5tion to ! words & answ]+ z     
quickly z y  c--rememb]1 ! fir/ ^w t    

comes into y\r m9d4 ,x is easy to  d4   
,we'll call x a game10 he reassur$4     
,k5n$y h&$ a copy ( ! li/ to me to      
record ! answ]s4 ,!re  mu/ h be5 "s     
fifty words1 app>5tly s5seless1 *os5 at 
r&om1 x seem$4 ,!y 73    head      to   
dance  salt        :ite        lie  gre5
     sick      new         *ild         
to fe>  wat]     pride     to pray      
sad          /ork  to s+   ink          
money       to m>ry     false  dea?     
angry     fooli%     de>         anxiety
  long      ne$le    despise     to     
qu>rel   to kiss  %ip      voyage    f+]
      old          bride  to pay    to  
s9    exp5sive   family       pure  w9d[
    bread     to fall     fri5d         
ridicule  cold      ri*      unju/      
luck         to sleep    8,! ,jung      
association ^w te/ is "p ( ! ,freud     
psy*analysis1  also10 he :isp]$ to me1  
8,y rememb] we tri$ some?+ bas$ on  !   
same idea once be=e80    ,i nodd$4 ,i _h
 he>d ( ! ?+ 9 connection )             
blood-pressure  te/s1 b n ?is way4      

,k5n$y call$ out ! fir/ ^w1 8,head10    
:ile 9 8 h& he held a  /op wat* :i*     
regi/]$ to "o-fif? ( a second4          
,quickly %e repli$1 8,a*e10 ) an        
involunt>y movem5t ( h] h&  t[>d h]     
beautiful =ehead4    8,good10 exclaim$  
,k5n$y4 8,y seem to grasp ! idea bett]  
?an mo/  ( my pati5ts40    ,i _h record$
 ! answ]1 he ! "t1 & we f\nd out1 ,i    
recall  aft]w>d1 t ! "t av]ag$ some?+ l 
two & two-fif?s  seconds4    ,i ?\ght h]
 reply to ! second ^w1 8gre510 0 curi\s4
 ,x came  quickly1 8,envy40    ,h[ev]1  
,i %all n attempt to give all ! replies1
 b m]ely "s  ( ! mo/ significant4 ,!re  
did n seem to be any hesitation ab\t    
mo/ ( ! words1 b :5ev] ,k5n$y tri$ to "q
 h] ab\t a  ^w t seem$ to him int]e/+ %e
 made ei!r evasive or  hesitat+ answ]s1 
until x became evid5t t 9 ! back ( h]   
head 0 "s idea :i* %e 0 repress+ &      
conceal+ f u1  some?+ t %e set (f ) a   
m5tal 8,no ,?or\ghf>e40    ,he _h f9i%$ 
go+ ?r\gh ! li/1 & ,k5n$y 0 n[ /udy+    
ov] ! answ]s & comp>+ ! "t records4     

8,n[10 he said at l5g?1 runn+ 8 eye ov] 
! words aga91 8,i want  to repeat !     
p]=mance4 ,try to rememb] & duplicate   
y\r fir/  replies10 he said4    ,aga9 we
 w5t ?r\gh :at at fir/ _h seem$ to me to
 be a solemn  f>ce1 b :i* ,i began to   
see 0 q important4 ,sometimes %e  w\ld  
repeat ! answ] exactly z be=e4 ,at o!r  
times a new ^w  w\ld occur to h]4 ,k5n$y
 0 ke5 to note all ! diff]5ces 9 !  two 
li/s4    ,"o :i* ,i recall because !    
incid5t made an impression on me _h to  
d ) ! trio1 8,dea?--life--inevitable40  
8,:y t80 he ask$ casually4    8,hav5't y
 ev] he>d ! say+1 #8,"o %\ld let no?+   
:i* "o  c h escape1 ev5 if a little     
wrong is done2 no opportunity %\ld  be  
miss$2 life is s %ort1 dea?             
inevitable'80    ,!re 7 sev]al o!rs :i* 
to ,k5n$y seem$ m important1 b  long    
aft] we _h f9i%$ ,i pond]$ ?is answ]4 ,0
 t h]  philosophy ( life8 ,und\bt$ly %e 
w\ld nev] h rememb]$ !  phrase if x _h n
 be5 s1 at lea/ 9 a measure4    ,%e _h  
begun to %[ signs ( we>9ess1 & ,k5n$y   

quickly br\ght  ! conv]sation ar\nd to  
subjects ( app>5tly a g5]al nature1 b   
skillfully contriv$ s z to lead ! way   
along l9es h] answ]s _h  indicat$4      
,k5n$y _h ris5 to g1 /ill *att+4 ,almo/ 
un9t5tionally he  pick$ up f a dress+   
table a bottle ( :ite tablets1 )\t a    
label1 %ak+ x to emphasize an entirely1 
& ,i believe purposely1  irrelevant     
rem>k4    8,by ! way10 he said1 break+  
(f naturally1 8:at is t80    8,only     
some?+ ,dr4 ,maudsley _h prescrib$ =    
me10 %e answ]$  quickly4    ,z he       
replac$ ! bottle & w5t on ) ! ?read ( ! 
conv]sation1 ,i saw t 9 %ak+ ! bottle he
 _h ab/ract$ a  c\ple ( ! tablets be=e  
%e realiz$ x4 8,i c't tell y j  :at to d
 )\t ?9k+ ! case ov]10 he conclud$1 ris+
 to g4  8,y\rs is a peculi> case1 ,miss 
,hav]%am1 baffl+4 ,i'll h to /udy  x    
ov]1 p]haps ask ,dr4 ,maudsley ,if ,i   
may see y aga94 ,mean:ile1 ,i  am sure  
:at he is do+ is ! correct ?+40         
,inasmu* z %e _h said no?+ ab\t :at ,dr4
 ,maudsley 0 do+1 ,i  wond]$ :e!r !re 0 

n j a trace ( suspicion 9 h] glance  at 
him f "u h] long d>k la%es4    8,i c't  
see t y h done any?+10 %e rem>k$        
po9t$ly4 8,b  !n doctors are            
que]--que]40    ,t p>t+ %ot also _h 9 x1
 = me1 some?+ to pond] ov]4 ,9  fact ,i 
began to wond] if %e might n be a great 
deal m clev]  ?an ev5 ,k5n$y gave h]    
cr$it = be+1 :e!r %e might n h  submitt$
 to 8 te/s = pure love ( pull+ ! wool   
ov] 8 eyes4    ,d[n/airs aga91 ,k5n$y   
paus$ only long en\gh to speak a few    
words  ) 8 fri5d ,dr4 ,klemm4    8,i    
suppose y h no idea :at ,dr4 ,maudsley  
has prescrib$ = h]80  he ask$ c>elessly4
    8,no?+1 z f> z ,i "k1 except re/ &  
simple food40    ,he seem$ to hesitate1 
!n he said "u 8 voice1 8,i suppose y  "k
 t %e is a regul> dope fi5d1 seasons h] 
cig>ettes )  opium1 & all t40    8,i    
guess$ z mu*10 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1 8b h[ does
 %e get x "h80    8,%e doesn't40    8,i 
see10 rem>k$ ,craig1 app>5tly weigh+ n[ 
! man be=e him4 ,at  l5g? he seem$ to   
decide to risk some?+4    8,klemm10 he  

said1 8,i wi% y w\ld d some?+ = me4 ,i  
see y h  ! vocaphone "h4 ,n[ if--say    
,hazleton--%\ld call--w y li/5 9  on t  
vocaphone = me80 ,dr4 ,klemm look$      
squ>ely at him4    8,k5n$y10 he said1   
8x's unpr(essional1 b---0    8,s x is to
 let h] be dop$ up "u guise ( a cure40  
8,:at80 he ask$1 />tl$4 8,%e's gett+ !  
/uff n[80    8,no1 ,i didn't say %e 0   
gett+ opium1 or f anyone "h4 ,all !     
same1 if y w\ld j keep an e> op5---0    
8,x's unpr(essional1 b--y'd n ask x )\t 
a good reason4 ,i'll  try40    ,x 0 v   
late :5 we got back to ! city & we d9$  
at an upt[n  re/aurant :i* we _h almo/  
to ourselves4    ,k5n$y _h plac$ !      
little :iti% tablets 9 a small pap]     
packet  = safe keep+4 ,z we wait$ = our 
ord] he drew "o f 8  pocket1 & aft]     
look+ at x a mom5t cru%$ x to a p[d] 9 !
  pap]4    8,:at is x80 ,i ask$         
curi\sly4 8,coca9e80    8,no10 he said1 
%ak+ 8 head d\btfully4    ,he _h tri$ to
 dissolve a little ( ! p[d] 9 "s wat] f 
!  glass be=e him1 b x w\ld n dissolve4 

,z he cont9u$ to look at x 8 eye fell on
 ! cut-glass v9eg>  cruet be=e u4 ,x 0  
full ( ! :ite v9eg>4    8,really acetic 
acid10 he rem>k$1 p\r+ out a little4    
,! :ite p[d] dissolv$4    ,= sev]al     
m9utes he cont9u$ look+ at ! /uff4      
8,t1 ,i ?9k10 he rem>k$ f9ally1 8is     
h]o940    8,m #8happy du/'80 ,i repli$ )
 add$ int]e/ n[1 ?9k+ ( our  previ\s    
case4 8,is ! habit s ext5sive80         
8,yes10 he repli$1 8! habit is          
comp>atively new1 al?\gh 9 ,p>is1  ,i   
believe1 !y call ! drug fi5ds1          
#8h]o9omaniacs4' ,x is1 z ,i  told y    
be=e1 a d]ivative ( morph9e4 ,its       
sci5tific "n is  diacetyl-morph94 ,x is 
,new ,york's newe/ p]il1 "o ( ! mo/     
dang]\s drugs yet4 ,?\s&s are slaves to 
x1 al?\gh its sale is  suppos$ly        
re/rict$4 ,x is rott+ ! he>t out ( !    
,t5d]lo94  ,did y notice ,v]onica       
,hav]%am's yell[i% :it5ess1 h] d[n-drawn
  m\?1 elevat$ eyebr[s1 & contract$     
eyes8 ,%e may h tak5 x up  to escape o!r
 drugs4 ,"s p h--& h j got a new habit4 

,x c be tak5 hypod]mically1 or 9 a      
tablet1 or by p[d]+ !  tablet to a :ite 
cry/all9e p[d] & snuff+ up ! nose4 ,t's 
! way %e takes x4 ,x produces rh9itis ( 
! nasal passages1 :i*  ,i see y obs]v$1 
b did n und]/&4 ,x has a m pr(\nd       
effect ?an morph9e1 & is t5 times z     
p[]ful z code9e4 ,& "o  ( ! wor/        
features is t s _m p />t ) x1 ?9k+ x  is
 z h>mless z x has be5 adv]tis$4 ,i     
w\ldn't be surpris$ if  %e us$ f        
sev5ty-five to a hundr$ "o-twelf? gra9  
tablets a  day4 ,"s ( !m d1 y "k40      
8,& ,dr4 ,maudsley10 ,i ask$ quickly1 8d
 y ?9k x is ?r\gh him or  9 spite (     
him80    8,t's :at ,i'd l to "k4 ,ab\t  
^? words10 he cont9u$1 8:at  did y make 
( ! li/ & ! answ]s80    ,i _h made no?+ 
& said s1 r quickly4    8,^?10 he       
expla9$1 87 words select$ & arrang$ to  
/rike  almo/ all ! common complexes 9   
analyz+ & diagnos+4 ,y'd  ?9k any       
intellig5t p]son c\ld give a flu5t answ]
 to !m1  p]haps a mislead+ answ]4 ,b try
 x y\rself1 ,walt]4 ,y'll f9d  y c't4 ,y

 may />t all "r1 b n all ! words w be   
react$ to 9 ! same "t or ) ! same       
smoo?ness & ease4 ,yet1  l ! expressions
 ( a dream1 !y (t5 seem s5seless4 ,b !y 
h a mean+ z soon z !y are               
#8psy*analyz$4' ,all ! mi/akes 9  answ]+
 ! second "t1 = example1 h a reason1 if 
we c only  get at x4 ,!y are n arbitr>y 
answ]s1 b betray ! inmo/  subconsci\s   
?\ghts1 ^? ?+s m>k$1 split (f f         
consci\sness & repress$ into !          
unconsci\s4 ,associations1 l  dreams1   
nev] lie4 ,y may try to conceal !       
emotions & unconsci\s  actions1 b y     
c't40    ,i li/5$1 fasc9at$ by ,k5n$y's 
explanation4    8,anyone c see t t woman
 has some?+ on h] m9d besides !  h]o9   
habit4 ,x may be t %e is try+ to %ake ! 
habit (f 9  ord] to d x2 x may be t %e  
seeks relief f h] ?\ghts by  refuge 9 ! 
habit2 & x may be t "s "o has purposely 
caus$  h] to contract ?is new habit 9 ! 
guise ( ?r[+ (f an old4 ,!  only way by 
:i* to f9d out is to /udy ! case40      
,he paus$4 ,he _h me ke5ly on edge1 b ,i

 knew t he 0 n yet 9  a position to     
answ] 8 qu]ies positively4    8,n[ ,i   
f\nd10 he w5t on1 8t ! religi\s         
complexes 7 extremely  few2 z ,i expect$
 ! erotic 7 _m4 ,if y w look ov] !  ?ree
 li/s y w f9d some?+ que] ab\t e su* ^w 
z1  #8*ild1 #8to m>ry1' #8bride1' #8to  
lie1' #8/ork1' & s on4 ,we're on !  "r  
track4 ,t woman does "k some?+ ab\t t   
*ild40    8,my eye cat*es ! words #8to  
s91' #8to fall1' #8pure1' & o!rs10 ,i   
rem>k$1 glanc+ ov] ! li/4    8,yes1     
!re's some?+ !re1 too4 ,i got ! h9t = ! 
drug f  h] hesitation ov] #8ne$le' &    
#8:ite4' ,b ! ma9 complex has to  d )   
words relat+ to t *ild & to love4 ,9    
%ort1 ,i ?9k we  are go+ to f9d x to be 
! rev]se ( ! rule ( ! ,fr5*1 t  x w be a
 case ( #8*]*ez l'homme4'0    ,e>ly !   
next day ,k5n$y1 aft] a night ( /udy+   
ov] ! case1  j\rney$ up to ! sanit>ium  
aga94 ,we f\nd ,dr4 ,klemm eag] to meet 
u4    8,:at is x80 ask$ ,k5n$y1 equally 
eag]4    8,i ov]he>d "s surpris+ ?+s ov]
 ! vocaphone10 he ha/5$4  8,hazleton    

call$4 ,:y1 !re mu/ h be5 "s wild orgies
 9 t  preci\s set ( !irs1 &1 w\ld y     
believe x1 _m ( !m seem to  h be5 at :at
 ,dr4 ,maudsley calls 8 #8/able /udio1' 
a d5 he has  fix$ up arti/ically ov] 8  
g>age on a side /reet40    8,inde$80    
8,i c\ldn't get x all1 b ,i did he> h]  
repeat+ ov] & ov] to  ,hazleton1        
#8,ar5't y all m9e8 ,ar5't y all m9e8'  
,!re mu/ be  "s vague jeal\sy lurk+ 9 ! 
he>t ( t ard5t woman4 ,i c't  figure x  
out40    8,i'd l to see h] aga910 rem>k$
 ,k5n$y4 8,w y ask h] if ,i  may80      
,,*apt] ,,xxxvi  ,,! ,,ends ,,( ,,ju/ice
      ,a few m9utes lat] we 7 9 ! sitt+ 
room ( h] suite4 ,%e  receiv$ u r       
ungraci\sly1 ,i ?\ght4    8,d y feel any
 bett]80 ask$ ,k5n$y4    8,no10 %e      
repli$ curtly4 8,excuse me = a mom5t4 ,i
 wi% to see t  maid ( m9e4 ,cl>isse60   
,%e _h h>dly left ! room :5 ,k5n$y 0 on 
8 feet4 ,! bottle  ( :ite tablets1 ne>ly
 empty1 0 /ill on ! table4 ,i saw him   
take  "s v f9e :ite p[d] & du/ x quickly
 ov] ! bottle4 ,x  seem$ to adh]e1 & f 8

 pocket he quickly drew a piece ( :at   
seem$ to be specially prep>$ pap]1 laid 
x ov] ! bottle :]e  ! p[d] adh]$1 fitt+ 
x ov] ! curves4 ,he )drew x quickly1  = 
outside we he>d h] light /ep1 return+4  
,i am sure %e ei!r  saw or suspect$ t   
,k5n$y _h be5 t\*+ ! bottle ( tablets1  
= !re 0 a look ( />tl$ fe> on h] face4  
8,!n y d n feel l cont9u+ ! te/s we     
ab&on$ la/  night80 ask$ ,k5n$y1        
app>5tly n notic+ h] look4    8,no1 ,i d
 n10 %e almo/ snapp$4 8,y--y are        
detectives4 ,mrs4  ,hazleton has s5t y40
    8,inde$1 ,mrs4 ,hazleton has n s5t  
u10 insi/$ ,k5n$y1 nev] = an  in/ant %[+
 8 surprise at h] m5tion ( ! "n4    8,y 
are4 ,y c tell h]1 y c tell ev]ybody4   
,i'll tell--,i'll tell  myself4 ,i won't
 wait4 ,t *ild is m9e--m9e--n h]s4      
,n[--g60    ,v]onica ,hav]%am on ! /age 
nev] t[]$ 9 a fit ( passion z  %e did n[
 9 real life1 z h] ungov]nable feel+s   
broke =?  tempe/u\sly on u4    ,i 0     
a/\nd$1 bewild]$ at ! revelation1 !     
possibilities 9  ^? simple words1 8,!   

*ild is m9e40 ,= a mom5t ,i 0 /unn$4    
,!n z ! full mean+ dawn$ on me ,i wond]$
 9 a flood (  consci\sness :e!r x 0     
true4 ,0 x ! product ( h]  drug-disord]$
 bra98 ,_h h] desp]ate love = ,hazleton 
produc$ a  halluc9ation8    ,k5n$y1     
sil5t1 saw t ! case dem&$ quick action4 
,i %all nev]  =get ! brea?less ride d[n 
f ! sanit>ium to ! ,hazleton  h\se on   
,riv]side ,drive4    8,mrs4 ,hazleton10 
he cri$1 z we hurri$ 91 8y w p>don me = 
?is unc]emoni\s intrusion1 b x is mo/   
important4 ,may ,i tr\ble  y to place   
y\r f+]s on ?is pap]--s80    ,he held   
out to h] a piece ( ! prep>$ pap]4 ,%e  
look$ at him  once1 !n saw f 8 face t he
 0 n to be que/ion$4 ,almo/  tremul\sly 
%e did z he said1 say+ n a ^w4 ,i wond]$
 :e!r  %e knew ! /ory ( ,v]onica1 or    
:e!r s f> only h9ts ( x _h  be5 br\ght  
to h]4    8,?ank y10 he said quickly4   
8,n[1 if ,i may see ,morton80    ,x 0 ! 
fir/ "t we _h se5 ! baby ab\t :om !     
rapidly  ?ick5+ ev5ts 7 cr[d+4 ,he 0 a  
p]fect specim5 (  well-c>$-=1 sci5tific 

infant4    ,k5n$y took ! little *ubby   
f+]s playfully 9 8 own4 ,he seem$  at   
once to w9 ! *ild's confid5ce1 ?\gh he  
may h violat$  sci5tific rules4 ,"o by  
"o he press$ ! little f+]s on !  pap]1  
until little ,morton cr[$ ) delight z "o
 little piggy  aft] ano!r 8w5t to       
m>ket40 ,he _h des]t$ ?\s&s ( doll>s'   
wor? ( toys j to play ) ! simple piece (
 pap] ,k5n$y _h  br\ght ) him4 ,z ,i    
look$ at him1 ,i ?\ght ( :at ,k5n$y _h  
said at ! />t4 ,p]haps ?is innoc5t *ild 
0 n to be envi$  aft] all4 ,i c\ld h>dly
 re/ra9 my excitem5t ov] ! a/\nd+       
situation :i* _h sudd5ly develop$4      
8,t w d10 ann\nc$ ,k5n$y f9ally1        
c>elessly fold+ up !  pap] & slipp+ x   
into 8 pocket4 8,y mu/ excuse me n[40   
8,y see10 he expla9$ on ! way to !      
laboratory1 8t p[d]  adh]es to fre% f+] 
pr9ts1 tak+ all ! gradations4 ,!n !     
pap] ) its p>aff9e & glyc]9e coat+ takes
 (f ! p[d]40    ,9 ! laboratory he buri$
 himself 9 "w1 ) microscope compasses1  
calip]s1 :ile ,i fum$ impot5tly at !    

w9d[4    8,walt]10 he call$ sudd5ly1    
8get ,dr4 ,maudsley on ! telephone4     
,tell  him to come imm$iately to !      
laboratory40    ,mean:ile ,k5n$y 0 busy 
arrang+ :at he _h discov]$ 9 logical    
ord] & putt+ on x ! f9i%+ t\*es4    ,z  
,dr4 ,maudsley ent]$ ,k5n$y greet$ him &
 began by plung+  directly into ! case 9
 answ] to 8 r disc\rte\s inquiry z  to  
:y he _h be5 s ha/ily summon$4    8,dr4 
,maudsley10 said ,craig1 8,i h ask$ y to
 call alone because1  :ile ,i am on !   
v]ge ( discov]+ ! tru? 9 an important   
case  affect+ ,morton ,hazleton & 8     
wife1 ,i am frankly p]plex$ z to  h[ to 
g ahead40    ,! doctor seem$ to %ake )  
excitem5t z ,k5n$y proce$$4    8,dr4    
,maudsley10 ,craig add$1 dropp+ 8 voice1
 8is ,morton ,,iii ! son  ( ,millic5t   
,hazleton or n8 ,y 7 ! physician 9      
att5dance on  h] at ! bir?4 ,is he80    
,maudsley _h be5 wat*+ ,k5n$y furtively 
at fir/1 b z he rapp$  out ! words ,i   
?\ght ! doctor's eyes w\ld pop out ( 8  
head4  ,p]spiration 9 great beads       

collect$ on 8 face4    8,p--pr(essor    
,k--,k5n$y10 he mutt]$1 frantically     
rubb+ 8 face &  l[] jaw z if to compose 
! agitation he c\ld s ill conceal1 8let 
me expla940    8,yes1 yes--g on10 urg$  
,k5n$y4    8,mrs4 ,hazleton's baby 0    
born--dead4 ,i knew h[ mu* %e & ! re/  (
 ! family _h long$ = an heir1 h[ mu* x  
meant4 ,&  ,i--sub/itut$ = ! dead *ild a
 newborn baby f ! mat]nity  hospital4   
,x--x belong$ to ,v]onica ,hav]%am--!n a
 poor *orus girl4  ,i did n int5d t %e  
%\ld ev] "k x4 ,i int5d$ t %e  %\ld ?9k 
h] baby 0 dead4 ,b 9 "s way %e f\nd out4
 ,s9ce  !n %e has become a fam\s beauty1
 has numb]$ among h] fri5ds  ev5        
,hazleton himself4 ,= ne>ly two ye>s ,i 
h tri$ to keep h]  f divulg+ ! secret4  
,f "t to "t h9ts ( x h leak$  out4 ,i   
knew t if ,hazleton ) 8 infatuation ( h]
 7 to  le>n---0    8,& ,mrs4 ,hazleton1 
has %e be5 told80 int]rupt$ ,k5n$y4     
8,i h be5 try+ to keep x f h] z long z  
,i c1 b x has  be5 difficult to keep    
,v]onica f tell+ x4 ,hazleton himself 0 

s wild ov] h]4 ,& %e want$ h] son z     
%e---0    8,maudsley10 snapp$ out       
,k5n$y1 slapp+ d[n on ! table ! mass (  
pr9ts & *>ts :i* he _h hurri$ly collect$
 & 0 /udy+1  8y lie6 ,morton is         
,millic5t ,hazleton's son4 ,! :ole /ory 
is  blackmail4 ,i knew x :5 %e told me (
 h] dreams & ,i suspect$  fir/ "s su*   
devili% s*eme z y\rs4 ,n[ ,i "k x       
sci5tifically40    ,he turn$ ov] !      
pr9ts4    8,i suppose t /udy ( ^! pr9ts1
 ,maudsley1 w convey no?+ to  y4 ,i "k t
 x is usually /at$ t !re are no two sets
 (  f+] pr9ts 9 ! _w t are id5tical or t
 c be confus$4  ,/ill1 !re are c]ta9    
simil>ities ( f+] pr9ts & o!r           
*>act]i/ics1 & ^! simil>ities h rec5tly 
be5 exhau/ively  /udi$ by ,b]tilion1 :o 
has f\nd t !re are cle> relation%ips    
sometimes betwe5 "m & *ild 9 ^!         
respects4 ,if ,solomon 7  alive1 doctor1
 he w\ld n n[ h to resort to ! exp$i5t  
to  :i* he did :5 ! two wom5 disput$ ov]
 ! "r to ! liv+  *ild4 ,mod]n sci5ce is 
n[ decid+ by exact laboratory me?ods !  

same problem z he solv$ by 8 unique k ( 
fem99e  psy*ology4    8,i saw h[ ?is    
case 0 t5d+4 ,n a mom5t too soon1 ,i    
said to  myself1 #8,! h& ( ! *ild w     
tell4' ,by ! v v>iations 9  unlike ?+s1 
su* z f+] & palm pr9ts1 z tabulat$ &    
arrang$ by ,b]tillon aft] /udy 9 ?\s&s (
 cases1 by ! v  loops1 :orls1 ar*es &   
composites1 ,i h prov$ my case4    8,!  
dom9ancy1 n ! id5tity1 ( h]$ity ?r\gh ! 
inf9ite  v>ieties ( f+] m>k+s is        
sometimes v /rik+4 ,unique  patt]ns 9 a 
p>5t h be5 repeat$ ) m>vel\s accuracy 9 
!  *ild4 ,i knew t negative results     
might prove no?+ 9 reg>d to  p>5tage1 a 
caution :i* x is important to obs]ve4 ,b
 ,i 0  prep>$ to meet ev5 t4    8,i w\ld
 h gone on into o!r /udies1 su* z       
,tammasia's1 (  h]$ity 9 ! ve9+ ( ! back
 ( ! h&s2 ,i w\ld h measur$  ! h&s1     
comp>$ ! relative proportion ( ! p>ts2  
,i w\ld h  /udi$ !m "u ! ,x-ray z !y are
 be+ /udi$ to-day2 ,i w\ld  h tri$ !    
,rei*]t blood cry/al te/ :i* is be+     
p]fect$ n[  s t x w tell h]$ity itself4 

,!re is no sci5tific /one ,i  w\ld h    
left unturn$ until ,i _h delv$ at ! tru?
 ( ?is  riddle4 ,=tunately x 0 n        
necess>y4 ,simple f+] pr9ts h  told me  
en\gh4 ,& be/ ( all1 x has be5 9 "t to  
fru/rate t  devili% s*eme y & ,v]onica  
,hav]%am h be5 sl[ly unfold+40          
,maudsley crumpl$ up1 z x 71 at ,k5n$y's
 d5unciation4 ,he seem$  to %r9k t[>d ! 
door4    8,yes10 cri$ ,k5n$y1 ) ext5d$  
=ef+]1 8y may g--= !  pres5t4 ,don't try
 to run away4 ,y're wat*$ f ?is mom5t   
on40    ,maudsley _h retreat$           
precipitately4    ,i look$ at ,k5n$y    
inquir+ly4 ,:at to d8 ,x 0 inde$ a      
delicate  situation1 requir+ ! utmo/ c>e
 to h&le4 ,if ! /ory _h be5  told to    
,hazleton1 :at might he n h already     
done8 ,he mu/ be f\nd  fir/ ( all if we 
7 to meet ! conspiracy ( ^! two4        
,k5n$y rea*$ quickly = ! telephone4     
8,!re is "o /ream (  sc&al t c be damm$ 
at its s\rce10 he rem>k$1 call+ a       
numb]4 8,hello4 ,klemm's ,sanit>ium8    
,i'd l to speak ) ,miss  ,hav]%am4      

,:at--gone8 ,disappe>$8 ,escap$80    ,he
 hung up ! receiv] & look$ at me        
blankly4 ,i 0 spee*less4    ,a ?\s&     
ideas flew ?r\gh our m9ds at once4 ,_h  
%e p]ceiv$ !  import ( our la/ visit & 0
 %e n[ on h] way to complete h]  plott$ 
sl&] ( ,millic5t ,hazleton1 ?\gh x pull$
 d[n on h]self  9 ! end ! :ole /ructure8
    ,ha/ily ,k5n$y call$ ,hazleton's    
home1 ,butl]1 & "o aft] ano!r  (        
,hazleton's favorite clubs4 ,x 0 n until
 noon t ,butl] himself  f\nd him & came 
) him1 "u prote/1 to ! laboratory4      
8,:at is x--:at h y f\nd80 cri$ ,butl]1 
8 lean =m a-quiv]  ) suppress$          
excitem5t4    ,briefly1 "o fact aft]    
ano!r1 sp>+ ,hazleton no?+1 ,k5n$y  p\r$
 =? ! /ory1 h[ by h9t & innu5do         
,maudsley _h be5  work+ on ,millic5t1   
und]m9+ h]1 little kn[+ t he _h  attack$
 9 h] a v t[] ( /r5g?1 h[ ,v]onica1     
infatuat$ by  him1 _h infatuat$ him1 _h 
l$ him on /ep by /ep4    ,pale &        
agitat$1 ) n]ves un/rung by ! life he _h
 be5  lead+1 ,hazleton li/5$4 ,& z      

,k5n$y hamm]$ "o fact aft]  ano!r home1 
he cl5*$ 8 fi/s until ! nails dug into 8
 v  palms4    8,! sc\ndrels10 he gr\nd  
out1 z ,k5n$y f9i%$ by pa9t+ !  picture 
( ! brave little brok5-he>t$ woman      
fight+ (f %e knew  n :at1 & !           
gold5-hair$1 innoc5t baby /ret*+ out 8  
arms  9 glee at ! v *ance to prove t he 
0 :at he 04 8,!  sc\ndrels--take me to  
,maudsley n[4 ,i mu/ see ,maudsley4     
,quick60    ,z we pull$ up be=e ! door (
 ! recon/ruct$ /able-/udio1  ,k5n$y     
jump$ out4 ,! door 0 unlock$4 ,up !     
broad flight (  /airs1 ,hazleton w5t two
 at a "t4 ,we foll[$ him closely4       
,ly+ on ! divan 9 ! room t _h be5 ! sc5e
 ( s _m  orgies1 lock$ 9 ea* o!r's arms1
 7 two figures--,v]onica  ,hav]%am &    
,dr4 ,maudsley4    ,%e mu/ h gone !re   
directly aft] our visit to ,dr4         
,klemm's1 mu/  h be5 wait+ = him :5 he  
return$ ) 8 /ory ( !  exposure to answ] 
h] fe>s ( u z ,mrs4 ,hazleton's         
detectives4 ,9 a  fr5zy ( intoxication  
%e mu/ h flung h] arms bl9dly ab\t him  

9 a la/ wild embrace4    ,hazleton      
look$1 agha/4    ,he lean$ ov] & took h]
 arm4 ,be=e he c\ld frame ! "n1         
8,v]onica60 he _h recoil$4    ,! two 7  
cold & rigid4    8,an ov]dose ( h]o9 ?is
 "t10 mutt]$ ,k5n$y4    ,my head 0 9 a  
:irl4    ,hazleton />$ blankly at ! two 
figures abjectly ly+ be=e him1  z ! tru?
 burn$ itself indelibly into 8 s\l4 ,he 
cov]$ 8 face  ) 8 h&s4 ,& /ill he saw x 
all4    ,craig said no?+4 ,he 0 cont5t  
to let :at he _h %[n "w 9 !  man's m9d4 
8,= ! sake (--t baby--w\ld %e--w\ld %e  
=give80 ask$  ,hazleton1 turn+          
desp]ately t[>d ,k5n$y4    ,delib]ately 
,k5n$y fac$ him1 n z sci5ti/ &          
millionaire1 b  z man & man4    8,f my  
psy*analysis10 he said sl[ly1 8,i %\ld  
say t x ,,is  )9 y\r p[]1 9 "t1 to *ange
 ^? dreams40    ,hazleton grasp$        
,k5n$y's h& be=e he knew x4             
8,k5n$y--home--quick4 ,?is is ! fir/    
manful impulse ,i h _h =  two ye>s4 ,&1 
,jameson--y'll tone d[n t "p ( x 9 !    
newspap]s t ,junior--might read--:5 he  

gr[s up80    ,,! ,,end